6th Annual Robert Dover/Dressage4Kids HorseMastership Clinic

Thursday, November 10, 2016 | Mary Phelps

Rosie Simoes on Phil Bailey's Friesian Thys working with Robet Dover

Rosie Simoes on Phil Bailey’s Friesian Thys working with Robet Dover at last years event (Photo: Sue Weakley)

The 6th Annual Robert Dover/Dressage4Kids HorseMastership clinic will be held from December 26 through 30, 2016 at the Global Dressage Festival’s VanKampen arena in Wellington, Florida.

This clinic is offering again this year a star-studded line-up of instructors and presenters, from all aspects of the horse industry to show young riders and auditors what it takes to get to the top of the sport.

It is an all-inclusive educational week with intense riding instruction as well as lectures from top professionals in the industry on a variety of topics that young professionals will encounter along their journey.

Instructors for this year’s event will include Robert Dover, 6-time Olympian and 2016 USET Bronze Medal Olympic Coach; Debbie McDonald, Olympic and World Cup rider, coach for several of the Olympic, World Cup and WEG riders Michael Barisone, Olympic rider, coach for multiple International riders including 2016 Olympic rider Allison Brock; Allison Brock, 2016 USET Olympic Bronze medal team rider; and last, but certainly not least, George Williams, accomplished International rider and current USEF Youth Coach.

Presenters for this year’s clinic will include: Dr. Rick Mitchell, USET Team vet for multiple international competitions over many years; Jane Savoie, accomplished rider, trainer, coach, author of the book ‘That Winning Feeling!’ and others; Laura King, life coach to Olympic riders and trainers; Janet Foy, USEF “S” judge, FEI “I” judge, author of the book, “Dressage for the Not So Perfect Horse;” Charlie Tota, owner of “The Dressage Connection” will talk about the Tota Comfort noseband system; Beth Haist, owner of “The Horse of Course” will talk about bits and fitting; Richard Woody, owner of “Woody’s Boot Repair” will talk about proper boot fit for riders; Kate Billing, Master Saddler from Illinois will talk about correct saddle fit for horses and riders with live demonstration horses; Betsy LaBelle, owner of “Dressage Headlines” web news site will give a media demonstration for the participants and auditors.

In addition, participants and auditors will get tours of some local barns, and some fitness coaching from local fitness experts to help with the cross training needed to be a top rider. This clinic offers USDF University Credit for interested auditors.

Auditors of all ages are invited to attend all sessions of this clinic for a fee of $25/day for adults and $10/day for children under 18. All proceeds go to benefit the Dressage4Kids (D4K) foundation and are tax deductible. Donations are gladly accepted!

We want to send a special thank you to all the sponsors who continuously and generously support this clinic by providing financial support for this event! These sponsors include: Mark and Katherine Bellisimo for donating the staff and space for this event; Kim VanKampen and the VanKampen foundation for allowing us to host these events under the VanKampen arena at the Global Dressage Facility; Gold Coast Feed for supplying the bedding; The Dressage Connection and Charlie Tota for donating the saddle pads for the participants; Beth Haist and The Horse of Course for donating clothing; Adam Pollack and the White Fences Equestrian Center for donating clothing for the participants; Michelle Hunt and Show Chic for donating clothing for the participants; Lendon Gray and D4K for funding many of the costs of this clinic. We are still in need of some housing for some of the participants and a couple horses for a few of the kids to borrow for this week.

If you have a sales horse or a spare room and would like to be a part of this event, please contact Annie at 218.349.3452 or email: kodester1@yahoo.com to participate! This is an excellent opportunity to support dressage for young riders and to be able to audit an amazing group of presenters.

All auditors can register at the door and are welcome to attend all sessions that are available for the participants from the fitness to the field trips. We look forward to seeing you at this amazing educational opportunity!!