Friday June 17, 2005

The Poulin Family – America’s Dressage Dynasty

Michael Poulin Gets Key to the City of Deland

This spring, the first ever Equifest – A Celebration of the Art of the Horse 2005 was held in Deland, Florida, a charming town just 20 miles east of Daytona. A two month exhibit of equestrian art is featured at the Deland Museum of Art, where a reception for the artists and participants was held Friday evening, April 29 at the Museum.

The Poulin family arrived, in full dressage attire as guests of honor, and the Mayor of Deland, Bob Apgar presented Michael, a key to the city, recognizing him as an Olympic and equestrian legend. The Poulin family relocated from Maine to establish a year-round residence and Dressage training center in the central Florida town. Following them were many of their owners and friends and a growing list of students.

Deland’s neighboring town, DeLeon Springs is the home of The Dressage Center Inc. where Olympian Michael Poulin, his wife Sharon and two daughters Gwen and Kate Poulin-Neff manage a full training and boarding center. All accomplished equestrians in their own right, the family works hard together managing the facility and a busy competition schedule.

Through the efforts of one of the Dressage Center’s owners, Judith Thompson, Equifest - A Celebration of the Art of the Horse 2005 was developed. The Poulins performed an entertaining Quadrille during the Equifest Celebration held at Spring Garden Ranch, in front of a crowd of over 650 people, many who were introduced to dressage for the very first time.