The FEI confirmed that Weymouth bits with a tilted mouthpiece are not permitted for use in any Dressage competition (including Eventing) run under FEI rules. This will come in to effect from the 01 July 2015. As BD mirror the FEI rules,this change will also apply to BD rules as of 01 December 2015 (Revised 11.27am 29 June 2015).
All competitors are advised to check their FEI Rule Book before taking part in a competition run under FEI rules.
June 28, 2015
By Sharon Packer
One of my very favorite people with whom to work in the world of high performance dressage is Chris Hickey. He is successful, incredibly knowledgably, handsome, has a great sense of humor and is the consummate professional.
How wonderful to catch up with Chris at the NCDCTA June Show at F.E.N.C.E in Tryon, N.C. Chris was so kind as to share his current ventures:
“I’ve cliniced here at Oak Meadows Farm for Cece Stewart for the past 12 years. Being familiar with the area and the local dressage people helped me relocate here. I have students from all those years of clinics, and I was able to walk in with a good amount of business to start!
My relationship with Cece goes back 12 years when she bought her Grand Prix schoolmaster from me. This was a horse I bought as a 3 year old and sold to her when he was 12. That’s how we meet. Then I started to come to SC to help her. Since then I’ve trained, shown, and sold, many horses that she’s owned.
She bought Ronaldo (Romanov/Don Shufro) for me to develop 5 years ago when he was 4. He’s qualified for the Developing Championships at the Grand Prix level this August in Chicago. I just love being able to be proud of the FEI horses I’ve developed from the Young horse age!
This past winter she also purchased another horse for me to bring along, a 5 year old mare Zackonik (Zack/Romanov/ Don Shufro). Cece and I both enjoy the journey very much!
Cece has 2 horses that she rides and shows that I help her with as well.
She has a few young ones she’s bred. She currently has a Negro yearling, an Ampere 3 year old and another Negro that is 4. Cece owns the farm from which I trained in Florida for the last 7 years.
I am accepting horses into training In addition to those owned by Cece.
In my program horses get turn out, hacked, do trot Cavalettis, an occasional lunge or long lining as well as in hand work.
I worked for myself for many years before I went to Hilltop 8 years ago where I worked for 7 years. I also worked in Ohio for Betsy Juliano, but I missed teaching too much. So now I’m back working for myself again and am very happy.
My goals are that I want to train/show high quality horses and develop long term relationships both with the horses and the people. I’ve trained many Grand Prix horses and have enjoyed the process very much. Each one is different and all the horses have their own strong points. It’s very important to me that my long-term training horses that I’ve developed are sound, rideable by others and are happy, confident and comfortable in their work. Whether a horse I’ve developed is showing in the Brentina Division or with an AA or another Pro, I’m happy to see the horses continue to succeed after they leave my program!
I also feel that not every horse is destined to be a FEI High Performance Horse. We need to realize our horses’ limitations in a realistic manner. I believe that is also part of the trainer’s job to discuss fair goals for each horse with owners.
This is why I keep getting help in my own riding. We all need to continue to grow as riders/trainers. We’ve had Morten Thomsen from DK come teach as well as Debbie McDonald.
I love to teach, both Pro’s as well as Adult Amateurs. I’m happy to teach an AA who wants to improve, but he or she needs to “be teachable”. Some people don’t want to hear the truth. I’m not mean, but I tell the truth and I don’t want to just take people’s money and tell them their riding wonderfully when they are not!
Honesty is critical to the lasting relationship I desire with my students and horse owners.
I’m happy to teach riders on 3 year olds up to FEI. The horses don’t have to be super quality and not every rider is going ride at FEI, a National championship or CDI level, and that’s fine. I enjoy working with any student who gives 100% to learning.
We’re planning to be back in Wellington around Thanksgiving and working before Dec 1st. I really like the Carolinas so far!”
Chris Hickey aboard Rolando in I-1 test
We wish Chris the very best of success in the Carolinas, because we want to keep him here! We also wish him a hugely successful show season in Wellington.
Many thanks to NCDCTA for providing an extremely well organized and exciting dressage competition. Many thanks as well to WNC Photography for welcoming media.
(Photo 1, Chris Hickey aboard Contento Sogno. Photo Credit:Sharon Packer)
Pinehurst, NC (June 26, 2015)— USDF Gold Medalist John Zopatti and KWPN-Half Arabian gelding Uwannabeme WH delivered another winning performance this week at the Summertime Blues Dressage Show, held at the Pinehurst Harness Track in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Although this was only the pair’s fourth show together and their first time competing as a duo in the fourth level, they took home the title of champion with a 70 percent. Zopatti and Uwannabeme also placed high in all three third-level classes, ranging between 70.758 and 67.949 percent for additional first, second, and third place wins.
Zopatti, who has been named Gold Coast Dressage Association Trainer of the Year four times, began working with Uwannabeme — or “Slim,” as he is lovingly known around the barn— in February 2015. The gelding is continually proving his talent and willingness to perform, and is quickly gaining confidence in Zopatti. Six weeks ago, the Grand Prix trainer brought Slim— who is owned by Johnny Robb of Loxahatchee, Florida— to Gavilan Farm in Hoffman, North Carolina for summer training.
“For a horse that was originally nervous and tense, Slim is starting to relax and taking the good rides that we have at home and reproducing them at the shows,” said Zopatti, who is based in Wellington, Florida over the winter season and Pinehurst, North Carolina during the summer.
“Slim has his own acre paddock with a run-in shed and a beautiful facility, basically like a horse playland,” added Zopatti, who believes that a truly successful training program is centered on keeping his horses comfortable and happy.
Zopatti, too, is happy about spending the summer with Uwannabeme WH. “He is such a smart animal, and so sensitive, that I really have to think about every single thing I do with him,” he explained. “That’s actually what I most enjoy about riding Slim— I think it makes me a much better rider to have to slow down, take time, and really figure out what works— not just for the riding, but even the handling, and every other aspect of his life.”
Currently, Zopatti is focused on developing a freestyle test for his next show with Slim, where he also hopes to continue advancing in more fourth level tests. “Our next show is in about a month, and it will be at the Pinehurst Harness Track (the same facility that hosted Summertime Blues), which is just a mile away from my summer home. It’s a great facility, and it’s nice to have it right in my back yard,” he added.
To learn more about John Zopatti, visit www.johnzopatti.com or call 561-722-7555.
Photo: John Zopatti praises Uwannabeme WH (“Slim”) after winning Fourth Level test one at the Pinehurst Harness Track in Pinehurst, North Carolina (Photo courtesy of Michael Pritchett Photography)
Etteln, Germany (June 26, 2015)— It is in luxurious comfort and chic style that Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Devon Kane introduces her newest sponsor, Animo USA. The high-fashion equestrian clothing line is excited to sponsor Kane, as the Wellington, Florida based rider has recently been selected to compete abroad through a USEF High Performance Programs grant. Kane and her own gelding Destiny will represent the United States at the Nations Cup CDIO5* in Falsterbo, Sweden, as well as train with Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt in Germany. Dressed in couture Animo fashion, Kane looks more than ready to take on the international arenas in Europe this summer.
Animo USA’s Michelle Albertus explained, “Animo USA is always seeking talented professional riders like Devon Kane to represent Animo as brand ambassadors. Devon represents proven success in the competition arena and has the ability to represent Animo in a classy and beautiful way.”
Kane, owner and trainer of Diamante Farms located in Wellington, said, “I really appreciate the craftsmanship and the materials that Animo puts into their clothing. It’s beautiful. I love their fabrics! Their materials are so comfortable, stretchy, and water resistant, but absorbent when they need to be. You can just throw them into the washing machine, which is so convenient for my busy showing and training schedule.”
Clothed in striking Animo USA designs, Kane and her 12-year-old Danish Warmblood Destiny (Diamond Hit x Midt-West Regina, Rubenstein) are happily settled in Germany. She is excited to continue learning from Schmidt as well as take on competition. Kane finished a successful winter season at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington before travelling to Europe on June 1.
Kane and Schmidt have made a tradition of working together each summer in Germany, which has proven to be a winning combination. They have centered their current training goals on the Nations Cup CDIO5* competition in Falsterbo, Sweden on July 9-12. Kane stated that she and ‘Desi’ are “happily working hard and soaking up as much ‘Hubertus time’ as we can.” Kane is also working with her horses Winchester and new stallion Sir Galanto while based in Germany.
For more about why international dressage riders like Kane are choosing the elite sophistication of Animo USA fashion, visit www.usanimo.com. To learn more about Devon Kane, Destiny and the services offered at Diamante Farms, visitwww.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.
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Photo: International Grand Prix dressage rider Devon Kane partners with the high-fashion equestrian clothing line Animo USA (Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini)
Brings Top Dressage Professionals to You
Wellington, Florida (June 19, 2015)— Seven years ago, the fashionable dressage boutique ShowChic hosted its very first Shop Talk event to provide education and a social opportunity to the dressage community in Wellington, Florida. Since that first day, Shop Talks have become highly anticipated monthly educational events in Wellington. The events were especially popular among the hundreds of equestrians who flocked to South Florida this past winter. Dressage enthusiasts visited ShowChic each month to participate in interactive presentations given by an impressive list of headliners, from Olympians and USEF judges to equine psychologists and leaders of respected equestrian organizations. Shop Talks gave equestrians the chance to learn from the combined experience of a number of renowned professionals in the industry. It was also a unique opportunity for 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival attendees to take a break from the competition and connect with others in the dressage community.
Now, thanks to the sponsorship of Wellington’s own Diamante Farms, anyone who missed seeing the much-talked about presentation series in person will be able to watch video recordings of the events on ShowChic’s YouTube channelhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bXrxpofUzhM&feature=youtu.be, and soon also on ShowChic’s website www.showchicdressage.com.
A video of the December Shop Talk, featuring dressage USEF judging duo Bill Warren and Bill McMullin, known fondly as “The Bills”, is already online for viewing. “People who watched the video have already been asking us if we’re bringing ‘The Bills’ back next year!” said Michele Hundt, owner and founder of ShowChic along with her husband Doug Hundt.
The Shop Talk with “The Bills” was such a hit that it left standing room only in ShowChic’s boutique. “The Bills” shared their perspective from inside the judge’s box and gave riders insightful tips on how to maximize their scores in the show ring. The short, informative video is a great way to catch up on the action if you didn’t get to see these respected judges in person.
Soon, all of the 2015 Shop Talks will be available online. One video will be unveiled each month. Next up is Grand Prix rider and #1 New York Times Bestselling author Tami Hoag, who gave a sneak peek discussion of her latest book, the highly anticipated novel Cold, Cold Heart, at January’s Shop Talk.
This video will be followed by one featuring Linda Parelli of Parelli Natural Horsemanship and Dr. Jenny Susser, clinical sport psychologist. This dual Shop Talk presentation focused on the importance of developing emotional fitness in horse and rider. The pair shared invaluable tips to help riders better connect with their horses and eliminate their equine partners’ natural instinct of anxiety and fear.
Next available online will be the two Shop Talks that were held in March. Both built on the theme of helping riders achieve their goals. Four-time Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer’s inspirational presentation “Creating a Team for Success” was followed by Betsy Steiner and Kathy Connelly’s dual presentation “The Power of Positive Riding: Everyone Can Do It With Great Results”, which was full of insightful tips about how riders can boost their horses’ confidence in them as leaders.
April’s Shop Talk wrapped up the 2015 season with “The Sponsor-Rider Relationship: What’s In It For You”, a discussion between international Grand Prix dressage champions Lars Petersen and Mikala Gundersen and their sponsors, Marcia Pepper and Janne Rumbough. The group shared advice on establishing a successful sponsor-rider relationship as they discussed their own experiences and mutual goals for the future.
ShowChic is pleased to be able to share the experience of Shop Talk with the dressage world. As anyone in the packed boutique this season could tell you, learning from these diverse professionals is not something you want to miss—and now, thanks to ShowChic and Diamante Farms, you don’t have to.
For more information about ShowChic, visit www.showchicdressage.com or call 561-319-2121.
Photo: The hit Shop Talk at ShowChic with USEF dressage judges Bill Warren and Bill McMullin is now featured online at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bXrxpofUzhM&feature=youtu.be (Photo courtesy of JRPR
 June 25, 2015
Chesapeake City, Maryland
2015 proves to be yet another active year for Hassler Dressage at Riveredge. Scott and Susanne Hassler of the internationally renowned training operation, through their longtime friends and partners John and Leslie Malone, will continue their support of the dressage and entire equestrian community with quality education. To fulfill their passionate objective of assisting and stimulating the industry, Hassler Dressage at Riveredge welcomes the public to their remarkable facility in Chesapeake City, Maryland for exciting clinics and symposia.
This year, Hassler Dressage is excited to announce the return of the Equine Wellness Symposium to educate riders, trainers, and managers of all disciplines, vets and farriers too, on the important topic “Injury and Compensation in the Sport Horse: Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation.” Susanne Hassler explains, “Our commitment is to provide quality, unique educational experiences.”
Come to one or all events and experience all that Hassler Dressage and the amazing facility and amenities at Riveredge have to offer.
The Hassler Dressage at Riveredge 2015 Events include:
July 28 – August 2 – Hassler Dressage Hosts the 2015 Courtney King Dye Horse Mastership Program with Lendon Gray’s Emerging Dressage Athletes Program (EDAP)
The Courtney King Dye Horse Mastership Program and the EDAP create a unique week packed with valuable lessons to prepare riders for a career in high performance that include workshops: 7 AM Workout Sessions (Pilates), Media Training, Equine Therapy Center tours, a feature lecture, a tour, a workshop on Conformation, a workshop on Riding Theory, and lots of riding with the great coaches.
July 31 – August 1 – Training with USEF National Youth Coach and International Judge Charlotte Bredahl-Baker
Hassler Dressage is pleased to offer this exciting 2-day clinic with the USEF National Youth Coach and internationally acclaimed judge Charlotte Bredahl. This will be an outstanding opportunity for professional, Jr/YR, and adult amateur riders alike to focus, progress skills, and prepare for upcoming finals and championships competitions. Riders may opt to access Charlotte’s keen eye as a judge with a “Ride a Test” session in lieu of regular training (Charlotte Bredahl-Baker is a USEF “S” and FEI international rated 4*judge). A BBQ will be offered Friday evening for those who wish to join for some fun socializing. Those in attendance will enjoy delicious food, fellowship, and a fun Ride Times LLC fashion show!
October 30-31 – Training with Charles deKunffy
One of the great masters of the classical art of dressage, Charles deKunffy returns to Riveredge! This Friday/Saturday clinic is open to all riders – Professionals, Adult Amateurs, and Juniors/Young Riders – and will include theory sessions along with full days of excellent training.
With many years of experience teaching at Hassler Dressage and around the world, Charles de Kunffy represents a heritage of classical instruction. Mr. deKunffy not only instructs his students with technical and theoretical knowledge, he inspires them to the highest standards of classical horsemanship. He has conducted many courses, seminars and forums for top FEI riders to judges. His work is openly appreciated for the clarity of its delivery.
November 12-14 2015 – Equine Wellness Symposium “Injury and Compensation in the Sport Horse: Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation”
The Equine Wellness Symposium, a comprehensive educational program initiated in 2012 returns with an intriguing focus this year. The 2.5 day program touts a highly decorated panel of speakers and top experts in their fields who will deliver on this year’s topic: Dr’s Tim Ober, Cooper Williams, Deb Bennett, Narelle Stubbs, and Sheila Schils, among others. This is a multi-discipline event that will provide a fantastic networking opportunity for all in attendance. Trainers, riders, owners, managers, veterinarians, farriers and educators should not miss this unique and informative event. Veterinarians will earn CE credits through RACE approval and farriers the same through AFA accreditation. A DVD set of the 2012 Equine Wellness Symposium, “Comprehensive Management to Optimize Sport Horse Performance and Health” is currently available and video production is also planned for this year’s Symposium. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for equestrians of all disciplines to better understand and manage their sport horses’ well-being. Regardless if attending planned, you’ll definitely want to add this collection to your library!
Join us to learn from top riders, coaches and top experts in the international equine industry. Enjoy the friendly company in the inspiring atmosphere of the Riveredge campus, where everyone eagerly shares their knowledge and experience.
Hassler Dressage Location:
Only one hour from the Philadelphia airport is the vast and beautiful Riveredge estate, home to Hassler Dressage and these outstanding 2015 educational opportunities. Hassler Dressage looks forward to welcoming you to the magnificent Riveredge training complex and to bringing top resources to our equestrian community.
Hassler Dressage at Riveredge 1455 Cayots Corner Road Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915 (410) 885-3824 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hassler-Dressage/102240862171
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Hassler Dressage at Riveredge welcomes the public to their remarkable facility in Chesapeake City, Maryland for exciting clinics and symposia. Photo: Paul Melzer
Hassler Dressage welcomes viewers to learn from the training sessions in action. Photo: Paul Melzer