The International Dressage Academy Hosts Ride-A-Test Clinic with FEI 3* Judge Cesar Torrente
Welllington, FL (September 27, 2013) – Patrick and Marisol Burssens’ International Dressage Academy (IDA) in Little Ranches in Wellington, Florida recently hosted an educational Ride-A-Test clinc with acclaimed FEI 3* judge Cesar Torrente. The clinic brought riders of all levels to IDA, where Torrente helped them boost their scores with judged rides, reviews and re-rides.
Torrente, a native of Colombia and South American and Central American Games dressage team Gold medalist, was the first dressage judge promoted through the 2013 FEI 3* program and travels the globe to judge and teach at venues like IDA.
The 62-stall dressage haven of fellow Central American Games Gold medalist and Belgian and Mexican national champion Patrick Burssens generously made available to clinic participants its amenities including covered regulation dressage arena with mirrors, two outside mirrored arenas, eight tack rooms, six wash racks and 15 acres of turnout, grass riding and residential trails.
Among the elite clinic participants enjoying IDA’s hospitality were 2012 National Intermediaire I Champion, Caroline Roffman, riding Her Highness O and hoping to fine-tune her performance before returning to the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Kentucky in October to defend her title, and Phelisha Chandler, former winner of Robert Dover’s The Search for America’s Next Dressage Star. Pan Am alternate Endel Ots and Loxahatchee based trainer Heidi Degele also took advantage of the clinic to increase their scores in the show arena, along with numerous ambitious adult amateurs and young riders.
Randi Phillips, an adult amateur rider who trains down the road from IDA, rode her 11-year-old mare Olivia, by
Olivier, in the clinic and was thrilled with the results. “I was so impressed with what my horse and myself were able to accomplish after Cesar’s instruction and encouragement,” said Phillips. “He has such a positive attitude and really wants to see the rider learn and progress. The one thing he said that really left an impresson was that as a rider I shouldn’t go into the test thinking you would be happy with a certain score. Ride for the great score, and go for the best.”
The clinic also welcomed a family of dressage supporters, from volunteers to sponsors. Scribing was handled by Lily Zilo, while Stacey MacLeod and Heather Houck of Everything But The Horse, LLC, distributors of Mushroom Matrix 100% organic supplements, introduced horses and owners to its healthy products. ShowChic fine dressage apparel provided gift bags for clinic participants, and a $50 Community Spirit Award, which was presented to Heidi Degele.
For more information on Cesar Torrente, visit his website at www.dressagejudge.com