Kai Handt with his own NTEC Royal Dancer, ridden by Roxanne Trunnell (Grade Ia). Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Gladstone, NJ – June 2, 2014 – Twenty-four horse and rider combinations were presented for the trot-up at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). The Trials/National Championship are scheduled June 2-5, 2014, at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes from Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV will compete over the week for their chance to secure a spot on the U.S. WEG Para-Dressage Team. Each of the 24 horse and rider combinations will be vying for the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian National Championship as well. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, begins the FEI Team Test, followed by the Individual Test on June 4, and finally the Musical Freestyle test on June 5. All athlete/horse combinations must complete the FEI Individual Championship Test, FEI Team Test, and FEI Musical Freestyle at the Selection Trial. The athlete/horse combinations will be ranked based on their overall performance at the Selection Trial, by weighting the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage test scores from the Selection Trial. Those percentages include Individual Championship Test of 40%, Team Test of 40%, and Musical Freestyle Test of 20%. The ground jury includes President Kristi Wysocki (4*) USA, Adrienne Pot (3*) USA, and David Schmutz (4*) USA. The 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Para-Dressage Selection Trials is managed by Connie Davenport.
With superb horse show management, a historical equestrian facility, and the top Para-Dressage equines in the United States, these riders have the formula they need to succeed at the Trial/National Championship. The 2014 calendar year has been one of the most competitive Para-Dressage years in history making the Trials/National Championship one of the most exciting events in June 2014.
During the week, riders, sponsors, coaches and spectators have a chance to mingle with their fellow competitors outside the Dressage ring. On Monday, June 2, 2014, following the jog, the USPEA hosted a Welcome Reception to jump-start the festivities. On Wednesday, June 4, The USET Foundation is hosting a Kick Off Party for the newly established Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage. The Challenge was created in thanks and appreciation to Margaret H. Duprey and The Barnfield Foundation. The Kick Off Party begins at 5 PM at Hamilton Farm and includes Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres. On the final day, June 5, the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion and Reserve Champion will be named following the competition. The awards ceremony will name 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 will be the Sportsmanship Trophy. The Sportsmanship Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Sportsmanship Award at the National Championship. The Sportsmanship Trophy is to be awarded annually to the 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. The organizing committee and officials of the competition shall nominate up to three competitors exemplifying the award definition the day before the final awards ceremony. The athletes participating in the event shall vote for the winner (one vote per athlete) once the slate has been announced. The winner will be presented the take-home trophy during the final awards ceremony and their name will be engraved on the Perpetual Trophy that is maintained by the USEF. June 3, 2014, FEI Team Test competition begins at 9 AM Tuesday.
List of Athlete/Horse Combinations at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Selection Trial Trot-Up:
Name of Athlete, Name of Horse, Name of Owner
Grade Ia:
Derrick Perkins and NTEC Hans, owned by Kai Handt
Kim Decker and Dasher’s Destiny, owned by Kim Decker
Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Kai Handt
Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch, owned by Roxanne Trunnell
Laura Goldman and Buckeye, owned by Kristen Ropp
Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio, owned by Margaret McIntosh
Grade Ib:
Sydney Collier and Willi Wesley, owned by Victoria Dugan
Sydney Collier and NTEC Cuplee, owned by Patricia Mendenhall
Grade II:
Rebecca Hart and Shroeter’s Romani, 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
Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu, owned by Deborah Stanitski
Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and Verite SF, owned by Dana Williams
Marsha Cullen and Latte, owned by Marsha Cullen
Elle Wooley and Noble Baron, owned by Francine Gentile
Grade III:
Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno
Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper, owned by Rebecca Reno
Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing, owned by Eleanor Brimmer
Kate Shoemaker and Pacifec M, owned by Kate Shoemaker
Kate Shoemaker and Arpeggio, owned by Kate Shoemaker
Pamela Hardin and Freemont, owned by Nadege Soubassis
Pamela Hardin and GM Major Soho, owned by Pamela Hardin
Grade IV:
Mary Jordan and Sebastian, owned by Mary Jordan
Elizabeth Traband and Ucari, owned by Helene Bergstrom
Holly Bergay and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Kai Handt
Susan Treabess and Kamiakin, owned by Scott and Katie Hill
Please view the prize list by clicking on the link below:
https://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/paralympic/2014/PrizeList.pdf.
Written by: Lindsay Y McCall
To view an online version of this press release, 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.