Savoie and Hogan-Poulsen Host “Circle of Professionals” Weekend

East Hill Farm’s Plainfield, Vermont location was the site of the first in a series of instructional clinics.

Aug 1, 2005, Plainfield, VT - Jane Savoie and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen opened the doors of East Hill Farm over the July 30-31 weekend to host the inaugural “Circle of Professionals” event to share their training programs and team of equine industry specialists with over 50 clinic auditors, riders, and professionals.  The “Circle of Professionals” was originally conceptualized by the Master Saddler, Mr. Jochen Schleese of Canada.  Having worked closely with Jane Savoie in the past, Schleese and Savoie teamed up with Ruth Hogan-Poulsen to provide the instructional foundation for the weekend.

Although dressage themes were woven into all lessons and demonstrations, participants included event riders, hunter/jumper riders, and pleasure riders interested in the overall improvement of their riding plus the well-being of their horse.

Many riding and auditing participants repeated Massachusetts-based Debbie Harvey’s exclamation that "watching top quality riders helps to reaffirm the image in my mind of how I want to ride!  The weekend has been an inspiration."

Complementing the lessons and demonstrations provided by FEI-level dressage riders Jane Savoie and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, workshop professionals included Jochen Schleese (saddle-fitting), Holly Barnett (equine massage therapy and saddle-fitting), Bo Poulsen (shoeing), Dr Phillip van Harreveld DVM (Joint care and general health ), and Dr. Emilie Beaupre DVM (acupuncture) from the Vermont Large Animal Clinic in Milton Vermont.

Riders and auditors had the opportunity to spend the weekend among this circle of highly-experienced professionals from across the equine industry.  The professionals repeatedly emphasized the interconnectedness of their services to maintain a sound and healthy horse and rider pair. 

Terri Satterlee, Central Vermont Dressage Association (CVDA) president, participated in the weekend as a non-riding auditor.  She praised the two-day event for being “well-organized, and [running] seamlessly from lectures to demonstrations to lessons.  From saddle-fitting and shoeing to nutrition and massage therapy, the professionals brought attention to the potential impact of their specialty on performance and overall health… really complementing the themes introduced during the lessons and demonstrations."

With the success of this first “Circle of Professionals” event, Schleese, Savoie and Hogan-Poulsen are planning to repeat this offering to a wider audience again soon.  Bookmark www.Schleese.com, www.JaneSavoie.com and www.RuthHoganPoulsen.com for future event announcements or contact Ruth Hogan-Poulsen directly at ruth@dressagetesttutors.com to suggest a "Circle of Professionals" event in your area!

The youngest certified Master Saddler ever in Europe, Mr. Jochen Schleese received early recognition with his appointment as the official saddler of the 1986 World Dressage Championships held in Toronto, Canada.  Widely recognized as an authority in his field, Schleese incorporates his personal experience as an international event rider into every product and service offered by his company.  Jochen Schleese Saddlery Service Ltd. was the official saddler of the 2005 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV. 

Recognized nationally as a coach, writer and speaker, Jane Savoie first rose to international attention as the reserve rider for the Bronze medal-winning 1992 Olympic dressage team.  She has since been long-listed by the USET with several horses and has won nine Horse of the Year awards and three National Freestyle Championships.  Jane is based in Randolph Center, Vermont, during the summer months.

A professional FEI rider, trainer, and instructor, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen has been long-listed by the USET and has been awarded the USDF Gold Medal and USDF Freestyle Gold Bar.  Ruth is based out of East Hill Farm in Plainfield, Vermont, each year from May through November.