Classical dressage clinic scheduled for June

by Staff Reporter
reprinted from The Public Opinon (Wednesday, May 8, 2002)

A classical dressage clinic with master horseman Craig Stevens is scheduled for be June 14-16 at Nova Equestrian Center, Shippensburg.

Stevens operates out of his National School of Academic Equitation in Snohomish, Wash. He spends half his time in Europe, primarily Sweden, where he is considered a master.

Stevens has given clinics for groups such as the Swedish National Riding School, the Swedish National Equestrian Federation, the Keystone Dressage and Combined Training Association, and the International Arabian Sport Horse Association. He has been featured in magazines, such as Ride and Ridsport.

The clinic will be in the indoor arena. Stevens is willing to teach any level of rider, and encourages beginners -- as well as advanced riders -- to attend.

Individuals can sign up to audit the course up until the day of the clinic. Auditors can attend the riding and training lecture Friday and observe the lessons on Saturday and Sunday. Rid-

ing classes have already been filled. However, riders' names will be taken for a waiting list.

On June 14, Stevens will give a lecture to all riders and auditors at Shippensburg Fish and Game Building, 4498 McClays Mill Road, Shippensburg.

On June 15 and 16, he will give eight hours of instruction each day at Nova Equestrian Center.

Stevens believes that any horse and rider, barring serious physical problems, are capable of reaching the highest levels of dressage. He works daily with horses that few in the dressage world would call elite.

Through patience and the application of classical principles, which he has spent a lifetime studying, these horses are brought to "high school" movements such as passage, piaffe, tempi changes and, ultimately, to the "airs above the ground."

To sign up to audit the clinic or learn more about Stevens, contact Brenda Lantz.