Katy, TX – April 27, 2012 – Friday’s Para-Equestrian Dressage competition at the Houston Dress Society (HDS) Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* included the Team Test competition. Each horse and rider combination put forward their best technical execution of their respective test in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III and IV. Friday’s FEI Ground Jury included Kathy Amos-Jacob (FRA), David Schmutz (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). For the United States the HDS Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* is the last individual qualifier for the 2012 USEF Paralympics Selection Trials. For Canada, this is one more opportunity to gain international experience in a large venue such as the Great Southwest Equestrian Center under FEI judges and fellow competitors. The HDS CPEDI3* is sponsored by The COR Group and is running alongside the CDI3*and CDI1* sponsored by North Texas Equestrian Center and $10,000 HDS Dressage Derby.

With her qualifying score already obtained, Grade Ia rider Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY) has been focusing on her borrowed mount, Dr. Michele Miles’ horse Silvano. Ponessa’s ability to focus her athleticism and attitude without distraction has resulted in the top Grade Ia division score. Ponessa added, “I was thrilled with my overall performance Friday. With London on my mind, I am aiming for perfection so in my mind 70 percents are what I need to be pulling. However, I was thrilled with how the horse went and the way I was able to make the corrections that were needed. I am very appreciative of my trainer Wes (Dunham) setting Silvano up. He stayed nice and round and forward which is exactly what we wanted so all he had to do was his great walk. Now that I savored it, it is back to work for Saturday.”

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Katy, TX – April 26, 2012 – The inaugural day of the Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* kicked off with the FEI Para-Equestrian Jog. Fifteen horse and rider combinations stepped forward to be evaluated under FEI Veterinarian Dr. Mike Tomlinson and Technical Delegate Carlos Lopes, FEI “4*”, FEI PE “5*” (POR). Every Para-Equestrian horse passed the veterinary check securing each of their times for Friday’s Team Test competition. During the jog, equestrians showcased their best turnout and their efforts were rewarded. A $100 gift certificate to Horse of Course was given to the Best Overall Presentation at the Jog. Canadian and Grade Ia rider Jody Schloss and horse Inspector Rebus earned the award which was donated by Susan Peacock. The Houston Dressage Society (HDS) Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3*, sponsored by The COR Group, is one of the last competitions for United States individuals to qualify for the 2012 USEF Paralympics Selection Trials in June. With the prestigious show grounds and FEI Ground Jury, this is a favorable location for the United States and Canadian competitors to gain additional international experience before the London Paralympics. Running simultaneously with the CPEDI3* will be the CDI3*and CDI1* sponsored by North Texas Equestrian Center and $10,000 HDS Dressage Derby.

Continue reading Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* Kicks Off at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center →