Dressage at Devon

43 USDF Statement on Animal Welfare The United States Dressage Federation, Inc. (USDF), a federation of over 100 independent organizations throughout the United States with a member- ship of nearly 30,000 members, supports the concept of ethical treatment of animals. Dressage is a classical method of training horses, based upon the horse's natural responses, as carried out in a gradual, planned program during which the horse's athletic abilities are improved in a systematic manner. As a result, the horse becomes capable, comfortable, and responsive in partnership with the rider without the use of force. Dressage competition at various levels of achievement is the ultimate test of the training program to determine whether the desired harmony between horse and rider has been achieved. The rules pertaining to dressage competition prohibit the use of artificial appliances, training aids, and drugs, which would force the horse to submit. Instead, the emphasis is upon training and a cooperative partnership with the rider. Major competitions are carefully monitored to assure that there is no unnecessary force or harshness displayed. Unlike other horse sports in which horses enter training at a relatively immature state, dressage training is usually not seriously begun until the horse is three or four. The top levels of achievement require five or more years of progressive training and it is not unusual to see horses in international competition in their late teens. This, in itself, places a premium on good care and soundness throughout the horse's life. While supporting the concept of animal welfare in its broadest form, the United States Dressage Federation, Inc., also recognizes that it is unrealistic to ascribe human emotions and responses to the horse which in its wild state is a creature of flight, living a hard and precarious existence. Under domes- tication, the horse is assured of ample food, water, and shelter, as well as protection against infectious diseases and damaging parasites, thus leading a longer and healthier life with a high rate of survival. As an educational organization, USDF has numerous programs, which teach people how to pursue the accepted, humane training methods. A program of certifying instructors also emphasizes protecting the horse's welfare in pursuit of dressage training. United States Dressage Federation 4051 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511 Phone: 859-971-2277, Fax: 859-971-7722, usdressage@usdf.org, www.usdf.org Dressage at Devon 2016 • Animal Welfare Coveringtheregion'sequinenewsandissues WWW.MID-ATLANTICHORSE.COM FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ADVERTISING, PLEASE CONTACTBILLDANGRO AT717-721-4415 ORWENDYMARTIN AT717-721-4439. WE WISH BEST OF LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS IN THE41 ST ANNUAL DRESSAGE ATDEVONHORSESHOW. WePublishover62,600issueseachmonthfordistribution tothepublic.That'sover155,000READERSacrossthe UnitedStatesthathasachancetoseeyourad.

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