Dressage International
Posted by Admin July 1, 2013 in Horses, Riders

“It was an amazing experience,” commented Caroline Roffman of her time at the CHIO Aachen. “To be part of a team, have people supporting you, and showing you the ropes for hopeful future experiences on teams. People like Steffen, Tina, Jan, and Shelly with so much experience, and of course Robert [Dover, Chef d’Equipe] and Jenny [Van Wieren-Page, Managing Director of Dressage], sort of learning the ways from them. It has been an amazing experience, probably the most memorable horse show or horse-related experience I have.”

Roffman was awarded a Dutta Corp. flight to train and compete in Europe and had an impressive showing at the prestigious European CDI.
With the Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s 14-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Roffman (Wellington, FL) rode a lovely, flowing Intermediaire II on Friday  with quality piaffe and passage movements. The pair earned a score of 68.953% as the first combination to come down centerline in the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class to finish in second place.

On Saturday they performed a wonderful Grand Prix U25 Freestyle for the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class. The pair did a daring compilation of movements timed well to their music, especially the piaffe and passage. Roffman executed two tempi flying changes around the corners and along the short side of the arena, as well as one-handed two tempi flying changes on the centerline. The pair was rewarded with a 76.275% to finish in second place.

Caroline went on to thank the numerous people who helped her get to Aachen. “I mean I wouldn’t be out here without Al Guden who of course owns Sagacious and gave me the privilege of riding him, my mom and my dad, my trainerJuan Matute, Robert Dover, Debbie McDonald who stood behind me on this. Tim Dutta helped me get here with the sponsorship of a flight. All the other people back home who are making all the other horses I am supposed to be riding still going and of course Sierra Keasler who has helped me and groomed for me. It has been a huge team effort. Thanks to Dr. Rick Mitchell and Julie Mitchell for keeping my horse healthy and happy and everyone. It takes so many people, it’s a village.”

Roffman withdrew her own Her Highness O from Aachen CDI4* Intermediaire I competition for veterinary reasons. Roffman, Team Veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell, and Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover had the welfare of the horse as top priority.