Tag Archives: Para-Equestrian

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

Para-Equestrians Prepare for Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3*

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Lauren Barwick and Off to Paris from Canada. Photo © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall for the USPEA

Katy, TX – April 25, 2012 – In two months United States Para-Equestrians will be vying for a spot on the United States Paralympic Equestrian Team heading to the London Games. With the United States Team qualified, Para-Equestrians have traveled to Houston, Texas for their last opportunity in the United States to qualify as an individual. The Houston Dressage Society (HDS) is pleased to host the Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* sponsored by The COR Group at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Running concurrently with the CPEDI3* will be the CDI3*and CDI1* sponsored by North Texas Equestrian Center and $10,000 HDS Dressage Derby. Fifteen Para-Dressage horses and rider combinations will compete over three days including riders from the United States and Canada.

On Thursday, April 26, 2012, Para-Equestrian horses and riders will present their mounts for the exciting FEI Jog. On Friday, April 27, 2012, Para-Dressage competition will kick off with the Team Test, followed by Saturday’s Individual Test, and finishing with the musical Freestyle Competition and awards ceremony. Although many of the equestrian athletes have already earned their qualifying score for the 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials, this will be one last opportunity to compete under international ground jury Kathy Amos Jacob (FRA), David Schmutz (USA), Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). Lopes has been selected as part of the judging panel for the 2012 London Paralympics making this competition even more interesting.

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Jane Savoie, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Motivation from Moshi 96, by Jane Savoie

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Sometimes our biggest challenges become our greatest successes. As a Friesian, I’m not built for a good canter. My breed was bred for a fancy trot to elegantly and smartly pull buggies and carts. But with determination and proper training, I was able to develop an amazing canter! My ability to do superb one tempis is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Here in Wellington, the Para-Equestrian’s Olympic Trials are being held. Wow! What an amazing bunch of people! These are folks who have physical challenges much harder to deal with than I’ve ever had. They are a brave, talented, and determined bunch, who don’t let their disabilities slow them down. They’ve proven they can do anything they put their minds to!

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Alix Szepesi and William Repeat Winning Ways at Global Dressage Festival National Classic 2

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Alix Szepesi and William. Photos: www.susanjstickle.com

Wellington, FL – March 21, 2012 – Alix Szepesi of Hamilton, MA topped the leader board again at the Global Dressage Festival National Classic 2 on Wednesday, the second and final day of the show.  Szepesi and William, owned by Margie Kelk, scored 75.541% in the USEF First Level Test 2-Open at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).  Szepesi was not even supposed to compete this week and was a late entry.

“His owner was originally going to compete with William, but sometimes he gets nervous in the warm-up and he was a little naughty, so I decided to show him instead,” said Szepesi.  “Thankfully management was able to accommodate the changes. We are very appreciative of their efforts.”

William was originally slated to be a show jumper and showed exceptional talent, but he did not like Liverpool fences, so Kelk turned him into a dressage horse.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Alix Szepesi and William Are High Score Winners at Global Dressage Festival National Classic 2

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Alix Szepesi and William. Photos: www.susanjstickle.com

Wellington, FL – March 20, 2012 – Alix Szepesi of Hamilton, MA captured the high score of the day at the Global Dressage Festival National Classic 2 on Tuesday.  Riding William, owned by Margie Kelk, Szepesi scored 74.189% in the USEF First Level Test 2-Open at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).

“William is a dream to ride in the ring.  He gets really nice scores and he is fun to ride,” said Szepesi of the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood.

William was originally a show jumper, but he did not particularly like taking Liverpool fences, so his owner decided to try dressage.

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Dressage, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

2012 Paralympic Games Registration

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United States Para-Equestrian Team in Saugerties, NY September 2011. Photo by: Lindsay Y McCall

Lexington, KY – U.S. Athletes wishing to be considered to compete at the 2012 Paralympic Games must complete their 2012 Paralympic Games Registration. Registration must be completed online by April 1, 2012.

In order to receive registration information all interested individuals should email Laureen Johnson at lkjohnson@usef.org the following information:

1. Name as it appears on Passport

2. Email Address

To learn more about the 2012 Paralympic Games Online Registration visit; http://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/paralympic/MemotoAllPotential2012ParalympicAthletes.pdf.

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Para-Equestrians Perform Energizing Freestyles on Final Day of 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*

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Lynne Poole (CAN Grade IV) and Frisbee. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Del Mar, CA – March 12, 2012 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders concluded the 2012 Rancho Valencia CPEDI3* on Sunday performing their Freestyle routines. With the pressure of earning a qualifying score for the 2012 London Paralympics Selection Trials behind them, riders were able to relax and enjoy their final competition day at the Del Mar Horse Park. Topping the Grade IV Freestyle competition was Lynne Poole (CAN) and her Welsh Cob Frisbee with a 66.167%. In Grade III Briana Beckworth (USA) and Basquewille captured their division title. Earning the blue in Grade II, with a 64% was Ann Arbor resident Sydney Collier (USA) and VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-Hof. In Grade Ia, Laura Goldman (USA) took the win with Morgan Webb-Liddle (AUS) following for second just behind Goldman. Ten horse and rider combinations successfully finished the weekend under FEI Judges Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Marco Orsini 4* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5*.

As always, Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire and Keenan Productions created a superb awards ceremony for the showcase of champions. Honored for her multiple wins over the weekend was Canadian Lynne Poole. The Grade IV rider took a chance at transporting her two horses to Del Mar and her efforts were rewarded. Poole earned the top placing in both the Individual and Team competition aboard Vasco E on Thursday and Friday. Not to be outdone was the dependable Welsh Cob, Frisbee, who topped the freestyle Grade IV division with Poole. She commented, “I have always loved the freestyles, they are the most wonderful thing ever invented. I was so proud of him once the music began. We knew our music very well, and he was a very good boy. Vasco E had a great weekend as well but he became a little tired on Sunday.”

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Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Mette Rosencrantz Conducts Outstanding Clinic for Para-Equestrians

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Holly Bergay aboard Rubino Bellissimo with Mette Rosencrantz. Photos © Lindsay Y McCall

Del Mar, CA – March 13, 2012 – As the Del Mar Horse Park began to clear of flower boxes and white arena borders, Para-Equestrian Dressage riders prepared for a hands-on clinic with Mette Rosencrantz. Each rider was given 45 minutes with Mette allowing a large amount of time to work on short-term and long-term goals. During each session riders demonstrated specific parts of their tests that they performed during the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*. With only three months until the 2012 London Paralympic Selection Trials Mette gave insight on what types of goals an athlete should start to focus on.

Clinic duos included: Holly Bergay and Rubino Bellissimo (owned by Violet Jen); Mary Jordan and the Knabbstrupper Stallion VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-Hof (owners Patrick and Diane Truxillo); Sydney Collier and VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-Hof; Laura Goldman and VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-Hof; Barbara Adside and 1999 Pan Am Gold Medal Winner, Jazzman (owned by Donna Richardson); Allyson Gagnon with her Fresian Stallion Kobi; and Iana Gonzalez and Kobi.

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Para-Dressage Riders Impress Judges at 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*

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Laura Goldman (USA) and VPRH Pegasus vom Nieh-HOF. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Del Mar, CA – March 10, 2012 – Day two of the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* at the Del Mar Horse Park concluded with impressive results from the Para-Dressage competition. Multiple horse and rider combinations built upon yesterday’s scores earning top results under FEI ground jury Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Marco Orsini 4* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5*. Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games participant Laura Goldman (USA) topped Grade Ia with a 64.250% aboard the Knabbstrupper stallion, VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-HOF. Sydney Collier (USA) of Ann Arbor, Michigan shared the Knabbstrupper with Goldman and earned the top spot in the Grade II competition. In Grade III, Briana Beckworth (USA) rode Mette Rosencrantz’s Basquewille increasing Friday’s score to 63.056%. Lastly, Canadian Lynne Poole led the Grade IV competition with a 64.032% aboard Vasco E.

Earning the highest score on Friday of the Para-Equestrians was Laura Goldman aboard Patrick Truxillo’s Stallion VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-HOF. “Pegasus is such a great horse,” smiled Goldman. “Friday was the first day that I rode the Individual Championship Test aboard him and he was great.  Pegasus maintained a smooth gate throughout the test, he was always responsive to my cues, and I really appreciated his perfect head carriage. I feel lucky to be able to ride this type of horse.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Para-Dressage Riders Launch into Competition at Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*

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Holly Bergay (USA) and Rubino Bellissimo. Photo © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall

Del Mar, CA – March 8, 2012 – Kicking off the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire Thursday morning were the Para-Equestrian Dressage Riders. Eleven horse and rider combinations entered the ring to showcase their Team Tests in front of FEI Ground Jury Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Marco Orsini 4* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5* (SWE). After traveling from Wellington, Florida in January, to Toronto, Canada, and then on to the Del Mar Horse Park, Canadian Lynne Poole’s efforts paid off in the Grade IV competition. United States Para-Equestrians Holly Bergay, Barbara Adside, Mary Jordan and Briana Beckworth each earned their qualifying scores for the 2012 USEF London Paralympic Selection Trials.

In 2010, Grade IV rider Holly Bergay of Castle Rock, CO qualified for the United States Para-Equestrian Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  Unfortunately Holly and her horse, Grand Ballerina, would have to withdraw eventually leading to the horse’s future retirement. “It was heartbreaking,” noted Bergay, “After my horse was retired I wanted to take some time off.  My situation lasted one month due to my appreciation and love for riding.”

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Global Dressage Festival National Challenge Wrap-Up and Upcoming Events

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Global Dressage Festival National Challenge Wrap-Up

Alix Szepesi and William. Photo: www.susanjstickle.com

Wellington, FL – March 8, 2012 – Alix Szepesi of Hamilton, MA took top honors on Tuesday, March 6, the first day of the Global Dressage Festival National Challenge.  Szepesi, who is currently based in Wellington, rode William to an outstanding score 77.432% in the USEF First Level Test 2-Open at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).  Susanne Dutt-Roth of Canada also scored well earning 77.000% in the USEF Fourth Level Test 1-Open riding D2.  The GDF National Challenge was only the second show for the eight-year-old warmblood.

The Global Dressage Festival also welcomed their first Para-Equestrian competitor, Jody Schloss, 39, of Toronto, Canada.  Schloss scored impressively in both of her classes on Tuesday riding Inspector Rebus.  The pair received 74.118% in the FEI Para Test of Choice and 75.500% in the FEI Para Freestyle Test of Choice.

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