CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Monday, May 1, 2000

DRESSAGE CLINIC AIDS PARALYMPIC HOPEFULS

By Michele K. Mellor

With a keen eye, trainer Jerry Schwartz assessed the rider before him, deciding she needed to vary the way she manipulated the reins to improve her performance.

As a top dressage instructor from Beecher, Schwartz needed to be especially innovative, playing sleuth as well as coach, in his advice to riders such as Barbara Grassmyer.

Grassmyer, 27, of Placerville, Calif., is challenged by a limited range of motion due to Apert Syndrome, a genetic disease characterized by a malformation of the face, hands and feet. As a result, she has difficulties cuing a horse for dressage, a demanding sport that requires an incredible partnership between horse and human. Advancing her performance required variations in method and tack to overcome her restrictions of movement.

"I can't grip the reins very well," explained Grassmyer. "The horse can pull the reins out of my hands."

Grassmyer found the clinic this weekend a helpful stop in her quest to qualify for this summer's Paralympic Games, getting ideas on how to modify the reins to meet her needs.

Thanks to the American Competition Opportunities for Riders With Disabilities Inc. (ACORD), eight disabled riders from across the nation descended on the Kane County hamlet of Gilberts for a rare opportunity to hone their skills at a two-day dressage clinic and the first Variety Salute benefit hosted by Indian Hills Training Center.

The stable hopes to turn the fundraising reception, exhibition and silent auction into a yearly event benefiting the national ACORD organization.

Since 1994, the California based non-profit ACORD has offered riders with physical, emotional and mental disabilities the chance to ride competitively by subsidizing riders' expenses and show sponsorship.

Competitors are assessed in six areas of movement and divided into four divisions ranging from independent riders to those needing several aides for assistance.

Riders take advantage of specialized equipment such as rein handles or handled surcingles, a strap used to bind a saddle onto the horse, and wheel chair ramps for mounting.

"We strive to emulate the able-bodied world as close as we can within the limits of safety," said Judy Serie Nagy of San Francisco, founding director of ACORD.

Since the addition of dressage as the only equestrian event at the Paralympics in 1996, ACORD has been helping riders achieve the goal of competing internationally. Currently, 12 riders are vying for six spots on the U.S. team that will compete in Sydney in October, where 70 riders from 20 countries are expected.

Athletes do not use their own horses. In fact, they only will be allowed about three hours to work with an unfamiliar mount selected for even temperament and smooth gait before entering Paralympics competition.

Indian Hills facility manager Stephanie Hoyt says a horse's "whole demeanor changes" for the better when working with the riders, noting the amazing difference therapeutic riding can have on the disabled.

"The motion of the horse makes you tighten your muscles without really realizing it, just to keep your balance. It goes beyond (traditional) physical therapy," said Hoyt.

One of six Paralympic hopefuls in attendance was Deb Lewin, 40, of Dallas. Lewin lost the use of her left side in a vehicle accident four years ago and took up therapeutic riding at a friend's suggestion.

"It's done so much for me physically. I'm much stronger, and emotionally, just being with the horses is uplifting. Mentally, it's helped me concentrate and focus," said Lewin. "It's gotten me on the path to healing . . . gives me some freedom."

NOTE from ACORD: The VARIETY SALUTE BENEFIT on Saturday night was a tremendous success - more than $12,000 was raised towards ACORD's 2000 activities for riders with disabilities. Riders' expenses at the Variety Salute were fully funded by the Benefit and the next event is the Paralympic Selection Trials at USET in Gladstone in May. Carrie Schwartz and all the wonderful volunteers, sponsors and donors deserve a huge round of applause for organizing this event.