The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announces the return of Germany's Conrad Schumacher as the featured clinician for a series of Advanced Young Rider clinics. These clinics are an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the master trainers of today.

Held in three locations throughout the United States, the clinics will be run as a three-day intense learning program, with private lessons for each rider on all three days of the clinic. In addition to mounted work, riders will interact with Mr. Schumacher during theory sessions. This is such a wonderful learning opportunity for these young riders as he shares his theories.

Locations and Dates:

Central States - October 9-11, at Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, IL
West Coast - October 13-15, in Middle Ranch, Lakeview Terrace, CA
Pacific Northwest - October 16-18, at Tower Farm in Issaquah, WA

USDF will select eight riders for each clinic that need to be riding at Fourth Level or above. The cost for riders, including all three days of the clinic, is $425. Auditors, who are encouraged to come and learn by watching the lessons, have the option to choose from $70 for all three days, $30 per day or they can receive a group discount if five or more sign up simultaneously. The group rates are $65 per person for the three-day package or $25 per person, per day. For more information contact USDF.

USDF is offering this clinic to prepare our future international competitors. This clinic will expose United States riders to high European standards, and keep with the USDF mission of promoting the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship by providing educational opportunities. USDF strongly encourages that participants, while not riding, watch and learn from Mr. Schumacher as he instructs others and explains his methods.

Mr. Schumacher has trained European Young Rider Championship first place team and individual medal winners from 1979 through 1989. He also trained European Championship, World Championship and Olympic riders Ellen Bontje, Sven Rothenberger and Gonnelien Rothenberger. Mr. Schumacher coached Sven and Gonnelien Rothenberger to their silver medal team finish and Sven to his individual bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics. To date, Mr. Schumacher's students have won 35 international medals.

The United States Dressage Federation would like to acknowledge the sponsors and donors. USDF wishes to thank Carole Grant for her generous donation to the Advanced Young Rider Clinic series, and also Kent Gilmore for his contributions to this program. In addition thanks goes out to Tempel Farms, Middle Ranch and Tower Farm who are each hosting a clinic. USDF sends its utmost gratitude, because without the help of these individuals this clinic could not be offered.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is non-profit, Tax-exempt Corporation with more than 38,000 members throughout all 50 states. As the national voice of the dressage community, USDF promotes dressage, primarily though educational programs. 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.