(Lincoln, Nebraska) June 1998

Dressage enthusiasts will have the perfect opportunity to study from one of the world's top trainers at the annual United States Dressage Federation (USDF) National Dressage Symposium. Located at the WestWorld Equidome in Scottsdale, AZ, from October 30 to November 1, 1998, the Symposium features Kyra Kyrklund, five-time Olympian, World Equestrian Games medalist and head trainer at Flyinge, the Swedish National Stud.

The main event of the Symposium will be Kyra presenting her insights into the progressive training techniques of classical dressage on Saturday and Sunday. Participants will see horses from Training Level up to Grand Prix demonstrate the correct movements, training and the skills needed to build successfully from one level to the next.

New for 1998 are USDF University mini-sessions. On Friday, Dr. Hilary Clayton, the McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine, will give two presentations, "Bits and Bitting" and "Conditioning the Dressage Horse." Olympian Lendon Gray will present "The Training Scale" as a perfect introduction to the two-day Symposium to follow. Lendon's lecture is designed to prepare the attendees by clearly defining the foundation of dressage.

Sponsorships have helped ensure the 1998 National Dressage Symposium will be a success. JRD, is the breech sponsor for the demonstration riders. The Horse of Course tack shop is the official book signing sponsor, which includes the Saturday night book signing by Kyra, who will autograph copies of her new book. The Horse of Course will also be the only distributor of the Kyra K line of equestrian clothing at the Symposium. A'Dashi is the volunteer and demonstration rider outfitter. All of the sponsors will have booths at the Symposium trade fair, along with USDF, Prestige Saddlery, and others. Spaces are available for additional vendors. Contact USDF for trade fair information.

The Doubletree La Posada Resort is the Official Symposium Hotel. There is a special USDF Symposium rate of $129/night, plus taxes, for up to four people, guaranteed until October 6. Be sure and mention you are attending the USDF National Dressage Symposium to get the discounted rate. The hotel number is (602) 952-0420.

For participants flying to Phoenix, United Airlines is offering special pricing. Call 1-800-521-4041 and use ID code: #569PH. A special shuttle bus will be leaving from La Posada Resort to the Symposium at WestWorld each day, for only $16, eliminating the need to rent a car.

The USDF National Dressage Symposium will be THE place to be to expand your knowledge of dressage, and also a great place to do some shopping. For more information, contact USDF.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation made up of more than 36,000 members throughout all 50 states and serves as the national voice of the dressage community. Through volunteer directors, committee members and an office staff in Lincoln, Nebraska, USDF promotes dressage, provides education, and rewards excellence in dressage competition performance. Membership in USDF is achieved by joining one of the more than 130 affiliated dressage groups, or by joining USDF directly to receive additional benefits of membership.