Susan Treabess and Kamiakin. Photos by Lindsay McCall.
Rancho Murieta, CA – June 14, 2013 – International Para-Dressage competition at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* kicked off on Friday, June 14, in Rancho Murieta, Calif. Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV showcased their best team tests resulting in multiple 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games qualification scores. The minimum requirement for para-dressage is each athlete/horse combination has to score a 60% or above in the team test or individual test. This has to occur one time in front of three FEI 4* judges of different nationalities or three FEI 5* judges. Top U.S. riders included Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. in Grade IV, and Angela Peavy aboard Leandro (USA) from Avon, Conn. Canada presented exquisite Grade Ia team tests with Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus scoring a 70.435%, while duo Robyn Andrews and Fancianna captured a 68.696%. Para-Equestrian Dressage competition will continue over the weekend with the individual tests on Saturday and the exciting freestyle tests on Sunday, June 16. The FEI Ground Jury includes President Alison King (HK) FEI 4* and FEI Ground Jury members David Schmutz (USA) FEI 4* and Lorraine Stubbs (CAN) FEI 4*.
Susan Treabess and the Pura Raza Espanol horse Kamiakin impressed the FEI Ground Jury, scoring a 67.421% in Grade IV at their first international competition. Treabess noted, “This was his fourth horse show with us and first time in the FEI ring. Friday was a good start; I rode a conservative test resulting in a smooth first run. I am getting back into competition, I was off for an entire year; this is a new horse, a young horse, and an inexperienced horse. Now that we know we could get a solid score on a conservative test, we will try and push him a little bit more. As a ride he is quite straightforward. He has a solid mind, is dependable, and has great accuracy. We really didn’t know where this horse was going to land. I have been out of showing for a year, I am not fit, I had a baby, I am adjusting to motherhood and I have had to go through this phase of life and figure out how to get back in and be competitive. Now it’s time for me to go home, get my butt kicked, and raise the money to get to WEG.”
Treabess worked with Denny Callin of Holland during the Golden State Dressage Classic. As a notable trainer of many top dressage athletes, Callin has the experience and knowledge of working with both able-bodied high-performance riders and Para-Dressage riders. Almost 10 years ago, Callin approached Treabess to interest her in becoming more involved with Para-Dressage. With some assistance from him and Ellen Eckstein they got Treabess her first 2010 WEG horse Money Penny.
Treabess added, “Denny is a super coach. He lives in Europe and understands the quality of Para-Dressage horses in Europe. In the U.S. there is a fundamental weakness in the understanding of what a true Para-Dressage horse looks like and rides like. Coaching is also important. I am lazy unless someone is behind me pushing me. I am looking forward to working with Callin the rest of the week. He has been very generous with his time and commitment to me. As for the future we are working on not only qualifying for the 2014 WEG but developing Kam in the able-bodied world. Kamiakin is owned by Kathryn Hill Aalsmeer.
As an able-bodied young rider Peavy has started making a name for herself. With the move to Para-Dressage she has already qualified for the 2014 WEG Selection Trials. On Friday, Angela Peavy and Leandro (USA) made their Para-Dressage debut scoring the top Grade III position with a 63.684%. Following Angela for second place was two-time Paralympian and 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) rider Barbara Grassmyer aboard Mibis (USA).
Sixteen-year-old Peavy, from Avon, Conn., is partially paralyzed on her left side due to a blood clot that occurred before birth. With the move to Para-Dressage, Peavy bought a new horse from David Marcus in Florida and has plans to work with Heather Blitz in Massachusetts when she returns from this CPEDI3*. Peavy expressed, “I have never competed at a CPEDI3* so I didn’t know what to expect. It was very exciting and nerve wracking. This is only our second show together and we earned our qualifying score.”
She continued, “Our ride went fairly well on Friday. Leandro is a very calm, loving, easy-going horse. He is a workout to ride but he loves to please. I want to thank my parents for this opportunity, my past trainer Anne Guptill for getting me this far, David Marcus for Leandro, and Tanya Vik who has been training me in California.”
Also earning their qualifying scores on Friday were pair Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch (USA) in Grade Ib and young athlete Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and Arabian Athena in Grade II.
Para-Dressage competition continues in the Main Arena Saturday with the Individual Test for Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV, followed by Sunday’s Freestyle Tests. For more information about the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, please visit http://www.goldenstatedressage.com or contact Connie Davenport at davenport@saber.net.
For questions about the 2013-2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season, please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline Laureen K. Johnson at (908) 326-1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@usef.org.
For more questions about Para-Equestrian Dressage, please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org or (610) 356-6481.
2013 Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* Rancho Murieta, CA June 13-16, 2013:
Show Manager: Connie Davenport
Show Organizer:
Chair: Mrs. Connie Davenport (530) 265-0950
17930 Highway 20 East
Nevada City, CA 95959
530.265.6259 Fax
COMMITTEE:
Chair: Mrs. Connie Davenport
Mr. Tim Postel
Ms. Jan Oakes (530) 756-8503
Website: http://www.goldenstatedressage.com
Murieta Equestrian Center
7200 Lone Pine Dr
Rancho Murieta 95683
916-985-7334
Ground Jury:
Alison King HK FEI-4* (president)
Lorraine Stubbs CAN FEI-4*
David Schmutz USA FEI-4*
FEI Chief Steward: Sandra Rafferty USA
FEI Technical Delegate: Alison King HK
CHIEF CLASSIFIER: Joanne Benjamin USA
CLASSIFIER: Marion Slatter Blistein CAN
FEI VETERINARY DELEGATE: Dr. Mike Tomlinson, DVM USA
Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* Schedule:
June 14, 2013 – Team Test Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
June 15, 2013 – Individual Test Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
June 16, 2013 – Freestyle Championship Tests Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
“The Jog” – Best Turnout Award:
One of the highlights of this show is the competition for the best presentation at the “jog”. Awards are typically given for:
BEST TURNOUT OF HANDLER – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*
BEST TURNOUT OF HORSE – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*
BEST OVERALL TURNOUT – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*
ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014 Qualification Criteria:
Qualification Period:
Start: January 1, 2013
End: XXXX 2014 (TBD)
Qualifying Events:
Any CPEDI3* or CPEDI4* event during the qualification period in addition to the Paralympics Games 2012 London
Qualification Score:
All athlete/horse combinations must have attained (as a combination) a minimum 60% score attributed by the Ground Jury in a Team test or Individual Championship test one time.
Judges:
Minimum of 3 FEI PE5* or 4* judges of different nationalities
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.