The New England Dressage Association is pleased to sponsor a clinic with Olympic rider Lisa Wilcox, April 2 & 3, 2005, at the Johnson & Wales University, Center for Equine Studies in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The clinic will benefit facility enhancements to better serve the University and dressage community. The Johnson & Wales University Center for Equine Studies facility has hosted numerous NEDA clinics. This is due, in part, to the amenities added for convenience and comfort such as overhead radiant heaters, sun-blocking tinted windows in the indoor, and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Lisa Wilcox’s career highlights include team bronze medal, 2004 Olympics; individual silver medal, 2003 European Championships; team silver medal, 2002 World Equestrian Games. In 2001, Lisa became the first non-European rider to enter the top ten of the FEI World Dressage Rider Rankings and in 2002, was ranked second.

This will be Lisa Wilcox’s fifth appearance in New England. She has chosen to continue to return to this area because of the strong foundation of students that admire her honest and sincere message of addressing the rider first. Her philosophy emphasizes the correct use of the seat to allow the horse to develop freedom and expression in its gaits. “Our seat is our means of communication with the horse and by being exact in our position, we can then successfully influence the horse” Lisa explains. Lisa will expand upon her previous clinics to further our understanding of the methods she has studied in Germany with Ernst Hoyos, a 29-year veteran of the Spanish Riding School.

A lesson raffle will be held Saturday and Sunday for one auditor each day to receive one clinic session with Lisa on a schoolmaster from the equine center. The raffle winners will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the horse prior to the lesson. Those purchasing raffle tickets should be prepared by bringing boots, breeches, gloves, and ASTM approved helmet. An informal reception with films and discussion will be held on Saturday evening.

Rooms are offered at a special rate for clinic auditors at the Johnson & Wales Inn, Seekonk, Massachusetts. Please be sure to mention that you will be attending the clinic to receive the discount. The telephone number for the Inn is (800) 232-1772.

The opening date for auditor applications is January 1, 2005. (See reverse side) A rider application will be available in the December Tip of the Hat. For further information, please contact clinic organizer Cindy Snowden, jsnowden@comcast.net (978) 465-0437.