About the Dressage4Kids™ TEAM Program
Training, Education And Mentoring
Dressage4Kids, Inc. is very proud to offer the TEAM Program (Training, Education & Mentoring) for dedicated, determined young dressage riders of all levels, ages 25 and under. The goal of the program is to find, to help to educate, and to develop dedicated youth to become the best they can be, on and off the horse.
The Dressage4Kids' TEAM Program encourages riders to become the best they can be, both on and off the horse. Riders of all levels are encouraged to apply.
What benefits do TEAM members receive?
- They become part of a community of determined young dressage riders.
- They are regularly sent educational material by email.
- They receive notices about opportunities to lease horses donated to D4K.
- They may receive special rates at educational events.
- They are eligible to ride in D4K's TEAM Clinics where they receive not only riding instruction from top trainers like Lendon Gray, Ali Brock, Lilo Fore, Shelly Francis, Mica Mabragaña, and Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel, but they also attend lectures on horse- and rider-related subjects.
- They are eligible to ride in D4K's Horsemastership Clinics with top international coaches such as Ali Brock, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel.
- They are offered special opportunities such as riding at Equine Affaire, a meet and greet with Dorothee Schneider, and training with the Hannoverian Verband in Germany.
The D4K TEAM Program is for Dressage competitors age 25 and under. It is meant as a stepping-stone from participating at the grassroots level to climbing the long ladder on the way to representing a country in international competitions, to becoming successful professionals, and/or to becoming the very best dressage riders they can be. Through this program, dedicated, talented Dressage youth will be sought out. The teacher(s) in the clinics will ensure that the basics of their education as riders and horsemen are properly established and will give them a road map for their Dressage journey.
Interested riders 25 and under can apply by filling out an application and placing online a short video of themselves riding. Once a suitable number of applicants in an area have applied, a clinic is set up. There is no deadline for applications. Any interested riders should apply immediately. In the video, selectors are looking for the correctness of the rider’s seat, connection to the horse, timing of aids, use of half halts, as well as a feel for rhythm, tempo, relaxation, and throughness of the horse – all commensurate to the level of the rider. It is not necessary that the rider be riding at a high level. Riders as young as 8 have participated in the clinics as well as riders working at training level.
During the clinic sessions, the instructors will evaluate and try to improve the rider’s position, use of aids, knowledge, and abilities for competitive Dressage. The riders may also receive written evaluations.
The two-day regional clinics and the five-day national clinics include lessons, lectures, and demonstrations. Riders do not need to have their own horses, if they can find a horse to borrow. At all training sessions, instruction is also provided in stable management, riding theory, fitness, sports psychology, etc.
