(Phelps Media Group by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge) – Merrill Lynch Team International bested Purina Team USA in a thrilling battle for the title of quadrille champions at the 11th Challenge of the Americas Presented by SSG Gloves, held on Saturday evening at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Spectators gathered to enjoy equestrian entertainment and support the important work of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through Play for P.I.N.K. The funds raised by the Challenge go directly to benefit critical research projects at BCRF.

Pas de Deux and reining performances opened the evening and set the stage for the quadrille showdown. Top riders from multiple disciplines joined Challenge founder and organizer Mary Ross to support the cause by putting on a show for the eager crowd. The Challenge Gala, an elegant event with dinner and dancing, capped the evening of equestrian entertainment.

“It was an outstanding evening,” Ross said. “The riders were absolutely super. All of them worked so hard to put together their performances and raise money for breast cancer research.”

After guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the event got underway with a reining demonstration by brothers Rick and Trevor Steed. Rick Steed began by donning a wig and bright pink t-shirt to energize the crowd, racing around the ring and guiding his horse without a bridle. His brother then joined him for a freestyle exhibition, and the two were perfectly in sync as they showed off their thrilling sliding stops and spins.

Mason Phelps and Debbie McDonald’s Pas de Deux was a true crowd-pleaser. The two former Olympic-level competitors in the disciplines of eventing and dressage came out of retirement to support the Challenge, riding an upbeat test that included disco moves to “Stayin’ Alive.” Phelps and McDonald were supported by the best in the business: Carl Hester helped choreograph the test, while Terry Ciotti Gallo compiled music for the pair. Phelps rode Oliver Twist, owned by Jennifer Benoit’s Seahorse Stables, while McDonald rode Suzanne E. Mott Dansby’s Perfect Step.

“Debbie and I are thrilled to have helped the cause,” said Phelps. “Mary is a dear friend and this event has been one of the highlights of the season. We’re glad it’s back.”

The mother-daughter team of Evi Strasser and Tanya Strasser-Shostak matched each other stride for stride throughout their fluid Pas de Deux aboard their horses, the appropriately named Action Tyme and Dancing Tyme. Strasser-Shostak arranged the music, while Strasser choreographed their routine. Strasser is a seasoned international dressage competitor for Canada whose career has included appearances at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and World Cup Finals, while Strasser-Shostak has been racking up the ribbons on the North American Junior and Young Rider circuits.

Team International, sponsored by The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch, led off the quadrille competition, and their performance won the approval of the judges and the hearts of the crowd. Team coaches and choreographers Ruth Hogan-Poulsen and Erin Swaney put together an intricate quadrille pattern and worked with the team to prepare the exhibition. Hogan-Poulsen arranged the music, a mash-up of recent pop hits that included chart toppers by P!nk, David Guetta, Adele, and Bruno Mars.

Team International riders Todd Flettrich, Devon Kane, Susanne Hamilton, Nancy Later, Sharon McCusker and Cherri Reiber faced the dual challenge of mastering a complicated quadrille and adapting to the unique format of the Challenge. Many of the riders were making their Challenge debut, but their talent and hard work resulted in a spectacular performance.

“This was my first year riding in the Challenge, but it won’t be my last,” Hamilton said. “It was a blast, just so much fun. I had great team members, fabulous choreographers in Ruth and Erin, and a fantastic organizer, Mary Ross.”

“It’s definitely a commitment, but it was worth every bit of it last night,” she added. “It’s for a great cause that is very dear to me. I’ve lost a very close friend to cancer, so when I took those long drives to practice in the evenings, that’s who I thought about. And it was worth every second of driving. It’s such an important cause and I’m very proud to have been a part of it.”

Merrill Lynch Team International’s effort earned them a score of 94 out of a possible 100 points from the Quadrille Judges Panel, which included Lois Yuken, Karin Kruger, Lorraine MacDonald and celebrity judge Robert Dover. The judges assessed the two teams on criteria such as choreography, musical interpretation and harmony of horses and riders. The international team received particularly high marks in the musical category, while the U.S. team earned strong scores for choreography and horse/rider harmony en route to a total of 86 points.

Purina Team USA’s star cast of riders relied on their extensive experience with the format of the Challenge to put together a precise performance. Dressed in leather jackets and poodle skirts, Pam Goodrich, Chris Hickey, Betsy Steiner, Bill Warren, George Williams and John Zopatti rode to a selection of rock-and-roll music that included the classics “Old Time Rock and Roll,” “Shout,” “Rock Around the Clock” and “Duke of Earl.” Longtime Challenge choreographer Terry Ciotti Gallo created the pattern and musical accompaniment for the U.S. team.

“I’m crazy about the way Terry Gallo does her music – she does such a great job, and we really enjoy riding to it,” Steiner, who has ridden in the Challenge every year since its inception in 2002, commented. “I think the standard is raised every year. It keeps developing, and the teams get better and better.”

“It’s just such a fun event, and it’s one of the nicest things of the season to spend time with other professionals,” she added. “We are all quite busy, and we all find the time. I think that has a lot to do with Mary Ross and with the cause. It means a great deal to me personally – we have some very dear friends who are breast cancer survivors. If you know that you’re just a little part of doing something that might help someone, it makes you feel much better. You think, ‘My goodness, I’m doing something I love and it could help somebody.’ It doubles the effect.”

Matt Ketcham, a representative of Team USA sponsor Purina, noted that the spectators enjoyed the show. “The Wellington crowd is always welcoming,” Ketcham said. “Purina is always interested in supporting programs like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It is always good to mix good people and animals because animals make people better.”

“Everyone had a good time,” Ross remarked. “The Breast Cancer Research Foundation was able to attend, and they enjoyed the whole evening.”

“Jim Brandon Equestrian Center was a perfect venue for the event,” she continued. “It was exciting for both the riders and the spectators to have an intimate setting that lets the audience see everything up close.”

The Challenge of the Americas has grown over the years from a small luncheon dressage exhibition at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby to its current status as a one-of-a-kind exhibition and gala. Ross created it in honor of her mother, Jean Cruse, who died of breast cancer. Each year’s event features dressage alongside another equestrian sport, such as polo or show jumping. In its first 10 years, the Challenge raised over $8 million for breast cancer research.

“Not only do I congratulate all of the riders and coaches, especially the winning international team and coaches Erin Swaney and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, I also thank them from the bottom of my heart,” said Ross. “They commit a great deal of time to preparations for the Challenge, and we would not be able to do it without them. Every single one of them is devoted to the cause. They do a fantastic job and allow us to make a real difference.”

Along with SSG Gloves, the presenting sponsor, the Challenge received support from a number of generous patrons. Sponsors included Purina, Merrill Lynch, Back on Track, Palm Beach Equine, Cunningham & Cunningham, the United States Dressage Federation, International Polo Club Palm Beach, MatchnRide.com, Red Barn Feed & Supply, Samshield, Steed Training, Tackeria, Wellington Classic Dressage, Dover, Bushel Stop, 360 Landscape & Design, and Mulvehill Nursery, Inc.

For more information about the Challenge, visit their website at www.challengeoftheamericas.com and follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChallengeoftheAmericas.

The Challenge of the Americas Beneficiaries
Play for P.I.N.K.
Website: www.playforpink.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/playforpink

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Website: www.bcrfcure.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBreastCancerResearchFoundation

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group by Sue Stickle – Merrill Lynch Team

(HorseGirlTV.com by Lindsay McCall) – Once again the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI-YJ3* held at the Del Mar Horse Park was packed with competitors. Unfortunately, the inclement weather made for creative changes to the dressage show schedule. Without the use of the outdoor rings, the show was moved indoors and proceeded as promised. The CDI classes featured many of the top riders in the U.S. showcasing their finest of mounts. For the spectator, the FEI Grand Prix Test was a delight. Current number one horse in the world Legolas 92, owned by Four Winds Farm, gave an outstanding test as Steffen Peters directed him to a 74.064%. Steffen would not only garner the Grand Prix Test win but he also earned the top placing in the FEI Prix. St. Georges with Vaya Con Dios, owned by Paula Howard. FEI Young Rider Amelia Child and Veto, owned by, Stahl Child Dressage LLC earned the first day team test championship adding a big win to her Young Rider resume.

With horse Legolas 92 and Vaya Con Dios earning the championships in their respective divisions Steffen was pleased with Friday’s results. “Any day you win the Prix st George and the Grand Prix together is a good day at the office, smiled Peters. “That was the best score I have had so far with Legolas. The flying changes, two-tempis and one tempis have been extremely difficult but the two worked out great and the 14 one tempis worked out great. I was so happy with him after the 14th one tempi that I almost forgot about the 15th making the 15th change and a little short behind.”

He continued, “I was still extremely happy Legolas was very nervous coming into that ring and he settled down throughout the test. It was very exciting. The piaffe and passage felt great. He was much more supple in the trot and the zig-zag half passes and the pirouettes are getting smaller. This test was exactly what I had in mind because the next two shows are even bigger. We have the five star in Florida coming up in April and then we go to Europe. If he can stay at this rideability, this energy and this relaxation in the walk I will be super happy.”

Earning the second place in the FEI Grand Prix Test was Güenter Seidel and Coral Reef Wylea, owned Coral Reef Ranch. The new duo is continuing to impress as their partnership takes shape.

With the 2012 Olympics in the year books Steffen Peters is taking the 2013 year to build his team. Like Seidel, Peters has a new mount is already showing great promise. Vaya Con Dios demonstrated a very well executed Prix St. George test earning the championship with a 72.132%.

Peters commented, “I am very happy with Vaya Con Dios. It’s still early in the game for him. He has done one Intermediaire I and few Prix St Georges. It’s exciting how far he has come along. He had a career as a jumper before and he switched very quickly. I feel very happy that Paula and Bob Howard let me ride him. Anytime you get a good young horse in the barn, it’s still exciting even after all of those years. This is the most energetic Vaya Con Dios has been. Normally he’s extremely laid back but, he was very awake in the warm-up and show arena. He did have a very relaxed walk which is exactly how I wanted him. The pirouette has been difficult with him and those worked out great. He has fun feeling trot, his back is swinging beautifully and he’s very steady and light in the contact and he is consistent.”

Team Peters have always enjoyed showing at the Dressage Affaire and have continued to bring their horses back year after year. Steffen Peters noted, “This is always a great show. The covered arena has great footing and Kim (Keenan) does an awesome job. I was excited by the number of entries we had at this show. Having a great show like this is great for Team Peters.”

He continued, “I am so happy with our team and I would like to thank my wife Shannon for being the Director of Operations. It’s so neat to have a person there managing everything. I do the riding but there is so much managing going on behind the scenes and honestly I don’t think any one does it better.”

Young Rider Amelia Child concurred that a strong support network is what makes a great team. I am thankful to my trainer Sue Martin and I am grateful to my parents for allowing me the ability to do the sport I love,” expressed Child.

Amelia Child and Veto showcased a skillful execution of the FEI Young Rider Team Test while keeping a constant smile in her expression. “My test was great,” explained Child. “It’s silly because it’s the Prix St George test and everyone thinks the tricks are the hardest part but for us it’s the walk to canter transition. If I don’t get him in self-carriage and up in his poll in the walk, then all of my canter work is bad. His his zig-zag is still is hardest part but he is still pretty green . Last year was our first year at this level and this is our second. He has gained so much strength since then and I am so elated. He looks completely different than he did last year. My favorite part of our test was when I picked up the canter. I was able collect him really well on the short side in the corner and when we went into the half pass he just floated over. I also enjoyed his extensions. He loves to do extensions. He just bombed those; Bombed in a good way. I feel like if you, as a rider, push as much as you can hold, then the movement works out great. I hate riding out there and thinking I could have done more. I love to go for it and I know he likes it. He has so much personality so we have to keep it like a game for him. As soon as he finds out he is working our job is gong to be much harder.”

Child continued, “It’s gotten a lot easier with the strength he has acquired. We have been working on training him above Prix St. George including passage training. That has really helped him. He’s got it he just has to use it.”

Saturday’s 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire continues with USEF/FEI Grand Prix, USEF/FEI Grand Prix Special, USEF Developing Horse and Brentina Cup Classes, CDI/FEI Young Rider Individual Test, CDI/FEI Intermediare I Test, and CDI/FEI Grand Prix Special with awards to follow.

On Sunday the USEF/USDF Freestyle Classes, Pas de Deux Exhibition, CDI/FEI Young Rider Freestyle Test, CDI/FEI Intermediare I Freestyle Test, and the exciting CDI/FEI Rancho Valencia Grand Prix Freestyle Test will occur with an awards ceremony to follow.

Class 4 – (CDI) FEI Grand Prix Test – 3/8/2013
McDonald (USA) at E; Lopez (POR) at H; Jena (SWE) at C; Zang (USA) at M; Macartney (CAN) at B

Placing, Horse Name, Rider, Owner, Score
1. Legolas 92, Steffen Peters, Four Winds Farm Percent: 74.064%
2. Coral Reef Wylea, Guenter Seidel, Coral Reef Ranch, Percent: 69.064%
3. Ikaros, David Blake, Melanie Pai, Percent: 67.277%
4. Winslow, Kimberly McGrath, Arianthi Ferronato, Percent: 65.936%
5. Breanna, Kathleen Raine, Kathleen Raine, Percent: 65.872%
6. Lex, Sue Martin, Marie Earl, Percent: 63.085%

Class 1 – (CDI) FEI Prix St.Georges Test – 3/8/2013
Zang (USA) at E; Macartney (CAN) at H; McDonald (USA) at C; Lopez (POR) at M; Jena (SWE) at B

Placing, Horse Name, Rider, Owner, Score
1. Vaya con Dios, Steffen Peters, Paula Howard Percent: 72.132%
2. Pretty Lady, Brandi Roenick, Brandi Roenick, Percent: 66.132%
3. Descartes, Jan Ebeling, Cathy Shelton Percent: 65.447%
4. Discovery, Jenny Baldwin, Elizabeth Israel, Percent: 63.263%
5. Weltino’s Magic, Brandi Roenick, Jen Hlavacek Percent: 63.026%
6. Uiver, Terri Rocovich, Terri Rocovich, Percent: 62.895%

Class 10 – (CDI) FEI Young Rider Team Test – 3/8/2013
McDonald (USA) at C; Lopez (POR) at M; Jena (SWE) at B; Macartney (CAN) at H; Zang (USA) at E

Placing, Horse Name, Rider, Owner, Score
1. Veto Amelia Child Stahl Child Dressage LLC, Percent: 64.579%
2. Woden Cassidy Gallman Cassidy Gallman, Percent: 59.737%

Photo By Lindsay McCall

(USDF) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has announced the entry and invitation qualifications for the 2013 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Champion and Reserved Champions at each of the nine Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, who have achieved a minimum score, filed a “Declaration of Intent”, and are US citizens, will be eligible to compete. In addition, “Wild Card” invitations will also be available to high scoring competitors in the regional championships, who are not otherwise eligible.
The 2013 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, will be held November 7-10, 2013, at the Kentucky Horse Park. It will be the first head-to-head competition in dressage, showcasing adult amateur and open riders, at Training Level through Grand Prix. The event will include an Open Division at Training Level through Grand Prix, as well as all Freestyles. Additionally, it will include an Adult Amateur Division at Training Level through Grand Prix. These finals will allow horse and rider combinations, who qualify through the nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships, the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
For more information about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, and to access evolving event and competitor information, visit the event website at www.usdressagefinals.com, or contact the USDF office at usdressage@usdf.org. Or, to view the full Entry and Invitation Qualifications document, go to http://www.usdf.org/usdressagefinals/competitors/eiq.asp.

(USEF) – Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) is described to be a highly contagious pathogen that is ubiquitous in horse populations throughout the world. Infections in horses can result in a variety of ailments that include respiratory disease, abortions, neonatal deaths and the neurologic disease termed Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Recently, alerts of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy being diagnosed in multiple states have been issued. States having cases of EHM diagnosed in recent months include California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Tennessee and Utah. Horses of different breeds and representing vastly different disciplines and activity have been affected.

The apparent increased frequency of disease and severity of symptoms being seen has lead Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout to conclude extra precaution needs to be initiated and implemented to help mitigate the associated risk. We are directing Kentucky facility managers and the managers of shows/exhibitions planned to be held in Kentucky to immediately review their biosecurity practices and if needed elevate their biosecurity plan to minimize opportunity of horses having direct or indirect contact with one another. Indirect contact would include common water and feed sources as well as shared equipment and common areas. The goal of a biosecurity plan is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents among individuals. The components of a successful program will include cooperation of management, facility layout, decontamination, and when applicable immunization. Each of these factors directly affects the success or failure of the program. A copy of the American Association of Equine Practitioners biosecurity guidelines and EHV resources can be found at www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm. Our office is happy to assist facilities, show management and event veterinarians in evaluating their individual plans and when a need is identified, assist in adapting the plans.

As an additional preventive measure, we encourage horsemen to consult their veterinarians and after evaluating their animal’s vaccination status consider if there is need or benefit to stimulating an immune response by vaccinating against EHV-1. We acknowledge the available vaccines’ labels make no claim to prevent neurologic disease; but based on our experience managing outbreaks of this disease, and in consultation with infectious disease experts and research scientist, we continue to be of the opinion the vaccine does have a meaningful level of efficacy and may aide in reducing the impact of a disease incident.

In response to the identified increased risk, we have and will continue to operate with elevated regulatory surveillance and equine health inspection activity at events in Kentucky. Exhibitors can expedite their passage through our inspection points by having their health documents organized and horses loaded in a manner that will allow visual inspection. In addition to the surveillance and inspection activity we will be working closely with show managers and veterinarians to insure immediate notification and quick response to any suspected communicable disease.

We continue to monitor these disease events, will adjust our strategies as warranted and provide updates as changes occur.

E.S. Rusty Ford
Equine Programs Manager
Office of State Veterinarian
502/564-3956
Rusty1.ford@ky.gov

(USEF) – The United States Equestrian Federation’s Dressage Developing Program, made possible by a generous gift from Akiko Yamazaki and Red Husky Foundation through U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, has gotten off to a successful start in 2013. The program opened with two observation competitions, at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W in West Palm Beach, FL, January 17-20 and at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI3* in Burbank, CA, February 21-24. Debbie McDonald, USEF Developing Dressage Coach, and at least one other named selector (Lendon Gray, Anne Gribbons, Scott Hassler and Jeremy Steinberg) have attended these sessions in an effort to identify talented, developing combinations with potential for future team and international success.

The next step in the program will be for selected combinations to take part in mandatory training outings. These outings will be with McDonald, who will work alongside riders’ personal trainers to observe the combinations’ training. Additional training outings will be held in California and other locations throughout the spring and summer; dates and information will be forthcoming.

The second Florida Observation Competition will be held March 14-17, 2013 at the WEF Dressage Classic CDI3*. Riders seeking to advance in the program are encouraged to participate in this session. The first training outing will be held April 2-3, 2013 in Wellington, FL. Riders will only be required to participate one of the two days and McDonald is able to travel to individual farms for the session. Riders wishing to participate in this outing and be considered for funding will need to complete an application by March 20, 2013. In order to be considered for future training outings, riders must submit applications to the USEF Dressage Department by June 1, 2013.

“Now that we have had two observation competitions, I must say that the quality of horses and riders coming up makes me very optimistic about the future,” said McDonald. “I am excited for our first training session in Florida and thanks to our amazing sponsor we are going to be able to give deserving combinations the chance to further their training through grants. This is a great incentive for everyone who thinks they have a nice horse to get out there and show it.”

The program’s goal for the Fall of 2013 will be awarding grants to selected top combinations, approved by the High Performance Dressage Committee, with the aim to provide funding for developing combinations to seek further training and competition experience.

The 2013 Dressage Developing Program Training and Grant Application can be found here: http://usef.org/documents/highPerformance/dressage/2013/DevelopingTrainingGrantApplication.pdf

Further information on the observation competitions can be found here: http://usef.org/documents/highPerformance/dressage/2013DevelopingDressageProgramforwebsite.pdf

(USEF) – The Kentucky Dressage Association Spring Warm-Up and 27th Annual Dressage Show takes place May 23-26 at the Kentucky Horse Park, and for the second year will host a CDI3* in addition to offering attractive prize money and competitive classes. As an added incentive, riders hoping to compete in the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by Dutta Corp. this fall could have the chance to ride in the Rolex Arena.

KDA is the management organization for the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by Dutta Corp., which takes place at the Kentucky Horse Parks Rolex Arena for the first time Oct. 8-12. The festival will hold its customary six national championship divisions — Grand Prix, Intermediaire I, the Brentina Cup for young adults, Young Rider, Junior, and Pony rider.

“KDA is excited about managing the Festival of Champions in October and wants those competitors striving for that USEF invitation to join us at our May CDI, for a great show in the Rolex Arena,” said Michelle Morehead, president of KDA.

The KDA spring shows will conduct all CDI3*/ CDI*/CDIY/CDIJ/CDIP classes and many others in the Rolex Arena, site of 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games dressage and show jumping. KDA management, which anticipates more than 1,000 rides during the four-day show, will offer CDI prize money of $12,300 and national show prize money of $3,600. National show open, adult amateur, and KDA member high-score prize money will total $4,400.

In an effort to encourage greater community interest in dressage, KDA is working with the Kentucky Horse Park for a special World of Horses presentation Saturday, May 25. Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which teaches riding to the physically and mentally handicapped, will also explain its mission and introduce its horses to the public. That same day KDA will host a cancer walk in memory of Mary Kearney, who was a KDA member, horse lover and dressage enthusiast. The community will be invited to participate in the walk and to stay and watch an exciting dressage freestyle competition that evening.

In 2012, the KDA spring show drew competitors from 17 states, plus Canada and Spain. The CDI portion attracted many top riders hoping to secure spots for the 2012 London Olympics.

For more information about the 2013 KDA show, visit www.kentuckydressageassociation.org and our Facebook page, Kentucky Dressage Association Horse Shows

(USEF) – The second Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Session of 2013 wrapped up Sunday at Oak Hill Ranch in Folsom, Louisiana. The picturesque ranch is a leader in U.S. sport horse breeding and provided a great environment for educating the area’s up-and-coming young horses and their riders. The open training session was led by USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler.

“This is the first time we have held a training session in this area and it was great to see the quality of horses that participated. Many of the combinations showed true potential for the FEI levels,” Hassler commented. “Additionally, it was a terrific honor to conduct the session at Oak Hill Ranch; we are very grateful to the Freeman’s for generously hosting us.”

The open training session was attended by breeders, horse owners and local young horse enthusiasts. In addition to two days of mounted lessons, Hassler led an afternoon discussion that focused on the development of young horses and potential for growth in the area.

This session was the first time a training or observation session has been comprised entirely of U.S. bred horses.

Participants in this second training session included:

Rider/Horse (breeding)/Age/Owner/Breeder
David Banister/September Song (Sinatra Song x Warkant/Verther)/4/Linda Holste/Linda Holste

Kalie Beckers/Bienvenu ZSH (Sir Sinclair x Eleanora/Notorious)/7/Gerlinde Beckers/Terri Chaubaud & Zydeco Sportshorses

Erica-West Danque/Flovina (Flovino x Latitiae/Laurentianer)/6/Catherine Valentine/Catherine Valentine

Erica-West Danque/Chancellor WAS (Cathalido x Jemez/Columbus)/6/Erica-West Danque/Walkabout Station

Kim Gentry/Leonardo (Landtinus x Rambala/Rambo)/6/Kim Gentry/Oak Hill Ranch

Andrea Hart/Winterfair (Winterprinz x Meriah/Erzsand)/5/Andrea Hart/Anna Whitfield Watkins

Regina Milliken/Romulus (Blue Hors Hotling x Roma/Blue Hors Romancier)/4/Oak Hill Ranch/Oak Hill Ranch

Faith Morris/Ramsey (Blue Hors Don Romantic x Rambala/Rambo)/4/Faith Morris/Oak Hill Ranch

Kim Gentry, who participated in the first open training session, held in Alpharetta, Georgia, February 2-3 commented, “It was really beneficial to work with Scott again within such a short time frame. He was able to evaluate our progress and follow up on the work that we did in Atlanta. Scott provided clear and concise feedback and effective coaching in a supportive and positive manner.” Gentry continued, “The sessions have helped me gauge where my training is as I prepare Leonardo for the show season. Also, they gave me insight into how he will handle the requirements of the six-year-old test in an environment away from home, but without the actual stress of a show. Richard Freeman and his Oak Hill team ran a superb training session and made the weekend very educational and a lot of fun. I was proud to be riding a horse bred by Oak Hill and have the people who were there when Leonardo was born see what a lovely horse he is developing into.”

The next Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program events will be open training sessions in Georgetown, Massachusetts, April 13-14 and in Lockport, Illinois, April 27-28. Further information on the program can be found here.

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

Photo Courtesy of USEF by Oak Hill Ranch – Kim Gentry and Leonardo