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Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Returns to Michigan at Hampton Green Farm, June 28-30, 2019
The annual summer Youth Dressage Festival at Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport, Michigan, will again feature the direction and teaching of founder Lendon Gray, in addition to some very special guests. Now in its ninth year, the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest has maintained the three day format, featuring a two-day intense clinic for more advanced riders, kown as the TEAM clinic, followed by a one-day three-part competition open to all riders, regardless of level or dressage experience. Sunday's all-youth horse show is open to any rider under 21, and consists of 3 divisions: Written Test, Dressage Test, and Equitation Test. Modeled after the highly successful LYDF held every summer in New York, the Midwest version is a one-day event, preceded by a Saturday night Exhibitor's Dinner featuring United States Developing Grand Prix Trainer Charlotte Bredahl (more about Charlotte below...)! Dates are: Friday and Saturday, June 28-29: TEAM Clinic with Lendon Gray and others Saturday night, June 29: Exhibitors Party—Friends and Parents Invited, Featuring Charlotte Bredahl Sunday, June 30: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, 3-Part Competition Where: Hampton Green Farm, Fruitport, MI www.hamptongreenfarm.com The following speakers and commentators will be involved with this year’s event: Lendon Gray, Founder and President of Dressage4Kids: Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray believes dressage is for every horse and rider. Generous, outspoken, and pragmatic, Lendon has devoted her energies to the improvement of all riders (not just the privileged ones) and all horses (even the littlest ones). With the goal that all youths might learn how to become not just better riders, but all-around horsemen, Lendon established Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (formerly known as the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Championships) in 1999. Lendon will be training and lecturing to the riders throughout the weekend, as well as overseeing all of the Divisions. Saturday Night Speaker and Dressage Commentator: Charlotte Bredahl is a 1992 Bronze Medalist on the US Olympic Dressage Team, FEI 4* Judge, and new USEF Grand Prix Developing Team Coach. Charlotte works closely with US Senior Dressage Team Trainer Debbie McDonald to produce quality pairs for future United States Team potential. Formerly part of the team of Youth Trainers for USEF, Charlotte has a special passion for young riders and their educational progress. Sunday afternoon Lecturer: Since her childhood riding horses in Spain and following her university studies in communications,Lily Foradohas quickly established herself as an international photojournalist of dressage, becoming an integral player in the promotion of the sport through outstanding photography of the most briliant competition and behind-the scenes-moments between horse and rider. She attends all of the Dressage Championships in Europe and around the world and has received her press credentials for the Tokyo Olympics. We look forward to having Lily Forado with us and having her share her unique experiences, relationships, and lessons learned. Dressage Judge:Merrilyn Griffin, USEF “r” Dressage Judge Equitation Judge: Barbara Crossmyer Reis LYDF Midwest Prizelist and Entry Form now available on the Home Page of this website. Read all information carefully! TEAM riders must apply through the Dressage4Kids website. Information and application available athttps://dressage4kidsorg.presencehost.net/programs/team-program.html All TEAM Riders MUST enter the LYDF on Sunday, June 30.
Lendon Youth Festival Midwest 2018 Features Janne Rumbough and Robert Dover Sponsorship
05.07.2018 Registration is now open for the 2018 LYDF Midwest, bringing top international dressage athletes and personalities to the youth riders of the Midwest and this year a new sponsorship from Robert Dover to the Trainer of the Grand Champion! This all-youth horse show is open to any rider under 21, and consists of 3 divisions: Written Test, Dressage Test, and Equitation Test. Modeled after the highly successful LYDF held every summer in New York, the Midwest version is a one-day event, preceded by a TEAM (formerly Emerging Dressage Athlete) clinic with Lendon Gray and a Saturday night Exhibitor's Dinner featuring world-class competitors. Dates are: Friday and Saturday, June 22-23: TEAM Clinic with Lendon Gray and others. Saturday night, June 23: Exhibitors Party—Friends and Parents Invited featuring Janne Rumbough, USDF Member of Distinction and the “First Lady” of Wellington Dressage Sunday, June 24: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, 3-Part Competition Where: Hampton Green Farm, Fruitport, MI www.hamptongreenfarm.com The following speakers and commentators will be involved with this year’s event: Lendon Gray, Founder and President of Dressage4Kids: Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray believes dressage is for every horse and rider. Generous, outspoken, and pragmatic, Lendon has devoted her energies to the improvement of all riders (not just the privileged ones) and all horses (even the littlest ones). With the goal that all youths might learn how to become not just better riders, but all-around horsemen, Lendon established Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (formerly known as the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Championships) in 1999. Lendon will be training and lecturing to the riders throughout the weekend, as well as overseeing all of the Divisions. Saturday Night: Janne Rumbough Janne is an Adult Amateur rider who has been a role model to amateurs, professionals, and juniors, in many capacities. She was a founding creator of the Palm Beach Derby 30 years ago, which is the longest standing CDI in Florida and one of the longest running CDIs in the United States, earning her the nickname “Wellington’s First Lady of Dressage”. As a competitor, Janne is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist, as well as a USDF Silver and Gold Freestyle Bar recipient. She was won the Master’s Challenge Award at all levels of competition, and has won ten USDF/Dover Saddlery Adult Amateur Medals. In 2014, she won the Grand Prix Freestyle Amateur Championship at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, with her crowd pleasing Mary Poppins Freestyle. Janne has competed in a just over thirteen-hundred tests spanning twenty horses, at all levels, and over twenty five years of competition. In addition to her riding career, Janne owns several top level horses competed by other dressage professionals, at both national and international levels. Personally, she has competed two PRE horses to international Grand Prix success in the last five years. Dressage Commentator: Janne Rumbough Saturday PM Round Table: Lendon Youth Festival All Star Graduates, including Sophia Schults, Ayden Uhlir, and Rosie Simoes Dressage Judge:Merrilyn Griffin, USEF “r” Dressage Judge Equitation Judge: Betty Horst ***LYDF Midwest is proud to announce a new Champion Trainer’s Award, sponsored by US National Dressage Team Trainer Robert Dover. Presented to the trainer of the Grand Champion rider of the show, Robert Dover will generously donate FIVE LESSONS at his Wellington location for this award recipient. Robert has a special passion for the Dressage4Kids programs and is happy to invest in the professionals who are preparing young people for future dressage careers. LYDF Midwest Prize List 2018 and Entry Form now available on the Home Page of this website. TEAM riders must apply through the Dressage4Kids website. Information and application available athttps://dressage4kidsorg.presencehost.net/programs/team-program.html All TEAM Riders MUST enter the LYDF on Sunday, June 24.
Registration Now Open for 2017 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest at Hampton Green, featuring Daniel Martin Dockx and Nicholas Hanson
Registration is now open for the 2017 LYDF Midwest, and like in previous years, is bringing top international dressage athletes and personalities to the youth riders of the Midwest! This all-youth horse show is open to any rider under 21, and consists of 3 divisions: Written Test, Dressage Test, and Equitation Test. Modeled after the highly successful LYDF held every summer in New York, the Midwest version is a one-day event, preceded by a TEAM (formerly Emerging Dressage Athlete) clinic and a Saturday night Exhibitor's Dinner. Dates are: Friday and Saturday, June 23-24: TEAM Clinic with Lendon Gray and others. Saturday night, June 24: Exhibitors Party—Friends and Parents Invited Sunday, June 25: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, 3-Part Competition Where: Hampton Green Farm, Fruitport, MI www.hamptongreenfarm.com The following speakers and commentators will be involved with this year’s event: Lendon Gray, Founder and President of Dressage4Kids: Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray believes dressage is for every horse and rider. Generous, outspoken, and pragmatic, Lendon has devoted her energies to the improvement of all riders (not just the privileged ones) and all horses (even the littlest ones). With the goal that all youths might learn how to become not just better riders, but all-around horsemen, Lendon established Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (formerly known as the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Championships) in 1999. Lendon will be training and lecturing to the riders throughout the weekend, as well as overseeing all of the Divisions. Saturday Night: The resume of Jose Daniel Martin Dockx is one of the most extensive in the sport. Two Olympics, (London and Rio de Janeiro), World Equestrian Games, 5 years at CHIO Aachen, 2 European Championships, multiple National Championships of Spain at all FEI levels, winner or top three of more than 25 international Grand Prix classes. Dani will be providing a ridden demonstration for the TEAM clinic, and speak to all exhibitors and guests on Saturday evening about his experiences. Dressage Commentator and Sunday afternoon Lecturer:Nicholas Hansen,NAJYRC 2016 3-time Gold Medalist for Young Riders. Dressage Judge:Merrilyn Griffin, USEF “r” Dressage Judge Equitation Judge: Kristen Skinner-Boyd, Equine Canada “B” Dressage Judge and Gold Medalist LYDF Midwest Prizelist and Entry Form now available on the Home Page of this website. TEAM riders must apply through the Dressage4Kids website. Information and application available athttps://dressage4kidsorg.presencehost.net/programs/team-program.html All TEAM Riders MUST enter the LYDF on Sunday, June 25.
2014 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest Features an Exciting Line-Up of Speakers and Clinicians
Registration is now open for the 2014 LYDF Midwest, and it is shaping up to be another unforgettable experience for youth riders in the Midwest! This all-youth horse show is open to any rider under 21, and consists of 3 divisions: a Written Test, a Dressage Test, and an Equitation Test. Modeled after the highly successful LYDF in New York, the Midwest version is a one-day event, preceded by an Emerging Dressage Athlete clinic and a Friday night rider/parent dinner. Dates are: Saturday, June 28: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest Thursday and Friday, June 26-27: Emerging Dressage Athlete Clinic June 27: Exhibitors/Parent Party Where: Hampton Green Farm, Fruitport, MI www.hamptongreenfarm.com The following speakers and commentators will be involved with this year’s event: Founder and President of Dressage4Kids: Lendon Gray Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray believes dressage is for every horse and rider. Generous, outspoken, and pragmatic, Lendon has devoted her energies to the improvement of all riders (not just the privileged ones) and all horses (even the littlest ones). With the goal that all youths might learn how to become not just better riders, but all-around horsemen, Lendon established Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (formerly known as the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Championships) in 1999. With the formation of the Youth Dressage Festival (YDF) came the creation of the organization Dressage4Kids. Originally just the name of a website, D4K has blossomed into a full-fledged non-profit, operating the YDF, the Weekend Educational Program, pony-only clinics, the East Coast Dressage Pony Cup, and the Winter Intensive Training program, while transforming the proceeds from these functions into valuable scholarships for aspiring dressage riders. Lendon will be lecturing to the riders throughout the weekend and overseeing all of the Divisions. Friday Night Speaker: USEF and NAJYRC Gold Medalist Ayden Uhlir Ayden Uhlir is the 2012 FOC champion and NAJYRC Junior Individual Gold, freestyle and team Bronze medal winner. In 2013 she moved up to Young riders and was the first person to ever win back to back Individual Gold when she took both Individual and Freestyle gold and team silver. She went on to also win the FOC Young Rider championship. She is most proud however of being awarded the Dressage Style Award at the NAJYRC and winning the USDF Youth Sportsman of the Year nomination for the USEF Youth Sportsman of the Year. Ayden has participated all three years of the Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic with the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program. Her horse Sjapoer is a 15 year old KWPN by Contango out of Jenna. Sjapoer was awarded the 2012 KWPN-NA FEI Horse of the Year award. Ayden is the first Equestrian to be sponsored by Nike Corporation. Saturday Lecturer: Equestrian College Advisor Randi C. Heathman Randi C. Heathman is an independent educational consultant whose decade of experience in higher education and lifetime involvement in equestrian sports give her a unique foundation from which to assist families. Heathman holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in communicationstudies.She honed her craft as senior assistant director of admission at Albion College (Albion, Michigan)while also working extensively with their equestrian programfromits opening in 2004. She gained valuable experience in college admissions while guiding students and their families through the search, application, and financial aid process - all while shefamiliarized herself with intercollegiate riding at the varsity and club level. She is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC),and travels to many college campuses, educational workshops, and equestrian college eventseach year so that she can be familiar with the unique offerings of a variety of colleges and universities and best assist students in finding their right-fit school. In 2009, she and her Dutch Warmblood gelding Ricochet were GAIG/USDF Regional Champions at second level in the adult amateur division. She is a USDF bronze and silver medalist. Saturday Lecturer: Betsy Labelle, Equestrian Journalist and Author, to speak on “Climbing the Dressage Ladder in America”. A Dressage Rider in Germany in 2000 and 2003, Betsy has worked with Han-Juergen Armbrust and Sebastian Langehanenberg. Knowledgeable about young horse training, mare performance tests, and preparing young horses for competition, Betsy’s horses have won championships in the Oldenburg mare inspections, in Hannover and in Devon. Betsy rode the Stallion, Routinier (Rohdiamant x Inshallah) to Prix St. George from 2005 through 2008. She's trained several young horses up the levels with Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and Anne Gribbons. Betsy is a graduate “B” from North Star Pony Club in Minnesota. Betsy's journalistic accomplishments: a Press Release Journalist and Photographer assistant writer for Equestrian Sports Productions(ESP) during the inaugural year for the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida in 2011-2012. From 2013 to current, Betsy works as Feature Writer for Dressage Daily, Dressage Today and several other publications. Dressage Judge: Maryal Barnett, USEF “S” Judge Maryal Barnett is a FEI “C” Dressage Judge, an USEF “S” Dressage Judge and a Canadian Equestrian Federation Senior Dressage Judge.Additionally, Maryal has shown her own horses from training level through Grand Prix. During her competitive years, she won the Midwest Dressage Association’s “Award of Excellence” through the levels to Grand Prix. Her horses have also won numerous local and national awards, including the USDF Horse of the Year (training – USEF Intermediate 1). Maryal Barnett is a full-time dressage instructor working out of Nottingham Equestrian Center (of which she is a part owner) in East Lansing, Michigan. She teaches at many other stables throughout the state of Michigan and gives regular clinics in Illinois, Indiana, New York, Missouri and Wisconsin. Many of Maryal’s students have earned local and national awards; and they are USEF Judges and USDF Certified Instructors themselves. Equitation Judge: Elizabeth Crosby, USEF “R” Judge LYDF Midwest Prizelist and Entry Form now available on the Home Page of this website. EDAP riders must apply through the Dressage4Kids website. Information and Application available at http://www.dressage4kids.org/emerging-dressage-athlete-program/
Time to Register for the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest and HGF EDAP Clinic
Time to Register for the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest and HGF EDAP Clinic Registration is now open for the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, Thursday July 12 at Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport, Michigan. LYDF Midwest is a one-day version of the internationally acclaimed youth dressage festival held annually in New York. This is the second year of the Midwest version, and this year's show is shaping up to be unforgettable! We are pleased to announce Special Guest Robert Dover--6 time US Olympian, former Canadian National Dressage Coach and co-founder of the EDAP program--for the Wednesday evening dinner speaker and dressage commentator on Thursday. USEF "I" Judge Natalie Lamping will be our dressage judge for the day, with many of the Midwest's dressage trainers also on hand to assist and evaluate riders. LYDF is open to all riders who turn 21 in 2012 and younger. The competition consists of three divisions: a written test based on the LYDF reading list; a dressage test, and an equitation test. Special awards are presented for Best Turn-Out, Best Pony and Breed, Top Scoring Young Trainer, and more. The 2012 HGF EDAP clinic will be conducted two days prior to LYDF Midwest (Tuesday and Wednesday, July 10-11), and all EDAP riders will be required to participate in LYDF. The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program (EDAP)--founded by Olympians Lendon Gray, Robert Dover and Courtney King-Dye--is a series of invitational clinics for youth riders of distinction held around the country. Riders must apply on-line at and submit a video. At the end of the year, 12 riders will be selected to attend the week-long Robert Dover Horsemanship Week in Wellington, Florida. LYDF Midwest Prizelist and Entry Forms are now posted at the links on this Home Page. Register now as space is limited.
LYDF Midwest and EDAP Fact Sheet
Q: What is LYDF Midwest? A: The Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest is a one-day version of the LYDF held every summer in New York--a three-phase competition encompassing a Written Test, a group Equitation class and an individual Dressage test--for youth riders 21 years old and younger. Q: Who Can Participate in LYDF Midwest? A: Riders 21 and younger from all equestrian disciplines who are interested in furthering their knowledge and riding skills through the exercises of dressage. Q: When and Where is LYDF Midwest? A: July 12, 2012 at Hampton Green Farm, 5440 E. Farr Road, Fruitport, Michigan. Q: Who is Coming to LYDF Midwest? A: US Olympians Lendon Gray and Robert Dover. USEF International Dressage Judge Natalie Lamping. Canadian Dressage Trainer Jacklyn Brooks. 2012 EDAP Riders and riding clubs from around the Midwest and more. Q: How Do I Register? A: Entry Form is available at the link on this page. Send in your Entry Forms early as space is limited. Q: What Happens at the Dinner on Wednesday? A: EDAP Riders and families join with LYDF Midwest Riders for a festive dinner with special speaker Robert Dover. Tickets are available to the public for $20.00, checks made out to Dressage4Kids. Q: Where Can I Get More Information? A: First, see the Prizelist at the link on this page. For additional information, contact Joan Mack at , or Lendon Gray at . Q: How Much Does It Cost? A: See Entry Form for fees. Q: What is EDAP? A: The Emerging Dressage Athlete Program was founded in 2011 to find, to help to educate and develop talented youth under 21 to become the international riders and trainers of the future. The program organizes clinics in various parts of the US and from these clinics participants will be selected for national clinics. Top international coaches have also been asked to nominate riders they feel have special talent. It is meant as a stepping-stone from participating at the grassroots level to climbing the long ladder on the way to representing the US in international competitions and/or becoming a successful professional. Through this program, dedicated, talented Dressage youth will be sought out in all parts of the US. The teacher(s) in the clinics will ensure that the basics of their education as riders and horsemen are properly established and will give them a road map for their Dressage journey. Q: When and Where is the Michigan EDAP Clinic? A: July 10-11 (Tuesday and Wednesday) at Hampton Green Farm, 5440 E Farr Road, Fruitport, Michigan Q: How Do I Register? A: You must apply to be an EDAP rider. Go to for the Application Form and instructions. You will be asked to submit two letters of recommendation, a print-out of your scores, a 4 minute uninterrupted video of you performing particular tasks on your horse, and the completed application. APPLY EARLY! Q: How Much Does It Cost? A: There is a $20.00 Application Fee, and a $150.00 Program Fee if you are selected. Q: How Do I Get More Information About EDAP A: First, see . Then see our Media Partner 's coverage of the 2011-2012 EDAP news at . For more information, contact Joan Mack at , or Lendon Gray at .
Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest 2013--Prize List Now Available
The 2013 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, held annually at Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport, Michigan, will begin accepting entries on 1 May. This year's Festival will be held on Sunday, June 23--preceded by the Emerging Dressage Athlete Clinic on June 21-22. We will be making more exciting announcements in the coming weeks, but MARK YOUR CALENDARS, bring your HORSE, TRAINER, and MOM AND DAD, and plan to be a part of this exciting annual YOUTH EVENT! Details below: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest (LYDFM) What: A one-day version of the Lendon Gray Youth Festival: a highly successful equitation and dressage show for riders under 21 at all levels. To be held on June 23, 2013 at Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport, Michigan. Featuring top international riders as judges, lecturers and commentators. 3 Divisions--a Written Test, a Dressage Test, and an Equitation Test. All ages and levels welcome. Teams may also compete. For more information, see Prize List above or . When: June 23 Where: Hampton Green Farm, MI Special Events: D4K Dinner with a Dressage VIP (to be announced) on Saturday, June 22 Emerging Dressage Athlete Clinic (EDAP) What: A two-day intensive training clinic with Lendon Gray for riders who are selected via application. Riders are selected based on a riding video, copies of tests, an application letter and recommendations. To apply see http://dressage4kids.com/Emerging%20Dressage%20Athlete%20Program.htm When: June 21-22 Where: Hampton Green Farm, MI Special Events: All EDAP riders are expected to attend the D4K Dinner and are expected to compete in the LYDF Midwest on Sunday, June 23.
The Festival is Here!
After months of planning, the week of the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival has finally arrived! "I am so excited to be doing the first clinic. We had some wonderful applications — what a multi-talented group of young people we have. I already know some of the riders and know of their talent, but I am hoping to find a least one diamond in the rough – someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to demonstrate her considerable talent. Having another Youth Dressage Festival after the clinic gives Courtney and myself a chance to watch these riders in competition, a real bonus. Thank you Hampton Green Farm for making all of this possible." Lendon Gray The riders for the Emerging Dressage Athlete Section A Clinic have been selected. They are: Madelyn Guthrie Westmont, IL, Trainer: Agata Rekucka Jessica Hainsworth Mt. Morris, NY, Trainer: Armando Hale-Brown Megan Heeder E. Lansing, MI, Trainer: Maryal Barnett Kylie Heitmann W. Olive, MI, Trainer: Tena Frieling Megan Levine Haslett, MI, Trainer: Tracy Rowe McEwan Melynda Walsh Lansing, MI, Trainer: Megan Levine Emily Gillispie Heath, OH, Trainer: Jennifer Goldberger Chelsea Reed Groveland, FL Trainer: Tom Reed Nicole Chiapetti Lake Villa, IL Trainer: Amanda Johnson Claire Kendall Muskegon, MI Trainer: Sandra Tull Kerrigan Gluch Mt Pleasant, MI Trainer: Laurie Moore Clinic rides will start promptly at 7.30 am on Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to audit at no charge. There will be a luncheon offered on site for $15.00 per person. The Lendon Youth Dressage Festival will be on Sunday and is open to the public. The riders will begin the morning with a Written Exam, followed by Dressage and Equitation classes. The Awards Ceremony will be held at 5.30 PM. Tickets are still available for Dinner with Courtney King-Dye. Please call the office at 231-865-6000. Ride Times for both the Clinic and Festival will be posted on Thursday evening. Good luck to all the Riders!!
Notre Dame Freshman Megan Heeder is 2011 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest Grand Champion
In its first year, the LYDF Midwest brought out some very experienced youth riders. Competing against all of the Emerging Dressage Athlete riders, as well as a local group of riders with some big surprises in talent, Megan Heeder of Michigan produced the highest written test score, and highest combined Dressage and Equitation scores to become the Grand Champion for the show. Congratulations to Megan! Megan Heeder began riding dressage with Maryal Barnett when she was nine years old on a Morgan gelding named Sonny. At the age of thirteen she became involved with Lendon Gray and Dressage for Kids, borrowing various horses to compete in the East Coast Youth Dressage Festival. She did this for five years. Finally, she started leasing Simpatico (a donation to D4K) which enabled her to show her own horse at the Festival! In 2009, Megan and “Simba” were the overall Grand Champions at LYDF. Since then they have shown through FEI Juniors, with Young Riders competition in the near future. Megan is currently a student at the University of Notre Dame and competes as a member of the cross-country and track teams. She also loves to sing and is a member of the Liturgical Choir. She is a super-achiever and we look forward to a bright future for her in everything she does!