Tag Archives: USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

Woodard, Parra Named Champions at USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Patricia Becker and Freedom, Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Champions. Photo: SusanJStickle.com.

Wayne, IL – The final two division titles of the 2017 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships were determined as competition came to an end at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Andrea Woodard and Ravenna maintained their top position following Friday’s test to earn the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Dressage National Championship, following the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test. Cesar Parra and Fashion Designer OLD also held onto their lead from Friday’s test to claim the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship. The tests counted 60% towards their overall score. The remaining 40% came from Friday’s preliminary tests.

Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Dressage National Championship

On Sunday, the judges were impressed with the quality and overall delivery of the tests by the young horses. However, they ultimately awarded Woodard (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Oldenburg mare Ravenna the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Dressage National Championship. They had a superb preliminary test on Friday, winning the class with a score of 7.9. The combination only improved, scoring the only 8 in the final test and winning handedly with an 8.3 and overall score of 8.1.

The highlights of their test included the canter. With a normally expressive trot, Ravenna also showed the lightness and smoothness of this gait. With a careful plan for young horses, Woodard has cautiously aimed for the championships this year, allowing her mare time to grow up and mature.

“It feels wonderful of course. This is what I have been building up towards for such a long time now,” said Woodard. “I’ve had my eyes on this championship. She actually qualified as a five-year-old, but I didn’t feel like she was mentally ready to take this long trip. This year, I felt like she was much more prepared and mentally ready, so I went for it and it paid off. I am super excited and very happy with her.”

Ravenna also received the Oldenburg Award, given to the highest scoring Oldenburg of the class by the Oldenburg Horse Breeder’s Society.

Placing second in the preliminary test on Friday with a 7.8, Werner Van Den Brande (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Flyby FLF, Linda Sommer’s Hanoverian stallion, put in an impressive final test, scoring a 7.9 and keeping them in second for the final test and overall reserve. With more energy in their second test and an improvement in the strength of the trot and canter work, the combination scored a 7.9 overall.

“We have been working for this for the last couple of months to get ready,” said Werner. “We did it and it, of course, feels really nice.”

Additionally, Flyby FLF was awarded the U.S.-Bred Award as recognition of the top U.S.-bred horse in the class.

Michael Bragdell (Colora, Md.) and Anne Howard’s Oldenburg stallion Finery kept their poise, finishing third overall with a score of 7.6. The combination finished third in Friday’s preliminary test with a 7.6, replicating their score and position in the final test to finish in the top-three.

“He held it together and stayed focused through the test,” said Bragdell. “I really couldn’t have asked him for anymore. I was just so proud of him. It is fun to come here and be here with all the great competitors. It really gives it a championship feel. I am just so proud that we made it this far and competed here.”

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship

Maintaining the top position, Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and Fashion Designer OLD, his own and Martin Sosnoff’s nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding, scored an overall score of 67.30%. Fashion Designer OLD is a true product of success from the USEF Young & Developing Horse Program, competing and placing first in the 5-Year-Old division in 2013, third in the 6-Year-Old division in 2014, and second in the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges division over the years.

“First of all, I am super, super happy to get another title here at the national championships,” said Parra. “I am very, very proud of my horse. I am super grateful, too. It takes a whole village to make it out here; from the owners, from the farrier and the grooms – there are so many people that helped us to get here. Expectations are very high. You want to do well for the horse, for the team, for yourself. I am very, very happy. The footing was excellent, and I think we had a good panel of judges. I am very happy.”

The combination also earned the Oldenburg Award, given to the highest scoring Oldenburg by the Oldenburg Horse Breeder’s Society. Parra and Fashion Designer OLD scored a 69.56%, winning Friday’s FEI Intermediate II Test and a 67.30% in Sunday’s USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test, placing third.

Winning Sunday’s USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test with a 66.25%, Patricia Becker (Wadsworth, Ill.) and Dr. Anne Ramsay’s 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion Freedom were the reserve champions of the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship with an overall score of 66.68%.

Tying for second in Friday’s preliminary test with a 67.32%, Becker was pleased with Freedom’s attitude and work ethic moving into the final test.

“Freedom is always a bit more tired towards the end of a big competition. Today, he felt very good in his body going in. He was very much with me. He really tried and gave me all of his focus and I was super proud of him,” said Becker.

Freedom was also the recipient of the U.S.-Bred Horse Award, given to the highest scoring U.S.-bred horse of the class.

Perhaps riding the most talked-about horse of the show due to her coloration, James Koford (Lexington, N.C.) expertly navigated his final test aboard Adiah HP, Sherry Koella’s 10-year-old Friesian/Dutch Warmblood mare. Moving from fifth place with a score of 66.84% in Friday’s preliminary test to second place in the final test with a 66.04%, Koford and Adiah HP claimed the overall third position in the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship with a 66.36%.

Koford’s relationship with Adiah HP is special and they never take themselves too seriously.

“She is three-quarters Friesian and a quarter Dutch Warmblood – she is just a horse that makes me happy every day,” said Koford. “She looks at me and it’s like she’s smiling. Every day the highlight of her day is when she goes to work.”

Koford’s expectations coming into the championship were to perform their best, giving Adiah HP an opportunity to shine.

“[Adiah HP] is new to the Grand Prix, and I just want her to feel like a champion every time she goes in,” said Koford. “I want her to be happy, have the best time, and feel really good about herself. In that way, it was a win. Honestly, she gives me chill bumps when I ride her – she makes me happy. The whole day, the whole week was really fun.”

Relive memorable moments from the 2017 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships with photo galleries, rider video clips, and much more on the USEF Network.

By Julian McPeak, US Equestrian Communications Department

Cesar Parra Warms Up for Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle.

Wayne, IL (August 22, 2017) –  Performance Farms has yet again earned top spots in the rankings of horses qualified to compete in the elite Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships. A consistent and strong competitor in this annual competition, Dr. Cesar Parra, founder and head trainer at Performance Farms, is ranked second in this year’s Developing Grand Prix Division with Fashion Designer OLD. Assistant trainer Katie Riley is also ranked second in the Five-Year-Old Division with GK Sir Beckmann.

Qualifying not one but two horses for the upcoming National Championships is an impressive feat, although one that is not surprising to anyone who has been watching Performance Farms’ horses competing this year. The qualification period for the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships began on January 1, 2017, and concluded on July 31, 2017. Throughout that timeframe, qualifying took place at designated USEF/NAJYRC Qualifying Competitions. The National Championships will take place at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois on August 24-27, 2017.

Parra and Fashion Designer OLD received qualifying scores as high as 75.313 percent in the Developing Horse Grand Prix Division. Bred by Heike Kind in Germany, Fashion Designer OLD is a nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Faustinus x Forst-Design, De Niro) owned by Parra and Martin Sosnoff. “Fashion is a star, and I am thrilled with how he is developing,” said Parra. “His results are great, but it is his development that brings me the most joy.”

In last year’s competition, Parra and Fashion Designer OLD won the Reserve Champion title in the Developing Prix St. Georges division.

Riley and GK Sir Beckmann also ranked second, consistently earning scores over 80% during the qualifying period. GK Sir Beckmann is a Hanoverian gelding (Sir Donnerhall x Witchita, Wolkenstein II) bred in Germany by Norbert and Petra Fockenberg. “Sir Beckmann is such a special horse and I am so very proud of him. He is an amazing five year old, but an even more amazing horse for the future. I am blessed and lucky to have the ride on him, and I’m grateful to Cesar Parra and his wife Marcela Ortiz for always supporting me,” said Riley, who is a founding member of Performance Farms.

Performance Farms is based in both Jupiter, Florida and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and is dedicated to developing top notch horses and riders for the dressage ring. Founder Dr. Cesar Parra is an Olympian, a Pan American Games Dressage Team Gold Medalist, and a Nations Cup Silver Medalist, as well as a two-time World Cup Finalist and two-time World Equestrian Games competitor. To learn more about the training and lessons offered by Parra and Riley at Performance Farms, visit www.piaffe-performance.com.

Contact: Dr. Cesar Parra
Piaffe-Performance Farm
(410) 977-8352
www.piaffe-performance.com

Ots and Karol Named Champions at Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (SusanJStickle.com)

Wayne, Ill. – The final two division titles of the 2016 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships were determined today as competition came to an end at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Endel Ots and Lucky Strike earned the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship title, their first national championship, following the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test. Jane Karol and Sunshine Tour won the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship following the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test. Today’s tests counted 60% towards their overall score. The remaining 40% came from Friday’s preliminary tests.

Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship

The judges remained pleased with the growth of the young horses. However, they ultimately awarded Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and Lucky Strike the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship. They had a superb preliminary test on Friday for a score of 8.64. He and Max Ots’ Hanoverian gelding had a clean final test. Lucky Strike stayed present with Endel the entire test, and the judges saw the commitment of their partnership. However, they wanted more engagement, overall. They earned a score of 8.50 for an overall score of 8.60.

“I am so thankful for Christine Traurig’s help; it has been invaluable. I absolutely could not have done it without her. She has been above and beyond supportive. Coming to clinics in Florida and then helping me here. I showed here when I was 15 years-old, so there’s people I have known over 10 years so it’s really nice to come to Lamplight and be on these show grounds,” said Endel Ots.

Fresh off winning the Reserve National Championship on Saturday, Parra (White House Station, N.J.) earned the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Reserve National Championship with Don Cesar on Sunday. His own Westphalian gelding had excellent walk work to earn a score of 8.28 in the preliminary test for second place in the division. They had nice pirouettes but lacked definition in the trot work during the final test. The judges gave them a score of 8.540 for an overall score of 8.436.

“I was happy with him today. It was a little hotter today, but I was happy with the scores. The comments were very encouraging. It is exciting; I am very honored to have two horses that are Reserve Champions. I think it is a testament to the whole team. I am in great company with two amazing riders [Michael Bragdell and Endel Ots] and their horses,” said Parra.

Michael Bragdell (Colora, Md.) and Sternlicht Hilltop, Hilltop Farm Inc.’s Hanoverian stallion, placed third with an overall score of 8.028. They had a consistent first round test for a score of 7.98. The Hanoverian stallion stepped up for Bragdell for a much more flowing final test to earn a score of 8.06.

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship

Jane Karol (Concord, Mass.) and her own Sunshine Tour had a more relaxed, expressive test on Sunday for a score of 68.750%. With more power and balance in the movements, they earned the 2016 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship with an overall score of 66.917%. On Friday, tension got the best of the 2007 Oldenburg mare, but the combination held it together for a score of 64.167 in the first round test. This is the first National Championship for the combination, as they earned the 2013 Six-Year-Old Reserve National Championship title.

“This is surreal. There were wonderful horses and riders here, but I thought she could do this, and she was great today. She was with me; she was listening, and I got wonderful help right before from Scott Hassler and Margaret Freeman helping me on how to go into certain movements. Thankfully, I listened,” said Karol.

Holger Bechtloff (Wellington, Fla.) and Clapton JP earned the 2016 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Reserve National Championship title with an overall score of 66.040%. He and Peggy Mills’ 2007 KWPN gelding lacked rhythm in Friday’s first round test but still had a pleasing performance for a score of 65.351%. On Sunday, the gelding came to the arena eager to please for an improvement in the final test for a score of 66.500%.

“We are kind of in a funny stage of underreacting or overreacting. His quickness could be detrimental. We are a little electric at moments and just a split second behind, but overall for where he is, I am very happy with him. He tries his heart out,” said Bechtloff.

Petra Warlimont (Evergreen, Colo.) placed third with an overall score of 63.749%. She and Highschool MCF, Susan Alvey’s 2006 Hanoverian gelding, placed fourth in the first round test with a score of 64.875%, improving in the final test for a score of 64.875.

More information about the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships can be found at USEF.org.

From the USEF Communications Department

Lyle, Hartung, Stanley Claim Titles at Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Adrienne Lyle and Horizon (SusanJStickle.com)

Wayne, Ill. – The first set of champions were determined at the 2016 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships. Adrienne Lyle and Horizon maintained their lead to win the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship. Christian Hartung and Desario, who received record marks, claimed the Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old National Championship, and Craig Stanley and Habanero CWS overtook Justine Wilson and Hero BHS for the Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old Championship title. Saturday’s tests counted 60% towards their overall score with the remaining 40% derived from Thursday’s first round tests.

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship

Adrienne Lyle (Ketchum, Idaho) and Horizon competed with purpose during the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test to win the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship. On Friday, Parry Thomas, a longtime supporter of Lyle and her coach, Debbie McDonald, passed away. In honor of his influence, Lyle and Betsy Juliano’s 2007 Oldenburg mare overcame the muddy, rainy conditions for an outstanding test. They earned a score of 74.020% for an overall score of 74.272%.

“Today’s ride was special. He [Thomas] has been incredibly influential and a huge supporter of U.S. dressage,” said Lyle. “He was excited about the competition and loving dressage up to the day he went. He was watching over us, and we rode for him today.”

Moving up from third place following the Developing FEI Prix St. Georges Test, Cesar Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and Fashion Designer OLD captured the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Reserve National Championship with an overall score of 70.440%. The 2008 Oldenburg gelding gave Parra all that he had for an expressive test to earn a score of 70.294%.

“I love the [young and developing horse] program; I think it is fantastic. What I have learned from this is it is an incentive to keep doing things the right way, in the right line because there are no shortcuts. If you try to rush the young horse in these classes without having the basics you won’t be successful,” said Parra following Friday’s Developing FEI Prix St. Georges Test. “We improved a lot from the last test, and I’m happy to be the Reserve Champion,” said Parra following Saturday’s competition.

Moving into third place overall was Nicholia Clarke (Temecula, Calif.) and Quincy, Jennifer Mason’s 2008 Oldenburg gelding. They earned a score of 70.539% in the final test for an overall score of 70.429%.

Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old National Championship

Hartung (Vacaville, Calif.) and Desario went from second alternates for these championships to the winners of Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old National Championship. With a spot open, he and Desario got the chance to exhibit their potential, and they did not disappoint. Hartung and Christiane Noelting’s Oldenburg gelding mastered the FEI Five-Year-Old Test for a score of 8.920, giving them an overall score of 8.824. Desario demonstrated three clean gaits and quality trot work for personal high scores in the final test.

“Today’s test went much different. It felt good going in. He could have pushed it a bit more going into the trot, but overall I was very happy with him,” said Hartung. “I’ve been here [in the U.S.] 10 years and qualified a couple horses, but this is my first year here. The facility is amazing, and it’s a great venue for this show. The young horse program has the right process and policy in place.”

Karin Persson (Bedford Hills, N.Y.) and her own Giuliano also produced a nice test to earn the Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old Reserve National Championship title with an overall score of 8.484. She and her KWPN gelding earned a score of 8.460 following a score of 8.520 during the preliminary test. “He has a super brain; if I ask him anything, he does it. It was a nice ride. I didn’t feel a lack of power in the ring. They [the judges] loved the trot, and at the moment, it is the strongest, and that wasn’t the case half a year ago,” said Persson.

Cyndi Jackson (Glendale, Ariz.) and Sir Amour, Schuttler Stables LLC.’s Hanoverian gelding, remained in third place after the final test. With lovely walk and center work, they earned a score of 8.420 for an overall score of 8.260.

Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old National Championship

Stanley (Madera, Calif.) has been competing in these championships for three years. Now he has the Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old National Championship title. He and his own KWPN gelding Habanero CWS climbed from second place with a quality final test. They earned a score of 8.280 for an overall score of 8.256.

“His canter felt really nice, and the trot was a little better than Thursday; it was energetic and more up in the frame. His walk was less rushed than Thursday. It’s a surreal feeling; I never thought I would be in this position,” said Stanley.

Wilson (Beach Island, S.C.) struggled a bit in the final test, but her own KWPN stallion, Hero BHS, gave her just enough to earn the Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old Reserve National Championship title. They earned a score of 8.160 for an overall score of 8.208.

“This [show] is a very special place; it really develops your eye towards what your goal is. You can see the schooling on the four-year-olds and six-year-olds and see where you are supposed to be in the next couple of years, so you really develop an eye for what’s here,” said Wilson following Thursday’s USEF Four-Year-Old Test. “Today, I did not have the horse I am used to so it threw me off a little bit, but he is so talented. We have such a nice partnership, and he came back around for me and did just enough, so I am proud of him,” added Wilson following Saturday’s final test.

J. T. Burnley (Fulton, Ky.) rebounded from the first round test to earn a score of 8.320 in the final test. He and Won Million, Anna Hopla’s Hanoverian stallion placed third overall with a score of 7.920.

More information about the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships can be found at USEF.org.

From the USEF Communications Department

Tiko, Rosalut NHF, Folkestone Champions of Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Christina Vinios and Folkestone (SusanJStickle.com)

Wayne, Ill. – The 2015 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships continued today with final tests that determined national champions across three divisions: Developing Horse Prix St. Georges, Four- and Five-Year-Olds. The developing horses performed the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test, the five-year-olds performed the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test, and the four-year-olds performed the USEF Four-Year-Old Test. In each division, 60% percent of today’s score was added to the 40% earned in the preliminary test to determine the overall champion.

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship

After taking the lead following Thursday’s FEI Prix St. Georges Test with a score of 72.895%, Heather Blitz (Medfield, Mass.) and Oak Hill Ranch LLC’s Danish Warmblood, Ripline, were poised to win it all. However, Thursday’s second-place finisher Christina Vinios (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Oldenburg, Folkestone, came from behind to win the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship with an overall score of 71.248%. Vinios took today’s ride up a notch from the preliminary test and had a seemingly flawless final test highlighted by accurate changes to score a 72.402%.

“I loved our test. A couple times I may have pushed a little too hard and had a few little bobbles, but I really wanted to fight for every point and show the horse the best that I could,” said Vinios.

Even with a nice canter tour, Blitz and Ripline placed eighth in the final test with a 68.333%. However, the strength of Thursday’s score gave them an overall score of70.158%. Although they could not match Thursday’s performance, Blitz noticed improvement.

“I liked the pirouettes better today, and the extended walk is always was one of the highlights. In general, he felt relaxed and I was super happy with him. Just to think a horse his age can be second in the country, I couldn’t be happier,” said Blitz.

Finishing fifth on Thursday with a score of 67.942%, Cesar Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and his and Martin Sosnof’s Fashion Designer OLD connected in the final test for a score of 71.422%. That was good enough to propel them into third place for a overall score of 70.030%. Fashion Designer OLD exhibited a superb level of engagement, which was missing in the preliminary test, and executed graceful pirouettes and a great trot tour.

Carly Taylor-Smith and Rosalut NHF (SusanJStickle.com)
Carly Taylor-Smith and Rosalut NHF (SusanJStickle.com)

Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old National Championship

Carly Taylor-Smith (Malibu, Calif.) and Nikki Taylor-Smith’s Oldenburg, Rosalut NHF, continued to impress the judges receiving a score of 8.380 in today’s final test. This sealed the division for them as they topped the 16-combination field with an overall score of 8.460. Additionally, it gave them their second consecutive Markel/USEF Dressage National Championship title as they won the 2014 Four-Year-Old National Championship last year. Rosalut NHF displayed outstanding submission, and the judges awarded it nicely with a 9.0. They followed this with an excellent 8.4 canter score. Although the canter wasn’t as big as the judges would have liked, they were pleased with Rosalut NHF’s collection, which is advanced for his age.

“The ride was great today; the horse was definitely on today. We fit like a glove, and we just have so much trust that the test just flowed. There wasn’t anything that was particularly tricky. He gives me a 100 percent all the time,” said Taylor-Smith.

Gail Lynn Redinger (Sandpoint, Idaho) and her own KWPN, Formancier, barely edged out Katie Riley (White House Station, N.J.) and Cesar Parra’s Westphalian, Don Cesar, to take Reserve Champion with a combined score of 7.960. Redinger and Formancier’s consistency came through for them as they again earned high scores in the walk and canter. He also was supple, which was missing in Thursday’s test.

“I’m thrilled. I was hoping I could improve from Thursday and show him off a bit more. He came up to my expectations. He’s so reliable, and if I ask correctly, he’s always there for me,” said Redinger.

Although Riley and Don Cesar had a great test, their walk score was a little weaker than Redinger’s, scoring an 8.0. However, they outscored Redinger in the trot with a score of 8.0 due to their natural cadence and earned an overall score of 7.888.

Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old National Championship

Alice Tarjan (Frenchtown, N.J.) and her own Danish Warmblood, Tiko, capitalized on Thursday’s preliminary test performance. They put in a strong final test to take the Four-Year-Old National Championship with an overall score of 8.064. The judges, again, were impressed with the canter work and awarded them highly with a 9.0. Tiko showed natural cadence and softness to improve upon Thursday’s trot score for an 8.5.

Alice Tarjan and Tiko (SusanJStickle.com)
Alice Tarjan and Tiko (SusanJStickle.com)

“Tiko was really good; I was really pleased. She put in a pretty decent test and showed what she can do at home, so that’s all I can ask for,” said Tarjan.

What looked like a one-two sweep for Tarjan, judging by the preliminary tests, turned into an upset when Brooke Voldbaeck (Sherwood, Ore.) and Sonnenberg Farm, LLC’s Generosa S scored an impressive 7.792 to leap from fourth place to become Reserve Champion, bumping Tarjan and her own Oldenburg, Donatella M, to third place. Voldbaeck came to these championships as an alternate and has been riding Generosa S for six months, so she cannot be more pleased with today’s results.

“I was really happy with her overall consistency. She was the most with me today. I was better on my eights. I felt like I rode the test better and was more prepared. Today, I rode more focused, and I think that helped improve our score. She was a little tired, and the lengthenings weren’t as good as Thursday, but I think the rest of the ride was better,” said Voldbaeck.

Tarjan and Donatella M could have completed the sweep if it were not for a riding error. After coming out of a nice warm-up, Tarjan rode Donatella M a little rounder than she liked, likely contributing to a lower score. However, she performed the test with a lot of style and demonstrated beautiful elasticity in the trot.

The 2015 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships will wrap up tomorrow with the Six-Year-Old and Developing Horse Grand Prix Championships. The USEF Network will live stream these divisions beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT.

From the USEF Communications Department

Everglades Dressage’s Donatus Wins 2014 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix

Endel Ots enjoys a victory pass on Bethany Peslar’s Donatus after winning the Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship at the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships (photo courtesy Heather Ots)

Wellington, FL (August 27, 2014) – “I believed in this horse from the day I sat on him and the more that I ride him the more I am convinced he has a bright future,” said Endel Ots, who showed Bethany Peslar and Everglades Dressage LLC’s Donatus to the horse’s first national title, Developing Horse Grand Prix Champion, at the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL.

“His performance was fantastic,” Ots said. “I had the best tests all season! He was full of energy and with me a hundred percent. The piaffe passage tour was some of the best quality he has ever done. He scored highest in his piaffe, passage, and pirouettes. And what is amazing is he has only been schooling the Grand Prix movements for nine months.”

Donatus’ owner, Bethany Peslar, also recognized the horse’s potential from the start. “I have always predicted he could be a team horse,” said Peslar, “And this first National Championship is great step in demonstrating his potential. ‘Donnie’ is especially talented in the collected movements; he is a quick learner who aims to please, plus he is calm and focused in the show environment.”

Ots, who was lucky enough to show train and show Donatus this season, knows it takes a village to make a champion. “I thank Markel for sponsoring the show. The Young Horse and Developing Horse Championships are very important to developing future talent for the United States. I thank owners Bethany and Rose Peslar for giving me the opportunity to ride and train such a super horse, and I thank Evi Strasser for her coaching and training during the season and at the show. It was all integral to this success. And of course, thanks to my father, Max Ots, and my family for being there and cheering us on.”

Never one to rest on a saddle on laurels, Ots is keeping a pragmatic eye on a bright future: “Donatus will be relaxing for a bit and enjoying his success. He was purchased as an investment horse and will now be offered for sale,” Ots explained.

“In a perfect world, I would love a US sponsor to see the talent and potential in this horse and purchase him and allow me to continue to campaign him. He is an international horse with international talent, but I am a professional and understand my responsibilities. Meanwhile, Bethany has a Diamond Hit gelding coming up next year that we will be focusing on her showing in the Developing Grand Prix Championships next year. He has also has super talent for piaffe passage along with a huge extended trot.”

Originally from De Pere, Wisconsin, Endel Ots began riding on the family’s Ots Sunrise Farm and worked for DYB Dressage before accepting an opportunity to train with Humbertus Schmidt in Germany. Now Ots’ full time training business is located in Wellington, Florida.

Everglades Dressage’s Bethany Peslar was just 21 years old when she earned her USDF Gold Medal in 2003, and in 2006 was named Brentina Cup National Reserve Champion. Her experience as a USEF High Performance Grand Prix rider has guided her in the selection, training and breeding of sport horses and with several up and coming prospects in the Everglades barn, she is already as excited as Ots about next year’s championships. To learn more, visit www.evergladesdressage.com.

Bethany Peslar
Everglades Dressage
561-784-4075
www.evergladesdressage.com
EverGlaDressage@aol.com

Ripline and Sanceo Earn National Titles at USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Sanceo (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Cordiak Takes Top Honors in USEF Dressage Seat Medal Final 14-18

Wayne, Ill. – The 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com came to a conclusion on Sunday with three newly minted National Champions. Developing Prix St. Georges and Six-Year-Old horses, as well as Seat Medal 14- to 18-year-old riders, put their best efforts forward in Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena in front of the judging panel of Christel Carlson, Sandy Hotz, and Jane Weatherwax. Sanceo took top honors in the Markel/USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, while in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Six-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Ripline earned his first U.S. National Title. Bronwyn Cordiak took the title in the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Final 14-18.

Developing Prix St. Georges Horse

The 2014 Championships on Sunday featured 15 Developing Prix St. Georges horses performing the USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Test. Sunday’s Championship Class was worth the remaining 60% of the overall score.

Sanceo (San Remo x Rivera/Ramiro’s Son II), ridden by Sabine Schut-Kery (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), repeated her polished effort from Friday again on Sunday, winning both classes and the title with an overall score of 76.516%. Throughout Sunday’s test, the eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion was polished and poised in the Prix St. Georges movements, distancing him from the rest of the field and earning a 76.912%. Schut-Kery expressed how grateful she is to ride a horse like Sanceo, as finding the right horse can be challenging.

“You look to have all your ducks in a row, but in the end you don’t know until you have them home,” Schut-Kery said. “To me the most important part is the work ethic and the willingness, and this horse, as an example, has the biggest heart and the best work ethic and willingness. You just cannot know when you go and try them a couple times. You can get a feel for them and see the gaits, but it’s always a little bit of playing poker, and you just hope it turns out.”

Angela Jackson (Henderson, Ky.) earned the Reserve Championship crown with Kerrin Courtney Dunn’s Allure S (Rousseau x Sizarma/Farrington). The nine-year-old KWPN mare garnered a score of 67.794% on Sunday, giving her an overall total of 69.203%. She was also the Highest Place U.S. Bred award-winner in the Prix St. Georges.

Petra Warlimont (Hygiene, Colo.) and Susan Alvey’s eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Highschool MCF (Hochadel x Ria/Rotspon), maintained their spot in third place with a score of 68.480% on Sunday and an overall total of 69.141%.

Six-Year-Old Championship

Six-Year-Old competition at the Lamplight Equestrian Center shined as 13 up-and-coming horses showcased their talents in the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test to earn the remaining 60% of their overall score.

Oak Hill Ranch’s Ripline (Blue Horse Hotline x Riviera/Blue Horse Cavan DH) continued to impress to win the Six-Year-Old Championship. Ridden by Heather Blitz (Medfield, Mass.), the Danish stallion demonstrated athletic, expressive gaits, including the canter, for which he was awarded 9.0. He also received an 8.4 for the trot and an 8.9 for the walk. Additionally, the judging panel rated his submission and general impression highly, giving 8.8 and 9.0, respectively.

Ripline (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Ripline (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

The stallion received 8.82 on Sunday and finished on an overall score of 8.612. He was also the Highest Place U.S. Bred award-winner, and Blitz stressed the importance of riding American horses.

“I was really impressed – I read through the program and at least half of the horses in each one of our young horse classes are U.S.-bred, and that’s huge,” Blitz said. “That’s a lot more really nice horses being bred in this country than we’ve ever had. I’m really encouraged by that. You can find a nice horse anywhere in the world, but it’s very encouraging that our country is starting to get good enough broodmares that we can make horse that can compete with the European horses. We need that kind of talent in the horses, and the trainers need to keep matching the talent of the horses that we’re breeding. Then we can really be a strong force world-wide.”

Earning Reserve Champion honors were Angela Jackson (Henderson, Ky.) and Theresa Schnell’s Hemmingway (Hofrat x SPS Alsonara/Archipel) on a class total of 8.7 and an overall total of 8.572. The Oldenburg stallion was regarded highly for his trot, walk, and canter, earning 8.8, 8.8, and 8.7, respectively. He earned scores of 8.3 for submission and 8.9 for general impression.

Fashion Designer OLD (Faustinus x Forst-Design/DeNiro) earned third place on an overall score of 8.120. Ridden by Nadine Buberl (White House Station, N.J.), Dr. Cesar Parra’s Oldenburg gelding received a score of 8.32 on Sunday. He received 8.8, 8.0, and 8.4, for the trot, walk, and, canter, respectively, as well as 7.9 for submission and 8.5 for general impression.

Camilla Van Liew (Charleston, S.C.) rode her own KPWN gelding, Dartesch (Special D x Sedesch/Jazz) as the only Adult Amateur in the class. She expressed her excitement in competing with such esteemed riders and horses.

“It’s really heady for me,” said Van Liew. “It’s kind of crazy to look around and see who I’m surrounded by. A lot of hard work has paid off. I’m really proud of my horse and myself to be here. It’s pretty awesome company.”

Seat Medal Final 14-18

The USEF Dressage Seat Medal Final for 14- to 18-year-old riders saw 14 of the nation’s top juniors competing Sunday in the Championship Arena. Bronwyn Cordiak (Argyle, Texas) and her own Dschingis Blue won the class with an impressive score of 90%. Cordiak showed great presence and composure on her nine-year-old Oldenburg mare.

“My ride was good. I knew that it was hot and I wanted to keep her rested and prepared for the class, Cordiak said of Dschingis Blue. “She did really well with the weather. I’m really proud of her.”

Earning the Reserve Championship title with a score of 86% were Madeline Joy (Dallas, Texas) and Kim Rhind’s 14-year-old Rheinlander mare, Feinhardt.

Third-place honors went to Nicole Gallant (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) and her 11-year-old KWPN/American Warmblood gelding, Parvus, with a score of 84%.

To learn more about the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(sf5xgf3dvvmhtw451awvzr45)/ClassList.aspx?sh=2226&st=2.

By Eileen Schnettler

Hemmingway and Sanceo Are Unbeatable at USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Hemmingway (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, Ill. – The 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com continued on Friday with promising Six-Year-Olds and Developing Prix St. Georges Horses showcasing their talents in front of the judging panel of Hilda Gurney, Natalie Lamping, and Mike Osinski in Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Six-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Hemmingway impressed the judges to surge to the head of the field, while in the Markel/USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Sanceo posted the top score of the day.

Six-Year-Old Championship

Six-Year-Old competition got the day started in the Championship Arena, as 14 entries performed the FEI Six-Year-Old Preliminary Test. Friday’s scores will count for 40% of the total championship score.

Angela Jackson (Henderson, Ky.) and Theresa Schnell’s Hemmingway (Hofrat x SPS Alsonara/Archipel) proved to be popular winners on Thursday morning. The Oldenburg stallion demonstrated outstanding, expressive gaits to earn an 8.1, 8.0, and 8.6 for his trot, walk, and canter, respectively.

Hemmingway was not only rewarded for his movement, but also his rideability and potential for the future. For his submission, the stallion scored an 8.6, for which Gurney commented, “Such harmony; such scope. It’s what we want to see in dressage.” The judging panel also awarded a mark of 8.6 for general impression. Hemmingway scored an 8.38 on Friday to lead the field heading into Sunday’s class.

Earning second-place honors on Friday were Heather Blitz (Medfield, Ma.) and Oak Hill Ranch’s Ripline (Blue Horse Hotline x Riviera/Blue Horse Cavan DH) with a score of 8.30. The Danish stallion earned an 8.0 for his trot and an 8.3 for the walk. The stallion was rewarded for his canter with an impressive 8.5. He received an 8.3 for submission and an 8.4 for general impression.

Riding to third place was Dr. Cesar Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and Michael and Sarah Davis’ Fiderhit OLD (Fidertanz x Fleur/Sandro Hit) with a score of 8.14. The Oldenburg gelding scored 8.5, 7.9, and 7.9 for the trot, walk, and canter, respectively. He also received scores of 8.0 and 8.4 for submission and general impression.

The Six-Year-Old Championship comes to a conclusion on Sunday as competitors will earn the remaining 60% of their score in the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test.

Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Championship

The Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Championship kicked off Friday afternoon with 15 entries completing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test for the first 40% of their championship score.

Sanceo (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Sanceo (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Sanceo (San Remo x Rivera/Ramiro’s Son II), ridden by Sabine Schut-Kery (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), presented a polished effort to score 75.921%. Throughout the test, the eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion looked strong and confident in the Prix St. Georges movements.

Angela Jackson (Henderson, Ky.) earned second place in the Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Championship with Kerrin Courtney Dunn’s Allure S (Rousseau x Sizarma/Farrington) on Friday. The nine-year-old KWPN mare earned a score of 71.316% for the FEI Prix St. Georges Test.

Third place went to Petra Warlimont (Hygiene, Colo.) and Susan Alvey’s eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Highschool MCF (Hochadel x Ria/Rotspon), with a score of 70.132%.

The Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Championships comes to a close Sunday afternoon. Entries will earn the final 60% of their score by performing the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test.

The 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com continues on Saturday with the Four- and Five-Year-Old divisions, the Developing Horse Grand Prix, and the Dressage Seat Medal Finals. Competition gets underway in Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Championship Arena at 8 a.m. CT with the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

To learn more about the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(sf5xgf3dvvmhtw451awvzr45)/Class.aspx?sh=2226&cl=940.

By Eileen Schnettler

Rosalut NHF, Emilion SA, Donatus Clutch Early Leads at USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage Nat’l Championships

Rosalut HF (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Wayne, Ill. – The 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com kicked off Thursday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center under grey skies and on-and-off rain. The first three of six divisions completed tests in front of the judging panel comprised of Hilda Gurney, Natalie Lamping, and Mike Osinski. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Four-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, Rosalut NHF holds the lead following day one. Emilion SA has jumped out to the early lead in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Five-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com. Championship competition came to a conclusion Thursday afternoon with Donatus seizing the pole position in the Markel/USEF Developing Grand Prix Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com.

Four-Year-Old Championship

Despite the inclement weather, all 15 entries put their best efforts forward in the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses to earn the first 40% of their championship scores.

Carly Taylor-Smith (Malibu, Calif.) and Rosalut HF (Rosenthal x Legacy/Salut) stormed to an overall score of 8.830 and an early lead. Dr. Max Ots’ Hanoverian gelding was rewarded for his impressive trot and canter, scoring 9.5 and 9.3, respectively. They also earned 8.0 for the walk and 8.6 for submission. The gelding also was praised highly for his general impression, being rewarded with a score of 9.0.

Earning second-place honors on Thursday were Willy Arts (Hanford, Calif.) and Natalie Bryant and DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN mare Famebria DG (Idocus x Valeska DG/Krack C). The pair impressed the judging panel with an overall 8.36. They earned 9.0, 8.0, and 8.3 for their trot, walk, and canter, respectively. For her submission and overall impression, she earned 8.0 and 8.5.

Rounding out the top three are Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and Dr. Max Ots’ Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie x Unknown/His Highness) with a score of 8.16. The Hanoverian gelding earned 8.6, 7.6, and 7.8 for his trot, walk, and canter, respectively. He was rewarded for his rideability, scoring 8.4 for submission, and earned a mark of 8.4 for his overall impression.

The Four-Year-Old Championship comes to a conclusion on Saturday as entries again perform the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses to earn the final 60% of their overall championship scores.

Emilion SA (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Emilion SA (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Five-Year-Old Championship

The field of 15 from the 2009 foal crop earned the first 40% of their overall scores in the FEI Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test.

As the sixth combination in the championship arena, Kelly Casey (Livermore, Calif.) and her own KWPN gelding Emilion SA (Painted Black x Karisa/Landwind II B) earned the best score of the division, 8.46, with a polished performance. The talented gelding was rewarded for his impressive gaits that demonstrated great swing and athleticism, earning 8.4, 8.5, and 9.0 for the trot, walk, and canter, respectively. The gelding showed great potential with his rideability, for which he was rewarded an 8.7 on submission. For his quality work Thursday afternoon, Emilion SA earned an overall impression mark of 9.7.

Second place in the Five-Year-Old Qualifying class went to Patricia Baker (Wadsworth, Ill.) and Joan Pecora’s Edward (United x Jolina/Damiro). The KWPN gelding was also rewarded for quality gaits, earning scores of 9.0, 8.0, and 8.8 for the trot, walk, and canter. The gelding earned a score of 8.46 on Thursday, after being rewarded with an 8.0 on submission and 8.5 for overall impression.

Third place went to Ashlyn DeGroot (Hanford, Calif.) and DG Bar Ranch’s KWPN gelding DG Edorijke (Spielberg x Rodazdorijke/Jazz) with a score of 8.26. For the trot, walk, and canter, he received 8.0, 8.0, and 9.0, respectively. Additionally, they earned 7.7 for submission and earned an overall impression score of 8.6.

The Five-Year-Old entries return to the arena on Saturday for the Championship Class and the remaining 60% of their overall scores in the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test.

Developing Horse Grand Prix

Donatus (Carolynn Bunch Photography)
Donatus (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Thursday’s Championship competition came to a close under clear skies with a field of seven performing the FEI Intermediaire II Test for the first 40% of the overall score.

Heading the field following the first of two days of competition are Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and her Everglades Dressage LLC’s Donatus (Don Schufro x Zuchtbuch/Caramel). The 16-year-old Wurttemberger gelding demonstrated a solid foundation in the Grand Prix to a score a 68.640%.

Second place went to Emily Wagner (La Cygne, Kan.) and her own WakeUp (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal/Macho), who took home the title in the 2013 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship presented by HorseShow.com. The nine-year-old American Warmblood stallion demonstrated a great amount of presence throughout the test to cruise to a score of 68.246%.

Zanzibar (Consul x Juventafee/Farmer) was ridden to third place by owner Katie Riley (White House Station, N.J.). The ten-year-old KWPN stallion earned a score of 67.588% on Thursday.
The 2014 Champion will be crowned Saturday as the final 60% of the overall score will be earned in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test.

To learn more about the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

To see scores from the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://www.foxvillage.com/fvdshowresults/(sf5xgf3dvvmhtw451awvzr45)/Class.aspx?sh=2226&cl=940.

By Eileen Schnettler

Talented Combinations Line Up for USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

Lexington, Ky. – The future of U.S. Dressage will be on display this week at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill., as 66 of the most exciting rising stars compete in the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com. National Titles will be up for grabs in four-, five-, and six-year-old divisions, as well as at the Prix St. Georges, Grand Prix and Seat Medal levels.

The 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com will be held August 20-24. All horses will compete in two days of competition to determine the National Champion.

Young Horse Dressage Championships – Four-Year-Old Division
In the Four-Year-Old Division, 15 horse-and-rider combinations will kick off their championship competition on Thursday. In their first class, entries will perform the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses. They will close out their championship on Saturday and once again ride the USEF Dressage Test for Four-Year-Old Horses.

The combinations occupying the top two spots on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com in the Four-Year-Old Division both head to Lamplight. Lesley Eden (Oviedo, Fla.) has ridden Jacek DeHaan’s KWPN gelding, Floris R (Florencio x Vieni/Krack C), to an overall average of 8.870. Occupying the second spot on the ranking list is Natalie Bryan and DG Bar Ranch’s Famebria DG (Idocus x Valeska DG/Krack C). The KWPN mare has been piloted by Willy Arts (Hanford, Calif.) to an overall average of 8.580.

Young Horse Dressage Championships – Five-Year-Old Division
A field of 15 of the best from the 2009 foal crop line up for the 2014 Five-Year-Old Championship. Competition in this division gets underway on Thursday with the FEI Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test. They will return to the arena on Saturday to display their talents in the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test.

Patricia Becker (Wadsworth, Ill.), brings the second- and third-ranked horses from the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com in the Five-Year-Old Division. Joan Pecora’s KWPN gelding, Edward (United x Jolinia/Damiro), sits in second place with an overall average of 8.650, while Pecora’s KWPN gelding, Elian (United x Jolina/Damiro), ranks in third place on an overall average of 8.360.

Young Horse Dressage Championships – Six-Year-Old Division
Fourteen entries will go head-to-head in the Six-Year-Old Championship, which begins Friday with the FEI Six-Year-Old Preliminary Test. Competition will come to a close on Sunday with the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test.

Headlining the Six-Year-Old Championship are Naden Buberl (White House Station, N.J.) and Cesar Parra and Martin Sosnoff’s Fashion Designer OLD (Faustinus x Forst-Design/ Deniro). The Oldenburg gelding is last year’s Five-Year-Old Reserve Champion and heads to Lamplight on top of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage NationalRanking List presented byHorseShow.com for Six-Year-Olds with an overall average of 8.616.

Cesar Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and his own and Michael and Sarah Davis’ Fiderhit OLD (Fiderlanz x Fleur/ Sandro Hit) will compete as the second-ranked pair on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Ranking List presented byHorseShow.com for Six-Year-Olds. Parra and the Oldenburg mare earned the second-place ranking on an overall average of 8.544.

Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Championship
A talented group of 15 developing horses have traveled to Lamplight with their sights set on earning National Titles over the weekend. Competition kicks off Friday with all entries performing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. Championship competition comes to a close on Sunday with the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test.

The two top-ranked combinations on the 2014 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com will head to Lamplight this weekend. Sabine Schut-Kerry (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) has piloted Alice Womble’s eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion, Sanceo (San Remo x Rivera/Ramiro’s Son II), to an average score of 73.750. Occupying the second spot on the ranking list is Christina Vinios’ Folkestone (Fidertanz x EL. Kattulika/Rubinstein). Vinios (Wellington, Fla.) has ridden her eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding to an overall average of 72.464.

Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship
A small but mighty field of seven will vie for National Title honors in the Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship set to begin with FEI Intermediaire II Test on Thursday. The Championship comes to a close on Saturday with the USEF Developing Grand Prix Test.

The top-ranked combination on the 2014 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com, Donatus (Don Schufro x Zuchtbuch/Caramel) and Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.), looks to showcase its talent over the weekend. Everglades Dressage LLC’s 10-year-old Wurttemberger stallion has an overall average of 71.250.

Emily Wagner (La Cygne, Kan.) and her own WakeUp (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal/Macho), who took home the title in the 2013 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship presented by HorseShow.com, look to continue their success in the Grand Prix Championship. Wagner and the nine-year-old American Warmblood stallion currently stand second on the 2014 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship Ranking List presented by HorseShow.com.

2014 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals
The top junior riders from throughout the country will also travel to Lamplight to display their skills in the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals. Riders will be split into two divisions, 13 & Under and 14-18, as they demonstrate their mastery of equitation in the dressage ring.

A talented group of 15 horse-and-rider combinations have set their sights set on earning a National Title in the 13 & Under division, including Alexander Dawson, who returns to defend his 2013 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals 13 & Under Championship title. Eleven competitors will vie for the 14-18 National Title. Competition kicks off Friday for both age groups. Dressage Seat Medal Finals 13 & Under competition will come to a close on Saturday, while the Dressage Seat Medal Finals 14-18 will conclude Sunday. The panel of Sandy Osborne, Mike Osinski, and Jane Weatherwax will judge both divisions.

To learn more about the 2014 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/alldressage/DressageChampionships.aspx.

By Eileen Schnettler