ENGEA is a huge national Italian agency which coordinates many equestrian activities along with offering training courses for the licensing of horseback trekking guides and riding instructors.  Their membership includes 3,000 licensed guides and instructors along with over 30,000 regular members who are involved with horseback riding and other equestrian activities.

Mauro Testarella, the president of ENGEA, recently announced that ENGEA has officially adopted the Dabney Gentle Horsemanship training program as the authorized method of handling, training and riding horses.  Sponsored by ENGEA, Ed will be conducting numerous horsemanship and riding clinics throughout Italy to introduce the Six Keys to Harmony program and immerse ENGEA members in Gentle Horsemanship training.

left to right - Mauro Testarella, President of ENGEA, Ed Dabney, Franco Barbagallo

 "I am deeply honored that ENGEA has chosen Dabney Gentle Horsemanship to conduct their upper level training program.  I am sincerely grateful for the confidence President Testarella has shown in me and our training methods.  I am certainly looking forward to a long and productive association with ENGEA."

After the conclusion of the first two ENGEA sponsored Dabney Gentle Horsemanship clinics in Italy in June, President Testarella awarded Ed with the highest Five Star level Certification of ENGEA Superior Instructor "ad honorem".  This is quite an esteemed honor as there are only a few instructors in all of Italy who hold the Five Star Certification. 

Ed was honored to have been invited to be the Master of Ceremonies again this year for McKeever's First Ride. Originated by Deenie McKeever in honor of her father, Dan McKeever, who was a pioneer in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, McKeever's First Ride is a very special event designed to introduce the healing power of horses and riding to amputees. This event showcases the powerful physical and emotional benefits of being with horses.  Horses can add a higher quality of life for amputees and open a new activity to them which can result in feelings of well-being, personal achievement, physical fitness and social interaction. 

Please click this photo to see an excellent news video about McKeever's First Ride from 11 Alive News.

Ed has enjoyed working with the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy students conducting horsemanship and riding lessons for the girls each week at Carter Farm in Chattanooga. These outstanding students have been selected to participate in the ground-breaking Mustang Leadership Partners program which pairs the students with American Mustang horses. It has been proven that involvement with horses facilitates personal growth and development. The innovative MLP program has shown that being with horses and learning to ride has increased the girl's self-esteem and helped develop their confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication skills.   From a beginning of being afraid of horses many of the girls are now riding independently with skill and confidence.  Congratulations Girls!

Ed considers it a distinct privilege and honor to have been invited to conduct an on-going training program for the fine officers and horses of the City of Atlanta Mounted Police Unit.  Atlanta already has one of the best mounted police units in the nation but Ed was very impressed with the officers dedication and desire to become even better professional riders mounted on even more highly trained horses to make them even more effective for their very unique and important duty in serving and protecting the citizens of Atlanta. Ed conducted a two day Six Keys to Harmony clinic for the officers and horses in March and now continues to spend regular time at their facility teaching and training.