WATERBURY – In spite of the blizzard, dressage enthusiasts battled through the snow to attend the Third Annual Weekend Educational Program with Helping the Rider on the Road to FEI, organized by Olympian Lendon Gray, and the Financial and Risk Management Seminar conducted by Beth Clarke from California.

Lendon said, “WEP was a huge success despite the blizzard and everyone being told to stay off the roads. We had about 130 pre-registered and almost 90 there on Saturday and about 45 who stayed over for Sunday. What brave dedicated souls – some from as far away as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire and Maine. Of course, a few speakers didn’t make it, but it all worked out well anyway. We all had a good time.”

An auction for the Beval’s gift certificate made about $170 (and was won by a mother who brought two kids) and we brought in just under $400 for the tack tag sale.

Dressage judge Margaret Freeman gave helpful hints on what judges look for and got everyone to ‘judge’ some Olympic Dressage rides. She also ran a Rules Jeopardy Game – which was fun and popular with all competitors.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Leslie Weiss gave helpful hints on handling ‘competition nerves.’ Veterinarians Dr. Margaret Brosnahan on “Conditioning” and Dr. Matthew Eliott on “Understanding Digestive Upsets” gave participants plenty to think about.

Lendon Gray gave several, very popular, talks to both adults and the ‘kids’ and lots of good advice on a variety of subjects. Alison End explained and demonstrated a new tool – the ‘Balance stool’ – which helps riders to separate their seat from their upper body.

There were many other great talks and Beth Clarke really gave much food for thought to the 15 professionals that attended her seminar.

sports@thebee.com