Dressage4Kids™ Winter Intensive Training Program Scholarship Opportunity Thanks to Renee Isler
ABOUT WIT
March 2023
Thanks to Kim (van Kampen) Crook the Winter Intensive Training (WIT) Program to be held in March in Ocala, Florida, will provide an overall educational program for riders under age 26.
Thanks to the generosity of Renee Isler, Dressage4Kids can offer one more slot for a rider in the D4K Winter Intensive Training Program. Renee has offered a $1000 scholarship for one rider to attend. Preference will be given to a rider who will compete in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships in any FEI Division from FEI Children's through FEI Under 25 Grand Prix.
WIT is not for the casual dressage rider, but for aspiring young riders who are committed to achieving excellence. This program takes determination, drive, and passion. The participants will have a full schedule of learning that includes fitness, theory, tests, riding lessons, field trips, and lectures on many pertinent subjects. It involves a month of pure growth and first-hand experience to open the young rider’s eyes to how they can best reach their full potential as a dressage rider. We encourage riders of all levels but this year preference will be given to riders who wish to ride in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships at the World Equestrian Center March 10 - 12 (all FEI youth divisions from Children through Under 25 Grand Prix). Past participants include Nick Hansen (2013), Hannah Irons (2016), Kayla Kadlubek (2016 and 2017), Jori Dupell (2017), Annelise Klepper (2017 and 2018), all of whom have won gold medals at the North American Youth Championships and/or the National Championships.
Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray is the main instructor of the program. Lendon Gray was voted into the USDF Hall of Fame and has been the long-time teacher for international riders The goal of the Winter Intensive Training Program is to give opportunities for youth riders to participate in consistent and extensive training not only in riding, but in all areas of horse care, riding and training theory, and competition skills.
A normal day in the program starts at 7:00 am with basic stable chores. Each rider must take care of his or her own horse as well as help with maintaining the facility where the program is held. After chores, lessons begin. Days vary with private lessons, semi-privates or group lessons. Lendon Gray is the primary instructor, but there will also be guest instructors. While lessons are in progress, riders are encouraged to watch, ask questions, and take notes in a their journals. After lessons, there will be lectures where participants learn from top experts in their respective fields of nutrition, sports psychology, learning skills, fitness, shoeing, etc. Participants will also take field trips to tour international riders’ facilities, audit clinics, visit world-class veterinary/surgical/breeding facilities and experience everything the equestrian world in Ocala has to offer. Topics throughout the program are diverse and cover virtually every aspect of horsemanship. High quality lectures by subject matter experts, hands-on learning, and shared experience totaling decades of leadership in the field are designed to nurture each participant into a knowledgeable and complete professional.
There are opportunities to compete in USEF shows and WIT also holds informal schooling shows with excellent judges at our stable. While these opportunities are available, no one is required to show.
All participants must also maintain a regular fitness program. Guest instructors demonstrate different activities in which riders may participate. Fitness might include yoga, equilates, running, swimming, weight-lifting, general aerobic training, as well as balance and coordination exercises.
Any rider under 26 may apply to take advantage of the unique opportunities the WIT program has to offer. Your dedication, passion, and discipline are what must shine on your application. Participants in the Winter Intensive Training Program are held to the highest standards of character and professionalism.
Contact Lendon Gray at graydressage@gmail.com if you have questions.
Ready to get started? If this program seems like a good next step in your journey, please feel encouraged to apply by sending in the application now. The deadline is September 15. You will need to post a short video of you riding online for viewing by the D4K selection committee. Please be sure this video is close up enough to evaluate horse and rider.
Your fee of $3000 covers the stall, use of paddocks and arena, basic shavings (you may want to buy extra), regular hay, lessons, coaching at shows, etc. You will be responsible for your horse's supplements, grain, special hay, shoeing, vet care, show fees, and extras such as fly spray, shampoo, carrots, etc.
There is time during the day for participants to continue school and/or be tutored. Housing and schooling are to be arranged by the participant. Last year many participants shared housing and those without cars were able to carpool. These details must be worked out by the participants. You must attend for the full month.
Apply today for your chance to participate in this life-changing program!
Apply to the Winter Intensive Training Program
Fill out the application using the fillable form fields below or send it via email to Lendon Gray at graydressage@gmail.com.
All form fields are required. Incomplete forms will not be processed.
Application deadline: October 10, 2022