The annual USDF Sport Horse Seminar and Handlers’ Clinic will be held October 29-31, 2010 at Horses Unlimited in Albuquerque, NM.

This educational weekend will be packed with expert instruction and an opportunity for attendees to utilize their newly acquired skills in a real world setting. Horses Unlimited, as well as other area breeders, will provide demonstration horses representing a cross-section of today’s sport horse. Bloodlines from some of the most important Hanoverian, Oldenburg, RPSI, Holsteiner and Swedish bloodlines will be featured.

“We are honored to be hosting this annual event,” said Anne Sparks, CEO of Horses Unlimited. “There are many quality bloodlines and offspring here in New Mexico and this seminar will showcase them.”

Comprised of both classroom lecture portions and hands-on evaluations, the sessions will give valuable insight into four major areas; ideal movement and conformation of a sport horse, considerations when selecting

reeding stock, show ring strategies as well as competition rules and judging guidelines.

Noted USDF judges Kristi Wysocki and William Solyntjes will be the seminar leaders. Each has a long list of judging credentials and will impart their vast knowledge in this personalized format. “The USDF Sport Horse Seminar is one of the educational highlights of the year. To have the expertise of Kristi Wysocki and William Solyntjes is invaluable in our segment of horse breeding and training,” remarked Sparks.

The first of three days of education starts on Friday, October 29 with the Handler’s Clinic. This portion is designed to instruct owners and exhibitors in both the basics of showing a horse in-hand, as well as highlight the nuances that transform a respectable performance into a winning one. This program will also clarify show ring rules and procedures.

Ms. Wysocki explained, “The handler’s clinic will focus on the presentation aspect of sport horses in the ring. Attendees will learn a variety of techniques, including how to best present their horse and what they can do to enhance their horse’s ability.”

Ms. Sparks added, “Participants in the handler’s clinic portion of the seminar will also learn about preparation and the differences between showing a horse in-hand at a competition and an inspection. Whether an owner plans to exhibit their horse themselves, or they hire a professional, this knowledge will prove invaluable.”

Saturday and Sunday, October 30-31, will be two full days designed to educate breeders, riders, trainers, judges and potential owners about the qualities in a sport horse and how to rate them. Additionally, this seminar will serve as a prerequisite for becoming a USEF licensed dressage/sport horse breeding judge.

Speaking from her judging perspective, Ms. Wysocki elaborated, “Part lecture and part hands-on experience, we will cover how we judge for conformation and gaits, as well as the general impression score, including presence and trainability. We will also teach participants what we look for at various ages. For example, form and function will be a major part of the lecture portion of the seminar. Then, we will take these elements into the ring with live horses. We will teach participants how each of these aspects relate to a sport horse. Another portion of the seminar will be dedicated to participants judging horses and giving feedback as to their critiques. This exercise builds individual skills while everyone in the group learns.”

It is not often that you have the opportunity to learn from the experts and then apply your knowledge in their presence. How many people get the chance to evaluate a horse alongside a judge and then have their evaluation critiqued? This accelerated learning opportunity makes this event special. “The benefits participants will receive for the dollars they invest will have lasting value. Plus, what better location could there be? The allure of the environment exemplifies the enchantment that is New Mexico. I look forward to meeting many new friends,” commented Sparks.

Event Information: USDF Sport Horse Seminar October 29 – 31, 2010 October 29 – Handler’s Clinic October 30-31 – Sport Horse Seminar Horses Unlimited Albuquerque, NM 8am-5pm

Prices – 3 day Seminar – $175 Friday only – $50 Weekend only – $150 Continental Breakfast and Lunch included

For more information and registration please contact Horses Unlimited at 505-873-9043, or visit or www.horsesunlimited.us About Horses Unlimited Headquartered in the heart of the Southwest

in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Horses Unlimited’s mission is to produce modern sport horses with great temperaments, athletic ability, superior movement and jumping ability. In addition to seven international stallions available for breeding, Horses Unlimited regularly has 20 or more horses for sale, from weanlings to horses with show records, including offspring from their internationally recognized FEI Dressage stallions including Leonberg, Pik L, and Galant Du Serein. Check out the website www.horsesunlimited High Resolution Photo Available

Horses Ulimited hosts the USDF Sport Horse Seminar this October. Participants will learn from judges Kristi Wysocki and William Solyntjes with horses provided by area breeders, including Horses Unlimited who stands Noble Champion.

Photo credit: Terri Miller