In Shape for Success, Shelly Francis Wins Rider Wellness Award from The Wellington Wellness Institute During the Nations Cup
Wellington, FL (April 24, 2013) – The Wellington Wellness Institute was excited to present the Rider Wellness Award to Grand Prix dressage rider, Shelly Francis, for her gold medal ride with Team USA 1 during the AGDF Nations Cup. Francis rode the 10 year old Oldenberg gelding, Doktor (Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir 1), owned by Patricia Stempel, to score a 70.213% and locked in second place in the Grand Prix division, while at the same time, contributed to the first place win for the team. She was pleased to receive the award that recognizes the benefits of health and wellness of riders in the dressage ring. “My overall health is important because if I feel stronger and fitter, then I can be more effective, smoother and communicate better with my horse when I’m riding,” said the 54 year old Francis. She also explained that she has fun keeping herself in shape while she works with her horses through an athletic training program. “I don’t do all the riding in the ring,” Francis described, “I do a lot of excercizing with them where I take them out on hacks and trot and walk. And in the arena, I do a lot of gymnastic developing exercises.”
