Lexington, KY (November 5, 2014) — For decades, Kathy Connelly has lived and breathed dressage. In addition to being one of the most highly respected and successful dressage trainers in the United States, she has excelled in the international show ring, competing as a United States Equestrian Team Rider at the World Cup in Sweden and as the highest placed Grand Prix rider on the US Bronze Medal Team at the North American Championships.  She is presently the Vice Chairman of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee, and was a US Team selector for the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 World Equestrian Games.  This year, the dressage icon has been selected to serve as commentator at the prestigious USDF United States Dressage Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. Connelly, who has trained numerous amateurs and United States team riders to achieve impressive titles, is delighted to commentate at such an exciting event for her beloved sport.

The 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals, presented by Adequan, will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 6-9. Qualified top competitors from across the country will vie for first place in this Level Five Competition, which is the highest level of competition held in the United States under United States Equestrian Federation rules. The country’s best talents from Training Level to the Grand Prix will be showcased as riders compete in adult amateur and open divisions. Kathy Connelly is a perfect fit as commentator for the event as she has competed successfully across the levels as well as had experience from the coaching and judging ends of the arena.    Connelly is a top choice for international dressage commentators; she was chosen to commentate for the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, the World Masters CDI in 2011 and 2012, and the 2013 United States Dressage Finals and will be the commentator for the upcoming USDF “On the Levels” DVD. 

In December of 2014, Connelly will be a presenter at the 2014 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention with Betsy Steiner.  Connelly and Steiner were chosen by USDF to be the clinicians for the Nutrena/USDF Adult Clinic series, which will begin in the spring of 2015 and run through March of 2017. 

Connelly trained extensively in Germany with the internationally renowned Herbert Rehbein and has won national dressage titles in all FEI Divisions.  She is a popular clinician and is also well known for her extensive experience both in the US and Europe for training piaffe and long lining. 

In recognition of her numerous contributions to the sport, the United States dressage community is eager to welcome Kathy Connelly as commentator for the 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals. For more information about Kathy Connelly and her impressive dressage background email kathyconnellyavf@aol.com or call 978-486-8674.