July 21, 2006 – Ottawa, Ontario – The second annual 'Linking the Steps' Dressage Symposium will be held October 7 and 8 at the Royal Canadian Riding Academy in Cedar Valley, ON, just north of Toronto.

Organized by Equivents, Inc., the Symposium will feature prominent FEI judge, Mariette Withages of Belgium, and world-renowned trainer, Jan Bemelmans of Germany. One of the best-known judges in the world and currently Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee, Withages has a wealth of experience and knowledge to impart to all attendees. Holding her 'O' license, Withages has judged at the world's most important competitions, and has also spearheaded the move to make dressage a truly global sport. Bemelmans most recent success as a trainer comes with the Spanish Dressage Team that, under his tutelage, won Team Bronze at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, Team Silver at the 2004 Olympic Games, and Team Bronze at the 2005 European Dressage Championships.

In addition to hearing from two of the world's most prominent and respected officials and trainers, the 2006 edition of 'Linking the Steps' will focus on the musical freestyle. Two Canadian freestyle designers will be featured: Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage, whose talents are recognized on an international scale, and introducing Tamara Williamson of Kurboom. Discussion will focus on Freestyles and Pas de Deux, and will cover all related aspects including the history of riding to music, the World Cup, the Freestyle past and present, rules, the judge's point of view. In addition, the technical aspects of creating choreography, selecting and editing music, and how to improve the level of difficulty will be addressed.

'Linking the Steps' is organized by its creator, Canada's own Cara Whitham, the only judge in the world to hold her FEI 'O' judges card in two disciplines, dressage and eventing. In addition to organizing several popular FEI-sanctioned dressage competitions, Whitham recognized a need to bring top-level experts to Canada in an effort to promote discussion and learning among competitors, coaches, judges, trainers, and other interested parties.

"The first Symposium produced an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone that attended, so it was a very simple decision to make it an annual event," said Whitham, who last year became the first North American to judge at the European Dressage Championships. "This year, we were able to secure Mariette and Jan as our featured speakers, both of whom are very engaging and have an incredible depth of experience. Also, given the rapid growth in popularity as well as sophistication in musical freestyles, it is an excellent time to focus on freestyle design. It doesn't matter what area of the sport you are involved in, I promise that everyone will leave this symposium feeling enthusiastic."

Register before July 31 at the special rate of $250 per person for the two-day symposium, or pay $300 until September 22, or $350 at the door. All Equine Canada certified coaches who register in advance receive a special rate of $200 per person. For more information, including registration forms, please visit http://www.equivents.com/events.htm.