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.
Chapter Challenge Fun
by Katherine O. Rizzo
The 2009 Potomac Valley Dressage Association Chapter Challenge was held on November 1 at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. Seven chapters were represented in the competition, which featured teams at Introductory through Second Levels.
Judy Whyte and Danny
The Metro Chapter of Lisa Feit, Rachel Heely, Jenny Sarmiento and Ruth Landsman topped Introductory with a team score of 68.3%. The Clarksville Chapter placed second. This team consisted of Deanna Beal, Emily Clinch,m Bonnie Sink and Paul Steppe.
At Training Level, St. Mary’s Chapter took home the blue ribbons. This team, consisting of Alice Allen, Kathleen Egan, Tia Gardner and Gina Guffey, earned an impressive 68.45%. Less than a point behind them was the team from Clarksville, earning the chapter’s second reserve championship. Patty Blanchard, Sarah Lipkowitz, Bonnie Sink and Zoe Witte made up this team.
Stacy Wilson riding IM Spiderman
Calvert Chapter kept the bar high at Training Level. The team of Christina Dale, Ahsley Idol, Kelly Quesinberry and Mary Russell, earned a 69.2% to win the division. Clarksville finished second again. This time the team was Casey Minar, Jaclyn Sink, Carolyn Steppe and Nikki Witte.
The Clarksville Chapter finally got its own win at First Level. The team of Kevin Emblin, Liz Erwin, Samantha Smith and Candace Snell scored a 66.667%. The St. Mary’s Chapter of Darryl Cherry, Maegan Hill, Debra Purvins and Kathryn Sharkey placed second.
The New Market Chapter team of Dorie Forte, Elizabeth Gassman and Diana Skvarla placed first in the Second Level And Above division. Kristine Finney, Erica Greenwald, Lisa Lewis and Jennifer Moy of the Metro Chapter came in a close second.
Brianna Bowling aboard Golly
Only two teams competed in the Musical Freestyle division. Clarksville’s Jaclyn Sink, Samantha Smith, Candace Snell and Zoe Witte won the blue while New Market’s Dorie Forte, Elizabeth Gassman and Judy Taylor placed second.
There were also only two Pas de Deuz/Quadrille teams. Clarksville won again, this time the team was Liz Erwin, Sarah Lipkowitz, Samantha Smith and Zoe Witte. Second place went to Elaine Long Bailey, Mitzi Bernard, Bridget Dellar, Mary Russell and Catherine Shoup representing the Calvert Chapter.
Scout Ford and Fancy
Two special awards were given out to top placing individual riders. Mary Russell of Calvert Chapter earned the Elizabeth Pritchard Memorial Trophy for her rides on Feinesse. Genevieve Anderson-Pie and A Stylish Olena won the Fly Alex Fly Memorial Award for the Peninsula Chapter.
Elie Keesler with Charmed
Tonico Do Top’s BLM Success
by Katherine O. Rizzo
The Col. Bengt Ljungquist Memorial Championships (CBLMs) began in 1983 as a way to highlight the county’s top dressage horses and riders. Riders must qualify throughout the year with high scores at USDF licensed shows. This year’s competition was held at the Horse Park of New Jersey on October 9-11 in Allentown.
Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel of Woodbine is no stranger to the CBLMs, having competed in every championship from the beginning on a variety of horses, winning many times. This year her win was in the Senior Rider division of Prix St. Georges. There she rode Linda and Joe Denniston’s Lusitano stallion Tonico Do Top to a 69.73% to win the CBLM championship title.
Barbara Strawson of Dickerson found success at this year’s CBLMs as well. She rode Degas to win both the Intermediaire I and Intermediaire I Freestyle Championships. The pair also earned the Reserve Championship title behind Neumann-Cosel at Prix St. Georges.
Other Notable Maryland Finishes (through 3rd place only)
Senior Training Level A – Elizabeth Callahan and Balmoral, 3rd place
Senior Training Level B – Michael Bragdell and Sir Donald, Res. Champs
Senior Training Level B – Vanessa Swartz and Fallan, 3rd place
Senior Second Level A – Dorie Forte and Froelich, Res. Champs
Senior Second Level B – Kelly McGinn and Windsor, 3rd place
Senior Third Level B – Susan Owens Hassler and Harmony’s Davidoff Hit, 3rd place
Senior Fourth Level A – Michael Bragdell and Royal Prince, Res. Champs
Intermediaire I – Jarlynn Finn and Darius, Res. Champs
Intermediaire I Freestyle – Jarlynn Finn and Darius, Res. Champs
Intermediaire II – Vanessa Swartz and Orlando, 3rd place
Grand Prix – Kelly Corrigan and Wenzel Lad, Res. Champs
Senior Rider Prix St. Georges B – Kelly Corrigan and Robinson, 3rd place
Schooling Show Successes: Part 2
Schooley Mill Park
Over 20 juniors attended the PVDA schooling show at Schooley Mill Park in Highland on October 10.
Sarah Lipkowitz (left) aboard Indian and Zoe Witte (right) aboard Holly ride a Pas de Deux
At the Introductory Level, Emily Clinch and Gaitor were named high score winners. Clinch scored a 72% for Test B to win the class and the high score award. She also won Class 2, which was for Test A. Megan May and Bernadette Coyle tied for the reserve high score award at Introductory. May won bother her Test A and Test B classes, scoring a 65.5% for Test B while riding England Tower. Coyle also scored a 65.5% for Test B, which gave her second place in the class behind Clinch. Coyle rode Doc for both a second and third place at the show.
Zoe Witte and Sarah Lipkowitz tied for the high score award at Training Level for their winning Pas de Deux. Witte rode Holly and Lipkowitz rode Indian in the test that scored a 76.5%. Witte also won the Dressage Seat Equitation class with Holly. Kimberly Horton scored a 74.35% in Training Level Test 1 to win the class and reserve high score honors. With Extreme Case, she also won Training Level Test 3 and placed second in Training Level Test 2. Adrienne Greenberg rode Kinsale to win Class 7 Test 2 while Nisha Chickhale rode Lucy I’m Home to win Class 6 Test 2. Casey Minor and Love Bug topped Training Level Test 4 after placing second in Test 3.
At First Level, Logan Elliott and Eternaluma earned both the high score and reserve high score awards. Her First Level Test 4 ride was a 75% and won her the First Level Test of Choice class. She placed second in the class with a 70% for her First Level Test 2 ride.
Heavenly Waters
The Maryland Dressage Association hosted an open show at Heavenly Waters in Bel Air on October 11. Lauren Comish earned the Senior High Score award while Elizabeth Loundas earned the Junior High Score award.
Tiffany Moritz and CJ’s Black Star Jet at Schooley Mill Park on October 11
Comish rode Odin’s Raven to win the Open classes of Training Level Test 1 and Test 2. Her top score was in Test 2, a 69.285%. Loundas and Country Bumpkin topped the Young Rider class of Training Level Test 1 with a 69.3% and then placed second in Test 2. Morgan Cillo and Aces of Spades won that class after placing second in Test 1.
Suzanne Veltri with Country Bumpkin, Laura Ruark with My Silver Majesty and Smantha Baker with Zip’s Country KC each won an Introductory Test A class. Baker also won an Introductory Test B class. Jackie Caldwell rode JC’s Keely of Texel to also win a Test B class.
Jodi Bayliss and Skies Autumn Star took home top honors in the Training Level Novice Test 1 class and then won the Novice Test 2 class. Mary Sue McCarthy with Finnigan’s Wake, Melanie Adams with Pluto Matina and Anne Matthews with Fidlin’ Star each won a Training Level Test 3 class. Matthews also won the Young Rider class of Test 4 while Carol Bossone and Onyx won the Open Test 4 class.
Toni Over and Bel Sole won both open classes of First Level Test 1 and Test 2. Susan Peterson rode Rianna to win the First Level Finals Test 3 class and the Second Level Open Test 1 class. Holly Van Sant rode Riviera to win First Level Open Test 3. Alix Day and Bionic Gun won First Level Young Rider Test 3 and Test 4. Judy Provencal and GW Ranchman won First Level Open Test 4.
Arran Siebert and Callum at Schooley Mill Park on October 11
Anna Schmitt and Liam topped the two Second Level Young Rider classes. Scott Nickel won Second Level Open Test 2 with Personal Boy. Susan Brooks won the Prix St. George class aboard Royal Drama Queen.
Winter Wind Farm
Winter Wind Farm was the site of an MDA schooling show on October 25 in Churchville. Lauren Comish earned the Senior High Score award again while Hannah Conway won the Junior High Score award. Comish and Odin’s Raven have had a very successful season and at this show, topped the open classes of Training Level Test 3 and Test 4. Conway rode Peppermint Patti to win Training Level Young Rider Test 1.
Jacqueline Caldwell and KC’s Keely of Texel earned three blues at the show. Two wins at Introductory Level and one at Training Level Test 1. Val Mills and Nina won both Novice classes of Training Level Test 1 and Test 2.
Toni Over dominated at First Level winning Test 1 and Test 2 with Bel Sole. Holly Van Sant won First Level Test 3 and Test 4 with Riveria. Scott Nickel and Personal Boy won both Second Level classes while Susan Brooks and Royal Drama Queen once again won the Prix St. George class.
Schooling Show Successes: Part 1
by Katherine O. Rizzo
By Chance Farm
By Chance Farm in Union Bridge was the site of the September 20 Potomac Valley Dressage Association schooling show. Renee Shertzer rode Babu to a 79% and the title of Show High Score Champion. Leslie Raulin and Aviani were the Show High Score Reserve Champions with a score of 73.89%.
Shertzer’s top score was earned for Introductory Test B. She also won Introductory Test A with a score of 74.5%. Raulin and Aviani won both First Level Test 1 and the combined First Level Test 2/Test 3 class.
Nikki Witte won a pair of blues while riding Barney to top scores in Training Level Test 1 and Test 2. Tedi Lesniewski rode Portent to a 73.6% to win Training Level Test 3 and then placed second in the combined First Level Test 2/Test 3 class. They rode First Level Test 3. After placing fourth in Training Level Test 3, Kate Miska and Sherlock won Training Level Test 4.
Caroyln Del Grosso rode Jessica Katz’s Doha to win the combined First Level Test 4 and Above class. She rode Second Level Test 2 for the win. Katz herself rode Doha to place second in the class with her Second Level Test 3 ride.
Windsor Stables
Windsor Stables in Linthicum Heights held a PVDA schooling show on September 27. Zoe Witte earned the high score of the day aboard Barney with a 75.1% in the First Level Freestyle class. She also won the combined First Level Test 1/Test 2 class with Barney. Claire Hill rode Bob Marley to a 73% in Introductory Test B for the win and the reserve high score award.
Blair Jackson rode W.S. Amelia to win Introductory Test A with a score of 72.5%. Charli Plumbtree and Arnt I Regal topped the Training Level Test 1 and Test 3 classes. Casey Minar and Love Bug won Training Level Test 4. Emily Long and Amanda Rae took the top spot in the combined First Level Test 3/Test 4 class.
Camp Olympia
Another PVDA schooling show was held at Camp Olympia in Rockville on October 4. There, Nancy Isaacson earned the high score of the day while riding Halftone to a 70.5% in Introductory Test B. She also won the Introductory Test A class.
Jacqueline Ducci, Debbie Knowles and Kimberly Horton all tied for both first place in Training Level Test 1/Test 2 and the reserve high score award, each scoring a 70%. Ducci rode Lady Isolde, Horton rode Extreme Case and Knowles rode Sweetie. Ducci placed second in Training Level Test 3/Test 4, which was won by Horton.
Sue Mallia rode Good Statute to win the First Level Test of Choice class and Amy Nostrandt won the Second Level Test of Choice class aboard Parceval.
Dressage at Devon
by Beth Collier
A Brief History
Ever since it’s beginning in 1975, Dressage at Devon has attracted top dressage horses and riders. The lowest level of competition offered has traditionally been Fourth Level. Riders must submit scores from United States Equestrian Federation/United States Dressage Federation licensed shows with only the highest scoring riders being accepted.
The venue for the show is the historical Devon Fairgrounds, which now seems squeezed into an ever-expanding housing and commercial area west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first horse show ever hosted at Devon was in 1896. By 1914, the Devon Horse Show, a primarily hunter/jumper show, was the largest outdoor horse show in the U.S. Since 1975, a licensed dressage show has been held each year. Today, the September Dressage at Devon Show is the highest rated dressage show outside of Europe. The show was founded by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association and benefits the Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
Tonico Do Top and Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel
This show is so popular, that the designated parking area quickly becomes overwhelmed, especially for the Saturday evening Grand Prix Freestyle. Many of the nearby businesses have permanent signs that state “no horse show parking.” Other enterprising owners of precious parking space advertise parking for $10.00 for Saturday evening.
Perfect Prospects
In addition to the Dressage at Devon performance show, there is also a breed show that takes place during the same dates, began on Thursday, September 24 with the FEI Tests for Young Dressage Horses. These horses are judged on their overall athleticism, basic paces and general impression. Each movement does not receive an individual score as in a regular dressage test. Instead, several dressage judges work as a group to give overall scores. After each ride, one judge will address the spectators, giving general impressions and comments about the ride. This makes these classes popular to watch since even a novice dressage enthusiast can learn from the judges’ explanation of the scores.
Nancy Holowesko of Crosiadore Farm in Trappe owns two of the top horses in the Young Dressage Horse competition. Steinway, by Sandro Hitt and ridden by Ulla Petersen, swept both of the FEI Tests for Five Year Olds, earning a top score of 75.40%. Petersen also rode Holowesko’s Sabati, another Sandro Hit offspring (and full brother to Steinway) to place sixth in one of the USEF Tests for Four Year Olds. Sabati then won the second test scoring a whooping 80.40%.
Rower B and Jessica Jo Tate
Chesapeake City’s Jessica Jo Tate successfully showed Elizabeth Guarisco’s Faberge in the FEI Test for Six Year Olds, placing third. Tate also placed third riding Rosentanz, owned by Jackie Nixon-Fulton, in the FEI Test for Five Year Olds.
Teresa Butta of Morgan Run Show Stables in Westminster showed Picollino 2 (owned by Jill Frumin of Potomac) to place fourth in the FEI Test for Six Year Olds. Butta also showed Froelich (owned by Dorie Forte) and Marseillaise (owned by Deborah Stewart) at Fourth Level.
Riding at the Top
The Friday night Grand Prix class, a Freestyle qualifier, had only seven of the 11 riders scoring over 60%. Balmoral, owned by Anne Welch of Canada and ridden by Jacqueline Brooks, also of Canada, won the class scoring 66.93%. Maryland FEI rider Rebecca Langwost-Barlow of Wyndham Oaks in Boyds placed eighth riding Welfenstein.
Riders scored better in the Saturday night freestyle, which was won by Calecto V and Tina Konyot of Connecticut with a score of 72%. Welfenstein and Langwost-Barlow placed ninth.
Cabana Boy and Christopher Hickey
The FEI Prix St. George test always attracts nearly 40 competitors. This year Olympia and Cesar Parra, a former Marylander now based in New Jersey, swept both Prix St. George tests and the Intermediaire I Freestyle. Hilltop Farm dressage trainer Christopher Hickey of Colora was not far behind with Hilltop’s Cabana Boy, placing second in the Prix St. George class. This 7-year-old Hanoverian Warmblood gelding has been a successful competitor at Dressage at Devon since first competing in the breed show at age two. He has also successfully swept championship titles at the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships for the last three years.
Tonico Do Top, a 10-year-old Lusitano stallion owned by Linda Denniston of Rocky Ridge and ridden by Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel of Clarksville placed 13th at Prix St. George. Barbara Strawson of Dominion Dressage in Dickerson and Jaralyn Finn of Wyndham Oaks in Boys, also competed at Prix St. George.
In the Intermediaire I Class, Cabana Boy placed third while Tonico Do Top placed 12th. Darius, owned by Alexandra Dane and ridden by Finn, placed 14th. Cabana Boy placed second in the Intermediaire I Freestyle scoring 70.70%. Darius placed 13th with a 64.25%.
Rower B, owned by Suzanne Dansby and ridden by Tate won the Fourth Level Test 2 Open class scoring 67.57%. In Fourth Level Test 3, Tate and Rower B scored a 69.51% for another blue ribbon in a class of 15 entries.
Darius and Jaralyn Finn
Lars Petersen of Denmark rode Naomi to win the Grand Prix Dressage class, a Grand Prix Special qualifier, with a 65.91%. Wadamur and Susan Jaccoma of Florida, won the Grand Prix Special with a 66.20%.
Changes for 2010
The 2010 Dressage at Devon Show runs at the same time as the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. The Devon organizing committee stated that “the date conflict can’t be resolved, therefore the Dressage at Devon Horse Show Committee has decided to run a full show.” In order to make the entry process very competitor friendly, the committee voted to eliminate the minimum qualifying percentage for the competitions. Horse/rider combination will still have to submit their highest scores for the class level they want to enter and will be ranked until the class is filled.
Improvements at the Devon Fairgrounds are planned for next year, including new arena footing. Since there are no indoor facilities for warm-up or competition rings, any all-weather footing improvement will be greatly appreciated by everyone.
Summer Finale and First Fall Shows
by Katherine O. Rizzo
Emily Long and Amanda Rae at PVDA’s Loch Moy Show where Emily earned second and fifth at First Level.
Two Days at Schooley Mill
Maryland dressage riders were treated to two full days of competition at Schooley Mill Park in Highland on August 22 and 23 sponsored by the Potomac Valley Dressage Association. The first day was devoted to adults and the second day was for the young riders.
On Saturday, high score went to Jill Windsor and WS Reckless. Windsor won both Training Level Test 1 and Test 2 with scores in the 70s. Her top score was a 72.14, earned for Test 2. Also scoring in the 70s was Kate Burgy. She rode Dolcezza to win both Introductory classes on a 70 both times.
Kate Miska won Training Level Test 3 aboard Sherlock with a 67.6 and then placed fifth in Training Level Test 4. Taking the top two spots in Training Level Test 4 was Kristin Parris. She rode her two event horses Non Halo Here and Collection Pass to place first and second, respectively.
Leslie Raulin rode Aviani to win the First Level Test of Choice class with her First Level Test 2 ride. She also placed second in the class with Aviani for her First Level Test 1 ride.
Chelsea Chase won the Second Level and Above class riding Fresh Prince at Second Level Test 2.
On Sunday, two young riders tied for the overall high score award. Alexis Widmayer rode Raven to a 72 in Class 3, Introductory Test B. Logan Elliott and Eternaluma also scored a 72 but in Class 13, which was a combined First Level Test 1 and Second Level Test 1 class. Elliott rode First Level Test 1 for the win, which also earned her the First Level championship title. Elliott and Eternaluma kept on adding blues to their trailer with a win in the last class of the day, a combined First Level Test 2 and Second Level Test 2 class.
Widmayer was also crowned Introductory Level champion for her winning test and placed fourth in Class 5, Training Level Test 1. The Introductory Level reserve champion was Karen Goss who rode Ace of Spades to win Class 1 and Class 2, both Introductory tests. Her top score, a 71.5, was earned for Introductory Test B.
Elizabeth McCague and Shannen Sullivan tied for championship at Training Level, both scoring a 71.2. Sullivan won Class 11, Training Level Test 3, riding Clyde and McCague rode Welkind to win Class 12, Training Level Test 4. Sullivan also placed third in Class 12 and Welkind placed second in Class 11.
Also winning at Training Level were Meredith Hunt with Leaguers Lil Miss (Class 4), Nisha Chickhale with Lucy I’m Home (Class 5), Sarah Louise Latimer riding Monarch (Class 6), Mary Davis and Carter (Class 7) and Michaela Bass aboard Legally Blond (Class 9 and 10).
After riding Holly to second place in both Class 5 and Class 7, Zoe Witte won the Dressage Seat Equitation class. She also won the First Level Freestyle class riding Barney. Witte’s score of 71.86 for the Freestyle with Barney earned her the First Level reserve championship title.
Recognized at Loch Moy
September 5 was the date of PVDA’s Loch Moy Farm recognized show, held in Adamstown. The show offered Training Level through Prix St. Georges classes.
Barbara Berman rode Clooney to the best score at Training Level, earning a 71.2 for Training Level Test 4. The score won her the class. Kathy Curtis and Nylis fan Vels won the second Test 4 class with a 66.8. Dona Hoffman and Evelyn Susol each won a Training Level Test 3 class. Susol rode Rockingham to a 69 .2 and Hoffman rode Future Image to a 70. Paula Lindsay and Star Tristan won training Level Test 1 while Chelsea Gabriel won Training Level Test 2 aboard Skip’s Lucky Spirit.
At First Level, Vanessa Swartz took the top score aboard Fallan. The pair won the pro division of First Level Test 4 with a 72.105. Kevin Emblin and Goldwahrung won the other Test 4 class with a 69.211. This pair also won First Level Test 3. Jennifer Foulon and Ferrero also won a Test 3 class. JP Melugin earned a pair of blues while riding Blue Ridge Sand Dune in First Level Test 1 and Test 2. Her scores were only off by less than a percentage but her better score was for Test 1.
The Second Level high score and the overall high score went to Kate Chadderton riding Late Night. They won Second Level Test 4 with a 72.857 and then went on to win Third Level Test 2. Hallie Ahrnsbrak was also a double winner. She rode Gustav to win Second Level Test 1 and Test 2. Dorie Forte rode Froelich to win Second Level Test 3 and then won the Musical Freestyle class.
Catherine Echternach won Third Level 1 riding Vodermus and Michael Norwood rode Lucky Strike to win Third Level Test 3. Echternach won again at Prix St. Georges, this time riding Whipporwhill Dorado.
Peter Green topped Fourth Level Test 2 with a 64.091, which was the best score at Fourth Level. He rode My Cousin Veni for the win and also for a second at Fourth Level Test 1. Angela Voss riding Loredo won that class. Shannon Pedlar won Fourth Level Test 3.
Jennifer Huber and Al Pacino earned the blue for the FEI Test of Choice class.
Petticoat Perfection
September 5 was also a Maryland Dressage Association schooling show at Petticoat’s Advance in Upperco. At this show, Shelley Caplan rode Fifer to the high score award. She scored an impressive 76.4 to win Training Level Open Test 2 after winning Training Level Open Test 1 with a 69.1.
Sybil Hebb won Introductory Open Test A riding Smartie while Audrey Mellott rode Statesman’s Shushana to win the Young Rider class at this level. Hebb and Mellott also won their respective Test B divisions.
Katie Webster and Sandman earned double blues for winning the Novice division of Introductory Test B and Training Level Test 1. After placing second in the Novice division of Training Level Test 1, Jodi Bayliss and Autumn won the Test 2 class.
Nancy Verzi and Journey Leader won the Open division of Training Level Test 3 with a score of 65.2. She also rode Journey Leader to place second in First Level Open Test 1. Bobbie Randles rode Razzle to second place in the class and then won the Open division of Test 4 with a 70. Laura Lee Beetle placed third in Test 3 riding Sea Miss and then placed second in Test 4. She also won the Training Level Open Finals Qualifier Test 3 class riding Hollywood, who she placed third in Test 4 aboard.
Interesting enough, Beetle actually tied with herself for second place in Test 4, scoring a 67.6 on both horses. Beetle also rode at First Level, winning the Open division of Test 3 and Test 4 while riding Gunnar.
Susan Brooks and GG won both First Level Open Test 1 and First Level Open Test 2, both scores in the 70s. While riding Royal Drama Queen, Brooks claimed the blue for the Prix St. George class.
Winning in Westminster
MDA hosted another September schooling show, this time at Ships Quarters in Westminster on September 20. Scott Nickel earned the high score senior award with a 67.105 aboard Personal Boy in Second Level Open Test 1. The pair also won Second Level Open Test 2. Mateja Zdanis earned the high score junior award with her 63.6 ride aboard Regina L in Training Level Young Rider Test 3.
Laura Ruark and My Silver Majesty won both Introductory test classes.
Jennifer Kleponis rode LS Plain Jane to win the Young Rider division of Training Level Test 1. Benjamin Albright won the Test 2 Young Rider division aboard Victors Shooting Star and Anne Mathews won Test 4 Young Rider with Fidlin Star.
Shelagh Davidson won Training Level Open Test 2 with Atlantic Roar. The Open Test 3 class went to Mary Sue McCarthy riding Finniens Wake. Carol Bossone rode Onyx to win Open Test 4.
At First Level, Albright and Victors Shooting Star won again for the Young Ride division of Test 1. Toni Over and Bel Sole won first Level Open Test 1 and Open Test 2. Holly Van Sant rode Riviera to a pair of blues, winning the Open Test 3 and Open Test 4 classes. Alix Day also won two blues at First Level. Day rode Bionic Gun to win the Young Rider divisions of Test 3 and Test 4.
At Second Level, it was Anna Schmitt and Liam who dominated the Young Rider divisions. The pair won both Test 1 and Test 2.
Success at Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Equestrian Center show manager Katie Hubbell said “the weather was perfect for our fall schooling show,” which was on September 22 in Boyds. She also commented on the shows record attendance with 46 of 50 scheduled rides performing. The show, which is sponsored by PVDA, offered Introductory through Fourth Level tests.
High score of the day went to Lisa Feit, who rode Releve to a 78.5 in Introductory Test B. She also won Test A with a 75. Sugarloaf’s own Beth Heubisch rode Freedom at Training Level Test 2 to a 76.071 earned reserve high score. The pair also won Test 1 with a 75.652.
Miki Meurs and Major Bay took the top two spots in the combined Training Level Test 3/Test 4 class. She won with her Test 3 ride and placed second with her Test 4 ride.
Cathy Echternach rode Horizon to first and second in the combined First Level Test 1/Test 2 class. Her winning ride was with Test 2 and second with Test 1.
The last class of the day was a combined First Level Test 3 and Above class. Entries rode First through Fourth Level tests. Winning the class was Laura Osburnsen. She rode PT Whistler to a 67.632 for First Level Test 4. She also placed second in the class riding Aaron in the same test and then earned third with PT Whistler for First Level Test 3.
Hilltop Divides and Conquers
On August 14-16, Hilltop Farm in Colora sent trainers to two different big shows and came back with top placings from both.
Christopher Hickey led a brigade to Saugerties, New York to compete at Centerline Events HITS on the Hudson show where he rode Donarweiss GGF, owned by Greengate Farm, and Hilltop’s new addition, Douglas Hilltop.
Donarweiss GGF won both his Intermediaire I tests, moving him to the top spot on the USDF’s All Breed Awards for Hanoverians at Intermediaire I list. With Douglas Hilltop, Hickey won one Intermediaire II test and placed fourth in the other.
Brenna Kucinski and Regent placed second and third at Prix St. Georges, while Jen Huber and Vito won the East Coast Riders’ Cup for Fourth Level. Virginia Leary rode Kells to a reserve championship in the East Coast Riders’ Cup at Intermediaire I.
Balissa and Michael Bragdell at the Fair Hill Breed Show
While Hickey and students were in New York, Michael Bragdell and crew were showing youngsters in hand at the Fair Hill Breed Show. Championships went to the yearling colt Perfect Qredit, owned by Michelle Coursin, who was named Colt Champion, Young Horse Champion and Grand Champion on Saturday. The reserve championships for those divisions went to Chris Roseberry’s R. London Calling CCF. On Sunday, Hilltop’s own yearling colt Costello was named champion of those same divisions.
Balissa, also owned by Hilltop, was named Champion Filly on both days and went on to earn the Reserve Champion Young Horse and Reserve Grand Championship on Sunday.
On September 4-6, the Hilltop riders traveled to Allentown, New Jersey to compete at the Dressage at Stone Tavern show. There Rebecca Cord won the Open Fourth Level Test 2 class aboard Janet Rubino’s Sombrero Do Top. Michael Bragdell won Sunday’s Open Training Level Test 4 class with Summit Sporthorses’ Sir Donald. Yvette LaRue rode Christopher Hickey’s Wrembrandt to win both her Training Level Test 1 classes.
From New Jersey, the Hilltop riders kept on moving north to ride at the USDF Region 8 Championships held at the NEDA Fall Festival at the HITS Showgrounds in Saugerties. Hickey and Donarweiss GGF earned the title of Prix St. Georges Champions. Hickey earned another championship at the competition. This time aboard Cece Stewart’s Zonnerhall, who won the First Level Championship. Hickey also showed Douglas Hilltop at Grand Prix, placing second on Friday and winning on Saturday.
Jen Huber earned double championships as well, winning the Adult Amateur Grand Prix Championship with Al Pacino and the Adult Amateur Fourth Level Championship with Vito. Rita Brown claimed the Second Level Championship while riding Dolce Vita.
