7th Annual Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival To Take Place in August

World Class Riders & Olympians to Judge One-of-a-Kind Event for Youth Riders

BEDFORD, NY – The 2005 Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival will return to the HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) on the Hudson in Saugerties, NY. The annual show for youth riders, which was created by former U.S. Olympic rider Lendon Gray and managed by Dressage4Kids, Inc., will take place Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, 2005.

Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (LYDF) is a “kids-only” international equestrian competition that draws 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, the show attracts young people with hunter/jumper, eventing, trail riding and Pony Club backgrounds.

“Lendon’s show,” as it is popularly known, is regarded as a unique educational opportunity for young riders in a supportive environment. This year, event organizers have added two ParaEquestrian divisions so that the extensive learning opportunities that distinguish LYDF can be 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 two-time (former) United States Olympian Lendon Gray. “The new ParaEquestrian divisions will provide an important avenue for these riders to develop into the best athletes they can be. Kids of all ages and differing backgrounds will work together, perform, and share experiences, which is a dynamic way to reinforce learning and the spirit of cooperation.” ParaEquestrian has recently been accepted by both the FEI and USEF as a full discipline, providing national and international competition in both Dressage and Driving for individuals with a disability.