Tag Archives: dressage

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events

CDI Brings the Start of the Olympic Qualifying Road for International Dressage Rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard

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Luis Reteguiz-Denizard and his KWPN gelding, Nalando, recently began the journey to reach the 2012 Olympics in London. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Palm City, Florida (July 2011) – Competing in the Capital Dressage Classic CDI 3* in Raleigh, North Carolina proved to be a successful  show for international dressage rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard and his KWPN gelding, Nalando. The trip from Florida to the Carolinas was well worth it for Denizard and Nalando as they received the start of their FEI minimum eligibility standard (MES) scores that will be considered for the 2012 London Olympics in the FEI Grand Prix.

Representing Puerto Rico both Denizard and Nalando earned a 65.3% from Elizabeth McMullen, an FEI 5* judge, and also received an overall average score of 64.3% from a panel of five judges. The pair will look to compete in additional CDIs that will assist in sending the hopeful pair to the 2012 Olympics in London next summer. “I was really pleased with both tests. Nalando felt terrific and the scores we earned will help fulfill the FEI requirements for the Olympics. These scores are what the Puerto Rican Equestrian Federation and Olympic Selection Committee base their selections on,” said Denizard. “I have so many goals that I would like to accomplish with my horses but making the Olympics would be at the top of my list.”

Denizard, born and educated in the United States, is proud to compete in the United States for Puerto Rico. “Nalando and I competed in our first international competition at the 2007 Pan Am Games as the first dressage representative for Puerto Rico in Rio de Janeiro. That was a very exciting time for us and we are looking forward to compete again this year. I feel proud to represent Puerto Rico as an American citizen, the Puerto Rico Olympic autonomy allows me to do so. My dream is to hold both flags, representing both countries that have helped me reach my goals,” added Denizard. “Nalando is much stronger in the Grand Prix movements and has many more competitions under his ‘girth’ now.”

Continue reading CDI Brings the Start of the Olympic Qualifying Road for International Dressage Rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Dressage, Events

Sutton Sisters to Represent Canada at NAJYRC

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Anneka and Kristin Sutton will be the first ever sisters to both make it on a Junior/Young Rider Dressage Team, despite their mother’s early wish of never wanting to involve her daughters in riding.

The Suttons’ local paper, The Ayr News, recently reported their story and began the article noting, “When Blandford-Blenheim resident Gabriele Sutton came to Canada from Germany to marry Steve Sutton and start a family, she swore her children would never become serious horse riders.”

Now over 20+ years later they’ve done just that.  Kristin, 19, Anneka, 17 and Mariah, 15 all began the season vying to make the Canadian National Team which will compete in Lexington, KY at the annual 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. Presented by Gotham North, these Championships will be held July 25–31, 2011 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Mariah did her best but with a new horse and as the youngest of the sisters, she’ll be there to lend a helping hand and learn the ropes for when she accomplishes that same goal.   “I’m proud of my sisters and their horses, and hope to be in Anneka’s position next year,” said the teenager.

Continue reading Sutton Sisters to Represent Canada at NAJYRC →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North

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Lexington, KY – With the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) set to begin in just under two weeks, excitement is in the air at the Kentucky Horse Park. These championships will host the best Juniors and Young Riders in North America as they vie for team and individual championship honors July 27-31.

The 2011 championships will once again feature junior and young riders divisions in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping.  For the first time, the sport of reining will feature two championships, with a junior championship being added. Another exciting feature this year is the introduction of the endurance championships.

Nominated Entries are in from across North America and the competition looks to be of the highest caliber.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still available; please join Adequan, Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, United States Dressage Federation, U.S. Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, Howard Simpson, Ariat International, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, WISE Equestrian, Dever Inc., Equisure, American Quarter Horse Association, Sallee Horse Vans, Griffin Gate Marriott, Hodges Badge Company, Spy Coast Farm, EquiFit, and the rest of our sponsors, donors and friends in support of this wonderful event. Please contact Scott Carling for information regarding sponsorship (all contact information is listed below).

Continue reading Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North →

Dressage, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Dressage Radio Episode 111 – Dream Vacation with Debbie McDonald

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Debbie McDonald is sent on a Dream Vacation this week so we hear which four horses and three people she would take with her along with some music and something to read. We also have another WOW moment for you too so tune in for some summer fantasy fun right here…

Dressage Radio Episode 111 – Show Notes and Links:

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Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Alltech Signs Up as Title Sponsor for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy

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Laurent Beauvais, Chairman of the Basse-Normandie Regional Council and of the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, and Dr Pearse Lyons, President of Alltech, celebrating the announcement of Alltech as the title sponsor of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - Normandy © MC Chantrait

Lausanne (SUI), 8 July 2011 – Laurent Beauvais, chairman of the Basse-Normandie Regional Council and Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, and Alltech president Dr Pearse Lyons today announced that Alltech will be the title sponsor of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

The agreement represents an historic partnership in the world of equestrian sports with a commitment from Alltech to the value of EUR 10 million. The seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games will officially be known as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014.

“Alltech is proud to continue our partnership with the World Equestrian Games,” said Alltech President and Founder, Dr Pearse Lyons.

“These world championships of equestrian sport epitomise the values that we applaud; passion, excellence and performance. When the eyes of the world tune in to watch the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, we will be there. France and Normandy in particular, with its worldwide reputation of excellence in horse breeding, is a strategic location for our company. Alltech has a long-standing history of serving the agricultural community in France and we are thrilled to support the event in Normandy and to share in the pride of this spectacular event.”

“The FEI is delighted by the renewal of Alltech’s title sponsorship of the FEI’s flagship event, the FEI World Equestrian Games,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar de Vos. “We are proud of the Games’ enduring appeal and are looking forward to an unforgettable seventh edition organised by Normandy 2014’s professional team and supported by an outstanding title sponsor such as Alltech.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

Cornelissen Takes Dressage World Number One Slot

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Adelinde Cornelissen (NED), the new Dressage number one rider, is pictured here with the FEI World Cup Dressage which she won in April. (c) Kit Houghton/FEI

Lausanne (SUI), 8 July 2011 – Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) and the 14-year-old gelding Jerich Parzival have taken over the world number one slot in the Dressage rankings. With 2,578 points, the Dutch combination has moved up to claim the top spot on the FEI World Dressage Riders’ Ranking List. Previously, fellow countryman Edward Gal and the super-stallion Totilas reigned supreme for 19 months from 1 December 2009 to 30 June 2011.

Adelinde and Jerich Parzival are followed in the rankings by British duo Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris on 2,465 points. Ulla Salzgeber (GER) and Herzruf’s Erbe are in third place with 2,200 points.

Thirty-one-year-old Adelinde, who was world number one from 1 September to 30 November 2009, is having an exceptional 2011 season, including victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final in April, the first time in her career that the Dutch rider had claimed the World Cup title.

“I would like to congratulate Adelinde on taking over as world number one,” FEI Dressage Committee Chairman Frank Kemperman commented. “She and Parzival have given some very powerful performances this year and I’m very happy that Adelinde is again in the poll position that she so richly deserves.”

Edward Gal (NED) and Totilas remained as the world’s leading combination after the stallion had been sold to Germany until Totilas had made his first competitive outing with new rider, Matthias Alexander Rath. The new pairing has come in at 165th in the Rankings with 1,108 points to their credit from their four outings last month.

Continue reading Cornelissen Takes Dressage World Number One Slot →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF

This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011

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Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy. Photo by stock image services.com

Eventing
In preparation of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the CIC2* Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational was held as the London Test Event. Piggy French of Great Britain lead from start to finish with DHI Topper W, finishing on her dressage score of 34.70 in front of the stunning backdrop of Greenwich Park. Michael Jung of Germany and River of Joy came in second, while Pippa Funnell of Great Britain and Billy Shannon finished third. Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy were the top placed American pair, finishing in 21st place.

For complete results and more information, please visit click here.

Jumping
Numerous U.S. riders were competing at Spruce Meadows over the holiday weekend. To start things off, U.S. riders interestingly took all of the odd places in the top ten in the 1.60m Great-West Life Cup. Leslie Howard finished on top with Utah while Mario Deslauriers and Diablo came in third. In the 1.45m Cargill Cup, Rich Fellers took top honors with McGuinness, while Richard Spooner and Quirino 3 came in a close second.  McLain Ward and Rothchild came in second in the 1.50m RSA Cup. Ward then won the next class – this time in the 1.45m WESTJET Cup with Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve. Deslauriers was second with Urico. Kristen Coe and Tristan jumped clean and fast to win the 1.50m Duncan Ross Cup.

The U.S. riders dominated the top ten of the 1.50m Talisman Energy Cup, and Ward took home another win, this time aboard Vocas. Deslauriers and Vicomte D were second while Spooner finished fourth.  In the 1.60m RBC Financial Group Cup, Katherine Dinan and Vancouver were the top American pair finishing in third place. Ward continued his winning streak with Oh D’Eole in the 1.45m West Canadian Cup.  In the 1.60m ESSO Challenge World Cup Qualifier, U.S. riders dominated the top three. Rich Fellers and Flexible scored a big win with clean, lightning-fast rounds. Deslauriers and Urico were second while Farrington and Uceko finished third.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011 →

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Greenwich Test Event Hailed a Huge Success

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The London skyline provided the perfect backdrop to this week's Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) - the equestrian test event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: FEI Photo Catalogue.

London Prepares Series (GBR), 7 July 2011 – Greenwich Park in London (GBR) is a much quieter place today as the runners and riders, supporters, officials and most of the staff who helped create a magical atmosphere during this week’s test event have departed from the site where the equestrian Olympic Games will take place in 2012.

The Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) has already been hailed a huge success, but after a week of hectic activity, and three days of intense competition, it is now time to reflect in the aftermath.

The lasting memory for those lucky enough to be there this week is the sound of the excited school-children screaming with delight as they witnessed top-class horse sport at close quarters for the very first time.  For the hardened professionals, both in the saddle and on foot performing their various essential tasks, it was a heart-warming experience.

A generation of young people, who would otherwise never be exposed to the sport, were curious, enthralled and intrigued by what they saw, and they’ve shaken the foundations of a sometimes conservative world.  They’ve reminded us all that horse sport isn’t just about equine talent and rider skills.  It’s also about fun and entertainment, about embracing the partnership between man and horse and presenting it in a whole new light to a world of people who, given the opportunity, will learn to love it.

There is a sense right now that the equestrian events at London 2012 could mark the beginning of a whole new era, and how timely that will be for equestrian sport which celebrates its centenary as part of the Olympic movement next year.

Continue reading Greenwich Test Event Hailed a Huge Success →

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

Cesar Parra and Grandioso Continue Their Winning Form in Germany

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Cesar Parra receives the congratulatory handshake from the show official at Balve, Germany. (Photo courtesy of Jose Alvarez)

Balve, Germany (July 7, 2011) – International Dressage rider and trainer Cesar Parra is one step closer to his goal of competing Grandioso, owned by Michael and Sarah Davis, in the Pan Am Games thanks to last weekend’s successful show in Balve, Germany. Parra rode the ten-year-old Westphalian gelding in the Prix St. Georges class and the S3 class, winning both classes.

Parra will be in Europe throughout July, competing and training Grandioso as well as Dave and Taunia Reed’s Agastrofos. “I believe our trips to Europe are super for many reasons. I love to keep my eye sharp and think it’s critical to watch the best horses and riders in the world,” Parra said. “I believe that when you surround yourself with the best, you push yourself to be better all the time.”

Parra is staying at Arnd Erben’s stable in Iserlohn, Germany, and decided to attend the Balve dressage show in an effort to see, “where we were and what we really needed to focus on,” Parra said. “I’m super excited with the results and it was very special to represent the USA here. The people have been really wonderful.”

While Parra is hoping that Grandioso will help him achieve his dream of riding on the U.S. Dressage team, he said that it has been a “team effort” to get Grandioso to where he is today. The Davis family purchased the gelding in 2009 and Parra said that each time he competes Grandioso the horse delivers a beautiful test and shows that he has a brilliant future.

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Disciplines, Dressage, Jane Savoie, Training/Clinics

Motivation from Moshi 69, by Jane Savoie

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She likes me! She likes me! I’m so excited! That new mare told her friend that she really thinks I’m pretty neat. She said I had the most handsome face and cutest butt in the barn. I was blushing pink through my black hair. I’ll admit it’s true… I do have a nice big, round hip. It’s one of my best attributes.

There’s a joke I hear in the barn a lot. People say, “Does this saddle make my butt look big?” I don’t understand why so many people worry about the size of their butts. People like horses with big rear ends. I’m constantly hearing people talk about losing weight, this diet or that, who’s too fat and who’s too skinny. It’s strange. We horses don’t care what size you are. Your weight is not nearly as important to us as how you ride. One of the most uncomfortable sessions I’ve ever had was with a really skinny rider. She pounded my back like a farrier’s hammer. And one of the most elegant riders I’ve ever experienced was a very large woman. She was so balanced and so at one with me, that it was very easy to carry her.

Riding is a sport, and all sports require some level fitness. If you’re a casual rider who just wants to walk down the trail, you won’t need to be as fit as a rider who is a serious student of jumping or dressage. As you ride regularly and learn more, your fitness level will naturally improve. It’s a given. If you want to improve even faster, add a regular brisk walk to your day, and do some crunches or sit-ups every evening before you go to bed or every morning when you first get up.

But please, stop worrying so much about your size and weight. You get more of whatever you concentrate on. So, if you concentrate on a negative view of your weight, you’ll hold onto or increase the problem. You can’t help it! Instead, concentrate in getting FIT. Think about all the small ways you can become stronger and fitter, and you’ll get more of that. Put your bathroom scale in the back of your closet and stop obsessing about the pounds. They’re not that important! Instead, learn to ride light with softness and balance. Your horse will be happier.

Continue reading Motivation from Moshi 69, by Jane Savoie →