Category Archives: USEF

Dressage, USEF, USEF

Vitalis & Wakeup Earn National Titles to Close Out Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

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Vitalis (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, IL – The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com came to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday with two newly minted National Champions. Top Six-Year-Olds and Developing Prix St. Georges horses put their best efforts forward in Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena in front of the judging panel of Lilo Fore, Anne Gribbons and Sandy Osborne. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Six-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com Vitalis earned his first U.S. National Title while Wakeup stormed to top honors in the Markel/USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

Six-Year-Old Championship

Six-Year-Old competition kicked off the day at the Lamplight Equestrian Center as 12 up-and-coming horses showcased their talents in the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test to earn the remaining 60% of their overall score.

Skagen Holdings’ Vitalis (Vivaldi x Tolivia/Donnerschwee) continued to impress to win the Six-Year-Old Championship by a healthy margin. Ridden by Charlotte Jorst (Reno, NV), the KWPN demonstrated athletic, expressive gaits; including the trot for which he was awarded a perfect 10, he also received a 7.5 for the walk and a nearly perfect 9.8 for the canter. Additionally, the judging panel rated his submission and general impression highly, giving 9.0 and 9.3, respectively.

The stallion received 9.120 on Saturday and finished on an overall score of 9.152.

“I’ve just loved it here throughout the week,” said Jorst. “Today I was focusing on me; I had a great ride on Friday, so I didn’t want to change a lot.”

Jorst and Vitalis represented the U.S. two weeks ago in Verden, Germany at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses. Jorst believes that the Young Horse competitions and championships are very important to helping the development of the sport.

“I think you put a stick in the ground and you train forward from that, you know where to focus and what to do,” said Jorst. “The exposure is really important.”

Earning Reserve Champion honors were Jane Karol (Concord, MA) and her own Sunshine Tour (Sir Donnerhall x History/Alabaster) on a championship total of 8.028. The Oldenburg mare was regarded highly for her trot and canter earning 9.5 and 8.3, respectively. However, their overall score was held back after being assessed a 6.6 for the walk. They earned a score of 8.180 on Saturday after receiving 8.2 and 8.3 for submission and general impression.

“I felt I wanted to go for it, but not too much,” said Karol and felt that Sunshine Tour improved on Sunday. “I felt like I had more suppleness and she was more through the back.”

Caliente DG (Oo Seven x Satina/Contango) earned third place and was the Highest Place U.S. Bred award winner on an overall score of 7.940. Ridden by Craig Stanley (Madera, CA) Brenda Linman’s KWPN mare received a score of 8.180 on Sunday. She received 7.8, 7.6, and 8.7 for the trot, walk and, canter as well as 8.3 and 8.5 for submission and general impression.

Caliente DG is a credit not only to her breeders, owners and training she has received but also the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program, having participated in the Four-, Five-, and Six-Year-Old Championships.

Developing Prix St. Georges

The 2013 Championships came to close Sunday afternoon, with 13 Developing Prix St. Georges horses performing the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test. Sunday’s Championship Class was worth the remaining 60% of the overall score.

Wakeup (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Wakeup (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Last year, Wakeup (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal/Macho) was the Reserve Champion in the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges and in 2013 the eight-year-old American Warmblood gelding went one better. In Friday’s Qualifying Class the stallion and owner/rider Emily Wagner (LaCygne, KS) led the field with a polished performance. On Sunday, they topped their previous performance with an expressive and near flawless effort to score 76.520%.

“On Friday, I had a little bobble in the walk and I didn’t have that today,” said Wagner. “I was also bolder in the extended canter and was able to show a good difference coming back. I think showing those differences really helps with the scores.”

They finished on a championship score of 75.298%.

Wakeup has come through the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program competing at the Four, Five- and Six-Year-Old Championships and was also the winner in his six-year-old. Wagner believes that coming through the program was extremely helpful in gaining her second National Title.

“It’s a roadmap; it’s a good checkpoint and shows you’re going the right way,” said Wagner of the importance of the program. “I think coming to these big shows as a four-, five-, and six-year-old is really helpful. It definitely helped him and I could come here and really ride him.”

Jorst returned to the Championship Arena later in the afternoon to claim the Reserve Championship with Skagen Holdings’ Adventure (Special D x Sunette S/Mandrain) on an overall score of 70.859%. The pair improved upon their performance on Friday to score 71.520% in the Championship Class.

“I think he went great, especially because I didn’t ride him the whole month in Europe,” said Jorst. “I was thrilled he was so good. He tried his heart out and I was thrilled to get everything. He was amazing.”

Silva Martin (Unionville, PA) and Rosa Cha W Syndicate’s nine-year-old Warmblood mare Rosa Cha W finished in third place on an overall score of 69.724%. They scored 69.804% on Sunday.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(zdt2hk55gccd1aiflg5fmk45)/ClassList.aspx?sh=1484&st=1.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Dressage, USEF

Zandor, Fashion Designer O.L.D. and Rebellienne HVH Earn National Titles

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Zandor (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, IL – The first three of five 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com National Titles were awarded Saturday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, in Developing Grand Prix and Four and Five-Year-Old divisions. All competitors rode in front of the star-studded panel of Lilo Fore, Anne Gribbons and Sandy Osborne. In the Markel/USEF Developing Grand Prix Horse Dressage National Championship presented by HorseShow.com, Zandor earned his first National Championship. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Five-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Fashion Designer OLD impressed the crowds and judges to head the field. The day came to a conclusion with Rebellienne HVH earning top honors in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Four-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

Developing Grand Prix

The field of six Developing Grand Prix horses returned to Lamplight’s Championship Arena to earn the remaining 60% of their championship score by performing USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test. They carried forward the score from Thursday’s FEI Intermediaire II Test which composed the first 40% of their score.

Laura Wharton-Mero (Woodstock, GA) and her own Zandor (Florencio x Nancy BS/Amulet) were the winners of Thursday’s Qualifying Class and returned to the Championship Arena looking to earn the National Championship. The nine-year-old KWPN gelding once again demonstrated his aptitude for the Grand Prix movements to finish third in the Championship Class on a score of 66.542% to finish on an overall total of 66.715%.

“Zandor had a nice ride Thursday; he was a little tight at the beginning but got better,” said Wharton-Mero of the expressive gelding. “Today he stayed very consistent; there were a couple bobbles but he stayed consistent.”

Zandor has been a part of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program since he was a four-year-old and competed in last year’s Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Championship. His win this weekend is not only a testament to the program but also the Wharton-Mero’s training.

“I’ve come through this program; this horse has been doing this since his four-year-old year,” said Wharton-Mero. “It’s a wonderful feeling to win.”

Reserve Champion honors went to Kathy Priest (Versailles, KY) and her own 10-year-old KWPN Wild Dancer (Florett AS x Reality B). The impressive mare improved upon her performance on Thursday to best the field in the Championship Class with a score of 66.708%.

“I’m happy with my girl; she stayed pretty consistent,” said Priest. “I’m happy she hit her one-tempis and the passage piaffe tour is improving. I’m thrilled.”

They finished on a championship score of 66.253%.

Katie Riley (White House Station, NJ) and her own nine-year-old KWPN stallion Zanzibar (Consul x Juventafee/Farmer) secured third place honors with a championship total of 66.090%. On Saturday they cruised to 66.583% to earn second place in the Championship Class as well as the Highest Place U.S. Bred award.

Five-Year-Old Championship

Thirteen entries contested the Five-Year-Old Championship, for which the first 40% of their score was earned in the FEI Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test on Thursday. With the remaining 60% awarded in the Championship Class on Saturday, where combinations performed the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test.

Fashion Designer O.L.D. (Carolyn Bunch Photography)
Fashion Designer O.L.D. (Carolyn Bunch Photography)

Nadine Burberl (White House Station, NJ) entered the Championship Arena with Michael Davis’ Fashion Designer O.L.D. (Faustinus x Forst-Design/De Niro) knowing that with a strong performance she could claim her first National Title. She did just that scoring 9.060 in the Championship Class to finish on an overall total of 9.012.

Burberl, who is originally from Germany but has been based with Cesar Parra for four years, was impressed with the Oldenburg gelding on both Thursday and Saturday.

“Both rides went amazing; on Thursday we had some work to do and worked on that on Friday,” said Burberl who believes that training a young horse takes time and patience. “It’s not just three weeks; it’s done throughout the year.”

Fashion Designer O.L.D. impressed the judging panel on Saturday with his fabulous gaits including his trot for which he was rewarded a 10, the gelding also received 9.0 for the walk and 8.5 for his canter. Additionally, he received high marks for submission and general impression; 8.5 and 9.3, respectively.

“It’s just amazing; I have goose-bumps every circle, every canter stride,” said Burberl, “and the trot is just amazing.”

Thursday’s winner, DG Dancing Queen (Jazz x Princes Lincom/Junior) and Ashlyn De Groot (Hanford, GA), earned Reserve Champion honors after scoring 8.860 in the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test; they finished on a championship score of 8.916. DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN mare was awarded 9.2, 9.0, and 8.6 for the trot, walk and canter. A mistake in the simple change kept the talented mare from earning higher submission and general impression score; they were awarded 8.5 and 9.0 respectively.

“I’m just so excited; we all have our days. She’s just such a great horse and fun to work with,” said the 19-year-old De Groot who is a longtime participant in the Young Horse Program. “They (young horses) are fun to work with; you see them learning and progressing; it’s so rewarding.”

Burberl also collected third place honors with another Davis’ ride, Fiderhit O.L.D. (Fidertanz x Fleur/Sandro Hit), on a championship score of 8.620. The Oldenburg mare received 9.5, 9.0 and 8.2 for the trot, walk and canter. She also was awarded 7.8 for submission and 9.0 for general impression, to finish on a score of 8.700 in Saturday’s test.

Qredit Hilltop (Quaterback x Dream Rubina/ Dream of Glory) ridden by Chris Hickey (Colora, MD) was awarded the Highest Place U.S. Bred honor. The Oldenburg/Gov stallion finished in fourth place overall on a score of 8.480.

Four-Year-Old Championship

Saturday came to a close with 13 of the best horses from the 2009 foal crop completing the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses for a second time to earn the remaining 60% of their championship score.

Rebellienne HVH (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Rebellienne HVH (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Brandi Benedict (Lovettsville, VA) and High Valley Hanoverians’ Rebellienne HVH (Rotspon x EM Whitney/Welser) turned heads throughout the week to be named the Four-Year-Old Champion on a score of 8.760. The Hanoverian mare was the winner of Thursday’s Qualifying Class, in a performance made all the more impressive because they competed in the deluge of rain. He returned Saturday and was a little tired but nonetheless persevered to finish third in the Championship Class on a score of 8.720.

“Thursday went really well; it was our first test together; it was interesting in the pouring rain,” joked Benedict. “Today she was a lit bit more tired but still really tried.”

Rebellienne HVH and Benedict have only been partnered together for two weeks but nonetheless were able to earn top marks. On Saturday, the mare’s gaits were regarded highly scoring 8.8, 9.5, and 7.5 for the trot, walk, and canter respectively. Additionally, they received 9.0 for submission and 8.8 on general impression.

Benedict credits the mare’s great performance this week to her early training and breeding.

“All of her training really came through, as did her breeding. I really have to thank High Valley Hanoverians for giving me this opportunity.”

The pair also received the Highest Place U.S. Bred award.

Earning Reserve Champion honors was the KWPN gelding Encore (Jazz x Aloha SE/Sir Sinclair) with owner/rider Amy Miller on a score of 8.736.The pair were the second place finishers in both the Qualifying and Championship Class.

In an interesting twist, they tied with Benedict and Rebellienne HVH in Saturday’s class on a score of 8.720. Generally, when there is a tie it is broken by breeding nationality, but as both were U.S. Bred the tie remained in place. It was then turned to the judges to choose the winner, and it was determined that Encore would earn the red ribbon.

For his performance on Saturday, the gelding received 8.5, 8.5, and 8.8 for their trot, walk, and canter gaits, as well as 9.0 for submission and 8.8 for general impression.

“I got him at the end of his two-year-old year,” said Miller. “On Thursday, he scared himself a bit with the tractors in the other ring but got it back together. Today he tried so hard and you can’t ask for more than that.”

Anna Marek (Williston, FL) and AJ Stapleton’s Elain (Sir Oldenburg x Barliane/Santano) collected third-place honors on an overall score of 8.700. The KWPN gelding was the winner of the Championship class on a score of 8.780. They received scores of 8.8, 8.5, and 8.8 for the trot, walk and canter, in addition to 9.0 for submission and 8.8 for general impression.

The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com comes to a conclusion tomorrow with champions being crowned in Six-Year-Old and Developing Horse Prix St. Georges. The day begins at 8:35am CT with the Six-Year-Old division.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(zdt2hk55gccd1aiflg5fmk45)/ClassList.aspx?sh=1484&st=1.

Dressage, USEF, USEF

Vitalis & Wakeup Unbeatable on Day 2 of Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

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Vitalis (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, IL – The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com continued on Friday with the second and final day of Qualifying Classes. Promising Six-Year-Olds and Developing Prix St. Georges Horses showcased their talents in front of the judging panel of Janet Foy, Bill Warren and Linda Zang in Lamplight Equestrian Centers’ Championship Arena. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Six-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Vitalis impressed the judges as well as spectators to surge to the head of the field. While in the Markel/USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Wakeup posted the top score of the day.

Six-Year-Old Championship

Six-Year-Old competition got the day started in the Championship Arena, as 12 entries performed the FEI Six-Year-Old Preliminary Test. Friday’s scores will count for 40% of the total championship score.

Charlotte Jorst (Reno, NV) and Skagen Holdings’ Vitalis (Vivaldi x Tolivia/Donnerschwee) proved to be popular winners on Thursday morning. The KWPN stallion demonstrated outstanding, expressive gaits to earn a 9.7, 7.8 and 9.5 for their trot, walk, and canter.

Vitalis was not only rewarded for his movement but also his rideability and potential for the future. For his submission the stallion scored a perfect 10, for which Foy commented, “We could not have thought of anything to make it better.” The judging panel also awarded a mark of 9.0 for general impression.

Vitalis scored a 9.2 on Friday to lead the field heading into the Championship Class.

“Fantastic – I thought it was so much fun,” said Jorst of her winning ride.

Jorst and Vitalis represented the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses two weekends ago in Verden, Germany and made it a priority to contest these Championships. This is the first time Jorst has competed at this annual event and at Lamplight but is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“This is my first time to Chicago. I have always wanted to come here and I love it here. The flowers, the atmosphere, everything is great; I am so comfortable here.”

Earning second-place honors on Friday was Alice Tarjan (Oldwick, NJ) and her own Elfenfeuer (Florencio x Elfensonne/Sion) with a score of 7.940. The Oldenburg gelding was rewarded with an 8.5 for his trot with particular praise for the collected trot as well as an 8.6 for the canter. Tension in the walk resulted in a score of 5.9.

The talented gelding was rewarded with a 9.0 for submission after demonstrating suppleness and elasticity as well as a proficiency in the flying changes. They were awarded a general impression score of 7.7.

Riding to third place was Jane Karol (Concord, MA) and her own Sunshine Tour (Sir Donnerhall x History/Alabaster) with a score of 7.800. The Oldenburg mare scored 9.2, 7.3, and 7.2 for the trot, walk, and canter, respectively. She also received scores of 7.0 and 8.0 for submission and general impression.

The Six-Year-Old Championship comes to a conclusion on Sunday as competitors will earn the remaining 60% of their score in the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test.

Developing Prix St. Georges

The Developing Prix St. Georges Championship kicked off Friday afternoon with 14 entries completing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test for the first 40% of their championship score.

Wakeup was the Reserve Champion in the Developing Prix St. Georges Championship last year and has positioned himself to go one better in 2013. Ridden by his owner Emily Wagner (LaCygne, KS), the eight-year-old American Warmblood gelding presented a confident and polished effort to score 73.465%. Throughout the test, the talented gelding looked thoroughly confirmed in the Prix St. Georges movements.

“I really loved the flow of the movements,” said Wagner. “There were no hiccups; it felt super solid.”

Wakeup (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Wakeup (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wakeup is a graduate of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and earned top honors in the Six-Year-Old Championship in 2011. Wagner always enjoys coming back to these Championships as it proves to be a measuring stick of progress throughout the year as well as an opportunity to compete against the top horses in the country.

“It’s a good check-point, to come here and test yourself against the best in the country. I feel very at home here, the people know him and it’s always great to compete against the best of the best.”

Jorst continued her successful day on Friday by collecting second place in the Developing Prix St. Georges Championship with Skagen Holdings’ Adventure (Special D x Sunette S/Mandrain). The eight-year-old KWPN gelding earned a score of 69.868% for the FEI Prix St. Georges Test.

The talented gelding showed great potential for the future and earned high marks for his lateral work and pirouettes.

On Friday, third place went to Silva Martin (Unionville, PA) and the Rosa Cha W Syndicate’s nine-year-old Warmblood mare Rosa Cha W with a score of 69.605%.

The Developing Prix St. Georges Championships comes to a close Sunday afternoon. Entries will earn the final 60% of their score by performing the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test.

The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com continues on Saturday with the Championship Classes in the Four and Five-Year-Old divisions and the Developing Grand Prix. Competition gets underway in Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena at 9:15am CT with the Markel/USEF Developing Grand Prix Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(zdt2hk55gccd1aiflg5fmk45)/ClassList.aspx?sh=1484&st=1.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Dressage, USEF

Rebellienne HVH, DG Dancing Queen and Zandor Seize Early Leads

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DG Dancing Queen (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, IL – The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com kicked off Thursday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center under intermittently stormy skies. The first three of five divisions completed their Qualifying Classes in front of the judging panel comprised of Janet Foy, Bill Warren, and Linda Zang. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Four-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com Rebellienne, HVH holds the lead following day one. DG Dancing Queen has jumped out to the early lead in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Five-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com. Championship competition came to a conclusion Thursday afternoon with Zandor seizing the pole position in the Markel/USEF Developing Grand Prix Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

“At the beginning of this year, I thought we had a really talented and exciting group and I’m really pleased with how they have continued to develop. The quality here is great; I’m honestly blown away. I think you are really seeing horse that will come through the pipeline,” said USEF Young Horse Dressage Coach Scott Hassler. “You saw the same thing in the Developing Grand Prix. A couple of these horses came through the Young Horse Program. I am really excited about this group.”

Four-Year-Old Championship

The day got underway with four-year-old competition beneath grey skies, which opened up following the mid-morning break to soak the second half of the division in a deluge of rain. Despite the inclement weather, all 14 entries put their best efforts forward in the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses to earn the first 40% of their championship scores.

Brandi Benedict (Lovettsville, VA) and Rebellienne HVH (Rotspon x EM Whitney/Welser) entered the championship arena in some of the worst weather of the morning. However, the pair, which has only been together for two weeks, was undeterred by the pouring rain as it stormed to an overall score of 8.820 and an early lead. High Valley Hanoverians’ Hanoverian mare was rewarded for her impressive trot and walk gaits, scoring 9.5 and 9.0, respectively. They also earned 7.5 for the canter.

The mare also was praised highly for her submission and general impression, being rewarded with scores of 8.9 and 9.2.

Earning second-place honors on Thursday were Amy Miller (Fullerton CA) and her own KWPN gelding Encore (Jazz x Aloha SE/Sir Sinclair). The pair impressed the judging panel as the last entry before the break earning an overall 8.760. They earned 9.0, 8.5, and 8.8 for their trot, walk, and canter.

The gelding demonstrated maturity beyond his four years as he continued to settle after spooking while circling the arena. For his submission and overall impression, he earned 8.5 and 9.0.

Rounding out the top three are Anna Marek (Williston, FL) and AJ Stapleton’s Elain (Sir Oldenburg x Barliane/Santano) with a score of 8.58. The KWPN gelding earned 8.5, 8.5, and 8.6 for his trot, walk, and canter. He was rewarded for his rideability, scoring 8.5 for submission, and earned a mark of 8.8 for his overall impression.

The Four-Year-Old Championship comes to a conclusion on Saturday as entries again perform the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses to earn the final 60% of their overall championship scores.

Five-Year-Old Championship

Rain welcomed in the afternoon session and the first few entries of the Five-Year-Old Championship before the skies cleared for the remainder of the 2008 foal crop. The field of 13 earned the first 40% of their overall scores in the FEI Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test.

As the last combination in the championship arena, Ashlyn De Groot (Hanford, CA) and DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN mare DG Dancing Queen (Jazz x Princes Lincom/Junior) earned the best score of the division, 9.0, with a polished performance. The talented mare was rewarded for her impressive gaits that demonstrated great swing and athleticism, earning 9.7, 9.0, and 8.6 for the trot, walk, and canter, respectively.

The mare not only showed great potential for the future in her gaits, but also with her rideability and harmonious work, for which she was rewarded an 8.7 on submission. For her quality work Thursday afternoon, DG Dancing Queen earned an overall impression mark of 9.0.

Second place in the Five-Year-Old Qualifying class went to Nadine Burberl (White House Station, NJ) and Michael Davis’ Fashion Design O.L.D. (Faustinus x Forst-Design/De Niro). The Oldenburg gelding was also rewarded for quality gaits, earning scores of 9.7, 9.0, and 8.5 for the trot, walk, and canter.

The gelding earned a Qualifying Class score of 8.94 on Thursday after being rewarded with an 8.5 on submission and 9.0 for overall impression.

Third place went to Silva Martin (Unionville, PA) and Melinda Walton’s Hanoverian gelding Benefactor RRS (Bonheur x Heidekleid/Rubenstein I) with a score of 8.62. For the trot, walk, and canter, he received 9.5, 9.0, and 7.8. Additionally, they earned 8.3 for submission and earned an overall impression score of 8.5.

The Five-Year-Old entries return to the arena on Saturday for the Championship Class and the remaining 60% of their overall scores in the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test.

Developing Grand Prix

Thursday’s Championship competition came to a close under clear skies with a field of six performing the FEI Intermediaire II Test for the first 40% of the overall score.

Zandor (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Zandor (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Heading the field following the first of two days of competition is Laura Wharton-Mero (Woodstock, GA) and her own Zandor (Florencio x Nancy BS/Amulet). The nine-year-old KWPN gelding demonstrated a great amount of presence throughout the test to cruise to a score of 66.974%.

The talented gelding’s test was highlighted by an impressive canter tour including accurate pirouettes and clean changes. A break to the canter at the first trot extension held Zandor from achieving an even higher score.

Second place went to Kathy Priest (Versailles, KY) and her own gelding Wild Dancer (Florett AS x Reality B). The 10-year-old KWPN demonstrated a solid foundation in the Grand Prix movements and a particular aptitude for the one-and-two-time changes to score 65.570%.

Zanzibar (Consul x Juventafee/Farmer) was ridden to third place by Katie Riley (White House Station, NJ) as the final horse down centerline. Michael Davis’ nine-year-old KWPN stallion earned a score of 65.351% on Thursday.

The 2013 Champion will be crowned Saturday as the final 60% of the overall score will be earned in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(zdt2hk55gccd1aiflg5fmk45)/ClassList.aspx?sh=1484&st=1.

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, USEF

Talented Combinations Line Up for 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

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Michael Bragdell and Hemmingway (PhelpsPhoto.com)

Lexington, KY – The future of U.S. Dressage will be on display this week at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, as 59 of the most exciting rising stars go to task in the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com. National Titles will be up for grabs in four-, five-, and six-year-old divisions as well as at the Prix St. Georges and Grand Prix levels.

The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com will be held in conjunction with the Dressage At Lamplight August show, August 22-25. All horses will compete in a Qualifying Class which accounts for 40% of the overall score and a Championship Class which will determine the remaining 60%.

Young Horse Dressage Championships: Four-Year-Old Division

In the Four-Year-Old Division, 14 horse-and-rider combinations will kick off their championship competition with the Qualifying Class on Thursday. In their first class, entries will perform the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses. They will close out their championship on Saturday and once again ride the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses.

The combinations occupying the top two spots on the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com in the Four-Year-Old Division both head to Lamplight. Amy Miller (Fullerton, CA) has ridden her own KWPN gelding Encore (Jazz x Aloha SE/Sir Sinclair) to an overall average of 8.580. Occupying the second spot on the ranking list is High Valley Hanoverians’ Rebellienne HVH (Rotspon x EM Whitney/Welser). The Hanoverian mare has been piloted by Brandi Benedict (Lovettsville, VA) to an overall average of 8.410.

Young Horse Dressage Championships: Five-Year-Old Division

A field of 13 of the best from the 2008 foal crop line up for the 2013 Five-Year-Old Championship. Competition in this division gets underway on Thursday with the FEI Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test. They will return to the arena on Saturday for the Championship Class and display their talents in the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test.

Last year’s Four-Year-Old champion, Hemmingway (Hofrat x SPS Alsonara/Archipel), returns to Lamplight and again looks to secure a National Title. Theresa Schnell’s Oldenburg stallion will once again be ridden by Micahel Bragdell (Colora, MD).

Ashlyn DeGroot (Hanford, CA) brings the top two horses from the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com in the Five-Year-Old Division. DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN mare Dalina DG (Jazz x Satina/Contango) tops the Ranking List with an overall average of 8.440, while DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN mare DG Dancing Queen (Jazz x Princes Lincom/Junior) ranks in second place on an overall average of 8.140.

Charlotte Jorst and Vitalis (McCool Photography)
Charlotte Jorst and Vitalis (McCool Photography)

Young Horse Dressage Championships: Six-Year-Old Division

Twelve entries will go head-to-head in the Six-Year-Old Championship, which begins Friday with the Qualifying Class and the FEI Six-Year-Old Preliminary Test. Competition will come to a close on Sunday with the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test.

Headlining the Six-Year-Old Championship are Charlotte Jorst (Reno, NV) and Skagen Holdings’ KWPN stallion Vitalis (Vivaldi x Tolivia/Donnerschwee). The pair has recently returned from Verden, Germany, where they represented the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses. The pair also head to the Lamplight on top of the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com for Six-Year-Olds.

Last year’s Five-Year-Old Reserve Champion, Elfenfeuer (Florencio x Elfensonne/Sion), looks to go one better in 2013. Alice Tarjan (Oldwick, NJ) will ride her own Oldenburg gelding and hopes to showcase his progression over the last 12 months.

Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Championship

A talented group of 14 developing horses have traveled to Lamplight with their sights set on earning National Titles over the weekend. Competition kicks off Friday with all entries performing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. Championship competition comes to a close on Sunday with the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test.

Emily Wagner and Wake Up (Chuck Swan/Swan Studios LLC)
Emily Wagner and Wake Up (Chuck Swan/Swan Studios LLC)

Last year, Emily Wagner (La Cygne, KS) and her own Wake Up (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal/Macho) were the second place finishers in this championship and will look to claim the Championship Title in 2013. The eight-year-old American Warmblood gelding already has a National Title to his name; in 2011 he earned top honors in the Six-Year-Old Championship. The pair currently stands second on the 2013 Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com.

The top-ranked combination on the 2013 Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com will also head to Lamplight this weekend. Karen Lipp (Ball Ground, GA) has piloted Melody Jackson’s nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding Fortune and Fame (Florencio x Hauptstutbuch Rinette/Bonjour) to an average score of 73.971.

Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship

A small but mighty field of six will vie for National Title honors in the Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship set to begin with the Qualifying Class on Thursday. The Championship comes to a close on Saturday with Championship Class. On Thursday, competitors will complete the FEI Intermediaire II Test and on Saturday combinations perform the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test.

The top-ranked combination on the 2013 Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com, Zandor (Florencio x Nancy BS/Amulet) and Laura Wharton (Woodstock, GA), look to showcase his talent over the weekend. Owned and ridden by Wharton, the nine-year-old KWPN gelding has an overall average of 70.657. The pair was eighth in last year’s Prix St. Georges Championship.

The fifth-placed combination on the 2013 Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com also will be in Lamplight over the weekend. Holly Reimers’ 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion Sandomere (Sandro Hit x Romina DE/Ramiro’s Match DE) has earned an average of 66.063 throughout 2013.

To learn more about the 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com and find entry lists, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

Competitions, Dressage, USEF

Dawson and Frederick Score National Titles at USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals

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Alexander Dawson (www.yourhorses.ifp3.com)

Lexington, KY – Over the weekend, the Stanley Park Fairgrounds in Estes Park, Colorado, played host to 25 of the top junior dressage riders for the 2013 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals. Held in conjunction with the Paragon Dressage CDI, the annual championship hosted elite equitation competition in 13 & Under and 14-18 age divisions. In the 13 & Under division, Alexander Dawson topped the field of 13 to claim championship honors, while in 14-18 competition Mickayla Frederick earned her first National Title. All entries rode in front of the expert panel of Janine Malone, Joan Darnell, and Jane Weatherwax.

13 & Under

Dawson (Sturtevant, WI) traveled to Estes Park in hopes of capturing a National Title with his own Kynynmount Shenanigans. The 13-year-old excelled throughout the rail work and pattern, which called for sitting trot, to score an impressive 88%.

“It’s been a long goal of mine and I’m really happy to be here. All the people here are super great and really good riders, so I’m really honored,” said Dawson of his experience over the weekend.

From the moment that he entered the ring on Saturday, everything played out perfectly for Dawson and the 10-year-old Connemara Cross pony.

“I felt that it went really good; he put his best effort forward and that’s all we really could.”

Earning Reserve Championship honors with a score of 82% were Mackenzie Perez (Fort Worth, TX) and Lori Mosites’ 13-year-old Trakehner mare Eli Sheva.

Third place honors went to Asia Ondaatje Rupert (Greenwich, CT) and Julie Burt’s 14-year-old Hanoverian mare Genuine Gem with a score of 77%.

Mickayla Frederick
Mickayla Frederick

14-18 Division

In the 14-18 age group, Fredericks (Johnston, IA) scored a resounding victory after scoring 85% with Robert Susa’s and her own 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Wrainer Q.

Vanessa Barnes (Atlanta, GA) cruised to Reserve Champion honors after scoring 79% with Beth Villery’s 20-year-old Holsteiner gelding Legende.

Earning third place honors were Sophie Nasrullah (Louisville, CO) and her own 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding Deveryk with a score of 78%.

To find scores from the Paragon Dressage CDI, visit: http://2whitefeet.com/Scoring/Home.

To find out more information about the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals, click here.

Dressage, USEF, USEF

2013 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals Set to Begin

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Lexington, KY – The country’s top junior riders will head to Stanley Park Fairgrounds in Estes Park, CO to compete in the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals, held in conjunction with the Paragon Dressage CDI, August 15-18. Twenty-five riders from Connecticut to California will demonstrate their skills in hope of claiming a national title.

The USEF Dressage Seat Medal program celebrates excellence in equitation and strives to develop a solid foundation for future success in the international dressage arena. Youth wishing to qualify for the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals must compete at USDF/USEF Dressage Seat Medal Semi-Final held at Great American/USDF Regional Championships. Riders placing in the top two in the Semi-Finals are automatically invited to the Finals. Split into two groups based on age, riders compete in either the 13 & Under or 14-18 divisions.

In front of the judging panel of Janine Malone, Joan Darnell, and Jane Weatherwax, 13 riders will compete in the Medal Final class for the 13 & Under division on Saturday afternoon in the International Ring. On Sunday morning, 12 riders in the 14-18 division will ride in front of Janine Malone, Joan Darnell, and Jeanne McDonald in the International Ring hoping to earn the winning title.

To find out more information about the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals, click here.

Championships, Eventing/H.T., USEF, USEF

USEF National Eventing Championships Announced for Fall of 2013

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced dates and locations for the USEF National Eventing Championships to be held in the fall of 2013. A total of eight National Titles will be on the line as championship competition is held at three prestigious venues.

The USEF National Open Horse Trial Championship for the Jack Le Goff Trophy will be held September 26-29 in conjunction with the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships. Competitors will vie for the National Title at the Advanced level at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas.

The third week of October hosts the remainder of USEF National Eventing Championship competition as The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Festival in the Country will host the Two and Three Star Championships and the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge hosts the One Star Championship.

The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Festival in the Country will host many elite horse-and-rider combinations at the two and three star level, October 16-20, in Elkton, Maryland.

In the Three Star Championship, U.S. competitors will look to earn top honors in The Dutta Corp/USEF Three-Star Eventing National Championship and be awarded the Guy V. Henry Memorial Trophy. Also in this division, riders who have never completed a CCI4* will be eligible to earn the Alexander MacKay Smith Trophy, awarded to the winner of the USEF National Developing Rider Championships. Additionally, The Dutta Corp will provide equine shipping for this competitor to be used for an international competition as directed by the high performance committee.

The CCI2* features three opportunities for U.S. competitors to gain National Titles. The highest-placed U.S. competitor age 22 or over will be honored as the USEF National Two Star Champion and be awarded the USEF Combined Training Trophy. Additionally, the top placed U.S. competitor between 16 and 21 years old will earn the John H. Fritz Trophy as the winner of the USEF National Young Riders Championships. The final National Two Star Title will be awarded is the National Young Horse Championship; the top-placed U.S. owned six- or seven-year-old will earn the Jonathan R. Burton Trophy.

The USEF One Star Championships will also be held October 16-20 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, in conjunction with the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge. Competitors age 22 or over will vie for the Richard Collins Trophy in the USEF National One Star Championship. While riders between the ages of 14 and 21 looked to be crowned as the USEF National Junior and Young Rider Champion and earn the Harry T. Peters Trophy.

Championships, Competitions, USEF, Vaulting

Vaulters Are Gathered in Denver for USEF/AVA National Championships

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Mt. Eden Sun will return to defend their title in Denver (Lynne Owen/VaultingPhotos.com)

Denver, CO – Ten United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Vaulting Championships are up for grabs this week at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado. Team champions in the A, B, and C divisions will be determined, male and female individuals will compete for Bronze, Silver, and Gold division titles, and one pair will walk away Open Pas de Deux National Champions.

The vaulting begins on Thursday and continues through Sunday. First up will be the teams. C team compulsories will be held Thursday. The C team champion will be crowned on Friday after A and B team compulsories, and the C team freestyle. A and B team champions will be determined after freestyle tests on Saturday.

Last year’s A division team champions, Mt. Eden Sun, will be back to defend their title in Denver.

Individual tests also begin Thursday with the male and female Bronze compulsories. Silver and Gold division compulsory tests will be on Friday. Vaulters from all three divisions will perform freestyle tests on Saturday, and close out competition on Sunday.

Mary McCormick will be looking for a fourth straight National Championship this weekend (Lynne Owen/VaultingPhotos.com)
Mary McCormick will be looking for a fourth straight National Championship this weekend (Lynne Owen/VaultingPhotos.com)

Mary McCormick (Woodside, CA) will be looking for a fourth straight National Championship in the female Gold division, but will be facing tough competition from a field that has been shining nationally and internationally in 2013. Alicen Divita (Redwood City, CA), who earned a 6th place finish at CVIO3* Aachen this summer and won the 3* division at the Pacific Cup CVI, will be among them. So will Region 2 champion, and Divita’s Woodside Vaulters teammate, Emily Hogye (Ben Lomond, CA), who bested McCormick and Divita at those AVA Region 2 Championships in July.

In the male Gold division, Kristian Roberts (Half Moon Bay, CA) returns to defend his title. Roberts represented the U.S. at CVIO3* Aachen this year and finished on top of the 3* division at the Pacific Cup CVI. He will also face tough competition from a field that includes Gabe Aniello (Redwood City, CA), the only U.S. vaulter to ever qualify for the FEI World Cup Vaulting Final.

Pas de Deux competition begins on Saturday and finishes after a second round on Sunday.

With last year’s National Champions not competing in Denver, a new Pas de Deux champion will be determined this year. One pair to keep an eye on are sisters Kimberly and Cassidy Palmer (Half Moon Bay, CA), who earned a 4th place finish this year in Aachen.

For a full schedule of classes, click here.

On Thursday and Friday, USEF competition runs alongside the American Vaulting Association (AVA) National Championships and the National Festival. Approximately 300 vaulters and 75 horses will be in attendance representing vaulting clubs from all over the country.

By Andrew Minnick

For more about the National Western Complex, go to www.nationalwesterncomplex.com.

For more about the USEF/AVA National Championships, go to www.americanvaulting.org/Nationals2013/.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Vaulting Team here.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, USEF

US Teams Finish 1-2 at Wellington Dressage Nations Cup

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Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin (SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL – Ten teams of international dressage riders met on Friday for a chance to win the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm, America’s only CDIO3*. And though there was plenty of good competition, Team U.S.A. I (the U.S. was represented by two teams) was clearly the day’s best.

Total, seven horse/rider combinations earned scores of 70% or more. Three of them were on Team U.S.A. I. Leading the way were Kimberly Herslow and Kiroli Enterprises LLC’s Rosmarin. Their score of 72.079% was more than enough to win in the Prix St. Georges competition, and was the highest individual score of the day.

“It’s such a privilege to have a horse like Rosmarin,” said Herslow, “he gives me one-hundred and ten percent every time he goes into the ring and today was no exception. It was an honor to ride on this team and I’m so happy to have contributed.”

Team U.S.A. I also had contributions from Prix St. George pair Caroline Roffman and her own Her Highness O, and Grand Prix level riders Heather Blitz and Shelly Francis. Francis rode Patricia Stempel’s Doktor to a 70.213%, good for second place in the Grand Prix division, and Blitz rode her 2011 Pan American Games individual silver medalist Paragon to a 71.021%, good enough to win the Grand Prix competition.

“I’m very happy with how [Paragon] went today,” Blitz said after the competition was over, “it was one of my favorite tests, especially in the connection. He gets better in every test. He’s come a long way, but there’s still a lot left. [Today] was a great confidence builder and I’m excited to continue his training.”

Teams for the Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm were made up of three or four horses and riders, not more than two of which could be Grand Prix combinations. The top three scores from each team were counted toward the final total. For each Grand Prix score in that top three, an extra 3 percentage points were added to the final team score (this format is the proposed format for the Pan American Games, and Friday’s Nations Cup was used as a test of that format). With the two highest Grand Prix scores counting toward their final score, Team U.S.A. I finished with a total combined score of 219.313, far and away the best team score of the competition.

Not to be too overshadowed though was second place finisher Team U.S.A. II. The team of Prix St. George riders Christopher Hickey and Justin Hardin, and Grand Prix riders Susan Dutta and Cesar Parra earned a total score of 208.675. For a minute, it looked like third place team Canada I (Canada was also represented by two teams) might take the runner up position, but a clutch 69.043% from Parra and Van the Man secured a second place finish for Team U.S.A. II.

“It’s always a privilege to ride on a team,” said Parra, after securing the second place finish. “My horse had a fantastic day and I was very pleased with our test.”

Rounding out the top five were teams Europe (Lars Petersen, Mikala Munter Gundersen, Katarin Stumpf, and Kevin Kohmann) in fourth place, and Spain (Carlos Munoz, Juan Matute, Juan Matute Jr., and Paula Matute) in fifth place.

Competitors return to the ring Saturday for a chance at individual honors. The top finisher will be crowned by combining his/her scores from the Freestyle, performed Saturday, and Sunday’s test of either the FEI Intermediaire I or the FEI Grand Prix Special.

On demand video of every ride from the Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* is now available at USEFNetwork.com.

Links to individual scores can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/overlays/517.aspx.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

By Andrew Minnick