The Champions Crowned at the National Dressage Pony Cup in Kentucky

Yellow Horse Marketing for the National Dressage Pony Cup

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The 2016 Opening Ceremonies at the World Equestrian Festival CDIO Aachen

The Annual World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen is not just a horse show. It is an experience. Warmth emanates from perfectly groomed hedgerows to a border of lavender-blue star-shaped flieder flowers around the dressage competition arena. The Festival’s staff, a culture of clock-work perfection including more than a thousand volunteers, focus souly on every detail with broad smiles during the two-weeks of competitions (July 8-17, 2016) which include Vaulting, Show Jumping, Dressage, Three-day Eventing and Four-In-Hand Driving.

The annual show, uniting nations and cultures, is held on grounds five minutes northwest of Aachen, an ancient city inhabited since 5,000 BC. It is where Charlemagne arrived in 800 AD and built a magnificent cathedral, a palace and monasteries to welcome Roman Catholics to the area after the fall of Rome. Now the official equestrian show of Germany where five disciplines are staged, the city and the Festival welcome around 350,000 spectators each year.

This year’s Festival presented by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden and her husband King Carl XVI Gustaf who commenced the opening ceremonies with a Swedish theme to prepare for next year’s European Championships at Gothenburg in late summer. A great opportunity for Sweden to present itself as a hospitable and versatile country through its horses, The Queen acknowledged the gathering of so many nations graciously taking part in competitions together. Following her blessing, a full hour of Swedish history in horses unfolded on the infield.

Dressage at Aachen - Deutsche Bank Stadion

The dressage competitions are where riders and horses illustrate their extensive training, dedication and loyalty for the sport before five to seven FEI judges who evaluate their performances to find the highest scoring participants. Dressage is why we are here with our questions about who is the best rider, the best owners and breeders of the horses and what we can learn. Our expectations are certainly being fulfilled.

Prix St George

On Wednesday, our North American eyes were on long-term U.S. Team member Shelly Francis in the Prix St. George with Patricia Stempel’s Rubinio and Spanish Juan Matute, Jr. who pairs with Yeguada de Ymas' own Dhannie Ymas.

A rainy end to the Prix St George crowned British rider Michael Eilberg on Woodlander Farouche a 10-year-old mare with a score of 76.368% and Dorothee Schneider placed second on Santiago 221 scoring 75.263%.

To see all Prix St George scores CLICK HERE: http://resulting.chioaachen.de/show/8/event/44/competition/1/result/

CDI Grand Prix 4*

Anticipation was high as a crowd gathered for the CDI Grand Prix 4* which continued throughout the evening hours to a most elegantly ridden climactic conclusion with Hubertus Schmidt victorious on 13 year-old Trakehner stallion, Imperio 3 (Connery x Balfour XX) scoring 76.043%. Others finishers under the top five included two-time World Cup bronze medallist, Jessica Bredow-Werndl who came in second with Unee BB scoring 74.90%. Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino came third with a score of 74.486% ahead of Fabienne Lütkemeier with D’Agostino 73.814% and Jenny Lang-Nobbe with Loverboy at 72.700%. The competitions in Aachen will ultimately decide who will represent Germany in Rio for the German Team.

Represented from North America included Shelly Francis riding Danilo, along with Chris von Martels pairing with Divermento, and Mikala Münter Gundersen riding Janne Rumbough’s My Lady

To see all Grand Prix 4* Results CLICK HERE: http://resulting.chioaachen.de/show/8/event/44/competition/2/result/

The other extraordinary program taking place here at Aachen is the Audience Judging. Once you download the CHIO Aachen App called “Audience Judge” you can score on your phone each ride as it takes place during the live competition. Remarkably, the announcer will often reveal the overall judge’s score as well as the audience judging score average. Most times, both are fairly close to each other. It's proved, along with Christoph Hess' mobile real-time radio education commentary, a super way to involve many if not most of the spectators, up to 30,000 strong.

Today was the Nations Cup Grand Prix 5* with U.S. riders, Arlene “Tuny” Page, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Shelly Francis and Steffen Peters. More coverage coming...

To see full results CLICK HERE http://resulting.chioaachen.de/

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Significant victories by USA dressage competitors continue at the international level, as seen at this year’s CHIO Aachen Festival. Top performances by Steffen Peters riding Legolas 92, Shelly Francis riding Doktor, Katherine Bateson-Chandler riding Alcazar and Arlene “Tuny” Page riding Woodstock also had Europeans cheering at the impressive quality in U.S. horsemanship, clear training methods and magnificent riding resulting in the United States of America’s Dressage team placing second place at Aachen behind Germany’s dream team and first overall in the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage series.

United States of America’s recognition at the FEI Nations Cup™ inaugurated 2016 Dressage series which now includes more than the usual four competitions. In 2016, the Dressage series included CDIO3* Wellington FL (USA), CDIO3* Odense (DEN), CDIO5* Compiègne (FRA), CDIO5* Rotterdam (NED), CDIO5* Falsterbo (SWE) and CDIO5* Aachen (GER), and the USA has continued to be victorious throughout.

Setback for Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar

Katherine Bateson-Chandler, unfortunately, had to withdraw Alcazar (barn name “Lonzie”) from further competing because he had an impaction in his intestine on Friday evening. Katherine and her husband Carl stayed with the horse all night following the surgery. Happily, the horse has been doing fine post-surgery, but sadly Katherine was unable to show the wonderful progression she and the 2013 U.S. National Champion Intermediate Dressage Horse of the Year have achieved over these last few years, including some big wins in the Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Florida Winter Series.

Tuny said, “Katherine is a consummate horsewoman, a top rider and clearly the horse was not on his best form in the Grand Prix, but there was no indication in the stable that he was uncomfortable. Those guys, like any good horseman, saw in an instant that something wasn’t quite right for him and they were right on it. Thank goodness for Dr. Rick Mitchell our team vet who monitored the horse. Nothing replaces experience. At first, he did the minimum treatment, hoping he could keep her in the game. But, then, his instinct kicked in and he said, ‘No, it’s not right’ and the horse went on his way to the vet clinic. Thankfully, the horse is doing well.” Katherine and Carl will stay in Aachen at the vet clinic during the upcoming week before heading back to England and their summer home base at Carl Hester’s training farm.

Steffen Peters and Legolas

USA Team leader Steffen Peters spoke of Legolas afterward his Grand Prix test, “I was super happy with Legolas. It was one of his best goes. I can finally allow him to be in a more uphill without losing his back. His piaffe and passage were beautiful. The changes were good and he had good pirouettes. A 77% in Aachen right behind the Germans is super exciting.”

The overall calmness of Legolas was evident. Steffen has worked hard to help the horse gain the necessary confidence in the large atmosphere arenas.

“I time it just right,” he shared. “When there are a lot of people around, I ride him near the stadium. I need to expose him to that. We only walk. I don’t work him too hard. I did that at Rotterdam, where we worked at 5 o’clock in the afternoon when I knew there was nothing going on, but when spectators and kids with their balloons and parents with their strollers gathered around the warm-up ring, we walked on a long rein. He did get excited, but he got through it. It’s still that desensitizing which we continue.”

Tuny's Game Plan at Aachen

“I’ve worked hard this season on my mental game, and felt that I could handle the pressure very well and lay down a really good test. It’s fantastic to have a horse that has a lot of flexibility.” She admitted, “And, yes, sometimes Woodstock’s crazy smart and I might not be as smart at that moment, but I’m smart enough. He’s sometimes quite clever.”Tuny Page and Woodstock in the Nations Cup at Aachen 2106 Photo: Dressage Headlines

“But, I basically said to Woodstock, ‘I know you’re squirrelly about my legs in the changes, but my legs aren’t coming off,’” she forewarned. “It’s no longer going to be my signing a peace treaty because you’re annoyed I’m not doing everything in a certain way.” Tuny continuously works at finding more points in the ring as her horse develops the necessary strength and confidence.

Always evolving in training with Woodstock, she said, “Through the qualifying period just to make the top eight and get to Europe, I felt like I addressed what I could. When we arrived here at Aachen, we addressed a little more, but I couldn’t change too much because it wasn’t the right time to make significant changes because I wanted to hold my own on the U.S. squad. I did take a chance and schooled him a little differently than my usual way through this week. The Grand Prix test wasn’t quite near good enough. It was okay, but it’s not where I wanted to go and now that the qualifying period is over, I’m on my own to work out the few kinks.”Tuny Page and Woodstock in the Nations Cup at Aachen 2106 Photo: Dressage Headlines

“The bottom line,” she explained, “ is that every single one of us on this team came here with the intention to chase the German riders and to also stand back a bit and let them have their moment because that’s their dream team, if there ever was one! As riders and competitors, we had to recognize and respect that. Our goal, though, was to be very strong with the Danish and the Swedes.

Enormously grateful of her special support system, she said, “I can’t stress enough how much training with Robert [Dover] and Arnd [Erben], the assistance I have in grooms Verity and Andrea, and how the love and support of my family give me the confidence to stick my neck out and do something a little different. They’re with me if it works or not and Aachen was a real beginning for the new Chu (Woodstock) and me. My USA team at Aachen was great, but now that the qualifying period is over, I’m on second reserve for the Olympics and on my own.

Renowned Robert Dover on Aachen and the Nations Cup Series Win

Robert Dover, one of USA's multi-Olympics medalists and Chef d’Equipe described Aachen this year, “The Nations Cup was a thrill for our team to end up securely in second place at Aachen, especially among the other nations who sent their very best riders to see who would be on their Olympic team. We wanted to use the series as a kind of stepping stone toward Rio. It was always in our minds since Wellington to try and win the series if we could. We went to all tests but Falsterbo, Sweden because that one was too close to Aachen. We couldn’t be more proud of the ten riders who competed throughout the entire season that brought us the victory.”

The ten riders to whom Robert referred included Steffen Peters, Laura Graves, Kasey Perry-Glass, Allison “Ali” Brock, Shelly Francis, Arlene “Tuny” Page, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Susan Dutta, Jennifer Hoffman and Beatrice “Trixi” Marianeu.”

He continued, “We had Jennifer Hoffman with her lovely stallion that is just starting in the Grand Prix, Susie Dutta who is always a wonderful rider at any Nations Cup, Trixi who’s such a fun person and a good rider with a super talented horse, and Katherine Bateson-Chandler who, sadly, had to withdraw because her horse took ill. We’re very hopeful, though, that he’ll make a full recovery.”

Tuny summed up this year’s events at Aachen well, “Aachen is the crème de la crème and obviously the mythic horse show it was expected to be. The atmosphere has been beyond belief. As one of the riders on the U.S. Nations Cup team, each of us felt pressure to do all we could to support each other and, of course, our federation. It takes a lot of people to make this thing work.”

RESULTS

USA's second place win at Aachen and overall Series Win

The German Team winners who used Aachen as the finals for their Olympic German Team trials included a dream team of Kristina Bröring-Sprehe riding Desperados FRH, Dorothee Schneider riding Showtime FRH, Isabell Werth riding Weihegold OLD and Sönke Rothenberger riding Cosmo 59.

The Thursday, June 14,2016 Grand Prix test brought Steffen Peters scoring a 77.243% to place fourth, Shelly Francis with a 72.200%, Arlene “Tuny” at 68.971% and Katherine Bateson-Chandler with 66.314%. To see scores for the Grand Prix test, CLICK HERE

Saturday, July 16th was the Grand Prix Special with Steffen Peters scoring 76.627%, Arlene “Tuny” Page a 71.451% and Shelly Francis 70.647%s. To see the results, CLICK HERE

The overall scores for the USA Dressage team was 218.414 in Thursday’s Grand Prix test and 218.725 in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special for a total of 437.139 points behind Germany’s 246.285 points in the Grand Prix test and 246.313 in the Grand Prix Special, and overall points of 492.598. To see overall team results, CLICK HERE

Sunday's Freestyle CLICK HERE

To see the Aachen Nations Cup Team Score: http://resulting.chioaachen.de/show/8/event/43/championship/nation-cup/standing/

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Ambitious Juan Matute Jr. remains steadfast in his goal of being a top rider in the sport of dressage. Growing up, Juan traveled with his father to various European shows. “I’ve lived these European shows, especially Aachen, since I was very little and for me to be riding here as part of the show is very exciting. I learned a lot by coming to support my father. I was also his groom and worked in the barn because I already loved the sport and I knew I wanted to be supportive. That’s why I suggest to other riders, particularly the under 25 riders in the States to come and watch the top sport at Aachen so they can see the crème de le crème, some of the best.” Successfully competing in this year’s Aachen Under 25 Grand Prix, the 18-year-old Matute triumphed on 10 year-old Quantico Ymas (Fighting Fit x Darbeen/Constant(Cor de la Bryere) against top European under 25 year-old competitors placing first in the Grand Prix test and placing second in the U25 Grand Prix Freestyle.

Exhilarated by the win, Juan, Jr. noted, “This is Quantico Ymas’ first time at Aachen and second year in Europe. I was a little worried because it’s a very impressive intimidating ring and he’s a very sensitive horse. That’s the reason we decided to bring Dhannie Ymas to the awards ceremony because he’d likely behave better.” He continued, “Quanico’s test was good. We had no big mistakes. And, yes, we can improve the piaffe and passage to be a bit more expressive, but I think it was pretty good overall. I’m very happy with how Quantico handled the pressure. He was listening to my aids every step of the way.”Juan Matute Jr with father Juan Matute Sr and long-time Yeguada de Ymas Manager Lisa Trappitt - Photo: Dressage Headlines

Growing up immersed in horses, Juan said, “Starting when I was very little, I’d watch my Dad ride and prepare horses for the European shows. Over the years, I’ve watched how my father works with horses so that they’re willing to perform their best for him whether at home or a competition.”

When his father, Juan Sr. competed internationally in 2008 for their home country Spain, the goal was to make Spain’s Olympic team, but unfortunately it was not to be. The family decided to relocate to Florida to prepare their horses for top competition in Wellington. Before Juan Jr was born, his father had a career in the international competition arena that included winning the 1982 Young Rider World Championships and competing in three Olympics for Spain, including the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

For more than 20 years, the Matute family has had the unwavering support of Javier Bacariza and Cristina Danguillecourt, the owners of Yeguada de Ymas, a state-of-the-art breeding facility in Spain and their top training facility Elemis Ranch in Wellington. Juan Jr graciously appreciates the ongoing support and assistance, “I am so grateful to my sponsors Yeguada de Ymas for supporting me every step of the way, and for coming to watch all of us ride here in Europe. They’ve championed my family for many, many years and supported my father in his preparation for the Olympics and throughout his international career. And, for the past four years, they began supporting me. A huge part of my success is definitely due to their support. Anyone can see we get along really well. We’re a family.”

He continued, “Javier always has a super positive attitude and has been so helpful in taking videos of our training sessions and competition tests. He’ll have a video downloaded and ready to see on my phone right away. It’s so great because my ride doesn’t always look the way it feels. So to have that video to watch and to compare my feel, it’s great to have him! He’s always super positive in helping with the team attitude.”

Starting four years ago after Juan grew out of riding ponies and wanting to be an event rider, he began the hard work of preparing horses for the international dressage ring. Always curious and asking question after question of his father, his ambition has grown step-by-step in small increments. As he’s learned the thousands of details required to make good points and percentages in the competition ring, the 18-year-old Matute continuously builds on that foundation with continuing training by Juan Matute Sr.

For the last two years, he’s been developing into a strong contender for a successful future in the Grand Prix. With the goal of wanting to ride in the Olympics for Spain, this year Juan Jr came incredibly close to making the team. Knowing he tried his best, he went on to compete successfully at the Inaugural U25 European Championships held at the Hof Kasselmann equestrian facility in Hagen, Germany where he won the Bronze Individual Medal in the Grand Prix test on Don Diego Ymas.

At Aachen, Juan Jr. also rode Don Diego Ymas placing fourth on the Nations Cup Team for Spain against nine strong Nations Cup teams and he paired with Dhannie Ymas in the Aachen Small Tour.Juan Jr supporting his Dad as a 10 year-old at Aachen Photo: Maria Guimon Photography

It’s been a very successful European Tour in 2016 for Juan Jr and the whole team for Yeguada de Ymas.

To see Juan’s results winning the Grand Prix – CLICK HERE

And, to see the results of him placing second behind Laurence Roos in the Freestyle – CLICK HERE

The FEI U25 Division

The new FEI U25 division is growing quickly and its FEI’s hope to encourage up-and-coming young international riders a stepping stone an Olympic Grand Prix future. Competitions across the world use this division and the first test to give their riders a chance to build the necessary confidence throughout the year by offering the test they think best will prepare them for the Championships. They are permitted to offer as the first day’s test four different tests (one of the three Intermediare II tests or the FEI U25 Grand prix test) and then, the U25 Grand Prix Freestyle.

Juan Matute Jr Victorious in the 2016 Aachen U25 Grand Prix Photo: Dressage Headlines

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Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Doktor at the Nations Cup in June in Rotterdam CDI5* 2016 Photo: Shannon Brinkman

Shelly Francis’s deliberate and methodical approach for preparing horses up to the Grand Prix levels for the long-term quest in the sport of dressage is based on patience and goodwill, reinforced with clear communication. “It’s all about nurturing willingness in a horse,” stated Shelly assuredly. “If you build a relationship based on trust and fairness, a horse will give you its all.” Along with her special owner, Patricia Stempel, Shelly continues to build strong foundations in her horses for a confident future.

Her fourth year of taking part in the USA Dressage Team European Tour, Shelly traveled with three of Patricia Stempel’s geldings, 13-year old Doktor (Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I), 12-year-old Danilo (De Niro x Annabelle x Andiamo) and 10-year-old Rubino (Roh Magic x Patrizia x Philipo). She qualified two of the horses for the USA dressage slots of the upcoming August 8, 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and will travel with Doktor this next week to Brazil as the traveling alternate(reserve).

At the end of April, sponsored by The Dutta Corp., her horses arrived in Retie, Belgium, using the Studfarm de Begijnhoeve as their home training base with the USA Dressage group. Shelly shares her insights on her 2016 European Tour summer journey.

The European Tour Competitions

Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Doktor at the Nations Cup in June in Rotterdam CDI5* 2016 Photo: Shannon Brinkman

The first set of competitions was the May 19-22, 2016 Compiegne (FRA) CDIO5*/3* in which Shelly rode both Grand Prix horses, “We didn’t have our best rides there. It’s a really nice show with nice stabling and the rings had brand new footing,” she said, “We really got rained out. Both horses were a little nervous there. We did our best.”

Next came the June 22-26 Rotterdam (NED) CDIO5*/3*, “Doktor’s always somewhat nervous at that competition. This year he was better, but he still had his moments. It’s a really long walk from the stabling through the woods and a large park. All around there’s always a huge amount of people. Behind some dark mesh fencing, there are very noisy platforms where people walk up those noisy bleachers. Even though we can’t see them, we could hear them. At one point, Doktor got quite a bit nervous and I had to ask the people to please stand still for a moment. It was that noisy.” She went on to say, “But, he did really well in there and especially in the freestyle.”

Shelly said, “I learned that I have to adjust to each horse because of the differences in their personalities. Some need a little more encouragement than others. Take Doktor, for example. It’s obvious he feels really bad if he makes a mistake, so I’ll have to bolster his ego. Danilo, on the other hand, is super sensitive to my leg but has a tendency to become inattentive and then go back to being super sensitive again. In the passage and piaffe, he’s learning that they’re nothing to be nervous about, so when I push him for more energy he gives it. As a rider or trainer, you just feel when a horse is saying, ‘Okay, I can give you more now.’”Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Danilo in June in Rotterdam CDI4* 2016 Photo: Shannon Brinkman

The last of the European Dressage Tour competitions was the 2016 CHIO World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany. In the CDI Grand Prix 4*, she rode Danilo, “The learning with Dani, for me, has been in figuring out the piaffe in that big ring. It may appear that he’s disobedient about the piaffes and not staying in front of the leg, but it’s his reaction to being nervous that makes him dumb up a little bit. I just have to find that middle ground in there with him.” Shelly elaborated, “There have been those moments in the ring when Dani’s been raring to go in front of my leg and then there’ve been times that he’s not. I can feel his nervousness and slowing in the warmup when there’s a lot of clapping. He just doesn’t notice my leg. But, when he’s paying attention, he’s super-sensitive to my leg, almost too much. So, most of the time, he’s either over-reacting or under-reacting. He doesn’t get that in-between. He’s still a work in progress at competitions, but I feel like we’re crossing over that threshold.”

In Aachen’s Nations Cup CDI 5*, Shelly competed on Doktor, “I was a little bit weak from a gastro-intestinal bug I got the night before the freestyle, but Doktor was good. He’s becoming more tuned in to where he’s being more consistently dependable. He’s a rock star.”

And, then there was also Pat Stempel’s 10-year-old Rubino (Roh Magic x Patrizia(Philipo). “Oh yeah, my Rubi,” Shelly said beaming. “He’s had a big growing up this summer. The trip was a little overwhelming for him. He’s like Mr. Innocent farm boy. He hasn’t been to many places. In fact, I think this is like only the fifth time I’ve shown him and it was at Aachen.”

On Winning the 2016 FEI Nations Cup Series

“In each competition, I focused on riding my horse. I hadn’t even realized I'd ridden in four of the Nations Cup competitions this year, starting in Wellington. Then, I was reminded when Robert Dover said, ‘Hey, we’re in first!’ That was fun.”

Shelly as the Olympics USA Dressage Team Alternate

“I asked what the alternate had to do,” Shelly said. “Two years ago at the World Equestrian Games, the alternate could be put in up to an hour before the jog. But, now the FEI has changed that. I‘ll get to jog and then I will have to wait and be ready to go a couple of hours before the first Grand Prix test. So, I’ll be training to make sure that I’m ready if I need to ride.”

The USA Dressage Olympic Team includes Allison “Ali” Brock, Laura Graves, Kasey Perry-Glass, Steffen Peters and Shelly as the alternate. They are now all down to the wire in preparing for the world’s foremost Dressage Equestrian Sports Competition, the 2016 Olympic Games.

A good-natured team player who admittedly maintains a low-key profile, Shelly's achievements are being noticed and acknowledged more and more, the result of effective training for international competition.

The 2016 FEI Nations Cup Series Champions Photo: Dressage Headlines

Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Rubinio at 2016 Aachen Photo: Dressage Headlines

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British Grand Prix Rider Louisa-Marcelle Eadie competed at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, she placed 7th on 13-year-old KWPN gelding Baltazar, aka “Butters” (Idocus x Notaris) owned by Frederike Kurowski Cardello. Photo: SusanJStickle

At Bluebell Farm, located 90 minutes north of Manhattan in Sherman, Connecticut and set in the Housatonic Valley, British born Louisa-Marcelle Eadie, owner of LME Dressage specializes in coaching riders, breaking in young horses to training horses for top level competitions. Accommodating about 15 horses at one time, Louisa’s extraordinary step-by-step training and coaching programs range from superb horse care to achieving accomplished FEI competition standings.

The facility was designed to accommodate babies and young horses, from the special fencing which bends to protect the growing youngster’s head, neck and limbs, to the stabling that is built higher in some places and lower in others for the best social interactions. Bluebell Farm continues to be Louisa’s passion and her dedication, integrity and knowledge are clear through her horses’ and students’ successes. Since Louisa’s beginnings, she has backed well over a 100 youngsters and trained several of those horses to Grand Prix level, and a couple of horses she aquired along the way, she continues to compete for International Grand Prix competition victories.

Her vision for Bluebell Farm has always been to become a base for breeders, trainers, professionals and amateur owner and riders to place their babies and young horses in a quiet home environment to grow and be educated for a strong future in dressage. With her ability to train babies in full forward moving confidence, as a proven top level rider, the young horses eventually gain the necessary strength and confidence to be ridden in a ring with riders and horses, and climb the levels easily step-by-step.

From eight winter seasons working with Anne Gribbons, Louisa acquired the proper in-hand work for teaching the piaffe, Louisa said, “Thanks to Anne who has taught and encouraged my feel with many horses in training in all the high collected movements, but most especially the piaffe and passage. I am very confident and believe in starting to play with these little pieces early on so the horses feel like it's just a game with a lot of treats so they never feel pressured by it. This is something Anne really installed in me and I have successfully gone on to develop a system of my own." Louisa's talents are not only for backing and breaking but her passion to develop horses for the piaffe and passage.Louisa Marcelle-Eadie and Baltazar at the Global Dressage ForumNA test rider for Stephen Clarke Photo: SusanJStickle

Starting before sunrise and finishing after sundown, Louisa coaches her students and will ride an abundance of horses each day, training them all the way up the levels. She also continues to compete, with two horses she’s trained from youngsters in the FEI Grand Prix division during the 2016 Florida winter season and in the 2017 World Cup Test Competition in Omaha, Nebraska.

As part of her vision, Louisa has brought two worlds together, "I'm lucky to live here in the States, but I'm also a true Brit at heart and want to support my country. For some time, I was looking for UK breeders to partner with and over a year ago, I met Sara Longworth who is owner and director of Britain’s Waverly Stud. Besides both our being English, we also have a connection because Sara worked in the States as a high level consultant. I have one of her babies and she and I are looking forward to developing a program over the coming years in developing, training and offering for sale some of her foals and young stock. Our hope is a team prospect that I can take all the way.”

Upbringing and History

Louisa grew up in a small village called Sprotbrough, which is located in South Yorkshire. A small age-old beautiful town centered near an old rectory church built centuries ago, Louisa’s modest childhood with her parents and older sister began with her dreams of becoming a great horsewoman and representing Britain. Despite what seemed back then like an insurmountable mountain to climb, she worked very hard from the beginning.

Between the ages of 7 and 16, she spent most of her time at the local riding school called Edlington Riding Centre, a multi-disciplined riding center that only had an outdoor arena. She worked there so she could pay off the cost of her riding lessons. When she was 11, she began helping to break and train the young horses. By the age of 12, she not only helped to break in the clients’ and centers’ young horses, she was also tasked to help keep the entire stables ‘in-good-order.’

Louisa spent every available moment improving her proficiency in learning the British riding basics that, for instance, a rider’s hands must be 2 inches apart and that a strong core was necessary to achieve perfect symmetry in riding. She advanced up the levels on a favorite Welsh pony that threw her off for fun, until she figured out his tricks. As she grew, she moved from basic riding lessons to climbing the ranks to coaching the younger kids and adults while also hacking out their horses.Louisa-Marcelle Eadie and Grand Prix mount Weltcup Photo: Louisa-Marcelle Eadie

At 16, she moved to a farm and began studying for her British Horse Society (BHS) License and passed all requisite exams. The BHS program, one of the hardest in the world, includes horse care, riding in three disciplines, running a business and riding instruction. “It was very old-school British. I remember we were often corrected with a stiff whip and a smack on the back for slouching if our posture wasn’t straight, even when sitting at a long lunch table. Slouching was not accepted. I learned quite a lot there.”

After turning 17, she began a three-year program with the late British Eventing Coach Kenneth Clawson who succeeded in coaching the British 3-Day Eventing Team to win 21 gold medals at the Olympics and countless other wins, including the Badminton, Burghley, Blenheim Horse Trials, and the World Equestrian Games. Those years, Louisa worked 16-hour days taking care of the stable, doing road work interval training and preparing the world’s best horses for their needed fitness.

At 20, Louisa went on to open her own livery stables close to Leeds in West Yorkshire. Working a marathon and caring for up to 18 horses a day, Louisa made ends meet by working 20 hours days which included a bartending job in the evening to help pay for continuous training and advancement for her knowledge in Dressage. She shared, “I remember one horse threw me off at quite a number of times. I don't think I had one day where one part of my body wasn't in pain. Even through those were years of hardship, my goal and dream of riding for my country have never changed. The hard work and dream is what, to this day, drives me in every way.”

In 2006, Louisa met Anne Gribbons, the 5* FEI Dressage Judge and technical adviser/coach for the USA 2012 Olympic Dressage Team. For eight winter seasons, Louisa trained with as many as 12 horses under Anne’s watchful, talented eyes.

Medals and Success at the FEI Grand Prix LevelsBritish Grand Prix Rider Louisa-Marcelle Eadie competed at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, she placed 7th on 13-year-old KWPN gelding Baltazar, aka “Butters” (Idocus x Notaris) owned by Frederike Kurowski Cardello. Photo: SusanJStickle

Louisa has received USDF Gold and Silver Medals and has numerous wins and placing both regionally, nationally and internationally. She also is an alumni of the Young Dressage Horse Trainer Symposiums offered by the Hasslers for 12 years. Competing in over 40 USEF Grand Prix competitions, she recently placed fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Global Dressage CDI 3* on her 15 year-old Hanoverian gelding Weltcup (Weltmeyer x Gambler's Cup xx), “I am thrilled with my boy.”

At the recent FEI World Cup Dressage Finals held in the massive entertainment complex, CenturyLink Center Omaha, she placed 7th on 13-year-old KWPN gelding Baltazar, aka “Butters” (Idocus x Notaris) owned by Frederike Kurowski Cardello. “The people involved there were great,” Louisa declared. “At times, the indoor atmosphere did prove to be a bit much and caused some tension in our rides, but overall Butters handled himself well and showed a promising future at this level. I’m so proud and thankful to have been invited to participate in this show and I send congratulations to my fellow competitors and a big thank you to everyone involved.” An excellent spokesperson for athletes, Louisa was also chosen to be the Foreign Delegate and write reports to the FEI noting possible improvements for future World Cup event for March, 2017.

Winters in Wellington, Florida

Louisa teaches clinics outside of Bluebell Farm and also winters in Wellington, Florida during its seasonal three-month competitions where she bases at Korrine Harper-Johnson’s farm in Loxachatchee, just 15 minutes from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Showgrounds. Korrine owns a lovely quiet farm whose facilities and paddocks can accommodate Louisa’s baby and young horses. While her assistants ensure continuing top-quality care at Bluebell Farm, Louisa nonetheless makes fortnightly trips back to the northeast to continue instruction at clinics there.

While in Florida training horses, Louisa competes most weeks receiving regular coaching from longtime mentor Anne Gribbons, whose indepth knowledge and experience are second to none. Louisa shared, "When Anne is away or judging, Bo Jena and Christophe Theallet are a huge help to me. Dr. Cesar Parra has also been incredibly generous to me, especially warming me up ringside. I'm very thankful for all his support."

Philosophy, Work Ethic and Student Achievements

Louisa’s work principles are extraordinary and learning about horses and how to ride them effectively has always been a priority, even as a young child. She “speaks” their language. Especially significant is that Louisa is able to ‘translate the language of a horse’ to her students, empowering them with the ability to learn further with their own mounts. "I pride myself on the highest standard of care and training horses through a clear method and kindness."

The fit, contented and well-balanced horses in her care reflect Louisa's standard of excellence. And, the performance of her students in the dressage ring attests to her success in conveying to them the principles of correct, classical dressage. A testament to Louisa’s techniques is that many of her students stay with her for years and have won, placed and qualified in regional and national championships, many earning USDF medals.

Louisa oversees her stables meticulously. With no stones unturned in setting goals and accomplishments for every horse, lives it!

Ready to accept new clients, Louisa looks forward to your reaching out to her for discussing training needs, goals, young horse needs and care.

She is available for clinics and will travel anywhere in the U.S. and the U.K. to coach riders.

Contact Info:

Email - louisaeadie@hotmail.com

Phone - 203-606-5954

Website - http://www.lmedressage.com

LME DRESSAGE Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/LME-Dressage-179538192079450

Babies and relaxing in the sun at Bluebell Farm

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Louisa Marcelle Eadie

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The multiple record-breaking Dressage partnership of Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are in search of even more golden glory in Rio. (Kit Houghton/FEI)

You could hardly have scripted it better when Great Britain’s Dressage riders scooped Olympic team gold on home turf at the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greenwich Park. A day after their jumpers topped the team podium for the first time in 60 years it was the turn of Carl Hester, Laura Bechtolsheimer and Charlotte Dujardin to bring spectators to their feet in celebration of the first-ever British Dressage medals in the history of the Games - and, even better, they were also golden ones. Dujardin went on to add the individual title and, four years later, the question is whether she and her wonderful gelding, Valegro, can do it again.

They arrived into the sport already on the crest of a wave of excitement created by the spell-binding Dutch partnership of Edward Gal and the fabulous black stallion, Totilas. This pair set the world of Dressage on fire on an August night in 2009 in the shadow of Windsor Castle (GBR) when they won the European Freestyle title, and nothing has ever been the same since.

The previously relatively sedate sport suddenly realised the entertainment value of the discipline, and Dujardin and Valegro have picked up that flag and flown it high ever since, with a passionate fan-base following their every hoofprint!

World records

The pair now hold all three world records in Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle. They took double-gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) and Grand Prix Special and Freestyle gold at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Aachen (GER) in 2015. They were also crowned champions of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in both 2014 and 2015. They have, quite simply, been all but unbeatable.

However their margin of victory in the Freestyle at Aachen last summer was a very narrow one, with just 0.25 percent separating the British pair from Germany’s Kristina Bröring-Sprehe and Desperados FRH who are expected to give their main rivals a run for their money again in Rio.

Team Germany had to settle for bronze at the Europeans a year ago when the British took silver and the Dutch side of Diederik van Silfhout, Patrick van der Meer, Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud claimed the gold. But the Germans look super-strong for Rio 2016, where Bröring-Sprehe is joined by Sönke Rothenberger (Cosmo), Dorothee Schneider (Showtime FRH) and the inimitable Isabell Werth (Weihegold OLD).

Werth is a long-time legend with eight Olympic medals already in her trophy cabinet, dating all the way back to the Barcelona Games in 1992 where she took team gold and individual silver with Gigolo. Werth has found another magical partnership in the 11-year-old mare Weihegold, and there’s a whole new energy around the 47-year-old athlete as she heads into her fifth Olympics.

Spectacular

At the 2016 German Dressage Championships in Balve in June, Werth pinned her Rio team-mates Dorothee Schneider and world number one Bröring-Sprehe into silver and bronze with some spectacular results.

Carl Hester (Nip Tuck) joins Dujardin, Fiona Bigwood (Orthilia) and Spencer Wilton (Super Nova ll) in the British bid to defend that London 2012 title, while the Dutch send out Adelinde Cornelissen (Parzival), Edward Gal (Voice), Hans Peter Minderhoud (Johnson) and Diederik van Silfhout (Arlando),.

But somehow this time around, Team Germany – the country with the most outstanding record in Olympic Dressage with 12 team and seven individual titles to their credit – look set to be the real force to be reckoned with.

What is Dressage?

Dressage is about training the horse to a high level and highlighting its athleticism and the beauty of its movement. At its best, horse and rider work in complete harmony and together they appear to “dance”!

How it will play out…

The team medals will be decided after the Grand Prix Special on 12 August, which is also the second individual qualifier from which the top-18 (and those tied for 18th place) will go through to the Freestyle Final two days later. The Freestyle to Music is a stand-alone competition to decide the individual champion. Only three athletes from each nation are eligible compete in the Freestyle.

A team is composed of three or four horse/rider combinations, with the best three results from the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special counting for the final team classification.

A computerized draw to decide the starting order in the Grand Prix will take place after the Horse Inspection on 8 August. Individual athletes will be drawn first, in reverse order of the World Dressage Ranking List, in two groups and with the highest-placed athletes drawn on the second day. Teams will be drawn in groups of five.

The starting order for the Grand Prix Special will be drawn in groups during the Chefs d’Equipe meeting on the day after the Grand Prix. The starting order of the athletes within a team will remain the same as in the Grand Prix.

The starting order for the Grand Prix Special will be drawn in the following groups during the Chef d’Equipe meeting on the day after the Grand Prix:
(i) 1st group: individual Athletes placed five to eight (5-8) in the Grand Prix;
(ii) 2nd group: Athletes of the teams placed four to six (4-6) in the Grand Prix;
(iii) 3rd group: individual Athletes placed one to four (1-4) in the Grand Prix;
(iv) 4th group: Athletes of the teams placed one to three (1-3) in the Grand Prix.

The starting order of the Athletes within a team will remain the same as in the Grand Prix.

The Dressage Tests are the FEI Grand Prix, the FEI Grand Prix Special and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

Facts and Figures - Dressage:

25 nations
11 teams
13 countries represented by individual competitors
60 riders in total
The British are team and individual defending champions.

The British partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro won both team and individual gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games. They hold the world records in Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle. They took double-gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) and individual gold at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Aachen (GER) in 2015. They were also crowned champions of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in both 2014 and 2015.
Germany’s Isabell Werth is another phenomenon of the sport and looks ready to set a new record at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. She already has eight medals from Games dating back to Barcelona (ESP) in 1992 when she took team gold and individual silver. If she adds to her Olympic medal collection in Brazil then she will exceed the nine-medal target set by Anky van Grunsven (NED) during her spectacular career.

Anky van Grunsven also holds the record for taking three back-to-back Olympic titles – at Sydney (AUS) in 2000, Athens (GRE) in 2004 and Hong Kong (CHN) in 2008.

In the history of Olympic Dressage, Germany has dominated the medal tables, taking 12 team and seven individual titles.

There will be three separate competitions – Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle to Music.

The Dressage Grand Prix takes place on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 August followed by the Grand Prix Special on Friday 12 August. The Grand Prix Freestyle will bring the Dressage discipline to a close on Monday 15 August.

The Team medals will be decided after the first two competitions - the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special - when the scores are combined.
The Freestyle will decide the fate of the individual medals.

The Officials

Dressage Ground Jury President is Mexico’s Maribel Alonso and the remaining members of the panel are Gary Rockwell (USA), Stephen Clarke (GBR), Eddy de Wolff van Westerrode (NED), Peter Holler (GER), Thomas Lang (AUT) and Susanne Baarup (DEN).
The Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP), was introduced by the FEI in 2011 to provide an official back-up system to correct marking errors at all major events, including Olympic Games. The JSP also evaluates the quality of work of leading Dressage judges, assists in selection of those officiating at the top end of the sport and acts as a link between judges and the FEI. The members of the JSP at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are Mary Seefried (AUS), David Hunt (GBR) and Uwe Mechlem (GER).
FEI Delegate for Dressage is Belgium’s Jacques van Daele.
Dressage Chief Steward is Elisabeth Williams, who will be assisted by fellow-American Lisa Gorretta.

The Teams

Australia: Mary Hanna (Boogie Woogie 6), Kelly Layne (UdonP), Kristy Oatley (Du Soleil), Lyndal Oatley (Sandro Boy). Reserve: Susanne Hearn (Remmington).

Brazil: Luiza Tavares de Almeida (Vendeval 4), Giovana Prado Pasa (Zingaro de Lyw), Joao Victor Marcari Oliva (Xama Dos Pinhais), Pedro Manuel Tavares de Almeida (Xaparro Do Vouga). Reserve: Manuel Rodrigues Tavares de Almeida Neto (Vinheste).

Denmark: Anna Kasprzak (Donperignon), Agnete Kirk Thinggaard (Jojo AZ), Cathrine Dufour (Cassidy), Anders Dahl (Selten HW).

France: Stephanie Brieussel (Amorak), Ludovic Henry (After You), Karen Tebar (Don Luis), Pierre Voila (Badinda Altana), Alexandre Ayache (Axel).

Great Britain: Fiona Bigwood (Orthilla), Charlotte Dujardin (Valegro), Carl Hester (Nip Tuck), Spencer Wilton (Super Nova ll). Reserve: Lara Griffith (Rubin Al Asad).

Germany: Kristina Broring-Sprehe (Desperados FRH), Sönke Rothenberger (Cosmo), Dorothee Schneider (Showtime FRH), Isabell Werth (Weihegold OLD). Reserve: Hubertus Schmidt (Imperio).

Japan: Kilchi Harada (Egistar), Yuko Kitail (Don Lorean), Akane Kuroki (Toots), Masanao Takahashi (Fabriano 58).

Netherlands: Adelinde Cornelissen (Parzival), Edward Gal (Voice), Hans Peter Minderhoud (Johnson), Diederik van Silfhout (Arlando). Reserve: Madeleine Witte-Vrees (Cennin).

Spain: Claudio Castilla Ruiz (Alcaide), Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (Delgado), Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez (Lorenzo), Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (Grandioso). Reserve: Borja Carrascoa (Wonder).

Sweden: Patrik Kittel (Deja), Juliette Ramel (Buriel KH), Therese Nilshagen (Dante Weltino), Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (Don Auriello). Reserve: Mads Hendelowitz (Jimmie Choo).

USA: Steffen Peters (Legolas 92), Laura Graves (Verdades), Kasey Perry-Glass (Dublet), Alison Brock (Rosevelt). Reserve: Shelly Francis (Doktor).

The Individuals

Austria: Victoria Max-Theurer (Della Cavaleria).

Belgium: Jorinde Verwimp (Tiamo).

Canada: Belinda Trussel (Anton), Megan Lane (Caravella).

Dominican Republic: Yvonne Losos de Muniz (Focoloco W).

Ireland: Judy Reynolds (Vancouver K).

Italy: Valentina Truppa (Chablis).

Korea: Dongseon Kim (Bukowski).

Mexico: Bernadette Pujals (Rolex).

New Zealand: Julie Brougham (Vom Feinstein).

Palestine: Christian Zimmermann (Aramis).

Republic of South Africa: Tanya Seymour (Ramoneur 6).

Russia: Inessa Merkulova (Mister X), Marina Aframeeva (Vosk).

Switzerland: Marcela Krinke Susmelj (Molberg).

Ukraine: Inna Logutenkova (Don Gregorius)

The Nations

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA.

FEI OLYMPIC HUB: For further information visit the FEI Olympic Hub which is dedicated to all things Olympic and Paralympic, both old and new, here

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Equestrian in the Olympic Games

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912. Team and individual medals are awarded in three disciplines - Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. Uniquely across the Olympic Movement, men and women compete against each other for all the medals.

The equestrian events in Rio will be staged in the Deodoro Olympic Park, the second largest Olympic cluster, alongside basketball, BMX, canoe slalom, fencing, hockey, modern pentathlon, mountain biking, rugby sevens and shooting.

The countries represented in Equestrian in Rio are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Poland, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

They will compete in:

Jumping: 27 countries, 15 teams, 75 horse/rider combinations
Eventing: 24 countries, 13 teams, 65 horse/rider combinations
Dressage: 25 countries, 11 teams, 60 horse/rider combinations

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Japan’s Akane Kuroki sheds tears of relief and delight after posting a good score with Toots to get the Japanese effort underway at Olympic Dressage in Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) today. (Richard Juillart/FEI)

Great tests from both Dorothee Schneider and Sonke Rothenberger have given Team Germany a firm hold at the top of both the individual and team leaderboards after the opening day of Olympic Dressage at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) today. The Grand Prix is the first of the two competitions that will decide the team medals, and 29 of the 60 competing horse-and-rider combinations took their turn during the day.

It was an emotional roller-coaster from the outset, 38-year-old Akane Kuroki bursting into tears of relief and delight after posting a score of 66.90 with Toots to get the Japanese effort underway.

There was deep disappointment for The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen who had to retire when her great campaigner, the 19-year-old gelding Parzival, was way under par however. The pair who took team bronze and individual silver at London 2012 began their performance, but the 37-year-old rider felt her faithful gelding was unable to show his best. “It started yesterday morning, I came to the stable and his cheek was completely swollen and it appeared he was bitten by a spider or a mosquito or whatever….he had a fever, so we managed to get that down yesterday, eight or nine hours on liquids and everything was good, his temperature was down again, and this morning also. So I discussed it with the team vet and he said go ahead, give it a try, but then he felt totally empty in the ring, and I didn’t want to push him through this - he didn’t deserve that” Cornelissen explained.

Next to go however, Rothenberger was on the opposite end of the adrenalin spectrum when rocketing right to the top of the scoreboard with some fabulous work with a gelding more than half Parzival’s age, the nine-year-old Cosmo. “I’m very happy, he’s the youngest horse in the field and I am one of the youngest riders!” said the 21-year-old. He’s very excited to be representing his country at the Olympic Games. “It’s amazing to be part of this team - I hoped to take the pressure away from the others with a good score” he said. He has built up a great relationship with his Cosmo and clearly admires this horse. “I first rode dressage in pony classes then I went jumping, but Cosmo got me back into dressage. I thought jumping a 1.60m fence was the only thing that could give me goose-bumps but Cosmo proved I was wrong about that!” he explained after scoring 77.329.

Then Fiona Bigwood set British hearts racing with a great test from Orthilia that put her, temporarily, into second spot. It’s a real family outing in Rio for the 46-year-old rider who has brought her three young children and whose husband, Anders Dahl is competing for Sweden, another of the 11 nations contesting the team medals. Bigwood competes with a patch over her right eye following an injury that seriously damaged her sight two years ago. But she steered her 11-year-old mare to a great mark of 77.157 percent. “That’s a lovely score on the board for the English team” she said after leaving the ring. Talking about her restricted vision she explained “in the warm-up I can’t see to the right so I get nervous. It took some time to adjust, but I’m used to it now and this mare is wonderful, I wouldn’t be here riding any other horse.”

With Cornelissen unable to contribute to the team effort a good result was required from her Dutch team-mate Edward Gal, and he didn’t disappoint when putting 75.271 on the board. His horse, Voice, is sensitive so he said “in the first part of the test I was bit careful because he wanted to run away!” But he was still thinking about Cornelissen’s disappointment - “I tried to comfort her, but it was very sad for her,” he said.

Schneider was last to go with Showtime FRH, and from the moment the pair came before the judges the scores went into overdrive, a handsome 80.986 putting them way out in front. “I have this horse since he was three and at the beginning of this year he turned a corner and he said “I am here! The feeling you get with him is amazing outside in the warm-up, and then when you come into the arena he says “I want to do this with you” and he goes in a light way. It’s easy, you don’t have to use pressure, although in the left pirouette there was a little misunderstanding today, but I’m very happy!” said the 47-year-old who was a member of the German silver-medal-winning team at London 2012.

The Grand Prix continues tomorrow and is followed by the Grand Prix Special on Friday which will decide the team title. As tomorrow’s action begins Germany’s Schneider and Rothenberger hold the first two places followed by Bigwood in third and Gal in fourth, while Germany tops the team rankings with The Netherlands in second and Great Britain in third.

Quotes:
Mary Hanna AUS - “I’m thrilled with him, this was a personal best for him, he has only done five Grand Prix tests in his life! He was a bit of a child delinquent, he once bolted with me at a show and it really wasn’t nice, he was not so easy and reliable, he’s dumped a few people in his time but he’s a very well-behaved young man now! I used to be an event rider, I had a dressage and I tried to event him but he didn’t like to gallop and he fell in a ditch one day and cut his face so I decided we should stick to dressage. I train with Patrik Kittel (SWE) and I’m based in Munster (GER), we have a little Aussie community there!”

Sonke Rothenberger - “We got Cosmo at four years old and my father rode him until he was six and then I took him over. He’s a very special horse.”

Full results here

Equestrian in the Olympics
Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912. Team and individual medals are awarded in three disciplines - Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. Uniquely across the Olympic Movement, men and women compete against each other for all the medals in equestrian sport.

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The superstars of the sport of Dressage, Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, produced another sensational performance in today’s Grand Prix at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro (BRA). However the British team are trailing Germany in the battle for team gold which will be decided by tomorrow’s Grand Prix Special competition. (Richard Juillart/FEI)

The multiple record-breaking British partnership and defending Olympic champions, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, more than lived up to expectations when producing the top score as the Dressage Grand Prix drew to a close at the Olympic Equestrian Venue in Deodoro this afternoon. But not even the shining star of the sport could halt the steady march of the Germans who look set to claim their 13th Olympic team title tomorrow afternoon.

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Isabell Werth (47) said, “If there is no drama, which we all know can happen, we will hopefully take home the gold!” She helped anchor the German total at 81.295 percent with a great test from the mare Weihegold. But the British are breathing down those German necks on 79.252 percent, just over two percentage points behind, while Team USA is sitting in bronze medal spot another two points further adrift this evening.

Only the top six teams from the Grand Prix go through to tomorrow’s Grand Prix Special team medal decider, so Spain, France, Australia, Brazil and Japan have now slipped out of contention, leaving the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark still in the medal race along with the leading pack.

Germany was already out in front after two riders from each side competed yesterday, and looked set to gain an even bigger advantage after Kristina Broring-Sprehe (29) posted a massive 82.257 percent with Desperados today. “We are here over eight days now so I was very happy to begin!” said the world number one afterwards.

And when Dujardin’s London 2012 gold medal winning team-mate Carl Hester (49) had some tricky moments with Nip Tuck, the British looked vulnerable. The 12-year-old gelding is notoriously spooky, unshipping his rider during a training session at last year’s FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany when he took fright, and living up to his reputation again today.

"He is probably the biggest horse here, but he has the heart of a mouse!” said Hester, who is also team coach. "He is good with noise but very visual. It was probably something ridiculous that spooked him, like a flower moving in a pot - maybe he needs glasses!” Hester joked. "He went fantastic all week and we had ten minutes in the arena this morning and he was totally relaxed. He had me completely fooled, I didn’t expect this and I’m gutted!”

Dujardin rode to the rescue however, her fabulous 14-year-old gelding producing one of those spell-binding performances which have ensured his superstar status. “I can’t help but smile when I ride Valegro”, she said. “Today I didn’t even have to ask him to do a thing, he just did it himself! He enjoyed it and it felt easy, he just tries his heart out.”

The 31-year-old is really enjoying her second Olympic experience. “Some people come to the Olympics under pressure, but they still have to do the same as at any other show so I’m enjoying it and having the time of my life. I’m in the village with the world’s best athletes. ‘Oh there’s Roger Federer, oh there’s Nadal, or Murray’ and I’m star-struck! I’ve been pin-swapping and everything, it’s just great fun!”

A score of 85.071 percent left her out in front individually and brought Team GB back up into second place, but although the Germans now hold the next three slots to cement their position at the head of affairs, it’s still tight at the top and it’s still all very much to play for as the action resumes in the morning.

The Americans will also have to stay on their toes to fend off the Dutch who are very hot on their heels, less than one percentage point behind. Olympic veteran, Steffen Peters (51), boosted Team USA’s chances with a mark of 77.614 percent with Legolas. “This was one of the biggest tests of my horse’s life and it’s difficult, but there wasn’t a single point we gave away”, he said. “He delivered the test I dreamed of for my team! It’s going to be tight here now for the team placings though," he said earlier in the afternoon. And he was right, with team-mate Laura Graves pulling her side closer to the top of the leaderboard but leaving them still just off a podium placing when scoring 78.071 percent with Verdades.

Full results here

Quotes:

Laura Graves (USA): “I had my horse out here this morning for a little bit of very light schooling and he was so quiet and so relaxed, I popped on him again this afternoon and he was very quiet and then the wind popped up and the plastic bags around the speaker started going and he just burst into action so I was kind of happy with that! I didn’t get a chance to settle him down before he came in (to the arena) and unfortunately I didn’t ride clean today but super-happy with the feeling and the way the training is reflecting in the arena. Can’t say enough good things about our team. Team has a lot of different meanings, and for us as equestrians in particular I think the Olympics is very special. We have the team of our horses and ourselves, and then we have our trainers and our friends and family, and we have each other - I couldn’t ask to be here with a better group!”

Kristina Broring-Sprehe (GER): “It was really good today but we did make a few mistakes. In the piaffe we lost rhythm and there was a mistake in the zig-zag. I’m very proud of him. It was his first time on a flight coming here and he was a bit nervous at first but he’s really happy here now. We are here over eight days so we are happy to begin. We have have a very strong team and Sonke (Rothenberger) and Dorothee (Schneider) were great yesterday. I hope Isabell will do the same!”

Patrik Kittel (SWE) - “I’m really happy, there was great harmony, there were some small things but at the end of the day I’m very happy. Now I can say I’ve done my third Olympic Games, it’s quite a relief when you’ve actually done it! Everything is special about the Olympics, it’s all crazy-cool, and every time you do it you can’t get enough of it, it’s the same for every sportsman, I think they will all agree with me about that. I enjoyed the test, sometimes you go in there and you just want to go home, but my horse felt really confident today. Scandic (now retired) used to be a bit spooky and scared but Deja is much more secure in herself, she’s a super character and a very sweet horse. She’s really easy, you could put her in a headcollar and ride her around here!”

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) - “Valegro has the biggest heart, he’s very intelligent and very brave. His only weakness is that, like me, he loves his food. He gets “hangry” when he can’t eat and if I have food in my hand he’ll follow me wherever I go!”

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Team Germany took its 13th Olympic Dressage team gold today at Deodoro Olympic Park. L to R - Isabell Werth, Dorothee Schneider, Sönke Rothenberger and Kristina Bröring-Sprehe. (Richard Juillart/FEI)

Like re-booting to re-establish a connection, Germany clinched team Dressage gold in considerable style at the Olympic Equestrian Park in Deodoro today. Germany has now won eight of the last nine Olympic team Dressage contests - with only Great Britain spoiling the party on home soil in 2012 - and today’s result brings the Germans overall tally to 13 sets of Olympic team golds.

Already looking like the ones to beat after topping yesterday’s Grand Prix, they stamped their authority all over today’s deciding Grand Prix Special with a team total of 81.936 percent average. Great Britain had to settle for silver with 78.595 percent average while Team USA, posting 76.667 percent average, fended off the Netherlands for bronze. It was a tough day for the Dutch who lost out on a podium placing by a margin of just 1.15 percentage points. And with last-to-go German team member, Isabell Werth (47), posting the highest score of the day - 83.711 percent - with the fabulous mare Weihegold and pinning Britain’s 2012 double-champions Charlotte Dujardin (31) and Valegro into second place in the individual standings, the stage is set for a fascinating battle for the individual title in Monday’s Freestyle.

This was Werth’s sixth Olympic gold medal, her first two collected in Barcelona (ESP) in 1992 where she claimed team gold and individual silver. And she has now matched the record set by the Netherlands’ Anky van Grunsven with nine Olympic medals in total. If she picks up another on Monday she will hold a whole new record.

Sönke Rothenberger’s pathfinding ride for Germany with Cosmo was only good enough for 10th place at the end of a day on which many riders exceeded even their own expectations. The judges were unrelenting however in punishing mistakes and, already reduced to a team of three, Dutch chances of overtaking the Americans slipped away when Edward Gal and Voice posted 73.655 percent. “I wanted to take some risks, but there were too many mistakes” he admitted afterwards. Going in the latter stages of competition the Americans knew what they had to do, but it came down to the final rider to ensure the bronze, and Laura Graves and Verdades really nailed it with a personal-best score of 80.644 percent.

In silver medal spot as the day began, the British felt the pressure, but Carl Hester wasn’t prepared to take any monkey-business from his naughty gelding, Nip Tuck, who lost marks with silly spooking in yesterday’s test. “There was no way he was going to do that again today!” he said today after posting 76.485 percent. And even though Dujardin’s performance wasn’t quite what she wanted due to a mistake in the first half-pass which cost her dearly, she still earned a massive 82.983 percent.

But Dorothee Schneider and Showtime had already scored 82.619 percent, and world number one Kristina Bröring-Sprehe and Desperados were only a little short of that with 81.401 percent, so when Werth threw down 83.711 percent after a magical and confident test with the lovely mare Weihegold the German win was in the bag. Werth knew she had produced something extra-special, “today’s performance was near the optimum, I don’t think it will be easy to repeat it - this was a day of days!”, she said.

Result here

Quotes:

Edward Gal NED: “He (Voice) showed much more expression but with the mistakes the scores were really low. He felt sharper than in the Grand Prix, we had a mistake in the two-tempis and then he felt like he wanted to run away. I had to take some risks but I made too many mistakes and that was a pity.”

Diederik van Silfhout NED: “I’m really happy, he didn’t make any mistakes he just got a little bit tired at the end. It was a long trip and he’s been here now two weeks. You do best but I was hoping for 78/79, I had a good feeling coming out of the arena so I was a bit disappointed with the result. He was really sharp and up, he always wants to fight and to go brilliantly. After yesterday we just said we would give everything today and do our best.”

Hans Peter Minderhoud NED: “It was much better than yesterday, more freshness and energy, there were some small things but I was disappointed with the score - it’s two points less than yesterday. We (the Dutch team) talked together as a group yesterday and agreed we didn’t want to go home without a medal so we would fight, so we had to take some risks today and now we have to wait. The new draw in the group is not good for us, there is only one percent difference with the Americans but it’s quite tough how it works. They all have a number four rider too, it hasn’t been an easy time for us at this championships but we did what we could - we will wait and see.”

Dorothee Schneider GER: “my horse did an amazing job, he felt easy, I was so delighted. In passage I had so much power in the hind end. Going into Freestyle I’m 50 kilos lighter! (with relief) He’s fit and he wants to do it, so I won’t do too much with him before Monday.”

Steffen Peters USA: “there were a couple of little fumbles but 74.198 was the score we needed before I went in and I got 74.622. I’ve been waiting for this since 1996!”

Fiona Bigwood GBR: “She (Orthilia) spooked at a camera, they are flight animals so what can you do - it was just one of those things.”

Laura Graves USA: “To get that elusive 80 percent and to do it at the Olympic Games! I knew it was going well and you hope that is reflected by the marks from the judges. I had no idea what I needed to do, there was pressure but it doesn’t achieve anything to let it get to you. He (Verdades) gets pretty wound up in the warm-up but he is a great performer when he comes into the ring, he really likes it!”

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Result here https://www.rio2016.com/en/equestrian-dressage-individual-grand-prix-freestyle

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro secured their second successive individual Olympic Dressage title when winning the Freestyle today. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin (31) and the fabulous 14-year-old gelding, Valegro, were in a class of their own when posting an Olympic Dressage record score of 93.857 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle to claim their second successive individual title today. The double-gold medallist at London 2012 is the first British woman to retain an individual Olympic title, and she now matches the British record of three gold medals for a female athlete set by cyclist Laura Trott yesterday.

On an afternoon of high emotion in Deodoro Olympic Park it was two members of Friday’s gold-medal-winning German team who took silver and bronze, the multi-medalled Isabell Werth (47) and Weihegold scoring 89.071 percent to finish ahead of world no. 1 Kristina Broring-Sprehe (29) and Desperados on a mark of 87.142 percent.

Emotions

Dujardin could hardly contain her emotions after securing the victory. “He couldn’t have done anymore” she said of the much-loved horse who is known at home as Blueberry, “I was thinking this could be the last time” she added before bursting into tears. The British partnership hold all the world records in their sport, and today’s result was just short of the Freestyle record of 94.30 percent they set at Olympia Horse Show in London (GBR) in 2014.

The scores really began to soar as the final six combinations took their turn, and IOC President, Thomas Bach, arrived just in time to see Broring-Sprehe set the new standard before Dujardin and Valegro blew that away when rocketing into the lead by a margin of more than six points. America’s Laura Graves produced the performance of her career with Verdades to finish just off the podium on 85.196 percent, her third personal-best result posted at these Games.

Record books

Werth already entered the record books when her team gold on Friday gave her the edge over the previously most-medalled German Olympic equestrian, Dr Reiner Klimke. Today’s silver brings her tally to a massive 10 Olympic medals during an extraordinary career but, last to go today, she was realistic in her expectations. “I knew Charlotte had 93 or 94 percent, and Germany already won team gold, so with silver today I couldn’t ask for more. I really enjoy competing against the best, that’s what makes us all better, and Charlotte and Valegro really deserve this,” she said.

Dujardin talked about her own expectations. “We set the world record at 94 so I knew it was possible, but to come and do it again here at the Olympics is quite special. Today was magic, in London there was no pressure to take gold but today, I was nervous because I felt the expectation to deliver. But trotting around the arena before the start, Blueberry felt so good it just put a smile on my face and I just knew it was going to be okay. I felt he knew what I was thinking in there and he looked after me, he did his very best. I have a partnership, a connection with this horse that nothing is going to break. He has a heart of gold”, she said.

Lit up

The pair have lit up the sport since coming together in 2011. “To think what he has achieved in the last four or five years, it seems almost impossible”, the British rider said, admitting that retirement is “on the cards” for Valegro now. “We’ll discuss it when we get home, and he definitely won’t be doing another Olympic Games or a big championship. I owe it to him to finish at the top”, she pointed out.

As for her own plans, marriage is at last on the horizon. Her partner, Dean Wyatt Golding, proposed to her during the London 2012 Games “and I said yes” she explained today, “bless him, he’s been waiting a long time, we’ve been together nine years but it’s definitely going to happen now!” Somehow it seems very likely that a horse with three Olympic gold medals around his neck could be a prominent member of the wedding party.

Quotes:

Patrick Kittel SWE: “I only heard a couple of days ago that I couldn’t use my Stevie Wonder music. We asked a long time ago about using it for the Olympic Games and we only heard back at the very last minute so this music is an old one and Deja isn’t used to it and I think she felt lost in it, and I did too! I’m happy overall, this is an amazing horse, she needs more experience competing over three days but she’s going to be great!”

Carl Hester GBR: “I felt the mark matched my test, sometimes you go in there and think you should have gotten more, but not today. We got five more marks than Friday and he was so much more relaxed. He was so quiet I could just let him walk for the last five minutes before we came in.”

Charlotte Dujardin GBR: “I’ve only ridden that floorplan once, at Hartpury and we’ve changed it a few times since. There were things I hadn’t even tried before today and that’s why he is so magical!”

Laura Graves USA: “I’m thrilled with this score, I didn’t feel like I had quite as much horse as I had in the last couple of days, it’s obviously very hot, we’ve been here now for a day over two weeks, so it’s been a long time to keep our horses going like this. It was another personal best for me, by three percent or something like that, so that’s three personal bests at the Olympic Games!”

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http://www.rockingmstables.com/

Allison Stai and Yvonne Kusserow have mentored hundreds of youth at Rocking M Stables in Dallas

Moving to the U.S. in 2008, Yvonne Kusserow noticed that young riders weren’t progressing up the dressage levels with an understanding like the youth riders from her native Germany. Because she had thoroughly familiarized herself with her native country’s dressage training systems through the 8 year German program to become a Pferdewirtschaftsmeisterin and her experience working at the State Equestrian College in Vechta for two years, she first took on the task of studying the complicated USDF/USEF Dressage Tests. Merging Germany’s testing structure with America’s USDF/USEF rules for dressage level test requirements, Yvonne created a highly effective, understandable, enjoyable and effective training program for the young rider.

Deciding that training youth was a particularly good place to start helping riders to succeed in the sport, she became Head Trainer and Program Director at Rocking M Stables (RMS) in Dallas. Since then, Yvonne and her assistant Allison Stai have been steadily mentoring hundreds of youth riders to proficiently climb the levels in the sport of dressage while building solid foundations for the future.

With over 80 students going through the program, the youngest of which starts at the age of 5, Yvonne has based her training system on Germany’s level testing’s for showing. The program emphasizes a solid foundation of classical horsemanship that includes horse care and safety, a systematic structure that follows each horses’ biomechanics in relation to include relaxation, rhythm, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection, the training scale.

In 2013, Yvonne and a few students traveled to Vechta to participate in a German preparation course for competition, “The young riders and adult amateurs participated in a ten-day clinic of two riding lessons and one theory lesson per day to prepare for the final tests in dressage, jumping and theory. After passing the final test (naturally, all riders from RMS passed), they received a certificate and a medal to put on their riding coat or just to keep as a memory. It was a great experience for our American students to see how it works in Germany and it was really fun for the German kids to talk with the American kids.” She acknowledged, “It was also good for me to see that our program at RMS was in line with the German system.”Rocking M Students took the testings in Vechta, Germany in 2013

How Rocking M Stables' Five Levels are Influenced by the German System

In order to qualify for competitions in Germany, a rider must first undertake fundamental tests. Each participant is given a small booklet from the FN (equivalent to the USEF) that is stamped by the official testing instructor when the course is complete. Because it is important that riders know what to expect and feel confident at their first competition and for each level they climb at shows all the way up to Third Level, the FN offers courses at a local barn or that region's state college. With a brief test at the end of the course, each rider gets a medal, starting with the Little Bronze, the Big Bronze, and on up. This system enables riders to know the level at which they are prepared to compete.

At Rocking M Stables, Yvonne took the German level testings and transitioned them into five level tests for each rider to prepare for their entire school year, starting at the end of August on through April. She explained, “We do the level testing, because we don’t have a required medal course to do before showing here in the U.S. where each individual has to know horse care and horsemanship before entering a show. That’s the focus," she explained. "Riding is only a small part. The theory, I think, is the underlined focus.The purpose is to serve as incentives to train, to learn about the well-being of the horse, to understand the rules and formulations of the competitions, and to know what level they’re prepared to complete.”

She continued, “At the end of April, the kids undergo an achievement test which we call ‘Level Testing’ or ‘Achievement Testing’ and they receive a certificate which indicates their level. Allison and I discuss the level with them and also with their parents so they can understand what they’re looking at and what it constitutes, let’s say, a half-halt or full halt. It helps the parents to understand dressage and also builds knowledge and confidence in the student. And, if a parent shows a heightened interest, we’ll encourage that parent to take a lunge lessons to even better understand how hard the riding is for their child. It’s amazing to see a parent and child bond over dressage.”End of the School Year Awards

Yvonne also heartily maintains, “It’s all about making training and learning positive and letting the kids try, try and try again. That’s how they’re going to learn the most and ignite their passion for the sport.”

A wonderful assistant in Allison Stai, who is the coach and mentor to the younger children, Yvonne said, “I couldn’t do what I do without Allison. She’s spot on with the basics and knows just how to prepare them for moving to the next level. If any rider becomes close to moving up to my older group, she’ll toughen them up a little and give them a thorough boot-camp to make it possible. She really gives them a great way to be really ready.”

Working with the older kids as they climb the levels, Yvonne said, “We have students who own their own horses and ride on up to FEI Junior and Young Riders. Many have graduated from the program and are doing really well at the upper levels. It’s true that we teach many students at the introductory level, but it should be noted that over the years we’ve had many students who ride and win numerous Regional and National Championships.”

Guest Consultants

Clinicians, top riders and instructors such as Lisa Wilcox, Lendon Gray, Jan Ebeling and others have given clinics at Rocking M Stables during its school year program to offer additional integral points. Lisa Wilcox said, “I could not believe what I was seeing. The kids are having fun while learning. Yvonne and Allison know how to ignite their enthusiasm in a way I haven’t seen before. They understand how young riders' minds work and teach them to try in such a natural way. They are fueling their confidence until they succeed. I’ve never had an opportunity to teach kids. I was floored by this program.”

Rocking M Stables Leads a Scavenger Hunt at Dressage Shows

Yvonne shared, “We also require beginning riders who’ve never shown to come and participate in a scavenger hunt during two local competitions where the older students compete. It’s important to get the kids and their parents there because if they don’t understand what they’re looking at, then the sport of dressage can be boring. By educating the families of the riders, they come to appreciate the sport a little more and you can see their growing respect in their children.”Yvonne Kusserow and Abby Fleischli with Laguna 2016 NAJYRC Colorado, Junior Division

“The scavenger hunt includes many wonderful things for everyone to learn. For instance, we write down scavenger tasks on paper on a clip board for the kids to find which judge is judging Third level Test 3 and make a note. The game makes them learn about the scoreboard. There are many tidbits to hunt for, actually,” she chuckled. “We have also given them all USEF dressage test sheets to judge me in a test so they become familiar with a dressage test paper and how the judge scores. It’s hilarious to see everyone concentrating so hard as I ride the test.”

Smiling, she said, “At the end of the day, everyone always leaves more equipped and inspired. It’s so much fun to watch everyone enjoying themselves this much.”

In addition to their training, students are taught that teamwork is important during competition. “With so many kids in the program,” said Yvonne, “it’s truly important that every student feels at ease with each other.”

Cultivating the Next Generation of U.S. Dressage Riders

“It’s true,” says Yvonne, “that we teach many students at the introductory level and it should be noted that over the years we’ve had countless students who have won many Regional, National and International Championships.”

Allison HopkinsMike and Yvonne (owner of Royal Falcon) and Allison 2016 NAJYRC Young Rider, Colorado

Yvonne spoke about 18-year-old Allison Hopkins who competed 11-year-old Rusty, aka Royal Falcon, a German Warmblood gelding owned by Yvonne's husband Mike, in July’s Young Rider Division for Region 9 at the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships in Colorado. She will compete at the Dressage Seat Medal Finals at USEF Festival of Champions in Chicago. "Allison didn't have a horse to compete," said Yvonne. "Allison and her mom, Karey have been good friends of ours since Allison started at RMS at age 12. They have been great supporters of the program at RMS." She continued, "Allison is a very strong, determined rider who has ridden Royal in clinics that were given at RMS so we decided to let her try for the Young Rider program. Royal is not a full confirmed Young Rider horse yet and can be somewhat anxious at shows, but Allison managed to make the Region 9 team and competed at NAJYRC."

Abby Fleischli

Abby Fleischli is 17 years old and has been training at Rocking M Stables since she was 15. This year she competed in the Junior division at the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships. She will also be traveling to Chicago for the USEF Festival of champions to compete in the Junior division where she is currently ranked 6th in the nation. She rides Laguna, an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare that she has owned for three years. Before riding Laguna, Abby showed her first/second level pony. With limited experience at the upper levels, Abby has come a long way in a short period of time. She earned her USDF Silver Medal in 2015 and will show Laguna in Prix St. George/Intermiediaire I level in the fall.

Isabel Gregory

Isabel Gregory, now 18 years old and who has been riding with Yvonne since she was 13 years-old, owns a pony named Charlie Brown which she bought when she came to RMS. Training the naughty, spooky pony herself with Yvonne's in-hand work, Charlie Brown is now competing at Second level and is currently being leased to an 11-year-old student training at RMS. In lessons, Isabel continued to ride and show school horses until now, she leases a privately owned Warmblood mare. “The highest level she had reached was second level.” Continuing, Yvonne said, “This year they started a ‘lease’ on Rock Star, a 16-year-old Oldenburg mare whose barn name is Rose from the Dressage4Kids Foundation (Lendon Gray). Isabel and Rose have been in partnership for 6 months now and they’ll show at Prix St George by the end of this year."

Rocking M Stables Contact Information:

Yvonne Kusserow Phone: 214-235-4039

Email: yvonnek@rockingmstables.com

Website information:

https://www.facebook.com/rocking.m.stables.dallas/?fref=ts

http://www.yvonne-kusserow-dressage.com

A book highly recommended for the program: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-National-Equestrian-Federations-Complete/dp/1872119719/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467762274&sr=8-1&keywords=principle+of+riding

Show team turn out spring show in Tyler Texas 2016

End of the Year Ribbon Ceremony at Rocking M Stables

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Micaela “Mica” Mabragaña and Granada at the 2015 Pan American Games Photo: Hector Garrido

Continuing to climb to the top levels in the sport of dressage for Argentina, Mica Mabragaña has competed in more than 50 Grand Prix tests on different types of horses. Building on the knowledge and confidence she has acquired by rigorously competing for the last five years at the highest level, including placing fifth for Team Argentina at the 2015 Pan American Games and by formerly working for Lendon Gray during her early 20s as a working student, Mica strengthens her business at Watch Hill Farm in Bedford, New York and Wellington, Florida.

A firm believer in building a special connection to a horse, Mica emphasizes, “It’s important to me that my horses are happy, whether in the arena working, out of the arena or at a competition. I have a strong belief that horses need to be horses and that we need to understand them for them to do their best for us.”

A USDF gold, silver and bronze medalist, USDF Certified Instructor to 4th Level and a top professional, Mica is proud to help others achieve their goals while she develops a genuine attachment to every horse. “I chose this profession because of my love for the horses and what we all can do together.” Proving a successful philosophy, Mica continues to score well at competitions at all levels, including this past winter in the Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and this summer in New York.

Developing Her Love for Horses

Now twenty-nine years old, Mica was born in the metropolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina to a very close and loving family. Her passion for horses was fostered by riding with her father on weekends at their beautiful Argentinian countryside farm called La Malena. As the youngest child of three and the only sibling enthusiastic to ride with their dad, she learned how to handle a horse as they rode the long morning trails.Mica Mabragaña and her father at La Melana

At the age of 11, Mica’s parents decided to sell the farm which led her family to look for a stable in Buenos Aires for Mica to begin her journey of learning the fundamentals in equitation and the disciplines necessary for a good future with horses.

When she was 12, Mica began dressage and jumping, and playing pony games “gymkhana” in a pony riding group called Los Pampas in Club Hipico Mediterraneo that specialized in teaching youngsters about the rudiments of a horse’s movements and rider position. Her trainer at the facility, Fernanda López Santiso, taught Mica some dressage fundamentals, “She really taught the right basics, the correct aids and the correct seat. She played a huge role in my education.”

Building the Connection to Dressage

At 14, Mica moved with her coach Fernanda to Club Hípico Argentino, the most prestigious equestrian facility in all of Buenos Aires. That same year, American dressage Olympian Lendon Gray, a consummate supporter in providing training and competition opportunities to talented young riders, invited six Argentinian young riders to her Sunnyfield Farm in Bedford, New York for a couple of weeks to prepare and compete at her competition for youth riders now called Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival.

Given the chance to ride Lendon’s own Grand Prix Connemara cross gelding Last Seen, this was where Mica’s journey in the sport of dressage truly began. “It was an eye opening experience,” Mica said, “an opportunity I will never forget.”

While preparing for the competition at Sunnyfield Farm, Mica said, “I also got to watch Courtney King-Dye work with Lendon each day. That’s where I discovered you don’t have to be a millionaire to pursue this sport, as I knew was the case in Argentina. I saw that with ambition and hard work, achieving the dream of being a great rider was possible for someone like me. ”Micaela “Mica” Mabragaña and Tyara at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Photo: Rhianna Pankhurst

During the Youth Championships, Mica watched a demonstration given by Courtney King-Dye riding Idocus, a Dutch Warmblood stallion. “To me, the picture of Courtney and Idocus was almost unreal, a fairy tale. You could see the relationship she had with the horse. Everything was so graceful, it was poetry in motion. I had never seen anything like that before. It was like watching pure harmony. She made such an impression on me and she didn’t even know just how inspirational she was for me. Watching her, helped me to know what I wanted to do with my life.”

Returning to Argentina, she began riding clients’ horses to work for lessons until she could complete her studies and pursue her dream of returning to America, “During those three years, I had the help of Mara Osacar (7 time National Argentina Dressage Champion and Pan American competitor). She loaned me one of her horses to compete and I’m so grateful to her. She encouraged me to come to the US to learn and grow as a rider.”

Returning to America

During her final South American summer school break, Mica traveled to the U.S. for two winter months to be a working student/assistant trainer to Lendon Gray. After graduation, she returned to Lendon’s farm and the two worked for five more years together. “Lendon’s given me a lot of opportunities. I owe her a lot of credit for my success. Every day I appreciate what she has done for me.”Micaela “Mica” Mabragaña and Tyara at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Photo: Cathi Jensen

Mica also gives credit to Courtney King-Dye, Scott Hassler and Beth Baumert, “Lendon taught me to ‘make it happen.’ Courtney gave me the visual of how it’s all supposed to happen. Scott taught me so much about the horse’s mind, when it’s fair to ask a horse to do something. He’s really influenced me. And, Beth is technical and pays so much attention to details.” She continued, “Between all of them, I believe I really have a great base.”

Mica’s Horses and Riding Triumphs

Mica started working with Granada, a Swedish Warmblood gelding (Granit x Warrigal x Dorn) owned by Sam Grunkorn in 2007. The pair competed in the European World Cup for Young Riders and then Mica trained the horse up to the Grand Prix level. An unfortunate injury kept them sidelined for more than two years and although Granada recovered and the pair qualified, they did not go to the 2014 World Equestrian Games for Argentina. The pair did compete in the 2015 Pan American Games where they placed 5th with Team Argentina. Now at 20 years, Granada is retired from competition but is still ridden daily by his 80-year-old owner. Mica hopes to soon help them try for the Century Club.

A tribute Video to Granada - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wSLCNCeCMA

Jubilant, 17-year-old Grand Prix Oldenburg Stallion owned by Anne Wood and Virginia Easley, stallion name Don Calidas (Don Schufro x Furioso II), “This has been a horse I cherish because we’ve had so many small victories to the Grand Prix level,” Mica confirmed.

Zodiaco HM, a Lusitano stallion owned by Nancy Pine and trained to Grand Prix by his owner under the watchful eyes of Mica. “His wonderful owner wanted me to show him to confirm the upper-levels and he did really well in the Intermediaire I and the small tour. We’ve already qualified for Regionals. He’s schooling all the Grand Prix.”

Tyara, 16-year-old Grand Prix Dutch Warmblood mare (Farrington x Jolimba x Bazuin) owned by Cesar Lopardo Grana, scored with Mica in the 70% range at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “She was a horse of a lifetime! I’m so thankful to Cesar for the opportunity to rider her in the big CDI ring.”

Wen, owned by Mica, is a 6-year-old American Warmblood by WakeUp, the pair will be competing this upcoming winter season. “He is the first horse I own myself, and I think he is going to be special."

Mica’s Training Philosophy

“I’m a big fan of turnout and the horses love it,” Mica explained. “I work outside the ring some days so the training doesn’t become tedious and the horses don’t feel over-drilled.” She elaborated, “Outside I’ll do some cavaletti work. I love galloping the horses on the track, mixing it up, with real work in between. I do a lot of cross training to improve their fitness level. I find that it’s better if the horses also has fun because it helps them feel inspired to perform.”Micaela “Mica” Mabragaña and Jubilant cross training Photo: Federico Rodriguez

Continuing, she shared, “I’m also a firm believer in light aids and keeping the horse light and uphill in self-carriage. When I trained under Lendon Gray and assisted her, she taught me the importance of softness in the connection, in the horse being in front of the leg.” She continued, “I like to think outside the box when it comes to figuring out a horse, not all of them learn or understand the same way. I try not to get stuck in "MY WAY" but find the way that the horse will understand."

During a large part of the year, Mica resides in New York and runs her training business at the same stable with fellow rider, Karin Persson. Mica said, "When it comes to training horses you have to be open minded, be like a sponge, and ready to learn new tools. With both of our eyes on the ground and having those exchange of ideas, it has been a huge help for both of us.” The two learn from one another and share their knowledge, “I love being here.”

Available for Clinics | Horses in Training | Coaching Riders

Contact Information:

Address: 263 Bedford Banksville Rd., Bedford, New York 10507

Mica Mabragaña

Phone: 914-907-0103

micamabra@hotmail.com

Website - http://www.malenadressage.com/

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Carla Symader and Natalie Pai with Fritz San Tino

Longtime German dressage coach Carla Symader brings her esteemed reputation to the United States by imparting several principles, including the point of gravity from the rider’s seat and the rider’s position. Carla developed her expertise through competing many horses between 1970 and 2005 and trained with such luminaries as George Theodorescu (participant at Olympic games and father and trainer to Monica Theodorescu who was a participant in the 1996 Olympic games and current German Team Coach), Jean Bemelmans (former head trainer of the Spanish Olympic team) and Ton de Ridder (trainer of his wife Alexandra Simons-de Ridder, 2000 Olympic participant for Germany in Sydney).

Wisdoms learned for over 40 years as a rider, judge and mentor to some of the most skilled riders in the sport, she shares, “Growth takes place for the rider who builds a strong foundation by not skipping steps along the way in the training of their horse. Once a rider has a foundation as a rider and the foundation built in each horse, real growth takes place.”

Carla’s first precedence in coaching and training any rider is giving every horse the trusting knowledge that the door is open to go forward. “The horse has to know he has a place to go, in any circumstance, especially if it’s afraid. That trust is of utmost importance and there’s a way to be positive all the way up the levels.” She acknowledges, “It takes hard work and concentration by the rider to be alert and ready to progress in a forward thinking way, always forward with the horse in front of the rider's legs.”Kevin Kohmann riding Freistaat B

Down to earth and readily approachable, Carla travels to the U.S. from Germany several times a year to coach clinics and she acts as a supportive sounding board for the very talented Pai team (Canaan Ranch), including Melanie and Natalie Pai, the highly skilled coach/rider Kevin Kohmann and King Santacruz, and world-class groom Emilija Anderson.

The Point of Gravity

The rider’s seat is the point of gravity, the point where the horse finds its balance while moving forward. “The positioning of the rider’s body in the seat is paramount in knowing how to coordinate working with the seat,” Carla explained.

She spoke about locating the point of gravity, “In order to sit well, you must sit deep in front of the saddle, upright and pulling your head and neck upward so that your core muscles are ready to balance the horse’s gaits through transitions. When the seat is closed, it means that your elbows stay at your hips, admittedly a difficult habit to form, your hands move toward the mouth and legs are even and not too far back. By sitting up straight and feeling how the horse shifts you, you’ll become aware of the patterns you and your horse have developed.”King Santacruz and Divinity CR

She added, “Even In the bend of the horse, whether a corner or small circle, shoulder-in, travers or half-pass, riders have to be aware that they sit on the correct inside seat bone. The horse will often position a rider to the outside seat bone, especially on its stiffer side. The rider needs to be aware and work the horse off their inside leg in order to keep the inside seat bone in the bend, making sure the horse truly is bending. While a horse may have a small temper tantrum or resist by speeding up or slowing down when shifted into the correct position, the rider still has to hold the horse quietly accountable to that inside seat bone.”

Acknowledging that there are bending lines and straight lines Carla said, "You have to make yourself aware to stay even between both of your seat bones on the straightaways and on the inside seat bone in the bending lines.”

Judicious Wisdoms

Carla teaches continuous rider brain-to-body connection in understanding the horse’s movement, from straightness to bending. In other words, the rider’s body, especially as far as the rider’s seat and posture is concerned must continually be in sync with a horse’s movements. “It’s crucial to make sure rider position is correct in relation to the changing motion of the horse.”Kevin Kohmann riding Freistaat B

“The goal is to learn how to ride moment-to-moment, what is happening right now. The human brain has to quiet down to a fine point and then pull apart the large mechanical puzzle with that horse at that moment of its fitness and strength. It’s really a special sport because it really teaches a person how to be quiet, how to work well with a horse, and how body control balances big movement. And basically, it’s fun!”

She stresses, “It’s also important to the mindset of the rider to always go back again and again to ensure a step-by-step order to things that builds confidence for the stepping stones ahead."

“When you buy a horse with big gaits, you have to be sure you can manage the big gaits. For instance, developing a ground-covering, clear, and easy off-the-seat canter takes quite a lot of time to develop."

"Any professional rider knows each new horse has to start the thinking anew. A beginning rider buying a new schoolmaster needs to spend quite a lot of time going back to the basics, step-by-step. There builds the necessary confidence needed for both rider and horse, and success in the show ring.”

More about Carla Symader

Born in Münster, Germany, Carla Symader ascended through the levels in the heart of dressage competition while studying to achieve her Abitur. She established a facility and for more than 25 years Carla has been a member of one of the oldest German riding associations, Deutsche Richtervereinigung and the Deutsche Reiter- und Fahrerverband. Natalie Pai and Fritz San Tino

She belongs to a very small group of people who trained horses, coached both horses and riders to the Grand Prix level as well as the internationally level, and judged riders in the top of the sport.

Carla possesses clear analysis and understanding in the biomechanical breakdown for each type of horse, such as those which are hot or sensitive (the “going” type) and the “lazy” ones.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Carla Symader at Symader@web.de

Natalie Pai and Fritz San Tino

Emilija Anderson, King Santacruz and Fuerstin Tina CR

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With nominations for the FEI Awards 2016 closing on Sunday, September 18, there are just five days left for the global equestrian community to nominate their favourites for the categories of Rising Star, Best Athlete, Against All Odds, Best Groom and the Solidarity Award.

Everyone can nominate their heroes via the online platform at www.feiawards.org.

Award winners will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Tokyo (JPN), in November, where their achievements will be celebrated by over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, representatives from the Tokyo 2020 and the FEI’s National Federations around the world.

“We’ve had a huge response to the Awards already this year showing how much equestrian has captured the imagination of fans across the globe, but keep those nominations coming in!” says FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez.

“Heroes, heroines, inspirational figures that never give up and make us think ‘wow’ are what the awards are here to celebrate, so get in touch and share with us who you deem should be recognised this year.”

There are five categories to vote in the FEI Awards 2016:

The Longines Rising Star Award is for a person aged 14 to 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment.

The Best Athlete Award celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.

The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances.

The Best Groom Award is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention.

The FEI Solidarity Award is for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, and individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2016 will close on Sunday, September 18, 2016.

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New York Central Park Dressage

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FEI Press Release

Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Doktor at the Nations Cup in June in Rotterdam CDI5* 2016 Photo: Shannon Brinkman

The European Tour Competitions

On Winning the 2016 FEI Nations Cup Series

Shelly as the Olympics USA Dressage Team Alternate

The 2016 FEI Nations Cup Series Champions Photo: Dressage Headlines

Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel's Rubinio at 2016 Aachen Photo: Dressage Headlines

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Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K - Photos copyright Sportfot

The Rolex Central Park Horse Show hosted its first-ever international dressage grand prix CDI4* in Wollman Rink on Friday afternoon with a win for Olympians Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K of Ireland with a high score of 73.80%. Reynolds guided the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Jazz out of Phantastia) through a beautiful test for the first time in Central Park and had a great experience.

On making the decision to travel to New York after their Olympic appearance, Reynolds stated, "After the Olympics in Rio, I had intended on taking a little bit of a longer break, but I was back home and I got a text message from Thomas Baur asking what I was doing on these dates. I said, 'Nothing at the moment, what have you got in mind?' And he asked if I wanted to come to Central Park. I thought it sounded like really great fun. I had seen the pictures from the last couple of years, and it was just one of these competitions that I thought, 'That's one I really want to do at some point.' It is an amazing location, and I think it is definitely one you can't miss."

Owned by Joe and Kathleen Reynolds, Vancouver K has come long way with Reynolds and proved his development with a solid performance in the exciting atmosphere of Central Park. "A little less than two years ago we made the decision to really expose him to atmosphere because he had not been dealing with it that well," Reynolds detailed. "He is quite a hot horse. We went to the World Equestrian Games in 2014, and it just did not work at all. He just did not deal with the atmosphere and all the attention, so we made the decision to go to big competitions. We did World Cup and things like that last year, which really exposed him to different venues and environments, and that was really important for us.

"We had a busy winter and spring qualifying for Rio because I had to go to (as an) individual. That was quite a tough qualifying process," Reynolds continued. "Then we took a little bit of a break after qualifying, and we did four competitions leading up to Rio. He is better when he competes often, so we take long breaks and then do more intense periods of competition. That is just what works for him. I am glad we have taken the route of exposing him to different things because otherwise this would not have worked. You are walking through the park and there is just so much going on, so they have to be able to focus on you still through all that. I would not have missed this for the world."Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Paridon Magi - Photos copyright Sportfot

Sweden's Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Lovsta Stuteri's Paridon Magi finished second with a score of 73.14%. Canada's Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and her own All In placed third with a 71.06%.

Vilhelmson-Silfven was also at the Olympic Games in Rio with her top mount Don Auriello and took the opportunity to rest the stallion while bringing Paridon Magi back to Central Park for his second year at the competition.

The seven-time Olympian was also very happy to have this year's CDI4* rating and enjoyed her Grand Prix test on Friday. "I think that is really important of course, and I hope that is going to make more riders come," Vilhelmson-Silfven stated. "The feeling to ride into this atmosphere with the backdrop is really amazing. It was a bit different this year than last year. Last year, the Pope was here on Friday, so it was very empty in the park. Now there was a lot going on in the park when we walked up to the arena. That was very exciting, but also very good I think that the horses can handle that, and they can. You don't feel that at all once you get into the arena. It's almost like they say, 'Phew, now I'm here, now I can work.' I had a great feeling in there, and I am happy to be able to have a second horse like him to pull out of my sleeve and show sometimes. I think he is a great horse to do this with."

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and All In - Photos copyright Sportfot

Third place finisher Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu of Canada also had a great time competing in Central Park. This was her first time in the busy atmosphere of the Park and her horse All In took it in stride. "There is really nothing that compares to a show like this and the atmosphere," Fraser-Beaulieu stated. "I was not sure how he would handle the atmosphere. There were people playing ball and kids were screaming, but he came down to the ring and was totally settled in. I took the summer off from competing and just took time to train, and I think it really made a difference."

Judge Gary Rockwell commented on the day's results and acknowledged the top three horses and riders on their efforts. "I think it is a top-notch competition. The setting is obviously something no one else has in the world," Rockwell noted. "There is a lot going on here, but I was quite impressed with how obedient the horses were in the arena. No one had any problems with distractions or anything, so it is definitely a setting that can handle a CDI 4* like this. I am very happy with the rides today. Especially these three horses; every time I see them they are better, so I am always happy to see that."

Judy Reynolds in her presentation with Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Axel Johnson, Judge Gary Rockwell, Chief Steward Elisabeth Williams, and Cora Causemann of International Equestrian Group. - Photos copyright Sportfot

Dressage competition continues on Saturday evening with the U.S. Open $75,000 FEI Dressage Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson. The evening will also feature a special freestyle demonstration from three-time Olympic gold medalists Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.

Saturday, September 24th:
Special Freestyle Demonstration by Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro
U.S. Open $75,000 CDI Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson
Gate opens at 6:00pm. Show begins at 6:30pm. $125 per ticket

CLICK HERE to watch the live stream - https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/2016-rolex-central-park-horse-show-live-stream

Final Results: U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson
E: Matthiesen - DEN H: Umbach - LUX C: Rockwell - USA M: Foy - USA B: Wuest - GER
Judy Reynolds IRL Vancouver K 72.900 1 76.000 1 72.400 1 75.600 1 72.100 2 73.800 1
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven SWE Paridon Magi 72.100 2 73.500 2 72.100 2 73.900 2 74.100 1 73.140 2
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu CAN All In 71.600 3 71.100 3 71.500 3 69.700 4 71.400 3 71.060 3
Mikala Munter Gundersen DEN My Lady 71.000 4 68.800 5 70.100 4 72.500 3 69.900 5 70.460 4
Karen Pavicic CAN Don Daiquiri 68.000 5 70.700 4 68.800 5 69.200 5 70.200 4 69.380 5
Evi Strasser CAN Renaissance Tyme 65.600 6 68.500 6 65.900 7 65.200 7 65.700 6 66.180 6
Inna Logutenkova UKR Hetman Sahaydachniy61.800 7 61.100 7 66.900 6 66.400 6 64.900 7 64.220 7
Charlotte Jorst USA Kastels Nintendo Eliminated

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Central Park Horse Show Press

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The top three in the Grand Prix Freestyle (L to R): Tinne Vilhelmsen-Silfven, Judy Reynolds, and Mikala Gundersen. - Photos copyright Sportfot

Saturday night at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show (RCPHS) featured a fantastic display of world-class dressage with a win for Ireland's Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K in the $75,000 U.S. Open FEI Dressage Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson, as well as a special freestyle demonstration from three-time Olympic gold medalists Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Valegro.

Seven entries performed their grand prix freestyles set to music in the impressive atmosphere under the lights of Wollman Rink in New York City on Saturday evening for the $75,000 U.S. Open FEI Dressage Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson. It was a packed house to watch the beauty and grace of dressage at its very finest in an incredibly unique setting.

With a high score of 77.051%, the win went to Ireland's Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K, who were also the winners of the U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4*, presented by Axel Johnson, on Friday. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Lovsta Stuteri's Paridon Magi took the second place finish for the second day in a row, as well as the second year in a row, earning a score of 76.650% for their Saturday night freestyle performance. Third place honors were awarded to Denmark's Mikala Gundersen aboard Janne Rumbough's My Lady with a score of 72.400%.

Freestyle winners Vancouver K and Judy Reynolds represented Ireland in this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and then had a short break before making the journey to New York City for the opportunity to compete at this one-of-a-kind event. The 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Jazz, and owned by the rider's parents Joe and Kathleen Reynolds, performed consistently to win back-to-back classes this week. "It is kind of surreal really," Reynolds remarked on the achievement. "I was probably a little bit more nervous tonight because I wanted to win again. I knew we had the capability of doing it, so I wanted to produce the performance of the night and I put more pressure on myself. I think it is fantastic. I certainly didn't think this was going to happen when I came over here. For Ireland it is quite historic. I don't think anybody has ever won two classes in one weekend at a CDI, so it's nice to have done that."Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K - Photos copyright Sportfot

Reynolds got her start riding in Ireland and moved to Germany after college to continue training at a higher level. "You essentially never stop learning; every day you still learn something new with these horses," Reynolds detailed. "I am a believer that you need to compete against people who are better than you to be better, so when I was finished with college I made the decision to move to Germany. I had been quite successful in Ireland, and went to Germany and started at the bottom again, and I had to work my way back up. You were just against the best of the best, and it forced you to be better, so I kept going and it has gotten us where we are."

To prepare for Saturday night's freestyle, Reynolds actually watched video of her performance at the Olympic Games with Vancouver K. "I watched back the freestyle from Rio so I could get a feel for the most recent version that we have ridden," she noted. "I noticed that I could improve on a couple of timings. Tonight he wasn't being quite forward enough for me, so I had to make up some time in a couple of corners to stay on music, but I didn't really change anything as such."

The pair's next stop is the Dressage at Devon CDI-W in Pennsylvania since they are already in the U.S. "We keep going next week at Devon. We are here, so we are going to make the most of it," Reynolds detailed. "To be honest, I felt a touch rusty this week, so I think next week will be better. I will be looking forward to that and then we will continue our World Cup campaign. Then, depending on how it goes, we might be back in America for the Finals."Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Paridon Magi - Photos copyright Sportfot

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven had a great night with Paridon Magi and also spoke of her freestyle performance on Saturday. "I was actually very proud of him today. I thought he was really working with me and right on the aids," Vilhelmson-Silfven remarked. "I was spot on the music where I wanted to be, so I had a great feeling and a great ride. I have been riding him in competition for a year, and I get to know him more and more. I am learning how to warm him up and how to make myself ready with him. Today was the first time I felt like I had a really good feeling."

Third place finisher Mikala Gundersen had a fun first experience competing in Central Park with her mount My Lady this week and was happy with her result on Saturday night as well. "I was just so excited to be here," Gundersen stated. "I really enjoyed the whole thing, and the venue, and I am so excited to be in this horse show. My goal was to go in there and have fun. My Lady was a little rusty - we haven't shown for a while. She was a little sucked back, but other than that I am proud of her for going in there and doing so well."Mikala Gundersen and My Lady - Photos copyright Sportfot

Judge Katrina Wuest shared her comments on the event and great competition as well. She expressed, "I would like to mention the show itself, and the fact that these top riders come here shows that this event is worth coming to. New York I think for all of us is a magic city and this was a magic night. I think this is very important. We want to sell our sport and we have to sell our sport to help it grow and make it more and more popular. It is a sport that is difficult to understand, and we only can sell it with these magic moments. The rides here and the public showed that this was top sport."

International Equestrian Group and RCPHS founder Mark Bellissimo added his remarks on the evening, stating, "I want to thank the riders and the competitors who came here this year. The riders were fantastic tonight and it was very competitive, so I have to thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules. It was an enchanted evening. To see the crowd stick around and the cheers for every ride I think was fantastic. We are committed to making dressage special in this country, and I want to thank Antonia Johnson. She has been the big sponsor of this event. Without her this event doesn't happen, so we thank her for that commitment to the sport, along with Fritz and Claudine Kundrun."Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro - Photos copyright Sportfot

Following freestyle competition, three-time Olympic champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro did a momentous freestyle exhibition to the thrill of fans. Dujardin then let spectators come down to the arena to meet her world-famous mount in person. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many dressage enthusiasts and a memorable and incomparable moment at the RCPHS.

Valegro will have his official retirement from a record-breaking career in a ceremony at the Olympia Horse Show in London, England, in December, and finished out his competition career on a high note at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Valegro will still make public appearances, and after the very first of those non-competition performances on Saturday, Dujardin commented, "I think it is nice for me to be able to come into an arena now and not worry if I make a mistake. I can just go in there and enjoy it even more than when I was competing. Valegro is such a special horse and the consistency he has had is incredible. Now I don't have to worry about that, and I can just have fun. It is nice for him to come and do these things as well. He loves meeting the crowd, and he loves the people. He was bombarded with people tonight, and he loves it. They were patting him, and hugging him, and kissing him, so what a nice end for him."

Detailing her choice to retire Valegro this year, Dujardin remarked, "He is only 14 and he could do a couple more years, but to me I don't feel that I have any reason to keep going with him. He has won absolutely everything. He holds every world record. He has been a horse of a lifetime for me. I would love everybody to remember him as the best horse he is, and after Rio I could not have asked for a better ride. It was just one of the most emotional and magical rides of my life, and I would hate for him to finish his career down. He owes me nothing, so why not finish at his best? It is not the end of Valegro. He is not going to compete, but he is still going to be around and people will see him, and I think that is very nice for him."

After a fantastic experience for both horse and rider in New York City, Dujardin and Valegro will now return home to England. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show thanks them and all of the horses and riders that helped make this year's dressage edition so special.

The spectators were able to come into the ring and bid farewell to the great Valegro. - Photos copyright Sportfot

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Central Park Horse Show

The GAIG/USDFBC East Coast Filly Final was won by Dulce Rosa (For Romance/Jamaica/Dorina) with a score of 80.287 and bred by Marne Martin-Tucker from Woodbine, MD. Photo: Hoof Print Images

With the weather cooperating, the 2016 Dressage at Devon show began today, with the yearlings, two, three and four year old fillies, colts and geldings in the Dixon Oval and Gold Ring. CLICK HERE for RESULTS

The Dressage at Devon Breed Show is a major event in the dressage world with top breeders from around the country attending.

“What started out 41 years ago as a new show with just a few horses in the breed division has grown into the largest open breed show in the world. The biggest breeders in the nation bring their fillies, colts, stallions and mares to show their horses, conduct business, make new contacts and just visit with old friends,” said Melanie Sloyer, Chair of the Breed Division.

The Breeders agree. Klaus Schengber, from High Point Hanovarians (Chestertown, MD), has been coming to Dressage at Devon for 30 years. “As a breeder, it’s good marketing. To advertise successes at Devon stands for something. Plus, you can meet all your friends and have a good time!”The GAIG/USDFBC East Coast Colt and Gelding Final was won by Imperial ISF (Florianus II x Andorra ISF), a bay KWPN gelding, with a score of 78.375 and bred by Iron Spring Farm in Coatesville, PA. Photo: Hoof Print Images

In a breed show, handlers are a key part of the competition, working to show off their horses. But it can be tough as the young foals, unused to being at a show, don’t always cooperate. And it get’s tougher when it comes to judging.

It takes an expert team of judges to look at the foals, in what is, effectively a snapshot in time. “We are looking for potential international dressage prospects that have a good future,” said Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez, a USEF “S” judge, Sport Horse Breeding judge and a member of the USDF “L” faculty for judges training. “(Because they are so young) they can change over a short period of time and so it is awkward to judge yearlings and two year olds.”

But the judges do their jobs well.Judge Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez Photo: Hoof Print Images

“We look for pretty horses but they have to have a natural uphill balance,” said Renee Johnson, who has compete successfully to Grand Prix and holds Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. “Even though they are in growth stages, we look for excellence in confirmation and above average movement correctness that indicates durability. But just because a horse doesn’t win, doesn’t mean that they won’t do well as they grow,” continued Johnson.

Both Johnson and Riehl-Rodriguez have nothing but high praise for Dressage at Devon. “It is a real privilege to be invited here,” said Riehl-Rodriguez. Added Johnson, “Dressage at Devon has a worldwide reputation.”

And the Winners Are...Judge Renee Johnson Photo: Hoof Print Images

Young horses were everywhere, each with its own unique qualities. And with 20+ classes, there were many winners. Here are a few:
The Foal Championship was won by Dreamcatcher (DeNiro x Etched in Black), a black Hanovarian owned and bred by Anke-Ott Young from New Canaan, CT.

The three year old Fillie Materiale was won by Serenade MF (Sir Donnehil x Duet), a Hanovarian mare bred by Maryanna Haymon and owned by Alice Tarjan.

As the first day drew to a close, The GAIG/USDFBC East Coast Filly Final was won by Dulce Rosa (For Romance/Jamaica/Dorina) with a score of 80.287 and bred by Marne Martin-Tucker from Woodbine, MD. The GAIG/USDFBC East Coast Colt and Gelding Final was won by Imperial ISF (Florianus II x Andorra ISF), a bay KWPN gelding, with a score of 78.375 and bred by Iron Spring Farm in Coatesville, PA.
All results are available at www.dressageatdevon.org.

The Breed Division continues on Wednesday with Suitabilty classes, the Mature Horse Championship, Mare and Stallion Finals, 4 & 5 year old Materiale classes plus the Adult Amateur Handler Class. And, of course, great shopping and food for the breaks!

Dressage at Devon 2016: The Breed Class Continues Day 2

Devon, PA – The breed division of Dressage at Devon continued on Wednesday with suitability, under saddle, Materiale classes and much more. Much like the Olympics, there are always great, behind-the-scenes stories at Dressage at Devon (DAD). For example, there is the three generation Reggio/Belles family - breeders, trainers, riders and handlers from Windy Ridge Farm in Bethel, PA who have been competing at DAD since 1989. And, while multiple generations of riders at DAD are not all that unusual, this family is quite special.

Judy Reggio (Suzanne's mom and Tori's grandmother) had what she calls a "chronic disease," centered around her love of horses. She wanted to be Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. When she was young, she and a few friends made the money to buy and care for a $100 horse. She went on to start Windy Ridge farm and coached polocrosse. Suzanne Reggio-Belles, Judy's daughter and Tori's mom, started out as a rider, spent time in pony club and has trained a baby to I1. Today, she showed her 4-year old in the GA/USDFBC 4/5 Year Old Materiale Championship.

Then there's Tori who got her start at DAD in a leadline class at the age of six. She has had many successes on her horses in Dressage Seat Equitation and today, came in third in the Youth Handler class as well as earning the high score for a Dutch warmblood awarded by KWPN NA. The future is bright for Tori who rides Charlotte, a German Sport Pony, owned by Ilona English of Summit Sporthorses and will be getting an FEI pony next week from the Dressage4Kids program started and run by Lendon Gray.

Born in the USA

The "Born in the USA" Breeders Awards was started at Dressage at Devon in 2003 and since that time other shows have followed suit. The class features foals born in the US, and these horses prove that the US can successfully compete with international breeders. Prize money is divided among fourteen categories including Mares, Stallions, Fillies and Colts of 2016, Yearling Fillies and Colts, Two year old Fillies and Colts and others. This year's class high score was earned by Royal Celeste FH (Royal Classic x Diorienne), bred by Eliza Rutherford and owned by Quinnten Alston of Colera MD with a score of 83.4000.

The Inaugural GA/USDFBC 4/5 Year Olds Materiale Championship

This year is the first year for the BA/USDFBC 4/5 Year Old Materiale Championship classes in which mares, stallions and geldings compete together. "I think it's fabulous," says Judge Christal Carlson. "We are trying to produce riding horses and this gives us the opportunity to see them together. Now we can pick the best horse!" The class was won by Harvest, owned by Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, NJ.

A Few Highlights

The high scorer of the day was Harvest, a 4 year old black stallion with a fabulous score of 88.604.

The Mare Championship was won by Stenagers Welina owned by Nancy Radtke and the Stallion Championship was won by Finery (Furstenball x Sanetta) owned by Ann Howard and bred by Otto Langemeyer.

The Breeder's Group was won by Broadfields 121 (North Andover, MA) and Cara Kettenbach with a score of 80.750.

The GAIG/USDEFBC East Coast Stallion Final winner was Royal Tourmalet SPF (Royal Prince x Ms Adira) owned by Joanna Gray-Randle and bred by Gina Leslie.

Thursday will feature the Individual Breed Classes with more than 20 breeds from the Akhal-Teke, Hanovarians, Friesians, Drum Horses, the Georgian Grande Horse and Lipizzans. Plus shopping, great food and more.

Day 3 – Dressage at Devon: Individual Breed Classes and the Start of the Performance Division

Devon, PA – Day 3 featured the Individual Breed Classes (IBC) with more than 20 breeds from Andalusians, Hanovarians and Haflingers to Warmbloods and Lipizzans.

Two new classes were added this year – Akhal-Teke and the Drum Horse. The Akhal-Teke is from Turkmenistan where they are a national emblem. They have a reputation for speed and endurance, intelligence and a distinctive metallic sheen. The breed is tough and resilient, having adapted to the harshness of Turkmenistan lands.

The Drum Horse was first used by the Queen of England in her ceremonial Band of the Life Guards. The Drum Horse carries large silver kettle drums during parades and other pageantry – thus the name. Today, the Drum Horse is proving to be the “ultimate heavy riding horse” according to the International Drum Horse Association.

KWPN Youth

Ryan Jimenez, 21, comes from a family of breeders of Dutch Warmbloods. His dad, Dr. Carlos Jimenez is a vet and Ryan attributes his interest in becoming a theriogenologist (a vet specializing in reproduction including embryo transfer and artificial insemination) to his experiences growing up. His interest in the breed led him to start, with a few friends, the Young KWPN NA group. Open to people between 15 and 30 who want to share information, get to know other Dutch Warmblood breeders and riders, and attend events and other educational opportunities. Right now, the group is putting together two teams (16-19 and 20-25) to join them for the International Young Breeders Competition being held in Calgary. For more information, email Ryan at youngkwpn@gmail.com or ryanclydep@aol.com

Performance Division Begins

The Performance Division began in the Gold Ring with the USEF YH 4 Year Old Test, won by Silva Martin on Electric with a score of 79.400; The FEI YH Test for 5 Year Old Final was won by Giuliano B (Bon Bravour x Mondilia), ridden by Karin Persson with a score of 82.00. The FEI YH Test was won by Don Cesar (Desperados x Manhattan), ridden by Cesar Parra, with a score of 78.200.

In the Dixon, the USEF Fourth Level of Choice (class 101A) was won by Royale (Routinier x Infinitive), ridden by Meagan Davis with a score of 69.257. The USEF Fourth Level of Choice (class 101B) was also won by Meagan Davis, this time on Damocles HLF with a score of 71.284.

The performance division swings into full gear on Friday with 4, 5, and 6 year old tests, the FEI Pony Team Test, Young Riders Team Test, the Prix St Georges and much more.

For more information, visit www.dressageatdevon.org.

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