Recap and Results 2018 - usdressagefinals.com - USDF
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2018 Recap and Results usdressagefinals.com
Thank You To our SponSorS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
HOSPITALITY SPONSORS
Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supplies
Classicala Farm,Int/Classico Fino Image, llc
The Dressage Connection
US Dressage Finals
Patrons
Gold
Epique Equestrian LLC. Elizabeth Meyers Janne Rumbough
Silver
Maryal Barnett 2 White Feet Centerline Events
Barbara Noble & Joe Floyd
Bronze
Judy Ethell Marianne Ludwig The Paddock Group LLC
Cauleen Glass Northern Ohio Dressage Assoc. Sue Anne Wells
DeAnn Greulich Rosinburg Events LLC
Friends
Jeanne Ahrenholz Dawn Gidner
Amy Bresky Janice Owens
Shelley Lange Rahiya
42
Recap and Results Since its inception in 2013, the US Dressage Finals, held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, continues to be the only national head-to-head competition of its kind. Made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Adequan®, as well as our many other supporting and contributing sponsors, the US Dressage Finals showcases adult amateur and open riders competing for top honors at all dressage levels, from Training to Grand Prix, as well as musical freestyles. The 2018 event marked the Finals’ sixth year, and it continues to be heralded as a great success. Included here are some highlights of the 2018 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Congratulations to all of our competitors! We hope to see you all in 2019! US Dressage Finals Results.................................................................................5 Social Media Highlights......................................................................................6 Regions Cup............................................................................................................8 Perpetual Trophies................................................................................................9 High Score Breed Awards................................................................................ 11 Pre-, During-, and Post- Finals Coverage.................................................... 13 The Finals’ First Five Years Article Series..................................................... 36 Save the Date: 2019 US Dressage Finals.................................................... 43
Featured below are links to the full US Dressage Finals Results, by class,
the USDF Online Store for US Dressage Finals merchandise, as well as a
link to USEF Network.
Full Results by Class
http://results.horseshowoffice.com/Shows/Classes?sid=558&oid=22
get your gear from the
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan ®
w w w.store.usdf.org
https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/2018USDressageFinals
USEF Network featured rides taking place in the Alltech Arena, including many
championship rides. All of this coverage is available to view online at the link above.
5
Competitors at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® shared their experiences.
6
Competitors at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® shared their experiences.
7
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan ®
Regions Cup
The top three scoring riders of designated divisions competed on regional teams in the US Dressage Finals Regions
Cup, vying with competitors from across the country for bragging rights for their respective USDF Region.
Congratulations to our top three teams:
CHAMPION
Region 1
71.877%
Team Participants
- Michael Bragdell with SenSation HW, 75.049%
- Alice Tarjan with Donatella M, 75.073%
- Lucy Tidd with Ellert HB, 65.539%
RESERVE CHAMPION
Region 4
71.306%
Team Participants
- Martin Kuhn with Ronin, 72.803%
- Penelope Sachs with Frisbee 55, 69.744%
- Heather McCarthy with Au Revoir, 71.370%
THIRD PLACE
Region 2
70.531%
Team Participants
- Holly Taylor with Signato, 70.303%
- Laura Crowl with Hana, 71.585%
- Angela Jackson with Figaro H, 69.706%
Fourth Place Sixth Place Eighth Place
Region 3 Region 9 Region 7
69.676% 68.290% 63.416%
Fifth Place Seventh Place
Region 8 Region 5
68.335% 67.157%
8
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan ®
PerPetual troPhies
The US Dressage Finals has been fortunate to have received donations of perpetual trophies that recognize various aspects of
the sport of dressage. This year we add another to the six existing perpetual trophies awarded at the US Dressage Finals.
George W. Wagner Jr.Perpetual Trophy
Grand Prix Adult Amateur Champion
presented by International Georgian Grande Horse Registry
2018 Recipient:
Alice Tarjan riding Candescent
This trophy is dedicated in memory of George Wagner, Jr., founder of The International Georgian Grande Horse Registry.
Born in Kentucky in 1934, and growing up on a farm, George was raised a horseman. He began riding his father’s horses
from the time he could walk, and as a young man, became known for the way he could quiet the most excitable animal
with his soft voice and gentle touch. Horses of many different breeds were brought for George to train, but his favorite
breed was always the elegant, vintage-style American Saddlebred.
George’s family moved to Ohio in 1952 and by 1960, he had married and begun raising his own family. Not long after, he
purchased a large breeding facility where he began crossing Friesians and select drafts with the American Saddlebred. His goal
was to re-introduce the vintage-style Saddlebred he had ridden as a boy, exhibiting the elegance, “look at me” presence, and
natural self carriage they are known for. However, those he remembered were larger, with greater substance, and more robust,
and had plenty of good clean bone, excellent feet, and calm dispositions. George developed exactly what he was looking for
by blending the bloodlines of Saddlebreds with Friesians and select draft breeds. The cross that George developed proved very
successful and, over the years that followed, developed into what is now the magnificent Georgian Grande horse.
In 1994, George founded the International Georgian Grande Horse Registry (IGGHR), and since then, IGGHR has
grown by leaps and bounds. Now, with the registry being a USDF All-Breeds Awards Participating Organization, the
breed is becoming quite popular. Georgian Grandes have ideal movement for upper level dressage and excel in dressage
and combined training, cross country, eventing, jumping, and driving. Their calm disposition makes them dependable
riding horses, talented enough for professional riders yet quiet enough for young riders and amateurs. While George
passed away in 2017, his legacy will live on in this amazing breed.
Always interested in promoting youth and amateur owner/rider divisions and a continual source of encouragement to
young riders and amateur owners, IGGHR has chosen to honor his memory with the George W. Wagner Jr. perpetual
trophy, awarded to the Grand Prix Adult Amateur Champion of the US Dressage Finals.
38 9
Janine Westmoreland Malone Perpetual Trophy Lloyd Landkamer Perpetual Trophy
Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Champion FEI Highest Scoring Mare
presented by USDF presented by Janet Foy
2018 Recipient: 2018 Recipient:
Hannah Hewitt riding Fidens Fifi MLW
owner/rider, Nora Batchelder
Calaveras County Perpetual Trophy Jazzman Perpetual Trophy
Grand Prix Freestyle Adult Amateur Champion Grand Prix Freestyle Open Champion
presented by Olva Stewart Pharo presented by Donna Richardson
2018 Recipient: 2018 Recipient:
Janne Rumbough riding Armas Zumbel James Koford riding Adiah HP
Veronica Holt Perpetual Trophy Miki Christophersen Perpetual Trophy
Grand Prix Open Champion Prix St. Georges Open Champion
presented by USDF Region 5 and Friends presented by USDF Region 4
2018 Recipient: 2018 Recipient:
James Koford riding Adiah HP Nora Batchelder riding Fifi MLW
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan10® 39High Score Breed Awards
2018
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan ®
American Hanoverian Society
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – NTEC Hon Soller; Kai Handt, owner; Julia Handt, rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division - Gentleman; Kristin Herzing owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – Sandeman; Julie Cook, owner; Angela Jackson, rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Fifi MLW; Nora Batchelder, owner/rider
American Quarter Horse Association
National Levels, Open Division – RHM Miss Chic Please; Connie Klauzer, owner; Sophia Harris, rider
American Shire Horse Association
National Levels, Open Division – Saltsprings Shire Sir Teddy Bedivere; Tiffany Goldman, owner; Catherine Brown, rider
American Warmblood Society and Sporthorse Registry
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Gotham; Sara Stone, owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – Woodford; Jeri Tate, owner; Halley Mendenhall, rider
Arabian Horse Association
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Pik Andromeda; Joanne Dadd, owner/rider
Belgian Warmblood Breeding Association
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Li’Czabeth SCF; Bettina Wagner, owner/rider
Draft Cross Breeders & Owners Association
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Benjamin Blue; Kerry Rose, owner/rider
Friesian Horse Association of North America
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Fritz fan Signature Friesians; Elizabeth DaPonte, owner/rider
Friesian Sporthorse Association
FEI Levels, Open Division – Celtic Grace; Bobbi Wojtowicz, owner; Jonni Allen, rider
11International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Caliente; Alex Adams, owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – Garcia HM; Shelly Reichart, owner/rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Madrono XXXVI; Ida Noll, owner; Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn, rider
International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg NA
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Renatus; Tracy McPherson, owner/rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Griffindor; Brianna Zwilling, owner/rider
KWPN of North America
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Ivegazz; Erin Bailey, owner/rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Fidens; Tammy Pearson, owner; Hannah Hewitt, rider
National Levels, Open Division – Brunited; Sharon Ridge, owner; Jennifer Roth, rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Cato; Patty Mayer, owner/rider
North American Danish Warmblood Association
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Hampton; Ashlee Watts, owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – Savannah SWF; Mary Nuttall, owner; John Mason, rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Mirage Enshoj; Victoria Kahn-Sinclair, owner/rider
Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society NA Division of GOV
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Daughtry FS; Sandra Tull, owner; Kelli Diener, rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Laxwell; Birgitt Dagge, owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – Au Revoir; Sandi Chohany, owner; Heather McCarthy, rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Au Revoir; Sandi Chohany, owner; Heather McCarthy, rider
Percheron Horse Association of North America
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Drain’s Marlo Tommy; Linda Phifer, owner; Natalya Slipchenko, rider
Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International
FEI Levels, Open Division – Carlos CWF; Lesley Whittle, owner; Amber Clark, rider
Swedish Warmblood Association of North America
National Levels, Open Division – Washburn SW; Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn, owner/rider
The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Obcecado VIII; Maria Grant, owner/rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Farruco LXXXIX; Terri Chancellor, owner; Hunter Chancellor, rider
National Levels, Open Division – Dollar CDF; Coves Darden LLC, owner; Katie Poag, rider
FEI Levels, Open Division – Guateque IV; Coves Darden LLC, owner; Katie Poag, rider
Westfalen NA
National Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Frisbee 55; Penelope Sachs, owner/rider
FEI Levels, Adult Amateur Division – Four Ever; Susan Jones, owner/rider
National Levels, Open Division – SenSation HW; Carol McPhee, owner; Michael Bragdell, rider
12Having trouble viewing this?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krystina Wright (859) 271-7895
2018 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® Returning to the
Kentucky Horse Park
Lexington, KY (May 4, 2018) - The US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® will be
returning to the Kentucky Horse Park, November 8-11, 2018. In its sixth year, this year's
event boasts prize money totaling $100,000, the most ever. Created as a national, head-to-
head competition to showcase top adult amateur and open competitors, the US Dressage
Finals also plays host to some of the top officials in the sport. This year's invited officials are
judges Janet Foy, Anne Gribbons, Gary Rockwell, Kristi Wysocki, William Warren, Sue
Curry Shaffer, Joan Darnell, Janet Hannon, Elizabeth Kane, Kari McClain, Kathy Rowse,
and Dorie Vlatten-Schmitz, and technical delegates Fran Cross and Jean Kraus.
The US Dressage Finals represents the best of the best, from across all USDF regions. In
order to make attending the event more affordable for those furthest away, travel grants are
made available to riders from applicable states, including Washington, Oregon, California,
Hawaii, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and
Colorado.
US Dressage Finals Organizing Committee Chair and USDF Vice President Lisa Gorretta
added "We are excited to return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2018 US Dressage
Finals and are thrilled to be able to offer $100,000 in prize money! Building upon five
successful years, we look forward to the opportunity to again showcase and recognize the
top talent from each of our nine Great American/USDF Regional Championships, which
serve as qualifiers for the head to head competition at the Finals."
For more information about the US Dressage Finals, or the Great American/USDF Regional
Championships, please visit www.usdressagefinals.com and www.usdf.org, respectively.
The prize list for the event will be available June 1, with declarations opening July 1 and
nominations opening September 6.
Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership
organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of
dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org,
e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.
Copyright © United States Dressage Federation.
Photos courtesy of USDF. All rights reserved.
4051 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: (859) 971-2277 Fax: (859) 971-7722
Email: usdressage@usdf.org
You are receiving this email as a current member of USDF subscribed to Competition / Championships / Awards, or USDF Media List
recipient.
NOTICE: To stop receiving messages from the USDF, click here to unsubscribe or reply REMOVE to this email.
13For Immediate Release Saturday, September
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 08, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
And So It Begins: Regional Qualifying Starts
This Weekend for the 2018 US Dressage Finals
Presented By Adequan®
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
“It’s such a nice finish to the year in coming to the Finals
because it really feels like a national championship. You
hear the announcer saying riders’ names from all over the
country, and it’s definitely something special to be a part
of.”
For the last four years, rider/trainer Michael Bragdell has
wrapped up his competition season by bringing horses to
Lexington, KY for the US Dressage Finals presented by
Adequan® on behalf of Hilltop Farm in Colora, MD. And
once again, this unique championship show is a “can’t
miss” event on his calendar as he prepares several
mounts for the upcoming Great American Insurance
Group/United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
Regional Championships, where Bragdell hopes to qualify
for a coveted invitation to return to the Kentucky Horse
Park this November.
Every year excitement for the US Dressage Finals and
Regional Championships seems to grow, and as
competition gets underway this week in Region 4, it
appears 2018 will be no exception: show officials report a
23% increase in the number of Regional Championship
rides from when the competition was held at the same
venue in Mason City, Iowa two years ago. Anticipation will only build as additional championships are scheduled
14across the country in the coming weeks, including Region 6 and 8 on September 20-23; Region 7 on September
27-30; Regions 5 and 9 during the week of October 4-7; and wrapping up with an exciting final weekend of
qualifying in Regions 1, 2, and 3 on October 11-14. Besides providing a pathway for competitors to qualify for
November’s US Dressage Finals, each of the nine Regional Championships will offer over $20,000 in prize
money and awards, for a whopping total of more than $180,000 for the season.
Bragdell has already found his way to the winner’s circle at the US Dressage Finals several times, and will
compete in the upcoming Great American/USDF Region 1 Championships in Virginia in pursuit of qualifying
2017 Intermediate II Open Champion Qredit Hilltop, two-time Finals Champion Sternlicht Hilltop, and newcomer
SenSation HW for this year’s Finals.He will be joined by Hilltop Farm Assistant Trainer Jessica Fay, who is also
hoping to punch her ticket for her first trip to Kentucky.
As an internationally-renowned center for sport horse breeding and training, Hilltop Farm has made the US
Dressage Finals an important part of their successful program. “The Finals have a real championship feel to
them – the venue at the Kentucky Horse Park, especially the Alltech Arena, offers a ‘big’ environment for the
horses that is important for their development and confidence,” said Managing Director Natalie DiBerardinis, who
has attended the Finals three times to cheer on Hilltop Farm entries. “Our country is so large that most riders
stay within their region, so to get exposure to top horses and riders from around the country gives you an entirely
different perspective.
“The Finals also get a lot of coverage through the livestreaming, press coverage, etc. and that can be a great
boost for a stallion, sales horse, or farm/trainer’s overall program,” DiBerardinis continued. “And there’s
something for everyone: for the young horses, it offers an alternative goal for some that for a variety of reasons
may not be pointed towards the young horse programs; for trainers with adult amateur students, it’s a great
opportunity to combine their own championship goals with their students’ goals; and the Regions Cup
competition adds a fun element as well.It’s just an extremely well-run and fun show, which keeps growing and
each year seems to get better and better.”
As a reminder for all competitors, a horse/rider combination must declare their intention to participate in
the US Dressage Finals by completing the Declaration of Intent form by midnight on the day prior to the
first day of their Regional Championship competition (including any open class day before the start of
championship classes). There is no fee to declare, but horse/rider combinations must declare at the level(s) and
eligible division(s) they intend to compete in at the US Dressage Finals. Declarations may be submitted at this
link: https://www.usdf.org/usdressagefinals/competitors/eiq.asp.
Don’t miss your chance to compete! The US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® is a unique national
head-to-head competition which offers a wealth of championship titles and over $100,000 in prize money, all
while showcasing adult amateur and open riders from across the country in Training Level to Grand Prix. To
learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition information, declare
and nominate for the Finals, and sign up to receive news and updates, visit the official event website at
www.usdressagefinals.com.
15For Immediate Release Tuesday, October
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 23, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
Distance Can’t Stop California’s Ericka Reinig
from Competing at This Year’s US Dressage
Finals Presented By Adequan® - Entries Close
October 25th!
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
When Ericka Reinig of Rancho Murieta, Cal. arrived on
the grounds of last month's Great American Insurance
Group/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Region
7 Championship Show, she was a rider on a mission. All
summer, Reinig and her husband Kevin had carefully
prepared their horses with one particular goal in mind: to
qualify for this year's US Dressage Finals presented by
Adequan® in Kentucky. And after an exciting weekend of
competition in Burbank, Reinig punched not only one
ticket to the Finals but four, and will now embark on the
trip of a lifetime to compete on the national stage.
Call her crazy, but Reinig can't wait to travel across the
country with a trailer full of horses because making it to
Kentucky is the successful achievement of a carefully
executed plan. “Everything from the training we did at
home to the shows we chose to attend to qualify for
Regionals, all was done with this goal in mind to make it to
the Finals, and now I can't believe we're about to do this!”
said Reinig. “The last time I was in Kentucky was in 2007
for the national young horse championships, long before all the improvements for the World Equestrian Games,
so I'm very excited to return and be a part of the whole Finals experience since I've heard so much about it.”
16Her mounts at this year's US Dressage Finals will include Alanna Sellers' brother-sister pair of homebred
Westfalens: six-year-old gelding Bellisambrosso RTH, who claimed the Region 7 Second Level Open
Championship; and four-year-old Belialuna RTH at Training Level. Joining them to compete at Third Level will be
Stanford LR, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Elaine Lamotta. In addition to cheering on Reinig and Stanford,
Lamotta will also get the opportunity to ride down centerline herself at the Finals in the Second Level Adult
Amateur Championship: she qualified for the Finals in her very first appearance in Regional Championship
competition this September aboard her Dutch Warmblood Caribbean Veluw.
“The breeders and owners of our horses want to promote their breeding programs, and since they're such great
horses, we want to get them out there on the national stage and show them off,” Reinig explained. “So we went
to Regionals with the specific goal in mind to try to qualify for the Finals, and I couldn't be prouder with how we
did. Our clients do so much to support me as a rider, so I'm excited to have this opportunity to support them in
return.”
With all nine Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships now concluded, more than 670
nominations have been submitted for this year's 6th annual US Dressage Finals, which will offer a whopping
$100,000 in prize money and showcase adult amateur and open riders from across the country in 30
championship divisions from Training Level to Grand Prix. Now as the final step in the eligibility process, Reinig
wasted no time submitting her final entries, which are due by midnight Eastern Time on Thursday, October
25th (click HERE to learn more about the entry process).
Reinig's husband Kevin, who also currently serves as president of the California Dressage Society, attended the
US Dressage Finals two years ago as a spectator and was impressed by what he saw. “It truly is an incredible
event, and I think it's a great thing for the sport in this country,” he noted. “Last year we went to the US
Equestrian National Championships in Lamplight and had hoped to return, but felt like the horses weren't quite
ready this summer. So we shifted our focus to the Finals because we feel like it's important to embrace an
opportunity like this to compete on the national stage, and we want to support the event. Everything came
together: we have the support of our clients, we have competitive horses, and want to continue to build on that
momentum. It's something we haven't done before so it's the right time.”
Thanks to careful planning, budgeting, and a little help from their friends, the Reinigs aren't letting the daunting
distance stop them from embarking on their four-day journey to the Finals. And with $50,000 in travel grants
available from USDF (learn more HERE), Finals competitors like the Reinigs can take advantage of some
financial assistance. “With 25 horses at home, of course it's hard to up and leave to drive across the country. It
definitely takes a village to do this, but we have a great team at home who can keep everything going and
makes this possible,” said Ericka Reinig. “With the goal of the Finals in mind, everyone prepared and budgeted
over the last year to get ready. Plus we're working to keep costs down where we can, and the USDF travel grant
will definitely help.”
Don't miss your chance to chase your dreams at the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®! All entries
must be received by midnight Eastern Time on Thursday, October 25th (click HERE to learn more about
the entry process). Remember, competitors looking for assistance in making transportation arrangements to
Kentucky are encouraged to utilize the US Dressage Finals Transportation Resources webpage. To learn more
about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition information, enter the Finals, and
sign up to receive news and updates, visit the official event website at www.usdressagefinals.com.
17For Immediate Release Wednesday, November
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 07, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
A Show Like No Other: the 2018 US Dressage
Finals Presented By Adequan® Starts Tomorrow
- Watch Live!
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
Last year, Ana DiGironimo and her Arabian
pony Anna Miriah C traveled 15 hours to the
US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®
on a bit of a whim. They returned home with not
only a ribbon, but also a newfound
determination to return to the Finals, and this
time with friends.
“It’s a show like no other, and I kept telling
everyone back home about what an incredible
experience it was,” said DiGironimo, who owns
DQ Performance Horses in Turnersville, N.J.
“At the Finals, everyone is so happy to be there
and grateful just to have qualified. There is
such a supportive atmosphere with a special
camaraderie among competitors, and to feel
that while also being among the top horses and riders in America is like no other show experience.”
Now DiGironimo is back in Lexington, Ky. as one of 387 competitors from across the country representing a
record-setting 42 states at this week’s US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, where open and adult
amateur exhibitors from Training Level to Grand Prix will compete for national titles and $100,000 in prize money
across 30 different divisions. DiGironimo and her talented pony will once again compete in the Third Level Open
Freestyle Championship with their crowd-pleasing Wizard of Oz-themed freestyle, but this year it means even
more to her to be cheering on two students: Mindy Elgart and her Oldenburg gelding Spaniard at Second Level,
and Christine Capano with Westfalen gelding Sir Franky at Training Level, both of whom qualified for the Finals
18via tough competition at the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 1 Championships last month in
Virginia.
“To be back here not only as a rider but now also as a trainer and mentor just makes it even more special,”
DiGironimo explained. “Last year I was just thrilled to be at the Finals with my pony and representing the Arabian
breed, but this year it’s a little different feeling having my team with me. I still have the opportunity to compete
but also get to share in their experience, so it adds a whole new dimension.
“We set this goal to get to the Finals as a team and we all worked together throughout the season, and for
everyone to end up making it is very special,” DiGironimo continued. “It became almost an inside joke that we
‘willed our way’ to Kentucky. One of my clients bought a Kentucky shirt and would wear it all the time as
motivation! And then Regionals went well, and now it’s reality that we’re here. For so many of us, this is the
biggest possible competition we can experience, and everything you may go through during the year all pays off
when you come down centerline here for your final halt and salute. Of course our goal is to do well and hopefully
get everyone in the top ten so they can experience the awards ceremonies in the Alltech Arena, but for now
we’re just so excited to be here and enjoy everything that the show and the Kentucky Horse Park have to offer!”
DiGironimo will also be rooting for fellow riders participating on the Region 1 Team in the Fourth Annual
Regions Cup Team Competition. With a regional team of three athlete/horse combinations representing each
USDF region, competitors show their regional pride and compete for bragging rights as the top scoring eligible
open and adult amateur rider/horse combinations from Training Level through FEI Regional Championships
classes make up each regional team. The winning team is determined by averaging the highest final scores
achieved by each athlete/horse combination in their respective US Dressage Finals class.
Once again, dressage fans around the world can follow the action from the US Dressage Finals via live-
streaming on the USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, with coverage beginning Thursday,
November 8 with the first round of national titles presented in the Alltech Arena (see the entire live streaming
schedule HERE).
To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition
information, review entry lists, purchase tickets to special events, and sign up to receive news and
updates, visit the official event website at http://www.usdressagefinals.com.
19For Immediate Release Friday, November
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 09, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
Candescent Finds Her Calling on First Day of
2018 US Dressage Finals Presented By
Adequan®
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
It's hard to miss New Jersey's Alice Tarjan and Candescent when they enter the ring, and the elegant black
Hanoverian mare's extravagant movement and mistake-free performance caught the attention of not only
spectators but also the judges on the first day of the 2018 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, being
held November 8-11 in Lexington, Ky. The pair cruised to a unanimous win under all three judges with 69.069%
in the Intermediate II Adult Amateur division, the first of 30 championship titles to be awarded over the next
three days across all levels from Training to Grand Prix in this unique national showcase for both Open and
Adult Amateur competitors (watch Tarjan's winning ride on the USEF Network HERE).
After earning reserve championship honors with Candescent (Christ x Farina by Falkenstern II) at the
Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at Lamplight in August, Tarjan has
continued to work on developing her eight-year-old mare's dressage skills, even though she was bred for a very
different sport. “All of my friends jump, event and foxhunt for fun, so I wanted to find a horse for that too, but I
wanted it to be a black horse with white socks,” she laughed. “So I bought her out of the Hanoverian auction as a
four-year-old and I thought I would jump her, but she was quite sour when I got her and not so easy to ride. Then
as we got going it became clear she would be best as a dressage horse, so here we are!”
Tarjan, who qualified for this year's Finals in Region 1, was pleased with how her young mount was unfazed by
the atmosphere of the Alltech Arena, where the pair will return on Friday to also contest the Grand Prix Adult
Amateur Championship. “I'm really pleased with her. Even though it's her first year at this level so it's still a work
in progress, she does all the movements really well and now it's just improving the transitions and consistency,”
Tarjan explained. “It's getting better and better and you can really ride her in the ring, which makes it fun. She
fought for me today, and it's been such good experience for her to do this.”
Laura Maloney's long journey to her very first US Dressage Finals from Rancho Santa Fe, Cal. (Region 7) with
her Dutch Warmblood stallion Winsor Rox (San Remo x Para Lady by Julio Mariner) proved to be worthwhile as
20the pair claimed Reserve Championship honors in the
Intermediate II Adult Amateur division on a score of
61.275%. Maloney claimed the Great American Insurance
Group/USDF Region 7 title at this level last month in
Burbank, Cal., and the victory gave her the confidence to
take the next step onto the national stage.
“Not only did it give me the confidence, but it gave me the
wild card to come,” said Maloney. “It's been a great year
for us, and it all kind of came together for us to be here. I
just wanted to experience this – none of us are getting any
younger, so you have to do it when you have the chance.
My husband supported me and yes, it's expensive and
difficult, but I'm thrilled to be here and am so glad I did it.”
The pair have been together for four years, and Maloney
was delighted with her mount's performance in the Alltech
Arena. “I loved my tempi's today – they were big and
straight and I think they were a highlight for us,” Maloney
explained. “I came all this way for one ride, and now I
have the chance to enjoy the rest of the weekend. It's a
long way to come, but it's worth it.”
Hay All Smiles in Winning Intermediate II Open
Championship
Bridget Hay of Flemington, N.J. (Region 8) and her
homebred nine-year-old Oldenburg stallion Faolan
(Freestyle x Wyoming by Weltstern) already have an accomplished resume as they've risen through the levels
together. But on the first day of the 2018 US Dressage Finals, the pair earned their biggest win to date with a
victory in the Intermediate II Open Championship on the strength of a score of 67.794%.
“He felt super in the warmup and I was hoping it would carry over into the ring,” Hay explained. “We're both new
to this level and we're still gaining experience, but he's unflappable so the atmosphere wasn't really a concern
for me. The one tempi's felt super, his pirouettes were really good…overall, he tries his heart out in the ring, and
I was thrilled with him. He gives me everything. I don't think I've ever smiled so much in a ride in my life. I just
love this horse.”
Hometown girl Kathy Priest (Region 2) rode her Danish Warmblood gelding Fredensdals Zig Zag (Blue Hors
Zack x Kristiansminders Elektra by Blue Hors Don Schufro) to the Reserve Championship in the Intermediate II
Open ranks with 67.059%, and was pleased with not only her mount but her Finals experience. “Overall I was
pretty happy with our ride, even though we had mistakes in the one's,” Priest noted. “He's still new to this level,
but it's coming along and he's such a good boy in the ring – very confident and I can really trust him. I think the
Kentucky Horse Park is such an amazing facility for this event. It takes a lot to put on a competition like this, and
between the people and the venue, we're lucky to have this and I hope it continues for a long, long time.”
Watch archived streaming videos of both the Intermediate II Open and Adult Amateur Championship classes
on the USEF Network HERE. Championship competition resumes Friday – follow the action through
updates on the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, as well as watch live online
21streaming on the USEF Network at this link: https://www.usef.org/tune-in. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition information, review day sheets and results, and read daily news releases, visit the official event website at http://www.usdressagefinals.com. 22
For Immediate Release Saturday, November
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 10, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
Kuhn Weathers the Storm to Win on Second Day
of 2018 US Dressage Finals Presented By
Adequan®
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
Friday morning at the 2018 US Dressage Finals
presented by Adequan® at the Kentucky Horse Park in
Lexington dawned with the type of weather conditions
more suitable for staying in bed than having the ride of
one's life. Hailing from New Berlin, Ill., Martin Kuhn
(Region 4) is no stranger to chilly weather, but when he
entered the ring at 10am for the Training Level Open
Championship , the persistent rain and 40 degree
temperature was admittedly tough to handle. But his
mount, Debra Klamen's five-year-old Hanoverian gelding
Ronin (Romanov Blue Hor x Something Royal by Sir
Donnerhall I, bred in the U.S. by Marcia Boeing) held
steadfast, earning the championship title with an
impressive score of 72.803%.
“It was really cold and wet, but my horse seemed
unaffected by the conditions – they bothered me much
more!” Kuhn laughed. “Situations like this can often be
‘interesting' with young horses, but even though he's
only five, at this point in the show season he's been out
a lot and in some challenging environments. So when
the time came to go down centerline today, he put his
head down and did his job. I couldn't be more happy with him.”
23Kuhn is no stranger to success at the US Dressage Finals, finding the winner's circle with several talented
mounts over the last six years. But in his opinion, Ronin stands out. “He's an amazing athlete – I think he's the
most talented young horse I've ever sat on,” Kuhn explained. “I've had the privilege to work with lots of horses
who have ability, are willing and fun to ride, but on top of that, Ronin is easily the most athletic and elastic horse
I've ever ridden.”
Also impressed with the maturity of her young partner under adverse weather conditions was Reserve Champion
Kelsey Broecker of Celina, Texas (Region 9), who rode Molly Huie's four-year-old Hanoverian gelding Caelius
(Christ x Hauptstutbuch Bonny by Buddenbrock) to a score of 71.818%. “By our ride time, I was ready to be
done,” she laughed. “But like Martin's [Kuhn's] horse, mine was also unfazed by weather and the overall
atmosphere. He doesn't act like a typical four-year-old – he's a bit of an old soul, so agreeable and so much fun
to ride. He's just a joy to bring to shows.”
Hometown Girl Laura Crowl Wins Big in Second Level Adult Amateur Championship
Almost 40 competitors from all across the country entered the Claiborne Ring to compete for this year's Second
Level Adult Amateur Championship title, but local eventer and newlywed Laura Crowl of Lexington, Ky.
(Region 2) only had to drive a few miles down the road to claim the blue ribbon with her six-year-old U.S.-bred
Dutch Warmblood mare Hana (UB-40 x Jolien E by Chronos). After overcoming an untimely hoof abscess right
before the Region 2 Championships, Crowl and Hana successfully made it to the Finals and became the only
combination to top the 70% mark from all three judges, earning the unanimous victory with 71.585% to earn their
first national title.
“I loved almost everything about our test,” said Crowl. “She was really spot on the entire time and did everything
I asked. Over the last month I've asked her for a little more expression in the movements, and I think the judges
appreciated it. She really stepped up to the plate.”
As an eventer who has competed through the FEI 2* level, Crowl originally found Hana in the local barn of her
breeder, Reese Koffler-Stanfield, when searching for her next prospect. But the relationship got off to a rocky
start. “The first time I rode her she bit me, and it turned out she hated stadium,” Crowl laughed. “But she loved
dressage so I had to adjust to what she wanted to do, and along the way I realized it's fun, not just something
you get through to go cross-country. It definitely was a little interesting in the beginning, but we've grown to love
each other since then.”
In her first trip to the US Dressage Finals, Amanda Lopez of Sarasota, Fla. (Region 3) earned Reserve
Championship honors with her nine-year-old Westfalen gelding Rubitanos Dream (Rubitano x Diva by Dream of
Glory) with 69.431%. “I like horses with a little character, and we joke that he's like one of the ruby slippers in
The Wizard of Oz – it has to fit, and we just really ‘click' with each other,” said Lopez of her mount. “I feel so
lucky that he chose me as his person. He aims to please with a heart of gold, and I was so honored to show him
today in front of these judges and against this caliber of competition.”
Growing Confidence Earns Sandeman the Third Level Open Championship
Angela Jackson of Henderson, Ky. (Region 2) already knew Sandeman was a nice horse, since earlier this
summer the six-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Sir Donnerhall x Flora by Florencio, owned by Julie Cook) earned
reserve honors at the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships at Lamplight. But it was the youngster's ever-
growing confidence in himself that carried the pair to the unanimous victory under all judges in Friday's Third
Level Open Championship with a total score of 73.632%.
24“It was one of our nicest rides of the year, so to do that here is special,” Jackson explained. “Sandeman has
grown up a lot. I could finally ride each movement of the test with a little more confidence today, and everything
fell into place. This is definitely ‘the' show of the season. I'm so thankful for all of the sponsors who support this
event, and everyone who makes it possible. It's the highlight of our year.”
Martin Kuhn (Region 4) participated in his second awards ceremony of the day, this time taking Reserve
Champion with 72.265% at Third Level aboard Elizabeth Cronin's seven-year-old Westfalen gelding Venivici
(Vitalis x Sabrina by Sherlock Holmes), who earned First Level Open Reserve Championship honors last year. “It
was a little exciting in the cold and the rain, but he stayed with me,” Kuhn noted. “It was definitely a little bit of a
conservative ride, but he trusted me and was happy to do his job. He used to be a little bit of a nervous type, but
like Angela's [Jackson's] horse, as he's matured he's become much more confident.”
Sara Stone Rises to the Challenge in Fourth Level Adult Amateur Championship
As Sara Stone of Lake in the Hills, Ill. (Region 4) and her
seven-year-old American Warmblood gelding Gotham
(Gabriel x Mystic, bred in the U.S. by Indian Hills
Stables) prepared for their afternoon ride in the Fourth
Level Adult Amateur Championship , she knew she
was facing quite a challenge. “It was a very tough class,
and I didn't think we had a chance at all,” Stone
admitted. “But Gotham was in a great mood this
afternoon, and he actually likes this chilly weather. When
we came out of the ring, I was so focused on what we
were doing that I actually wasn't sure what to think about
our test.”
Not long after, all Stone could think about was how
proud she was of her mount as the pair emerged as
victors with a winning score of 67.704%. “I bought him
when he was just three, and he's the first horse of my
own that I have ridden at this level. He's my best friend,”
said Stone, who works in commercial insurance in
addition to raising a family. “As an adult amateur, all of
the hard work, passion, sweat and tears that goes into
having an everyday job and being a mom all while trying
to ride…to be able to come to a show like this and lay it
all on the line with so many people supporting you…it's
the icing on the cake at the end of the year, and I can't
wait to come back again next year.”
Reserve Champion Amy Gimbel of Oldwick, N.J. (Region 8), who also works in the insurance field when not in
the saddle, was equally delighted with her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Eye Candy (UB-40 x
Wednesday by Weltmeyer, bred in the U.S. by Judy Barrett) and their second-place score of 67.407%. “We had
some nice moments as well as some tense moments, but overall I was pleased,” Gimbel noted. “We've been to
the Finals before but took a few years off – Eye Candy had an injury and it's been a bit of a slow, arduous
journey back, something that so many horse people can relate to. Just to be back here is a big accomplishment
for us and means a lot.”
25Romantico SF Bounces Back To Claim Intermediate I Open Championship
Over the course of more than four straight hours of hard-fought competition on Friday afternoon in the Alltech
Arena, competitors battled for top honors in the Intermediate I Open Championship. With a score of 72.157%,
ultimate victor Heather Mason of Lebanon, N.J. (Region 8) explained how her 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding
Romantico SF (Romancero H x Wesermelodie by Wenzel I) had already proven to be the winner of a much
bigger battle – for his life.
“He was laid up for a year with an injury, and I only had about two rides on him when he went in for colic surgery
the week after I returned home from last year's Finals,” Mason remembered. “But amazingly here we are. He's
not an easy horse, which is how I originally ended up with him for just a dollar. But he was great today: the first
medium trot was a little bit tentative, but as we got more comfortable in there he was very good. His canter work
is generally strong, his pirouettes were very solid, and his zig zag was good. He's back and better than ever.”
Finishing in Reserve with 71.373% were last year's Prix St. Georges Open division champions Nora Batchelder
of Williston, Fla. (Region 3) and the 10-year-old U.S.-bred Hanoverian gelding Faro SQF (Fidertanz x MS Rose
by Rotspon, bred by Jill Peterson). “He was super brave and ready to go today – there's always a lot of
atmosphere in the Alltech Arena but he dealt with it really well,” Batchelder said of her mount. “The canter work
is always his strong suit, and I also thought his trot extensions were nice. It's even more exciting for him to do
well because his co-owner and my cousin Andrea Whitcomb is here to watch this year, which makes it extra
special.”
Finals First-Timer Hannah Hewitt Wins Intermediate I Adult Amateur Championship
It may have been Hannah Hewitt's very first time cantering down centerline into the impressive atmosphere of
the Alltech Arena, but she and Tammy Pearson's eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Fidens (Tango x Bliss
by United) looked like Finals veterans as they came away with the victory in the Intermediate I Adult Amateur
Championship on a score of 67.745%.
“I'm so excited to be here for my first Finals, and it's been amazing. My trainer, Karen Lipp, has been here
several times and really encouraged me to try for this,” said Hewitt, of Atlanta, Ga. (Region 3), who attends law
school and finds time to train by being in the saddle before 7am almost every day. “I was very happy with the
energy we had today: a little more expression in the trot, and I loved our pirouettes. He's still young, but has
grown up a lot even in just the last few months, and he surprised me a little bit in that he was unaffected by the
Alltech Arena – he was very steady and good. He's a small horse with a big personality, and is just a joy to ride.”
After claiming the 2017 title at this level, defending champion and director/cinematographer Elma Garcia of Mill
Spring, N.C. (Region 1) returned to the Finals to claim this year's Reserve Championship with her 16-year-old
Hanoverian mare Wenesa (Westernhagen x Dancing Girl by Davignon) with 67.696%. “Since this spring I have a
new program with Wenesa because we're preparing for the Intermediaire II, so she's changed a lot since last
year – she's feeling very powerful and is more sensitive,” Garcia explained. “I love coming here and showing in
front of so many top judges, and experiencing the camaraderie among the competitors from all over the country
and seeing so many different breeds, all in one place. It's a special feeling.”
Alice Tarjan Wins Second Straight 2018 Finals Title in Grand Prix Adult Amateur Championship
After emerging victorious in Thursday's Intermediate II Adult Amateur division, Alice Tarjan of Oldwick, N.J.
(representing Region 1) is now two-for-two at this year's US Dressage Finals with her eight-year-old Hanoverian
mare Candescent (Christ x Farina by Falkenstern II). The pair returned to the winner's circle in the Grand Prix
26Adult Amateur Championship with a score of 64.203%
to claim the new George W. Wagner Jr. Perpetual
Trophy (presented by the International Georgian Grande
Horse Registry). “She was on fire in the warm-up,” said
Tarjan. “Even though we had a couple of mistakes today,
I'm thrilled because she's a young horse and the quality
keeps getting better and better. She's so much better
than she was just six months ago.”
Fellow Region 1 rider Kristin Herzing of Harrisburg, Pa.
and her Hanoverian gelding Gentleman (Grusus x
Rumpelstilzchen by Raphael, bred in the U.S. by
Kathryn and Jeffrey Nesbit) have been together for 15
years, and traveled to Kentucky this year for their fourth
US Dressage Finals. The pair's persistence paid off with
Reserve Champion honors in the Grand Prix Adult
Amateur division with 61.667%. “Coming to the Finals is
on my list of goals every year,” Herzing explained. “I'm
so pleased with my horse today. He may be 20 years old
but he is a bit of a nervous type. He knows his job and
the test, so I just try to keep him calm and steady. I knew
I needed to have a clean test, and we did.”
Adiah HP Wows the Crowd inGrand Prix Open
Championship
At first glance, the colorful mare Adiah HP may not look like your stereotypical Grand Prix dressage champion.
But everyone knows a book can't be judged by its cover, and this 11-year-old Friesian Sport Horse (Nico x Marije
ANT by Anton, owned and bred in the U.S. by Sherry Koella) is no exception. In the experienced hands of
James Koford of Winston-Salem, N.C. (Region 1), Adiah HP had the crowd cheering in the Alltech Arena as she
claimed the Grand Prix Open Championship and Veronica Holt Perpetual Trophy (presented by USDF Region
5 and Friends) with 69.130%.
“I am so pumped! She's getting so mature – now she goes in the ring and gets excited, but I can channel that
energy,” said Koford after the win. “I saw her in a clinic four years ago and thought she was the most fun horse
I'd ever seen, and I had to sit on her. Now she's gone on to do everything I've asked and more. She's like my dirt
bike: I just get to run around and have fun, without stress or drama. It just gives me goosebumps because it's so
much fun to get on a horse like this that loves to go in the show ring.”
Last year's Intermediate II Open Reserve Champion Judy Kelly of Clarkston, Mich. (Region 2) returned to the
Finals with her 14-year-old Hanoverian mare Benise (Breitling W x Rubina by Rubinstein) and added another
Reserve title to their resume, this time in the Grand Prix Open division with 67.862%. “This is her second year at
the level so she can do everything, I just wanted to be able to guide and direct her and show her off. Now we'll
try to do the same thing tomorrow night in the freestyle,” said Kelly.
Watch archived streaming videos Championship classes on the USEF Network HERE, as well as Facebook
Live videos of press conferences on the USDF Facebook page HERE . Championship competition resumes
27Saturday – follow the action through updates on the
USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals
website, as well as watch live online streaming on the
USEF Network at this link: https://www.usef.org/tune-in
. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented
by Adequan®, download competition information,
review day sheets and results, and read daily news
releases, visit the official event website at
http://www.usdressagefinals.com.
28For Immediate Release Monday, November
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, 12, 2018
jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com
Fifi MLW Finally Has Her Chance to Shine On
Last Day of 2018 US Dressage Finals Presented
By Adequan®
Source: Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals
It would be an understatement to say that Nora
Batchelder of Williston, Fla. had a successful trip to the
2018 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, held
November 8-11 in Lexington, Ky. Going into the final
day of competition on Sunday, her two talented small
tour horses, Faro SQF and Fifi MLW, had already
earned top placings in both the Intermediate I Open and
Intermediate I Open Freestyle. The only problem was
that Faro SQF always seemed to come out on top.
“I love them both and can't help but feel a little bad for
Fifi,” said Batchelder earlier in the week. “She'll go in
the ring and set a score that I think can't be beaten, and
then here comes Faro and he tops it. It seems that
she's always the bridesmaid, but never the bride.”
But in the Prix St. Georges Open Championship, the
nine-year-old Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz x
Wolkenstanza MLW by Wolkentanz I, bred in the U.S.
by Mary Winn) finally turned the tables on her
stablemate, setting a score of 73.137% which neither
Faro SQF, nor anyone else, could beat. In the winner's
circle, Batchelder and Fifi MLW were presented with
both the Miki Christophersen Perpetual Trophy Nora Batchelder and Fifi MLW enjoy their victory lap for
(presented by USDF Region 4) for their victory and the the Prix St. Georges Open Championship at the 2018 US
29Lloyd Landkamer Perpetual Trophy for FEI Highest Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Photo by
Scoring Mare (presented by Janet Foy), an honor which Susan J. Stickle
Fifi MLW also earned in 2017.
“Both of these horses are special to me, but I'm so happy for Fifi,” said Batchelder, representing Region 3. “They
were both bred in Florida near where I live – it meant a lot to me to get horses bred in the U.S., and they are
such great quality. Fifi was just showing at Training Level when I got her, and I took my time and brought her out
at Third Level after I had the changes. She's so powerful and can be a lot of horse to manage, so I have to
remind her to wait for me. Her walk and trot are her strongest gaits, so I strive to get her sitting in the canter and
am always working to improve the connection. She's still young enough that we may try the Developing Grand
Prix next year.”
Batchelder also praised her 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Faro SQF (Fidertanz x MS Rose by Rotspon, bred
in the U.S. by Jill Peterson, owned by Batchelder and Andrea Whitcomb) who earned 71.765% for Reserve.
“We've been together about two years, and he's so easygoing and polite – very different from Fifi,” she
explained. “He was a great amateur horse and his owner loved him, but he was just a little too big for her and
they were struggling a bit with getting changes, so she decided to sell him. He came to me for training and I said,
‘I just can't let him go', so called up my cousin and asked her if she wanted to buy him together. So here we are.
We're going to go home and keep working on the Grand Prix movements and maybe try the Intermediate II next
year.”
Gallagher Claims Second Finals Title with Training Level Adult Amateur Championship
Bethany Gallagher of Nashville, Tenn. (Region 2) and her seven-year-old Hanoverian mare Fabiola also had a
great experience at the Kentucky Horse Park. Despite frigid morning temperatures, the pair claimed the First
Level Adult Amateur title on Saturday, and wrapped up their winning weekend with the Training Level Adult
Amateur Championship on a score of 74.773%.
“It was really, really cold but she was so good – she's just an amazing mare,” Gallagher said of her mount.
“She's so honest and accurate and tries so hard, plus she has great natural balance, suppleness, and is forward
and steady. She's mesmerizing to watch. All of her basics are so solid, and are really something we've focused
on. We hope to put some muscle and weight on her, jump up to Second Level and maybe Third, and be right
back here next year!”
Erin Bailey of Elverson, Pa. (Region 1) and her five-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Ivegazz (Jazz x Vega by
Metall) celebrated their one-year anniversary together, as well as their first trip to the Finals, by earning the
Reserve Championship with 71.061%. “I was really proud of him because he's only five, and all of this was a lot
for him to take in,” Bailey noted. “It was 22 degrees and the footing was frozen when we rode, so it was a little
tough for him since he is a big boy with big gaits, but anything I asked, he did. I'm just so glad I didn't body clip
him right before the show!”
“Worker Bee” Nicene Wins First Level Adult Amateur Freestyle Title
After earning a Reserve Championship in Saturday's
Second Level Adult Amateur Freestyle division, Region
8's Alexsandra Krossen of Basking Ridge, N.J. and the
six-year-old Oldenburg mare Nicene (Nimbus x Pamela
by Portofino, owned and bred in the U.S. by Heather
Mason) improved upon that performance to win the
30You can also read
