Category Archives: Dressage News

U.S. Para-Dressage Athletes Make Big Impression at USET Foundation “Soirée du Cheval” Gala

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Article and photographs by: Lindsay Y McCall
Wellington, FL- January 30, 2014- For one exciting evening their boots were left in thecloset and their heels and ties appeared.  On January 24, 2014, The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation launched their $35 Million Campaign to Achieve Competitive Excellence at the “Soirée du Cheval” Gala.  The event was held at The Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach and was a benefit for the United States Equestrian Teams headed to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France. Para-Dressage riders from across the country including riders from Northern California, Maine, and Texas flew to Wellington, Florida, in support of the U.S. Para-Dressage Team, the U.S. Show Jumping Team, the Eventing Team, the U.S. Dressage Team, the U.S. Reining Team, the Driving Team, the U.S. Endurance Team, and the U.S. Vaulting Team. After a wonderful keynote speech from USET Foundation President Tucker S. Johnson, a live auction commenced where over $700,000 was raised for the U.S. Teams. The event concluded with attendees hopping on the dance floor to celebrate the evening.  Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt was also in attendance at the event supporting the Para-Dressage riders and each of the United States Equestrian Teams. After the gala, Kai Handt had his first athlete meeting for the top-ranked Para-Dressage riders, their families, and support staff. Handt stressed how the future of the USEF U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team is growing with young and emerging new talent. Excitement is building, while the first of two U.S. final 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ qualifier competitions start in March. The discipline anticipates several new horse rider combinations to be debuted, making the final team selection suspenseful.
United States Para-Equestrian Athletes, Chef d' Equipe Kai Handt, trainers, and their support staff Photo by Lindsay Y McCall (Cambry Kaylor, Roxanne Trunnell, Hope Hand, Derrick Perkins, Sydney Collier. Back Row left to right: Brian Kaylor, Regina Cristo, Josette Trunnell, Susan Guinan, Ellie Brimmer,Ashley Flores-Simmons, Susan Treabess, Tina Wentz, Kai Hndt( Chef d'Equipe), Mary Jordan, Dale Dedrick, Roz Kinstler.
United States Para-Equestrian Athletes, Chef d’ Equipe Kai Handt, trainers, and their support staff. Left to Right front row : Cambry Kaylor, Roxanne Trunnell, Hope Hand, Derrick Perkins, Sydney Collier. Back Row left to right: Brian Kaylor, Regina Cristo, Josette Trunnell, Susan Guinan, Ellie Brimmer,Ashley Flores-Simmons, Susan Treabess, Tina Wentz, Kai Hndt( Chef d’Equipe), Mary Jordan, Dale Dedrick, Roz Kinstler. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall
Laureen Johnson, USEF High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting, commented, “I was delighted to see so many Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts attend the USET Foundation’s “Soirée du Cheval” World Equestrian Games benefit in Wellington.  It was a most memorable evening for all.”
She continued, “Kai Handt, the new Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe, kicked off the next morning with a very successful breakfast forum for the top ranked Para-Equestrian athletes and coaches to discuss the team approach and strategize for 2014.  The feedback received was amazing and all athletes appeared to share Kai’s enthusiasm and grasped the team concept whole-heartedly. We are looking forward to working with Kai and a successful 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ experience.”
For more information about the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline please contact Laureen Johnson, USEF High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting, 908-326-1155, or via email at lkjohnson@usef.org.
About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation 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 Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide 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.

 

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WEG 2014 Officials are announced! Dressage…

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WEG 2014 Officials are announced!

Dressage

President Isabelle Judet (FRA) and Members Elizabeth McMullen (CAN), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), Stephen Clarke (GBR), Liselotte Fore (USA), Dietrich Plewa (GER), Francis Verbeek (NED) and Reserve Member Susanne Baarup (DEN) complete the Ground Jury. The Judges Supervisory Panel includes Dieter Schüle (GER), Ghislain Fouarge (NED) and David Hunt (GBR). Maribel Alonso (FRA) is Technical Delegate and Jacques van Daele (BEL) is Chief Steward.

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Diane Creech and Devon L Take Second in World Cup Qualifier

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Wellington, FL – January 30, 2014 – Diane Creech and Devon L were on top of their game Friday night at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 CDI-W. Their standout performance earned them a second place finish against tough competition in the Grand Prix Freestyle, a qualifier for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final.

Diane Creech and Devon L perform their freestyle. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

 

Creech and Devon L, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De Niro-Wibranda, Wolkenstein II) owned by Leatherdale Farms, scored 73.175 percent for their performance under the lights in front of a large crowd.

 

“I think Devon was fantastic,” Creech said. “I’m totally ecstatic. He was very powerful, and he was still focused on me with the atmosphere. I was very happy with how he handled everything.”

Creech credits Devon L’s owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale, with having the patience to allow him to mature into the top competitor he is today. She noted that he seemed to enjoy the electric atmosphere.

“I love having the audience, and I’m so happy that Devon is getting into it,” she said. “He’s not afraid any more. He just gets excited.”

It was the pair’s second performance of their new freestyle, set to “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities. Creech was thrilled with Devon L’s effort and feels the music is a good fit.

“I think he likes the routine and the music,” she said. “You can really feel how he perks up on the inside, almost like he’s tapping his toe.”

“There are quite a few difficulties in the freestyle, and he answered every question,” she added.

Diane Creech and Chrevis Christo. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

 

The pair’s excellent execution of the challenging test helped them place well against a top international field. The class of 14 included riders from six countries and horses who have competed around the globe.

Creech also rode Chrevis Christo to excellent scores in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival national show. In just his second show at Intermediaire II, Chrevis Christo, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lavallo-Chrevi’s La Vi, Matador) earned scores of 70.592 and 69.079 percent.

“I was so excited about him,” Creech said. “He’s my young, up-and-coming Grand Prix horse. Mr. and Mrs. Leatherdale bought him, and they are so excited and so happy to have him. We believe that he has a really bright future.”

 

She said Chrevis Christo has an incredible work ethic and always wants to please.

 

“He’s sweet and he tries very hard,” she said. “He doesn’t like to make mistakes. He never says no and always wants to keep trying.”

 

Both Devon L and Chrevis Christo will have some time off to relax and “just be horses” after their successes over the weekend. Next up for Creech is the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 4 National show on Feb. 1-2, where she will compete Diana C and Hallmark 3, both owned by Leatherdale Farms.

About Leatherdale Farms

Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, log onto www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Wirth – North America
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +1 561.753.3389 / Fax: +1 561.753.3386
Email: pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

 

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The Lion King Comes to the GDFNA 2014 with Yvonne Barteau KYB Dressage Performing Pas de Deux Freestyle from the Legendary Walt Disney Film

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The Global Dressage Forum North America to be held in Florida on February 15, 16, 2014 not only presents in depth educational sessions on stage and in the arena with demonstrations by the world’s top international dressage trainers followed by interactive panel discussions. The program includes colorful and beautiful entertainment with the presentation of the Lion King performed by KYB Dressage and Yvonne Barteau in a lavish Pas de Deux with costumes and invigorating choreography.

Get ready for a most in depth educational gathering for the training and development of dressage horses, with lots of fun, shopping, entertainment with autograph signings in the warm Florida sun. Buy your tickets now before its too late.

Yvonne Barteau is a lifetime horsewoman with a unique and varied background.   Her riding experience began in the hunter jumper world followed by seven years on the standardbred and thoroughbred racetracks of America and Canada eventually becoming a trainer in that field. Yvonne then spent a number of years in northern  Florida retraining problem horses before she met her husband Kim Barteau who was the head trainer at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Orlando Florida.  She joined the company as Principle Trainer and eventually became the Director of Entertainment Operations and a Feature Performer in the Nightly show.

Dressage then became her lifetime passion and she and husband Kim founded KYB Dressage fifteen years ago where they have finished over a dozen horses to the Grand Prix level.
In 2007 Yvonne’s book on Horse Personalities Ride the Right Horse published by Storey won the Equine Book of the Year Award and she has since given many lectures and clinics on the subject of understanding equine temperament and how it can enhance your relationship and communication pattern with your horse.
Still quite interested in Equestrian Art as entertainment Yvonne and family continued doing equine exhibitions around the country and either Kim or Yvonne have appeared at many Equine Affaires, Equitana USA, Madison Square Gardens and the TODAY show just to name a few.
Now based at Ginna Frantz”s Grand Prix Equestrian in Maple Park Illinois Kim and Yvonne along with their family and crew are finding a balance between competition dressage and equine entertainment.

 

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2nd Annual “Solid Gold” USET Foundation Benefit Dinner

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Sponsored by: Equestrian Sport Productions, Kim and Fred Boyer, Tuny and Dave Page, Susie and Tim Dutta 

Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Wellington, FL – January 29, 2014 -

Save the date for the 2nd Annual Solid Gold USET Foundation Benefit Dinner to be held at the Global Dressage Facility’s VIP tent on Saturday, March 15, 2014. The benefit is intended to raise funds for our 2014 World Equestrian Games athletes and High Performance Programs. 100% of the money raised from ticket sales, auction items and donations will go directly to the High Performance Athletes and Programs. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out directly to the USET Foundation.

The theme for this year’s benefit is “Prancing with the Stars” and will include short dance routines from famous riders and judges that will be auctioned off to the audience after each performance. Before the auction begins, however, the “Prancing” judges will give their evaluation of each act. Judges for this year include Jane Savioe (FEI rider and author of “Ride with your Mind,”) Ellen Dixon Miller (former president of USEF,) and Tami Hoag (New York Times bestseller list author and FEI rider.) This night of dinner and dancing will be hosted by MC Robert Dover (Chef d’equipe of the US Dressage Team.) The auction will not only include the riders and judges that will be auctioned off after their performances, but also some exciting vacation packages, opportunities to sit in the judge’s booths at upcoming CDI Freestyle events and artwork.

The evening will start with some quadrille entertainment with live horses in the International Ring of the Global Dressage Facility, then the party will move inside the Global VIP tent for an entertaining evening. Ticket information and additional details will be available shortly. Come out for all the fun and support the US Team!

 

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Ashley Holzer and Countess Crowned Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider, Pays It Forward to Para Dressage Rider Kelby Barranco

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Congratulations to Kelby!!!

Aiken, SC (January 29, 2014) – Custom Saddlery’s Most Valuable Rider Award is designed to recognize exceptional performances by exceptional riders, and during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 CDI-W and National show, the MVR Ashley Holzer went above and beyond, both in the arena and out.  Her ride on Countess was exeplary, but when presented with her MVR ribbon and saddle pad she decided to instead pay it forward to Paradressage rider and avid volunteer, Kelby Barranco.

The Canadian Olympian and World Cup veteran presented Barranco with the saddlepad and signed ribbon in recognition of his community spirit and love of the sport.  “Kelby is one of the greatest and most valuable members of our sport,” said Holzer.  “I wanted to recognize him for all of the hard work he puts into his riding and into voluneering, and he deserves the award more than anyone.”

“She’s one of those great mares,” said Holzer Ashley Holzer of Countess, a new mare Holzer offered to “have a go” on in the Test of Choice Intermediare II

Praising the 16.2-hand liver chestnut Danish (Don x Compeed x Solos) warmblood as a “goer,” Holzer piloted Countess down center line to a 70.526% finish for reserve honors.

“When you get her attention and balance, she’s ready to go. She almost chomps at the bit a little too much.” The 12 year-old mare’s youthful exuberance led owner Brittany Fraser to offer Holzer, her trainer, the ride.

“I’m a big proponent of teaching by showing,” said Holzer.  “When Brittany asked if I’d like a go on her, I said, sure.  She was fabulous!”  Countess was imported from Denmark to Canada by Erin Crawford, before finding her way to Fraser and Holzer.

“She’s the right fit for Brittany,” her instructor assured. “She’s going to set  a path as an up-and-coming star.” A Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider Award suggests everyone is already hitting their stride as the season begins.

All MVR Award winners receive an embroidered Custom Saddlery saddle pad and at the conclusion of the CDI circuit, join a list of 2014 Custom Saddlery MVR’s automatically entered to win the MVR Grand Prize: a new saddle from the company respected for a quarter of a century as one of the most innovative saddle makers in the dressage world.

This marks the second year that the MVR Award, created by Cary Wallace, Master Saddlefitter for Aiken, SC-based Custom Saddlery, has been with AGDF, and recognizes riders going an extra mile or adding something special to a show through exceptional performance, horsemanship or teamwork.

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring 8 CDIs, including five CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events now through March 30.

Custom Saddlery is a proud sponsor of Most Valuable Riders throughout their dressage community. For more information on Custom Saddlery visit their website at www.mysaddle.com.

 

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Dressage Canada 2013 Achievement Award and Dilanni Freestyle Award RecipientsDressage Canada 2013 Achievement Award and Dilanni Freestyle Award Recipients

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BY: EQUINE CANADA

Dressage Canada has announced the 2013 Dressage Canada Achievement Award (Horse, Rider, and Freestyle) and Lauren Dilanni Freestyle Award recipients.

Each year, Dressage Canada offers an awards program for both riders and horses. DC members competing at Equine Canada sanctioned silver, gold and platinum or international equivalent events are invited to register for the awards program by submitting a one-time fee for lifetime registration. Once registered, riders and owners are eligible to earn awards by meeting score requirements at EC Silver or Gold-level competitions within Canada, or international competitions.

The following levels are available:

Gold
• Open to riders and horses competing at the Prix St Georges, Intermediaire I, Intermediaire II, and Grand Prix levels.
• Requires a minimum of four scores of 60% or more from two judges

Silver
• Open to riders and horses competing at the Second, Third, and Fourth levels.
• At the Second and Third levels, a minimum of four scores of 60% or more from two judges is required.
• At the Fourth level, a minimum of four scores of 60% or more from three judges is required.

Bronze
• Open to riders and horses competing at the Training and First levels.
• Requires a minimum of four scores of 63% or more from three judges.

A full list of the 2013 Dressage Canada Horse Award recipients can be viewed here.

A full list of the 2013 Dressage Canada Rider Award recipients can be viewed here.

More information on the Dressage Canada Awards Program can be found on the Dressage Canada website.

Dressage Canada is honoured to provide the Lauren Dilanni Freestyle Rider Award to riders who demonstrate freestyle excellence in competition by achieving at least three scores of 67% or more in freestyle classes at the Second level or higher.

Recipients receive a cash award generously donated by the Board of the Lauren Dilanni Memorial Fund in memory of Dilanni, a passionate advocate of dressage who passed away suddenly at the age of 40. Three of Dilanni’s friends established the fund in her honour with the goal of developing interest in freestyle competition and therefore attracting competitors, owners, and sponsors to the sport of dressage.
The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Ottawa under the direction of board members Irene Greenberg, Joanna Crilly, and Joan Johnston.

2013 recipients of the Lauren Dilanni Freestyle Award:

Rider/Level/Hometown
Maya Markowski/Intermediaire I Freestyle/St.Clemens, ON
Contessa Wise/Second Level Freestyle/Calgary, AB

“I am very excited to have received this great award. This is my first year doing a freestyle with Lumiere so I’m thrilled with our results. I love riding this freestyle and it’s a lot of fun. I am so happy with the music and how well it suits Lumiere and myself. I owe a lot to Nicholas Fyffe for putting the music together. Thank you to the Board of the Lauren DiIanni Memorial Fund and Dressage Canada for offering this great award!,” said Markowski, who had a successful 2013 season with her 11-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding, Lumiere. Some of her freestyle highlights from the year include a win in the Intermediate Freestyle at the CDI1* Saugerties last August, as well as a third place finish in the FEI Intermediaire I Open Freestyle at the CDI-W Devon later in the fall.

Wise also had a solid season. In addition to her success at the Second level, she placed second in the FEI Junior Freestyle at the CDI2*/Y/J Calgary in June, before moving on to represent Canada at the 2013 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in July, where she finished 22nd individually. “My coach Janet Adams and I worked very hard this past year to qualify for NAJYRC and I am very pleased to receive this award. The freestyle is great fun to work on and present because the audience really enjoys them. The horses seem to as well! It was a pleasure to work with Karen Robinson and she created a beautiful freestyle with music that suited my horse perfectly,” said Wise.

 

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