Media Contact:
Diane Bartlett
Director of Marketing Communications
Phone: (703) 777-2414
FAX: (703) 777-3282
E-mail: dbartlett@morvenpark.org

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA (March 25, 2003) The Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Virginia has been selected to host the 2003 United States Dressage Federation (USDF) National-Level Trainers Conference April 29-30. The event is scheduled to run from 9:00 am 5:00 pm on Tuesday and 8:00 am 4:00 pm on Wednesday. In addition, there will be a lecture presented from 7:30 pm 9:00 pm Tuesday evening.

The topic for the conference is "Throughness: Understanding the Concept and the Components." The conference offers attendees the opportunity to see quality dressage horses and riders work with Ralph-Michael Rash, an experienced international trainer who was the former director of the German Riding School in Warendorf for over 10 years.

In order to attend the conference, attendees must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• USA Equestrian "R" judge or higher
• USDF bronze, silver or gold medalist
• Professional trainer
• USDF-certified instructor
• Top six placing in an ABIC/USDF Regional Dressage Championship at Third Level or higher
• Intercollegiate/interscholastic-member organization (IMO) coach, nominated by their USDF IMO

The Morven Park Equestrian Center is located just north of Leesburg on Route 15. From Leesburg, take Route 15 North towards Frederick, Maryland. Turn left onto Tutt Lane/Route 740. Follow Tutt Lane approximately one mile to the center's entrance on the left, and then follow the signs to the designated parking areas. For more information call Schedera Bausch at (859) 271-7875 or visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org.