Lauren Kieffer riding Veronica leads the CCI3* division following the opening phase of dressage at Bromont. Photos by Cealy Tetley.
Bromont, Quebec – Lauren Kieffer and Phillip Dutton are the early leaders following the first phase of competition at the 2013 Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, running June 6 to 9 at the Bromont Olympic Horse Park in Bromont, Quebec.
The Olympic equestrian discipline of Three Day Eventing is often referred to as the triathlon of equestrian sport, with the phases of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping taking place over three consecutive days. The opening phase of dressage is now complete at the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, and riders are preparing for Saturday’s cross-country phase, followed by the third and final phase of show jumping on Sunday.
Leading the CCI3* division after dressage is Lauren Kieffer of the United States. Kieffer, of Middleburg, VA, rode Team Rebecca’s Veronica to the top of a 22-horse starting field with a dressage score of 44.6 penalties. Kieffer has a comfortable lead over second placed William Coleman III, a member of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team in London, who earned 50.2 penalties riding Obos O’Reilly.
“My horse was great with the atmosphere here and I’m really happy with her,” said Kieffer, who is impressed by the cross-country course she will face on Saturday. “This is my first time here and it’s beautiful. The course is big and bold, and the questions are right out there in front of you. There are lots of places for you to let your guard down and make a mistake.”
Phillip Dutton riding Ben leads the CIC3* after dressage
The CIC3* is a division held at the same level as the CCI3*, but on a shorter cross-country course with fewer jumping efforts. After dressage, Phillip Dutton of the United States leads the CIC3* after scoring 46.9 penalties for his test riding Ben, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding also owned by Team Rebecca.
“Ben is a smart mover and has a really good head,” said Dutton, a two-time Olympic team gold medalist. “He gets a bit more forward in the atmosphere of the competition, but he doesn’t get silly. I was pleased with the trot work, but I could definitely improve the canter work still more.”
Dutton expects the real test to come on Saturday with the cross-country phase. “There are some big fences and there is some technical stuff in there as well. There are lots of different factors here.”
Dutton, an Olympic team veteran of both his native Australia and the U.S., holds a narrow lead over Canada’s Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON, who is less than one point behind Dutton with 47.7 penalties. Phoenix is riding Pavarotti, her partner at the 2011 Pan American Games where she won individual gold and team silver medals for Canada.
American Sharon White leads the CCI2* division with Don Sheffield on a score of 49.8 penalties. Holding down second place is Canada’s Jordan McDonald with 50.2 penalties. McDonald, from Oakville, ON, is also fifth in the CCI2* division with Glencanto with 57.2 penalties.
In the CCI1* division, Jennifer Bazan of the United States leads with 44.3 penalties riding Allegretta while Waylon Roberts of Port Perry, ON, currently sits second on 45.7 penalties riding Yarrow.
The cross-country competition, the most exciting phase of the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, with the CCI1* division, followed by the CCI3*, CIC3*, and CCI2* divisions. American FEI 4*course designer Derek Di Grazia, Bromont’s resident course designer since 2009, will challenge competitors with courses of world class standards. The cross-country fences have again been constructed by Canadian course builder Jay Hambly.
Spectators attending the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event have the opportunity to watch some of North America’s finest equestrian athletes compete at the only annual three day event held at a former Olympic site. The Bromont Olympic Horse Park was the site of equestrian events at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. Over the past 27 years of its existence, the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event has become one of North America’s most prestigious three day events, and is the only competition of its kind in Canada sanctioned at the three star level by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
Volvo is the title sponsor of the Bromont Three Day Event for the second year. Bromont has also been included for a third year in the PRO Tour Series. The Professional Riders Organization (PRO) is a non-profit group of accomplished event riders dedicated to promoting the sport and advocating safety for horses and riders.
The Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, is made possible in part through a contribution from the Government of Canada. The organizing committee also wishes to thank the Gouvernement du Québec, Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, for their support of this year’s event.
For more information about the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, please visit the bilingual website, www.bromontcci.com. Live scoring will be available throughout the duration of the event.
Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439 www.startinggate.ca
Sharon White riding Don Sheffield leads the CCI2* division following the opening phase of dressage competition at Bromont. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
Bromont, Quebec – The 2013 Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, opened on Thursday, June 6, at the Bromont Olympic Horse Park in Bromont, Quebec, with the first of two days of dressage competition. The CCI2*, one of the four divisions running at Bromont sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), is the first to have completed the opening phase of dressage.
The Olympic equestrian discipline of Three Day Eventing is often referred to as the triathlon of equestrian sport, with the phases of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping taking place over three consecutive days.
Leading the CCI2* division after dressage is Sharon White of the United States riding Don Sheffield. White, of Summit Point, West Virginia, bested a starting field of 23 entries with a score of 49.8 penalties from the three-member panel of FEI judges. White’s was the only score under 50 in the division, which put her into first place ahead of Canada’s Jordan McDonald with 50.2 penalties. McDonald of Oakville, ON, is in second place with Prince Mayo, an eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding.
“My horse is strong in the dressage,” said White of Don Sheffield, a seven-year-old Warmblood gelding bred and owned by Wiley Grosvenor of Copper Fox Farm. “This is his first season at Intermediate level and Bromont is his first two star.”
White is looking forward to Saturday’s cross-country phase, where she hopes to maintain her lead. “I think the course and terrain here are amazing, and how it goes on Saturday will tell me a lot about my horse. As long as I don’t make it more complicated than it is, I think the course looks amazing. Bromont is always so beautiful.”
Bromont’s CCI1* division saw half of its 46 entries compete in the dressage phase on Thursday. Leading the division at the mid-way point is American Jennifer Bazan, who rode Allegretta to a score of 44.3 penalties.
In addition to the second half of the CCI1* dressage, Friday’s competition will include the dressage phase for the CCI3* and CIC3* divisions. Hoping to defend his 2012 title in the CCI3* is Jonathan Holling of Ocala, FL. The three star divisions have attracted a strong Canadian contingent, including the reigning Pan American Games Eventing individual gold medalist, Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON. Phoenix will compete in the CIC3* with her Pan Am Games mount, Pavarotti. Among the Canadians competing on Friday are Selena O’Hanlon of Kingston, ON, and Kyle Carter, a native of Calgary, AB, now residing in Florida, both of whom were members of Canada’s silver medalist team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2013, Bromont is widely considered one of North America’s most important three day events. It is the only competition of its kind in Canada, sanctioned at the three-star level by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Bromont is unique not only as a competition, but as a venue, located in some of eastern Canada’s most stunning countryside.
Derek Di Grazia of the United States, Bromont’s resident course designer since 2009, has again designed the tracks for Saturday’s exciting cross-country phase, the spectator highlight of Three Day Eventing. Di Grazia, an FEI 4* course designer, is assisted by Canadian course builder Jay Hambly.
Volvo is the title sponsor of the Bromont Three Day Event for the second year. Bromont has also been included for a third year in the PRO Tour Series. The Professional Riders Organization (PRO) is a non-profit group of accomplished event riders dedicated to promoting the sport and advocating safety for horses and riders.
The Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, is made possible in part through a contribution from the Government of Canada. The organizing committee also wishes to thank the Gouvernement du Québec, Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport, for their support of this year’s event.
For more information about the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, please visit the bilingual website, www.bromontcci.com. Live scoring will be available throughout the duration of the event.
Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439 www.startinggate.ca
Lexington, KY – The top young dressage horses on the east coast will demonstrate their talents this weekend at the VADA/NOVA Summer June Dressage Show which hosts the 2013 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Eastern Selection Trial. These five- and six-year-old horses will be vying for a spot to represent the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses in Verden, Germany in August, as well as a spot on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Short List. Combinations will need to score 8.2 or higher this weekend in Leesburg, Virginia to be eligible to represent the U.S. in Verden, while a score of 7.8 or higher earns a place on the Short List.
The Selection Trial begins Saturday, June 8, as both five- and six-year-olds will perform their respective FEI Preliminary Tests which account for 40% of the overall score. The remaining 60% of scores will be earned Sunday, June 9, in their respective FEI Final Tests.
In the five-year-old division, seven entries will be competing for top honors. Heather Blitz (Wellington, FL) will ride Oak Hill Ranch’s Danish Warmblood Ripline (Blue Hors Hotline x Riviera/Blue Hors Cavan), the top ranked horse on the five-year-old 2013 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com. The pair has been posting impressive scores and is eying a win in a competitive division. Silva Martin (Unionville, PA) will ride the second horse on the ranking list, Melinda Walton’s Hanoverian gelding Benefactor RRS (Bonheur x Heidekleid/Rubinstein I), as well as two other mounts: Camilla Van Liew’s Hanoverian Stallion Fortissimo B (ES Fabuleux x EM Romai/Rubinstein I) and Anne Laver and Windurra USA, LLC’s Dutch Warmblood gelding Di Solitaire (unknown breeding).
Two entries will go head-to-head in the six-year-old division. Alice Tarjan (Oldwick, NJ) will ride the top ranked horse on the six-year-old 2013 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com, her own Oldenburg mare Elfenfeuer (Florencio x Unknown/Sion). The Danish Warmblood gelding Leonardo (Solos Landtinus x Rambala/Rambo) will be ridden by owner Kim Gentry (Germantown, TN). The pair has had respectable performances and hopes to shine in Leesburg.
Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)
Allentown, NJ (June 4, 2013) – The Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association (ESDCTA) hosted their annual Memorial Weekend Dressage Show in Allentown, New Jersey amongst the wet, windy and wild spring weather. For Dr. Cesar Parra and the Piaffe Performance Team, it was definitely a show to remember. The team had many “firsts” including a first-time performance in a CDI event for Adult Amateur rider John McGinty, in which he took first place in the Prix St Georges. Also, Nadine Buberl took a first in First Level Test One. Then, to top it all, Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man claimed first prize in the CDI 3* Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 70.125%.
“I love riding close to home,” stated Parra about the show located near the Piaffe Performance New Jersey farm, “and I like to support this show because it is with our local club, ESDCTA. They put so much work into it, so we love supporting them.” Piaffe Performance team member John McGinty also appreciated the opportunity to ride in this well organized, FEI-level show. “There are so many people to thank,” McGinty said about the event, “especially the Management and Organizers for giving the Adult Amateurs this opportunity, and the volunteers who work so hard to help us and get very little thanks. Also, we’d like to thank the sponsors, including PanaCavallo, Performance Farms, and especially Debbie Witty of Trilogy Performance Saddlery. Without them, none of us would have the opportunity to ride in these important shows.” He added, “Having Amateurs competing in CDIs is not only for the good of our sport, but it also helps we Amateurs set higher goals for ourselves along the journey toward perfecting our riding.” McGinty continued, “For example, the highlight of this show for me was being invited into two awards ceremonies with all the other CDI riders. I felt proud of being a rider.”
McGinty and his 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Playboy, scored a 60.625% to claim first place in the Prix St. Georges, and also took a second place in the Intermediate I class with a 61.535%. He said these thrilling moments to remember in the winner’s circle wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the whole team. “Dr. Cesar Parra and Katie Riley never stop encouraging me to continue the journey of learning,” McGinty commented. “Laura Pradells, Playboy’s groom and caretaker, sends him into the ring looking like a star and helps me get organized, and the wonderful panel of judges work very hard to evaluate our rides and provide us with constructive criticism so we can improve our performances. I, being an FEI Jumper Judge and an R rated Hunter Judge, realize how seldom exhibitors express appreciation for the work a Judge does.”
A few more firsts at this show will be remembered as well by Piaffe Performance team member, Nadine Buberl. Riding the 5-year-old Oldenburg mare, Fiderhit OLD, she scored an amazing 79.600% in the FEI Young Horse Final 5-year-old class, and then topped out the First Level Test 1 class with a 76.034%. Parra described the experience: “We had a fun match up in the First Level Test 1 class on Sunday morning. I rode Fashion Designer, Nadine rode Fiderhit, and one of our wonderful New Jersey clients, Wendy Simons, rode her mare Josefina, and we finished one-two-three, with Nadine winning with more than 76%. That was fun!”
Parra also had fun on his 11-year-old KWPN gelding, Van The Man (Obelisk x Landjonker), when they took first place in the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a 70.125%. “I always love riding freestyles and enjoy what the music brings to the horse and to the movements,” he commented. “This was another step for us,” Parra continued. “I’ve said it before. I believe so much in the abilities and the quality of Van, and he continues to improve all of the time. We have not seen the best from this horse yet, not even close!”
Piaffe Performance team horses, Van The Man, Fiderhit OLD and Fashion Designer OLD, are all owned by Michael and Sarah Davis. “The Davis family is terrific. They were so supportive through the weekend, and I am very grateful,” said Parra, “Also, my sponsor Debbie Witty from Trilogy was there as a sponsor of the show as well. She is the best! And, I am so grateful for all of our friends and clients that came to cheer us on!”
Cesar Parra, DDS, MScD, operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, FL and Whitehouse Station, NJ and was born in Colombia, where he began riding cattle horses in the Andes Mountains of his grandparents’ farm. An international trainer and rider with more than 300 FEI wins to his credit, Dr. Parra has worked with the best in dressage, including Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck and Hubertus Schmidt. He also competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, 2005 Las Vegas Dressage World Cup, and 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games. Learn more at www.piaffe-performance.com.
A new horse came to the barn today. She is very young. I was in the arena with Jane when she arrived. She saw us practicing some upper level movements, and it embarrassed her. She told a friend of mine that she was ashamed that she didn’t know very much, and was afraid to talk to me since I obviously know a great deal.
That surprised me, and made me sad. She is young and hasn’t had much training. Why should she be shy about what she can or can’t do? I’ve been around awhile and have lots of experience. She’s just starting out. I don’t like it that she’s intimidated by me.
I heard Jane tell someone that you don’t have to be an advanced rider to be a really GOOD rider. Just be the best at what you’re doing now! My friends who are working at their training level foundations are just as hard working and dedicated as I am at Grand Prix. I’ve just been at it longer.
If you get a twinge of self-doubt when you meet someone who is more advanced than you, remember: they once were where you are now. There is no reason to be shy or embarrassed. Just do the best that you can do, right where you are at this moment. If you chose to grow and improve, give it your energy and do so. If you’re happy with what you’re doing and don’t want to move to the next level, acknowledge that fact and allow yourself to be satisfied.
I’m going to go ask that young mare if she’d like to play with me today. I’m going to do my best to let her know that she’s okay, just the way she is. If she’s open to it, perhaps I’ll show her something new. And perhaps she has new things to show me as well!
Who at your barn could use your kind support today?
Your friend, Moshi
From Indy:
I’m a water dog! When I’m not in the woods chasing lions and tigers and bears, I’m swimming in the creeks and ponds looking for sharks! I’ve never found any, but that’s okay. I just love to swim! I especially like it when Rhett throws sticks in the pond for me to retrieve. I am a Retriever, after all!
My friend Geoffrey doesn’t like the water as much as I do. It makes his hair so curly that he thinks he looks silly. But I don’t care if Geoffrey looks silly. I love him just the way he is. I don’t tease him about his curly hair because I know it hurts his feelings, and I never want Geoffrey to feel bad. He’s my friend, after all. I would never want to hurt my friend.
When you love someone, it doesn’t matter what they look like, smell like, whether they are rich or poor, or if they can swim as well as you. You just accept them for who and what they are. You see beyond the outside stuff, and feel them all warm and cozy in your heart.
Can you feel your friends in your heart? Close your eyes and notice. And remember what a gift it is to have friends in your life. Be kind to them. Remember that hurting them also hurts you. Think before you gossip or criticize. You’ll be happier in your own heart when you treat your friendships with trust and respect.
It’s hot today. Let’s get Geoffrey and go swimming! But don’t tease him about his curly hair, okay?
Petra Warlimont and Lorenzo in the Markel USEF/Young Horse 5-Year-Old Qualifier.
Parker, CO – June 2, 2013 – High Prairie Dressage III at the Colorado Horse Park held a series of Markel/USEF Young Horse Qualifying classes Sunday, part of a program using special dressage tests for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses to help scout out potential outstanding talent for future careers at the FEI level or participation in U.S. High Performance Teams.
A key component of the classes is personalized feedback from the judges. Immediately after the test, the judges discuss the test with the rider to help with training goals.
Ann Buchanan rode Sky Hit to win the Markel/USEF 4-Year-Old Qualifier. “He was really good,” she said. “There’s a lot going on in there and he really kept it together.” She said the judges liked his walk and thought he was very submissive, especially with all the activity at the show. She added that she specifically purchased the horse in order to participate in the Young Horse Qualifier and appreciated the feedback from the judges to help her continue her horse’s training. “I’m learning a lot,” she said.
Petra Warlimont rode Laurenzo for a first place finish and Diva MCF for the second-place spot in the Markel/USEF Young Horse 5-Year-Old Qualifier. She said Laurenzo was tired after two days of showing. “In the walk we wandered all over the place, but he’s super and this was his first horse show.”
Warlimont said the judges scored the horse favorably. “The general impression was an 8.2, so he’s in the Top 15,” she said. “With this stuff going on, I could feel him getting pretty tense in there, but he kept it together.”
Laurenzo’s breeder, Cindy Feirn, said she breeds Holsteiners on Colorado’s Western Slope and added she has another 4-year-old that will soon be trying to qualify in the Markel/USEF program.
Warlimont laughed, “I told her to make 10 more of those. He’s super!”
Warlimont also enjoyed her ride on Diva MCF and said the mare just keeps surprising her by getting better and better but is not quite ready for the big time. “She can’t really hold the collection in the trot but otherwise I’m really happy with where she is,” Warlimont explained.
She added that, although the judges really liked the mare’s canter, they thought her rhythm in the collected trot was inconsistent. “I’m happy with the score,” she said. “I didn’t even think she would be able to handle the test and she did really well.”
Allen Swafford and Fiderstep HW in the Markel/USEF Young Rider 5-Year-Old Qualifier
Allen Swafford and Fiderstep HW also participated in the Young Horse 5-Year-Old Qualifier and came away with third place. He said he received good feedback from the judges on the horse. “He’s super,” he said. “It’s his first test and his first horse show and we weren’t as expressive as we can be. We were trying to be conservative and just do a nice test and then next time we can go for expression.”
Swafford agreed with the other competitors that the feedback from the judges helps him plan a roadmap for his horse’s future training. “I love all the encouraging words,” he said. “They tell you all the things you need to work on and go forward with that. It’s very good.”
Today concluded a weekend of exciting dressage in a comfortably friendly atmosphere at an unparalleled facility, the Colorado Horse Park. High Prairie Dressage I, II and IIl offered a full range of classes for every level of competitor in a picturesque setting overlooking the Rocky Mountains.
The Colorado Horse Park High Prairie Dressage I, II & III Fast Facts
What:
High Prairie Dressage USEF Level 3 Show
Event Dates:
May 31 – June 2, 2013
Contact Information:
(until May 28, 2013) 818-841-3554
(May 29 – June 2, 2013) 303-841-3892
Tentative Schedule:
Friday – Sunday: Unofficial Times will be mailed to all exhibitors prior to the show, and will be available on www.cornerstonedressage.com. Official times will be posted every morning one hour before the first scheduled ride.
Helmet Reminder: Effective April 1, 2013, for dressage: Anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear.
Directions:
Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approximately three miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approximately four miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approximately four miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Coaches Kai Handt and Wes Dunham demonstrate working together with rider Sydney Collier and horse Wentworth. Photos by Lindsay McCall.
Lyman, Maine – June 2, 2013 – One term often used in reference to future medal winning U.S. high-performance equestrians is the word ‘development’. By further educating and integrating the athletes, judges, trainers, and supporters from all levels will help develop and evolve each discipline. The 2013 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium created the platform to accomplish this task. At the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine, internationally acclaimed trainers and judges stepped forward to conduct a weekend of Para-Dressage education. From May 29 – June 1, equestrians from Grade Ia – Grade IV received classroom training, lectures, video training, and live riding lessons. In addition to equestrian training there was the “Train the Trainer” program and “SmartPak Coaches Forum”. Subjects addressed at the symposium included training the coaches, teamwork, and building upon each athlete’s current skills. Expert leaders at the symposium were FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen of Holland, Gold medal Great Britain Paralympic coach Clive Milkins, international Dressage rider Catherine Haddad Staller, and former USEF High Performance Dressage Director Gil Merrick. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak for the first in a series of educational events across the United States.
For the past three years Hanneke Gerritsen has traveled to Lyman, Maine, as the original education leader. In 2013, Gerritsen was impressed with how far the event had come. She noted, “I think it was a great event, very well organized, and a pleasure for everyone involved. I was delighted to see how the athletes improved in only three to four days. In a short amount of time they understood what we like to see as judges and trainers. Riders’ skills ranged from beginners to advanced and the up and coming ones I saw were really doing well. Equestrians I saw in the past have come back and each one has improved. The discipline – it’s growing slowly. It’s so important to be together, ride together, and see each other in one venue and informational atmosphere. I am seeing things that we hoped for years ago and now find on an everyday basis.”
Gerritsen continued, “The Symposium is a very good concept especially for the future. It was nice to see beginners react to this event in a positive way. It’s important for riders see more and hear more whether they are new to the sport or veteran athletes.”
Derrick Perkins and Mabel
Derrick Perkins of Texas, who rides with U.S. Paralympic trainer Kai Handt, was one of the newer Para-Dressage athletes. He joked, “I have been getting flashbacks of boot camp. On a serious note, the weekend has been wonderful. A lot of little details can make a world of difference in my riding. I am excited to get home and back to work with Kai.”
Model, actress, and brand new Para-Dressage athlete Elle Wooley agreed: “I couldn’t have imagined the symposium being as beneficial as it was. It really helped my confidence. When I watch upper level able-bodied riders I get a little jealous, so being around Para-Equestrians who are incredible riders and other people with ailments almost evens the playing field. Everyone cheered for each other and was really encouraging over the weekend.”
When Wooley approached the ring for her session with Hanneke Gerritsen, Hanneke said Wooley looked elegant on the horse Clever, owned by Mary Jordan, and she noted that it was rare to see a match well suited for a rider so quickly. Wooley commented, “Hanneke was wonderful. She was really helpful with accuracy, working on advanced movements, and creating the total package.”
Wooley continued, “Catherine was also very helpful with teaching me a new way to hold the reins. I have trouble turning to the right because I don’t have enough motion in my body, so that was something Catherine gave me pointers to work with. Before the symposium, I did not let myself dream I could earn a spot on the team for the World Equestrian Games or Rio. Now with my confidence and competitive drive, I am aiming for it. I would love to thank Carlisle for putting on the symposium. It was an incredible opportunity and I couldn’t have imagined it going so well.”
Para-Dressage rider Holly Jacobson brought her new horse George to the 2013 Symposium. “This was a great opportunity to bring my new horse, test out what I have been feeling, and receive feedback from Para-Dressage professionals,” articulated Jacobson. “This was our first road trip together and I couldn’t be happier with how mellow and well-behaved George was. I want to commend Carlisle for bringing in all different angles of Para-Dressage and working to gather this collection of riders new and old across the country. The energy a rider feels from this symposium makes you believe you can do things you didn’t realize you could.”
Catherine Haddad Staller agreed: “It was very helpful to the riders that they had a variety of clinicians that could help them. They also got to watch each other which was important as a learning experience. It’s always great when you can get a group of people together with similar goals. Good riding is good riding whether you are doing it as a Para-Equestrian or an able-bodied rider. What’s really fascinating to me is that there are a lot of riders that attended the clinic that have to ride one handed. I have done a lot of one handed riding in my life and I see how beneficial it is to the horse and how much it teaches people about correct contact. Overall, it was a really good experience and eye opening to see all of these people with their determination and drive. It is most moving for me to see how much horses really affect our lives at every level and how people, who have lost a lot of their motor skills, can still communicate on an extremely fine and high level with the horse. It’s fascinating for me.”
Athlete and Grade IV rider, Mary Jordan, said, “The symposium was a really wonderful experience. Riding Sebastian at the symposium took nothing away from the training that I have had at Blue Hill Farm with my coach Jessica Ransehousen. It was a great experience to go to a new environment. I really got a lot out of it and learned some new techniques for my horse. I never thought I would get a chance to ride with Clive and that was a thrill. Trying to become supple is a ‘chicken before the egg’ thing. It was the first item both Clive and Catherine focused on with me. Catherine was amazing with the tools she gave me to improve Sebastian’s walk. He has a correct walk but not always the biggest walk. To go from over tracking to really over tracking felt amazing.”
Gil Merrick enjoyed working with each rider and learning more about the Para-Dressage sport. He explained, “I have learned so much about this sport and I recognize it is so different from able-bodied. I also felt the symposium allowed for all of the participants, friends, family, owners, auditors and the clinicians to be able to spend four days as a community all committed to education. I was pleased to see the camaraderie among the riders. I know the quest to make it as a high-performance rider is shared by all. Nowhere did I hear the attitude that there was a long way to go. What I heard was, ‘Here is where we are and here’s the plan on how we are going to get to our next point.’ There is so much room for growth within the U.S. in this country and through the Para-Equestrian movement.”
Coach Kai Handt from the North Texas Equestrian Center addressed the need for growth: “I think it’s great that we had Clive Milkins here in the United States. He’s the number one coach in the world for Grades Ia and Ib. We learned a lot from him, he had good ideas, and he knows what he is doing; Clive is awesome. I think we have a lot of very good riders in the US but they need to be in a planned environment for competition. I feel riders need to have a two-staged system including national riders with a national championship and international riders. This would get more people involved and create a broader base to choose from. In Europe the Para-Equestrians begin from their first riding lesson at a young age. They know straightness and precision first before they are allowed to move beyond that. We really need to grow the Para-Dressage discipline domestically and from the young potential equestrians.”
The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to thank all of the trainers, judges, athletes, auditors, sponsors, horse owners, and equestrian enthusiasts for being involved in the 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium. President of the USPEA Hope Hand expressed, “On behalf of our organization we would like to thank USEF and SmartPak for partnering on this educational event. We would also like to express our gratitude to Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports. Extreme thanks go to Sarah Armentrout, the staff at Carlisle Academy, and everyone else involved within the symposium. We look forward to future collaborations.”
For more information on the symposium contact Carlisle’s Training & Leadership Program Director Joyce Brown at jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com at 207.985.0374. Questions can also be directed to USPEA President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org.
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.
Shannon Dahmer and Rock On extend during the FEI Freestyle Test of Choice at the Colorado Horse Park’s High Prairie Dressage II.
Parker, CO – June 1, 2013 – Shannon Dahmer rocked it with Rock On in the FEI Freestyle Test of Choice to score a 68.000% in today’s High Prairie Dressage II at the Colorado Horse Park. The pair could swing “Dancing with the Stars” with their Grand Prix Freestyle featuring double pirouettes and spot-on one-tempis to “Eye of the Tiger” and other music from the iconic movie, “Rocky.”
Dahmer said the freestyle score was chosen because Rock On’s barn name is Rocky, but more germane to the Rocky theme woven throughout today’s winning freestyle is the 16-year-old Oldenburg’s history as a fighter who beat the odds to triumph in the dressage arena.
In 2009, Rocky nearly died from founder. Dahmer and Rocky’s owner, Mary Allyn, were the ones who brought the gelding back to health to help him claim his heavyweight crown. “Isn’t that amazing that he’s doing the Grand Prix?” Allyn asked. “It was a labor of love and he’s such a special horse. It’s amazing to get a horse to Grand Prix anyway and especially one who foundered. He’s special.”
Dahmer agreed. “This is his second year doing Grand Prix and this is kind of a big deal.” The pair placed fifth with a 65.875% in the Grand Prix Freestyle in the CDI3* in San Juan Capistrano, CA, in March and, just last week, they competed in the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special in Del Mar, CA.
“Shannon has obviously done an amazing job,” Allyn said of Rocky’s rider. “She’s the one who brought him to Grand Prix.”
Dahmer is one proud trainer whose fondness for the knock-out horse is obvious. “He’s rideable now,” she beamed.
Another horse and rider pair who rocked the freestyle was Jane Ann Lake and Tecolate who scored a 63.333% in the USDF Freestyle Test of Choice at second level.
“I was happy with him but he was a little tense,” Lake said. “This was his first class of the show season and it’s kind of cold and it’s kind of windy, so he just got a little amped up.”
She continued, “You do your best and that’s all you can ask for. So, hopefully, by this afternoon for his second class, he’ll be much calmer.” The pair earned a 63.05% in the Second Level Test 3 – Masters’ class later in the day.
Another exciting series of classes at High Prairie Dressage included the $750-plus add back Rising Star Challenge offered for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses. Frederick Magazzeni rode two horses in the Rising Star Training Level Test 2 class, Rheiney Day Woman and Razz Ma Tazz. Shannon Dahmer and The King of Rock N’Roll took the blue with a 69.643% while Magazzeni scored a 68.036% with Rheiney Day Woman to secure second place and a 65.179% with Razz Ma Tazz to take the third slot in the class.
Magazzeni said Rheiney Day Woman, a 4-year-old mare, competed in only the second test of her career in the class. “She’s been wonderful and very quiet,” he said. “She seems to have just been born with an understanding that she’s here to be a show horse.”
More exciting dressage action continues tomorrow with High Prairie Dressage III and includes Markel USEF Young Horse Qualifying classes as well as a full cadre of USDF classes.
The Colorado Horse Park High Prairie Dressage I, II & III Fast Facts
What:
High Prairie Dressage USEF Level 3 Show
Event Dates:
May 31 – June 2, 2013
Contact Information:
(until May 28, 2013) 818-841-3554
(May 29 – June 2, 2013) 303-841-3892
Tentative Schedule:
Friday – Sunday: Unofficial Times will be mailed to all exhibitors prior to the show, and will be available on www.cornerstonedressage.com. Official times will be posted every morning one hour before the first scheduled ride.
Helmet Reminder: Effective April 1, 2013, for dressage: Anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear.
Directions:
Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approximately three miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approximately four miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approximately four miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Parker, CO – May 31, 2013 – Nicole Glusenkamp and Eeltsje F, a Friesian stallion owned by Paula Marsh of Wyning Edge Friesians in Boerne, Texas, claimed the win in the Grand Prix Open with a 65.904% in the first day of dressage at the High Prairie Dressage I, II, and III at the Colorado Horse Park (CHP) in Parker, CO.
Glusenkamp, a hometown trainer based in Parker, has had the ride on the Friesian for eight years. She said Eeltsje F was a bit tired from breeding last week, but the horse was steady, even in the blustery winds on Friday at the Horse Park. “It’s not a problem for me, because my horse doesn’t care,” she explained. “Nothing bothers him. I haven’t met anything that bothers him yet.”
She added that she enjoys coming to the Colorado Horse Park where the facilities are top-notch. “You know they always do a great job,” she said. She was particularly impressed with the new GGT-Footing the Horse Park installed. “It’s really nice,” she said. “The horses like it!”
Glusenkamp and Eeltsje F performed a solid test with smooth tempi changes and transitions. Taking second place in the Grand Prix Open behind Glusenkamp was Shannon Dahmer on Rock On with a 65.479%.
Dressage newcomer Andrea Caudill from Amarillo, Texas, had reason to celebrate on her own Haidaseeker Playboy, who scored a 57.632% to take third in the Prix St. Georges – Amateur/Junior/Young Rider class. “It was our first try at Prix St. Georges,” she said. “He is an American Quarter Horse and this is my first dressage horse!”
The horse is a money-earner and winner in reined cow horse, they show in the Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association in the Texas Panhandle and they entered the Reined Cow Horse World Show in January. Although she and Haidaseeker Playboy, whom she calls “Matt,” currently compete in boxing, a cutting discipline within reined cow horse, as well as reining and endurance racing, she decided she wanted to tackle a new challenge – dressage.
“Some friends of mine were doing it and we decided to try it and we’ve been climbing the levels,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun! I’d never even ridden a dressage horse before. And we just keep moving up. He just started doing piaffe and passage last fall.”
Although she trains Matt herself, her dressage instructor, Michelle Just-Williams of Ocala, Florida, gives her pointers via Skype. Caudill live-streams her lessons over the computer and Just-Williams coaches her student on a screen. Caudill started at first level when Just-Williams began instructing her and they are now at Prix St. Georges. “She has taught us how to do this over the phone. So, where there’s a will there’s a way. ”
“That’s why I got a Quarter Horse!” she said. “If you want to do it all…” She is a walking advertisement for the breed and said the Quarter Horse is the perfect partner for any discipline – including dressage.
The action continues at the Colorado Horse Park with Dressage at High Prairie II and III on Saturday and Sunday.
The Colorado Horse Park High Prairie Dressage I, II & III Fast Facts
What:
High Prairie Dressage USEF Level 3 Show
Event Dates:
May 31 – June 2, 2013
Contact Information:
(until May 28, 2013) 818-841-3554
(May 29 – June 2, 2013) 303-841-3892
Tentative Schedule:
Friday – Sunday: Unofficial Times will be mailed to all exhibitors prior to the show, and will be available on www.cornerstonedressage.com. Official times will be posted every morning one hour before the first scheduled ride.
Helmet Reminder: Effective April 1, 2013, for dressage: Anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear.
Directions:
Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approximately three miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approximately four miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approximately four miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Julie Wolfert and Buenos Dias in Day 1 of the CCI*.
Parker, CO – May 31, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park’s CCI*, Training Three-Day, and Horse Trials kicked off with a full day of dressage competition on Friday. Julie Wolfert and Buenos Dias came out strong on the first day of the CCI*, earning a score of 44 penalties to take a convincing lead going into cross-country. Sydney Conley Elliott and SaffariO notched a score of 48.6 to sit in second place.
Elliott, who was competing SaffariO in his first CCI event, was happy with her horse’s effort. “My ride was actually pretty good for my young, one-star horse,” she said. “He was pretty rideable. Usually, he’ll go in and get a little bit of stage fright and get behind my leg, and then he’s just not workable. I was pleased to see something in the 40s because he’s got it; it’s just if he’ll let me ride it in there, and he was very good.”
Elliott noted that the highlights of her test were the entrance and the trot work. “He gave a good entry and his presence was good going down centerline,” she said. “The trot work was really good this time. The canter work still needs improvement and in the walk he is so lazy. He was just like, ‘Oh, I’m done.’ So that I’m definitely going to have to improve, but the trot work was great. He was a good boy.”
Elliott will be trying to catch up with Wolfert, who is also in with a good chance in another major division, Open Intermediate. Wolfert and Buenos Aires are sitting in second on a score of 35.40. But another Julie, Julie Norman on Consensus, edged her out in the dressage phase to take the early lead with 32.60. Norman said she was aiming to keep Consensus moving forward throughout the test.
Sydney Conley Elliott and SaffariO are in second place in the CCI* after the dressage phase
“I had a great ride this morning,” Norman said. “He was very obedient and he was nice and forward. Sometimes he likes to get behind my leg so my goal today was just to go in and go forward. He really stepped up to the plate with me and I was really pleased with him.”
Norman said the best part of her test was the medium trot. “He’s got a big fancy trot and it’s kind of fun because I can go in there and show him off a little bit,” she explained. “We’ve been really working on his simple changes and I was really pleased with his changes. It was a little unfortunate in our walk – I felt him suck behind my leg a little bit in the turn, so I gave him a little leg and he was like, ‘Canter?’ So then he was a bit tense in the walk which hurt our score a little bit, but, for the most part, I was really pleased with him.”
In the Training Three-Day, Summer Peterson and Jake the Fish scored 36.10 for a narrow lead over Arden Stephen and All That Matters. Katie Cummings and Forstino earned 29.60 to sit in first in the Open Preliminary division, while Nicole Musmanno and Cobblehill JHN Imogen topped the Open Training leaderboard with 22.70. The Training Horse leader after dressage was Christina Henriksen with Princess Pavan, who scored 26.80 penalties, while Ella Algermissen and Balius’ 25.50 penalties secured them the early lead in the Training Rider division.
The Colorado Horse Park’s challenging cross-country course will test horses and riders as they move into the second day of competition and strive to go clear and fast. Riders in all divisions, from Beginner Novice up to Open Intermediate and the CCI*, will be faced with a variety of obstacles appropriate to their level, including three water complexes. Cross-country rides begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Open Training division.
The Colorado Horse Park High Prairie Dressage I, II & III Fast Facts
What:
High Prairie Dressage USEF Level 3 Show
Event Dates:
May 31 – June 2, 2013
Contact Information:
(until May 28, 2013) 818-841-3554
(May 29 – June 2, 2013) 303-841-3892
Tentative Schedule:
Friday – Sunday: Unofficial Times will be mailed to all exhibitors prior to the show, and will be available on www.cornerstonedressage.com. Official times will be posted every morning one hour before the first scheduled ride.
Helmet Reminder: Effective April 1, 2013, for dressage: Anyone mounted on a horse must wear protective headgear.
Directions:
Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approximately three miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approximately four miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approximately four miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Mary Adelaide Brakenridge and Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
