August 22, 2015

Dana Rossmeier

Wayne, Ill. – The 2015 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships continued today with final tests that determined national champions across three divisions: Developing Horse Prix St. Georges, Four- and Five-Year-Olds. The developing horses performed the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Test, the five-year-olds performed the FEI Five-Year-Old Final Test, and the four-year-olds performed the USEF Four-Year-Old Test. In each division, 60% percent of today’s score was added to the 40% earned in the preliminary test to determine the overall champion.

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship

After taking the lead following Thursday’s FEI Prix St. Georges Test with a score of 72.895%, Heather Blitz (Medfield, Mass.) and Oak Hill Ranch LLC’s Danish Warmblood, Ripline, were poised to win it all. However, Thursday’s second-place finisher Christina Vinios (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Oldenburg, Folkestone, came from behind to win the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship with an overall score of 71.248%. Vinios took today’s ride up a notch from the preliminary test and had a seemingly flawless final test highlighted by accuratechanges to score a 72.402%.

Christina Vinios and Folkestone (SusanJStickle.com)

“I loved our test. A couple times I may have pushed a little too hard and had a few little bobbles, but I really wanted to fight for every point and show the horse the best that I could,” said Vinios.

Even with a nice canter tour, Blitz and Ripline placed eighth in the final test with a 68.333%.  However, the strength of Thursday’s score gave them an overall score of70.158%. Although they could not match Thursday’s performance, Blitz noticed improvement.

“I liked the pirouettes better today, and the extended walk is always was one of the highlights. In general, he felt relaxed and I was super happy with him. Just to think a horse his age can be second in the country, I couldn’t be happier,” said Blitz.

Finishing fifth on Thursday with a score of 67.942%, Cesar Parra (White House Station, N.J.) and his and Martin Sosnof’s Fashion Designer OLD connected in the final test for a score of 71.422%. That was good enough to propel them into third place for a overall score of 70.030%.. Fashion Designer OLD exhibited a superb level of enagment, which was missing in the preliminary test, and executed graceful pirouettes and a great trot tour.

Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship Results

Markel/USEF Five-Year-Old National Championship

Carly Taylor-Smith (Malibu, Calif.) and Nikki Taylor-Smith’s Oldenburg, Rosalut NHF, continued to impress the judges receiving a score of 8.380 in today’s final test. This sealed the division for them as they topped the 16-combination field with an overall score of 8.460. Additionally, it gave them their second consecutive Markel/USEF Dressage National Championship title  as they won the 2014 Four-Year-Old National Championship last year. Rosalut NHF displayed outstanding submission, and the judges awarded it nicely with a 9.0. They followed this with an excellent 8.4 canter score. Although the canter wasn’t as big as the judges would have liked, they were pleased with Rosalut NHF’s collection, which is advanced for his age.

“The ride was great today; the horse was definitely on today. We fit like a glove, and we just have so much trust that the test just flowed. There wasn’t anything that was particularly tricky. He gives me a 100 percent all the time,” said Taylor-Smith

Carly Taylor-Smith and Rosalut NHF (SusanJStickle.com)

Gail Lynn Redinger (Sandpoint, Idaho) and her own KWPN, Formancier, barely edged out Katie Riley (White House Station, N.J.) and Cesar Parra’s Westphalian, Don Cesar, to take Reserve Champion with a combined score of 7.960. Redinger and Formancier’s consistency came through for them as they again earned high scores in the walk and canter. He also was  supple, which was missing in Thursday’s test.

“I’m thrilled. I was hoping I could improve from Thursday and show him off a bit more. He came up to my expectations. He’s so reliable, and if I ask correctly, he’s always there for me,” said Redinger.

Although Riley and Don Cesar had a great test, their walk score was a little weaker than Redinger’s, scoring an 8.0. However, they outscored Redinger in the trot with a score of 8.0 due to their natural cadence and earned an overall score of 7.888.

Five-Year-Old National Championship Results

Markel/USEF Four-Year-Old National Championship

Alice Tarjan (Frenchtown, N.J.) and her own Danish Warmblood, Tiko, capitalized on Thursday’s preliminary test performance. They put in a strong final test to take the Four-Year-Old National Championship with an overall score of 8.064. The judges, again, were impressed with the canter work and awarded them highly with a 9.0. Tiko showed natural cadence and softness to improve upon Thursday’s trot score for an 8.5.

“Tiko was really good; I was really pleased. She put in a pretty decent test and showed what she can do at home, so that’s all I can ask for,” said Tarjan.

What looked like a one-two sweep for Tarjan, judging by the preliminary tests, turned into an upset when Brooke Voldbaeck (Sherwood, Ore.) and Sonnenberg Farm, LLC’s Generosa S scored an impressive 7.792 to leap from fourth place to become Reserve Champion, bumping Tarjan and her own Oldenburg, Donatella M, to third place. Voldbaeck came to these championships as an alternate and has been riding Generosa S for six months, so she cannot be more pleased with today’s results.

Alice Tarjan and Tiko (SusanJStickle.com)

“I was really happy with her overall consistency. She was the most with me today. I was better on my eights. I felt like I rode the test better and was more prepared. Today, I rode more focused, and I think that helped improve our score. She was a little tired, and the lengthenings weren’t as good as Thursday, but I think the rest of the ride was better,” said Voldbaeck.

Tarjan and Donatella M could have completed the sweep if it were not for a riding error. After coming out of a nice warm-up, Tarjan rode Donatella M a little rounder than she liked, likely contributing to a lower score. However, she performed the test with a lot of style and demonstrated beautiful elasticity in the trot.

Four-Year-Old National Championship Results

The 2015 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships will wrap-up tomorrow with the Six-Year-Old and Developing Horse Grand Prix Championships. The USEF Network will live stream these divisions beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members. Without the support of these organizations and individuals, it would not be possible to support our athletes. The USEF is especially grateful to individuals who give generously of their time and money to support the equestrian teams.

August 22, 2015
From the USEF Communications Department

Wayne, Ill. – On a beautiful summer day, the nation’s top youth dressage athletes went to task in the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. Coming away with top honors in the AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship was Catherine Chamberlain and Avesto Van Weltevreden. In the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship Mickayla Frederick maintained her lead to be named National Champion. After day one of the USEF Pony Rider National Championship, Allison Nemeth and Pablo S lead the division.

Catherine Chamberlain (SusanJStickle.com)

AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship
Following day one’s FEI Young Rider Team Test, Kerrigan Gluch (Wellington, Fla.) led by the slimmest of margins over Chamberlain (Murrieta, Calif.) after scoring just four-thousandth of a point higher. Both athletes entered the arena with determination this morning, but it was Chamberlain and Kimberly Pribble’s KWPN, Avesto Van Weltervreden, who took the ultimate win in the class and were named National Champions. The pair scored 69.605% in the FEI Young Rider Individual Test for a final overall score of 69.430%.

This marked the first National Championship title for Chamberlain, who is a four-time Gold medalist at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

“I was very happy with my ride today, it was really smooth and I liked the power we had in the medium trot and overall self-carriage and impulsion in the trot. His tempi-changes were also a highlight. He is still a little green at this level as he just started it in February. It has been a project all season getting to the point where we can really nail everything, especially the changes, so I was really happy those were super in this test. It was my last-ever young rider test because I am aging out this year, so I am really thrilled with the result,” said Chamberlain.

This year’s youth dressage national championships are coinciding with the Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Dressage National Championships; Chamberlain expressed what this first-time pairing meant to her, “Having the other championships alongside has been really inspirational. To see all those top combinations and the quality we have in the United States is really fun.”

Gluch and Hampton Green Farm’s PRE, Vaquero HGF, put in a valiant performance today, though not as fluid as day one’s test, to take Reserve Champion honors with an overall score of 68.794%.

“My canter tour was really energetic, the tempi-changes were really good, and our pirouettes were the best they’ve ever felt in the ring, so I was really happy. Vaquero HGF really surprised me doing this level this year, I wasn’t expecting it, I can’t ask for anything more,” said Gluch.

After finishing seventh on day one, Hannah Bauer (Purcellville, Va.) and her own KWPN, Trustful, improved dramatically to finish second in today’s class and third overall in the championship on a final score of 66.272%.

“I am happy with the overall control I had in my test; it was 10 times better than what I had in my first test. This is my first year at the Festival of Champions and I couldn’t have had a better experience,” said Bauer.

Complete AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship Results

AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship
Frederick (Johnston, Iowa) and Robert’s Susa’s Hanoverian, Wrainier Q, finished third in today’s FEI Junior Individual Test on a score of 68.026%, but were named overall champions on the strength of a brilliant day one performance for an overall score of 69.171%.

Mickayla Frederick (SusanJStickle.com)

“I definitely felt today that I was really riding, and not just along for the ride. It felt like I was able to slow time down and make changes as I went,” said an ecstatic Frederick.

Winning today’s class and finishing as the Reserve Champion overall was Kristin Counterman (Ashburn, Va.) and Caroline Stephen’s KWPN, Three Times. The pair impressed with a fluid, powerful test to score a 69.474%, giving them an overall score of 68.408%.

“I was so pleased with my test today. I felt like I was able to ride every step and he was with me every step of the way. Our canter improved even more from our past test, he was expressive, and the trot was forward – everything just went great,” said Counterman.

Counterman was also awarded the Anita Owen Perpetual Silver Stirrup Trophy for her outstanding sportsmanship.

Moving up from fourth-place to finish in third overall was Anna Weniger (Apex, N.C.) and Dawn Weniger’s KWPN mare, Izeffia, on an overall score of 66.664%.

“Yesterday we had one of the best tests we’ve had in a long time. Today I thought I could add just a little bit more power and keep her uphill and it paid off and was one of the best tests we’ve had all year,” said Weniger.

Complete AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship Results

FEI Pony Rider Team Test

Allison Nemeth (SusanJStickle.com)

Beginning the quest for a National Championship title, eight pony rider combinations entered the Grand Prix arena today to perform the FEI Pony Rider Team Test. Coming away with a commanding lead in the division was Nemeth (Flemington, N.J.) and her own German Riding Pony, Pablo S, scoring a 70.940%.

“Today my pony was a lot more energetic and collected than he usually is and really listened to me. I am just so glad and thankful to be here,” said Nemeth.

McKenzie Milburn (Bothell, Wash.) put in a solid test to score a 66.496%, good for second place, with her own Westphalian, Darius. “The best part of my test was my canter work and half-passes, he worked really well with me today,” said Milburn.

Sitting in third is Brynne Varvel (Bloomington, Ind.) and her own homebred and trained Morgan, V Back in Black, scoring a 65.427%.

Complete FEI Pony Rider Team Test Results

The USEF Network will cover the final classes in the Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ and Pony Rider National Championships tomorrow beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members. Without the support of these organizations and individuals, it would not be possible to support our athletes. The USEF is especially grateful to individuals who give generously of their time and money to support the equestrian teams.

August 22, 2015
USEF Communications Department

Wayne, Ill. – Riders between the ages of 11 and 18 have converged on the Lamplight Equestrian Center with the hopes of attaining a 2015 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals title. On Sunday, the young athletes will compete in two divisions, 13 & Under and 14-18, demonstrating their equitation in front of the judges. On Friday afternoon, the 13 & Under division performed their warm-up class, while Saturday morning saw the 14-18 division have their turn in front of the judges.

Helen Claire McNulty winning last year’s USEF Dressage Seat Medal FInal 13 & Under division (Carolynn Bunch Photography)

Last year’s 13 & Under Champion Helen Claire McNulty (Holland, Mich.) looks to repeat as she heads to the 14-18-year-old division to compete against 16 other combinations. Alexander Dawson (Sturtevant, Wis.), the 2013 13 & Under Champion, also aims for the title in the 14-18 division. The USEF Dressage Seat Medal 14-18 Final will take place on Sunday morning in the Grand Prix Arena.

A talented young group of 14 combinations will kick off Sunday’s dressage festivities at the Wisconsin Equine Clinic Arena when they vie for the 13 & Under Championship. Tillie Jones (Lincoln, Neb.) is a veteran of the USEF Dressage Seat Medal program, making her first appearance at the Finals in 2011 and returning once again in her quest for top honors.

View the full list of 2015 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finalists.

Aachen (GER), 22 August 2015

Germany’s Michael Brauchle and Dutch team claim gold at Aachen 2015

By Cindy Timmer

Michael Brauchle (GER) is the new individual FEI European Driving Champion after putting everything on the line in the final phase of the European Championships to win the marathon and overtake IJsbrand Chardon (NED) in the individual standings. The bronze individual medal went to Koos de Ronde (NED), and the combined scores of Chardon and de Ronde, together with 11th placed Theo Timmerman meant the Dutch claimed team gold again.

Exciting marathon

Brauchle, 25, was in fifth place after the dressage and cones and decided to really go for it in the marathon, his favourite phase of the competition. Brauchle was 56 seconds behind Chardon, overnight leader in the standings.

Winner of the marathon at the CAIO Aachen 2008, when he was the youngest ever, and in 2011 and 2013, Brauchle set the fastest times in six of the obstacles today and was second and third fastest in the remaining two, leaving his opponents far behind him.

“I was able to use my best wheeler horse again, which I had to miss in the previous two competitions”, Brauchle said. “I started very fast and the horses got better and better after each obstacle. I drove at full risk, then I am at my best!”

More than 58 seconds faster than Chardon, Brauchle’s incredible performance eased him ahead of his Dutch rival by the slimmest of margins – 0.21 – to give him victory in the marathon and his first ever individual gold medal.

Brauchle’s compatriot Christoph Sandmann was lying 12th going into the final phase and was also determined to perform well in the marathon, which attracted throngs of enthusiastic spectators who were able to enjoy a warm, sunny day and really great sport. Sandmann set top times in nearly all obstacles, securing second place in this competition and helping the German team to the silver medal.

Koos de Ronde’s third place finish gave him his second individual bronze medal at the FEI European Championships, having taken bronze in 2011 in Breda (NED).

“The differences between myself and Dobrovitz and Brauchle were very small and my goal was to secure my third position by driving safely”, he said. “My team did not perform good enough to win the marathon at this level, but despite a knockdown in obstacle three I still finished third in this phase, for which I am very happy.”

Last out on the course, IJsbrand Chardon fought like a lion in the eight obstacles, designed by level 4 Course Designer Dr Wolfgang Asendorf. It didn’t come easy for the four-times World Champion however.

“My horses did not have the right form to perform well today”, Chardon said. “I had a mistake in obstacle two, which cost me precious seconds. I did calculate before that I would lose some seconds to Brauchle in every obstacle, but I haven’t tried to equal his times because I wanted to finish safe.”

After Chardon had passed the finish line of the marathon, which included a portable marathon obstacle in the main stadium for the first time, the scoreboards showed Chardon provisionally in first place, with Brauchle as the runner-up in the final standings, but when the scores were made official later on, Brauchle was declared the new European champion with Chardon as silver medallist.

The team standings mirrored the 2013 results. The Dutch successfully defended their team title, while the German hosts fought hard and took home the silver medal again, while the Hungarians slotted into third for the bronze.

FEI European Driving Championships, individual results (Marathon phase):

1. Michael Brauchle (GER) 109.61
2. Christoph Sandmann (GER) 114.45
3. Koos de Ronde (NED) 122.73
4. Glenn Geerts (BEL) 122.83
5. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 124.14

FEI European Driving Championships, final individual standings:

1. Michael Brauchle (GER) 162.16
2. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) 162.37
3. Koos de Ronde (NED) 170.93
4. József Dobrovitz (HUN) 172.68
5. Christoph Sandmann (GER) 176.32

FEI European Driving Championships, final team standings:

1. The Netherlands 328.05
2. Germany 331.63
3. Hungary 354.03
4. Belgium 354.98
5. Switzerland 386.65

Photo Caption: Michael Brauchle claimed individual gold and team silver for Germany in the final marathon phase at the FEI European Driving Championships in Aachen (GER) today. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

Aachen, Germany: The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) is proud to announce a new partnership with Rolex, the leading brand of the Swiss watch industry and a committed supporter of equestrian sports.

The long-term partnership highlights the understanding and respect that the WBFSH and Rolex have for the passion and hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes at large International events, and in particular the breeding industry. Rolex will become the ‘Official Timepiece’ to the Federation.

HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark is the current Patron of the WBFSH. She has developed her own highly successful breeding program in Germany and her daughter Princess Nathalie has won two Olympic medals with Digby – a home bred horse.

Launched in 1994 and presided by Jan Pedersen, the WBFSH is the only organization which collates sport horses studbooks on a worldwide scale. It currently has 65 members representing more than 100,000 breeders.
Jan Pedersen, President of the WBFSH said; “As President of the Federation and on behalf of our breeders and studbooks, I am very proud to enter into partnership with Rolex. Rolex is the epitome of high quality, elegance, exclusiveness and power – all values which we hold very high.

“This partnership enables us to increase our efforts to pursue our goals, one of which is the development of sport horse breeding worldwide. I really look forward to this co-operation and believe it will be mutually valuable for both ourselves and Rolex.”

Since 1957, Rolex has been involved across show jumping, dressage and eventing, three disciplines heavily supported by the WBFSH.  As well as partnering with leading shows and individual riders, Rolex also plays a role in the development of the sport through its patronage of the Jumping Owners Club and International Jumping Riders Club.

Commenting on the partnership, Arnaud Boetsch, Communications & Image Director of Rolex SA, said; “The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses has enjoyed an impressive growth in membership since its inception in 1994, and Rolex is delighted to be working with an organization  which safeguards the future growth and development of the breeding industry; an integral part of the equestrian world.”

The main aim of the WBFSH is to promote its members across the three Olympic disciplines. Every season the WBFSH publishes breeding rankings in connection with the FEI and at the end of the year the best studbooks and breeders are awarded the ultimate accolade, The WBFSH Rolex Award. The Federation also helps its new members to organize and unify their rules and regulations in accordance with the international criteria standards.

The WBFSH Rolex Award ceremony for 2015 will be held in December, during the CSI-5* of CHI Geneva, the third stage of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Picture Captions:

Picture 1: (From left) Theodore Leuchten, Chairman of the Breeding Department at the German Federation, Breido Graf zu Rantzau, President of the German Federation, HRH Princess Benedikte, Patron of the WBFSH and Jan Pedersen, President of the WBFSH at the launch of the new partnership.

Picture 2: The press conference to announce the new partnership between the WBFSH and Rolex. (From the left) Breido Graf zu Rantzau, President of the German Federation, HRH Princess Benedikte, Patron of the WBFSH, Jan Pedersen, President of the WBFSH and Theodore Leuchten, Chairman of the Breeding Department at the German Federation.

Picture 3: HRH Princess Benedikte, Patron of the WBFSH, is interviewed by the international media following the announcement.

August 21, 2015
Dana Rossmeier

Wayne, Ill. – Today, 29 combinations kicked off the 2015 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. at the Lamplight Equestrian Center with three tests: the FEI Young Rider Team Test, the FEI Junior Team Test, and the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 Test.

FEI Young Rider Team Test

It has been five years since Kerrigan Gluch (Wellington, Fla.) performed in a competition at Lamplight Equestrian Center when she appeared in the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals as a 13-year-old. She showed her development as her and Hampton Green Farm’s PRE Vaquero HGF had a consistent ride to lead the AGCO/USEF Young Rider division with a 69.290%. They executed smooth half-passes and were fluid through the bend, which Gluch says has always been a difficulty.

Kerrigan Gluch and Vaquero HGF (SusanJStickle.com)

“I thought the test felt the best it ever has in the show ring; everything we talked about yesterday, and in the warm-up this morning, I thought about it and did everything I was supposed to do. Everything was really consistent today; that was our main goal. Our bend has always been an issue and today it felt really nice. I would have liked his canter to feel a little more fluid, but overall, I was really pleased with him,” said Gluch.

A mere four-thousandth of a point separated Gluch from second-place finisher Catherine Chamberlain (Murrieta, Calif.). New to Young Rider National Championships, her and Kimberly Pribble’s KWPN Avesto Van Weltervreden had good trot and canter work and executed smooth pirouettes for a score of 69.254%. As a horse that has not always been consistent in the Young Rider tests, Chamberlain was thrilled with today’s performance.

“I was really happy with my ride. I didn’t have any major mistakes and thought everything went pretty well. Now, it’s just cleaning up the details and making sure I am very concise with the pattern,” said Chamberlain.

Following in third place was Natalie Pai (Wellington, Fla.) and Melanie Pai’s Fritz San Tino with a 66.14%. For a duo that struggles with the fours, Pai and Fritz San Tino excelled at them today. They added a successful trot tour to highlight their test.

Complete FEI Young Rider Team Test Results

FEI Junior Team Test

Mickayla Frederick (Johnston, Iowa) and her and Robert Susa’s Hanoverian Wrainier Q came out strong today and excelled in the trot and the half-passes to take first place in the FEI Junior Team Test of the AGCO/USEF Junior division with a score of 70.315%. Frederick was happy with the test, but recognizes the need for improvement.

“I thought my test went great overall. I definitely see room for improvement in overall suppleness and straightness,” said Frederick.

Mickayla Frederick and Wrainier Q (SusanJStickle.com)

Trailing Frederick by three points for second place was Tillie Jones (Lincoln, Neb.) and her own Danish Warmblood Boegelys Mauricio with a score of 67.658%. Boegelys Maurico and Jones came to the ring relaxed, but struggled a bit in his half-passes.

“My horse did very well on being light and supple. I think I may need to work on my half-passes,” said Jones.

Coming in third was Pony Rider veteran Kristen Counterman (Ashburn, Va.) and Caroline Stephens’ KWPN Three Times with a 67.342%. They had a little trouble with the trot, as it was not as supple as Counterman would have liked. However, they showed off nice canter work with big, expressive changes.

Complete FEI Junior Team Test Results

FEI Grand Prix 16-25 Test

Although Chase Hickok (Wellington, Fla.) noticed tension with Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s KWPN Sagacious HF before heading into the arena, she masterly managed the apprehension and executed the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 Test beautifully to take first place with a 67.186%. They demonstrated nice extensions, which Hickok says is not always a highlight for him, and a fluid canter tour. However, they struggled a bit with their trot zig-zag.

“I can go in there [arena] and always seem to nail the changes. It’s a confidence builder for me. I always have to work on the piaffe with my horse to make it better, but other than that, I was pretty happy with that. The half-pass could have been better, otherwise I try to put a lot of energy into my canter tour because that is what really seems to shine with my horse,” said Hickok.

Sierra Keasler (Wellington, Fla.) and Caroline Roffman’s Danish Warmblood Lux Stensvang were not far behind Hickok and Sagacious HF as they took second with 66.465%. They executed a test with good changes, but were inconsistent with the canter and pirouette work. Rounding out the top three was Kate Peper (Gainesville, Fla.) and her own Russian Warmblood Akela with a 63.233%.

Chase Hickok and Sagacious HF (SusanJStickle.com)

“My second pirouette could have been better, and I struggled a bit with the piaffe- passage, keeping the power and keeping the energy throughout the transitions. That is what I was really trying to focus on today. However, the last passage was a great feeling for me,” said Keasler.

Complete FEI Grand prix 16-25 Test Results

The USEF Network will live stream the FEI Young Rider Individual, FEI Pony Team, and FEI Junior Individual Tests beginning tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. CT.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members. Without the support of these organizations and individuals, it would not be possible to support our athletes. The USEF is especially grateful to individuals who give generously of their time and money to support the equestrian teams.

August 21, 2015
USEF Communications Department

Wayne, Ill. – Competition continued in the 2015 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships at the Lamplight Equestrian Center with the preliminary tests for the Six-Year-Old and Developing Horse Grand Prix competitors. Sitting atop the leaderboard in the six-year-old division is Gallant Reflection HU, ridden by Lisa Wilcox. Taking a commanding lead in the Developing Horse Grand Prix were WakeUp and Emily Miles.

FEI Six-Year-Old Young Horse Preliminary Test

Lisa Wilcox and Gallant Reflection HU (SusanJStickle.com)

Wilcox and Gallant Reflection HU, bred and owned by Horses Unlimited Inc., went into the early lead in the Six-Year-Old National Championship. The Zweibrucker stallion earned high marks for his ground covering trot, scoring an 8.600. His rhythmic walk also impressed as he presented great potential to excel as a top-level dressage horse and earned an overall 8.040.

“He’s very reactive to atmosphere, so I was very thankful I had a warm-up test on Thursday in the national show. Today I had a fully concentrated horse, he did a fabulous job. I am thrilled with what he gave me today; he is proving to me that he is the awesome horse I know he is. When he gets into the show arena it is great to see how well he can concentrate despite having some internal anxieties, he trusts that he went in and he did his job – that is a good athlete,”

Horses Unlimited Inc. and Wilcox (Loxahatchee, Fla.) have paired at these prestigious championships in the past with great success, winning this Six-Year-Old National Championship in 2009 with Pikko Del Cerro HU.

A veteran of Young and Developing Horse National Championship competition, Miles (LaCygne, Kan.) rode Floretienne, owned by Leslie Waterman and bred by Judy Yancey, to a second-place finish on a score of 7.980. Showcasing an energetic and forward trot, the Oldenburg gelding proved consistent in all three gaits.

“He was a rock star today. I could not have asked for a better test, he was just on and perfect. I have to thank WakeUp for putting me in a position where someone like Leslie, who owns really nice horses, has asked me to train and rider her hoses – that is amazing,” said Miles.

Jordan Rich (Washington D.C.) presented Ellert HB in his first Young Horse National Championship, earning a third-place finish on a score of 7.820. The KWPN gelding, owned by Lucy Tidd and bred by Stal Maathuis, showed great power and energy in the trot, scoring 8.200 and showed good quality and consistency in the walk and canter to score identical 7.600s.
“Being that it is my first time here, the horse was absolutely super and he’s been great all season. He was really honest and took it all in-stride. I couldn’t have asked for a better effort from him, he just tried every stride,” said Rich.

Today’s preliminary test will account for 40% of the overall score, with the remaining 60% being earned Sunday in the final test to determine the National Champion.

Complete Six-Year-Old Preliminary Test Results

FEI Intermediaire II Test (Developing Horse Grand Prix)

Emily Miles and WakeUp (SusanJStickle.com)

Miles and her own WakeUp, the 2014 Reserve National Champions in this division, never looked in doubt this morning as they executed a confident test that was rewarded well with a score of 72.149%.

“Today was great, I am just so thankful to be here. WakeUp has qualified for these championships every year. The only year he didn’t come [to these championships] was when we went to Verden [for the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses], so this is his last graduating year. He felt solid and strong today, I was super pleased with him,” said Miles.

WakeUp, an American Warmblood stallion bred by Beverly McLean, is one of the most successful horses in these Championships, having won the 2011 Six-Year-Old National Championship and the 2013 Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship.

Taking second place was Marcus Orlob (Annandale, N.J.) and Equestricons ET Viola. The elegant Hanoverian gelding, owned by ET Adventure LLC and bred by Britta White, scored a 68.070%.
“I was very happy. I have to say a big thank you to Debbie McDonald [USEF Developing Dressage Coach], I had a great lesson with her yesterday and she pointed some very good things out that was really helpful today. He was very electric today in the ring and was very fun to ride,” said Orlob.

Rounding out the top three was Christopher Hickey (Wellington, Fla.) and Cecilia Stewart’s Ronaldo. Showcasing his signature elasticity and fluid gaits, the Danish Warmblood gelding scored 67.558%.
“My horse is quite green at this level, he has been schooling a lot of the Grand Prix movements, but he is a huge moving, very elastic horse so it has taken him longer for him to get strong in the work. He is a super character with a super temperament,” said Hickey.

Today’s scores contributed 40% toward the overall total for the championships. The competition will conclude Sunday with the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test.

Complete FEI Intermediaire II Test Results

The USEF Network will cover the final classes in the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges, Four-Year-Old, and Five-Year-Old National Championships tomorrow beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT.

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