News Archives - 2007
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* Wamberto is Champion of N.A. 100-Day Stallion Performance Test!
* Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society (GOV) Inspection at Hassler Dressage.
* Rousseau Son Named to Championship Ring at Hannoverian Kuering.
* Sad News on the Death of Flemmingh.
* Karin Reid Offield and Lingh in the Grand Prix at HITS on the Hudson!
* Hexagon's Louisville now approved Rheinland Pfalz-Saar!
* PVDA Ride For Life.
* Wamberto Arrives to the United States for 2007 100-Day Stallion Testing.
* Results from the KWPN Central Keuring-Champion Mares.
* Big Week for Rousseau: USDF Results and a Champion Mare in Holland!
* Davidoff Hit Foal is Site Champion of ISR/Oldenburg, NA Inspection!
* Susanne Hassler & Davidoff Hit Bring Home the Ribbons, VADA/Nova.
* Zenon Stands Out at May 2007 KWPN Stallion Performance Testing.
* 3rd Annual Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium.
* Rousseau Tops KWPN Dressage Stallion Index with 181 Points.
* New Home Announced for Hassler Dressage: Riveredge.
* An Exciting Start to 2007 for Harmony's Rousseau.
* A Rousseau Son Makes History.
ISR/Oldenburg of North America Stallion Inspection.
Just a week after hosting the GOV inspection, Hassler Dressage held our second stallion inspection at our Riveredge West location. Ekkehard Brysch and Christian Schacht of the International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg NA joined us on November 13th to view stallions in-hand and under saddle. Following the approvals, we enjoyed a lovely lunch with the inspectors at our Guest House and gave them a tour of the Riveredge property.
Approved stallions are:
Locksley I (Londonderry – Weltmeyer) 2001 Hanoverian owned by Harmony Sporthorses
Rosall (Rosario – Akzent II) 2003 Oldenburg owned by Kent Island Sporthorses
Selten HW (Sandro Hit – Hohenstein) 2004 Hanoverian owned by Irene Hoeflich-Wiederhold
Renoir WF (Royal Diamond – Walt Disney I) 2004 Hanoverian owned by Cathi Bunker – Certified Breeding License
Wamberto is Champion of North American 100-Day Stallion Performance Test!
Wamberto (Rousseau-Voltaire-Dutchboy) claimed a bit of history along with another Champion title with the conclusion of the 2007 100-Day Stallion Performance Test November 11, 2007. Shortly following his importation to the US in August, Wamberto, the 2006 KWPN
Stallion Show Champion, joined a group of 23 other stallions to participate in the 100-Day Stallion Performance Testing, hosted by the American Hanoverian Society and ISR/OldenburgNA at Paxton Farm in Batavia, Ohio. Despite a 5-point penalty for his age, Wamberto achieved unprecedented scores and was named the overall Champion of the 100-Day Performance Testing with a remarkable 158 points. His outstanding rideability and movement was represented in his overall dressage index of 168. His abundant athleticism shone through in his jumping index of 145. Such scores have never been awarded a stallion in a North American testing.
Wamberto was unquestionably a favorite amongst the riders and training team coming into the final days. His rider, Alexa Bendfeld, a very successful international Three Day rider from Germany, truly adored Wamberto and claimed he would make a fantastic event horse if we ever chose to direct his career that way. We are tremendously grateful to Alexa for her deep commitment and wonderful training of Wamberto over the course of the testing. Training Director Helmut Schrant did a superb job managing the development of all the stallions over the course of this rigorous test and also in managing his team of riders. Wamberto's charming and positively focused character earned him a 10 in this most critical evaluation. He earned 9’s for his temperament, rideability,
and willingness to work and 10 on his canter.
Wamberto's handy athleticism and eager spirit to please were clearly evident through the final days of the test. With ears perked forward at all times, he easily managed the free jumping phase, soaring over the highest fences and earning an 8 from the judges. Under guest dressage riders Jessica Jo Tate, Fred Weber, and Verena Stock, Wamberto demonstrated very positive rideability, performing counter canter,walk-canter-walk transitions and canter and trot lengthenings. Always happy, it was evident how pliable and pleasant Wamberto is to ride. Under the guest jumping riders Mike Patrik Leichle 
and Rudy Leone, Wamberto proved his handiness over the tight indoor course, producing clear flying changes and clear rounds over the highest course settings.With scores of 8 for trot, 9 for his canter, and 8.67 for his jumping ability cross country, Wamberto has demonstrated his athletic ability is indeed outstanding.
Hassler Dressage welcomes Wamberto home to Chesapeake City, Maryland and will manage his breedings to a select group of mares in 2008. He will begin his sport career under Susanne Hassler as well, which we look forward to with great excitement!
Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society (GOV) Inspection at Hassler Dressage a success for all!
On November 6th, Hassler Dressage hosted Holly Simensen and Katrin Berger of the Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society for our first public event - a small stallion inspection at our "Riveredge West" location. The brisk morning started with presentations of all stallions in-hand, followed by under saddle presentations of several stallions. Five stallions were presented and approved; the first three listed are shown just below (Hexagon's Louisville, Locksley, RenoirWF).
Hexagon's Louisville (Burggraaf – Vesins xx) 1993 Dutch Stallion owned by Karin Offield/Offield Farms of Harbor Springs, MI
Locksley I (Londonderry – Weltmeyer) 2001 Hannoverian Stallion owned by Harmony Sporthorses of Kiowa, CO
Renoir WF (Royal Diamond – Walt Disney) 2004 Hanoverian Stallion owned by Cathi Bunker of Auburn, WA – provisionally licensed until completion of performance test.
Cicera's Icewater (Corofino – Cor de la Bryere) 1998 Holsteiner Stallion owned by Anna Nenonen & Geo Whitley of Abingdo0n, VA
Don Pikado (Donnerhall – Pik Bube I) 1992 Oldenburg Stallion owned by Eliza Atrizzone of Ellicott City, MD.
Hexagon's Louisville, Locksley I, and Renoir WF will stand at Hassler Dressage for the 2008 breeding season.
Rousseau Son Named to Championship Ring at Hannoverian Kuering.
With the fall licensings of young stallion prospects in Germany, more exciting news comes forward regarding Harmony's Rousseau and his consistent production of outstanding individuals! Rousseau has offspring selected for the Hanoverian, Oldenburg, and Westphalian kuerings. The Hanoverian (VhW) Verband held its final selections over the week of 10/25-10/27 and the results once again put Rousseau at the top of his peer group. The crowd's favorite was a stunning chestnut son of Rousseau’s, owned by Harmony Sporthorses since two weeks of age. This Rousseau-Rotspon-Lauries Crusador inspired applause and ovations with each presentation before the judges. His trot demonstrated the same clear, naturally engaged hindleg Rousseau so consistently produces. His swing, elasticity, and scope were simply outstanding. A true beauty, this handsome colt was named to the Championship ring and was titled a Premium stallion of the licensing. Congratulations to Harmony Sporthorses on this outstanding result and the prospect of a most influential Hanoverian son by their world class stallion Rousseau!
Sad news on the Death of Flemmingh.
It is with great sadness that we learned the news of Flemmingh's passing on October 7th. This unforgettable KWPN Preferent stallion was a producer of champion dressage horses in the Netherlands and the U.S. Flemmingh (Lacapo – Carneval – Lorenz) was the USDF Sire of the Year and 6th in the world ranking of Dressage stallions. Known for producing long lines and exceptional gaits, his most notable offspring include the Grand Prix stallions Krack C (Flemmingh – Beaujolais), ridden by Holland's Anky van Grunsven, and Offield Farm's Two-Time Reserve World Cup Champion, Lingh, (Flemmingh - Columbus) (link to Lingh's stallion page), owned and ridden by Karin Reid Offield. We are proud to carry forth his legacy through managing Lingh to select mares and are confidident that many more accolades will be added to this important sireline.
Karin Reid Offield and Lingh win the Grand Prix at HITS on the Hudson!
On August 17-19 during the Centerline Events at HITS on the Hudson Show in Saugerties, NY, Karin Reid Offield and her 1993 Dutch stallion, Lingh, reigned supreme in the Grand Prix B Classes. Winning the Grand Prix B with 68.750%, Karin and Lingh showed expressive work and a lovely piaffe and passage. The pair also placed First in the Adult Amateur Grand Prix B and Second in the Open Grand Prix B Class. Karin's success in Saugerties won her the East Coast Riders Cup/Open Grand Prix Championship sponsored by Equine Whip and Equine Journal. Notes Karin: "I was so pleased with Lingh’s ride this weekend. We were able to show off to the judges much of the hard work we have accomplished over the winter and summer months. We are coming up on our ninth month together as a team and I am hopeful our performances get better. The practices at home are a joy for everyone. He is an amazing athlete and a delight in the stable. He is a good boy!" Watch the Offield Farms website for future show dates and competition results.
Hexagon's Louisville now approved Rheinland Pfalz-Saar!
Hexagon's Louisville stood tall and proud at his presentation for the RPSI insp
ectors on Sunday, August 5th at Lazy J Sporthorses in North East, MD. Louisville showed abounding presence and mindfulness even among the calls of mares and foals awaiting their own presentations. After walking and trotting the triangle, Louisville was granted immediate approval with the registry, scoring 8 on Trot, Breed and Sex-Type, Quality of Conformation, and Overall Impression and Development! Given Louisville's international Grand Prix sport record, he was exempt from the free jumping portion of the inspection. Comments from the judges included: good bone, uphill build, nice large shoulder, and good elasticity and swing in the movement. German judge Otto Schalter also noted that Hexagon's Louisville bears many of the fine qualities of his grandsire, Landgraf I. Offield Farms is proud to have this approval to add to Louisville's credentials. Thanks to Jay and Marie Emrey at Lazy J Sporthorses for being such gracious hosts for this event!
PVDA Ride For Life
On June 30th, the Potomac Valley Dressage Association hosted its 4th annual Ride for Life recognized dressage show on June 30 and July 1, 2007. The show was a benefit for the Johns Hopkins University Breast Center in Baltimore. The PVDA notes that 200 horses from 13 states showed their stuff at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center, drawing over 2, 000 spectators throughout the weekend and grossing over $80, 000 in the name of cancer research!
A very meaningful highlight for the team at Hassler Dressage and for many others attending the evening event was the Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge. It was a special evening filled with tributes to those who have fought cancer. Scott Hassler made an educational commentary while Felicitas von Neuman-Cosell presented the stallion Where’s Waldo, to honor his mother's love of learning. Jill would have also loved the playful idea of allowing the audience to "Bribe the Judges" in effort to vote for their favorite freestyle and further contribute to the fundraising cause. We were deeply moved by the community's effort to honor Jill for this important cause. Words don’t begin to convey the gratitude and healing we experienced as a family. We wish to extend to Barbara Strawson and Athena Haresign, two key organizers of the Dancing Horse Challenge memorial event, our deepest, most heartfelt thanks.
Prior to the evening events, Susanne and Davidoff Hit participated in the First Level 3 and 4 classes. They won their First Level Test Three class with a 69.714% (Judge S. Vracko). Susanne and Davi placed second in First Level Test Four with a 65.78% (Judge C. Canace) with the win going to Scott's student Brooke Doss of York, SC. We look forward to their next competition, the LVDA Show at Bucks County Horse Park in Revere, PA on Sunday, August 26th!
"Wamberto" Arrives to the United States for 2007 100-Day Stallion Testing
We are unabashedly excited to announce that "Wamberto," the young stallion we selected for
Harmony Sporthorses prior to his being titled Champion Stallion of the 2006 KWPN Stallion Show, is coming "home" to the United States! This exemplary son of Harmony's Rousseau out of the Voltaire - Dutchboy mare "Olinda" was the clear favorite of the 2006 KWPN Stallion Show, receiving standing ovations from the international crowds gathered in Den Bosch. Fortunately, we secured 
Wamberto for Harmony Sporthorses (owners of Rousseau) prior to his being thrown into the spotlight of the KWPN Championship Premium Ring. Shortly after the Stallion Show, Wamberto was exported to Hengststation Pape in Germany for further training with Ingo and Susan Pape. We're very pleased to announce that Wamberto will now participate in the North American 100-Day Stallion Performance Test at Paxton Farm in Batavia, Ohio. Susanne Hassler has been selected as his future rider and the team here at Hassler Dresage couldn't be more excited or more fully invested in his future!
(photos: Melissen)
Results from the KWPN Central Keuring-Champion Mares
Results from the second stop on the KWPN Central Keuring tour are just in. On July 5th in Flevoland, Holland, another Rousseau mare was Champion! "Zatilda" out of the Keur mare Atilda (Symfonie - Jagermeester) placed first in the Three Year Old Riding Horse Division of the Keuring. She is bred by C. Burgmeijer of Almere, Holland. Zatilda went on to be 3rd place overall out of 14 total jumping and riding horse mares presented at the Keuring that day. We have photos of Zatilda and other Champion Rousseau Mares online in our Gallery of Top Offspring!
It's a Big Week for Rousseau - USDF Results and a Champion Mare in Holland!
The word is out: the 2006 USDF Year End Reports show that Harmony's Rousseau is not only a leading sire in the Netherlands, but also here in the United States! Given the limited number of offspring produced each year due to the highly controlled inventory of frozen semen available here in the past, these American results are especially pleasing. With an average score of 77.881%, Rousseau's four Great American Insurance Group/USDFBC Finalists sent him to the top of the rankings. This is Rousseau's second year on the leader-board for this category as well as in the top standings for the highest number of finalists in a season. Rousseau was third overall for the most GAIG/USDFBC Finalists in 2006, following Opus with seven finalists and Idocus with five finalists. Of all GAIC/USDFBC Finalists produced from 1998-2006, Rousseau falls 21st with nine finalists and an average score of 75.642% – not bad for a nine year old stallion among the ranks of such greats as Weltmeyer, Jazz, Rohdiamant, and Rousseau's sire Olympic Ferro! Compete results can be seen in the July 2007 Issue of USDF Connection.
Across the pond in The Netherlands, "Zonnefony" by Rousseau out of the Elite Dutch mare, Refony (Ahorn – Vindicator), was Champion Three Year Old Ster Mare at the Central Keuring in Utrecht on June 22nd. She scored 80 on conformation, 85 on her canter, and 80 for overall movement. Zonnefony went on to become the Overall Mare Champion of the Keuring, beating out all ages of mares up to eight years and older! Zonnefony is owned by Elizabeth ter Borg and Frank Meurs of TBM Horses in Everdingen, Holland. This Utrecht keuring is the first of several in the region and we await Zonnefony's results at the finals in Ermelo on July 12th!
Davidoff Hit Foal is Site Champion of ISR/Oldenburg, NA Inspection!
On Saturday, June 9th, "Double-Oh-Seven" (aka "James") was the Site Champion 
ISR/Oldenburg, NA foal at Hilltop Farm. With an overall score of 8.6 and a 9.0 on his movement, this colt was the shining star among the group of six foals presented. Double-Oh-Seven is by Davidoff Hit out of Hilltop’s Oldenburg mare, Florette (Festrausch – Continue – Matcho). Judges Ekkehard Brysch, Dieter Felgendreher, and Christian Schacht noted that this was one of the best foals they had seen in a long time, far surpassing last year's crop. We look forward to more outstanding inspection results as the Summer rolls on! Read more about Double-Oh-Seven here .
(photo: Bill Alphin)
Susanne Hassler & Davidoff Hit Bring Home the Ribbons,
VADA/Nova Summer Dressage Show
Susanne Hassler and Davidoff Hit attended their second show of the season and came home with three First Place and one Second Place ribbons! Showing at the VADA/Nova Summer 
Dressage Show at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA this past weekend (June 9-10) at First Level, Susanne and "Davi" earned scores of 70% + from judges Posner and Lamping. Susanne says: "Showing Davidoff Hit is a real treat. He's starting to show us what a terrific show career his future holds. He manages the commotion and intensity of crowded warm-up rings with a bold confidence and he’s becoming more and more relaxed in unfamiliar surroundings."
Davidoff Hit and Susanne will make their next outing on June 30th at the PVDA Ride for Life, which will be held at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. This competition benefits the Johns Hopkins University Breast Center and will feature the "Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge," a benefit for Scott’s mother who we sadly lost to cancer in late-October of 2006.
Zenon Stands Out at May 2007 KWPN Stallion Performance Testing
Zenon – Approved KWPN Stallion! Earning a 9 for his trot, suppleness, and suitability as a dressage horse, Rousseau's 2004 son "Zenon" out of the studbook mare Patoya (Whinny Jackson-Darwin) was a stand out at the May 2007 KWPN Stallion Performance Testing in Ermelo, Holland. A beautiful black stallion, Zenon earned impressive remarks regarding his conformation and overall quality as a stallion and modern riding horse type. With an overall score of 85, Zenon is now fully licensed by the KWPN. In February, under the name "Zeno," Zenon was one of four Rousseau offspring licensed at the KWPN Stallion Show. Zenon was purchased as a yearling by the British WEG team rider Wayne Channon and his wife. We congratulate the Channons and look forward to watching Zenon's career unfold to further top honors!
3rd Annual Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium
For the past several years, the country has been a-buzz with excitement for young horse training, clinics, and competition. To keep the momentum going, Scott Hassler and the Hassler Dressage team, in conjunction with co-sponsors Harmony Sporthorses, are gearing up once more for the 3rd Annual Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium. Harmony Sporthorses will serve as the gracious hosts of this event on November 16-18th at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Castle Rock, Colorado. Please click here for more information.
Rousseau Tops KWPN Dressage Stallion Index with 181 Points
The KWPN recently released the new stallion index results from the 2006-2007 keuring season. Once again, Rousseau has risen to the top, not only of his peer group, but as a pinnacle example of the Dutch warmblood breed. Rousseau has a new dressage index of 181 points, not only surpassing his peer group by an 8 point margin, but establishing himself as the leading producer of dressage horses in the Netherlands.
Rousseau also holds a superb conformation index of 120. These results are a reflection of the strength found in Rousseau’s offspring (mares, stallions, and geldings) as they were evaluated at keurings and IBOP tests throughout the Netherlands.
This outstanding news arrives on the heels of Rousseau's repeat of yet another son named Champion of KWPN Show. His son, Zagreb, this year’s Champion, was the highest priced stallion ever sold through the KWPN Select Sale. These events project Rousseau to the forefront of the Dutch warmblood breed.
Rousseau’s frozen semen is now available in the Netherlands and Germany. Contact Hassler Dressage for more information. More inventory which meets EU exportation standards is available through Hassler Dressage. Rousseau continues to be available for the first time in his career through chilled semen to North American breeders.
New Home Announced for Hassler Dressage: Riveredge
In the weeks following Scott and Susanne Hassler's departure from Hilltop Farm, the outpouring of support from the sporthorse community has been enormous and has had a profound effect on the couple: "We are so deeply impressed by the importance of relationships and the value of creating community," Scott says. "It’s from this place that we’re very excited to share our plans for the future."
John and Leslie Malone, long-time supporters and clients of the Hasslers, have entrusted to the couple the development of an outstanding new resource for the international sporthorse community. Located in Chesapeake City, Maryland, the property has been named Riveredge, an exceptionally beautiful, mature, 600-acre property formerly home to a prestigious Thoroughbred breeding operation. The facilities presently include 16 and 20-stall barns and designs are underway for the main training complex and breeding facilities. The Malones envision a campus-like setting with facilities for training, breeding, and sport, much like those found at the great European centers, Flyinge and Warendorf. At Riveredge, the Hasslers plan to continue their commitment to training, education, competition, and the North American sporthorse breeding industry through the management of top-class stallions.
One of the most exciting features anticipated for Riveredge is a show facility that will inspire competitors, owners, and spectators. "Our Mid-Atlantic region is in great need of quality competition grounds and we are very excited that this new property lends so beautifully to that end," shares Scott. The property's ample acreage easily affords the addition of competitor stabling, parking, and competition arenas without losing the property's intimacy or grandeur.
"Seeing just how quickly something of this magnitude can come together has been inspiring," continues Scott. After exploring many avenues to fulfill their interests and passions while still remaining at Hilltop, the couple made the difficult decision of their resignation in early December. The Malone's passion for education, their belief in the Hasslers' talents, and their interest in making a lasting contribution all combine to make the quick acquisition of this property and the development of Riveredge a true model of commitment. Susanne adds, "It's very exciting to have our own business and to team up with such intelligent, passionate people. We are very inspired to have such a beautiful place to work out of and to be so directly involved in making a difference through Riveredge's endeavors." Not only will Hassler Dressage LLC be based at Riveredge, the Hasslers will also serve as general managers for all activities at Riveredge.
There is currently a contract on the property, with settlement scheduled for the end of June, 2007. The Hasslers will then transition their family and business to Riveredge in July, returning to a more established level of operation. Although they anticipate breaking ground on the new facilities right away, they are excited about the property's current amenities which will facilitate their functioning through the transitional period.
"Words cannot describe the excitement we feel and our appreciation for the level of trust we have received," Scott says. "We are confident that Riveredge will markedly contribute to the American sport and breeding programs thanks to the unique combination of strengths which underlie its foundation: intelligent leadership, clear dedication to excellence, and experienced horsemanship determined to bring forth positive results for all involved."
February 18, 2007
An Exciting Start to 2007 for Harmony's Rousseau
It has been an exciting start to the year for the nine year old Dutch stallion, Rousseau (Ferro - Roemer - Homerus). Early in the year Harmony Sporthorses of Kiowa, Colorado acquired full ownership of Rousseau after being partners in the stallion since 2003. Hassler Dressage LLC, Scott and Susanne Hassler's new venture, will maintain management of Rousseau.
On February 3rd, Rousseau made history, when the KWPN Stallion Selection Committee titled Rousseau's son ZAGREB (Rousseau - Jazz - Belisar) Champion of the 2007 KWPN Stallion Show. Never before had the KWPN announced the Champion stallion by the same sire two years in a row..and this was only Rousseau’s third foal crop to come of age for licensing. Zagreb succeeds his half-brother WAMBERTO (Rousseau-Voltaire-Dutchboy) who claimed the title at the 2006 KWPN Stallion Show. Zagreb was purchased by Blue Hors Stud of Denmark at the KWPN Select Sale for a dazzling price of 430,000 €. Blue Hors has renamed Zagreb "Blue Hors Zack." Andreas Helgstrand will develop the stallion for sport. His sale made history as a record price of the KWPN Select Sale; the second highest sale in the auction was 120,000 €.
Rousseau had five of seven sons selected for the third round of the 2007 KWPN Stallion Show. In addition to Zagreb, three other Rousseau sons were accepted to proceed to the Stallion Performance Testing in Ermelo this spring: Zoltan (Rousseau-Sultan-Symphonie) and Zodiac (Rousseau-Amethist-Variant) and Zeno (Rousseau-Whinny Jackson), owned by British Grand Prix rider Wayne Channon. To date, out of only three foal crops coming of age for stallion licensing in the Netherlands, nine sons of Rousseau have been licensed by the KWPN.
For the first time in the States, Rousseau is now available for fresh, cooled semen breeding. Rousseau is fully approved by the KWPN, KWPN-NA, VhW, AHS, GOV, and ISR/OldNA.
February 3, 2007
A Rousseau Son Makes History:
Zagreb is named Champion of the 2007 KWPN Stallion Show
Zagreb was later sold through the KWPN Select Sale for 430,000 € to Blue Hors Stud of Denmark (read more). Such a future is extremely exciting for this outstanding young son of Rousseau. We congratulate Blue Hors Stud and we wish them ultimate success with Zagreb in sport and breeding.
Rousseau had five of seven sons selected for the third round of the KWPN Stallion Show. In addition to Zagreb, three other Rousseau sons were accepted to proceed to the Stallion Performance Testing in Ermelo this spring: Zoltan (Rousseau - Sultan - Symphonie), Zodiac (Rousseau - Amethist - Variant) and Zeno (Rousseau - Whinny - Jackson). Sources say that the buzz word at the KWPN Stallion Show this year was "Rousseau!"
Click here to view Blue Hors Zack under saddle with Andreas Helgstrand.
Click here for KWPN Select Sale video of Zagreb.
Read the KWPN press release here. And in Eurodressage here.
Attention past breeders to Lingh!
We are eager to make contact with you!
We wish to work together in the future and to dialogue with you at this time.
Please email susanne@hasslerdressage.com
or phone 443-309-1184 to reach me directly.
Current Clinics, Symposiums, and Upcoming Events
Please contact us for further information.
