Kingston, RI—February 20, 2002—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) Equestrian Committee has announced its 2002 Advanced Riders and Developing Riders Lists. These lists are used to choose riders for international and championship competitions. Both lists and the process by which they were determined have been reviewed and approved by the NDSA Equestrian Executive Committee as of February 1, 2002.

Riders may apply for inclusion on the Developing Riders List at any time during the year. Applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee as they are received and the list will be adjusted as necessary.

The riders on the Advanced List completed the necessary selection criteria in 2001 with an average score of 63.00 or higher. The qualifying score for all riders was determined by an average of the two “warm-up” tests, two “championship” tests and one freestyle test from their Grade.

The lists, in order of ranking, are as follows:

Advanced Riders Grade
1. Hope Hand I
2. Barbara Grassmyer III
3. Robin Brueckmann IV
4. Eleanor Robinson I
5. Rebecca Hart III
6. Deb Lewin II
7. Margo O’Callaghan II
8. Vicki Garner-Sweigart II
9. Kathy Whelan II
10. Kebbie Cannon IV

Developing Riders
1. Erin Waddell IV
2. Meghan Strigh III
3. Darlene Wirth II
4. Lisa McCann II
5. Keith Newerla II
6. Christopher Lipe IV (provisional)
7. Elaine Donoghue IV (provisional)

NDSA is the National Governing Body for equestrian competition for riders with disabilities. NDSA works closely with both USA Equestrian and the USET to provide opportunities for riders with disabilities within the “able-bodied” community.

NDSA is responsible for conduct and administration of approved sports in the United States. NDSA formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts national championships in twelve sports, disseminates safety and sports medicine information and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition. NDSA is a CBO (Community Based Organization) member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

For more information on NDSA please contact Denise Avolio at (914) 9498166, or email diavolio@ndsaonline.org, or visit www.ndsaequestrian.org.