Mary Jordan and Sebastian. Photo (C) Lindsay McCall.

Wellington, FL – March 19, 2013 – By definition the freestyle or kür is a dressage test setting the horse’s technical movements to choreographed music. For riders it’s an opportunity to showcase their horses’ skills while emphasizing their grade level’s requirements. On Sunday, March 17th, the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival WEF Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows, came to a close. March 15-17th the U.S. and Canada para-dressage teams competed in the team test, individual, and freestyle competitions in Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV. On Sunday, the para-dressage freestyles in the Van Kampen arena were a chance for riders to relax and enjoy their horses after three days of tough competition. Riders competed in front of international judges Carlos Lopes (POR), Bo Ahman (SWE), and Hanneke Gerritsen (NED). After combining the team and individual percentages for the final overall team score, it was determined the Canadian Para-Dressage team earned the team championship. Although the U.S. team placing was behind Canada, the United States was rewarded with the High Point Rider Award presented to Mary Jordan and Sebastian, owned by Deecie Denison for her 70.583% in the freestyle test.

“Earning the high point award was a great feeling especially after coming so close to going with the team to the London Paralympics,” commented Jordan. “After I came home from London working in feed and bedding, I was determined to make progress within my riding over the winter. It has been a long winter of training and traveling from Maine to Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. It was sweet to receive that award today.”

Jordan has been working on long-term plans with both Sebastian and P. Sparrow Socks. She noted, “It was a tough weekend and the scoring was fair but sobering. I was thrilled because on each test we went out there and kicked it up a notch. I was glad to see the scores go up over three days coinciding with our hard work. With the judge’s critiques, I have a very clear sense of my homework and what I have to do to get to where I want to go. I am grateful for that opportunity. You win the high score and then see all the extra work you have to do. It’s really motivating to try harder and be better.”

The ability to receive international judge feedback is crucial at the FEI para-dressage level. “Having the opportunity to do the three stars is important,” smiled Jordan. “It takes you out of your comfort zone and you get the feedback you need to improve.”

She continued, “Having this particular three star in the U.S. could not have been done without the support of Lloyd Landkamer, Mr. Bellissimo, Adequan, Today’s Equestrian & Fellows, the volunteers, the officials, and so many other important people and organizations. I really want to thank Global for inviting the para-equestrians here to compete with able-bodied dressage. In my experience working during the Paralympics I saw the England community and experienced how para-dressage was so accepted and how educated the public was with the sport. To be invited to compete next to famous able-bodied riders in Florida embraces that international acceptance. There is no difference in the type of dressage we do. We are all in search of accuracy and harmony. To stand in the same CDI barns is a step in the right direction.”

She continued, “My freestyles made me extremely happy on Sunday. I would like to thank Marlene Whitaker who worked with Jessica Ransehousen on the freestyles. It was such a nice experience how we put the music together. I think the music suits both horses and I received really good scores on musical interpretation.”

Following for second behind Jordan was individual Canadian rider Madison Lawson and McGuire. Lawson mentioned, “He was good but he was also a little tired after three days of competition. My favorite movements on him are his canter pirouettes. The ironic part is that McGuire didn’t even have a canter when we started working with him.”

In 2012, Lawson did not qualify for the Paralympic team but she did cross over as the first person in history to cross over into Young Riders from para-dressage to able-bodied dressage. Her continued hard work over the next year will help propel her to a hopeful qualification for the 2013 World Equestrian Games team.

Canadian Lynne Poole who also competed against Madison Lawson and Mary Jordan in Grade IV earned top results over the weekend.  Poole competed with her own Vasco E and Frisbee.  Both horses had positive weekends resulting in top accolades for Poole.

Ellie Brimer, Grade III rider, from Wayzata, Minnesota rode her own Carino H to a top freestyle score. She explained, “I was really pleased with my freestyle on Sunday. It was only the second time I have shown it. The Grade III tests have transitioned into the larger 20x60m arena this year so my music and choreography had to be reworked. I’d like to thank Terri Gallo from Klassic Kür for her help putting together the music and writing the pattern. The music is really fun to ride to, and the pattern plays to Carino’s strengths.

Grade II combination Lauren Barwick and Off To Paris continued to work on specific movements of their tests while playing up their strengths in the freestyle. Lately, the pair has been piecing out specific technical requirements and working on them vigorously. In the final count, the duo accrued a 68.667% in the freestyle. As a two-time Paralympian and one of the senior high performance equestrians on the Canadian team Lauren was grateful for the chance to compete in Florida alongside her teammates.

Barwick is also the owner of Ashley Gowanlock’s horse Ferdonia 2 who compete in Grade Ib. “Gowanlock expressed, “This has been a busy weekend but a good start to the year. Fergie was rehabbing over the last few months so I am really impressed how she handled everything. I also want to mention that the show organization was amazing this weekend.”

Placing behind Gowanlock’s impressive rides were Laurietta Oakleaf aboard Niekele fan Busenitz and Sydney Collier with Wentworth. For Sydney the weekend scores did not count towards the FEI ranking list due to her classification re-evaluation. Sydney was still honored for her determination and opportunity to compete in Wellington.

Collier commented, “The freestyle was very good and very free with Wentworth. It was the first time I had ever ridden it to the music. The next few months we are going to do a lot more training and get some big shows under our belt. I want to get the most training possible over this year.”

She added, “I want to thank Lloyd the show organizer, my trainer Wes, and Wentworth’s former rider Amy for the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. I feel honored to ride this fantastic horse and I look forward to the future with him. I am thankful to Will’s previous owner and rider Amy Mcilwham and her mom for coming down from Canada to watch us this weekend. It was so special to have them here for my first show. I think Will enjoyed seeing them too.”

Amy Mcilwham responded, “I am grateful that the Collier family and Wes have allowed me to be a part of Sydney’s journey. Even just standing by the ring or braiding Will is enough for me.”

She continued, “Sydney is going to be a big star. It takes time and she just started riding Will but Syd is so determined, smart and focused. She has this big bubbly personality when she’s not on the horse but when she’s riding she is in tune and in focus with what she’s doing. She lives and breaths it as her whole family does. She’s got the making to be a really big super star.”

In Grade Ia, Canadians Jody Schloss and Robyn Andrews competed on their own horses. Both equestrians matched tempo, symmetry, and cadence but Jody would pull through by mere percentage points dominating the Grade Ia division over the three days.

With the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* finalized, the para-equestrian dressage riders will begin preparing for future CPEDI3* events and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrians Games.

To learn more about the Global Dressage Festival, please visit: www.globaldressagefestival.com.

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.