Big weekend ahead for Massey equestrians

Traditionally the winter months represent a reduction in equestrian activities but this weekend Massey’s top riders will be put through their paces by some of the top dressage coaches in the world.

The Federation Equeste International – equestrian’s world governing body – will hold the FEI regional forum, in conjunction with Dressage NZ and Massey University, at Manfeild Park in Feilding this weekend.

The forum will feature Jeremy Steinberg, the man in charge of the United States equestrian youth coaching programme and Dr Willem Back, director of the Utrecht University equine biomechanics laboratory in the Netherlands. Also providing expertise is Trond Asmyr, the FEI director of dressage from Switzerland and Sussie Hoovenaars, the highest ranked dressage judge in Australasia. Massey’s equine programme leader Dr Chris Rogers and Deb Prattley will also feature.

As part of the University’s commitment to developing tomorrow’s elite riders the Pfizer Youth Forum has been introduced. It is being held today and gives young and junior riders the chance to learn from Steinberg.

Dr Rogers says bringing this type of talent to New Zealand will be of great benefit to Team Massey’s riders in the lead up to the summer season.

“The opportunity to work with some of the best coaches and equine scientists in the world provides our riders with a great platform and competitive advantage for the coming competition season.”

Team Massey enables elite equestrians to study at Massey while competing at the highest level. Riders receive support from experts in equine nutrition and physiotherapy, as well as human performance experts.