Lexington, KY – The final Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Session of Spring 2013 wrapped up Sunday at Oak Hill Farm in Lockport, Illinois. The two-day training session featured 11 horses between the ages of four and six and was once again led by USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler.

“We had a terrific training session at Oak Hill Farm in Illinois. There was once again a nice balance of U.S.-bred and imported horses,” said Hassler. “It was great to see riders I have worked with in the past with new horses as well as meeting some new professionals. Overall there was nice quality riding and I have a good feeling I will see some of these combinations at the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships in August. Participation from the auditors was also very strong which reaffirmed to me that this central area of our country is very dedicated to the development of young dressage horses.”

The open training session was attended by breeders, horse owners and local young horse enthusiasts. In addition to two days of mounted lessons, participants enjoyed discussions with Hassler.

Participants in this training session included:

Rider/Horse (breeding)/Age/Owner/Breeder

Megan McIsaac/Elbricht (Tietse 428 x Tetske Van De Amelse Hoeve/ Folkert 353)/4/Susan and Rick Neipert/Susan and Rick Neipert of Meadow’s Gait Friesians

Jenna Strauss/I’m Full of Stuff (Pascal De Pau x Plush Stuff/Unknown)/5/ Jenna Strauss/Gene and Noelle Carlier of Les Chevaux De Carlier
Martin Kuhn/Endeavor (Armani x Ulinda M/Gribaldi)/4/John Gerlt, Jennifer Quirk, and Allison Gerlt/C.F. Van Mook

Jessica Starck/Lisandro (Lintas x Oregon Laurel/Lacoste)/6/Mary Lou Starck/Cheryl Kellerman of Michigan Sport Horses

Linda Schultz/Dauntless B (Dacaprio x Liandra/Linaro)/4/Linda Schultz/Bridlewood Hanoverians

Amanda Johnson/Dalakarlian (Coconut Grove x Pelusa/Lester)/5/Kaye-Eileen Willard and Bethany Willard Seeboth/Kaye-Eileen Willard and Bethany Willard Seeboth

Amy Lewis/Sir Steinerman (Stedinger x Donnabella/Don Primero)/5/Amy Lewis/Marlace Hughes

Patricia Becker/Freedom (Feuri x Windjammer/Walk On Top)/6/Anne Ramsay/Barbara Cadwell of Annie B Farm

Ken Borden/Tiamo’s Royal Reid (Tiamo Trocadero x EM Danina/Davignon)/4/Ken Borden/ Karin Offield of Offield Farms

Ken Borden/Raybol (Raymeister x Paradel/Parabol)/5/Ken Borden/Ken Borden

Kara Kush/Davanna (Rousseau x Savannah/Welt Hit II)/5/Kara Kush/Ada Van De Kolk

“The camaraderie, passion, and learning that went on there, in one short weekend, was inspirational,” said participant Jessica Starck. “The passion Scott has for what he does, the love he has for the horse, and the knowledgeable creative approach he has to teaching is extremely prevalent. We all agreed we are proud to have him represent us.”

For more information about the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program please visit usef.org or contact Hallye Griffin by email at hgriffin@usef.org or by phone (859) 225-6918.

Lexington, KY- May 6, 2013- The U.S. Olympic Committee supports Paralympic-eligible military veterans in their efforts to represent the USA at the upcoming Paralympic Games and other International competitions.  Veterans who demonstrate exceptional sport skills and the commitment necessary to pursue elite-level competition are given guidance on securing the training, support, and coaching needed to qualify for Team USA and achieve their Paralympic dreams.

Through a partnership with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA Paralympic Program Office helps to provide a monthly assistance allowance for disabled Veterans of the Armed Forces, as authorized by section 703 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.

Through the program, the VA will pay a monthly allowance to a Veteran with a service-connected or non-service-connected disability if the Veteran meets the minimum military standard or higher (i.e. Emerging, Talent Pool, National Team) in his/her respective sport at a recognized competition.

GENERAL PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to meeting the military standard, athletes must:

• Be 17 years or older as of December 1, 2012.
• Be a U.S. citizen/Veteran.
• Must be a current member in good standing of USEF at the time that the Required Scores are achieved.

• Be medically eligible in accordance with the FEI Classification Manual for Para-Equestrian Competitions, 3^rd Edition, 2012 and Article 8422 of the Rules for FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Events to compete in Para-Equestrian dressage competitions. To do so, riders shall have either a national or international Para-Equestrian classification and be assigned a Grade. For more information regarding classification, visit the FEI website at http://www.fei.org/disciplines/dressage/about-para-equestrian-dressage. To schedule a national or international classification, contact Laureen Johnson at the USEF at 908-326-1155.

• Ride independently (without side aides).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must comply with all USOC requirements.

REQUIRED SCORES:

• A total of one score for each must be submitted as follows for the current competition year:
  • One “Championship Team” test score;
  • One “Individual” test score;
• The minimum score of any Individual or Championship test submitted must be 60% or higher;
• Scores may be submitted from any horse/rider combination;
  • Submit one score of 60% or better from the current competition year;
  • Scores shall be achieved at the championship test of the rider’s Grade level or at any test which is above the rider’s Grade level. These levels are as follows:
    • For Grade I riders – USDF Walk Trot Test
    • For Grade II riders – USDF Walk Trot Test
    • For Grade III riders – First Level Test 4 or above
    • For Grade IV riders – Third Level Test 1 or above
• All test scores (both rider and/or horse) must be achieved at USEF or FEI Para-Equestrian licensed competitions. FEI PE tests must be scored by a USEF “R” rated judge or above, or an FEI PE recognized judge.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

• Athletes are required to submit legible copies of all qualifying tests, clearly indicating the name of the judge and competition at which the scores were achieved to Laureen Johnson, USEF High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian Programs at the address below.

USEF

P.O. Box 83

Gladstone, NJ 07934

lkjohnson@usef.org

Attention: Laureen Johnson, High Performance Director of Para Equestrian & Vaulting Programs

USEF Fax: 908-719-7588

Once received by the USEF, the scores will be recorded and added to the USEF Para-Equestrian Ranking List. Scores will then be forwarded to Kallece Quinn at the USOC for consideration to the Veterans Assistance Program.

To learn more about the Para-Equestrian monthly assistance allowance, contact Kallie Quinn, Associate Director of the Emerging Sport Program at the U.S. Paralympics Sport Performance division at 719-866-2088 or Kallece.quinn@usoc.org.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

(FEI) – Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) and Jerich Parzival, the London 2012 Olympic silver medallists, have reclaimed the world number one spot in the FEI World Dressage Rankings.

The pair have a 97-point lead over Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, who have moved up one slot to second place after clinching the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage title – their first FEI World Cup victory – last weekend in Gothenburg (SWE).

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, who became the first British combination to head the FEI World Dressage Rankings in September last year after their double gold medal performances at the London 2012 Olympic Games, are now in third with 2,563 points.

There are no other changes in the Top Ten, with Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH holding on to fourth (2,517 points) and Edward Gal (NED) with Glock’s Undercover in fifth (2,474 points).

FEI World Dressage Rankings Top 10:

1. Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) Jerich Parzival, 2899
2. Helen Langehanenberg (GER) Damon Hill NRW, 2802
3. Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro, 2563
4. Kristina Sprehe (GER) Desperados FRH, 2517
5. Edward Gal (NED) Glock’s Undercover, 2474
6. Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfvén (SWE) Don Auriello, 2435
7. Valentina Truppa (ITA) Fixdesign Eremo Del Castegno, 2358
8. Patrick Kittell (SWE) Watermill Scandic H.B.C, 2320
9. Isabell Werth (GER) Don Johnson FRH, 2307
10. Victoria Max-Theurer (AUT) Augustin Old, 2284

Photo Courtesy of FEI by Roland Thunholm

DEL MAR, California, April 26–International U.S. rider Günter Seidel and Coral Reef Wylea, the 13-year-old Westfalen mare, were victorious at the Del Mar National Grand Prix on Friday with a score of 72.5% just ahead of Jan Ebeling and Rafalca with a score of 72.48%.

Canada’s Karen Pavicic on Don Daiquiri were third on 67.362 per cent.

Wylea (Weinberg x St. Jolie x Saluut) was bought by Coral Reef Ranch at Rancho Santa Fe, California last November from former U.S. team coach Klaus Balkenhol of Germany and previously competed by Anabel Balkenhol.

Jan and Rafalca, an Oldenburg mare (Argentinius x Ratine x Rubinstein) who is now 16 years old, became a celebrity pair at last summer’s Olympics in London as one of the owners is Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. The previous high score at Grand Prix since Jan and Rafalca began competing at the top level six years ago was 71.418 per cent at Del Mar 13 months ago.

Both Günter Seidel who trains with Klaus Balkenhol and Jan Ebeling who trains with Wolfram Wittig, have been awarded grants to train in Europe in preparation for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France in 2014.

RESULTS
Grand Prix
1. Guenter Seidel USA Coral Reef Wylea 72.511%
2. Jan Ebeling USA Rafalca 72.489%
3. Karen Pavicic CAN Don Daiquiri 67.362%
4. David Blake USA Ikaros 66.851%
5. Susan Blinks USA Robin Hood 66.809%
6. Susan L. Martin USA Lex 65.766%
7. Mette Rosencrantz USA Finally 65.574%
8. Kathleen Raine USA Breanna 64.872%
9. Beatrice Marienau USA Stefano 8 64.064%
10. Leslie Webb USA Harmony’s Sandro 63.830%
11. Whitney Harrington USA Laredo 183 63.660%
12. Shannon Dahmer USA Rock On 63.383%
13. Heather Kennedy USA Pensamento 62.979%
14. April Atwell USA Pavarottie Open 60.511%

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) has been notified of a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1), in Wellington County. A blood sample from a horse with severe neurological signs tested positive for EHV-1 neuropathogenic pathotype in early April. The horse was euthanized. After discussion with the veterinarian, the stable manager voluntarily placed the premises under a self-imposed quarantine to reduce the risk of viral spread. To date, there have been no further reports of equine illness on the farm.

In 2012, there was one laboratory-confirmed case of EHM in Ontario.

EHV-1 infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, abortion, neonatal foal death, and/or neurological disease. EHV-1 is not a federally reportable disease. It is immediately notifiable by laboratories under the reporting regulation of the provincial Animal Health Act.

Because infected horses may show no clinical signs, but still shed the virus, the temperature of suspect animals should be monitored twice daily for 14 -21 days and any abnormalities discussed with a veterinarian. Neurological signs include loss of muscle coordination, lethargy, inability to urinate, reduced tail tone and/or head tilt. It is important that a veterinarian assess suspect cases of EHM, since it can be difficult to distinguish between this and other serious diseases, such as rabies, that can affect the nervous system in horses.

EHV-1 is easily spread by sharing contaminated equipment, contact with an animal carrying the virus, or by the clothing, hands or equipment of visitors to farms who recently had contact with an infected horse.

All horse owners should be reminded to practice vaccination and appropriate biosecurity protocols and procedures (see links below) for horses and equipment coming on and off the farm, particularly if traveling to shows or events.

Current EHV vaccines may reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurological form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize the spread of this disease.

Increased vigilance is needed in the equine industry at this time. In cases of neurological disease, a veterinarian’s first obligation is to rule out rabies if the animal dies or is euthanized, by submitting a brain sample to CFIA. Appropriate personal protection, such as gloves and a face shield, should be used when collecting samples.

The resources listed below contain excellent information on basic biosecurity practices and infection control.

Equine Herpes Virus is an opportunity to remind your clients that the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Ontario cases of EHM and other equine neurological disease are listed at here.

(FEI by Louise Parkes) – Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg lived up to all the promise she has shown over the last few seasons to clinch the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in style today with the fabulous stallion, Damon Hill. She was a lady on a mission from the outset, driven on by the huge hunger she felt after having to settle for runner-up spot at last year’s Final before missing out on individual bronze at the London 2012 Olympic Games by an agonising 0.03 percentage points.
Today the 30-year-old rider pushed all that into the past, producing a breath-taking performance that catapulted her into the lead when fourth-last to go of the 17 through to the closing stages. And despite their best efforts, defending champion Adelinde Cornelissen and her Dutch colleague Edward Gal could not do better, having to settle for second and third places respectively.
Langehanenberg is the eighth German rider to take the coveted trophy in the history of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage series, and the first since Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht FRH in 2007. “It’s just a dream come true, it’s a great feeling!” she said afterwards, hardly daring to believe what she has achieved. But her success was hard-earned, as this Final was fiercely fought by some of the most polished, talented and experienced riders the sport of Dressage has ever produced.
Out in Front
It was Italy’s Valentina Truppa and Fixdesign Eremo del Castegno who were out in front at the half-way stage. The 27-year-old from Milan, who competes in the uniform of the Caribinieri and is daughter of Dressage judge Enzo Truppa, threw down one of her daring trademark performances that included one-handed piaffe for a score of 79.696. This relegated the previous competitor, Denmark’s Sidsel Johansen, to temporary runner-up spot with Schianto, who thoroughly pleased the crowd with one of his best tests of the season for a mark of 75.393.
Sweden’s Minna Telde and Santana didn’t threaten with their mark of 74.107 when next into the ring as the action resumed. And although 23-year-old Dane, Anna Kasprzak, showed lovely, balanced passage throughout a thoroughly steady test with the 14-year-old Donnperignon, her good mark of 77.857 still left Truppa out in front. Sweden’s Patrick Kittel and Watermill Scandic HDC met a wall of sound from the spectators when entering the arena, but despite great piaffe and passage their score of 78.393 wouldn’t upset the leader or the top end of the scoreboard either. It took German veteran, Isabell Werth and her “work in progress” Don Johnson FRH to do that when raising the game with a score of 80.429 with just four more left to go.
New Standard
But Langehanenberg set a whole new standard when next in, her stallion punching out great piaffe and passage and devouring the ground with his long, loping walk as they executed their floor-plan with absolute accuracy. Any fear that the one-tempi canter changes would haunt them after their error in this movement during Thursday’s Grand Prix were dismissed by the consummate coolness of it all. Clearly this was a test that would take some beating as the scoreboard showed 88.286.
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven could have been intimidated to find herself and Don Auriello sandwiched in between Langehanenberg and 2010 Reem Acra champion Edward Gal from The Netherlands, but instead the Swede simply rose to the occasion. Her elegant 13-year-old bay gelding showed wonderful extended trot en route to a mark of 82.661 to show that his place amongst the stars was well-deserved. Gal then followed with the “dark horse” of this Reem Acra Final, the black gelding Glock’s Undercover who some thought might just spring a surprise in the closing stages. But while the 12-year-old horse demonstrated exquisite piaffe and passage their total of 84.446 was well short of Langehanenberg’s target.
Only defending champions Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival now stood between the German and the biggest result of her career, and the Dutch rider’s big gelding was his usual flamboyant self as he strutted his way through passage, piaffe and his trademark pirouettes. The crowd held their breath as the judges took their time in posting their marks. But when 86.214 came up on the scoreboard it was clear that the hat-trick Cornelissen had been hoping for would not materialise and it was Langehanenberg holding the Reem Acra trophy aloft at the end of the day.
Trained
The German rider has trained with double Olympic gold medallist Klaus Balkenhol for the last 10 years and her back-up team also includes her parents, particularly her mother who travels to all her shows, and her husband Sebastian who steps into the coaching role in Balkenhol’s absence. She said this evening that one of the things that amazes her about her horse is his continual improvement and his self-assurance.
“He gave me so much confidence during the test today, it felt like the best test we have ever done, I was scared to do too much but he told me, “take it easy Helen, we can do this together!”
She reflected on what has happened over the last eight months or so. “After London (Olympic Games 2012) I wondered what we could do, because I thought it was already perfect, but this is my horse, I think its perfect and then he just does it even better again, he is amazing! He really is something special, he can read and write!” she said.
Pleased
Cornelissen was pleased that she didn’t encounter the problems she faced during Thursday’s Grand Prix. “It was a lot better this time, no spooks, I just gave it my best shot and I’m very happy with the day. I love my new music but we are not on automatic with it yet, we are still getting used to it. In another couple of shows it will be perfect!” she said.
Gal said “I had a great ride and I’m quite happy with him (Glock’s Undercover). He needs to get more used to the atmosphere in an arena like this, where the crowd goes right above his head. He has a lot more to learn, things that I can’t train at home, so we need to do more shows and he will get more confidence and that will help us to be even better.”
Fourth-place Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven was rightly pleased with her result. “It was an amazing feeling with the atmosphere and the audience, and I’m kind of proud of sitting up here with you guys,” she said looking over at the top three riders. “I think we did pretty well. Don Auriello is changing all the time, he is getting stronger and more mature, he is continually improving,” she added.
Super Riding
Ground Jury member, Sweden’s Gustav Svalling, pointed out that five horses got a score of over 80 percent today. “It was super riding, they are incredible athletes and I was so pleased to be judging. It was very tight, Helen was fantastic, her horse has such a good walk and Parzival was so close. I gave Edward a 10 for piaffe and transitions, they were so soft, but the walk for his horse is not the strongest while Helen’s horse has a super walk,” he pointed out. “Before Totilas we (the judges) didn’t give 10s, but now we do,” to which Gal quickly retorted “so you all have to be thankful to me for that!”
The mood was celebratory as the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final drew to a close. There was the sense of the time having come for Langehanenberg to shine and for the new champion it is now time to step back and enjoy her success.
During the week she was one of the many to stand and admire the fabulous dresses designed by sponsor Reem Acra that were on display. She was wondering how she might look in one of them. Perhaps, after today’s success, she might just find out…..

Result: 1, Damon Hill NRW (Helen Langehanenberg) GER 88.286; 2, Jerich Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) NED 86.214; 3, Glock’s Undercover (Edward Gal) NED 84.446; 4, Don Auriello (Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven) SWE 82.661; 5, Don Johnson FRH (Isabell Werth) GER 80.429; 6, Fixdesign Eremo del Castegno (Valentina Truppa) ITA 79.696; 7, Watermill Scandic (Patrik Kittel) SWE 78.393; 8, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 77.857; 9, Schianto (Sidsel Johansen) DEN 75.393; 10, Santana (Minna Telde) SWE 74.107. Full result here

Facts and Figures:
17 horse-and-rider partnerships started in today’s Freestyle which brought the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 series to a close.
Italy’s Valentina Truppa and Fixdesign Eremo del Castegno were leading at the halfway stage on a score of 79.696.
The Ground Jury positions around the arena for the Freestyle Final were : At K, Mrs Elizabeth McMullen (CAN); At E, Mrs Maria Colliander (FIN); At H, Mr Andrew Gardner (GBR); At C, Mr Gustaf Svalling (SWE); At M, Mr Gotthilf Riexinger GER; At B, Mr Jean-Michel Rudier (FRA); At f, Dr Wojtek Markowski (POL).
Today’s victory for Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW brings the German tally to eight in the 28-year history of FEI World Cup™ Dressage.
The Netherlands holds the record, with 12 victories in total.
It is 11 years since the last German win, recorded by Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty who registered back-to-back victories in 2001 and 2002.
All three riders on today’s podium are Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage champions. Third-place Edward Gal held the trophy high after victory with Totilas in 2010, and runner-up Adelinde Cornelissen from The Netherlands was back-to-back winner in 2011 and 2012.
The newly-crowned Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion, Helen Langehanenberg from Germany is 30 years of age and is based in Havisbeck, Germany.
With the stallion, Damon Hill NRW, today’s winner Helen Langehanenberg helped Germany to team silver but finished just outside the medals, in fourth place at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Langehanenberg was runner-up at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands in 2012 and helped earn team silver at the FEI European Championships in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in 2011.

Quotes:
Helen Langehanenberg, when asked if she thinks there is room for much more improvement in the work shown by her stallion, Damon Hill NRW” – “Maybe a little, but for now I just want to enjoy this first!”
Edward Gal – “my horse can be very relaxed in training but when he comes into the arena he gets tense.”
Helen Langehanenberg – “Dame is a breeding stallion, so sometimes I take him out of work for 10 to 14 days to breed but he’s not at all difficult when he comes back to be ridden – he’s a very easy horse. He has six-year-olds on the ground now and I have three of his youngsters riding and two more waiting in my barn.”

Photo Courtesy of the FEI by Roland Thunholm

Lexington, KY (April 25, 2013) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) would like to welcome Adequan® as presenting sp …