Category Archives: Dressage

The Discipline of Riding Dressage

Olympic Dressage Rider Steffen Peters Joins Arenus as Official Arenus Ambassador

Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce that Olympian and international dressage rider Steffen Peters is now an official Arenus Ambassador. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

St. Louis, MO (March 31, 2011) – Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce that Olympic Dressage rider Steffen Peters has joined Arenus as an official Arenus Ambassador. Peters, who is fresh off a staggering victory at the World Dressage Masters in Palm Beach, Florida, exemplifies talent and horsemanship.  Scoring an impressive 84.550% in the Grand Prix freestyle, Peters and his mount Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki, continued a winning streak that has made Americans proud over the past years.  Peters made history at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky when he rode Ravel to the bronze medal in the Grand Prix Special.

Peters, a native of Germany, became a United States citizen in 1992. He competed on his first U.S. team during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when the team took home the bronze medal. At the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Peters and Ravel helped the U.S. team capture the bronze medal. At the 2008 Olympics, Peters and Ravel finished fourth but set the dressage ring on fire a year later when they won the FEI Rolex World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Peters and Ravel then went on to sweep the Grand Prix, the Special and the Freestyle at Aachen, a feat never before mastered by an American rider.

Continue reading Olympic Dressage Rider Steffen Peters Joins Arenus as Official Arenus Ambassador

Chester Weber Proves Unstoppable with Another FEI Horse Team Win at Live Oak International Combined Driving Event

Combined Driver Chester Weber proved unstoppable at CAI Live Oak, when he won the FEI Horse Team Division for the ninth year in a row. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)

Ocala, FL (March 30, 2011) – Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion, proved to be an unstoppable force at the CAI Live Oak International Combined Driving event when he drove away as the winner of the FEI Horse Team division. Live Oak International is considered to be one of the premiere Combined Driving events in North America and each year the show attracts an array of world-class competition.

Weber, who has added two new equine members to his team with Jane Forbes Clark’s horses, Uniek and Splash, was pleased with the Live Oak win. “My team went well and were technically easy to drive,” Weber said, adding that it felt great to win nine years in a row at Live Oak. “The two new additions from Jane have proven to be very helpful and have not only added to our depth but have moved our program forward.”

Weber, who is from Ocala and is based out of Live Oak Plantation, first drove into the winner’s circle in March with the new team when he won the FEI Four-In-Hand Division at Little Everglades, a USEF Selection Trial. During Live Oak, Weber competed Rolex W, Uniek, Splash and Para in the dressage phase for a score of 37.63 and followed up with Uniek, Reno, Para and Splash in the marathon and cones, with no penalties and a time of 2:55.63 in the cones.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13522

Motivation from Moshi 55, by Jane Savoie

I’ve been dreaming of Vermont. Lots of trees, cool nights and warm days. Big fields for Indy and me to explore, and new videos to make with Jane and Rhett. I love Vermont. We’ll be heading that way soon.

I’m going to miss my friends here in Florida, but I know I’ll be back and so will they. Next fall, we’ll have new stories to share, and new goals to achieve. In the mean time, we’ll concentrate on the work at hand and know that all is well.

Change is not easy for most people and most horses. We all like predictability and security. But with change comes the opportunity for growth. When change happens, it forces us to flex our mental muscles and learn to adapt. It is a GOOD thing, even when it’s a bit uncomfortable.

Continue reading Motivation from Moshi 55, by Jane Savoie

Only Four Days to Vote for America’s Favorite Para-Dressage Equestrian

Thousand Oaks, CA – March 28, 2011 – In celebration of the eight disciplines competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, The EQUUS Foundation (in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation) established the America’s Favorite Equestrian program.  On March 31, 2011 two Para-Dressage athletes will be eliminated and the top six Para-Dressage riders will move on to round two.  It is up to every person to vote for his or her favorite Para-Equestrian.

These are the eight equestrians listed presently with their rider number in parenthesis.

Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)

Continue reading Only Four Days to Vote for America’s Favorite Para-Dressage Equestrian

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011 – Round 10, ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), 26 March 2011

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival are pictured receiving their prize from Lisa Wells, Reem Acra. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

CORNELISSEN AND PARZIVAL SCOOP THEIR FIFTH VICTORY AT ‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH by Louise Parkes

The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival secured their fifth victory of the season when coming out on top at the last qualifying leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands this afternoon.  They now look sure-fire favourites to scoop the title at the final which takes place in Leipzig, Germany from 27 April to 1 May, and the Dutch rider said today, “Yes, we’re in pretty good shape!”

Germany’s Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht produced a wonderful test, but still had to settle for runner-up spot ahead of Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud whose mare, Exquis Nadine, was really on her toes.  And fourth place went to Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Responsible whose star has been steadily rising throughout the current season.

SET THE STANDARD
Catherine Haddad led the way at the halfway stage having set the standard with a score of 74.10 from the flashy chestnut Winymaro who seems to thrive in front of an audience.  And the American rider was smiling broadly as she left the arena to the strains of the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” in celebration of her 47th year.  Her score was immediately overtaken as the action re-started however, although Great Britain’s Richard Davison had to work hard for his mark of 77.025.  His 12 year old gelding, Artemis, decided some of the greenery surrounding the arena was extremely suspicious and never fully settled throughout his test.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13505

Jim Kofford Wins Dressage under the Stars Finale sponsored by Phelps Media Group, Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm and The Dutta Corporation

Jim Kofford as Batman. Photo Credit: Alyson Sanderford/PMG Photo

Wellington, FL – March 24, 2011 – Last night, the world famous Player’s Club hosted the grand finale of Dressage under the Stars, where at the end of the evening, Jim “Batman” Kofford was crowned the series champion.  During the evening, the winners from the previous weeks returned to compete for the 2011 championship including Chris Von Martels, Jim Kofford, Marcia Kulak, Dottie Morkis, and Emily Kannenstine. Judges for this week included Todd Flettrich, Ashley Holzer and Kelly Klein and the event was sponsored by Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm, the Dutta Corp. and Phelps Media Group.

Jim Kofford rode his Grand Prix mount, Rhett, as “Batman,” to the $2,500 cash top prize after completing two thrilling performances.  This is third year of the Wednesday night weekly event, held at the Players Club during the Palm Beach winter circuit.

“I am so excited to win,” Kofford stated after his performance still wearing his Batman mask.  “This is a great horse who loved this rowdy crowd and really got into it.  The second round was actually really fun to do and this whole event is great.  This horse is 11 years old and I think it was great practice for him, in a fun and relaxing environment.  Plus, under the lights adds another element for the horses and provided a great atmosphere to compete.”

Continue reading Jim Kofford Wins Dressage under the Stars Finale sponsored by Phelps Media Group, Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm and The Dutta Corporation

2012 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final Awarded to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED)

Lausanne (SUI), 24 March 2011 – The FEI Bureau has awarded the 2012 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED). This major event, which will be held in conjunction with the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final, will take place from 18 to 22 April 2012.

This weekend, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, located in the southern Netherlands, will play host to the last qualifiers of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage for the 2010/2011 season.

Both competitions will be broadcast LIVE on the official FEI online video platform FEI TV on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March.

FEI Media contacts:
Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Shines at 2011 Dressage Affaire CPED13*

Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition on her two horses Off to Paris (shown here) and Ferdonia 2 (below). (Photos courtesy of Lindsay Y McCall)

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Student Excels

Del Mar, CA (March 23, 2011) – Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition, riding away with the blue ribbon on Off To Paris and the red on Ferdonia 2 in the Individual Test. Barwick also took home top honors in the Freestyle, riding Ferdonia 2 to first place with a high score of 75.167% and earning second on Off To Paris with a 73.333.

Barwick’s success in the Para-Dressage spotlight has been aided by mentor and coach Pat Parelli, founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc. Barwick is a Senior Protégé and mentor in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s Mastery Program.

“Lauren is an outstanding horsewoman and has the ability to easily connect with her horses,” Parelli said. “At the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, Lauren had only been riding Off to Paris and Ferdonia for 10 days so it was quite an accomplishment to win first and second in both classes. Lauren knows that building a relationship and developing a great partnership with each horse is paramount, and she is dedicated to putting the horse’s needs first which shows each time she rides.”

Continue reading Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Shines at 2011 Dressage Affaire CPED13*

Caroline Roffman Is Riding on Cloud Nine Thanks to Invitation to Compete at Aachen

Caroline Roffman has been invited to compete in the Under 25 competition at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany. (Photo courtesy of Sharon Packer)

Wellington, FL (March 21, 2011) – Dressage rider Caroline Roffman, who at 22 years old has already tasted her fair share of success in the dressage world, is floating on cloud nine following an invitation to compete at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany. Roffman has been invited to compete in the Under 25 competition at the 2011 CHIO Aachen in Germany, July 8-17.

“They held the Under 25 competition for the first time last year and it was successful so they have decided to offer it again,” Roffman said. “I have always wanted to see Aachen, and now to be able to show there for the first time is just amazing.”

While Roffman isn’t certain which horse she will take to Aachen, she is hoping her new ride, Beemer, a 13-year-old, 17.2 hand bay Holsteiner owned in part by her trainer Lars Petersen, will be able to make the trip. “Beemer is a sale horse so I might not have the option of showing him by July, but I am hopeful that he won’t sell until after Aachen and I will get the opportunity of a lifetime to take him to Germany,” Roffman said.

Continue reading Caroline Roffman Is Riding on Cloud Nine Thanks to Invitation to Compete at Aachen

FEI Launches Bid Process for 2015 FEI European Championships in the Olympic Disciplines

Lausanne (SUI), 22 March 2011 – The FEI has launched the bidding process for the 2015 FEI European Championships for Seniors in Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. The process will run from 15 March 2011 until April 2012. Its objective is to raise the profile of these major FEI events by selecting a candidate able to meet the FEI’s requirements and deliver a sporting event of the highest quality.

The application process will consist of two phases. During Phase I, or Applicant Phase, which will run from 15 March to 31 July 2011, applicants will be required to indicate which one or more of the European Championships they would be interested in staging and provide information relating to their ability to meet minimum Championship requirements. The responses will then be assessed by the FEI and selected candidates will progress to Phase II.

Phase II, or Candidate Phase, will begin on 1 September 2011 and end in April 2012 when the successful candidate will be announced. During this period, candidates will be required to confirm in detail their ability to meet the FEI’s commercial, service and infrastructure requirements.

Detailed information has been sent to National Federations, who are invited to contact FEI Legal Counsel Francisco P. Lima (francisco.lima@fei.org) by 8 April 2011 in order to receive the initial Applicant Questionnaire and for any enquiries relating to the bid process.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13483