Roel Theunissen Pays Visit to Equestrian Center

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (July 2, 2010) - Mount Holyoke was privileged to host Roel Theunissen at a dressage clinic from June 22-24. Riders from all over New England shipped in to work with Theunissen, a highly sought-after clinician and trainer based in Madison, Georgia.

A native of the Netherlands, Theunissen graduated from the Dutch Equestrian Center in Deurne. He has coached many professionals and amateurs to numerous championships and U.S. Dressage Federation awards and medals.

In addition to riding her own horse (Morendo - "Rudy") at the clinic, Equestrian Center Director Paula Pierce rode Donna Leonessa’s Reizend ("Zen").

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to have Roel here for these training weeks during the summer; not only do other professionals come to work with him, but several members of the Mount Holyoke community nearly always participate," said Pierce. "It is always a wonderful opportunity to have world-class help right here at home."