Tag Archives: Para-Equestrian

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

Jody Schloss Captures Highest Score at Global Dressage Festival National Challenge

Leave a comment
Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus

Wellington, FL – March 7, 2012 – Jody Schloss, 39, of Toronto, Canada had another banner day at the Global Dressage Festival National Challenge on Wednesday.  The Para-Equestrian rider received the highest score on Inspector Rebus receiving 72.500% in the FEI Para Test of Choice class at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).

Schloss rode her first horse at 11 years of age.  She left the sport for a while, but then returned to riding as part of her therapy following her injury in 1996.  She has only been competing on “Rebus” for one year and is classified to ride in the Grade 1A level, which is for the Para-Dressage rider with the most significant level of impairment.  She trains with Jessica Rhinelander while wintering in Wellington.  Schloss’ mom, Gail, who was on hand to watch her daughter compete, said that Jody really enjoyed the show.

Continue reading Jody Schloss Captures Highest Score at Global Dressage Festival National Challenge →

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

200 Days to Go to London 2012 Paralympic Games

Leave a comment
Denmark’s Stinna Kaastrup, pictured here preparing for the Freestyle Grade Ib competition at the FEI European Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships 2011, which she went on to win aged just 17. Photo: Liz Gregg.

Lausanne (SUI), 10 February 2012 – The London 2012 Paralympic Games look set to take Paralympic Equestrian into the history books for many reasons, as we get one step closer on the eve of the 200-day countdown (11 February).

Sales of Paralympic Equestrian tickets for London 2012 have already broken records.

More than 40,000 tickets were sold before Christmas last year, dramatically overtaking the previous record of 33,000 for the 2008 Paralympic Equestrian events held in Hong Kong.

Mexico will also be making its Paralympic Equestrian début on 30 August – 4 September in Greenwich Park represented by a team of four riders, and Ireland will be competing for the very first time as a Paralympic Equestrian Team.

Continue reading 200 Days to Go to London 2012 Paralympic Games →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Para-Equestrian, Wellington Classic Dressage

Florida Dressage Season Kicks Off with an International Flair at CDI Competitions

Leave a comment
Steffen Peters and Ravel during the awards ceremony following the 2012 World Dressage Masters Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle, which they won with a score of 83.70%. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2012) – Thanks to the efforts of the show management team from the Gold Coast Dressage Association and the Wellington Dressage Classic Association, the 2012 Dressage season kicked off with three amazing CDI events in January and 2 Paralympic Qualifiers. With world-class dressage riders providing an air of European competition, the Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Opener CDI W/CDEDI3* January 19-22, 2012, the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*/CPEDI3* January 25-29, 2012 and the 2012 Palm Beach leg of the prestigious World Dressage Masters presented by the Axel Johnson Group set the tone for a fantastic Wellington dressage season.

Wellington Classic Dressage once again hosted the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach with International Polo Club as Presenting Sponsor.  The Masters proved to be a record setting event for the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, with dressage star Steffen Peters setting the dressage ring on fire with record breaking scores, while the number of spectators also proved to be at an all-time high. “This year’s Masters was one for the record books,” said John Flanagan of Wellington Classic Dressage, Gold Coast Dressage, International Horse Sport, and one of the organizers of the WDM Palm Beach. “The competition was amazing and a record number of people were able to watch this event live, which is a great testament to the strength of our sport in South Florida and the United States.”

Continue reading Florida Dressage Season Kicks Off with an International Flair at CDI Competitions →

Dressage, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian, USEF

USA Is One of Twenty-three Nations to Qualify for London 2012 Paralympic Games

Leave a comment
Chef d'Equipe Missy Ransehousen, Dale Dedrick, MD, Rebecca Hart, Mary Jordan, Jonathan Wentz, and coach Kai Handt, USA Team that earned the needed first place over Canada in Wellington, Florida January 2012 (Lindsay McCall)

Lexington, KY – Coming off of a strong performance at the recent Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* Team Qualifier for the Paralympics in Wellington, FL USA’s Para-Dressage team has earned a spot at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. “It’s very exciting,” says Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen “I was very pleased with not only the team but with the individuals. They are a good group of people, working hard, and going forward with a good plan in mind.”

Team USA bounced back from a 2nd place finish at the Gold Coast Opener CPEDI3* and earned an important victory over Canada in the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge.

Details of the competition are available here.

Though they are excited to be London bound the USA Para-Equestrians won’t be taking time off before the games begin. There are two more CPEDI3* events on the schedule, one in Katy, Texas and one San Diego, California, and the Paralympic selection trials in June.

Team USA earned their qualification by virtue of a Second place finish on the FEI Para-Equestrian team rankings list.

Dressage, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

Twenty-three Nations Qualify for London 2012 Paralympic Games

Leave a comment

Lausanne (SUI), 1 February 2011 – Para-Dressage riders from 23 nations have qualified to take part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The qualification process, which began in October 2010, finished yesterday, 31 January 2012.

As the top three ranked teams at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, Great Britain, Germany and Denmark will each be represented by a team of four plus one individual rider. Canada, the top ranked nation on the Para-Equestrian Team ranking list for countries not otherwise qualified, will also receive five qualification slots.

Eleven nations, which qualified through the Para-Equestrian Team ranking list and regional distribution of teams, will be entering teams of four riders. The 11 nations are USA, Netherlands, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, South Africa, Mexico, Singapore, Australia and France.

Continue reading Twenty-three Nations Qualify for London 2012 Paralympic Games →

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

Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* Freestyles Finalize Two Exciting Weeks at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center

Leave a comment
Jody Schloss (CAN) Grade 1a and Inspector Rebus. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Wellington, FL – January 29, 2012 – Over two weeks, Para-Equestrian Dressage riders competed in front of F.E.I. judges Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Carlos Lopes (POR), and Marc Urban (BEL) at two CPEDI3* events . This was the first time that Noreen O’Sullivan and her staff graciously hosted two consecutive CPEDI3* competitions (Gold Coast Dressage Opener and Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge) at the beautiful Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. For Para-Equestrian Dressage teams this was the last opportunity to raise the F.E.I. world rankings in hopes of being qualified for the 2012 London Paralympics. For individuals this was a chance to gain input from F.E.I. judges, increase World Para-Equestrian rankings for London, and earn a qualifying score for the 2012 Paralympic Selection Trials. As the evening came to a close on Sunday, 28 horse and rider combinations put forward their best competition freestyles. Participation was far reaching including riders from United States, Canada, Ireland, Bermuda, Mexico, Finland, and Japan.

Continue reading Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* Freestyles Finalize Two Exciting Weeks at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center →

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

US Para-Equestrian Team Clinched the Win at Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*

Leave a comment
Mary Jordan (USA) and Sebastian (Lindsay McCall)

Wellington, FL – United States clinched the win over Canada after earning superior scores in the Individual Test competition at the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*.  After Thursday’s Team Test results the United States forged ahead in the Team competition. After Saturday’s Individual Tests, the United States secured the win with an 8.14 percentage lead over Canada. First-class dressage is in the air at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center where top Dressage riders in the world are competing at the 2012 World Dressage Masters and top Para-Equestrians are competing at the CPEDI3*. For the Para-Equestrian Dressage riders this show is an opportunity to attain qualifying scores prior to the 2012 London Paralympic Selection Trials. This is also a chance to acquire feedback before London from F.E.I. judges Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Carlos Lopes (POR).

Representing the United States were Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger, Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) on NTEC Jabriel from Richardson, TX, and Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen.

Continue reading US Para-Equestrian Team Clinched the Win at Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

United States Takes Early Lead in Team Competition at 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*

Leave a comment
Grade Ib Jonathan Wentz (USA) and NTEC Jabriel. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Wellington, FL – January 26, 2012 – Week two at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center began for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders Thursday, January 26, at the 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3. Canada and the United States of America went head to head in the team competition resulting in an early lead for the United States. With top scores reaching the 70% mark, the United States showcased their determination and progression over the past year. In addition to the U.S.A. and Canada, other countries represented were Bermuda, Finland, Ireland, Japan, and Mexico making up a total of 29 horse and rider combinations to display their top Team Tests. Representing the ground jury was Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Carlos Lopes (POR). The Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* is an opportunity for riders to increase their world ranking and to qualify for the 2012 London Paralympic Selection Trials.

Representing the United States was Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) on NTEC Jabriel from Richardson,TX.  At the helm of United States team is Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen.

Continue reading United States Takes Early Lead in Team Competition at 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Gear Up for 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* Commencing January 26

Leave a comment
NTEC Jabriel and Kai Handt jogging in the rain. Photos © Lindsay Y McCall

Wellington, FL – January 25, 2012 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders returned to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center for the 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*. On Wednesday’s schedule was a 3:00 p.m. jog where horses received their F.E.I inspection for the weekend’s CPEDI3*. Riders from Bermuda, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, and Canada were on the grounds representing their respective country. In addition to the eleven United States riders who competed at last week’s CPEDI3, were two additional riders, 2008 Paralympian Robin Brueckmann with her horse Radetzky and newcomer 14-year-old Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, MI.

Thirty horse and rider combinations will begin Thursday’s Team Test competition at 8:30 a.m. With one championship under their belt, the Para-Equestrian team from Canada will once again face off against the United States. Representing the United States will be Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) on NTEC Jabriel from Richardson,TX.  The United States team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen.

Continue reading Gear Up for 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* Commencing January 26 →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

Prepare for the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* March 8-11

Leave a comment
USPEA President Hope Hand (Sitting), Coach Kai Handt (Standing), and Grade Ib winner at the 2011 Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photo by: Lindsay Y McCall for USPEA

Del Mar, CA – January 25, 2012 – In 2010, Kim Keenan Stordahl and the team at Keenan Productions Events Inc. added to their outstanding horse show the first CPEDI3* at the Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, CA. In 2012 the Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3*, will once again host the international para-equestrian dressage riders March 8-11. Adding to the excitement this year for the CPEDI3* will be $1,000 divided among the top five riders in the freestyle competition in each of the five Grade divisions. Para-equestrian teams and individuals will have the opportunity to showcase their best Team Test, Individual Test, and Freestyle in front of the CPEDI3* Jury Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Kathy Amos Jacob 5* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5* (SWE). There are only two CPEDI3* events left in the in United States for riders to earn their individual 60% Certificate of Capability for the 2012 London Paralympics. This is the first horse show followed by the Houston Dressage Society CPEDI3* April 26-29. In addition to the horse show there will be a rider’s clinic with dressage trainer Mette Rosencrantz and an F.E.I Para-Equestrian Dressage judge course.

Continue reading Prepare for the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* March 8-11 →