USEF Network

The United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces 501(c)(3) Status

RELEASE: June 11, 2010
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Lindsay McCall

The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to announce that it is now a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Riders compete under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport. Becoming a 501(c)(3) was a momentous occasion for the USPEA. This status will encourage donors, supporters, and equestrian enthusiasts to supply funding for the United States Para-Equestrians.

The show season of 2010 is going to be exciting for the USPEA as it will be the first year that the Para-Dressage discipline will compete on the world stage at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. As the number of Para-Equestrian participants expands and more of the public becomes aware of this unique equestrian discipline, the Para-Equestrians will continue to need more support. The USPEA would like to see this type of benefaction continue through the World Games, the 2012 London Olympics, and beyond.

"Becoming a 501(c)(3) makes it possible for us to do fundraising for grass root programs and help develop a broader base of competitions and clinics across the United States. It is very localized now and this status will help us expand and provide this sport for more people," noted Lynn Siedeman, Vice President of the USPEA.

Any person who would like to become involved with the USPEA or for donation opportunities may visit www.USPEA.org or contact Hope Hand, President of the USPEA, email Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610) 356-6481.

Para-Equestrian athletes not only travel throughout North America, but they also travel to competitions overseas. It is necessary for the United States Riders whether able-bodied or not, to compete on an international stage. However, the cost of logistics to ship the horses, riders, coaches, and additional needs can be quite expensive.

The USPEA was granted 501(c)(3) status because, like the other equestrian team foundations, it is an organization that fosters an international sport that needs the support of the public to continue its success nationally and internationally.

About the United States Para-Equestrian Association
The USPEA includes every equestrian discipline that is practiced by athletes with physical disabilities. Each rider or driver competes under the eighth discipline, the Para-Equestrian discipline, of the United States Equestrian Federation. This year, at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the Para-Equestrian discipline will make history. The USEF High Performance Para-Equestrian Dressage team will compete as an FEI sport for the first time at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, KY.

The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Riders compete under the USEF rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport.

For more information about the USPEA or for donation opportunities, please contact Hope Hand, President of the USPEA, email Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610) 356-6481.

To view online information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org.