NDSA Equestrian Seeks European Horses to Lease or Borrow for 2003 I.P.E.C. Dressage World Championships for Riders With a Disability

Kingston, RI—May 8, 2003—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) is seeking quality, competitive dressage horses located in Europe for United States riders to lease or borrow for the 2003 International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (I.P.E.C.) Dressage World Championships in Moorseles, Belgium, September 2-7.

For the first time in the history of the I.P.E.C., riders will be competing on leased or borrowed horses rather than having a draw for horses to be provided by the competition, as was previously done at the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games and all past World Championships.

The horses will be needed for the Championships from August 23 – September 8. The U.S. National Team Coach and/or riders will also travel to assess and train on the horses during July or early August. The U.S. Team will pay all reasonable lease, agent and associated costs for the use of the horses and will provide for all travel/shipping and care during their use by the Team.

Additionally, an incentive bonus will be paid for all horses that carry a U.S. rider to an individual or team medal at the Championships.

“We have outstanding riders, who do excellent dressage and who happen to have physical disabilities,” said Denise Avolio, NDSA Equestrian Sports Manager. “Shipping horses from the U.S. is too costly, so we’re looking to the horse community in Europe for someone who’d like to see their dressage horse compete in a World Championship.”

For more information and horse requirements for each rider who is currently in contention for a place on the 2003 World Championship Team, please visit the NDSA Equestrian website at www.ndsaequestrian.org. If you would like your horse to participate in the Championships, please contact NDSA Equestrian at equestrian@ndsaonline.org.

The National Disability Sports Alliance is the national governing body for equestrian sport for equestrian athletes with disabilities. The non-profit organization is responsible for the development and selection of riders for national championships and international competitions, including World Championships and the Paralympic Games, and provides training, competition and advocacy for riders of all levels with physical disabilities. For more information about NDSA and opportunities to support the programs, please visit our website at www.ndsaequestrian.org or contact Denise Avolio at (914) 949-8166 or diavolio@ndsaonline.org.