Wellington, FL – February 1, 2017 – Equestrian Sport Productions LLC (ESP) is excited to announce the arrival of world-class equine simulator trainer Barbro Ask-Upmark to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) to begin instruction and certification opportunities on the two recently installed Equine Simulators located at The Stadium at the Equestrian Village, home of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).

Ask-Upmark is an accomplished dressage rider earning her USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the United States following her successful career as a top dressage trainer in Sweden. Ask-Upmark became involved with coaching and training on equine simulators in 2006.

The Equine Simulator is a mechanical device that imitates natural equine movement and physical responses to mounted riders. The simulators serve as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts to fine-tune their skills, as well as provide a platform for individuals who have never ridden a horse to begin their riding careers in a safe and controlled environment.

Three interactive screens surround the simulator, creating an immersive atmosphere for individuals. A certified instructor is always on hand to perfect seat position, leg stability, and connection to the bit.

“The most amazing component of the simulator is that it gives you awareness. It helps riders gain an understanding of what’s really happening beneath them,” said Ask-Upmark. “You have time to break things down and figure out where you can improve your riding. There are a lot of factors that interfere with that genuine feeling, and here, you take the living component out of it for a chance to work on yourself.”

The simulators, now located at PBIEC, offer educational opportunities in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing, while a specific polo-focused simulator is also available to perfect the skills needed to be successful on the field. Ask-Upmark offers show jumping, cross country, and dressage sessions for competitive and aspiring equestrians who are interested in improving their riding skills from beginner to FEI, while polo players can also reserve time to practice their hand-eye coordination, as well as near-side and off-side shots.

The only other Equine Simulator available for use on the East Coast is located at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and serves as an incredibly popular training device for local riders in the area, as well as individuals interested in learning the basics of horseback riding. The positive response the simulator received at the facility prompted the installation of the two devices in Wellington, FL, for the season.

“It’s incredibly safe and helps riders of any discipline keep their horses healthier and happier because they can practice execution of the aids needed to achieve the most difficult movements,” commented Ask-Upmark. “The largest difference between riding the simulator and a horse is that I can stand next to the rider and not just verbally instruct, but help to physically make adjustments. That has never been possible with riding before the simulators.”

Ask-Upmark will be available for lessons and training opportunities on the Equine Simulators at PBIEC for the remainder of the month. To inquire about lessons and instruction with Barbro Ask-Upmark please click here or call (831) 596-4999. For more information about Palm Beach International Equestrian Center please visit www.pbiec.com.

Photo Credit ©MegBanks/PBIEC. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release.