GREENWICH, CT – Sponsorship Committee Co-chairs Theresa Davidson and Renee Leibler of Greenwich have raised over $90,000 in prizes and funds for the 2005 Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (LYDF) that takes place Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, 2005 in Saugerties, NY.

The “festival,” created by two-time former United States Olympian Lendon Gray, is the only international equestrian competition of it’s kind, drawing riders, ages 7 to 21 from all over the United States and abroad. Although the emphasis of the event is on the discipline of dressage, it attracts young people with hunter/jumper, eventing, trail riding and Pony Club backgrounds.

“Dozens of companies, corporations and individuals have supported this unique educational equestrian event over the years,” says Davidson. “This year’s group of sponsors had exceeded all expectations. Over 150 sponsors have come on board to help insure the success of the weekend of learning, sharing and inspirational riding. Many young riders make this an annual event, a true testament to the quality of the experience.”

“Lendon’s show” is regarded as a unique educational opportunity for young riders in a supportive environment. This year two ParaEquestrian divisions are being introduced so that the learning opportunities that distinguish LYDF can be made available to all youth riders, regardless of disability. “The chance to ride in front of world class judges and trainers is what makes this weekend so valuable,” says Renee Leibler. “This show cannot happen without the support of our generous sponsors, many of who have been with us since we began seven years ago. It is all about kids of varying ages from different backgrounds working together, performing, and sharing experiences.”

Some of the sponsors who have already committed to sponsoring this year’s event include Hermes, Equestrian Education Systems, Inc., Equine Journal, Primedia Equine Network/Dressage Today, Knight Equestrian Books, LightSpeed Realtime Event Photography, Horse Connection and Nail Tek. Over 20 sponsors have supported LYDF from its inception including Ariat International, Ben & Jerry's, Beval Saddlery, Custom Saddlery, Euro-American Saddlery, Fox Ledge Tack Shop, Beval Saddlery, Euro-American Saddlery, Thornhill Enterprises, Inc., Trafalgar Square Publishing and Young Rider Magazine.

The comprehensive three-day “Dressage Festival” tests virtually all aspects of the rider’s ability and skill and is open to riders at training through the most advanced FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) levels. Each year a prestigious group of internationally acclaimed riders, trainers and judges officiates.

According to Gray, many former LYDF participants have gone on to successfully compete as far as the National Junior and North American Young Rider Championships, and some hold international rankings.

Dressage4Kids, Inc. was created by Lendon Gray as a vehicle to advance the sport of dressage by providing information on dressage and scholarship funding for talented young riders. For information about Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival, visit www.dressage4kids.com or contact Lendon Gray at graydressage@optonline.net