By Gwen Dordick
Boulder Valley Dressage Youth Connection Liason
Recently, when poring over an issue of Dressage Today, I noticed an article focused on the future of dressage. Included in that article were ideas from some of today’s dressage leaders and visionaries. One of those visionaries is Karin Offield. I decided to find out more about her background, what led Karin to become an advocate for education and what role she believes education will play in the future of dressage.
“As a lifelong horse lover, I have always wanted to share that joy and love with others,” Karin told me, “and I had the opportunity to do that when I co- founded El Rojo Grande Ranch in 1992 in Sedona, Arizona. This remarkable ranch was a place where people could have the opportunity to ride and learn about horses. From riding lessons and trail rides to dressage demonstrations and art exhibits, El Rojo Grande Ranch offered something for everyone in our community. This was my way of not only helping people to enjoy horses, but to also help create fans for the horse sports. Once people are introduced they can become fans for life.”
“I have had an amazing cross section of education and counsel over the years. I have always loved to watch riding and horses and being involved in multiple equestrian disciplines has helped me become a better horseman. I have ridden lots of stallions, cutting horses, reining horses, roped, and even driven a little. We had mules in Sedona and I had a tandem team that I loved to drive. Then there were always the trail rides…I love to bushwhack the trails!”
After growing up riding horses in Aspen, Colorado and showing throughout Colorado with her Father, Karin rode and learned with three-day event trainer Jonas Irbinskas, California horsemen Jimmy Williams and Ken Nordstrom, equitation trainer Richard Keller, jumper champion Jimmy Kohn, east coast equitation trainer Ronnie Mutch, hunter champion Patricia Heuckeroth, and world renowned jumper coach Carl Knee. Her introduction to dressage included working with World Cup Champion Steffen Peters, Spanish Olympic Coach and Belgian Trainer Jan Bemelmans, Olympian Michael Poulin, Canadian coach and American Olympic champion Robert Dover, and Dutch champion and three time Olympic Gold Medal winner Anky Van Grunsven. and most recently, the Swedish Chef D’Equipe and master long liner Bo Jena.
After a long career in hunters and jumpers, Karin began concentrating on dressage about 14 years ago. Initially she conquered each of the levels with manager and dressage coach Michael Etherly. “Until 2004 Michael was with me every step of the way. We were a good team and he took me through the introductory levels all the way to Intermediare II.” Along the way, Karin won four United States Dressage Federation (USDF) regional championships, at FEI Level. Then Karin and Micheal went to Europe and her international interest in dressage really took off. In 2003 and 2004 Karin and Michael traveled throughout Europe trying horses and seeing venues where the great training of Europe’s top stars took place.
Since early 2005 Karin began training with Robert Dover on the finesse and details of Grand Prix. His help and advice solidified what had taken place over a long career with horses and in competition.
In addition to her competitive career, teaching riding students in the jumping and dressage disciplines, and her breeding of stallions: Lingh, Louisville and Tiamo Trocadero, Karin now focuses on dressage education. Karin’s mission is to get more people involved with dressage as well as offer educational opportunities for those that already love it.
Examples of Karin’s involvement with dressage education projects include the USDF Advanced Young Rider Program, the Dressage Foundation’s book, The View from C, sponsorship of the 2005 Dressage World Cup Finals, the executive producer’s role in the production and airing of Robert Dover’s television series The Search for America’s Next Dressage Star, the organization of and co-sponsorship of the Swedish Breeders Meeting held at the 2009 World Cup as well as initiating and securing Robert Dover’s amazing commentary delivered during NBC’s 2009 World Cup coverage.
Karin’s latest project is the Dressage Tool Box Symposium accredited through USDF’s University program: an innovative clinic designed to advance the teaching skills of instructors, enhance the performance skills of dressage riders, and hone the observation skills of auditors. Employing a unique format, she will act as moderator and as a registered instructor and, hopefully, also as a rider.The Dressage Tool Box Symposium, accredited through USDF’s University program and future Tool Box Symposiums will be offered to GMO’s in all regions in 2011.
Offield’s web business, www.lingh.nl, is the sponsor for the first symposium to be held in Bay Harbour/Petosky, Michigan on May 14th through 16th, 2010. Karin was quoted in the September 2009 issue of Dressage Today in an article entitled “Into the Future.” “I would designate the best facilities in a region and label them national training centers for a two-year pilot program and see what can be accomplished.” Karin explained that, “This Tool Box Symposium is my idea and answer to get this program {the national training centers} off the ground.” Karin has happily begun teaching what she has learned over the years. Because she sees her mount Lingh as her greatest teacher, she encourages participants to bring their “school masters” to the Symposium.
Karin encourages dressage riders and all horse enthusiasts all over the world to share their passion for equestrian sports with newcomers. “Participate in the educational offerings available to you in order to grow your own skills and accomplishments, and, when possible, contribute your experience and expertise to assist others in their goals.”
To learn more about the first, and future Dressage Tool Box Symposium(s), accredited through USDF’s University program please visit http://www.offieldfarms.com/. Submit inquiries about hosting a Dressage Tool Box Symposium accredited through USDF’s University program in your area in 2010 or 2011 please e-mail info@offieldfarms.com
