The International Dressage Academy (IDA Farm), a top choice for riders in the Wellington area, has reached the next stage in owner Harry Knopp’s plans for improvement. IDA Farm has revamped its online presence at www.idafarm.com.
Knopp is the relatively new owner of the 16-year-old IDA Farm, which was refurbished and expanded last year under his guidance. Despite the enhancements and additions to the renowned facility, Knopp is committed to maintaining its welcoming reputation and collaborative equestrian atmosphere.
At IDA Farm, dressage riders of all levels — from training-level adult amateurs to Grand Prix riders — and their fellow jumper riders can continue to improve their skills in the high-quality facility with superb arenas and amenities located just a few miles from the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds.
Knopp is confident that he can bring something new to the table. “Being an executive vice president of an industrial field service company in Chicago, I bring technology and business principles to the day-to-day operation of the farm to ensure that the visitors and clients have a long-lasting positive experience at IDA Farm,” he said.
Knopp purchased the facility with the intent of transforming the already prominent farm and creating a remarkable experience for all of its clients. One year later, the facility can boast two covered arenas, an outdoor arena, a jumping field, a TheraPlate, a Horse Gym USA Walk treadmill and many other state-of-the-art amenities.
With the newly transformed web site, IDA Farm is fully able to show off the revolutionary facility; guests can take a virtual tour of the unique and expansive grounds. “The web site was designed to feature the amenities at IDA’s training facility in video format, which gives the viewer a real sense of the feel and culture here at IDA Farm,” Knopp explained.
The site is powered by Afflux Studios in Wellington, a company with an extensive portfolio of web site, promotion and music video work, which produces streamlined multimedia with the implementation of videos.
Through the new web site, visitors can find a lineup of accomplished trainers based at IDA Farm. Knopp’s daughter, Lauren Knopp, a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, manages the facility and provides teaching and training services. She is joined by trainer and professional handler King Santacruz of Mexico, as well as skilled trainer Werner Van Den Brande of Belgium.
Central American Games gold medalist Patrick Burssens, with his daughter Monica, also provide training at IDA Farm. Grand Prix show jumper Manuel Lecuona, a member of multiple Mexican Nations Cup teams, offers training for jumper riders at IDA Farm. Recently joining the prestigious lineup is internationally acclaimed dressage rider Jaime Amian, who has studied under many dressage masters.
IDA Farm has also formed meaningful partnerships with some of the most prevalent companies in the equine circuit, including fence maker EquiSafe; Discount Dirtworks, whose all-weather German Geo Textile (GGT) Footing is used in the riding arenas; saddle-maker Custom Saddlery; and USEF partner TheraPlate.
Clients can complete a stall rental agreement and IDA Farm policy form at www.idafarm.com. Soon, a unique feature to be exclusively found on the IDA web site will arrive — the site will give clients the ability to reserve stalls. “It’s like booking a hotel or airline ticket,” Knopp said.
Clients will be able to book stalls for their horses for a long-term or short stay at IDA, and can customize their horses’ care.
The savvy new web site has something to interest any rider. Check it out at www.idafarm.com.
ABOVE: IDA Farm of Wellington’s newly redesigned web site allows visitors to take a virtual tour.
