Category Archives: Events

This Week in International Disciplines, September 20, 2011

Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall.

Para-Equestrian

The USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships took center stage at the NEDA Fall Festival in Saugerties, NY. WEG veteran and Southern Methodist University student, Jonathan Wentz put in three calculated efforts to sweep his three Grade 1b tests and score his first national championship. Riding NTEC Richter Scale, Wentz tallied an overall championship score of 71.531% giving him the edge over Dale Dedrick and Bonifatus. A first-time National Championship competitor had a three test combined score of 71.223%.

The U.S. took a step forward in qualifying for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London by winning the FEI Team Competition at the Saugerties CPEDI3* (which ran concurrently with the National Championship). The U.S. team composed of Wentz, Hart, Mary Jordan riding Sebastian, and Wendy Fryke and Lateran, topped Canada.

Competition in the five Para-Equestrian Grades was held in the CPEDI3*. In Grade 1a competition, Donna Ponessa has topped both the team and freestyle tests. In the team test, she scored 66.765% on Otto and topped the freestyle on Western Rose with a 68.5%. Canada’s Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus scored 68.417% in the individual test on the final day of competition. Dedrick won the team and individual tests scoring 70.079% and 72.063% respectively in Grade II. Hart and Dedrick rode to an equal score of 71.833%, Hart claimed the victory as her collective marks were higher.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines, September 20, 2011

Dressage Rider Suzanne Dansby-Bollman Heads to Dressage at Devon with Cooper and New Musical Freestyle

Suzanne Dansby-Bollman and Cooper are headed to Dressage at Devon where they will debut their new musical freestyle. (Photo courtesy of David Mullinix)

Atlanta, GA (September 21, 2011) – Dressage rider Suzanne Dansby-Bollman is thrilled that her Grand Prix partner Cooper, an 18.3 hand Holsteiner gelding, has returned to the show ring after an injury that took him out of competition four years ago. The 19-year-old superstar is back, better than ever, and will compete at the prestigious Dressage at Devon, September 27 – October 2, with a musical freestyle designed especially for the impressive and expressive gelding.

“Words can’t describe how excited I am that Cooper will be able to compete at Devon. We were invited to compete at the National Grand Prix Championships at Gladstone, but I decided not to go because I felt we needed the extra two weeks to work on our new freestyle,” Dansby-Bollman said. “Terry Ciatti-Gallo and I have been working these past couple of months on the choreography for a new and exciting freestyle for Cooper, which we will debut at Devon. We entertained the idea of using other types of music, but revisited the Celtic theme. We both concluded that it is the most suitable for Cooper’s personality, and his big, expressive gaits.”

Dansby-Bollman said she believes Cooper will be at the optimum fitness level for Devon and she is looking forward to the show, which is considered a premier North American equestrian event. “We are ready to go for it now, especially since the temperatures have dropped 25 degrees, literally, from 100 degrees to 75 degrees in the last couple of days,” she said, adding that her Atlanta-based Dancing Horse Farm can get quite hot.

Continue reading Dressage Rider Suzanne Dansby-Bollman Heads to Dressage at Devon with Cooper and New Musical Freestyle

Pan Am Competitor Marco Bernal Wins Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I Show

Marco Bernal competed his Westphalian stallion Farewell IV at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge Fall I Show and rode away as winner of the Premier Sportsmanship Award. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (September 21, 2011) – Colombian dressage rider Marco Bernal, who is headed to the Pan American Games in Mexico in October to compete for his native country on his Westphalian stallion Farewell IV, earned the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I Show. Thanks to his positive attitude and never-ending smile, just a few examples of Bernal’s good sportsmanship, the highly decorated dressage rider rode away with a new pair of German-designed Roeckl gloves from Premier Equestrian.

“Having Marco win our first Sportsmanship award of the 2011/2012 Dressage season was the perfect way to kick things off because I can’t think of anyone who exemplifies being a good sport more than Marco,” said Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories. “I have watched Marco ride for many years and he is a super competitor with a super attitude. I am really pleased that he began the season for us and I also want to wish him the best of luck at the upcoming Pan Am Games.”

Bernal, who owns Marco Bernal International Dressage in Wellington, said he is looking forward to competing in Mexico. This will be the fifth time for Bernal to represent his country in the Pan Am Games. In 1999, the accomplished rider won a Silver medal at the Pan Am Games. He has also represented Colombia at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup in Las Vegas, competed in 2010 in the World Equestrian Games for Colombia and in 2010 competed in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico aboard Farewell, winning both the team Gold and the Individual Gold Medal.

Continue reading Pan Am Competitor Marco Bernal Wins Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at Wellington Classic Dressage Fall Challenge I Show

U.S. Drivers Ready for FEI World Driving Championships in Slovenia

Lexington, KY – The U.S. brings a wealth of championship experience to Lipica, Slovenia, this week for the FEI World Driving Championships. The seven drivers that will represent the U.S. have competed in a total of 13 World Driving Championships and have claimed 14 USEF National Championships as a group. Miranda Cadwell, Shelly Temple, Laurie Astegiano, Lisa Stroud, and Suzy Stafford were all members of the Bronze medal-winning U.S. team in Dorthelyst, Denmark, in 2005 and look to add to their extensive resumes in Lipica. In 2011, they will be under the veteran guidance of Chester Weber as Chef d’Equipe and Michael Freund as coach.

The team will be composed of Astegiano, Cadwell, Stroud, Temple, Jennifer Matheson, and Wendy O’Brien. While Stafford will drive her own Morgan mare, Josephine, as an individual.

The U.S. will have three chances to earn an individual medal in the Single Pony Championship with Cadwell, Temple, and Stafford. Cadwell will aiming for her first World Championship medal in the Single Pony division after winning Gold with her Pony Pair in 2007. The Southern Pines, NC, native brings her 2009 World Pony Driving Championships partner, Kaboom, to Lipica.

Often recognized for her proficiency in the dressage phase, Temple is a three-time (and reigning) USEF National Champion having won in 2006, 2010, and 2011. She brings LR Ami B-Line to the World Championships (the Morgan gelding that helped her win the 2011 National Championship).

Stafford won the Individual Bronze medal at the 2009 World Pony Driving Championships with longtime partner Courage to Lead. Josephine is poised for a strong performance under the guidance of Stafford after collecting three second-place finishes, including being Reserve USEF National Champion in 2011.

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2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show Reveals Annual Program Artwork by Michael Tang

Cover artwork by Michael Tang courtesy of the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 19, 2011 – The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will run from October 1-9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Every year, the show’s program and official poster feature new artwork by Michael Tang.

Creating the original watercolor for the annual Capital Challenge is always a challenge for Father Michael Tang.  One might think that creating a photo-realist image of a horse and rider is as simple as copying a photo, but in reality, the photo is only the beginning.

This year’s poster of Scott Stewart and Declaration gave Tang many things to consider. It is natural to assume that a stunning photo of a fabulous hunter could easily be recreated as a painting, but the fact is that in addition to assessing the horse and rider, Tang becomes instantly aware of everything else that goes into creating a spectacular piece of art: lighting, background, and the simple details that render emotion.

When Tang begins his work he studies the photo for what he will need to alter in order to create the painting.  First, changes often need to be made to finesse a horse’s jumping style; knees might need to be made tighter or squared up. Next, the rider’s equitation might need to be tweaked or garb replaced.  Tang explains, “As someone who is a traditionalist (I still wear my Charles Owen when hacking at the barn), I always replace the helmet with a classically styled hunt cap.”

In addition to the rider’s gear, the horse’s tack might need some work as well; for example, an elastic girth with fleece might need to be changed to one of proper leather.

Continue reading 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show Reveals Annual Program Artwork by Michael Tang

Farnam Adult Medal and Best Adult Rider Winners Crowned at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

© ESI Photography. Elysse Ruschmeyer of South Glastonbury, Connecticut rode her own Arktis to the blue in Saturday's Farnam Adult Medal

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 20, 2011) – Just as Marshall & Sterling League action reached its peak at the National Finals, riders entered the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium on Saturday to compete for the popular Farnam Adult Medal.

Elysse Ruschmeyer of South Glastonbury, Connecticut aboard her own Arktis was crowned the winner of the Farnam Adult Medal. She topped a field of 41 riders who competed all year in hopes of qualifying for the finals. Ruschmeyer also rode to a top-five finish in the Hudson Adult Equitation Classic.

Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida designed the course for the class and after showing over his first round track, 12 riders returned for a second round.

Ruschmeyer, trained by Armand Chenelle, earned a high-score of 82 in the first round and came back in the second round to impress the judges again, earning a score of 86 to propel her to the victory.

Chenelle had great success at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals as he scored back-to-back wins on Saturday. He also coached daughter Rebekah Chenelle and Rosario to a victory in the National PHA Medal Final.

Following Ruschmeyer was Kiva Iscol of Pound Ridge, New York aboard Halifax Farm’s Tristan Van’t Hof, who earned second place honors under the direction of Mechael Henaghan. Miranda Scarpone of Kinnelon, New Jersey, trained by Robert Beck, finished in third aboard Beck’s Temptation.

Continue reading Farnam Adult Medal and Best Adult Rider Winners Crowned at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

Changes to the U.S. Show Jumping Squad for the 2011 Pan American Games Announced

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the following updates to the U.S. Show Jumping Squad for the 2011 Pan American Games.

Lauren Hough has withdrawn Quick Study from their position as travelling reserve following an uncharacteristic performance at Spruce Meadows in the Grand Prix on September 11, 2011.

The first ranked substitute, Margie Engle and Indigo have also withdrawn.

Therefore, the second ranked substitute, Kent Farrington (Chicago, IL) and RCG Farm’s Uceko, will now serve as the travelling reserve.

The athlete/horse combinations named to the team remain unchanged (in ranked order):

Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) will ride Coral Reef Ranch’s Coral Reef Via Volo
McLain Ward (Brewster, NY) will ride Grant Road Partners LLC’s Antares F
Christine McCrea (East Windsor, CT) will ride Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Romantovich Take One
Laura Kraut (Wellington, FL) will ride Happy Hill Farm’s Cedric

The 2011 Pan American Games will take place October 14-30, 2011 in Guadalajara, more information about the Games is available here: http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/ENG/01_inicio/.

Follow the US Riders on the USEF Network: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2011PanAmGames/.

Seventeen Nations to Compete at the FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies 2011

Tobias Bücker of Germany is the title defender in the four-in-hand category © Rinaldo de Craen

Lausanne (SUI), 20 September 2011 – From 21 to 25 September, the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia will host the fifth edition of the FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies. Seventy-seven drivers from 17 nations will compete in the singles, pairs and four-in-hand classes.

Title defender Melanie Becker (NED) will compete with her world champion pony Ostara’s Sandor in the singles category. Pony pairs world champion Daniel Schneiders (GER) has successfully moved on to the pony four-in-hand class. One of Schneider’s biggest opponents will be the reigning pony four-in-hand champion Tobias Bücker (GER).

The eldest competitor is 65-year-old Hannu Kalalahti (FIN), who will be making his world championship debut at Lipica. The youngest competitor David Palkovics (HUN) will celebrate his 14th birthday on the Marathon day of his first world championship.

There will be six teams, each consisting of a minimum of one and a maximum of two drivers per class and per nation, fighting for the medals. Title defender Germany and silver medallist The Netherlands are tipped as the favourites for the nations competition.

The Driven Dressage and Cones Competitions will be held in the main stadium. Swiss FEI O-course designer Christian Iseli, who is well-known for his work at world championships, has built eight beautiful obstacles located close to each other in the fields of the Lipica Stud Farm. For the first time the Marathon will include a cool down section where the ponies will be given a few moments of rest after they complete the course and before the compulsory veterinary inspection.

Continue reading Seventeen Nations to Compete at the FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies 2011

Harold Chopping and Patent Pending Top the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic

Harold Chopping and Patent Pending. Shawn McMillen Photography

August 19, 2011 – Sunday marked the final day of the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival II.  It was an exciting action packed weekend filled with many special classes and events at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC.  Saturday evening featured the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian along with Mexican Fiesta and Margaritas For Mutts in the VIP tent to benefit Danny and Ron’s Rescue.  Patrons also had the chance to bid on several silent auction items donated by Hot To Trot Boutique, Oak Manor Saddlery, Equine Divine, and The Gamboa Family.  Raffle tickets had also been sold throughout the week for several beautiful gift baskets with all proceeds going directly this wonderful charity.  Wendy Arndt and Team IEC sponsored the dinner and the sounds of New Holland Rd. entertained the crowd following the class.

A strong field of 22 competitors was on hand to try their luck at the challenging course designed by J. P. Godard. 6 entries out of the original field graduated to the jump off and with the double 5 AB giving the majority of the class trouble it came down to just two clear rounds.  Second to go in the jump off Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC and Kendra Bullington’s 8 year old mare Patent Pending turned in a fast and precise trip with a time of 33.129 establishing the time to beat.  Last week’s Open Welcome Stake winner Josh Dolan and his Skylands Con Chino Z were the last pair to enter the ring and gave Chopping a run for his money finishing with the only other clear round and a time of 33.939 just .810 seconds behind Chopping and Patent Pending who would end up the victors.  Karen Kerby’s T/Salemon and Daniel Geitner finished third, Tokade De Kalvarie and Natalie Johnson fourth, Marie Le Menestrel’s Aero and Dustin Ball were fifth, and rounding out the top 6 was George and owner rider Kitt Ritter.  The winners Chopping and Patent Pending received a trophy and Fenwick Equestrian High Performance Body Guard Cooler provided by Fenwick Equestrian.

Continue reading Harold Chopping and Patent Pending Top the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic

Wentz Obtains 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

USA Team Achieves First at CPEDI3*

Saugerties, NY – September 18, 2011 – Intensity, impulsion, power are three words that defined Sunday’s Para-Equestrian Individual Test competition at the 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. Sunday was the last day of the CPEDI 3* and it was the championship day for the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship. After Saturday’s Freestyle only a tenth of a point separated Jonathan Wentz and Dale Dedrick for the National Championship. Following an exceptional day of tests Wentz earned the scores he needed to earn the national championship. Only .308 behind Wentz was Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius who garnered the highest score of the day from Judge E, Anne Prain of France, a 75%. Dedrick’s percentage secured the reserve championship accolade. In the CPEDI3* Team competition Para-Equestrians from USA, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Bermuda competed in Grades Ia-IV under judges Anne Prain of France, Kjell Myhre of Norway, and Carlos Lopes of Portugal. The USA achieved the top ranking with team members Jonathan Wentz, Mary Jordan, Wendy Fryke, and Rebecca Hart.

Hart was the third place finisher in the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships in addition to supporting the USA Team competition. After three days of tests Hart was delighted with Lord Ludger. She noted, “I was really happy with LoLu; this was his first major competition where he had to be on it three days in a row.  He handled the pressure and he even stepped up to the plate for me.”

Continue reading Wentz Obtains 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship