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.
During the first week of competition Canada earned the win in the Gold Coast Opener CPEDI3*. In the second week, the United States edged out Canada for victory at the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge. Individually, Para-Dressage riders remained consistent in their results and showcased some of the top Para-Dressage in the world.
Representing the United States Team for both weeks 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 and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) who began week one with NTEC Richter Scale and week two with NTEC Jabriel. Chef D’Equipe of the United States, Missy Ransehousen was pleased with the progress that the United States Team and Individuals had over the two weeks.
Missy noted, “We have definitely improved from one week to the next. These last two weeks have been a good preparation for what we need as a team to go forward. It is a good stepping stone for us to build on. I would like to see a little more from the horses as we progress and I would like to see more accuracy from the riders, but that can always be improved upon.”
Team Canada members this week consisted of Lauren Barwick – Four Star Parelli Professional – and Off To Paris for Grade II, Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus in Grade Ia, Ashley Gowanlock and Maile in Grade Ib, and Lynne Poole and Vasco E for Grade IV.
In the Freestyle competition riders demonstrated rhythm and accuracy, walking a fine line between sport and art. The para-equestrians were able to compete in the indoor ring where the World Dressage Masters Freestyles occurred on Saturday evening. Jody Schloss (CAN) would execute expressing the medium walk, free walk, and multiple transitions earning the judges score of 71.667% placing her in first. In second following Schloss was Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) aboard Niekele fan Busenitz. The pair would show a greater degree of difficulty and take more risk achieving a 65.250%. In third place was Kim Decker (USA) whose performance aboard Dasher’s Destiny would give her a 64.333%.
On Wednesday, the day of the CPEDI3* jog, Ashley Gowanlock (CAN) woke up to her competition horse Ferdonia 2, owned by Lauren Barwick, having an abscess. With a quick change of horses Ashley Gowanlock would enter Thursday’s competition riding 2008 Beijing Paralympic gold and silver medalist horse, Maile. Ashley and Maile would earn the judges’ approval with a 75.333%.
“Maile is a great catch ride if you ask me,” smiled Ashley. “Of course I’ll take the gold and silver medalist. Maile was great this week, she knows what she is doing and I know what I am doing but to come together and do each test effortlessly as I would like, is difficult. Our partnership became better each and every day and on the last day Maile showcased what she loves with the freestyle. I was very happy with the freestyle, not only did we survive, we thrived and we hadn’t even practiced the routine. I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
Ashley continued, “Maile and Ferdonia are very similar rides. They were trained by the same person, but I would call Maile a seasoned vet. She knows her job and she knows what the dressage ring is for. I just point her in the right direction and she does it. Fergi (Ferdonia 2) is still a horse that looks to the rider for confidence. Maile feels as if she just wants me to sit there and she will carry me through it. It was nice to have a different feel, obviously I would like to go in the ring with the horse I know more, but I’m not going to complain about Maile, not at all. I am so grateful to Lauren (Barwick), because if she hadn’t offered Maile I would be watching from the sidelines. I am so thrilled that Lauren offered the opportunity for me to go in the ring with her beautiful, talented, and amazing horse. It was amazing to have Lauren sitting there outside the ring cheering us on.”
Jonathan Wentz (USA) rode NTEC Richter Scale and NTEC Jabriel in the freestyle competition. Wentz chose the music from “Top Gun” for NTEC Jabriel, owned by Rachel Zent. The pair earned a score of 68.083%. As his second ride, Jonathan rode 2010 Alltech F.E.I. World Equestrian Games competitor NTEC Richter Scale. The duo’s interpretation of “Stairway To Heaven” earned them a 69.333% placing NTEC Richter in second and NTEC Jabriel in third.
With 2008 Paralympic gold and silver medalist Lauren Barwick of Canada competing at the CPEDI3* competition became tough. Each Grade II equestrian put forth excellent tests resulting in a small percentage point gap between competitiors. In first place, Lauren Barwick captured the blue aboard Off To Paris with a 77.167%. Following for second place was fellow 2008 Paralympian Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger of the United States. The duo earned a 74.417% placing them above fellow United States competitor Dale Dedrick, MD and Bonifatius who scored a 71%.
Lauren is looking forward to the next six months and plans to continue showing in approximately ten more shows before the 2012 London Paralympics. Lauren responded, We have a lot more shows coming up where we will be finding our stride and figuring out what works. We have really been trying different things between the coach, the rider, and the setup because we are trying to figure out what the perfect formula is. Some days it is great and some days it is not, but this is the time do it. It is hard to change the set-up because you want to be competitive but the big show is London. You train today, and ride today for tomorrow. It is hard to remind yourself of that because we are all so competitive and we just want to go in there and win. However, it is important to try to get a close simulation of what London will be like so we have the best chance for success.”
She continued, “In preparation, my fellow teammate Ashley Gowanlock, our Team Coach Andrea Taylor, and International Consultant Mary Longden will be flying into Ocala for the next six months to work on a training program. Ashley will continue to ride Maile and Fergie and we will just focus on getting ready.”
“I have had such great support in and out of the ring. People see the rider sitting there being pretty but it is everybody in the background who gets us into the ring, remarked Lauren. “I would really like to thank everyone including Chef d’Equipe Elizabeth (Quigg-Robinson), Team Coach Andrea Taylor, International Consultant Mary Longden, Manager of Equine Canada, our whole team, and my working students Tori and Lauren. I also want to thank Parelli because I have three horses that can go in the ring and mentally and emotionally handle anything. I owe that all to Parelli.”
Grade IV was dominated each week by Ireland rider James Dwyer and Orlando. The pair demonstrated accurate half passes, precise collected walk, trot, and canter, and an exact free walk earning a 73.333%.
James will be heading to Europe in the coming months to compete with Orlando. His consistent tests over the last two weeks have been a great education for where James stands in front of international judges. He noted, “I definitely think there is stuff I have to work on, but we are going in the right direction. Our next step is to go to Europe to be selected for the Irish team. It looks like Ireland will have a team to go to London, which is very exciting; Ireland currently has eight riders eligible to compete on the team.”
He continued, “Before my selection trials, I have time to work on those items that I need to develop to compete in Europe. In Europe, I would like show them that we are also competitive against them as well as winning here. The judges showed all week that they are not giving away scores. I think they are pretty much saying to me you are doing the right thing and I hope when we arrive in Europe we will hopefully keep that consistency. The fact that last weekend and this weekend we have stayed fairly level in our scores, even going a little bit higher, that is what I was looking for. The horses are so tired after these two weeks, and it has been a tough two weeks, and for him to give me what he just gave me out there, I couldn’t ask for more, He was just amazing.”
United States Para-Equestrian Association President Hope Hand noted, “We are so grateful for Noreen and her staff for giving the Para-Equestrians from around the world the opportunity to participate in the last Team London Paralympic ranking event in the United States at the prestigious Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.”
For the United States, the next scheduled CPEDI3* for the Para-Equestrian Dressage Team in March is the 2012 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* scheduled for March 8-11 in Del Mar, CA. In April the Houston Dressage Society will host their first CPEDI3* in Katy, TX scheduled for April 26-29 which will be the last CPEDI3* held in the United States. June 17, 2012 is the last day for United States Para-Equestrian Dressage riders to earn their qualifying score for the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Selection Trials. The date for the selection trials will be announced in the coming weeks.
Team Results:
Name (Grade), Horse, Team Score, Individual Score, Total
USA
Mary Jordan (Grade IV) ,Sebastian, 66.406, 67.957
Dale Dedrick (Grade II), Bonifatius, 71.984, 70.079
Rebecca Hart (Grade II), Lord Ludger, 71,746, 73.413
Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib), NTEC Jabriel, 68.409, 69.928
TOTAL OVERALL USA TEAM (lowest scores removed): 425.559
CANADA
Lauren Barwick (Grade II), Off To Paris, 75.000, 71.349
Ashley Gowanlock (Grade Ib), Maile, 67.576, 70.072
Jody Schloss (Grade Ia), Inspector Rebus, 67.255, 66.167
Lynne Poole (Grade IV), Vasco E, 63.281, 61.290
TOTAL OVERALL CANADA TEAM (lowest scores removed): 417.419
January 29, 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*
Freestyle
Name, Horse, Score, Country
Grade 1a
1. Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus (CAN), 71.667
2. Laurietta Oakleaf, Niekele fan Busenitz, 65.250 (USA)
3. Kim Decker, Dasher’s Destiny, 64.333, (USA)
4. Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 62.083 (CAN)
5. Mina Chinju, NTEC Manchada, 62.000
6. Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 61.500 (BER)
Grade 1b
1. Ashley Gowanlock, Maile, 75.333 (CAN)
2. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 69.333 (USA)
3. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel (USA), 68.083 (USA)
4. Margaret McIntosh, Idalgo, 65.333 (USA)
5. Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 64.000 (FIN)
6. Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 61.333 (FIN)
Grade II
1. Lauren Barwick, Off To Paris, 77.167
2. Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 74.417 (USA)
3. Dale Dedrick, MD Bonifatius, 71.000 (USA)
4. Fernanda Otheguy, It’s Mr. Merlot, 67.583 (MEX)
5. Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney’s Willow, 65.333 (USA)
6. Charlotte Bathalon, Sportsfield Twist, 64.583 (USA)
Grade III
1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 53.417 (USA)
Grade IV
1. James Dwyer, Orlando, 73.333(IRE)
2. Lynne Poole, Vasco E, 68.500 (CAN)
3. Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 68.333 (USA)
4. Madison Lawson, McGuire, 67.667
5. Robin Brueckmann, Radetzky, 66.917 (USA)
6. Lynne Pool, Fisbee, 64.417 (CAN)
January 28, 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*
Individual Test
Name, Horse, Score, Country
Grade 1a
1. Laurietta Oakleaf, Niekele fan Busenitz, 69.833 (USA)
2. Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus (CAN), 66.167 (USA)
3. Kim Decker, Dasher’s Destiny, 63.083, (USA)
4. Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 62.750 (BER)
5. Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 60.500 (CAN)
Grade 1b
1. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 76.014 (USA)
2. Ashley Gowanlock, Maile, 70.072 (CAN)
3. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel (USA), 69.928 (USA)
4. Margaret McIntosh, Idalgo, 63.55
5. Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 62.246 (FIN)
6. Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 59.420 (FIN)
Grade II
1. Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 73.413 (USA)
2. Lauren Barwick, Off To Paris,71.349
3. Dale Dedrick, MD Bonifatius, 70.079 (USA)
4. Fernanda Otheguy, It’s Mr. Merlot, 66.270 (MEX)
5. Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney’s Willow, 65.00 (USA)
6. Charlotte Bathlon, Sportsfield Twist, 61.429 (USA)
7. Sydney Collier, Quimerico KF, 57.778 (USA)
Grade III
1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 61.111 (USA)
Grade IV
1. James Dwyer, Orlando, 70.538(IRE)
2. Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 67.957(USA)
3. Robin Brueckmann, Radetzky, 63.172 (USA)
4. Madison Lawson, McGuire, 63.065
5. Mary Jordan, P.Sparrow Socks 61.720 (USA)
6. Lynne Poole, Vasco E, 61.290 (CAN)
7. Lynne Pool, Fisbee, 62.656 (CAN)
8. Lise Yervasi, Brendan Braveheart 60.806 (USA)
January 26, 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*
Team Test
Name, Horse, Score, Country
Grade 1a
1. Laurietta Oakleaf, Niekele fan Busenitz, 71.275 (USA)
2. Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus (CAN), 67.255 (USA)
3. Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 63.431 (CAN)
4. Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 63.137 (BER)
5. Kim Decker, Dasher’s Destiny, 62.941, (USA)
6. NTEC Manchada, Mina Chinju, 61.275 (JPN)
Grade 1b
1. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 70.530 (USA)
2. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel (USA), 68.409 (USA)
3. Ashley Gowanlock, Maile, 67.576 (CAN)
4. Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 65.076 (FIN)
5. Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 65.076 (FIN)
6. Margaret McIntosh, Idalgo, 61.818
Grade II
1. Lauren Barwick, Off To Paris, 75.000 (CAN)
2. Dale Dedrick, MD Bonifatius, 71.984 (USA)
3. Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 71.746 (USA)
4. Fernanda Otheguy, It’s Mr. Merlot, 67.460 (MEX)
5. Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney’s Willow, 66.190 (USA)
6. Rebecca Hart, Hugh Knows, 64.841 (USA)
7. Charlotte Bathlon, Sportsfield Twist, 62.302 (USA)
8. Sydney Collier, Quimerico KF, 58.968 (USA)
Grade III
1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 58.951 (USA)
Grade IV
1. James Dwyer, Orlando, 69.635(IRE)
2. Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 66.406(USA)
3. Lynne Poole, Vasco E, 63.281 (CAN)
4. Lynne Pool, Fisbee, 62.656 (CAN)
5. Lise Yervasi, Brendan Braveheart 62.031 (USA)
6. Mary Jordan, P.Sparrow Socks 61.875 (USA)
7. Robin Brueckmann, Radetzky, 61.458 (USA)
8. Madison Lawson, McGuire, 61.354 (CAN)
To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://www.uspea.org/pdf/January292012.pdf.
For more information about the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com or contact Noreen O’Sullivan (561) 714-9026.
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.