Tag Archives: Para-Equestrian

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, EQUUS Foundation, Eventing/H.T., National Horse Show, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting, Western/Reining

America’s Favorite Equestrians to Be Announced at Alltech National Horse Show. Voting Closes on October 31st!

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WESTPORT, CT – October 29, 2011 – America’s Favorite Equestrian will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes on October 31, 2011 in each of the eight disciplines of Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage, Reining and Vaulting. The announcement will be made at a Victory Party hosted by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation on Friday, November 4, 2011, at 9:30 p.m. during the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.

This is it! Keep Voting! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to insure that your favorite is America’s favorite. Click here to see the equestrian entries and to vote.

For information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at (203) 259-1550 or equus@equusfoundation.org.

Continue reading America’s Favorite Equestrians to Be Announced at Alltech National Horse Show. Voting Closes on October 31st! →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, EQUUS Foundation, Eventing/H.T., National Horse Show, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting, Western/Reining

Who Will Be Inducted into the America’s Favorite Equestrian Hall of Fame? Voting Closes on October 31st!

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WESTPORT, CT – October 21, 2011 – Who Will Be Inducted into the America’s Favorite Equestrian Hall of Fame? Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America’s Favorite Equestrians will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.

The announcement will be made at the America’s Favorite Equestrian Victory Celebration on Friday, November 4, 2011, at 9:30 p.m., at the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.

This is it! Keep Voting! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to insure that your favorite is America’s favorite. Click here to see the equestrian entries and to vote.

For information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at (203) 259-1550 or equus@equusfoundation.org.

Continue reading Who Will Be Inducted into the America’s Favorite Equestrian Hall of Fame? Voting Closes on October 31st! →

Para-Equestrian, USEF

Para-Equestrian Training Session to Host Eight Riders

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Lexington, KY – Eight riders have been selected by Para-Equestrian High Performance Committee from an impressive group of applicants to participate in the upcoming Para-Equestrian Training Session to be held at USET Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. This training session will take place November 5-6, 2011 and will be conducted by Robert Dover and Para-Equestrian Team Coach Missy Ransehousen.

The following riders have been selected to participate in the Para-Equestrian Training Session:

Erin Alberda (Woodinville, WA), Grade III
Charlotte Bathalon (South Burlington, VT), Grade II
Rebecca Hart (Unionville, PA), Grade II
Mary Jordan (Wells, ME), Grade IV
Margaret McIntosh (Reading, PA), Grade II
Elizabeth Pigott (Downington, PA), Grade II
Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY), Grade 1a
Freddie Win (Woodbridge, NJ), Grade IV

Continue reading Para-Equestrian Training Session to Host Eight Riders →

Benefits, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show Graciously Benefits United States Para-Equestrian Association

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Eleanor Brimmer and Vadico Interagro at 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*. Photo © Lindsay Yosay McCall

Fort Worth, TX – October 14, 2011 – In 2010 the Para-Equestrian discipline debuted at their first World Equestrian Games, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games launched the Para-Equestrian sport and Para-Equestrians into household names.  The recognition let people know that Para-Dressage, like all equestrian disciplines, requires strength, drive, FEI level horses, and experienced athletes.  As like all equestrian sports it also requires strong support.  The 2011 International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Show Association (IALHA) decided their 2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show would benefit the United States Para-Equestiran Association (USPEA).  This is the biggest show of the year for the IALHA which is held October 11-16, 2011 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Ft. Worth Texas.  The IALHA and the United States Equestrian Federation present the National Championship.

“I brought the idea to our committee of having our last big show of the year benefit the USPEA and it was unanimous that it would happen,” smiled 2011 IALHA Show Chair Christina Cardenas.  Christina became captivated by the Para-Equestrians while in Lexington at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  She noted, “When I saw these riders dancing with their horses and making it look so effortless I knew in that moment I wanted to have a fundraiser for the cause.” Over the course of this week, the IALHA horse show holds a silent auction and has a clothing drive to add to their fundraiser.  It will be support of the patrons, the sponsors, exhibitors, IALHA members, and spectators who will contribute to supporting the USPEA.  As part of the fundraiser the USPEA will receive 50% of all profits.

Continue reading 2011 IALHA National Championship and Charity Horse Show Graciously Benefits United States Para-Equestrian Association →

Dressage, Para-Equestrian, Training/Clinics, USEF

Para-Equestrian Training Session to Be Held November 5-6, 2011

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Lexington, KY – Para-Equestrian dressage athletes will have the unique opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of renowned dressage competitor and trainer Robert Dover November 5-6, 2011.

The four-time Olympic Bronze medalist will conduct a Para Equestrian Dressage Training Session along with U.S. Para-Equestrian National Team coach, Missy Ransehousen, at the USET Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ.

Eight riders will be invited to participate in the training session; riders from all five Para-Equestrian Grades are encouraged to apply. Applications should be returned by October 7, 2011.

This Training Session will give horse-and-rider combinations a chance to fine-tune their skills in preparation for the 2012 season. This is a season in which the U.S. will be trying to secure Team and Individual qualifications for the 2012 Paralympics in London.

“We are very excited to have Robert’s assistance,” said Pam Lane, USEF International High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting. “We are aiming to qualify a Team and Individuals for the 2012 Paralympics and his expertise will be invaluable.”

Applications for the Para Equestrian Dressage Training Session can be found at http://usef.org/documents/highperformance/paralympic/2011ParaDressageTraining.pdf.

For more information about the USEF Para-Equestrian program, visit http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx.

Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping

FEI Announces Dressage Ground Juries for London 2012 and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final

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Stephen Clarke has officiated at five World Cup Finals, three European Championships, three World Equestrian Games, and London will be his second Olympic Games. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 23 September 2011 – The Ground Juries for Dressage at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final 2012 have been announced following blind draws at the FEI’s headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) today (23 September).

Leif Törnblad (DEN), Maribel Alonso (MEX), Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA), Gary Rockwell (USA), Wim Ernes (NED) and Evi Eisenhardt (GER) will form the Dressage Ground Jury at the London 2012 Olympic Games alongside Stephen Clarke, who as a host country judge was already appointed President of the Ground Jury.

The Ground Jury for Paralympic Equestrian at the London 2012 Paralympics has been confirmed: Lilian Iannone (ARG), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Anne Prain (FRA), Gudrun Hofinga (GER), Sarah Rodger (GBR) and Carlos Lopes (POR) will join President of the Ground Jury Kjell Myhre (NOR).

The Ground Jury for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final 2012 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) 18-22 April 2012 will also be seven-strong: Ghislain Fouarge (NED) will serve as President of the Ground Jury with Stephen Clarke (GBR), Gary Rockwell (USA), Katrina Wüst (GER), Isabelle Judet (FRA), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS) and Leif Törnblad (DEN).

Trond Asmyr, FEI Director Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, explained:

“The international judges representing the Ground Juries for London 2012 and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final 2012 are extremely happy about their appointments.

Continue reading FEI Announces Dressage Ground Juries for London 2012 and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, USEF

This Week in International Disciplines, September 20, 2011

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Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall.

Para-Equestrian

The USEF National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships took center stage at the NEDA Fall Festival in Saugerties, NY. WEG veteran and Southern Methodist University student, Jonathan Wentz put in three calculated efforts to sweep his three Grade 1b tests and score his first national championship. Riding NTEC Richter Scale, Wentz tallied an overall championship score of 71.531% giving him the edge over Dale Dedrick and Bonifatus. A first-time National Championship competitor had a three test combined score of 71.223%.

The U.S. took a step forward in qualifying for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London by winning the FEI Team Competition at the Saugerties CPEDI3* (which ran concurrently with the National Championship). The U.S. team composed of Wentz, Hart, Mary Jordan riding Sebastian, and Wendy Fryke and Lateran, topped Canada.

Competition in the five Para-Equestrian Grades was held in the CPEDI3*. In Grade 1a competition, Donna Ponessa has topped both the team and freestyle tests. In the team test, she scored 66.765% on Otto and topped the freestyle on Western Rose with a 68.5%. Canada’s Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus scored 68.417% in the individual test on the final day of competition. Dedrick won the team and individual tests scoring 70.079% and 72.063% respectively in Grade II. Hart and Dedrick rode to an equal score of 71.833%, Hart claimed the victory as her collective marks were higher.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines, September 20, 2011 →

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

Wentz Obtains 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

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Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

USA Team Achieves First at CPEDI3*

Saugerties, NY – September 18, 2011 – Intensity, impulsion, power are three words that defined Sunday’s Para-Equestrian Individual Test competition at the 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. Sunday was the last day of the CPEDI 3* and it was the championship day for the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship. After Saturday’s Freestyle only a tenth of a point separated Jonathan Wentz and Dale Dedrick for the National Championship. Following an exceptional day of tests Wentz earned the scores he needed to earn the national championship. Only .308 behind Wentz was Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius who garnered the highest score of the day from Judge E, Anne Prain of France, a 75%. Dedrick’s percentage secured the reserve championship accolade. In the CPEDI3* Team competition Para-Equestrians from USA, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Bermuda competed in Grades Ia-IV under judges Anne Prain of France, Kjell Myhre of Norway, and Carlos Lopes of Portugal. The USA achieved the top ranking with team members Jonathan Wentz, Mary Jordan, Wendy Fryke, and Rebecca Hart.

Hart was the third place finisher in the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships in addition to supporting the USA Team competition. After three days of tests Hart was delighted with Lord Ludger. She noted, “I was really happy with LoLu; this was his first major competition where he had to be on it three days in a row.  He handled the pressure and he even stepped up to the plate for me.”

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Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, USEF

Wentz Leads 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships

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Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale. Photo: Lindsay Yosay McCall 2011.

Saugerties, NY – A blast of autumn greeted riders on the second day of 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships as temperatures dropped to near 40 degrees overnight. The cool weather did not stop the best Para-Equestrian competitors in the U.S. from achieving strong scores in their Freestyles. Competitors from the five different grades (athletes are graded based on the severity of their disability) of Para-Equestrian Dressage are vying for the National Championship title.

Jonathan Wentz, a member of the Kentucky Equine Research U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, heads the field in the National Championship with his WEG partner, NTEC Richter Scale.

Wentz (Richardson, TX), who has two rides in the Grade 1b division, used the experience he gained last year in Kentucky. He rode his coach Kai Handt’s NTEC Richter Scale to a score of 71.515% in Friday’s Team Test, which counts for 40% of the overall score, and produced an eye-catching Freestyle today to score 71%. Wentz will try to maintain his lead tomorrow’s finale, the Individual Test.

Wentz found that his experience at last year’s WEG has served him well: “You know what the judges are looking for,” he said. “At WEG I learned how to fight for it and read the judges’ sheets and work on what they were looking for.”

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

United States Para-Equestrians Excel at the 2011 Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3*

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Mary Jordan (Grade IV) and Sebastian. Photos © Lindsay Yosay McCall

Saugerties, NY – September 16, 2011 – At 7:30 a.m. Friday morning it was a brisk but beautiful 46 degrees at the 2011 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage and 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Twenty-four Para-Equestrians competed in the CPEDI3* with riders from U.S.A., Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. Grade Ia, Ib, II, and III were dominated by United States riders.  James Dwyer of Ireland and his horse Orlando earned the Grade IV win. With the tough competition of the CPEDI3* and the National Championships hanging over the United States Para-Equestrians, the U.S.A still excelled over the rest. It may be September, but these riders are preparing and building their team for 2012 when London hosts the 2012 Paralympics.

Friday’s competition for the CPEDI3* consisted of the same scoring style as the Paralympics, the Team and Individual score of each team rider will be combined and averaged.  The lowest averaged number will be dropped from each team’s score and a final tally will be conducted.  The 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship scores are calculated with the team competition representing 40% of the total score, Saturday’s Freestyle representing 20% followed by Sunday’s Individual classes earning the last 40%. For many equestrians, this is a weekend not about scores but about first time rides, first time shows, and first time travels.

Dale Dedrick a retired Orthopedic Surgeon from Ann Arbor, Michigan is a brand new rider to Para-Equestrian Dressage. In Friday’s Team competition she earned the top score of 70.079% in Grade II. Dedrick was happy with Bonifatius’ progress and performance for his first day out.  She noted, “Bonifatius is a great horse and he has phenomenal gates.  The test today was not my best test but it was a good test.” Since being introduced to the Para-Equestrian world Dedrick has utilized a training program that fits her inability to tolerate a lot of activity for a duration of time.  She explained, “Since I have a pacemaker, I can’t tolerate a lot of activity.  Therefore, I ride in short bursts and walk for a length of time.  Those long walks on the bit have increased my horse’s back strength, endurance, and it has overall helped both of us.”

Continue reading United States Para-Equestrians Excel at the 2011 Fall Festival of Dressage CPEDI3* →