Tag Archives: USPEA

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

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

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

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

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

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Dressage, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

2012 Paralympic Games Registration

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

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

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

1. Name as it appears on Passport

2. Email Address

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

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

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

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

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

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

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Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics

Mette Rosencrantz Conducts Outstanding Clinic for Para-Equestrians

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

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

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

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mary Jordan (USA) and Sebastian (Lindsay McCall)

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

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

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

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

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

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

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

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

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

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

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

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

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