Category Archives: Dressage

The Discipline of Riding Dressage

Talented American Combinations to Compete in Prestigious European CDIs This Summer

May 31, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Tina Konyot and Calecto V (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – In preparation for future success on the international stage, many of the top American dressage combinations have travelled overseas to hone their skills in Europe. Talented horse-and-rider pairs from throughout the U.S. will compete in many of the most prestigious European CDIs throughout the course of this summer.

“Dressage is a ‘Who Beats Whom, Where’ sport and this fact makes it imperative that our American athletes at all levels compete against the best in the world on their home turf,” said U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover. “Only by doing so may we consistently develop the depth of great combinations necessary to win at Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games, and international championships at all FEI divisions.”

Formidable U.S. combinations look to make a splash in The Netherlands and France this weekend, May 30 – June 2. Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) heads to The Netherlands to compete in the Arnhem CDI3* with Patricia Stempel’s talented pair of geldings. In Grand Prix competition she will ride the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Doktor, with whom she received a USEF Grant to compete in Europe, while she will compete the nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Danilo in Intermediaire I classes.

Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) will also compete this weekend at the Compeigne CDI3* in France. In Small Tour competition she will ride her own 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, Her Highness O.

Next weekend, June 6-9, the focus of U.S. dressage will be on Tina Konyot at the Achleiten CDI3* in Austria. Konyot (Palm City, FL) will utilize the USEF Grant she received in April to compete her 2012 Olympic Games partner, the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion Calecto V, in Grand Prix classes.

The next stop for the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team will be the prestigious CHIO Aachen, where top U.S. competitors will be go head-to-head with many of the best in the world in CDIO competition.

Learn more about the U.S. entries for CDIO Aachen here.

*Kathleen Raine and Breanna (SusanJStickle.com)*

David Blake, Kathleen Raine, and Guenter Seidel will start their European tour, as part of the group of 10 that received USEF Grants, in Grand Prix competition at the Lingen CDI4* in Germany, July 11-14. Blake (Encinitas, CA) will ride Melanie Pai’s 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Ikaros in Germany. Fellow Californian, Raine (Murrieta, CA) brings Jennifer Mason and David Wrightman’s 13-year-old Hanoverian mare Breanna to compete in Europe. Seidel (Cardiff, CA) will utilize his vast championship experience as he competes Coral Reef Ranch’s 13-year-old Westphalian mare Coral Reef Wylea at Lingen.

Fellow USEF Grant recipients Adrienne Lyle and Lisa Wilcox will travel to Europe to test themselves against the world’s best this fall. Lyle (Ketchum, ID) will bring her Olympic partner, Peggy Thomas’ 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding Wizard to Europe. While Wilcox returns to European competition with Horses Unlimited Inc.’s promising 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion Pikko Del Cerro HU.

To learn more about the USEF Grants which were made possible by the USET Foundation, click here.

Also representing the U.S. in Europe over the summer are Katharine Bateson-Chandler, Susie Dutta, Jennifer Hoffman, and Tuny Page. Bateson-Chandler (Wellington, FL) will ride Jane Clark’s 8-year-old KWPN gelding Alcazar in Small Tour competition. Dutta (Wellington, FL) will compete J. Tim Dutta’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Currency DC and nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lumberjack 12. Hoffman, who is based in Austria, will continue to compete her three Small Tour horses throughout Europe. They include the 14-year-old Westphalian gelding Farinelli, 10-year-old Westphalian stallion XXXL Rubinio NRW, and Maja Seifert’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding XXXL Ramon. Page (Wellington, FL) also brings two horses to Europe; her own 15-year-old Danish mare Alina and the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Woodstock.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Symposiums, Training/Clinics

2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium Motivates U.S. Riders

May 31, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Ben Harper and Maggie work with Catherine Haddad Staller. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

Lyman, Maine – May 30, 2013 – The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium kicked off on May 29th with a “Train the Trainer” program and “SmartPak Coaches Forum”. Trainers, riders, and auditors were enlightened on Para-Dressage topics including the use of compensating aids, the classification process, and collaborative coaching techniques. FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate Hanneke Gerritsen, National Classifier Tina Wentz, USPEA President Hope Hand, and Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director Gil Merrick discussed each of these topics in a formal atmosphere at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine. Riders then headed to the Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine for their first lessons with Clive Milkins. Clive Milkins coached the 2012 gold medal winning Great Britain Para-Dressage Team. On the following day, May 30th, equestrians put on their tall boots, stepped into their stirrups and participated in a demonstration ride with Hanneke Gerritsen and lessons with Clive Milkins and Catherine Haddad Staller. The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium is the first in a series of educational events across the United States. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak to make the symposium an educational package.

Throughout the day riders were treated to exceptional trainers present in the world of Dressage. United States Para-Dressage equestrians included current high-performances riders and horses in addition to a few green Para-Equestrians. Many riders did not bring their own horses due to logistics creating exciting opportunities for the rider. Clive Milkins enjoyed each aspect of the symposium weekend. He noted, “It’s fantastic to see a group of like-minded people all pulling together, in the vastness of this country, to help disabled riders become proper athletes and sportsman.”

When Clive Milkins received the phone call that he was requested in the U.S. a day before the European National Selection Trials, he was game.

“I was really excited,” expressed Milkins. “My main belief in life is to help anybody that thinks they want my help or my input. The experience I have gained over the last 20 years of doing well in Great Britain is invaluable. I will help anyone who wants help. Anybody that wants me and feels I can make a difference to their riding or their horses, I am there.”

After a full weekend of viewing the United States Para-Dressage riders, Clive Milkins was impressed. He stated, “Give yourself some more experience, work on the small items, especially what everyone is developing over the last few days. It will not be much longer until the U.S. sees another medal.”

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, is looking towards the next medal opportunity, which is the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. This symposium is inserted within the high-performance schedule to help benefit each rider. With the logistics involved, not every rider could transport their horses to Maine for the symposium.

Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI, brought her own horse Wentworth to the symposium. She commented, “It’s so valuable to get the trainers feedback with you and your own horses. When you borrow a horse, you are getting feedback on you and on a horse you may not have ever ridden before. It may not translate back to your own horses. I was excited to bring Wentworth this year. I like seeing what the other trainers feel about him and what they think we can do to improve our partnership. It is invaluable to be able to have both of us here at the same time.”

She continued, “It’s also crucial to have my very gracious coach Wes Dunham on the grounds to gain feedback from the symposium. I want to thank Wes, my parents, and Carlisle Academy for hosting this amazing event.”

Ben Harper of Virginia experienced this one of a kind educational event and was thrilled with the outcome. He explained, “This is a special event and a great team building symposium.”

Ben Harper is relatively new to the sport of Para-Dressage and found himself enjoying the opportunity to ride in front of the internationally acclaimed panel. For new riders like Harper, the experience of having trainers in one location beside educators, professionals, and fellow teammates is essential.

For veteran Para-Dressage, riders the ability to work on specific tasks and sharpen techniques could change the outcome at the next international competition.

The 2013 Para-Equestrian Dressage Symposium continues May 31 – June 1, 2013 with the accomplished trainer Catherine Haddad Staller, clinician Gil Merrick, and expert judge Hanneke Gerritsen.

Equestrians, trainers and coaches who have questions and who would like more information on the symposium can contact Carlisle’s Training & Leadership Program Director Joyce Brown at jbrown@carlisleacademymaine.com, or at 207.985.0374. Questions can also be directed to USPEA President Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org.

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Teach Your Horse to React to the Aid to Go Sideways, by Jane Savoie

May 30, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Teach your horse to be reactive to the sideways leg aid in the same way that you teach him to react to the forward driving aid. That is:

Give a light aid.
If he ignores you, make a correction.
Go back to what you were doing originally and RETEST with the same light aid.
If you get a 100% hot-off-the-leg reaction, praise.
If not, correct and retest again.

Now let’s teach your horse to react to the leg that’s behind the girth by doing the following:
Ask for a leg yield in the head-to-the-wall position where the front legs are in the track and the hindlegs come to the inside at about a 35-degree angle to the wall.

So let’s say you’re tracking to the left. Walk straight down the track. Counter-flex at the poll to the right.

Slide your right leg behind the girth to ask him to move sideways. Don’t push with it. Train him to go sideways more from the position of your leg as opposed to the pressure of your leg.

If he ignores you or doesn’t give you enough angle, tap him with the whip or bump with your leg in a way that makes him go sideways as opposed to forward. (That’s one of the reasons you do this exercise in the head-to-the-wall position. The “wall” helps prevent him from running forward. So does your left rein.)

Then RETEST!

Straighten him. Then slide your right leg back again. If he immediately moves his hindquarters sideways, praise him. If not, correct and retest.

If he just isn’t “getting it”, try using an opening right rein and give a very small squeeze with your right leg at the same time. As long as you keep his neck straight with your left rein, the action of the opening right rein (right hand brought directly to the right) will cause him to swing his hindquarters in. Then you can praise him.

Once he fully understands what you want, you can eliminate the need for the opening rein and active right leg and go back to the refined aid of asking him to go sideways from the position of the leg behind the girth.

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602
Jane’s Website
DressageMentor.com

Dressage

ESP and Wellington Classic Dressage Reach Agreement on Dates for the Future of Dressage in Wellington

May 29, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington, FL – May 29, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and Wellington Classic Dressage are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement on the structure of the Dressage calendar for 2014 and beyond and will submit this to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Working together with the USEF and the other CDI Dressage show organizers, including IHS Palm Beach and Gold Coast Dressage, a very balanced Winter Dressage circuit has been developed that reduces the overall number of CDIs in Palm Beach County, but creates a series that will be very attractive to international riders from all over the world.

The proposal is subject to approval by the USEF, but both organizations are confident that it is in line with recent discussions between all the parties.

The proposal will utilize the Adequan Global Dressage Festival venue (The Stadium) as the main base for the international events except for the iconic Palm Beach Derby CDI-W, while other shows would continue at the Loxahatchee venue or Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Noreen O’Sullivan, the Manager of Wellington Classic Dressage, stated, “I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached to work together and I know that the sport of Dressage can really grow and reach the level it deserves by utilizing the fantastic facilities at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.”

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of ESP, agreed: “I am delighted with the outcome; this is a great step forward and is proof that groups working together despite prior differences are much more powerful than continued opposition. We can now give Wellington a world-class circuit at a world-class venue and that is only to the benefit of both the Dressage and non-equestrian communities in our great Village.”

Michael Stone, President of ESP, stressed that the agreement was subject to USEF approval, but following recent meetings with the USEF and the various CDI organizers, he stated, “I am confident that our proposal will be well received and is in the best interest of the sport. However, out of respect to the decision-making process of the USEF, the full details of the proposal cannot be released until we have received the formal approval.”

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Para-Dressage Symposium Brings Forward Notable Dressage Trainers

May 29, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Catherine Haddad Staller with Hotmail speaking to the Para-Equestrians about proper saddle placement and correct body position. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall.

Trainers include Catherine Haddad Staller, Clive Milkins, Hanneke Gerritsen, and Gil Merrick

Lyman, Maine – May 29, 2013 – The 2013 National Para-Dressage Training Symposium, hosted by Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in Lyman, Maine, will feature many top trainers, clinicians, and experts in the equestrian discipline. Scheduled May 29 – June 1, the weekend will include a Train the Trainer program with the “SmartPak Coaches Forum” and a riding symposium for Para-Dressage riders from Grade Ia – Grade IV. The unique aspect of the weekend is the ability to have world-renowned trainers under one roof for four days. Four of those trainers include talented rider and trainer Catherine Haddad Staller, Clive Milkins, who coached the Gold Medal Great Britain Para-Dressage Team, Hanneke Gerritsen, who is an FEI ‘O’ Judge, and Gil Merrick, who was the High-Performance Director and U.S. Dressage Team leader for multiple years. Carlisle has partnered with the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Para-Equestrian Association, and SmartPak to make the symposium an educational package.

Educating young athletes and building upon veteran athlete’s skills is what builds an internationally competitive team. Accomplished Dressage rider and trainer, Catherine Haddad Staller, has experienced top international competition, she has developed horses from the ground up, and she has successfully overcome many obstacles in and out of the show ring. Her experience and education for the future of Para-Dressage will be imperative for the United States high-performance Para-Dressage team. Over the symposium weekend Catherine will work on techniques for the horse and rider in the ring while focusing on mental preparation before the trip down centerline.

Catherine Haddad Staller expressed, “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such dedicated and determined riders in Para-Dressage. I hope that I can share some insight on the mental preparation I find so helpful and necessary when faced with international competition.”

Catherine’s work with the Para-Dressage team over the weekend will not be the first time she has advised the Para-Equestrian Dressage riders. During the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in March 2013, Catherine dedicated her time to the U.S. Team. Before competition she spoke to the riders about mental preparation in the ring. On the following day, she had her riders demonstrate a variety of movements on Catherine’s own top horses. The USPEA was thankful for Catherine’s dedication and looks forward to the Maine symposium and working with her more in the future.

Clive Milkins and Hanneke Gerritsen are both internationally acclaimed mentors. Clive Milkins led the Great Britain Para-Equestrian Dressage team to a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics including top performer, Grade Ia rider, Sophie Christansen.

Hanneke Gerritsen is a World-class FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate. Her experience judging around the world will be invaluable to the Para-Dressage riders.

Gil Merrick, former USEF High Performance Dressage Director and National Clinician, will talk about how collaboration is a beneficial part of a winning team. He will also speak about how educational tools like HorseShow.com can help each rider in between international competitions.

Gil Merrick noted, “We are excited about this opportunity to let the riders, trainers and coaches learn about the educational tools we have available for them at HorseShow.com. These tools allow the riders to submit videos of their training sessions at their home facility and receive personal coaching from our country’s top trainers without having to travel. They are able to submit videos of themselves riding a dressage test in the comfort of their own ring and receive a complete scorecard along with personal coaching from international judges. These web-based video learning tools can become an integral part of a rider’s program to qualify and prepare for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Normandy.”

About the 2013 Para-Dressage Symposium Leaders:

Hanneke Gerritsen, World-class FEI “O” Judge and Olympic Technical Delegate
Hanneke Gerritsen will share her extensive judging expertise with participants of the Train the Trainer program, through lecture, rider demonstrations and video critiques. Hanneke will be available as well to coach and mentor clinicians as they work with Para-Dressage riders. She will teach lessons to riders who are not planning on trying out for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, and a limited number of private lessons for non-symposium participants will be available as time allows. Hanneke began her career with horses at her father’s farm while continuing a career as an interior designer. Now she spends all her time coaching, judging and performing a number of executive functions in the Para-Equestrian disciplines. In addition to judging international qualifier competitions worldwide, Hanneke coached the Dutch Para-Dressage Team from 2000 to 2004. From 2005 through 2010 she was a member of the ground jury at a number of international championships including the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong. She was the Technical Delegate at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In addition to her Para-Equestrian pursuits, Hanneke is a Grand Prix judge and a selector and trainer for new dressage judges at all levels. She has bred several talented dressage horses and is a trainer and coach to several talented students in Holland. Hanneke gives clinics all over the world.

Catherine Haddad Staller, International Dressage Competitor & Trainer
Catherine Haddad Staller’s international expertise as both an FEI competitor and trainer will enrich the riders’ experience. She will be available for private sessions, as well as two lectures on How to Train the Walk, and the Competitive Mindset. In 1993 Catherine was stationed in Germany where she represented the United States in competitions throughout Europe at both national and international levels. With Maximus JSS, Cadillac, and Winyamaro, she accumulated over 100 top ten placings and awards in Grand Prix. In 2006, Haddad Staller was alternate for the US Dressage Team in Aachen at the World Equestrian Games. In 2007, she became the first American dressage rider to qualify in the Western European League for the World Cup. With Maximus JSS, she finished seventh at the 2007 FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. In 2009, Haddad Staller won nine Grand Prix with Cadillac and Winyamaro in European competitions. In 2010, she was Reserve for the US Dressage Team for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and won the CDI-W at Dressage at Devon which helped her achieve a nomination to the FEI World Cup Final in April of 2011.Winyamaro and Cadillac went on to win two tests in the USA at the Saugerties CDIW/CDI3* in New York, September 2011. Haddad Staller returned to the USA in 2012 and now runs a training facility in Loxahatchee, Florida.

Clive Milkins, a leading Para-equestrian dressage coach from Great Britain, was instrumental in leading his team to a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics. He began his work with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled) in the late 1980s after volunteering at Moreton Hall Group while at Warwickshire College. Clive was the trainer for the British team at the 1990 World Championship and Games for disabled riders. He has since coached riders competing at Paralympic Games (Athens and Beijing), European Championships and World Championships. Clive coached triple gold medal winning rider, Sophie Christiansen, at the 2012 Paralympics. Clive has been nominated for numerous awards since his career began: Groom of the Year, 2005; The Queen’s Award for Equestrianism, awarded for ‘Outstanding Services to Equestrianism’; and the Kuster BEF Groom of the Year in 2006. Clive will share his international Para-Equestrian coaching experience with an emphasis on working with Grade 1 & 2 Para-Equestrians. In a lecture, he will also share his perspective on the British system for developing Para-Dressage riders.

Gil Merrick, Former USEF High Performance Dressage Director and National Clinician
Gil will kick off the Para-Dressage Symposium with his keynote address, A Team Approach, sharing his knowledge of organizations, national teams, and why collaboration will create a winning team. Gil will also be available for on-site video critiques, a function he fills as a featured dressage coach at Horseshow.com. Gil is an accomplished dressage rider and trainer and conducts clinics and seminars throughout the country. Gil brings over 30 years of management experience including extensive international business experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management and German from Hiram College and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University. Gil served as Managing Director for Dressage at the United States Equestrian Federation from 2005 through 2009, and is a highly recognized equestrian. As the High Performance Director, he was responsible for administering the process of selecting and training the US teams that competed at the international shows. Gil served successfully as the team leader for the U.S. dressage teams at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (Aachen, Germany), the 2007 Pan American Games (Brazil), and the 2008 Olympic Games (Beijing, China).

Written by: Lindsay Y McCall

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.

Dressage, USEF

Dalina DG and Vitalis Claim Top Spots at Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trials

May 28, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Ashlyn DeGroot and Dalina DG (McCool Photography)

Lexington, KY – The future of dressage was on full display over the holiday weekend in La Canada-Flintridge, California as talented combinations lined up in the 2013 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trials. The rising stars of the sport were vying to earn both a qualifying score to represent the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses in Verden, Germany in August and a spot on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Short List. Both the winners of the five-year-old division, Dalina DG, and the six-year-old section, Vitalis, impressed over the two day competition to exceed the necessary qualifying score of 8.2 as they took steps toward competing in Verden and vaulted themselves onto the Markel/USEF Short List.

Combinations needed to score 8.2 or higher to be eligible to represent the U.S. in Verden, while a score of 7.8 or higher would earn a place on the Markel/USEF Short List. Selection Trial competition had both five- and six-year-olds perform their respective FEI Preliminary Tests which accounted for 40% of the overall score. The remaining 60% of scores was earned in their respective FEI Final Tests.

Nineteen-year-old Ashlyn DeGroot (Hanford, CA) gave Dalina DG (Vader x Moeder/Contago) a stellar ride in the five-year-old division to take home the win. DG Bar Ranch’s Dutch Warmblood mare scored an 80.200% in the FEI Preliminary Test and an 87.200% in the FEI Final Test to earn a total score of 84.400%, making her eligible to represent the U.S. in Verden.

“Dalina DG was a dream to ride in the FEI 5 year old tests at Flintridge. She is so willing and she gave me all I asked. It is an honor to earn a qualifying score for Verden on a DG Bar home bred horse.”

DeGroot also piloted DG Dancing Queen (Jazz x Princes Lincom/Junior) to a second place finish in the division. After earning an 81.200% and an 81.600%, DG Bar Ranch’s Dutch Warmblood mare received a total score of 81.400% to add her name to the Short List.

*Charlotte Jorst and Vitalis (McCool Photography)*

In the six-year-old division, Charlotte Jorst (Reno, NV) rode Vitalis (Vivaldi x Tolivia/ Donnerschwee) to the win. With a 91.800% in the FEI Preliminary Test and a 92.000% in the FEI Final Test, Skagen Holding’s Dutch Warmblood stallion earned an impressive total score of 91.920%, easily making him eligible to compete in Verden for the U.S. DeGroot made a strong showing by finishing second with Calvin Klein (Dolany x Ramona/Unknown). DG Bar Ranch’s Dutch Warmblood gelding scored a 77.400% and a 79.00% to receive a total score of 78.360% to qualify for the Markel/ Short List.

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Eastern Selection Trials will take place June 6-9 in Leesburg, Virginia during the VADA/NOVA Summer June Dressage.

To learn more about the Dressage at Flintridge CDI1*Y/J, visit: http://www.cornerstonedressage.com/.

To learn more about the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/NatlYHProgram.aspx.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Faudree Stands Eighth Following Conclusion of Dressage at the Saumur CCI3*

May 24, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Will Faudree and Andromaque (Shannon Brinkman)

All Four Land Rover Competition Grant Recipients Occupy Top 20

Saumur, France – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team continued to impress on the second day of dressage at the Saumur CCI3*. On Friday, the U.S. sent Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Will Faudree and Buck Davidson down centerline, with both riders producing solid efforts in the first phase. They head into Saturday’s cross country in eighth and 12th places, respectively.

Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Andromaque’s classy performance on Friday was rewarded by the Ground Jury of Sandy Phillips, Luciano Cantini and Catherine Agaesse with a score of 47.8. The pair has enjoyed a very successful spring season in the U.S. that has often seen their names near the top of the leaderboard after the first phase and has continued the trend in France.

The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran was pleased with Jennifer Mosing’s talented 12-year-old Irish Thoroughbred mare on Friday but knows that there is even more to look forward to.

“She was very good; the canter work was right on par with how she has been going and the trot work is coming and there will be more in the future,” said Faudree of Andromaque. “I was very pleased with how she went today.”

Faudree, who is regarded as one of the quickest American riders across the country, is looking forward to Saturday’s test but knows there is a lot to do on the 28-obstacle track.

“The course is very challenging and it’s quite twisty. The combinations are very big and you need to keep coming,” said Faudree. “I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

*Buck Davidson and The Apprentice (Shannon Brinkman)*

The final U.S. entry to complete the dressage was Davidson (Ocala, FL) and Sherrie Martin’s impressive nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding The Apprentice. The pair scored 50.2 to lie just outside the top 10.

Davidson, Team Gold and Individual Bronze medalist from the 2011 Pan American Games, will use his wealth of championship experience over Pierre Michelet’s course on Saturday as he looks to produce a clear effort with the highly regarded gelding.

Fellow Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Marilyn Little (Fredericksburg, MD) completed their dressage tests Thursday and stand 11th and 17th, respectively, after the completion of the dressage. Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot head onto the cross country on a score of 48.6 while Little and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water will leave the start box on a score of 52.

Kitty King of Great Britain and Zidante hold the lead following the first phase on a score of 41.8.

Cross country for the CCI3* gets underway at 3pm CEST.

To learn more about the Saumur CCI3*, visit: http://www.saumur.org/cci/accueil-gb.html.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.

By Helen Murray

Dressage, JRPR

Caroline Roffman First American to Compete in the Under 25 Grand Prix at Aachen

May 24, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Caroline Roffman is the first American dressage rider to be invited to compete at in the Under 25 Grand Prix division at Aachen. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)

Wellington, FL (May 23, 2013) – Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage is looking forward to officially adding the word “international” to her title of FEI Dressage Rider. After winning many prestigious US awards and titles in her young professional riding career, Roffman has earned the honor of being invited to compete at Aachen this summer. She is the first American dressage rider to be invited to compete in the Under 25 Grand Prix division at Aachen, and will make history in that class with Sagacious HF. She is excited about her plans to travel to Europe with Sagacious and her own mare, Her Highness O to train and compete in the prestigious European tours. “I am proud and excited to test my mettle in the European arena, and to be the first American to compete in the Under 25 Grand Prix,” said Roffman. “I will also compete Her Highness O in the small tour at various European CDI competitions including Aachen,” Roffman announced.

Roffman has clearly demonstrated the caliber of dressage riding found in the US. With titles to her name such as 2011 Young Adult “Brentina Cup” winner, 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions National Intermediaire I title, and winner of the US Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship last summer at Lamplight, she is able to travel abroad with the experience of a seasoned rider well beyond her years. The two horses she is taking on the journey are equally impressive.

Sagacious HF, a 1999 KWPN (Welt Hit II x Judith x Cocktail) gelding owned by Hyperion Farm, Inc., came to Roffman in 2012, and these stars have been soaring ever since. Most recently, the pair scored above a 78% during of the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival at the Dressage National 3 in the Young Rider Grand Prix. “I am completely smitten with this horse,” Roffman describes. “I am thankful to my team, and everyone who has helped us including Lars Petersen and Juan Matute.”

Roffman is also planning to take her small tour mare, Her Highness O, on the journey. Roffman and this beautiful black mare totally ruled many of the shows during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, including winning a Team Gold and Individual Bronze at the CDIO Nations Cup 3* in Wellington. Roffman explains that last summer, after several years of partial ownership, she acquired full ownership of Her Highness, and they went on to win the USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship in 2012. “She came to me to be sold as a brood mare with only 30 days under saddle,” Roffman says about the now 9-year-old Hanoverian. “I soon realized what a special horse she is, and since then have worked to cultivate her talent in the show arena. To have the chance to compete her in Europe is a dream come true.” Roffman describes the 16.2 mare by Hohenstein and out of Weltmeyer, as a great talent, but explains it’s her character that sets her regally above other horses. Roffman plans to take Her Highness to even higher levels, and she is excited to continue developing this amazing horse to the Grand Prix level.

At only 24 years old, Roffman has accomplished more than most dressage riders ever dream of. Most recently, she was awarded the Judy Guden Memorial Trophy at the 30th Anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby show, and also helped claim a second Team Gold Medal at the 2013 Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm in Wellington. She has won multiple titles in the Young Horse divisions, including championships in the Four-, Five- and 6-Year-Old divisions, and in 2012 won the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges with Her Highness O. Roffman also was the 2012 Intermediaire I Champion on her own Hanoverian gelding, Pie.

Caroline Roffman owns Lionshare Dressage in Wellington, FL and partners with US Pan Am Team alternate and 2012 Developing Horse Grand Prix Reserve Champion, Endel Ots. For more information about these two rising dressage stars, visit www.lionsharedressage.com.

For more information contact:
Caroline Roffman
Lionshare Dressage
1-617-633-1003
caroline@carolineroffman.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

Burnett and Little Stand Second and Fifth Following First Day of Competition at the Saumur CCI3*

May 23, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (Shannon Brinkman)

Saumur, France – Competition officially kicked off Thursday at the Saumur CCI3* with 17 combinations performing their dressage tests. U.S. entries and Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Hannah Sue Burnett and Marilyn Little rose to the occasion as they propelled themselves into the top five following the first day of competition.

Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot were the penultimate combination of the day but proved worth the wait as they scored 48.60 to lie in second place overnight. The 2012 USEF National CCI3* Eventing Champions have repeatedly shown a proficiency in the first phase when the stakes are at their highest and once again produced high quality work on Thursday.

“He was really good. We’ve been a little inconsistent this spring, so I rode him quite a bit this morning because he has been quite exuberant at his last two competitions. But he was all business from the first ride and went right in the ring and was rideable,” said Burnett of the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. “In hindsight I could have gone for it a little bit more in the trot but the canter and changes were very good.”

Looking towards Saturday’s cross country, Burnett believes Course Designer Pierre Michelet has built a demanding track.

“The course is good; it’s big and pretty technical. There are six combinations of three-strides,” said the 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver medalist. “I was impressed the first time I walked it but I’ve walked it a couple more times and it keeps looking better.”

*Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water (Shannon Brinkman)*

Little (Frederick, MD) and RF Smoke on the Water were the first U.S. entry of the day before the Ground Jury of Sandy Phillips, Luciano Cantini and Catherine Agaesse, immediately setting a standard for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team. Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ eight-year-old Wurttemburger gelding put in a polished effort to stand in fifth place on a score of 52. Heading into the jumping phases the 2012 USEF National CCI3* Eventing Reserve Champions will look to display the form that earned them runner-up honors in the CIC3* at the Red Hills International Horse Trials.

Leading the Saumur CCI3* field following day one is Geoffroy Soullez of France with Madiran du Liot*HN on a score of 46.80.

Fellow Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Will Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Buck Davidson (Ocala, FL) round out the U.S. effort at the Saumur CCI3* tomorrow as they perform their dressage tests. Faudree will ride Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque at 10:45am CEST, while Davidson and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice perform their test at 2:00pm CEST.

To learn more about the Saumur CCI3*, visit: http://www.saumur.org/cci/accueil-gb.html.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.

By Helen Murray

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Motivation from Moshi, by Jane Savoie

May 22, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo credit for Moshi’s pic to Liz Ritz Photography.

Dressage riders tend to be a very driven group of folks. It’s such a demanding sport, it’s natural that it attracts Type A personalities. It takes a real work ethic to be good at something this challenging, so those who get into the competitive part of the sport tend to over-do much more than under-do. Jane and most of her friends and students work very hard and have a difficult time taking time to just RELAX!

I’m not like that at all. Being a Friesian, it is natural for me to be fairly laid back. Sure, I get excited sometimes, but for the most part being quiet and easy going is natural for me. My gift to Jane is reminding her that someone can be relaxed and go with the flow of life, and still be very successful.

There is a time for work, and there is a time for play. There is a time to be driven and give it all you have, and, there is the time for rest and recharging.

If you’re feeling tired or burned out, perhaps it’s time to do something different. Maybe today is the day to go to bed early, and perhaps even sleep in. Or maybe just sitting on the back patio and watching the sun go down while listening to some soothing music is the best thing to help you to recharge.

Remember, if you try to cut down a tree with a dull saw, it will take forever. If you stop and sharpen the saw, you will cut it down in no time. Rest is the same as sharpening your own personal saw. Stop. Take a break. You’ll be better at what you do, and happier doing it, for spending the time to recharge.

I’m going to go rest in the warm sun. Would you like to join me?

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

It was hot today. I’m not nearly as energetic in the heat as I am when it is cold.

So today I slept in. I lounged in the warm sun and let it bake my bones. It felt so good! When it got too hot, I came inside to sleep in my soft bed. It was wonderful.

Figuring out what you want sometimes requires that you pay attention to the opposite. It’s called contrast. If I realize I’m too hot lying in the sun, I go inside. I don’t focus on the heat and complain about how hot it is; I simply recognize that I want something different and make it so…

When I go into the house, I let myself feel grateful for how good the nice cool air feels. I don’t leave my attention out in the hot sun. I enjoy what I have NOW.

Do you ever leave your attention on what you don’t want? Does it serve you in any way?

If you don’t like your NOW, change something. If you do like your now, don’t think about what you didn’t like in your past. Be NOW!

(Yawn!) Right now, I want a NAP!

Your Friend, Indy