The Kentucky Horse Park announces with pleasure the third annual 2004 Kentucky Horse Park Dressage Symposium in the indoor facility on April 16th-18th, 2004. The symposium will feature a blockbuster program of Dressage masters including, the famous Conrad Schumacher, Kathy Connelly, and introducing Juan Matute.

Mr. Schumacher will return to Kentucky in his first public appearance since the highly successful inaugural symposium in 2002. During that symposium Mr. Schumacher stressed the classical development and training of the horse in a “Through the Levels” format. In 2004, Mr. Schumacher will also address the development of the rider. He continues his training of Advanced Young Riders for the United States Dressage Federation program and has stressed the importance of rider education…”because in the long run what you have is the rider.”

Kathy Connelly, well known master trainer, coach, and judge, will be demonstrating the development of the horse through the use of the “long lines.” She expanded her understanding of this technique as a student of Herbert Reibein and possesses a great ability to clearly explain how this method impacts the training of the horse.

The Horse Park is pleased to introduce Spaniard, Juan Matute, in his first national symposium. He is a sought after expert in his country who teaches the three “P’s”- Piaffe, Passage, and Pirouettes. He has coached extensively in Florida during the last year and has been dubbed … the “secret weapon of the greats,” in teaching these high level movements.

Besides this impressive group of internationally known master trainers, this symposium will also feature a mini symposium and light dinner sponsored by the famous Lexington, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Discussion will center around the care of the dressage sport horse, featuring the latest research by Dr. Hilary Clayton on bitting and it’s impact on performance along with three other nationally known veterinarians who will discuss their latest research on performance issues.

Symposium participants will be treated to some extra special touches during the symposium format including a wine tasting by Kentucky, Equus Run Vineyards, and tours of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Kentucky horse farms, and Lexington sites.

To top it all off Olympian, Sue Blinks, will return to conduct a USET Benefit Clinic on April 14th and 15th, 2004 at the Horse Park preceding the National Dressage Symposium for the benefit of our USA Dressage Team on their search for Gold at the Athens games next summer. Auditors can also choose to attend a benefit dinner to support the team on Wednesday evening of the clinic.

Dressage enthusiasts interested in this ultimate dressage destination in the Bluegrass for the Kentucky Horse Park Symposium sponsored by Dressage Today will be able to register for all of the proceedings through Equisearch.com and the Kentucky Horse Park website starting December.