FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
Date: February 28, 2006
Contact: Carole Baker/203-596-4631

DRESSAGE4KIDS WEEKEND A HUGE SUCCESS

Waterbury — The 4th Annual Dressage4Kids Weekend Program, organized by Olympic rider Lendon Gray and held at Post University, was a popular event for participants of all ages during the first weekend in February, with two days of lectures and demonstrations. More than 120 people attended from Connecticut, as well as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire and Maine.

—Presenters were experts in many equine areas. Well-known author Susan Harris gave two excellent talks and brought along her trampoline! This proved to be a big draw as it really helps riders to understand more about rhythm and balance and how important it is to their riding. Alison End’s now famous ‘Balance Stool’ was also popular, with everyone getting the feel of how their position and balance can affect the horse and his gaits. Dressage judge Margaret Freeman explained what judges look for and got everyone to ‘judge’ some dressage rides. She and Fern Feldman gave some pointers on rules - something we all hate to learn but need to know! Clinical psychologist Dr. Leslie Weiss spoke on handling ‘competition nerves’ and there was good nutritional advice handed out by Mary Beth Gordon. Lendon Gray delivered several popular talks to both adults and younger riders on topics including, ‘Goal Setting’ and ‘Basic Teaching Skills for the New Instructor’. Some group sessions and other lectures rounded out the weekend.

Next year’s Weekend Program is planned for February 3 - 4, 2007 hosted by Post University.