Dressage Canada is excited to offer an excellent educational opportunity this fall with Dutch Olympian Ellen Bontje. Bontje will bring competitive skills and classical training techniques together for a two-day symposium at the York Equestrian Center, November 8th – 9th, 2003. Ellen will ride, coach, train and lecture.

Watch for additional information on the symposium in future issues of Equine Canada’s HorseLife Magazine and on the Dressage Canada web site www.dressagecanada.org. Don’t miss this super educational opportunity! This Symposium is open to ALL interested horse people, riders, owners, trainers, coaches, etc.

Ellen Bontje has been riding on the Dutch Dressage Team since 1988. She has worked with Conrad Schumacher near Frankfurt, Germany for more than twenty years. Ellen and the stallion Silvano N were part of the Silver Medal Dutch Team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where they placed sixth individually. Silvano N and Ellen were also part of the Silver Medal Team at the 1988 World Equestrian Games where they finished eighth individually. 1994 5th individually at the World Championships in the Hague, Holland. 1999 4th Individual European Championships Arnhem, As a member of the Dutch Team Ellen has earned a Bronze Medal in 1991 and 8 Team Silver Medals.

Ellen began her early apprenticeship with Joseph Neckermann and has made her home in Germany for the past 24 years, where she is the Manager and Senior Trainer for Mr. Schumacher at the Neuhof. Her responsibilities at the Neuhof include training Emma Hindle of GBR who will compete at the 2003 European Championships in Hickstead. Ellen has also trained many German Advanced level riders who have achieved top placings and championships at national competitions in Germany. Currently Ellen is under contract with British Dressage to train young professional riders and coaches.

Related LinksCDI-W Maastricht: Come Back for Gestion Silvano NEllen Bontje and Gestion Silvano N Ellen Bontje and Rubioso N win at Zwolle (NED)