Tag Archives: USPEA

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

Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger Win 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

Leave a comment
Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Gladstone, NJ – June 14, 2012 – Rebecca Hart of Unionville, PA captured her fifth United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship on June 13. Hart, aboard Lord Ludger, owned by Jessica Ransehousen of Blue Hill Farm, inched out 2011 National Champion Jonathan Wentz of Richardson, TX with their Freestyle performance on Wednesday. Athletes from the high performance Para-Equestrian discipline presented their top mounts at the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, June 10-13, 2012. It was befitting to be at one of the most historical locations in equestrian history for the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials. With the nominated entries waiting to be named for the 2012 Paralympics, four athletes prevailed topping the field of twenty-three horse and rider combinations.

The 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials and Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships was a week of environmental changes including high temperatures one day, a downpour the second day, and a breezy but exceptional weather pattern on the final day. Para-Dressage athletes Rebecca Hart, Jonathan Wentz (Richardson, TX), Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY), and Dale Dedrick (Ann Arbor, MI) kept the competition interesting posting scores only thousandths of a percentage point different at times.

Continue reading Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger Win 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship →

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

Rain Fails to Dampen Riders’ Spirits at United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials

Leave a comment
Rebeca Hart and Lord Ludger compete under a downpour of rain at the USEF Paralympic Selection Trials. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Gladstone, NJ – June 12, 2012 – The weather report for Tuesday, June 12, 2012 predicted 80% chance of rain at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters. Within an hour of competition at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Paralympic Selection Trials/Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, rain began to crash upon the trees. Riders did not waiver from the schedule and welcomed the rain as a variable to take advantage of. As the second day concluded Rebecca Hart (Unionville, PA) inched ahead of Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY), and 2011 National Champion Jonathan Wentz (Richardson, TX). With only the Freestyle competition left to secure four spots on the United States Paralympic Team headed to London, riders hope to continue earning supreme scores. Currently Rebecca Hart, Donna Ponessa, Jonathan Wentz, and Dale Dedrick (Ann Arbor, MI) have remained in the top four of the standings.

Rebecca Hart, 26, and Lord Ludger excelled in the Grade II Team Test earning a 73.968% aboard the Holsteiner gelding. Hart showcased her test when the rain became a downpour but Hart remained determined and relaxed. “I owe my grippy gloves to sticky spray,” chuckled Hart. “The reins get quite slippery in a rain like this and with two whips, and two reins it gets difficult to hold onto everything if it’s wet. However, the rain was not a factor on how LoLu performed.” Having all types of situations occur within an atmosphere like the Selection Trials gives the riders experiences they can grow from before heading to a large show like the Paralympics.

Continue reading Rain Fails to Dampen Riders’ Spirits at United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian, USEF

23 Duos Pass Veterinary Inspection for 2012 United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials

Leave a comment
Kai Handt jogging Silvano for Jonathan Wentz at 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials/National Championships. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Gladstone, NJ – June 10, 2012 – In 2008, five Para-Equestrian Dressage riders competed in the United States Selection Trials for the Beijing Paralympics. Four years later twenty-three horse and rider combinations earned the right to compete at the 2012 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Paralympic Selection Trials. Dr. Stacey Kent, DVM, FEI Ground Jury member Carlos Lopes 5* (POR), and USEF Dressage Team Vet Dr. Rick Mitchell, DVM were on hand to evaluate each horse during Sunday’s veterinary inspection. Each horse passed with flying colors shifting the rider’s focus to the next three days of competition. From June 11-13 Para-Equestrian athletes will compete at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Running simultaneously with the Selection Trials is the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Overall scores for both the Paralympic Selection Trials and National Championships will be calculated using 40% of the Team Test, 40% of the Individual and 20% of the Freestyle Test Score. With only four spots on the United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team headed to London it will be crucial that each test is precisely executed.

Continue reading 23 Duos Pass Veterinary Inspection for 2012 United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials →

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

Athletes Prepare for 2012 USEF Para-Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials & Nat’l Championships

Leave a comment
Jonathan Wentz 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion in Saugerties, NY. Photo © Lindsay Y McCall

Gladstone, NJ – June 2, 2012 – United States Para-Equestrians from California to New England will be making their way to Gladstone, New Jersey for the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials and National Championships. The Trials and National Championships will take place at the USET Headquarters June 10-13, 2012. Although the final count of riders is not official at this time, this may be one of the largest attended Selection Trials and National Championships for the Para-Equestrian discipline. Athletes will compete over three days demonstrating their Team, Individual, and Freestyle Tests. The National Championship scores will be calculated using 40% of the Team Test, 40% of the Individual and 20% of the Freestyle Test Scores. With only four spots for the United States Paralympic Team that will head to London, the competition will be tenacious. Riders will compete under FEI Ground Jury Carlos Lopes (5*) POR, Anne Prain (5*) FRA, and Marc Urban (5*) BEL. Equestrians will be seeing these judges again if they qualify for London with Lopes and Prain who are members of the ground jury and Marc Urban who will be the Assistant Technical Delegate. The Paralympic Equestrian events take place in London, England at Greenwich Park August 30 – September 4, 2012.

Continue reading Athletes Prepare for 2012 USEF Para-Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials & Nat’l Championships →

Associations/Breeds, Awards, Olympic Games

Nominations for Olympic Torch and Rings of Gold Awards

Leave a comment

May 25, 2012 – Nominations are now being accepted for three prestigious United States Olympic Committee awards: the Olympic Torch Award and the Rings of Gold Award for both an individual and program.

OLYMPIC TORCH AWARD (click for more information)

The Olympic Torch Award is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to the U.S. Olympic Movement.

Now an annual honor, the award was first established in 1965. The recipient has made a positive impact on the Olympic Movement in the United States and has made many contributions to promoting the Olympic Ideals throughout the country.

Criteria

  • Honors an individual
  • Recognizes meaningful impact on U.S. Olympic Movement
  • Does not need to be awarded in same year of contributions

Continue reading Nominations for Olympic Torch and Rings of Gold Awards →

Awards, Community/Charity, FEI

FEI Awards 2012

Leave a comment

May 22, 2012 – The FEI Awards were launched in 2009 to put a spotlight on the men, women, young people and organizations that are making an outstanding contribution to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport – in or out of the arena. Make your nominations now and let us roll out the red carpet for the stars of today and tomorrow.

The five FEI Awards categories are:

BEST GROOM
-For that important person who works behind the scenes and ensures the horses he or she looks after are given the best possible care.

AGAINST ALL ODDS
-For a person who has pursued his or her equestrian ambitions, despite a physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances.

Continue reading FEI Awards 2012 →

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

Lauren Barwick & Donna Ponessa Earn High Point Awards at Houston Dressage Society CPEDI3*

Leave a comment
Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Off To Paris Champion High Point Rider at HDS CPEDI3*. Photos © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall

Katy, TX – April 29, 2012 – The final day of the Houston Dressage Society (HDS) Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* concluded with the Freestyle Test competition and presentation of the Para-Equestrian accolades. The HDS Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* was sponsored by The COR Group and ran concurrently with the CDI3* and CDI1* sponsored by the North Texas Equestrian Center. Over three days Para-Dressage athletes from the United States and Canada displayed dynamite FEI Para-Dressage Tests in front of international judges Kathy Amos-Jacob (FRA), David Schmutz (USA), Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). Lauren Barwick (CAN) of Reddick, FL obtained the HDS Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* Champion High Point Award and the Arbor Gate CPEDI3* award for the highest average score across the Team, Individual, and Freestyle Tests. Donna Ponessa (USA) garnered the Reserve Champion High Point Award for her stellar performance over the weekend. For the United States, the HDS CPEDI3* was the last individual qualifier before the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2012 London Paralympics Selection Trials in June.

Continue reading Lauren Barwick & Donna Ponessa Earn High Point Awards at Houston Dressage Society CPEDI3* →

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

Donna Ponessa Triumphs at Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3*

Leave a comment
Donna Ponessa (USA) Grade Ia and and Silvano, owned by Dr. Michele Miles. Photo © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall

Katy, TX – April 28, 2012 – Once again the Houston Dressage Society (HDS) hosted an exceptional CPEDI3* Saturday. For United States individuals, it was the last international competition to qualify for the 2012 USEF Paralympics Selection Trials. Under Ring One at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Para-Equestrians from the United States and Canada competed under the watchful eye of judges Kathy Amos-Jacob (FRA), Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). The HDS Spring Classic CPEDI3* will continue through Sunday, April 29 and is sponsored by The COR Group. With the Team Test on Friday and the Individual Test completed on Saturday, Para-Dressage riders will be able to relax and enjoy their Freestyle Tests on Sunday. In addition to the CPEDI3*, the HDS Spring Classic I & II CDI3* and CDI1*, sponsored by North Texas Equestrian Center, continues through the weekend in addition to the $10,000 HDS Dressage Derby. Earning the top score of the day and sweeping the Grade Ia division was Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY) and Dr. Michele Miles’ horse Silvano. In Grade Ib, Jonathan Wentz (Wylie, TX) showed two horses to consistent results. Canadian Lauren Barwick (Reddick, FL) once again grabbed the Grade II high score, while Wendy Fryke (Parker, CO) and Lateran claimed Grade III. In Grade IV Jennifer Baker (Loveland, OH) and Rondo Del Rey, owned by Kathy Jones, claimed the top position.

Continue reading Donna Ponessa Triumphs at Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* →

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

Para-Equestrians from the U.S. and Canada Earn Top Scores at Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3*

Leave a comment
Donna Ponessa (USA) Grade Ia and Silvano. Photo © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall

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

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

Continue reading Para-Equestrians from the U.S. and Canada Earn Top Scores at Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* →

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

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

Leave a comment
Courtney King-Dye at first CPEDI3* in Houston. Photo © 2012 Lindsay Y McCall

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

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