USDF Announces Advanced Young Rider/Junior Rider Spring Clinic Series

Lexington, Kentucky (February 27, 2003) - The United States Dressage Federation announces the return of Germany's Conrad Schumacher as the featured clinician for its Advanced Young Rider/Junior Rider Spring Clinic Series. The clinics will be conducted in six different geographical areas.

Each clinic will run as a three-day, intensive learning program which includes private lessons and theory sessions. Dressage enthusiasts of all ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to audit the clinics, which offer a rare opportunity to observe the teaching methods of one of the master trainers of today. The members of the 2002 FEI North American Young Riders' Championships gold medal and silver medal teams, as well as each of the ten highest-placing individuals at the 2002 NAYRC have participated in these clinics. Auditors may register for $30 per day or $70 for all three days. Junior and young riders may audit the clinics for $20 per day or $60 for three days. Auditors need not be USDF members and may pre-register up to 48 hours prior to the start of a clinic, or register on-site. All USDF junior/young riders riding at the Third Level or above may apply to participate in the clinic. Each clinic will be limited to eight riders, selection based on riding level and awards earned. Rider applications are due in the USDF office by March 12, 2003.

The dates and locations for the Advanced Young Rider/Junior Rider Spring Clinic Series are:

March 25-27, 2003           Farewell Farm                                         Blythewood, SC

March 28-30, 2003           Gleneden Dressage                                  Bedford, NY

March 31-April 2, 2003     Tempel Farms                                         Wadsworth, IL

April 4-6, 2003                 Devonwood Equestrian Centre                  Sherwood, OR

April 7-9, 2003                 Autumn Hill Int'l Equestrian Center           Longmont, CO

April 11-13, 2003              Noble Sport Horses                                 Cedar Hill, TX

Conrad Schumacher is the clinician for the USDF Advanced Young Rider/Junior Rider Clinics and was the 2003 USDF FEI Level Trainers Conference instructor. From 1979 to 1989, Schumacher trained the European Young Rider Championship first-place teams and individual medal winners. At the 1996 Olympics, he coached Sven and Gonnelien Rothenberger to the Netherlands' silver team medal and Sven to his individual bronze medal. Schumacher trained young riders for the United States Equestrian Team from 1991-1995 and was the trainer of the British team at the 1998 World Equestrian Games. In all, Schumacher's students have won more than 40 international medals.