The classical art of dressage takes another step into cyberspace in August when four American Advanced Young Riders make their first study tour of dressage training in Europe. You are invited to travel along on the first Young Rider European Training/Education Program tour, August 17-26, 2000, from the comfort of your own computer chair.

Ryan Hites (WA), Jennifer Roth (OH), Katherine Poulin (ME) and Kristin Wasemiller (OK) were chosen by an independent selection committee, based on their applications, riding/training accomplishments, written essays and professional and personal recommendations. The program is a trial project of The Dressage Foundation and is organized by the U.S. Dressage Federation. The group will be joined by Olympic medalist Michael Poulin and USDF Certified Instructor Beth Baumert.

With digital camera and laptop computer in hand, the four will upload an overview of what they experience each day as they watch the training of dressage master and Olympic coach Jean Bemelmans in Germany, experience riding a variety of high level dressage horses at the stables of Judy de Winter in The Netherlands, and watch their peers in action at the European Young Rider Championships in England. While in Germany with Bemelmans, the group will see many of the European Olympic squads who will all be in quarantine for Sydney at Aachen. Besides daily reports from the Young Riders, an interactive bulletin board will allow all cyber-travelers to communicate with the group and direct questions to the professionals.

"We are excited about The Dressage Foundation's first foray into cyber-learning," explained Foundation President and CEO John Boomer. "Not everyone can travel to top teachers, but everyone with computer access can join in on this experience. We have four incredible advanced young riders making their first educational trips to Europe and through modern technology, we can all go along! I, for one, plan to be checking in everyday! I'd like to thank Krista Kotlarz and her company, CyberNET of Grand Rapids, MI, for donating the website expertise and server for this special program website."

The Dressage Foundation designed the program to give exceptional advanced young riders who would not have the opportunity to study in Europe an overview of the theories and techniques of a dressage master trainer. The success of the program as a learning vehicle will be evaluated, with the view towards making it an annual event.

The Dressage Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to cultivating and providing financial support for the advancement of dressage. For further information, contact
John F. Boomer, President and CEO, 130 N. 10th St., Lincoln, NE 68508;
402-434-8585
JohnBoomer@aol.com Related Links Links to the special program www.dressagefoundation.org usdf.org