Tag Archives: Rebecca Hart

Hart and Schroeter’s Romani Post Highest Career Score at 2015 AGDF CPEDI3*

Becca Hart with Schroeter’s Romani shined during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* winning all three Grade II classes. Photograph by Susan Stickle.

Wellington, FL – January 12, 2015 – The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* featured 13 para-dressage athletes from Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV competing in the Van Kampen Arena at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds, and it was Grade II rider and two-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart who shined with Schroeter’s Romani.

Hart earned the highest score of the day on Friday during the Team Test, riding to a score of 73.284 percent. She duplicated her efforts on Saturday for the Individual Test with a score of 72.857 percent, and returned Sunday to ride her Freestyle to her highest career score of 77.917 percent.

“I was really happy with how Romani went,” Hart said after the final day of competition. “She was very relaxed in her body and her back, which is what we have been working on from her comments yesterday. To have her rise to the occasion on the third day of competing when she is tired is really great.”

Schroeter’s Romani is owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, the Ruffolos, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. They edged out Lauren Barwick of Canada to take the Grade II victory on both days of competition. If their consistent rides this weekend are any sign of the future for Hart and Schroeter’s Romani, the 2016 Paralympic Equestrian competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sept. 7-18, is definitely in sight. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* is one of the qualifiers for the 2016 USEF Paralympic Equestrian Selection Trials.

“I’ve been asking her to follow through and work with me on the days that my body is tired and she really needs to help me out,” Hart said. “She really did that today. A month ago, she really needed me to be there for her, but now she has my back. We both help each other out now, which has been great.”

Hart continued, “It was a great feeling. In the warm-up my body was tired since it was the third day. She really had to carry me. I asked her if she could do it for me, and she did it.”

Hart is a two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012), two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014), and six-time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. The 2016 Paralympics are high on her list of goals. She began working with Schroeter’s Romani only a year ago after importing the bay mare from Europe. Just a few months later they qualified for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Team, riding in their first international championship together and earning the highest scores for the United States.

Hart trains with Missy Ransehousen of Blue Hill Farm while home in Pennsylvania, and when she travels to Florida for the winter, she maximizes training by working alongside Todd Flettrich of Cherry Knoll Farm.

With their partnership stronger than ever, Hart knows that her success wouldn’t be possible without such a solid team behind her.

“I’m so happy with how things are going and none of it would be possible without my sponsors and my support team at Cherry Knoll Farm,” Hart said. “A big thanks to them and the Ransehousens.”

For more information on Rebecca Hart and Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani Start Season with High Score at White Fences

Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani rode to the high score of 78.382% during the Polar Express Show at White Fences.

Success Continues with Katie Cooper and Sandlot Winning First Year Green Hunter Championship

Wellington, FL – December 17, 2014 – Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani shined Saturday afternoon during the Polar Express show held at the White Fences Equestrian Center in Loxahatchee, Florida. The talented duo rode to the score of 78.382 percent for the FEI Para Team Grade II test during the national show, kick-starting their season as they prepare for the Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in January 2015.

Hart traveled to Florida in early December to work with Wellington-based international dressage trainer Todd Flettrich out of Cherry Knoll Farm, which is also a partial owner of Romani. Hart and Flettrich have worked consistently on warm-up and preparation with Romani after taking a break from showing when the mare returned from the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France. White Fences offered the ideal venue for Hart to prep for the upcoming CPEDI3*.

“She felt really good,” Hart smiled. “We wanted to come out and use this show as a schooling session to get her ready for the CPEDI3* that we have in about three weeks. I just wanted to get her out and about because she had a little bit of a break after WEG. This was her first time out at a recognized show since then.”

Hart continued, “I am really happy with the direction we are going. She was looking at the atmosphere and looking at everything, but she was able to keep her focus, which was really nice. We are definitely growing as a pair. I am more confident in my ability and my cues with her. It’s nice to be able to give her that confidence.”

The pair rode a fluid test with great relaxation and expression, and they earned the highest score of the weekend at White Fences. Hart, a two-time Paralympic dressage rider, has her eyes set on the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are still many more strides to make before their journey to the podium, but Hart feels confident in their growing partnership.

“Leading up to the next event, I have been working on getting the rhythm, the cadence and the relaxation in order to sustain it through the test. I am working on really getting her to focus on me during the ride. I want to get us into our own little bubble out there so that we can block out everything. We are really going in the right direction, and I want to keep building on what we did here. I think this is a good baseline, but we can be even better,” Hart concluded.

The success for Cherry Knoll Farm didn’t stop with Hart, however. In Charlottesville, Virginia, Katie Cooper and Sandlot captured their second First Year Green Working Hunter Championship in two weeks. They showed at The Barracks Horse Show, putting in four consistent rounds over fences to take home two first place ribbons, two second place ribbons and a fourth in the under saddle.

“It was very good competition this week,” Cooper said. “There were so many people that the schedule was delayed and we had to show much later than expected, but I think it was a good test for his maturity. He handled it really well. Truthfully, he jumped probably the best he has ever jumped. He was very careful, thoughtful, he measured and really made it easy. He was a delight and really is just the best jumper.”

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

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Rebecca Hart Trades Pirouettes for Spins during 2014 Para-Reining Demonstration

Rebecca Hart riding Spookanne, a 2006 mare by Smart Spook and out of Annieote Freckles by Colonel Freckles. Photo Courtesy of: The American Quarter Horse Journal.

Oklahoma City, OK – November 24, 2014 – The atmosphere was electrifying at the 2014 American Quarter Horse World Championship Show. On Nov. 15 the Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fair Park welcomed not only the best reiners in the business, but also six high performance para-equestrians to demonstrate the developing discipline of para-reining, including two-time U.S. Paralympian and Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games athlete Becca Hart.

This was the third opportunity for spectators, organizers and athletes to experience para-reining on an international stage. The 2013 event was the pilot event for the discipline, and USA Reining and the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) are working together to develop the discipline even further for 2015 and beyond. Hart was among the riders who competed at the American Quarter Horse World Championship Show in 2013 and returned for more in 2014.

“It was quite impressive to see the growth from 2013,” Hart said. “The discipline is still in its development stages, and USA Reining and USPEA are still working on the classification system, but it has been quite impressive.”

Each of the six riders was paired with a top reiner and worked alongside them to learn the ropes. Hart’s trainer was Martin Muehlstaetter, a member of Team Austria at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Hart rode Spookanne, owned by Rosanne Sternberg of Sterling Ranch.

“The American Quarter Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association have been so supportive of this initiative, and inclusive in Para,” Hart described. “It is really nice to have the support of the community behind us. The audience was on their feet, and they all know what they are looking for. These top reiners, they make it look easy out there. It definitely isn’t.”

Hart continued, “It was so much fun to go out there and try it. There is definitely a lot to it, and the horses were amazing. They were so understanding and they tried to figure out what we, as para-equestrians, need.”

USA Reining took steps to ensure that the riders were able to utilize many of the same staples they use during their dressage tests, including adaptive reins and rubber bands. The associations are working together to develop the classification system for the different levels, and they are using high technological research to correctly identify the proper patterns and abilities of riders in each of those classifications. As a part of an on-going research study undertaken by USA Reining, motion capture technology is being used with the able-bodied reiners, allowing researchers to see the key physical elements needed in order to perform certain movements.

Hart admitted that this is something that she sees herself pursuing in the future, but first she has to dig a little deeper into the developing discipline.

“It is all about balance, fluidity and harmony, very much like dressage. Even though you are doing it in a western saddle it is the same principles. Instead of doing a pirouette you do a spin,” Hart smiled. “I can definitely see myself competing in this in the future. This has been a fantastic taste. It is everything I love about dressage with speed added to it – it adds adrenaline.”

Hart concluded, “A big thank you to Brad Ettleman and everyone for hosting and promoting the sport. I think it has a good place in the horse world, and I am excited to see it go further. To do it at the inaugural event was very special. I also want to say thank you to the AQHA for opening their arms to the para discipline by hosting the event at their World Championship Show. Anytime we can grow the para-sport is spectacular.”

For more information on Becca Hart and Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

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Long-Time Partnership Brings Para-Dressage Rider’s Dreams to Fruition

Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani. Photos by Lindsay McCall.

Unionville, PA – November 18, 2014 – Competing at an international level requires much more than just being a good rider; it takes a village. For para-dressage rider Becca Hart, three of the prominent members of that ‘village’ are Jessica and Missy Ransehousen and Todd Flettrich.

The support and tutelage of the three trainers has helped propel Hart to where she is today: riding down centerline at the highest levels of para-dressage competition, including two Paralympics and two World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Rewind back before her successful Paralympic and WEG rides in Hong Kong, London, Normandy and Kentucky, and Hart was just gearing up for the 2008 Paralympics, her first Paralympics event.

It was at that time that the Ransehousens, of Blue Hill Farm, decided to host the 2008 para-dressage riders and offer them all, including Hart, free training and board leading up to the Paralympic Games.

At that time, the training relationship that had begun to develop in 2006 between Hart and the Ransehousens continued to flourish into one that would truly help springboard Hart’s career. In Missy, Hart has a trainer well versed in teaching para-riders and in helping them compete at the highest level of the sport.

“My involvement with the para-riders started back in 1999 when Hope Hand, who lives locally in the Malvern [Pennsylvania] area, asked me to teach a clinic,” Missy said. “I had to very quickly adjust my training technique because many of the riders weren’t able to use a strong leg so they compensated in other ways. Hope was very patient with me, and she helped me gain a better understanding into coaching para-riders. While I was teaching her, she was also teaching me.”

Missy Ransehousen jogs Lord Ludgar at the London Olympic Games
Missy Ransehousen jogs Lord Ludgar at the London Olympic Games

Working with Hand further fueled Missy’s interest in the sport of para-dressage, and in 2000, she traveled to the Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia as a coach. Since that summer in 2000, Missy has traveled to the Paralympic Games in Athens, Hong Kong, and London as, not only a trainer, but also as the Chef d’Equipe of the United States Paralympic Dressage teams.

That background and knowledge that Missy brought to the table has proved invaluable to Hart, who continued on with Blue Hill Farm after her positive 2008 Paralympics experience and following her graduation from school. There the Ransehousens provided, and continue to provide, Hart with free board and lessons, allowing her to more easily continue to pursue her goals.

The combination of Missy and Jessica’s generosity and coaching and Hart’s talent was becoming a force to be reckoned with in the para-dressage ring, but as the 2010 World Equestrian Games approached, Missy too was competing and with conflicts in coaching Hart in Florida, she felt it was time to bring in an added reinforcement. Missy knew that longtime friend and professional international dressage rider Todd Flettrich would be just the man for the job.

“When Missy asked me, I was skeptical because I had not taught a para-rider before,” Flettrich admitted, but he was not one to say no to the Ransehousens, with whom he had been like family for some time.

“Going back to the 1980s, I met Todd, and he was my scribe when I judged a show in New Orleans,” said Jessica, a three time Olympic dressage rider herself. “It was very cute because he kept breaking in while scribing and saying that he really wanted to get to Young Riders. He pressed that he wanted to get somewhere where he could have the chance to compete on an international level.”

Jessica saw the passion that Flettrich had for the sport and offered to have him train with her at Blue Hill Farm, much like the current day situation between Hart and the Ransehousens.

“I said to him, if you get permission from your parents and have a horse to ride you can come and live with us. I can take you there. So he came to live with us, and I took him to the North American Young Rider Championship in 1989 and then again in 1990. He was the gold medal winner in 1990.”

With the unyielding generosity of Jessica and through their mutual respect, the two grew to have a wonderful relationship, and Flettrich came to be like a son to Jessica, often joking that Jessica is his other mom. The dynamic duo considers themselves to be family, as Jessica stays with Flettrich when she attends the shows in Florida.

And so, Flettrich was brought into the picture as a vital part of Hart’s growing team.

“As an FEI level rider and trainer, his is another opinion that I really respect,” Missy said. “That is one of the reasons I thought he would do well with Hart. She needed some guidance, but she didn’t need to be talked through every second of her ride. He says a lot of encouraging words, and he is there to back you up.”

Then, with Flettrich on board and leading up to the 2012 London Paralympics, Jessica offered Hart another exciting addition to the team: Missy’s talented PSG dressage mount, Lord Ludgar.

Hart had retired Norteassa, who had been quite competitive and helped her reach her goal of going to the Paralympics, but Jessica knew that Lord Ludgar would be the perfect next step in helping Hart be competitive in the top tier of the sport.

By the time the 2012 London Paralympics actually arrived, Hart had an outstanding selection trial at Gladstone in 2012 and had been named the national champion aboard Lord Ludgar. At the Games, with the assistance of Missy who rode Lord Ludgar every morning, Hart delivered two beautiful tests for the team, placing fourth in the first team test and fifth in the freestyle.

The time came for Lord Ludgar to retire, and a top-level horse of her own was just what Hart needed, and that is just what another vital member of Hart’s growing team, Margaret Duprey of Cherry Knoll Farm, was able to offer her.

Duprey currently backs and supports Flettrich, and she presented the opportunity to Missy to do the same for Hart.

“Margaret came to me and told me that she was interested in helping Becca [Hart] buy a horse, and that was great,” Missy said. “She definitely has done a lot for the para-dressage program, and I hope that she stays with it and continues to sponsor Becca. Margaret is upbeat and supportive, and it is really great to have her as part of the team.”

Duprey, with additional sponsors, purchased Schroeters Romani, a Danish Warmblood mare, for Hart, and it was on Schroeters Romani that Hart competed this summer at the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. From there, their relationship has only continued to grow and improve with every ride.

“I recently went with [Hart] to a nice schooling show at Dunmovin where she rode really well and got a nice 67 percent in her third level test,” Jessica said.

With the support of the powerhouse team behind her, the future looks bright for Hart as she continues to climb the ranks as a top international competitor.

For more information about the Ransehousen family and their Blue Hill Farm, click here.

To learn more about Becca Hart visit, http://www.teamusa.org/para-equestrian/athletes/Rebecca-Hart.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Cherry Knoll Farm’s Dressage Powerhouse: Todd Flettrich and Rebecca Hart

Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani. Photos by Susan J. Stickle Photography.

West Grove, PA – September 26, 2014 – Todd Flettrich is an internationally recognized dressage rider and trainer. Rebecca Hart is one of the brightest stars of Para-Dressage. When the two joined forces, they became an unstoppable team of positive energy and excellent horsemanship.

Hart, a Grade II Para-Dressage athlete with birth-onset hereditary spastic paraplegia, is a two-time paralympian and an incredible six-time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. Prior to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Rebecca’s primary trainer, Missy Ransehousen, asked professional dressage rider Flettrich to help polish Rebecca’s performance during her final preparations for the event. Since then, he continues to work with Hart before many major events.

“When Missy asked me, I was skeptical because I had not taught a para-rider before,” Flettrich acknowledged. “Yet it wasn’t as difficult as I thought because it all comes back to the basic riding principles.”

The relationship between Hart and Flettrich has grown and strengthened over time and through several mount changes for Hart. They work together because they feel it’s a mutual learning experience.

For Hart, the first meeting with Flettrich actually swept her off her feet.

“I went to Florida to hang out with Margaret Duprey and Todd. When Missy dropped me off at the barn, I literally fell out of the truck at his feet,” Hart said laughing. “I told him to teach me as if I were an able-bodied rider and I will adapt it to my body. If something doesn’t work we’ll have a conversation about it.”

Todd Flettrich and Otto
Todd Flettrich and Otto

Flettrich’s training style worked well for Hart. She enjoyed great success competing one of her early international horses, Norteassa (nicknamed Pippin).

“Todd is impeccable with his timing and his finesse with the aids to get the horse responding at exactly the right moment,” said Hart. “He makes you very aware of what’s going on beneath you and ensures you’re able to keep it playful, light and energetic. Pippin really responded.”

Hart qualified for the 2012 London Paralympic games with her new mount Lord Ludger and, again Flettrich was there to polish and perfect Hart’s riding prior to the big competition. With his help, Hart finished in fourth place, just shy of a medal.

After his impressive career, Lord Ludger retired and Hart began the challenging search for a new international mount. With the generous support of Margaret Duprey, owner of Cherry Knoll Farm, they purchased the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, Schroeters Romani.

“I had to have a skillset in mind when finding a horse that would work with my disability,” Hart explained. “My disease is a progressive one that causes muscle wasting and paralysis from your mid-back down; what I could do six months ago with my body I can’t do now. So I need a horse that is adaptable so I can start somewhere and progress, and that’s what I fell in love with Romani for.”

Flettrich shares Hart’s confidence in her new mount and said having Romani has made teaching her easier.

“Rebecca having the right horse allows her to really excel,” said Flettrich. “We focused on the basics like fixing her balance and since she knew my riding principles, it was easy to jump in and start helping.”

This March, Hart and Romani tackled their first big CDI at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 12 CPEDI3*, with Flettrich helping to train them prior to the event once more.

Through hard work and training with Flettrich, Hart and Romani solidified their bond and began to set sights on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

After she claimed her sixth U.S. National Championship in June, Hart took Romani to France for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The pair qualified for the Freestyle after finishing in seventh place with a score of 67.486 percent individually.

While Flettrich could not be in Normandy, he was confident about Hart’s abilities and said he didn’t need to give her any advice.

“Working with Rebecca has been a wonderful experience. Sometimes I think Rebecca has taught me more than I have taught her,” Flettrich laughed. “That girl has an unbelievable work ethic and she does not allow her disability to run her life.”

With the help of her trainers and mentors, Hart has climbed to 25th position in Para-Dressage on the FEI’s World Individual Ranking List.

“I’m so grateful to all of the people who have helped me along the way, Margaret, Todd, and Missy,” Rebecca said.

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
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Hart, Trunnell Contest Freestyle Finals at World Equestrian Games

Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

CAEN, NORMANDY, August 29, 2014 – To be selected to represent one’s country at a world championships is an honor that few riders ever experience. To not only compete but to perform well enough to advance through the rounds of competition to qualify for the finals is a rare achievement, indeed.

Not one but two U.S. representatives in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ para-equestrian dressage competition claimed that achievement today: Roxanne Trunnell, Grade Ia rider; and her WEG teammate Rebecca Hart, Grade II.

For Trunnell, 29, of Rowlett, Tex., today’s freestyle aboard the nineteen-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Nice Touch was a high note in several ways. For one, this is Trunnell’s first time on a U.S. equestrian team. For another, it was the ride of a lifetime aboard the horse she’s been paired with since Trunnell was 13. And to top it off, this was Nice Touch’s swan song.

“It was fantastic. She is a good girl,” a beaming Trunnell said afterward. “This was her grand finale.”

Trunnell was proud of her freestyle routine, appropriately set to George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and to music from the musical Gigi, including “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.” The highlight, she said, was Nice Touch’s relaxed free walk, which helped the pair earn a score of 62.400 percent for a seventh-place finish.

Schedules are tight for the para-equestrian dressage athletes: Trunnell returns home tomorrow, Saturday, which unfortunately leaves her no time for sightseeing in France. But “I’ll be back,” she said.

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter's Romani
Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani

The 2014 U.S. WEG para-dressage team veteran, Rebecca Hart, 30, of Unionville, Penn., found herself in the position of showing her new mount, Schroeter’s Romani, the ropes of international competition. The twelve-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare “was definitely enthusiastic” in her Grade II Freestyle, Hart said with a laugh, referring to occasional tension and loss of focus that left the 2014 United States Equestrian Federation Para-Equestrian Dressage national champions with a score of 65.400 percent and seventh place.

“As we move along, I’m hoping for more power and relaxation,” Hart said afterward. “The enthusiasm is appreciated, but maybe just a little bit more controlled enthusiasm.”

Of the freestyle choreography, Hart said: “We were trying to play to her walk a little bit because she has such a great walk. Mostly we were trying to make the walk a little more technical in that you have to hit it exactly with the music, or else the rest of the choreography will be slightly off. When it comes off, you really see that.”

The WEG was the debut performance of this freestyle, said Hart. Freestyle choreographer Marlene Whitaker helped Hart put the routine together – but according to the rider, it was Schroeter’s Romani who approved the music selection.

“She loves this music; she actually picked this music herself,” Hart said. “It’s ‘The Journey Begins,’ which is fairly fitting, since this is the beginning of our journey together.” The melody is the anthem from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, she said, and “We used that with some other pieces as well that we mixed together.”

Looking to the future, Hart added: “This was our original choreography, but if we want to change out leg-yields for half-passes or increase the difficulty later on, we can.”

And Hart may be doing just that as she focuses on her next big goal: the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. First things first, however: “Between now and then, we’re going to get her out and about quite a bit so she gets used to different venues and different atmospheres. We can work on building our trust together so she comes to me and looks to me for support and guidance instead of being distracted, and so we have more of the harmonious relationship that you’re looking for in any dressage horse and rider.”

After Hart returns home to Pennsylvania, her mare will get a bit of a break; then the rider is “hoping to do the winter season in Florida.” Then “the para-dressage [competitors and supporters] are looking to do a European tour in the spring. We feel that European exposure is so important, not only for us as individuals but for the country as a whole so our team can get out there and be seen.”

With the 2014 WEG, the young U.S. para-equestrian dressage team has taken a major step toward the medal podium on the international stage. It will be exciting to follow this talented group of horses and riders as they proceed on their journey.

Learn more about the Para-Dressage discipline at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France: http://www.normandy2014.com/the-disciplines/8/para-dressage.

Support the Team and its future to the 2016 Paralympics in Rio with the USET Foundation’s Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge: http://uspea.org/the-jonathan-wentz-memorial-challenge/.

Learn more about the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline or give a tax-deductible donation to support the development of the sport with the USPEA 501(c)(3)t: www.USPEA.org.

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.

Hart and Trunnell Close Out WEG with Freestyle Performances

Roxanne Trunnell & Nice Touch (SusanJStickle.com)

Caen, France – Roxanne Trunnell and Rebecca Hart brought FEI World Para-Dressage Championship competition at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to a close with their Freestyle Tests. The La Prairie Racecourse hosted the final tests of the championships as the top third of competitors from Grade 1a, 1b, II, III, and IV looked to ascend the medal podium.

Grade 1a rider Trunnell (Rowlett, Tx.) was making her final competitive appearance with Sidney Trunnell’s 19-year-old KWPN mare Nice Touch and made it a successful one as she closed out her World Championship debut with a seventh place finish. The longtime pair performed a forward, upbeat test set to French flared music to score 62.400% from the Ground Jury of Hanneke Gerritsen, Kjell Myhre, Marco Orsini, Eva Bachinger, and Sarah Leitch.

“She was fantastic, such a good girl; this was her grand finale,” said Trunnell. “(My favorite part was the) free walk. She likes doing those; it was so relaxed.”

Despite these Games being the final test for the pair, Trunnell has her sights firmly set on representing the United States at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Italy’s Sara Morganti and Royal Delight earned the Grade 1a Freestyle Gold medal with a score of 75.783%, with Laurentia Yen-Yi Tan and Ruben James 2 of Singapore clinching Silver on 74.522%, and Great Britain’s Sophie Christiansen and Janiero 4 earning Bronze with a score of 74.261%.

Rebecca Hart & Schroeter's Romani (SusanJStickle.com)
Rebecca Hart & Schroeter’s Romani (SusanJStickle.com)

Hart (Unionville, Pa.), a World Championship and Paralympic veteran, closed out her second World Games appearance with a seventh-place finish in the Grade II Freestyle riding her own Schroeters Romani. The 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare earned a score of 65.400% from the Ground Jury of Freddy Leyman, Anne Prain, Hanneke Gerritsen, Kjell Myhre, and Marco Orsini after enthusiasm got the better of her in the Freestyle.

“She was definitely enthusiastic; she loves this music,” said Hart. “In the future I’m hopeful for a little more power but her enthusiasm was definitely appreciated but next time, hopefully have a little more controlled enthusiasm.”

Hart has enjoyed her time in France as well training camp in Aachen, Germany and getting the chance to get to know her teammates better.

“The group of people we have has been great; we’ve really bonded and all my supporters have been wonderful. We really have become a tight knit family.”

Rixt van der Horst and Uniek of The Netherlands won Grade II Freestyle Gold on a score of 76.350%, earning the Silver medal was Canada’s Lauren Barwick and Off to Paris on a score of 76.250%, with The Netherlands’ Demi Vermeulen and Vaness earning Bronze on a score of 71.900%.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the Para-Dressage Championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit: http://www.normandy2014.com/2014-games/the-disciplines/8/para-dressage.

Learn more about the Para-Equestrian Team: click here.

Rebecca Hart Earns Sixth USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

Rebecca Hart earned the 2014 USEF National Championship with Shroeter’s Romani. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

U.S. Para-Dressage 2014 World Equestrian Games Selection Trial Rankings Are In

Gladstone, NJ – June 6, 2014 – For the sixth time in history, Grade II Para-Dressage rider from Unionville, Penn., Rebecca Hart, took home the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship. Hart rode the Danish Warmblood Shroeter’s Romani to the victory. Shroeter’s Romani is owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolos, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. Earning the Reserve Championship was Grade Ia rider Margaret McIntosh and her own Rio Rio (Rheinland Pfalz-saar). The 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/ Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) was one of the most competitive Championships/Trials in Para-Dressage history. Para-Equestrians from around the U.S. traveled to Hamilton Farm at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ for their chance to earn a spot on the U.S. WEG Team and achieve top national rankings. The June 2-5, National Championship/Trials ground jury included President Kristi Wysocki (4*) USA, Adrienne Pot (3*) USA, and David Schmutz (4*) USA. Behind Reserve Champion Margaret McIntosh obtaining third place was Grade Ia athlete Roxanne Trunnell and her own Nice Touch. Fourth place overall went to Young Rider Sydney Collier and the Mecklenburg NTEC Cuplee, owned by Patricia Mendenhall. Fifth place overall was earned by 2010 WEG athlete Susan Treabess and the PRE Stallion Kamiakin, owned by Scott and Katie Hill and the sixth place accolade went to Angela Peavy and the Hannoverian Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno. The awards ceremony named the top horse/rider combinations in each of the five Grades in addition to the top horse/rider combinations selected for the long list for the U.S. Para-Dressage WEG Team. Also included in the final accolades was the Sportsmanship Trophy. The Sportsmanship Trophy was awarded to Marsha Cullen. The Sportsmanship Trophy is a Perpetual Trophy awarded to a Para-Dressage Athlete competing at the National Championship who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper and unselfishness. Cullen was presented with a take-home trophy during the final awards ceremony.

It was an exciting week for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders, sponsors, owners, and spectators. Included during the week was the USPEA Welcome Reception and the Kick Off Party for the newly established Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage, hosted by the USET Foundation. The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage was made possible through the generosity of Margaret H. Duprey and The Barnfield Foundation. The goal of the initiative is to raise $800,000 for High Performance Para Dressage. Mrs. Duprey and the Barnfield Foundation have each pledged up to $200,000. They will each match, dollar for dollar, every gift commitment of $4,000 and above made by April 1, 2015.

Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio
Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio

By the end of the week the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/Selection Trial revealed the top competitors for the 2014 WEG. Once reviewed and selected through the team selection process the 2014 U.S. Para-Dressage Team will be led by U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor Kai Handt.

About the 2014 U.S. Para-Dressage WEG Team Selection:

The 2014 U.S. Para-Dressage Team will be led by U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor Kai Handt and it will consist of four athletes and four horses or three athletes and three horses. One team member must be classified either Grade Ia, Ib, or II. A team may not include more than two athletes from any one Grade. Positions one through three on the Short List/FEI Nominated Entry will be filled by the first through third ranked horse/athlete combination from the Selection Trial. If an athlete competes in the Selection Trial on more than one horse and ranks in the first through third placings at the Selection Trial with both horses, the athlete will be named to the FEI Nominated Entry in that athlete’s highest placed position with both horses. The positions that follow will be taken by the next highest ranking athlete/horse combination from the Selection Trial. Position four on the FEI Nominated Entry will be filled either by the next ranked athlete/horse combination from the Selection Trial or by an athlete/horse combination(s) named as a discretionary choice by the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Selectors. If a discretionary choice is utilized for position four then all athletes following the position filled by the discretionary choice will move down one place in the ranking from the Selection Trial up to the maximum number able to be nominated under FEI rules. If a discretionary choice is not used for position four then the remaining positions on the Short List/Nominated Entry will be filled by athlete/horse combinations in order of their ranking from the Selection Trial.

These selections will not be solidified until the competition has completed on June 5 and each ride is reviewed by the Selection Committee.

For more information about the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and the Selection Trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, please go to USEF.org.

WEG Selection Procedure: https://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/paralympic/WEGSelectionProcedures.pdf.

Criteria to Determine Eligibility to Compete in the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship may be found at: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx.

For more information about World Equestrian Games criteria, please visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx.

For questions about the 2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season, please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline Laureen K. Johnson at (908) 326-1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@usef.org.

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.

Hart Claims Sixth National Title at Historic USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (SusanJStickle.com)

Gladstone, N.J. – The USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship came to a close on Thursday at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, N.J., with Rebecca Hart claiming her sixth National Title in a competition that was widely regarded as the most competitive the sport has ever seen in the United States. The day began under overcast and rainy skies, ultimately clearing at the lunch break to finish out the 2014 event with much more pleasant weather. All 24 entries performed their Freestyles, to earn the remaining 20% of their championship score, in front of the Ground Jury of Adrienne Pot, David Schmutz, and Kristi Wysocki.

“The caliber of riding has gone through the roof,” said Wysocki of the 2014 National Champion field. “It was very exciting to judge because our riders are so good.”

Hart (Unionville, Pa.) and her own Schroeter’s Romani, who she has only been riding since November of 2013 after purchasing the mare in Europe, closed out the week scoring 76.917 for her Freestyle to finish on a championship score of 74.642. The two-time Paralympian rode the 11-year-old Danish Warmblood to her familiar “Classical Gas” melody, increasing the level of difficulty by adding lateral moments.

“When I first rode her, I knew she was very special,” said the Grade II rider of Schroeter’s Romani. “She was really willing to work with me, and her body and my body worked right away, and mentally we were right in sync.”

Hart, who has enjoyed seeing the sport of para-equestrian dressage grow in the United States, believes that all the riders in the program are inspiring each other to reach new competitive heights.

“I think that pressure is always there,” said Hart of her quest to capture her sixth National Championship. “To see the growth (in the sport in the U.S.) from where it was when I first started is amazing. The pressure is always there, but that is a good thing.”

Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio (SusanJStickle.com)
Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio (SusanJStickle.com)

Earning the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Reserve Championship were Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio on a score off 71.582. The former eventer and her own eight-year-old Rheindlander mare performed an up-tempo Freestyle set to music from “The King and I” to score 73.500 in the final Grade 1A test of the week.

“I came here with very few expectations and I’m very satisfied with my horse,” said an excited McIntosh. “She is a little green, but she was great all week and I’m very happy.”

Finishing the championship in third place were Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and her own 19-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Nice Touch, on a total of 71.582, after winning the Grade 1A Freestyle with a score of 74.

In Grade IV competition, Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s nine-year-old PRE stallion, Kamiakin, completed a sweep of their division, winning the Freestyle with a score of 73.500 and winning the Grade IV National Championship on 71.128. Angela Peavy (Avon, Conn.) was the overall winner of Grade III competition, finishing on an overall total of 70.442 with Rebecca Reno’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Lancelot Warrior. Peavy also won Thursday’s Freestyle with her other horse, Rebecca Reno’s 8-year-old Trakehner gelding, Ozzy Cooper, on a score of 74.333. Hart was the overall victor in the Grade II Championship and Freestyle with Schroeter’s Romani. In Grade 1B, Sydney Collier (Ann Arbor, Mich.) won the overall competition with Patricia Mclean Mendenhall’s six-year-old Mecklenburg gelding, NTEC Cuplee, on a total of 71.389. They also won the Freestyle on a score of 74.167. McIntosh won the overall Grade 1A championship, while Trunnell won the Freestyle.

By Helen Murray

For score, results and orders of go, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(gk5mitujwaurfi55exs2hqvs)/ClassList.aspx?sh=2364&st=1.

Follow the U.S. Para-Equestrian Team here.

Hart Maintains Lead in USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship Following Two Days of Competition

Hart and Schroeter’s Romani on Tuesday (SusanJStickle.com)

Gladstone, N.J. – The USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship continued on Wednesday with all 24 competitors performing their second tests of the week. Before the Ground Jury of Adrienne Pot, David Schmutz, and Kristi Wysocki, riders demonstrated the FEI Individual Tests in their respective grade to earn a further 40% of their championship score in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena at the historic USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, N.J. Rebecca Hart maintained her overall lead and lies on a championship average of 74.073 as she looks to secure her sixth National Title.

Hart (Unionville, Pa.) and her own 11-year-old Danish Warmblood Schroeter’s Romani performed an accurate, flowing Grade II Individual Test to score 73.048 on Wednesday. With their win on Wednesday the pair, which had spent much of the spring in Europe, earned their second victory of the championship after claiming top honors in the Team Test on Tuesday.

“Today she wasn’t quite as in front of my leg as I would have liked but it was one of those rides where you just have to ride what you have,” said Hart of her Individual Test. “And today it paid off.”

The 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games veteran is enjoying competing at the storied USET Foundation Headquarters and believes this week is a great illustration of how far the sport of para-equestrian dressage has come in recent years.

“Gladstone is so historic and to ride here and in this ring where all the greats have ridden is fantastic. Para has grown so much in the past couple of years, to fill the upper and lower barn and have more than 20 riders when we only had five or six a few years ago is amazing.”

Lying in second place in the Championship following two tests are Margaret McIntosh (Reading, Pa.) and her own eight-year-old Rheindlander mare Rio Rio on a score of 71.159. On Wednesday the combination scored 69.928 in their Grade 1A Individual Test, a mark that would have been higher had they not incurred an error for going off course midway through their test.

McIntosh was pragmatic about the mistake and looks forward to riding her Freestyle with Rio Rio on Thursday.

“I have no good reason for forgetting my test today. Yesterday my test was a dream and I think I got a little caught up in the excitement of that. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, you can’t go off course in your Freestyle!” said McIntosh. “Rio Rio loves the music and it really picks her up and keeps her going forward.”

Grade 1B competitor, Sydney Collier (Ann Arbor, Mich.), stands in third place overall with Victoria Dugan’s 14-year-old Warmblood gelding Willi Wesley on an average of 71.138. On Wednesday they scored 71.609 for their Individual Test.

In Grade IV competition, Susan Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kathryn Hill’s nine-year-old PRE stallion Kamiakin secured their second win of the week as they topped the Individual Test with a score of 71.627. Angela Peavy (Avon, Conn.) also earned her second win of the championship after topping the Grade III FEI Individual Test with Rebecca Reno’s 8-year-old Trakehner gelding Ozzy Cooper on a score of 69.228. Hart and Schroeter’s Romani were the winners of the Grade II Individual Test to help them maintain their overall lead. Collier again bested herself in the Grade 1B Individual Test earning a repeat victory with Willi Wesley. Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and her own 19-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Nice Touch were the winners of the Grade 1A Individual Test after scoring 70.652.

Marsha Cullen (Claremore, Okla.) and her own nine-year-old Draft cross gelding Latte kicked off the day as they performed their Grade II Team Test. After starting their test on Tuesday they were unable to complete their performance because of lightning in the area. The combinations scored 61.863, finishing in fifth place, to bring Team Test competition to a close. On Wednesday afternoon Cullen and Latte scored 62.286 in the Grade II Team Test finishing in fifth.

Championship competition is extremely close heading into the final Freestyle tests, which will count for the final 20% of the championship score, with less than a point and a half separating second through eighth place.

By Helen Murray

For score, results and orders of go, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(gk5mitujwaurfi55exs2hqvs)/ClassList.aspx?sh=2364&st=1.

Follow the U.S. Para-Equestrian Team here.