Hassler Dressage Raises Funds For Young Riders
photos by Pam Link
On June 12, Hassler Dressage at Riveredge West in Chesapeake City hosted an evening devoted to up-and-coming dressage young riders. The goal of the evening was to raise funds for the Region 1 that are preparing for the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships.
The evening included an FEI Junior/YR Freestyle Challenge where the riders preformed their freestyles. The audience, who paid a $30 donation to attend, voted on which rider earned the winning ride. This was done through further donations to the Young Equestrian Scholarship Fund. The winner of the fun challenge was Jillian Kemenosh on Nelzen. Kemenosh is currently the top young rider in the country.
A raffle for a week-long vacation at a private vacation home in Cabarete, Dominican Republic was done with up to 100 tickets sold at $100 a piece. A silent auction ran during the evening and on-line. Various items such as training sessions, home goods, artwork and more were bid upon to also raise funds for the scholarship. Over $12,000 was raised to give to both Region 1 and directly to the young riders heading to championships. “We even have some funds left over for future scholarships,” said Suzanne Hassler.
Suzanne and Scott Hassler welcoming everyone to the FEI Jr/YR Freestyle Challenge
James and Linda Dyekman (equestrian artists) from Chesapeake City enjoy the festivities
Clare Green (16) rides Ramazzotti. The pair are ranked seventh in the nation.
Brendan Curtis, formerly of Maryland, now based in North Carolina, and student Kaitlyn Blythe
Jessica Zoskey (20) and FA Patriot. Jessica is a working student at Hassler Dressage and competes at Intermediare I.
Dressage rider Kelly McGinn shows her support for the young riders. She will be performing at the opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this year.
Jordan Rich (17), Adriane Alvord (16), Kya Enderson (15) and Lauren Gibson (17) performing a Quadrille.
All the junior riders receiving applause at the end of the competition.
Teresa Butta Named to USEF Talent Search List
Teresa Butta of Mt. Airy was selected to participate in one of the first U.S. Equestrian Federation Talent Searches for dressage. She took two horses, her own Unitas and Dorie Forte’s Froelich, to the U.S. Equestrian Team headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey to be evaluated by Olympic rider Debbie McDonald and USEF Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons.
The program is designed to identify talented horse and rider teams that are currently not on the developing horse list and give them the opportunity to attend clinics and to develop them for possible future U.S. teams. Butta was one of four riders selected and was the only rider to be invited to participate on two horses.
Read more about Butta’s experience in the September Dressage issue!
Lawton Hill Schooling Show
June 6 – PVDA Schooling Show at Lawton Hall Farm
photos by Dorothy Anderson
Alice Allen riding Donovan in Training Level Test 4
Maegan Hill aboard Annamation in First Level Test 2
Kathleen Mahaney and Red Sox Fever riding Intro Test B
Elizabeth Dalton and Sarge at Second Level Test 4
Darryl Cherry aboard Dancing Surb in the First Level Musical Freestyle class
PVDA Hosts Annual Spring Show Despite Uncertain Weather
by Maat Van Uitert
Wanja Gerlach braves the rain on Sunday to compete Dienhard at Prix St. Georges.
Through a mixed-bag of weather, Potomac Valley Dressage Association successfully held its annual spring show on May 22-23. Show manager Shannon Pedlar did it again, running a dressage show that many competitors declared well-run and enjoyable, even though, as one competitor put it, “the show was under water” on Sunday. May 23 was punctuated by rain and humidity, and as a result, classes were noticeably smaller. Some brave competitors remained however, and their rides pleased the few spectators who stayed to support them.
The competition’s Overall High Score was given to Rebecca Langworst-Barlow on Sandarac for her First Level Test 4 ride, which scored a 75.526%. Langworst-Barlow also garnered the Open High Score and the First Level High Score awards for the same ride.
Both the Reserve Overall High Score and the Training High Score Awards went to Jaclyn Sicoli of West Friendship and her mare Rohsalina for her Training 4 ride on Sunday, which scored a 74%. Sicoli, a PVDA board member, was an active presence at this show, supporting her local organization by competing in levels as varied as Training and FEI Prix St. George. Sicoli dominated the Training 3 and Training 4 classes for the weekend, placing first in all classes but one, where she was reserve champion. Sicoli also earned qualifying scores for both the BLMs and GAIG this weekend.
Catherine Echternach and Blue and White Bravo placed first in Training 1 Open, scoring 63.913% for the win. Echternach also competed in the FEI Test of Choice on Sunday, placing second behind Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and Tonico Do Top. Susan Zilke and Wilbur were reserve champions in Training 1 Open. Zilke also competed in Training 2 Open, placing second behind Paula Keller and Shivarno, who won both the class and the Adult Amateur High Score Award. Keller’s winning score was a 72.857%. E. Kendle Buffington and Melody P placed third in Training 2 Open. Zilke scored similarly on Sunday, scoring 70.870% in Training 1 Open, this time behind E. Kendle Buffington and Melody P, who scored 73.043% for the win. On Sunday, the Training 2 Open champion and reserve champion spots were the result of a tie-breaker, with Caitlin McCully and Bettina winning with a score of 68.571%, while Zilke placed second with an identical score. Ties are broken based on which rider has better compulsory marks.
Evelyn Susol and Black Lace won Training 3 Open, scoring 69.2%. Behind Susol were Jaclyn Sicoli in second place and Glenda Player with PL Lucky Tammy. Jeanne Binder and Custers Run placed first inn Training 3 Adult Amateur (AA) with a score of 66.8%, followed by Beth Gillespie and Rorick in second and Beth Klein and Knight O’Murchadha in third.
Susol placed second and scored 69.6% in Training 4 Open, which was won by Sicoli and Rohsalina with a score of 70%. Caroline Jordan and Cottage’s Courageous placed third. On Sunday, Susol and Black Lace faired similarly, winning First 3 Open with a score of 66.857%, while Adriane Alvord and Filadelphia placed second, with an identical score. A. Renee Carter and Elmo placed third. In the First 4 Open class, Susol and Black Lace placed second, scoring 64.211%, this time trailing Carter and Elmo, who won with a 66.842%.
Carter also competed in First 3 Open placing second behind Maribeth Wells and Milano, who scored 69.143% to win the class. Adriane Alvord and Filadelphia placed third. Langwost-Barlow and Sandarac won First 4 Open with an impressive 75.526%, followed by Carter and Elmo. Maribeth Wells and Milano placed third.
Both First 3 AA and First 4 AA were won by Abby Gibbon and Prima LGF, who scored 64.286% and 69.474%, respectively. Amy York and San Felice placed second in First 3 AA while Sharon Reiss with Green Peace and Kim Bodoh with Hillside Muse were second and third in First 4 AA. Reiss and Green Peace won First 2 Open with Linda Jurata and Donaferdi in second. Marija Trieschman and Rostamon’s Island Dancer won First 1 Open, scoring 70.333%, followed by Corrine Foxley and Nolke fan de Slachtedyk in second. Melissa McDonald and Prism won First 2 Open while Sink and Sil’Saltion Spirit placed second.
Paula Keller and Shivarno dominated Training 4 AA with a score of 70% while Dona Hoffman and Future Image placed second. Beth Gillespie and Rorick earned the third place ribbon. Keller also competed in FEI Prix St. Georges on Saturday, as the single entry in that class, scoring 64.211%. On Sunday, Keller placed second in the same class behind Gardy Bloemers and Donizetti S.
Jessica Fay earned 70.27% for her Second 2 ride on Veraki, taking home the Second Level High Score Award for the weekend and performing a rare event by bringing home the blue in all four of the classes she entered. Her first win was a 69.737% in First 4 AJY, which was an impressive 10 point lead over Ashley Ockels and Freudig who placed second while Linda Kiser and AAA Vanity were in third. In Second 1, Fay took home first with a 63.947% ahead of Yoko Ishida and Gold Sparkle. Cynthia Ingram and her mare Dream Girl placed third in that class and placed third again in Second 3. Shirley Theofiles and Visual Addiction won that class and Peta Jean Wyllie and Highbourne finished second. Wyllie won her Second 3 class on Sunday placing first on Highbourne while Virginia White-Hergenroeder on Pracht scored 63.256% for second place.
On Sunday, Fay braved the rain, winning Second 1 ahead of Laurel Minnick and Artagon who were second, only to score even better in Second 2, earning her High Score Award score of 70.270%. Young rider Ishida and her Hanoverian gelding Gold Sparkle placed second. Rounding out the top three were Laurel Minnick and Artagon.
Winning her class with an almost eight point lead was Wendy Bebie who also took home the Third Level High Score Award for her ride in Third 2 on Saturday, which earned a 72.308%. Pamela Owens rode GardesGrace to second while Mary Callan and Ottomatic earned the third place ribbon. Also competing in Third 1, Bebie placed third behind Sophie Ghedin on Palomos on Saturday, who won the class with 65.128%. Kelly McGinn and Windsor placed third. On Sunday, Marija Trieschman rode Don Diablo to first place in Third 1, scoring 70.769%, with Sophie Ghedin and Palomos in second while Bebie rode Hoover for the third place ribbon. Bebie rallied to win her Third 2 class again on Sunday where Rose Flanery and Al Pacino 029 placed second and Sophie Ghedin and Palomos were in third. Mary Callan and Ottomatic won Third 3 followed by Flanery on Al Pacino 029.
The Fourth Level High Score Award went to Susanne Owen Hassler for her Fourth 1 Open ride on Harmony’s Davidoff Hit, which scored 67.907%. Placing behind Hassler was Mary Schwentker, who rode Seneca to second place, and Peta Jean Wyllie with Solon in third.
In its support of junior and young riders, PVDA accented its show line-up with many classes targeted to the JR/YR crowd. Caitlin McCully took home the JR/YR High Score Award for the weekend for her Training 2 Open score of 68.571%. McCully competed in the Open classes, scoring well against established professionals. In addition to receiving the JR/YR High Score Award, McCully and Bettina competed in Training 3 Open, with a second place score of 65.2% behind Jaclyn Sicoli and Rohsalina, who won the class with 69.2%.
Other highlights of the JR/YR classes included a win by Carmen Torres on CMT Full Throttle who scored 68% on Saturday in the Training 3 JR/YR class. Sarah Jones and Dancing Dots placed second. Torres faired equally as well in Training 4 JR/YR, winning her class with 64.800%. Olivia Mott Benfield scored 62.400% for second place.
PVDA also hosted the FEI Junior Rider Team Test, which was won by Kya Endreson and Witchazel. Clare Green and Ramazotti placed a close second. On Saturday, Green also competed in Fourth 3 Open, placing second behind Alexa Briscoe and Wildfeuer, who won the class. Briscoe competed in Fourth 2 Open as well, placing second behind Brandi Benedict and Fenice.
The FEI Young Rider Team Test had a single entry on Saturday, Jessica Zoskey and FA Patriot. Zoskey also competed in the Young Rider Individual Test with a score of 64.605% and the Young Rider Freestyle class, scoring 70%. On Sunday in the Junior Rider Individual Test, Green and Ramazotti improved their previous score to win their class with 66.447%, while Kya Endreson and Witchazel scored 62.763% to place second. Endreson also competed as the only entry in the Junior Rider Freestyle class.
In addition to the JR/YR classes, PVDA also offered a Brentina Cup class, whose single entry Lauren Sprieser and Ellegria, scored 67.179%. Sprieser also rode Ellegria in the FEI Test of Choice class on Saturday to place second behind Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and Tonico Do Top. Sprieser competed a second mount, Victorious, to win on Saturday and receive the FEI High Score Award for the weekend for her score of 67.368%.
Wanja Gerlach and Dienhard placed second in FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 63.158%, but followed that performance with a win on Sunday. Jaclyn Sicoli and Figaro placed second on Sunday.
Gerlach also competed two horses in the USEF Dressage Test for 4 Year Old horses on Saturday, receiving 7.860% for Serenade RS and 7.320% for Ender’s Shadow. Serenade RS placed third and Ender’s Shadow placed fourth. Ulla Parker and Biscaya won the class with an 8.240%. Richard Rockefeller-Silva and Sakramenter scored 8.020% for second. On Sunday, Parker and Biscaya received 8.080% in the 4 Year Old division, this time placing third. Alice Tarjan and Somer Hit scored an impressive 8.740% for first and Rockefeller-Silva and Sakramenter scored 8.360% for second.
In the FEI Dressage Test for 5 Year Old horses classes, Parker faired similarly, riding Sabati to second with 7.560% on Saturday, behind Inga Janke and Suntreader, who won with 8.140%. Karen Monks-Reilly and Aesthete scored 7.360% for third. On Sunday, Inga Janke and Suntreader repeated their performance for 8.400% and first place while Parker and Sabati scored 7.840% for second and Karen Monks-Reilly and Aesthete received 7.540% for third.
In the 6 Year Old classes, Parker scored 7.220% with Steinway for second place, behind Christopher Schruefer and De Facto with 7.780% on Saturday. Schruefer and De Facto rallied on Sunday, scoring a much-improved 8.260% for first with Parker and Steinway in second with 7.240%.
Always a crowd favorite, the USDF Freestyle Test of Choice didn’t disappoint. On Saturday, Katherine Abrams and FDR won the class with 66.250% and placed second in the same class on Sunday, with an identical score. Susan Trivers and Otte Fan de Greidpleats placed second on Saturday with 66.042% and placed third on Sunday with 65.000%. Sonya Hunt and Aliea followed their third place score of 63.542% on Saturday with a win on Sunday, scoring an improved 68.542% to bring home the blue.
CDCTA Recognized Dressage at Morven Park
by Maat Van Uitert
The Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association’s annual Recognized Dressage at Morven Park was held on May 1-2 at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia and many Marylanders were in attendance. Sally Hoedebecke and Vodina received the Adult Amateur high score award while Sarah Hassler and Playing for Keeps received the Junior/Young Rider high score award.
Training Level
Michael Bragdell of Hilltop Farm in Colora dominated the Traning Level classes on day one of the competition. He rode Bimmer A to win both the Training 1 and Training 2 classes with scores of 71.739% and 80% respectively, earning the high score award for Training Level. Bragdell also won both Training 3 classes as well as both Training 4 classes. With Boxster A, he scored a 74.8% for Test 3 and a 72.4% for Test 4. Riding Rendexvous HTF, Bragdell scored a 72.4% in Test 3 and a 74% in Test 4.
On Sunday, E Kendle Buffington rode Melody P to win Training 1 with a score of 69.13%. Bragdell and Bimmer A won Training 2 again, this time with a score of 78.214%. Candy Allen rode Pajana von Rosenhof to win Training 4 with a score of 71.200% and Bragdell rode Boxster A to won Training 4 with a score of 79.200%.
First Level
Kerri Sowers and Amigo won First 1 on May 1 with a score of 69.667%. Bragdell continued to dominate the competition by riding Sir Donald to win First 2 with a score of 76.111%. This score earned him the high score award for First Level. On Sunday, Bragdell and Sir Donald won at First 2 again, scoring a 76.944%. Sally Hoedebecke won First 3 riding Vodina with a score of 74% on Saturday and then won again on Sunday with a 70.571%. Her Saturday score earned her the Adult Amateur high score award for the weekend. Natalie Schlonsok rode Devotion to win First 4 with a score of 68.421% on Saturday.
Sunday’s competition also saw Kathy Curtis riding Nylis fan Vels to win First 1 with a score of 68.667% while Stephanie Alvord rode Filadelphia to first place with a score of 73.421% in First 4.
Second Level
Alice Quinn rode Catch A Thief to win Second 1 on Saturday. Second 2 was won by Shirley Theofiles and Visual Addiction. Barbara Betterton rode West Point to win Second 3 and Victoria Jessop and Lladra won Second 4 with a score of 66.429%. Jessop earned the Second Level high score award for the weekend.
On Sunday, Silva Martin and Fair Fiona placed first in Second 1 with a score of 67.368%. Jessop won Second 2 and Second 3 on Sunday, this time riding India, with scores of 64.595% and 73.023%, respectively. Kelly McGinn rode Windsor to win Second 4.
Third Level
On Saturday, Nadine Schlonsok rode Vlegel to win Third 1 with a score of 64.872% The pair came back on Sunday to win Third 2 with a score of 67.949%. Julia Koehler and Delgardo scored 66.410% to win Third 2 on Saturday and Brandi Benedict rode Fenice to a score of 70.698% to win Third 3. Benedict won the Third Level high score award for the weekend.
On Sunday, Candy Allen and Ekke-W fan Zwienhemmen placed first in Third 1 and Julia Koehler and Delgardo won Third 3.
Fourth Level
At Fourth Level on Saturday, Rebecca Polan and Close the Deal won Fourth 1 with a score of 67.442%. Teresa Butta rode Picollino 2 to win Fourth 2 while Carolyn Goff and Sacramento scored 65.122% at Fourth 3 to win her class.
Susanne Owen Hassler rode Harmony’s Davidoff Hit to win Fourth 1 with a score of 69.767% on Sunday. She earned the high score award for Fourth Level. Julio Mendoza and Ivan dominated both Fourth 2 and Fourth 3 classes with scores of 63.864% and 62.927%, respectively.
Prix St. George
Andrea Velas and Galatea scored a 68.947% to win the Prix St. George on Saturday. The pair also received the high score award for Prix St. George for the weekend. Second in the class was Holly Wilmoth and Silco with a score of 67.895%. Danielle Blanchard rode Nogales to third place.
On Sunday, Velas and Galatea placed second with a score of 67.105%. Winning the class was Anne Hurwitz on Nando, scoring 68.158%. Christine Betz placed third on Catus with a score of 63.947%.
Intermediare I
After a good showing at Prix St. Georges, Christine Betz and Catus won Saturday’s Intermediare I class with a score of 66.053%. Stephanie Alvord and Graf Alpha scored 63.421% for second place and Elizabeth Thorsey rode Paco Rabanne 5 to third.
Placing first on Sunday with a score of 65.263% was Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel aboard Tonico Do Top. Silva Martin and Sea Lord placed second and Blanchard and Nogales came in third.
Grand Prix
Brenda Rice and Gretta won the Grand Prix with a score of 60.851% on Saturday. Less than a point behind Rice was Janna Dyer and Medallion who placed second.
Martin and Jeff the Chef W won the Grand Prix class with an impressive score of 67.234% on Sunday. They earned the high score award for Intermediare I – Grand Prix. Nadine Schlonsok and Ikaros were second with Rice and Gretta placing third.
Musical Freestyle
In the Musical Freestyle 1-4 class on Saturday, Kristin Herzing placed first riding Gentleman to a score of 72.500%, earning the high score award for Musical Freestyles. Julie McLearen and Peron’s Paris placed second with a score of 71.875%. Karen Holweck-Mulreany rode Diplomat M to place third.
Sunday’s Musical Freestyle saw Karen Holweck-Mulreany and Diplomat M coming out on top with a score of 68.333%. Kim Bodoh and Hillside Muse placed second while Anne Harrington and That Darn Houdini placed third. Stephanie Alvord and Graf Alpha scored 71.125% to win the FEI Musical Freestyle Intermediare I – Grand Prix class.
Photos from Oak Ridge
photos by Dorothy Anderson
PVDA Schooling Show at Oak Ridge Park – May 2, 2010
Lidan Kiser and AAA Vanity showing at Second Level
Jennifer Seidel aboard Apollo showing in the Second Level Freestyle
Betsy Lewis showing Ziggy at Second Level
Annmari Ingersoll and Rudy competing at First Level
Barbara Conner and Docs Almost Blue showing at Training Level
Remembering Col. Ed
You may remember that Colonel Clarence Edmonds passed away in November 2009. There will be a celebration of his life at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (6030 Grosvenor Lane) in Bethesda. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the donor’s favorite charity is requested.
Who’s Who in Maryland Dressage
by Beth Collier
Everyone who took the time and effort to train, take lessons, endure the weather, dress up, etc., certainly deserves an award, regardless of final score or placings. Here are my personal favorite Maryland dressage horse/rider combinations from the past year.
Congratulations to the Maryland riders who earned high qualifying scores at U.S. Equestrian Federation licensed shows to be awarded a U.S. Dressage Federation rider award. Debra Brookhouser won a USDF Bronze Medal award for earning at least six scores of 60% or higher for First, Second and Third Levels. Elizabeth Simmeth-Ensor of Jarrettsville and Samantha Smith of Crownsville each won Rider Performance awards for Second Level. They earned at least four scores of 60% or higher at USEF/USDF licensed shows. Jennifer Foulon won a Rider Performance award for First Level.
Rider of the Year (pictured)
Christopher Hickey, dressage trainer at Hilltop Farm in Colora, had a successful show year with numerous highlights. Regent, owned by Brenna Kucinski, appears on the USEF Twelve Month National Grand Prix Ranking List for scores earned at a CDI*** (FEI rated dressage show) in Austria.
Douglas Hilltop, owned by Hilltop Farm, made a splashy U.S. debut at Grand Prix in 2009 and hit the Florida fall dressage show circuit with a bigger splash, earning additional blue ribbons.
In June 2009, Cabana Boy, also owned by Hilltop Farm, placed eighth in the USEF National Intermediaire Championship, held in Gladstone, New Jersey. In August, Cabana Boy and Hickey won the USEF Developing Horse Championship (for horses age 7 to 10 competing at Prix St. Georges level). This was the third championship title in a row earned at the Markel/USEF National Dressage Young Horse Championship for Cabana Boy and Hickey.
Grand Prix
Kelly Corrigan of Centreville topped her stellar 2009 season aboard and Wenzel Lad with a win at the CBLMs to earn the CBLM Grand Prix Reserve Championship.
FEI Freestyle
Degas, owned by Marianne Campano and ridden by Barbara Strawson of Dickerson won the CBLM Intermediaire I Freestyle Championship. Strawson and Degas also won the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Intermediaire Musical Freestyle Final.
Intermediaire II (pictured)
Vanessa Swartz of Sandy Spring rode her own Orlando to place third in the CBLM Intermediaire II Championship and fifth in the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Intermediaire II Open Final.
Intermediaire I
Degas and Strawson also won the CBLM Intermediaire I Championship and placed fourth out of twenty riders in the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Intermediaire I Open Final. Strawson was awarded the Most Elegant Rider award for the second year in a row at the CBLM Championship. Selected by the judges, this award is presented to the professional rider who “has the best seat and position and the most effective aids, creating a picture of harmony.”
Prix St. Georges (pictured)
Tonico Do Top, a Lusitano owned by Joe and Linda Dennison and ridden by Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel of Woodbine had a fabulous year at Prix St. Georges. The pair won the CBLM Prix St. Georges Senior Division Championship.
FEI Junior/Young Rider (pictured)
Jocelyn Wiese has been climbing the ranks of the dressage scale for most of her young life. This past year, she and Lamborghini topped its 2009 season by winning the Brentina Cup USEF National Young Adult Championship in Gladstone, New Jersey. Her impressive performance was during pouring rain and in a very wet and sloppy ring. The Brentina Cup is an FEI level Championship for riders age 20 to 28.
FEI Six-Year-Old Horse
Jessica Jo Tate of Chesapeake City and Faberge, owned by Virginian Elizabeth Guarisco wowed the judges at the Markel/USEF National Dressage Young Horse Championship held August 21-23 in Wayne, Illinois at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. The young horse won the Six Year Old Reserve Champion title.
FEI Five-Year-Old Horse
Selten HW, owned by Elizabeth Ball of California continued his domination of the Young Horse Championships in 2009. Setlen HW was first ridden by Hilltop Farm’s Michael Bragdell to be ranked seventh nationally for the Five Year Old Division at the Markel/USEF National Dressage Young Horse Championship. His owner took over the reins for the championship and won the USEF National Five Year Old Young Horse Championship.
FEI Four-Year-Old Horse
At the 2009 Dressage at Devon show, Sabati, a Sandro Hit offspring owned by Nancy Holowesko of Crosiadore Farm in Trappe and shown by Ulla Petersen, placed sixth in one of the USEF Tests for Four Year Olds and won the second test scoring a whooping 80.40%. Watch out—Nancy also owns Sabati’s full brother Steinway, another outstanding young dressage horse that we are sure to see making a splash in the young horse classes soon.
Fourth Level
Royal Prince, owned by Hilltop Farm and ridden by Michael Bragdell won the CBLM Fourth Level Reserve Champion Senior Division A and placed second in the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Fourth Level Open Final. Royal Prince achieved remarkable fame very early in his dressage career under the tutelage of Susanne Hassler, becoming the highest placed U.S. horse ever at the 2004 FEI World Championship for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany.
Third Level
Harmony Sporthorses’ Harmony’s Davidoff Hit, ridden by Susanne Hassler (pictured) of Hassler Dressage in Chesapeake City placed third in the CBLM Third Level Senior B Division and 10th in the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Third Level Open Final. At the GAIG show, Hassler earned the Third Level High Point Award in an open class.
Elsa Friis of Brookeville won the Potomac Vallery Dressage Association (PVDA) Year End Award for Third Level Junior/Young Rider for her high scoring rides aboard Beau Ideal. Royal Drama Queen and Sarah Brooks were named Maryland Dressage Association (MDA) Third Level YR champions.
Second Level
Froelich and owner Dorie Forte (pictured) of Woodbine earned the Reserve Champion title in the BLM Senior Second Level Division A. Potomac’s Addison Spencer rode Giselle III to place third in the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Second Level JR/YR Finals.
First Level
Susan Graham White (pictured) rode her own Revelle to several wins in 2009. The result of the successful season brought Revelle the title of USDF First Level reserve champion Horse of the Year.
Leslie Raulin of Frederick is no stranger to success. She and Aviani have been racking up ribbons all season. Raulin’s top scores earned her the PVDA Year End Award for First Level senior rider.
Logan Elliott of Mt. Airy has also had a very successful season at First Level. She was named PVDA’s First Level Junior/Young Rider of the year. MDA’s First Level YR champion was Alix Day. This young rider topped several shows while riding Bionic Gun.
Training Level
Maryland’s own Rosentanz, owned by Jackie Nixon-Fulton and ridden by Jessica Jo Tate, earned the title of USDF Training Level Horse of the Year.
Elizabeth Callahan of Oxford competed her youngster Balmoral in both eventing and dressage. The pair fared well in both disciplines and placed third in the BLM Senior Training Level Division A Championship.
Holly and Zoe Witte (pictured) of Ellicott City won the PVDA year-end award for Training Level Junior/Young Rider and the PVDA Eastern Shore Chapter Perpetual Trophy (awarded to a Junior or Senior rider with the highest average for Training Level, but has never competed at First Level or above in a USEF licensed show). Witte was nominated for a 2009 USDF Region 1 Award for the Youth Contribution category.
Walk-Trot
Revele and Lisa Feit of Laytonsville won the PVDA year-end award for USDF Intro Level Senior while Emily Clinch of Columbia rode Gator to this award for Junior/Young Riders. Shelley Caplan rode Fifer to the top of MDA’s Walk/Trot awards.
Paralympic
At the June 2009 PVDA Ride for Life Show, Baronessa and Shari Glickman of Goodness Ridge Farm in Mt. Airy, won the FEI Para-Equestrian Class. Glickman also earned an Adult Amateur Rider High Pledge Award.
Pas De Deux
Also at Ride for Life, Morgen and Jennifer Foulon of Potomac aboard Contucci’s Secret Agent and Shannon Zik won the Pas De Deux Class, scoring 78.25%. This was the highest scoring ride of the show, although this particular class is not included in the show high score award category. In July 2009, their pas de deux scored an unbelievable 81.45% at the USDF Region 1 Youth Team Championship in Leesburg, Virgina.
Quadrille
The Clarksville Chapter Quadrille were award winners at the PVDA Chapter Challenge Dressage Show this past November in Upper Marlboro. The team was made of Liz Erwin (Olney), Sarah Lipkowitz (Silver Spring), Samantha Smith (Crownsville) and Zoe Witte (Ellicott City).
Hello 2010!
by Beth Collier and Katherine O. Rizzo
With 2009 behind us, here’s to a fabulous 2010! Below are just a few things to keep in mind for the 2010 competition season and some exciting shows to mark on your calendars.
Rule Changes for 2010
As of December 1, 2009, the following rules have been added to the USEF Rule Book or have been changed from existing rules. These are just summaries of the changes, we suggest you download the complete rule book from the USEF website or contact the USEF directly with any questions.
DR120 – Dress (addition)
11. When the only warm-up available is open to all horses and riders, riders with safety concerns are encouraged to wear an orange vest.
DR121 – Saddlery and Equipment (changes)
4. A plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used in FEI tests at national competitions except USEF High Performance classes, USEF Young Adult qualifying classes, FEI Junior and FEI Young Rider qualifying classes. Only snaffles, curbs and bridoons pictured under Figure 1-B are permitted in FEI tests.
DR122 – Execution and Judging of Tests (changes)
7a. Judging a test – The mark for each movement should first establish the fact of whether the movement is marginal (5 or below) or higher. The judge should state the reason for his judgment, at least when giving marks of 6 and below.
DR123 – Scoring (additions)
The public scoreboard may be presented in paper or electronic format and must remain posted throughout the entire competition. The name of each judge must be posted along with the position where he/she is sitting. If there are multiple judges, scores must be posted in the following order: E, H, C, M, B.
After the awards for a class have been presented, the judge’s score sheet should be given directly to the competitor or his/her representative to maintain privacy.
DR125 – Licensing and Officials (additions)
A registered dressage technical delegate must officiate at Level 4 and Level 5 competitions. A recorded dressage technical delegate may officiate as the assistant to the registered dressage technical delegate(s) at Level 4 and Level 5 competitions and may officiate alone at Levels 1-3 competitions.
DR126 – Requirements for Dressage Competition Management (completely re-written)
1a. Classes may be divided into separate divisions or sections based on qualifications, age or other eligibility of horses or riders when permitted by the rules. The class must be divided when there is more than 25 entries except for USEF/USDF championships classes, USEF High Performance Championships or qualifying and selections trials. Horses may only be ridden once in any class (including separate divisions or sections) if the class is split up.
1b. Organizers must prepare a time schedule for all rides. If possible, riders should be notified of their ride times before arriving at the competition. This time schedule must also be posted in a conspicuous place by noon the day before the competition.
1c. One or more schooling areas must be provided far enough away from the competition arena(s) so as not to disturb the competitors during their tests. These schooling areas must be large enough to accommodate several riders at the same time. If possible, at least one practice arena with letters should be available for schooling. If a separate lungeing area is not provided, lungeing is not allowed at any time in the schooling area while riders are mounted.
1e. A scribe must not be an owner, coach, trainer or family member of a competitor/horse in the class(es) in which he/she is scribing.
1f. There are several requirements for the actual arena set up; where it can and can not be, how far away the public must be to watch, what the arena is made of, etc. The rules are also different depending on what level of competition is being offered. Please refer to the official rulebook for details.
2. Dressage competitions are now divided into five levels of competition based on classes offered. Below is a description of each level. There is a chart listing all of the requirements for each level in the official rulebook.
Level 5 – This level is required for all CDIs, USEF High Performance Selection Trials (Intermediarie I-Grand Prix) and USEF National Championships.
Level 4 – This level is required for all USEF/USDF Regional Championships, High Performance qualifying competitions held separately from CDIs and optional for other competitions that choose to meet the criteria.
Level 3 – This level is required for USEF Developing Program qualifying competitions and optional for other competitions that choose to meet the criteria.
Level 2 – This level is required for competitions that do not meet the criteria for Levels 3-5 or exceed Level 1 requirements.
Level 1 – This level is required for USEF licensed competitions that do not meet the criteria for Levels 2-5. This level is primarily intended as an introduction for new competitions wishing to hold USEF licensed competitions with fewer mandatory requirements.
DR134 – Pony Measurement (addition)
17. In order to maintain his/her license, a registered “R” dressage technical delegate must have attended a Federation Dressage/DSHB Pony Measurement Certification clinic.
DR202 – General Regulations (addition)
2. Dressage Sport Breeding (DSHB) classes can be held with any level of competition. Competitions offering only DSHB classes can choose Level 1 or Level 2 criteria.
New Tests Coming!
December 1, 2010 marks the change over to the new USDF tests for Training through Fourth Level.
The World Comes to the U.S.
This year is known to the equestrian world as a world championship year, and for the first time, the FEI World Equestrian Games will be held here in the U.S. This is the only FEI rated international championships show to include all eight FEI recognized equestrian sports: dressage, show jumping, vaulting, driving, eventing reining, paralympic and endurance. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (a.k.a WEG) is scheduled for September 25-October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
This spring, several “test events” for the various disciplines will also be held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Dispite high ticket and hotel prices, it is anticipated that the show will attract a huge number of spectators and we already know of several Marylanders with their tickets ordered!
Stay tuned for updates on possible Maryland contenders! Let us know if you will be heading to Kentucky to watch, we’d love your stories and pictures!
WEG Dressage Selection Trials
Can’t make it to Kentucky? Then just head up the road to Gladstone, New Jersey, for the USEF/Collecting Gaits Farm Dressage Festival of Champions and WEG Selection Trials on August 12-15 and August 19-22. This competition will include Grand Prix and Intermediaire I National Championships as well as Junior and Young Rider Championships and the Brentina Cup. The Grand Prix Championship will serve as the final selection trials for the WEG dressage team.
Devon Soldiers On
Despite the overlap of competition dates between WEG and Dressage at Devon (Devon, Pennsylvania), a favorite among Maryland dressage competitors and spectators, Devon will continue as planned. However, the Dressage at Devon Horse Show Committee has decided to eliminate the minimum qualifying percentage needed for invitation to the competition.
What Will They Think of Next?
In the June 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens was a photo of a unique outdoor table. The table was made of a big wooden door placed on top of a metal horse trough. After this photo appeared, feed stores may have noticed a summer upswing in trough sales. One can only image what will be this year’s must have item!
Goodbye 2009
by Beth Collier
Many will consider 2009 a year to remember and others will want to forget it. Either way, the past is the past and now we must all solider on into another new and bright year. Here are just a few of the people and horses we will miss who passed in 2009.
Longtime dressage judge and horseman Colonel Clarence Edmonds, a.k.a “Col. Ed,” passed away in November at the age of 89. I remember having the pleasure years ago of being his scribe at a dressage show. He made full use of the range of dressage scores, giving scores as low as 3 and several 10s. I had a chance to be judged by him at a show one year but opted to attend the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals instead. I think I may have missed my only chance to earn a 10 and the opportunity to have learned from his insightful comments.
Sally Teague-Martin, owner of Evergreen Stables in Fulton, passed away in June 2009. The July 2009 Equiery had a touching memorial from her boarders and friends to this memorable lady and in September 2009, the first ever Sally Martin Memorial Perpetual Trophy was awarded at Dressage at Devon. The winner was Divinity CR, owned by Melanie Pai of Canaan Ranch (Texas), a multi-award winning foal at Devon.
Maryland stallion Cottage Boy, owned by Caroline Jordan of Good News Farm in Boyds, was humanely euthanized in December 2009. Cottage Boy, a Holsteiner out of Gina and by Corporal (by Cottage Son), influenced the bloodlines of several local and national dressage, show jumping and eventing horses. He competed through Intermediare II and schooled Grand Prix.
What was your favorite show of 2009 and why?
E-mail editor@equiery.com or post a comment here to let us know what your favorite 2009 dressage show was and why.
