Dressage4Kids Unmounted Programs (D4K UP)
Dressage4Kids is excited to announce D4K UP! D4K UP stands for Dressage4Kids Unmounted Programs and will encompass what was previously known as D4K WEP (the Dressage4Kids Weekend Equestrian Program) along with new educational experiences. D4K UP will include in-person and virtual (via Zoom) events and act as a platform for the unmatched educational opportunities that participants have come to expect from Dressage4Kids Programs.
D4K UP has had a long history of educating equestrians. D4K WEP, the foundational program for D4K UP, first began in 2003. Over the past 20 years, thousands of participants have enjoyed access to lectures and demonstrations from nationally and internationally renowned riders, trainers, judges, equine law practitioners, veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters, equine biomechanics specialists, stable managers, grooms, biosecurity experts, massage therapists, fitness leaders, sports psychologists, artists, and more.
Some past speakers have included Olympians Ali Brock, Robert Dover, Laura Graves, Adrienne Lyle, Steffen Peters, and Sabine Schut-Kery; Para-Equestrian athletes Sydney Collier and Gigi McIntosh; FEI 5* Judge Janet Foy; USEF 'S' Judge Margaret Freeman; equine biomechanics expert Dr. Hilary Clayton; authors Beth Baumert and Denny Emerson; and many others.
The D4K UP program has even taken young riders all over the world! In 2018, Dressage4Kids organized a trip for a small group to attend the FEI Pony European Championships. The championships took place at Bishop Burton College in the UK. The riders were able to broaden their riding knowledge as the championships covered many disciplines, including, dressage, showjumping, and eventing. Dressage4Kids founder and Olympian, Lendon Gray led the group in discussions of warm-ups, competition test riding, riding theory, and more! The trip was incredibly worthwhile as riders also enjoyed cultural excursions, with a visit to Windsor Castle and Gloucester Cathedral. The opportunities that D4K UP offers are certainly one of a kind.
Participants gain access to an arsenal of knowledge on horse mastership that they can apply to their futures in the horse world and at home.
D4K UP will provide both in-person and virtual events and learning opportunities in the future. The unmounted programs that D4K UP focuses on are collaborative and conducive to building team camaraderie. Participants have the opportunity to network with each other and meet up with friends, old and new.
Dressage4Kids is grateful to the experts who dedicate their time to sharing their equine-related passions and educating equestrians of all ages and experiences. D4K UP will continue to provide invaluable experiences to all those interested in horses. Riders of all ages, levels, and disciplines; parents; trainers; coaches; and judges are welcome. Stay tuned for more information regarding D4K UP.
Photo Usage Policy
Dressage4Kids often takes photographs and videos during its events and activities. Dressage4Kids may use these photographs and videos for general publicity and programming purposes, including to raise funds. Pictures may appear on the website, on the Dressage4Kids Facebook page, in newsletters, and in other print and digital marketing materials. In addition, participants’ names may be used to recognize individual achievement in marketing materials.
