Tag Archives: Dressage at Devon

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events

Wizard Conjures Up His Second Grand Prix Win at Dressage at Devon

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Adrienne Lyle and Wizard

October 1, 2011 (Devon, PA) – Dressage enthusiasts wait all year for Dressage at Devon where professional riders from around the world compete in the Dixon Oval and Gold Ring. Eagerly awaited, however, is the talent and experience shown in the Saturday classes – providing the standards for which dressage riders strive.

The Next Generation

Tanya Strasser-Shostak, from St. Adele Canada, and her 6-year-old Reserve Champion Oldenburg stallion, Cappuccino Tyme, teamed for a win in the FEI Pony Team Test CDN. This test, among other things, challenges rider and pony with a six-loop serpentine on a counter canter. A family affair, Tanya’s mother Evi Strasser bought Cappuccino Tyme when he was three and has worked with Tanya to help her train him. Given his youth, Tanya was pleased with Cappucino Tyme’s performance and ability to focus despite the distractions of Devon. “He was really good considering this was his first big show,” she said.

Other juniors had also had their day. Nicolas Torres Rodriguez, originally from Columbia, executed a blue-ribbon ride on Silver Label, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Michael Shondel. The gray gelding is by Rambo out of Nicca.  “It’s fantastic to be here and to win. It’s beyond what I expected,” said Rodriguez, smiling.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Performance Division Off to a Running Start at Dressage at Devon

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Guy McLean

September 30, 2011 (Devon, Pa.) – Spectators at Dressage at Devon today had the chance to listen to step by step commentary provided by Dressage experts on Dressage at Devon Radio. This year’s event benefits from an expanded field of notable experts who are willing to share an insider’s perspective, adding engagement and enhancing interest for all levels of spectators. For the riders, experienced and novice alike, the educational opportunity is invaluable, as the listener gains real-time insight into the thought process of the judges.

“We call the ability to bring this type of event-based broadcast to individual spectators ‘edu-tainment’,” said Don Costanza, partner in the Fort Wayne, Indiana-based FLR Group. “It is well received by spectators because it brings an extra dimension to their experience.” The FLR Group provides the technology and the radios to make Dressage at Devon radio a reality.

Costanza was eager to express his appreciation for Dressage at Devon. ‘’We work with venues all over the country, but Devon has a special place in our hearts. The people are personable, friendly, and professional. This is one of the coolest places to be! We are humbled and honored to be invited back every year.”

Guy McLean, a Special Attraction

During the day, and continuing on throughout Saturday and Sunday, spectators will enjoy the incredible performances of Guy McLean. Guy and his equine partners – Hope, Seuel, Pride, and Spinnaby – have performed all over the world, winning the hearts and minds of thousands of equestrian fans. Guy was first seated on a horse at the tender age of 16 months and began training horses seriously at age 15. When asked how he accomplishes amazing equestrian feats, he uses two words: devotion and dedication. He simply wants to be the best equestrian he can be.

Continue reading Performance Division Off to a Running Start at Dressage at Devon →

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Competitions, Dressage, Events

Dressage at Devon Breed Division Wraps Up as Performance Classes Begin on Day 3

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September 29, 2011 (Devon, PA) – It goes without saying that the people at Dressage at Devon – competitors and spectators alike – love horses.  But then there are the breeders that have chosen to specialize in a particular breed. All breeders have their own reasons for their choices.

L. Hunter Wilson, owner, trainer and rider from Margaux Tip LLC, based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, loves her Cleveland Bays.  The breed originated in England, where they were used for carriages and as fox hunters – in fact, they pulled the carriages to the hunt, did the hunt, and pulled them home again.

Wilson and her husband have bred Cleveland Bays for 12 years.  “My husband had a mare that was half Cleveland Bay and he fell in love with them – he made it his personal passion.  And passion is important with this breed.  Today it is estimated that there are only about 250 breedable pureblood Cleveland Bay mares in the world.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Haflinger – a relatively small horse, always a flaxen chestnut in color with distinctive gaits. The breed traces its ancestry to the Middle Ages and there are several theories for the breed’s origin.  But today, Chelsea Deephouse, Assistant Trainer at Dreamfield Manor Farm in Coopersburg, PA, just knows that she loves the breed.  “They’re smart and kind,” she said, pointing out that she has evented and done hunter classes as well as dressage – and done will – with her horses.

The individual classes showed off the beauty of 20 breeds including the Warmblood Horse of Trakehner Origin, the German Oldenburg Verband, Morgan, Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International, and even Spanish Mustangs.  And the day was not over yet as Dressage at Devon moved into the Performance Division.

Continue reading Dressage at Devon Breed Division Wraps Up as Performance Classes Begin on Day 3 →

Competitions, Dressage, Events

Last Minute Plans Change the Course of Events at the Dressage at Devon Grand Championship

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September 28, 2011 (Devon, PA) – The world-famous Breed Division at Dressage at Devon continued today.  With some of the most stunning horses from around the world competing, it was Rheporter, Dazzle, Rabiola and Doctor Wendell MF who treated spectators to the final feast for the eyes, floating around the Dixon Oval as they competed for top honors in the Grand Championship.

It was déjà vu when Rabiola won the Four-Year-Old and Older Broodmare’s class.  The mare by Metall out of Fabiola by Zadok took home the same honor in 2010.

The Born in the U.S.A. Breeders Awards were started in 2003 to recognize and reward the achievements of American sport horse breeders.  Horses conceived and foaled in the U.S. are eligible for the fourteen different categories. The High Point winner for the Born in the U.S.A. was Sterlicht GGF owned by Rachel Ehrlich, followed by Reserve Champion Duet MF, owned by Maryanna Haymon.

Radiance HVH, a Hanoverian by Rotspon out of EM Whitney and bred and owned by High Valley Hanovarians in Suches, Georgia, claimed the USDF/Great American Insurance Group Mare Championship.  Earlier in the day she had won the USEF Materiale for 4- and 5-year-old Mares and the 4- and 5-year-old Maiden and Yeld Mare class. Innverness, by Parabol out of Parelez, who was bred by Hilltop Farm and owned by Ursula Ferrier, was the winner of the Stallions 4 Years and Older.

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Competitions, Dressage, Events

Dressage Youngsters Have Their Day: Day One of Dressage at Devon

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September 27, 2011 (Devon, PA) – The world-famous breed show at Devon began today with some of the world’s most exciting dressage prospects present.  Except for the specifically designated Individual Breed Classes, all classes were open to horses of any breed and horses could compete without regard to color, size, pedigree, or origin.

The Young Horse/Sport Horse classes included all horses up to and including three years of age.  “The breeding of sport horses in the United States has taken a quantum leap in the last decade,” said Melanie Sloyer, Breed Division Chairperson. “Today set the stage for a great 2011 show.”

Shining brightly in 2011 to capture top honors of the USDF/Great American Insurance Group Colt Championship was Dorian Gray owned by Erin Brooke Freedman and bred by BCM Bosman Muller. Reserve Champion went to Schigazzo, bred and owned by Lea Ann Hansen.

Dazzle, bred by Victoria Lamas Wanner and owned by Taylor Minnucci, did not disappoint in 2011.  This animated three-year old filly was close on El Paso ISF’s tail in 2010.  “She is always wanting to show and not afraid to give it her all.  She wants to dazzle!” commented Bruce Griffin, handler, after winning not just the 2011 Young Horse Champion but also the USDF/Great American Insurance Group Filly Championship.  Reserve Champion went to Bahia Breeze, owned by Michelle Ryan.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, JRPR, Products/Services

PanaCavallo and Cavalleria Toscana Kick Off Gold Sponsorship at 2011 Dressage at Devon

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From left to right, Adrienne Lyle and Debbie McDonald with Debbie Witty measuring Wizard for a PanaCavallo bridle. (Photo courtesy of Trilogy)

Devon, PA (September 23, 2011) – Among the not-to-be-missed newcomers at Dressage at Devon this year will be PanaCavallo and partners, Cavalleria Toscana. PanaCavallo will be introducing their new line of bridles and kicking off their exciting partnership with Cavalleria Toscana, an elegant line of Italian equestrian clothing. PanaCavallo and Cavalleria Toscana will be based in the booth just behind the show office at Dressage at Devon, giving dressage enthusiasts a peak at the new PanaCavallo bridles and the hottest new looks in Italian equestrian fashions.

Michael Davis, owner of PanaCavallo, is thrilled to partner with Cavalleria Toscana and launch their debut at Devon, one of the premier equestrian events in the country. “In addition, Trilogy Saddles, a distributor of our PanaCavallo bridles will also be at Devon showcasing the bridles and building customized bridles at the show,” Davis added.

Debbie Witty, President of Trilogy, said she is excited about the PanaCavallo bridles and feels their quality of workmanship is superb. The bridles really enhance the comfort of the horse.  Best of all, Witty will offer custom fitted PanaCavallo bridles. “There are four different types of PanaCavallo bridles and they are all very horse friendly, offering great comfort for the horse in addition to being extremely functional,” Witty said.

The PanaCavallo bridles feature a double and snaffle bridle in each model, the Aristocrat, the Grandeur, the Elite and the Elite Classic. “When a bridle creates pressure on a horse’s nose or ears, it can be very uncomfortable. The PanaCavallo cavesons are nicely cushioned and gives the horse a lot of relief,” Witty said, adding that the bridles are beautiful and made of European leather. “The crownpiece of the PanaCavallo bridles are contoured, which works out great for horses with bigger ears. The contour also creates comfort around the ear for all horses, relieving any pressure or pinching.”

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR

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

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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.

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Taking It All In Gets a Lot Easier at Dressage at Devon 2011: Devon, Pennsylvania, September 27 – October 2, 2011

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September 2, 2011 (Devon, PA) – Spectators at 2011 Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.com) will be able to add multimedia to their experience. Dressage at Devon Radio, powered by FLR Sports Radio, allows guests to enhance their knowledge and education of dressage by listening to the comments and opinions of some of the foremost experts in the world of dressage.  Spectators will also get a behind the scenes listen to critiques of the rider and horse during their performance.

Starting Friday September 30th, spectators with the credit-card sized FLR Sports Radio will be able to listen in on comments from Alison Head, Sara Schmitt, and Kem Barbosa, as well as receive special announcements and content.  On Saturday September 1st the experts will include Suzanne King, Monica Sinks and Kathy Connelly.  Sunday September 2nd will include comments and opinions by Anne Moss and several others. Visitors will be able to watch the event from anywhere on the show grounds and still listen to the exclusive commentary, available only to those with a personal receiver.

Those new to Dressage will gain a true appreciation of the sport.  Professionals will gain new insights into what goes on behind the scene in the judges’ booth.

The FLR Sports Radio receiver is a lightweight credit card-sized radio receiver that comes complete with earbuds, battery and a lanyard to hang around the neck.

Continue reading Taking It All In Gets a Lot Easier at Dressage at Devon 2011: Devon, Pennsylvania, September 27 – October 2, 2011 →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Training/Clinics

Guy McLean, Australian Horseman Extraordinaire, to Perform at Dressage at Devon 2011

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Devon, PA (September 8, 2011) – Guy McLean is an accomplished, self-taught, thinking horseman who has entertained, inspired and educated many around the world.  Guy, with his equine partners, Hope, Sequel, Pride, and Spinnaby, have performed at the World Equestrian Games, The National Rodeo finals, and many more exciting venues.  McLean and his team of horses have won the hearts and minds of thousands, performing on stages and in arenas, as well as special exhibitions and countless special appearances both live and on television.

And this year, they will perform their equine magic at Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.org), taking place September 27 – October 2, 2011 at the Devon Fairgrounds, Devon, PA.

McLean translates his passion for horses to poetry as well.  As a two-time Australian Bush Poetry Champion, Guy McLean has a unique collection of Bush Poetry that touches hearts and fuels passion for every proud Australian.

What draws us to this animal?
This beast of flight and prey
What is it that enthralls us?
Makes us need them every day.

For me it is their beauty
And their undeniable power
Their Grace, their style and poise
In every second, every hour.

(excerpted from Why the Horse by Guy McLean)

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Breeds, Competitions, Dressage, Events

Dressage at Devon Close Dates Extended and Extended Schooling Schedules

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August 24, 2011 (Devon, PA) – The closing dates for both performance and breed classes at the 2011 Dressage at Devon have been extended until September 15 and late fees have been waived.

So enter now and enjoy the new, state of the art footing (Poels Sand Footing), in both the Dixon Oval and the Gold Ring.  Come check out this significant improvement to Dressage at Devon and show off your wonderful horse under the lights.  Schooling has also been extended in both rings in the early morning.  Warm-up for all Grand Prix classes will be held in the Gold ring commencing one hour prior to the start of the class.  For performance entry details, go to www.dressageatdevon.org or contact the Show Secretary, Monica Fitzgerald, at mon1206@aol.com.

Or, for breeders, has your two year old suddenly grow into their body?  Is your colt amazing?  Come showcase your incredible horses at Dressage at Devon and let your foal enjoy the attention and the new footing!  You can enter on-line at www.horseshowoffice.com.  Full details, including the prize list, are at www.dressageatdevon.org or contact the Show Secretary, Kathy Moffitt, at kmoffitt@optonline.net.

Danielle Myers
Project Marketing, Inc.
PO Box 155
Devon, PA 19333
610.889.2036
dmyers@projectmarketinginc.com