Lexington, KY (March 26, 2013) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce the launch of the USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Program,  presented by Dressage at Devon, a USDF Education Partner, and supported by Hassler Dressage.  Created by the USDF Sport Horse Committee, this new program is designed to bridge the educational gap in the development of dressage horses, as they progress from showing in-hand to work under saddle and eventual competition. It will feature a live forum approach, focused on a correct, fundamental system for starting sport horse prospects.  This new educational event is intended for trainers, owners, and breeders nationwide, with the goal of developing a consistent training foundation for all sport horse prospects.       
          The inaugural forum will be held September 14-15, 2013, hosted by the New England Dressage Association, at Apple Knoll Farm, in Millis, MA.  The forum will be led by internationally renowned sport horse development experts, and educators, Scott Hassler, USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach, and Ingo Pape, one of Germany's most respected breeders and horsemen. 
          The instructors will work with selected participants and engage auditors in an interactive setting.   The focus will be to provide education on the critical phase in sport horse training, as the three-year-old prospect transitions from in-hand to the first year under saddle.   Methods for developing a solid foundation for each horse will be presented.  Participants and auditors will also develop the necessary tools to select and evaluate sport horse prospects, as well as the key elements needed in a trainer for this stage of a horse's education.
          "USDF is excited to bring this much needed educational opportunity to the USDF membership and the dressage community, as well as other sport horse disciplines," added Katherine Robertson, USDF Senior Education Programs Coordinator. 
            For more information about the new USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Program, contact the USDF office at [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.