Tag Archives: Annie Peavy

Deloitte US Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Earns Gold at the AGDF CPEDI3*

Margaret McIntosh and Heros. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Margaret McIntosh and Heros Top International Para-Dressage Competition Followed by Annie Peavy and Royal Dark Chocolate

Wellington, FL – January 8, 2018 – United States Para-Dressage riders ended a fantastic weekend earning an unprecedented number of scores over 70. Top Grade I rider and 2016 Paralympian from Reading, Penn., Margaret McIntosh, rode Heros to the overall highest individual score. Equestrians from the USA and Canada competed at the 2018 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) CPEDI3* Week 0, January 4-7, sponsored by By Mission Control, Rowan O’Riley supporting athletes in the USPEA and US Equestrian, and Cargill. It was an exciting three days in Wellington with unseasonably cold temperatures and high winds but the importance of this international show could be seen from the outstanding scores. For Para-Dressage athletes in Grade I-V, the AGDF shows (Week 2 is January 18-21) are two of only three stateside opportunities left to secure their FEI certificates of capability for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018. These shows are also a chance to showcase their rides in front of the FEI Ground Jury consisting of Dr Jan-Holger Holtschmit (GER), Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Sarah Leitch (GBR). The Deloitte U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team earned Gold with USA Teammates Margaret McIntosh, Roxanne Trunnell, Michele Bandinu, and Katie Jackson. The USA Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt with US Equestrian Head of Para-Dressage Coach Development and High Performance Programs Michel Assouline.

It was a weekend of record breaking with the largest amount of US Entries in a CPEDI and the greatest amount of riders earning over a 70 or even the high 70s in a CPEDI.

Kai Handt commented, “We had a very large competition and we will do it again in another week. It was a great weekend that began with some inclement weather on the first day of schooling. A lot of people got a little nervous in the beginning but our riders are used to dealing with all types of atmospheres and weather and their scores in the show ring showed that. We had some new team members this week and our system changed where our selection committee picks the team instead of the Chef.

Our team did great and overall and the competition went well. We have some top elite riders that are on the right path to superb tests, our riders scores can be seen improving from the outside resources including the online judging program and the additional Center of Excellence symposiums and Coach Development Programs. I hope we can see some more consistency at the next show and get even more athletes in the mid-70 range.”

Michel Assouline confirmed, “It’s interesting because we have the same two top riders that we had last September in Tryon at the CPEDI3*. I am seeing a great deal of improvement especially with the unprecedented amount of scores in the 70s. The riders had some challenges including the wind and distractions but the high performance riders made it work. Overall the quality of the performances is improving. I can see they are benefitting from the online judging each month helping each rider raise the bar. I have only been in this job for half the year and I already see changes. Gigi (Margaret McIntosh) has moved up by 3% and Annie Peavy has moved up by 2%. We still need more depth, more riders, and more quality horses.”

Before working for the US Equestrian Team, Assouline was with the British Team for 12 years. Assouline explained, “I love the U.S. and I love the challenge of having another project. We have good athletes and immense support but we need more horses. The structure is there and a lot of people are willing to help. America has a great culture in Equestrianism and the horses are brilliant here. But it seems that para-equestrian has been a little behind compared to the European sport. So now we need to push everyone that is on board. It’s nice to see US Equestrian, Murray Kessler, and many other individuals and organizations pushing forward and getting the wheels in motion. A para-equestrian athlete isn’t just an athlete with basic athlete requirements for their sport. A para-equestrian is not only competing and getting that opportunity but we are giving them a better life overall.”

Assouline was instrumental in 2017 with his wife Mette and Margaret McIntosh’s Coach Missy Ransehousen finding McIntosh her new horse Heros. The duo dominated the CPEDI at Global posting scores in the high 70s over the weekend solidifying their partnership for the 2018 year.

McIntosh explained, “We’ve been working really hard since Tryon so I was pleasantly surprised to see that everything we have been working on with Missy came together this weekend. It was nice having done so well in the Team Test that we could relax, concentrate, and really ride my horse for the Individual Test. Taking a step back and experimenting with the warm-up, Missy road her a little bit deeper and rounder and changed things up to the next higher level.”

McIntosh added, “When I looked at my scores I was delighted to have Sara Leitch’s judging feedback because Michele speaks very highly of her as a ground jury member. So when I was received the highest score in the individual test that was vindication that we are on the right track. I am thankful to my Coach Missy, my family and to all the US support staff for their hard work this weekend.”

McIntosh was one of the four members of the US Team which included fellow Grade I rider Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas). Trunnell, a 2014 WEG rider and 2016 Paralympian had a consistent week with NTEC Daytona Beach. “I am very happy with Daytona and our tests went really well,” said Trunnell. “We have been working on Daytona’s stretching to the bit and keeping her walks the same tempo. She was quite precise this weekend overall and I enjoyed being a part of the U.S. Team.”

Trunnell rides with Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt at the North Texas Equestrian Center along with Grade V top rider and U.S. teammate Katie Jackson. Only one year ago, Jackson was looking at her first CPEDI competition in The Stadium, and in October 2017 Jackson took over the ownership of this high performance horse Royal Dancer.

Jackson stated, “It’s wild in some ways because it seems like a long journey in a short amount of time. It’s exciting to be back here. It’s my favorite place to show, Royal is happy here, and the arena is great. There isn’t anywhere else I would want to show. I was really pleased with how Royal performed this weekend. He was with me and listening to me. We have been working really hard this fall and it is rewarding to see it all come together in the ring. I am thankful for Kai for helping me focus on each detail of our test. I am also thankful for the clinics with Michele (Assouline). We have plenty to improve on but I am happy with how far we have come. It’s beyond my wildest dreams to own a horse like Royal and we are getting to know each other better and better. He tries his heart out and he just wants to please. There is so much more in him that I haven’t even tapped. I get these glimpses of what the possibilities could be and it’s riveting.”

Michele Bandinu (Santa Barbara, Calif.) rounded out the team of four for the U.S. Bandinu, a grade IV rider, drove his two horses Soulman 13 and Skagen from California for the CPEDI3* shows. “It was an honor being a part of the U.S. Team. There is definitely a lot of support with Michele (Assouline) and Kai (Handt). I am also thankful to my coach Ryan Torkelli and trainer Albrecht Heidemann. As a West Coast Para-Dressage rider I wish there were a few more opportunities on the West Coast since the logistics and mileage can be hard on the horses.”

Also from the West Coast was Alanna Flax-Clark (Los Angeles, Calif.) who flew out to the East Coast to work with Sara Schmitt Dressage LLC. Flax-Clark secured the Grade II win with Captain Moonlight TG. This was her first CPEDI3* and first time in Wellington, FL.

“It was a great show,” stated Flax-Clark. “I have only been riding him a few weeks but he is fantastic. He had to learn a lot for our partnership to work and he learned quickly. He’s a smaller horse with big gates and as soon as he enters the show ring he knows to turn it on. I enjoyed the ride this weekend and I am thankful for all of the support from California, New Jersey, and here in Florida.

In Grade III Rebecca Hart (Unionville, Penn.) finished the weekend with a 74.167 in the Freestyle competition and obtained the Grade III championship. As a Three-time Paralympian (2008, 2012, 2016) and two-time WEG athlete (2010, 2014), Hart is comfortable with the electric atmosphere of The Stadium at AGDF. So when Hart and her new mount El Corona Texel paraded down centerline Hart showcased her horse’s power and finesse.

“He’s kind of a unicorn,” smiled Hart. “I am so blessed and I can’t thank Rowan O’Riley enough for helping me with him and backing me. It’s been a true pleasure to experience a horse of such quality and character. Without Rowan it would not have been possible. It has been an amazing four months and I am really looking forward to the future.”

Hart continued, “This weekend has been an incredible event. I have missed getting in the CDI ring and it’s been a lot of fun to go down centerline again with a new horse and new programs. Tex is an extremely talented young horse. He continued to listen, focus, and do his job even when it was windy and cold, which shows his talent as a high performance horse.”

Hart concluded, “I personally want to thank Melissa MacLaren Felix, Sara Mullins, Rowan O’Riley, and my groom Alexandra Philpin for helping us in and out of the dressage ring. I also want to thank all of the managers, sponsors and volunteers, that make Global a first-class event.”

In Grade IV Annie Peavy, 2014 WEG athlete and 2016 Paralympian, performed outstanding with Royal Dark Chocolate. Peavy (Avon, Connecticut) and Royal Dark Chocolate overtook Grade IV with scores in the middle 70s. Together they were the reserve champion high point rider.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

USA Para-Dressage Riders Successful at Deauville CPEDI3* in France

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photo provided by Rebecca Hart.

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani Top Grade II and Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior Score Well in Grade III

Deauville, France – April 12, 2016 – USA Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes Rebecca Hart and Annie Peavy had a successful weekend at the Deauville, France, CPEDI3*. The Deauville CPEDI*** (Concours Para-équestre de Dressage International) took place April 7-10, 2016 at the Pôle International du Cheval. Hart with Schroeter’s Romani, owned in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel, earned a second place in the Grade II FEI Team Test, a first place in the Individual Test on Saturday with a 71.371%, and a third place in the Freestyle on Sunday. Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno, competed in Grade III against 25 Para-Dressage athletes from around the world. The duo garnered a fifth place in the Team Test, a tenth in the Individual, and a fourth place ribbon in the Freestyle. Both Hart and Peavy flew over to Europe at the beginning of April for the opportunity to compete on the world stage against their European counterparts before the U.S. Paralympic Selection Trials in June and the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Each rider also knew how important it was for them to be evaluated by the FEI 5* ground jury in Deauville since those judges will also be in Rio in September. The Deauville ground jury included President Anne Prain (FRA), Sarah Leitch GBR, Marc Urban BEL, Marco Orsini GER, Technical Delagate Carlos Lopes (POR), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Kiel Myhre (NOR).

Hart, a seven time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion, two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012) and two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014), was excited to travel back to Europe for another opportunity to showcase Schroeter’s Romani’s talent and gain valuable feedback from the judging panel.

Hart noted, “It has been a wonderful experience getting to travel and compete with Annie. It’s been a great way to do the European circuit.  We are able to keep it light and fun, even when the pressure is on at a major CPEDI.  It makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.  It’s the true meaning of work hard/play hard.  I am so happy to see the results that we have been achieving. Annie rocked it in an incredibly large and competitive Grade three class with top finishes, and I couldn’t have asked for a better result with Romani. She came in strong for this competition. She was super in the all three tests.  Winning the individual, which is the first time I have ever won an individual championship in Europe.  It was a great way to start the season and I hope to get to hear the national anthem again this year.”

Hart continued, “The freestyle was a great learning moment.  She felt fabulous throughout the performance.  We were in the mid-70s; we did our new freestyle with a full walk pirouette, which is an unusual element.  We had to add some variety and make it different.  We have used the choreography before, but it was discussed between the judges here and was deemed disallowed, which is a mandatory hit to the choreography score.  It dropped our score to a 71.3% for third, but I am still thrilled with the result.  We are re-working the choreography and it was great to learn this now, rather than at our nationals or if we make the team, in Rio.  It was a lovely event and I can’t thank the organizers enough for hosting us.”

Hart acknowledged, “I also have to thank my incredible team at Cherry Knoll Farm.  Margaret Duprey enabled me to come on this European trip and I think it was an invaluable experience.   Without her amazing support of not only me, but the whole sport of US Para-Dressage, I would not be able to do this.  I also want to thank Todd Flettrich for his wonderful tutelage and guidance through this entire year.  We have truly stepped up our game and he has helped me to build the confidence and partnership with Romani and it’s showing in the results.  I also have to thank my amazing grooms Hannah Hassinger and Fernando Ortega.  They keep Romani at her best at home and on the road. They put in long hard days and enable us to do our best when the pressure is on.  Also to my amazing owners and supporters who believed in Romani and me from the start and put us on the Road to Rio: Margaret Duprey, Bill and Sandy Kimmel, Barbara Summer, Brigitte Byrialsen, and Sycamore Station.  This is truly a team effort; without these amazing people we wouldn’t be here and sharing in these results.”

Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall
Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Annie Peavy, a 2014 World Equestrian Games individual, added, “Competing at this CPEDI gave me lots of confidence going into the selection trials. It was tough competition with 17 nations. Lance is a partner and I mean that in the truest sense, he brings out the best in me and I strive to bring out the best in him and not let him down.”

Peavy continued, “Becca Hart never ceases to impress me with her riding and approach to competition. She is focused and continues to up the game in America. I consider myself fortunate to call her a friend.

Peavy concluded, “I can’t thank Heather Blitz enough for coaching me through a wonderful weekend. I also have to thank my parents; I could not have done this without their endless support.”

Peavy along with her team and coach Heather Blitz will be staying in Europe to attend Waregem CPEDI3* April 21-24, before heading home for the Selection Trials.

Hart and coach Todd Flettrich will head back to the United States to prepare for the 2016 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Paralympic Equestrian Team Selection Trials, Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, and Open Para-Dressage National Show scheduled June 3-5, 2016 at Waterloo Hunt Club in Grass Lake, Michigan. The 2016 Rio Paralympic Equestrian Games are scheduled for September 11-16, 2016 at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For more information about the The Deauville CPEDI*** (Concours Para-équestre de Dressage International) or for results, please visit http://www.handiequicompet.fr/en/index.html.

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: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

WEG Athlete Annie Peavy Rides Lancelot Warrior for the Fight against Breast Cancer

Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior (center) at the 2015 Challenge of the Americas in Wellington, FL. Photo (C) SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – March 23, 2015 – On Friday, March 20, 2015, the 12th Annual Challenge of the Americas Presented by Deloitte was held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. This unique fundraiser brings together international riders, world-class music, spectacular Dressage choreography, and the excitement of polo all for the fight against breast cancer. It is an honor to not only attend this event and Gala afterwards but to be selected to ride during this event. 2014 World Equestrian Games’ Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Annie Peavy of Avon, Connecticut was asked to ride in this event on March 20. Peavy and her Hanoverian gelding Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno, had the opportunity to be a part of the Dressage performance. Peavy is a Young Rider able-bodied Dressage and Para-Dressage athlete who rides with Heather Blitz. Peavy is aiming for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Annie Peavy noted, “Michele Hundt from ShowChic sponsors me and she asked me to be on her team for the Challenge. I was very grateful to be part of an amazing team while riding for a great cause. The whole event was enjoyable. Our performance was such a thrill with the crowd cheering. Lancelot was a saint and I could not have been happier with him.”

For more information about The Challenge of the Americas, please visit http://www.challengeoftheamericas.com.

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world’s most promising research to eradicate breast cancer. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivorship and metastasis, making it one of the largest non-governmental funders of breast cancer research in the world. This year, BCRF is investing $58.6 million in research, including $11.6 million to the international Evelyn H. Lauder Founders’ Fund focused on metastasis, to support more than 220 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible nonprofits. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization with an “A+” from CharityWatch, and has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars 12 times since 2002. For more information, please visit: www.bcrfcure.org.

About Play for P.I.N.K.
Play for P.I.N.K.®, (Prevention, Immediate Diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge) is a 501 (c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer through lifestyle and sporting events. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all proceeds to our sole beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, in order to fund the world’s top researchers. In 2014, PFP donated $4.5 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $38.5 million. For more information, visit www.playforpink.org.

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.

Para-Dressage Riders Peavy, Brimmer, and Jordan Finish a Successful 2014 Competition Year

Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3*.

Lexington, KY – November 26, 2014 – The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) concluded on August 29, and within two weeks Individual U.S. WEG Para-Dressage Grade III rider Annie Peavy of Avon, Connecticut headed to Saugerties, NY for the Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Region 8 Championships presented by New England Dressage Association (NEDA). The Championships were held September 18-21. Also riding at the Region 8 Championships in Saugerties was Grade IV athlete Mary Jordan of Wells, Maine and Rubicon 75 (Royal-Hit x Edelkarin/Absinthe), owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center of Loxahatchee, Florida. Rubicon 75 was formally owned and ridden by Catherine Haddad Staller of International Dressage. Peavy, a Grade III Para-Dressage Junior rode her WEG partner eight-year-old Trakehner gelding Ozzy Cooper (Hibiskus x Okka – Arrak) and 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lancelot Warrior (Londonderry x Waroness – Warkant). Both horses were qualified for WEG but Ozzy Cooper had to replace Lancelot Warrior just before heading to France. Peavy became the Region 8 FEI Junior Reserve Champion riding Ozzy Cooper and tied with Lancelot Warrior on a score of 66.35%. Peavy, 18, trains with Heather Blitz at Cutler Farm. Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 won the 3rd Level Championship out of a field of 23 competitors. Rubicon also placed 5th in the 2nd Level Region 8 Championship. Her championship accolade earned her an invitation to the second U.S. Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® held November 6-9, in Lexington, KY. Unprecedented, Jordan and Rubicon 75 became the first horse and rider combination as the only Para-Equestrian Dressage duo to win an able-bodied Regional Championship to go to the Finals. Jordan trains with Jim Koford. Also at the Lexington Finals was U.S. Para-Dressage Grade III rider Ellie Brimmer’s horse London Swing ridden by trainer Roz Kinstler.

Annie Peavy rode two exceptional tests while in France at the WEG. It was a great endeavor with a wonderful outcome to fly back to the U.S. and show at Region 8 Championships within weeks. Peavy explained, “I showed both Lance and Ozzy in the Region 8 FEI Junior Team Championship Test. My rides on both of them were very smooth. I was extremely happy with them. They went into the ring confident and did everything I asked of them. It was a bit of a rush getting home from France and going straight to Saugerties, but worth it. Ozzy traveled extremely well and was ready to compete again. Overall I was extremely proud of our partnerships.” Peavy plans on continuing to show internationally as an able-bodied and Para-Equestrian Dressage Junior athlete in 2015.

Mary Jordan headed back to Maine after the Saugerties Region 8 Championships then on to the Kentucky Horse Park in November. “Rubicon qualified for NEDA Fall and Regionals at one show in August 2014, our first stateside competition,” recalled Jordan. “I rode four tests at 2nd and 3rd level over two days and got my qualifying scores at Vermont Dressage Days in Essex Junction, VT. There, Rubicon earned high score of the show and won the Blue Seal Amateur Cup on a score of 69+%. His scores in Saugerties went up to 72.9%. Rubicon is our hopeful for Rio 2016.”

Jordan continued, “I was incredibly excited to compete in Kentucky with this extremely wonderful horse along with the nation’s best riders and horses from around the country. A sincere thanks to my family, friends, Coach James Koford, Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, Catherine Haddad Staller, and sponsors for their support and encouragement with our new partnership.” Jordan like Ellie Brimmer will head south for the winter to train and compete in Wellington, FL.

Brimmer’s partnership was also new in 2014 with their debut ride in Wellington, FL in Spring 2014. The duo has been enjoying solidifying their partnership while competing in both able-bodied and Para-Dressage competition. Brimmer noted, “The USDF Dressage Finals was not a planned goal for us this year, though I had attended the Finals last year as a volunteer and greatly enjoyed seeing all the quality horses and riders compete head to head from across the country. This summer I had an injury to my hand so my trainer Rosalind Kinstler took over the ride on my International Para-Dressage horse London Swing ‘Louie’ to give him some more miles as he was only shown lightly in Germany. Roz did an excellent job presenting him at the Region Two Finals for the Third Level Open Championship where he placed fourth and earned a wild card for Nationals. At the Kentucky Finals he held his own winning the warm up class for 3-3 Open on Thursday, placing fourth in the Finals Championship class with a total score of 69.359%. I’m so happy for Roz and Louie and I think this journey to the Finals will only help me as I continue to pursue International Para-Dressage competition.”

It is at these larger Dressage Championships where the parallel lines are crossed in the Dressage world. Brimmer explained, “I think what made having a horse in the Finals so special was that I got to see Para-Equestrian friends from all over the country. I was stabled across the aisle from Heather Blitz from Massachusetts who coaches my fellow Grade III rider Annie Peavy and the next aisle over was Michelle Folden and her husband David. Michelle is from South Carolina and coaches Grade II rider Debbie Stanitski. I was also able to cheer on Grade IV rider Mary Jordan from Maine in the Amateur Third Level Championship and see her exciting new Para-Dressage prospect Rubicon 75. In the future I would like to return to the finals to ride my own horse and I hope this event becomes a long standing tradition.”

Spectators can expect to see these three and many more Para-Dressage athletes in Wellington, FL in January at the first 2015 CPEDI3* which is a qualifier for the 2012 Rio Paralympics.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, 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.