About the Program

The goal of the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP) is to provide supplemental funding to Canadian dressage athletes by assisting these athletes with funds to off-set training, competition and educational expenses incurred during their quest for excellence, thus creating a bridge to high level international competition.

The mandate is to ensure all programs are developed based on an athlete centered support system by providing the necessary support to ensure recipient athletes serve as role models in the dressage community.

C-DAAP ensures all of its leadership programs are developed in conjunction with the Canadian dressage community and various organizations to capture the vision of C-DAAP, results in empowering our athletes to achieve their full potential without the lack of financial funding inhibiting their ability to achieve their goals.

Program Objectives

To provide financial support to Canadian dressage athletes, identified using criteria established by Equine Canada / Dressage Canada enabling them to compete both nationally and internationally;
To allow Canada’s dressage athletes the opportunity to participate in year-round national and international training culminating in competition regimes which will further their athletic goals and move Canadian athletes to the top of the international ranking lists;
To provide a contribution towards helping off-set entry fees, travel, accommodation, training and other such expenses associated for Canadian dressage athletes in need of financial support to attend sanctioned events;
To provide support to recipients that demonstrate strong leadership qualifies and promote good sportsmanship to other athletes by participating and contributing in various fundraising and coaching programs.

Vision Statement

“The difference between having a dream and making it a reality is only money”

C-DAAP’s commitment is to provide Canadian dressage athletes that work hard and make it to the top of their sport, the ability to never need to step aside because they don’t have the financial means to be the best they can be.

C-DAAP will strive to ensure that every top athlete has the opportunity to train with the best trainers, on the best horses, with the best support team available, to ensure Canada is recognized as a leader in our sport.

Athletes awarded grant funding under C-DAAP are expected to give back to the high performance program by offering their expertise and time (free of charge) to act as clinicians at a minimum of one development / youth clinic in the year they were awarded funding.

Equine Canada

Written by Astrid Appell/Eurodressage.

The Florida based company Dream Street Stallions has acquired the 14-year old Oldenburg licensed stallion Rubinero (by Rubinstein x Ex Libris x Furioso II). The jet black stallion will be standing at stud in 2014 and be competed by co-owner Dawn Bernardo.

Rick Rockefeller-Silvia and Dawn Bernardo are proud to import the mesmerizing Rubinero into the U.S.A. and stand him at stud for North American breeders.

“I have always admired Rubinero and when my good friend Stephan Dubsky told me Gudula Vorweck-Happ would be willing to allow me to have Rubinero, I consulted with my business partner Dawn Bernardo and immediately flew to Europe to try him,” said Rockefeller-Silvia. “Rubinero shipped out a week later. I am humbled by the opportunity to acquire such an accomplished stallion, who I’ll offer via fresh semen to American breeders in 2014.”
American dressage aficionados will also see Rubinero in action this winter, as the black beauty will be competed by Dawn Bernardo in the CDI small tour at the 2014 Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

The gorgeous jet-black Rubinero

“Like many of the sons of Rubinstein, Rubinero is very straight forward in his character, making him totally uncomplicated to ride. A very beautiful stallion, he has produced 576 foals that are black or dark bay, with very pretty heads, necks and conformation, They are known for being correct without deviation in their movement,” said Holly Simensen, North American director of the German Oldenburg Society (GOV). “He absolved an excellent stallion test. His dressage score was 140.5 and jumping a very respectable 115 which is very good for a dressage horse and may also pre dispose him to produce hunters. His good looks and correctness certainly would suggest that. He, like most of the Rubinsteins, is endowed with movement that can produce a multi-disciplined horse.”

Bred by Franz-Josef Wieghaus-Vorwerk and previously owned by Gudula Vorwerk-Happ, Rubinero carries the genetics of highly esteemed bloodlines with legendary foundation stallion Rubinstein as sire. Rubinero combines strapping looks and a correct confirmation with impressive movements.

Licensed in Vechta for Oldenburg and in Verden for the Hanoverian society in November 2003, Rubinero did his 70-day Stallion Performance Test that same autum in Neustadt/Dosse and finished third overall with an index of 133.12. He was the reserve champion for dressage with an index of 140.54 and received a 10 for rideability.
Rubinero made his competition debut under American Olympian Lisa Wilcox in 2004. The duo won bronze at the Oldenburg Regional Championships in Rastede in the 5-year old division. In 2005 Gestut Vorwerk’s new head rider Tanja Lammers took over the ride and qualified the stallion for the prestigious German Young Horse Championships in Warendorf. In 2007 Rubinero moved on to Prix St Georges level. Between 2009 and 2011 Kira Wulfdering competed him in the Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I at national shows in Germany, taking out five victories and five second places in 12 tests in total.

U.S. Olympian Lisa Wilcox on the 4-year old Rubinero in Germany

Rubinero presented his first crop of foals in 2005 and immediately produced two State Premium Mares and one licensed offspring. Several of his foals were sold via the Elite Foal Auctions in Germany and one qualified for the German Foal Championships.

Rubinero is a very elegant, graceful mover with exceptional walk, a lightfooted trot and a very uphill and engaged canter. He is known to pass on quality movements combined with great looks, a correct conformation and amazing character and rideability. He is one of only few direct Rubinstein sons still standing at stud.

Wellington, FL – December 4, 2013 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a World Equestrian Games benefit event on Friday, January 24, 2014 at The Pavilion at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL. “Soirée du Cheval,” co-chaired by Bruce Duchossois, S. Tucker S. Johnson and Robin Parsky, will help raise funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare to compete at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

This celebratory evening will include awarding two of the USET Foundation’s most coveted awards, the prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy and the Whitney Stone Cup, as well as the launch of its Campaign for Continuing Our Competitive Excellence. Guests will enjoy cocktails at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 8:00 p.m., a live auction that will had guests enthusiastically bidding for some incredible items followed by dancing.

Mark your calendars and make your reservations to attend today! This wonderful evening is always a sell out and you do not want to miss this fun and important event recognizing the USET Foundation’s generous supporters and this country’s top athletes while continuing to raise funds for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. For further information please contact: Nancy Little, USET Foundation (908) 234-1251, or nlittle@uset.org.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251.

Phelps Media Group, Inc. News Release
Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
561-753-3389

Australia.

This selection policy (‘the policy’) covers the discipline of Dressage.

1. OBJECTIVE

To select athletes and horses who are able to achieve the best possible results at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. The term ‘best possible result’ encompasses both a team and an individual result.

2. PROCESS OF SELECTION

Subject to the terms of the Policy and any additional FEI qualification/entry requirements:
2.1 The initial process of selection will commence with the current EA Dressage Selection Panel (“DSP”) selecting the National Elite and A Squads. These Squads will be announced on or before February 1st 2014. These squads will be selected by using results from the period 01/06/2013 to 31/01/2014.

2.2 On or before June 24th, 2014 the DSP will announce a list of up to eight (8) combinations (“the WEG Long List “). The combinations will be selected as follows:

2.2.1 One (1) Australian based combination will automatically be selected to the Long List of eight (8) combinations based on average scores from the Grand Prix class at three of the following four events: The Australian National Dressage Championships CDI-W 2013, Equitana CDI-W 2013, Dressage Festival CDI-W 2013 and Boneo Park CDI 2014.

2.2.2 The remaining seven (7) combinations will be ranked by averaging an athlete’s best results from three (3) Grand Prix classes at CDI-Ws, CDI3*, 4* and 5* events during the period from 28/11/2013 until 24/06/2014. For Australian and non-European based athletes, at least two (2) of the scores to produce this average must be in Europe. For European based riders, all three (3) results must come from European events. For all athletes, at least two (2) of the three (3) competitions must be outdoors.

2.3 On or before July 24th, 2014, the DSP will review the results for each of the eight (8) WEG Long Listed combinations from two (2) nominated European Grand Prix classes during the period of June 24th – July 24th 2014. A ranking list will then be created by averaging the results for each combination from these nominated competitions. The top four (4) ranked combinations from this ranking list will be selected to compete as part of the WEG team, with the 5th and 6th ranked combinations to be the official non-travelling reserves (to enter Pre-Games camp but not the competition venue). The two nominated competitions from which the ranking list will be determined, will be nominated by the DSP no later than March 2014.

2.4 Athletes who have fulfilled all selection criteria as per this document but who are not on an EA National Squad, may still be eligible for the WEG Long List.

2.5 An athlete may campaign multiple horses during the selection period however only two slots per athlete will be available in the top 8 at the head to head competitions.

WEG SELECTION POLICY – DRESSAGE

2.6 This policy may be varied, amended or supplemented by EA from time to time, including where matters arise for which there is no explicit provision in the criteria. Any variation, amendment or supplement, must be in writing. EA will endeavour to give as much notice as possible to all persons affected by any variation, amendment or supplement to the Policy.

3. SUBSTITUTION

3.1 Following selection of the WEG Long List, if:
3.1.1 In the opinion of the NPD (in consultation with the Team vet and the Chair of the DSP.), there has been a loss of form or fitness by a member of the WEG Long List. The loss of form must be assessed to be likely to be ongoing and affect performance at WEG; or
3.1.2 A member of the WEG Long List contravenes their athlete agreement, FEI Veterinary Regulations or EA Rules and policies; or
3.1.3 A member of the WEG Long List does not meet the requirements outlined in the athletes agreement;
that member of the WEG Long List may be replaced by another combination meeting the requirements for selection and having been the next highest ranking combination not selected under clause 2.2.1 or 2.2.2. (‘a Substitution’).

4. ELIGIBILITY FOR SELECTION FOR THE LONG LIST (WEG Nominated Entries)

4.1 For Athletes to be eligible for selection, all athletes must:
4.1.1 be a current member of EA;
4.1.2 be eligible to compete for Australia as per FEI regulations Art. 119;
4.1.3 be willing to make their horse(s) available for examination at a time and location reasonably requested by the Team Vet and accept and implement the reasonable recommendations of the Team Vet; this may also be in consultation with the athlete’s own vet;
4.1.4 Not have used or administered any substance that, if it had been detected as being present in the Athlete’s body tissue or fluids, would have constituted Doping as defined in the EA Anti-Doping Policy;
4.1.5 Provide accurate and up-to-date whereabouts information on a regular basis to the EA;
4.1.6 satisfy any additional preconditions advised in writing to the athlete by EA prior to or at the time of selection for WEG Nominated Entries;

WEG SELECTION POLICY – DRESSAGE

4.1.7 demonstrate to the satisfaction of EA that they are
not suffering any physical or mental impairment that would prevent them from competing in the Games to the highest possible standard; and
4.1.8 have acted and at all times act in such a manner so as to not bring the athlete, the discipline of dressage or EA into public disrepute or censure.
4.2 For Horses to be eligible for selection to WEG Nominated Entries, all horses must:
4.2.1 be registered with EA or should the horse be permanently domiciled in a country other than Australia, a current FEI passport administered by either EA or the rider’s host country.
4.2.2 have passed a veterinary examination to the satisfaction of the Team Vet
4.2.3 not have breached the requirements of the EA or FEI Anti-Doping & Controlled Medication Policies.
4.3 Owners – In order for the horse and athlete combination to be selected for WEG Nominated Entries, EA must have received from the owner(s) of the nominated horse a signed copy of the 2014 EA Horse Owner Agreement

5. APPEALS

5.1 Appeals concerning non-selection of athletes and horses for the WEG Squad will be heard by an EA Appeal Tribunal in accordance with the EA Appeal By-Laws.
5.2 There will be one level of appeal only with the sole grounds for an Appeal being that this Selection Policy was not properly followed and/or implemented.
5.3 Only athletes may appeal their non-selection. Owners cannot appeal any decision. An athlete must lodge their notice of intention to appeal in writing with the CEO of EA within three (3) working days from the date of the announcement of the WEG Team.

6. NOMINATION CRITERIA

The nomination criteria combines FEI qualification criteria, competition Criteria and general criteria.

6.1 FEI Qualification Process for WEG 2014

“In order to qualify for participation at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, riders and horses must have attained (as a combination), a result of at least 64% attributed by the Ground Jury and by any two different FEI 5* Dressage Judges, of a nationality other than that of the rider, in a Grand Prix at two different CDI 3*/4*/5*/ CDI-W or CDIO events during the qualification period.

Qualification period: Start: 1 January 2013
End: 23 July 2014

WEG SELECTION POLICY – DRESSAGE

6.2 Competition Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for selection, rider and horse combinations are to have achieved the competition criteria as follows:
- Combinations must have achieved an overall percentage of 67% or above in at least one Grand Prix test at a CDI or CDI-W event where the Ground Jury is composed of at least one FEI 5*judge and two FEI 4* judges in 2013 or 2014.
6.3 General Criteria
The DSP will take into consideration the following general criteria to separate combinations if there is a tie for positions on the long list of the WEG team:
- rider and horse combinations maintaining a consistent standard during the selection period may be selected ahead of a combination whose performances are less consistent. Performances demonstrating an improving trend will be considered favourably.
- rider and horse combinations with higher scores at higher level events (ie 4* or 5*) will be considered favourably.
- The EA Dressage Advisor, the EA Dressage National Performance Director and the EA Dressage Team Veterinarian will be consulted.

7. DISCRETIONARY CONSIDERATIONS

7.1 Extraordinary Factors
In considering the performances of athletes and horses at events, training camps or other activities required under this policy, the DSP may in their discretion give weight to extraordinary factors applying to that athlete and/or horse.
7.1.1 Athletes unable to compete at events, trials, training camps or other attendances required under this policy must advise the High Performance Manager and relevant National Performance Director of this fact, and the reasons, in writing, before the commencement of the activity or as soon as practicable.
7.1.2 In the case of injury or illness, the athlete may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor or doctors nominated by EA.
7.1.3 In the case of illness or soundness problems of the horse, the horse will be required to undergo a veterinary examination by the National Team Vet or by a vet nominated by the Team Vet.
7.1.4 In the case of bereavement, equipment failure, travel delays, quarantine factors or other extraordinary factors, the DSP will make a decision on an individual basis.

WEG SELECTION POLICY – DRESSAGE

7.2 ADDITIONS TO THE WEG LONG LIST

7.2.1 At the selectors’ discretion, a new combination which appears during the period prior to June 23rd, 2014, and have fulfilled the FEI qualification criteria, may be added to the WEG Long List. There will be no additions after June 23rd unless a substitution has to be made according to Clause 3 of this document. New combinations added in this way must compete at the two (2) nominated events as per clause 2.1.3 to be eligible for selection onto the WEG Team.
7.2.2 If a combination has been unable to compete at the required number of events to produce a ranking, special consideration may be given under exceptional circumstances.

7.3 REMOVAL FROM A LIST

Athletes who:
7.3.1 by reason of illness, injury or soundness problems to either their horse or themselves are unable to perform to the required standard as determined by the DSP(after having received advice from a medical practitioner or the Team Vet); or
7.3.2 contravene the FEI or EA Codes of Conduct, FEI Veterinary Regulations or EA Rules and policies;
7.3.3 fail to comply with the terms of their Athlete’s Agreement; or
7.3.4 do not meet any other stated requirement communicated to them in writing by EA,
may be removed from the WEG long List, Squad or Team. Removal from the WEG long List, Squad or Team by the DSP but only with the prior written approval of the CEO of EA.

8. POST SELECTION SUBSTITUTIONS

If, after Team selection, the horse sustains an injury and/or exacerbates an earlier injury and/or shows symptoms of an illness at any time up to the point of competition, the horse will be subject to an assessment of the current form of the horse to compete at the expected level. This assessment will be conducted by the Dressage Selectors, NPD and/or National Training Advisor in consultation with the Team veterinarian.
After the assessment has been carried out a decision will be made by the DSP.
Any replacement must be made in accordance with this Selection Policy.

WEG SELECTION POLICY – DRESSAGE
ANNEXURE A

Dressage Selection Timelines –

23 Oct 2013
Beginning of selection period for WEG Long List

1 Feb 2014
National Elite and A squads announced
National Squad members

May 2014
Veterinary Inspection for all long listed horses
All horses in contention for WEG Long List

23 June 2014
End of selection period for WEG Long List

24 June 2014 (Likely Nominated Entries Date)
WEG Long List Announced
8 combinations (twice WEG team size)

Between June 23 and July 24 2014
Final Selection Event 1

Between June 23 and July 24 2014
Final Selection Event 2

23 July 14
Final Vet Checks
If required prior to announcement of team
24 July 14

WEG Team Announcement
(Any appeals to be finalised by tbc)
tbc

Appeals finalised
15 – 22 August 2014
pre WEG staging camp

Definite Entries
22 August 14

Move into venue
25 August 2014

WEG Dressage Competition commences

Ottawa, Ontario, December 3, 2013 — Dressage Canada is pleased to announce the official launch of the 2013 Auction of Promises, giving dressage enthusiasts the opportunity to bid on a package of two lessons from some of Canada’s most renowned dressage riders.

Proceeds from the auction will go toward the Dressage Canada High Performance Program to support its goals in providing development opportunities to Canadian athletes vying to qualify for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, 2015 Pan American Games, and 2016 Olympic Games.

The following riders have generously donated their coaching time and expertise to this worthwhile cause:

Diane Creech

Diane began riding as a teenager and never looked back. Since moving to Canada from Germany in 1989 she has been a staple in the Canadian dressage industry. Diane represented Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, BRA, helping Canada take the Team Silver Medal. She was also named the alternate for the Canadian Dressage Team at the 2012 London Olympics. Diane also recently delighted a packed crowd at the 2013 Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON with a dramatic and winning performance in the Grand Prix Freestyle aboard her current top mount, Devon L.

Ashley Holzer

Ashley got her start in dressage as a teenager, training at both Canadian and West German riding schools, before spending time riding under “master of dressage” Willi Schuitheis. She has been a mainstay of the Canadian Dressage Team since the 1980s, riding for Canada at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, CUB, 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2012 London Olympics. Her many accolades include numerous Canadian Dressage Championship titles, Team Gold and Individual Silver Medals from the 1991 Pan American Games, and the Team Bronze Medal from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. She has also been the highest-placed Canadian Dressage rider at the past two Olympic Games.

David Marcus

David got his start in the equestrian world within the disciplines of eventing and show jumping before discovering his passion for dressage. An Omaha, NE, USA native, David moved to Canada in 1996 in order to train under Canadian Dressage Olympians while simultaneously pursuing a post-secondary education. In 2011 he became a Canadian citizen. And, although he has only been part of the Canadian Dressage Team for a few years, he has already made huge contributions, with 2012 proving to be a landmark year for him. David helped Canada win the 2012 CDIO3* Wellington Dressage Nations’ Cup and was part of Canada’s team at the 2012 London Olympics. He also racked up many wins at the Grand Prix level with his two top mounts, Chrevi’s Capital and Don Kontes, including back-to-back Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle wins at Wellington’s CDI-W and the CDI3* in Rockwood, ON.

Auction bids will be accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. Bidders should note that the lessons will need to be scheduled at a time, date, and location that works for both the auction winner and the selected coach. Bidders must be willing to travel in order to redeem their lesson package.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn from some of Canada’s most esteemed dressage athletes. To place your bid, go here. For further details, go to EquineCanada!

The FEI Entry system is a key process that involves all event stakeholders: National Federations, Organising Committees as well as the FEI.

This new service which is aimed at National Federations and Organising Committees will:

Improve the automation and exchange of data between the NFs IT systems and the FEI,
Provide an IT tool to NFs who do not have an IT system in place,
Improve communication and information exchange between the OC and the invited Federations,
Ensure better quality and traceability of the data.
As from the 1st of January 2014, the FEI Entry System for Dressage will be gradually launched with some selected National Federations and FEI Dressage events.

The system begins with the first CDI at Global Dressage in Wellington, Florida on 01-08-2014.

All National Federations that want to make entries to those pilot events will have to use the new FEI Entry System for Dressage.

As from the 1st April 2014, entries for all CDI Events will be managed through this new system, therefore, from this date all National Federations will have to do their Entries by using the FEI Entry System for Dressage.

(Photo Credit: Susan Stickle)

Lexington, KY – Two of the six scheduled USEF Dressage Observation & Strategic Planning Sessions wrapped up last week in California. Lead by Robert Dover, USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, the sessions provided training and strategic guidance for athletes as they look toward international competition and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The first session took place at Mary Beth Hamorski and Jeff Salatiello’s Pinnacle Farm in Califon, N.J., November 16-17, featuring 10 athlete/horse combinations and the second at Michael Fowler’s Epona Farm in Thousand Oaks, Calif., November 23-24, featuring 11 athlete/horse combinations.

Over two days, Dover was able to work individually with each athlete/horse combination, striving to enhance training practices and assist athletes in achieving their competition goals. Athlete’s personal trainers/coaches were also invited to attend the sessions.

The Pinnacle Farm session included:
Catherine Haddad-Staller with Mane Stream Hotmail and Montrachet
Jane Hannigan with Ruling Cortes
Kim Herslow with Rosmarin
Sharon McCusker with Wrigley
Cesar Parra with Van the Man and Lindner
Lauren Sammis with Lombard V
Michael Barisone with Ellegria
Ashley Wimmer with Somerhall

“It was a pleasure to work with Robert Dover over the two days,” said Haddad-Staller. “Robert has a sharp eye and a clear idea of what he wants to see from all the riders and horses. He epitomizes the power of positivity in coaching and I think he got great results from all of us!”

The Epona Farm session included:
Jan Ebeling with Rafalca and Rassolini
Brian Hafner with Lombardo V and California Chablis
Charlotte Jorst with Vitalis and Adventure
Sarah Lockman with Vinterpol
Shannon Peters with Weltino’s Magic
Kathleen Raine with Breanna
Sabine Schut-Kery with Sanceo
Christine Traurig with Louisdor

“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the strategic planning session with Robert,” said Hafner. “It was great to get help from Robert on both of my horses, Lombardo and Chablis, and also to get help with organizing a training and competition plan for the upcoming year. Robert’s expertise and enthusiasm made for a fun and educational weekend!”

“Following these sessions I am more excited than ever with the amazing talent of riders and horses in the United States,” said Dover. “The depth of world-class combinations is growing rapidly and I am confident that America is on the path to sustained excellence and a medal-winning future. Many thanks to our hosts, Mary Beth Hamorski and Jeff Salatiello of Pinnacle Farm and Michael Fowler of Epona Farm. Thanks also to Catherine Haddad-Staller and Button Baker, all riders, grooms, owners sponsors, supporters and a special thanks to Jenny Van Wieren-Page for her tireless work and commitment. Go Team USA!”

Several combinations taking part in these sessions were recently award training grants as part of the 2013 USEF Developing Dressage Program, having been identified and selected based on their potential to successfully represent the U.S. in international competition. These combinations included: Kim Herslow/Rosmarin, Brian Hafner/Lombardo V, and Sarah Lockman/Vinterpol.

For more information about the High Performance Dressage Observation and Strategic Planning Sessions visit;

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