Ten More Champions Crowned on Final Day of US Dressage Finals Presented by Adequan

By Yellow Horse Marketing for the US Dressage Finals

Intense head-to-head dressage competition across 30 championship divisions concluded on Sunday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan.  Surrounded by friends and family, emotions ran high for competitors as they rode their way into history and celebrated their success with joyous victory laps before packing for their long journeys back to homes across the country.

The appropriately-named Dutch Warmblood Eye Candy (Weltmeyer x UB40) was one of the day's big winners. In the largest class of the Finals, the lovely five-year-old mare owned by Heather Mason (NJ) was the final ride of the class but made the biggest impression with the judges, carrying Region 8's Amy Gimbel, Lebanon, NJ, to victory in the hotly-contested Training Level Adult Amateur Championship with a score of 75.800 percent.  

"I started riding Eye Candy about nine months ago," said Gimbel. "The horse I had been riding before her was sold, so I was looking for something to catch-ride, and Heather offered her to me. She's been a super horse to show; even though this was only her fifth competition and it has a huge atmosphere, she handled it all so well. I feel so lucky to ride her, and I have a lot to be thankful for."  

Amy Gimbel of New Jersey rode Eye Candy to championship and reserve-championship titles on the final day
of the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan. Photo by SusanJStickle.com.

First to go down center line at 8:00 a.m. was Carolyn Desnoyer, Mosinee, Wis. (qualified in Region 4), aboard her warmblood mare Fresca (Festrausch -- Rising Star, GP Raymeister). They posted a score of 73.533 percent that stood atop the leader board for the duration of the class until Gimbel's final ride, but ultimately was still good enough to clinch the reserve title 

"She came out of her stall ready to work, and two minutes after we got to the warm-up I thought, 'Hey, they could ring that bell any time, we're ready to go,'" said Desnoyer of her mount. "She went in and did her job and gave me everything she had. I was so proud of her. I feel like Cinderella; it's been an amazing experience here at the Finals."

A particularly heartwarming moment came during the presentation by the USDF of the Janine Westmoreland Malone Perpetual Trophy to the Adult Amateur Prix St. Georges champion. Region 7's Adrienne Bessey and her Danish Warmblood mare, Dido, ran away with the title on an impressive score of 71.491 percent, more than six points over the next-placed competitor. With this score, Dido (by Royal Hit) also earned the Lloyd Landkamer Perpetual Trophy, presented by Janet Foy, as the FEI highest-scoring mare.  

It was an emotional win for Bessey, a family-practice physician in Thousand Oaks, Cal. "My test felt great; she was perfect for me and did everything I asked," Bessey said. "I hadn't ever thought of traveling this far for a show, but some of my friends in California were coming and asked if I wanted to go, so I said, 'Sure, why not.' I can't believe how well organized and fun this show is. The atmosphere is almost indescribable; it feels very big, but at the same time everyone is so supportive of each other. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to come here."  

The reserve champion was Jennifer Van de Loo (Holly Springs, Miss., qualified in Region 2), who rode her Oldenburg gelding, Lanzelot 99 (by Lord Sinclair I), to 65.000 percent.  

"He is my schoolmaster, and this is just my second year at the FEI level," said Van de Loo. "He's the best horse ever, and I'm so thankful for him.  It's an honor to be here, and I've enjoyed it so much."

 

Adrienne Bessey (left, with trainer Mette Rosencrantz) received the 2014 Janine Westmoreland Malone Perpetual Trophy, presented by the USDF to the US Dressage Finals adult-amateur Prix St. Georges champion (trophy at left). Bessey also received the Lloyd Landkamer Perpetual Trophy for the FEI highest-scoring mare (trophy at right). USDF photo.

The morning's Prix St. Georges Open Championship became a clash of the titans as incredibly talented horses and riders battled for the win. Saturday night's Intermediate I Open Freestyle champions, Angela Jackson and Kerrin Dunn's Dutch Warmblood mare Allure S, led another victory lap after posting the top score of 71.491 percent. 

"She was still asleep this morning when I had to get her ready, but she got up and felt great! It felt like the best Prix St. Georges test I've done with her all year," said an elated Jackson of her partner.  "Now we're going to go home, take a little time off, and then start preparing for a move up to the Developing Horse Grand Prix."  

Reserve champion Mette Rosencrantz (Topanga, Cal., Region 7) also has big plans for Anne Solbraekke's Hanoverian gelding, De Noir 3 (De Niro -- Maharani, Matcho): Rosencrantz is considering the pursuit of a US team berth for next year's Pan American Games in Toronto. The elegant pair followed up their Intermediate I Open Championship on Friday by finishing a close second on Sunday with a score of 71.009 percent.  

"I had a good ride, he's a great show horse, and I enjoy riding him," Rosencrantz said. "There were so many talented riders and horses in this class, it was amazing." 

Amy Stuhr Paterson (Lee's Summit, Mo., Region 4) thought she might be in trouble as she prepared for her Intermediate B Adult Amateur Championship test with Greenwood Sporthorses' Dutch Warmblood mare, Wies V/D Klumpert (Future -- Sarina V/D Klumpert, Havidoff). "My horse was incredibly wild in that ring yesterday when we were just hand-walking around the perimeter," she explained. "She was literally passaging in hand, so I was a little bit worried about what today might bring." But the mare rewarded Paterson's trust by earning a score of 68.690 percent, good enough for a narrow victory.  

"She ended up using all that energy for good and not evil, so I was thrilled with our ride," said Paterson, who missed last year's inaugural Finals due to battling breast cancer. "It's a tricky test, but she was honest and with me the entire time. It meant a lot to me to be here, and I definitely want to show at Grand Prix next year and come back."  

Friday's Grand Prix Adult Amateur champions, Alice Tarjan (Frenchtown, N.J. Region 8) and her young Oldenburg mare, Elfenfeuer, returned to claim reserve-championship honors Sunday with 68.333 percent. "She handled being outside really well today. We had some mistakes, but we're green at this level, and we have plenty of work to do and room for improvement," said Tarjan.

Region 8's Heather Mason, of Lebanon, N.J., found great success at last year's inaugural Finals, and she returned to Kentucky to claim yet another title with her 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Zar, by topping the Intermediate B Open Championship on a score of 69.286 percent.  

"This is a great show and so well-run. I love it, and my clients all love it. I think it’s just a fun show to go to, and it's a lot bigger this year," said Mason. "As for Zar, I think he’s actually going to be a better Grand Prix horse than a small-tour horse, just because his piaffe/passage work is pretty special.  He's kind of a hot horse who is very honest but incredibly scared of everything, so I had a lot of horse under me today! But he was really good and he held it together."  

Also returning to the Finals was Eva Oldenbroek Tabor of Medina, TX (Region 9), who earned the reserve title with her flashy Dutch Warmblood gelding, Uberlinus (by Metall), with 66.865 percent.  "I've have him since he was three years old and he’s 13 now, so I know him inside and out," said Tabor. "I’ve been through some ups and downs with him because he’s sensitive and he's not easy. But we’ve worked our way up from the Young Horse classes, and here we are! Today was a wonderful day; he was flawless. I was here at the Finals last year, and it made me want to come back. The arena is amazing, and the footing is amazing. It’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever competed in."

Morgan Barrows, Monroe, Wash. (Region 6), and Janice Davis' six-year-old Oldenburg gelding, San Corazon, proved unbeatable at Second Level Open at these Finals. The duo followed their freestyle win Saturday by claiming Sunday's Second Level Open title with a score of 72.063 percent. 

"He's been such a steady Eddie at every horse show from the minute you take him off the trailer," said Barrows. "He's already showing talent for the Prix St. Georges, so if he's ready we'll think about Developing Horse next year. We'll see how it goes. Maybe we'll even be able to come back here; we certainly had a great time this year."  

Also enjoying the Finals experience was reserve champion Tena Frieling, Holland, Mich. (qualified in Region 2), who earned a score of 70.159 percent with her Oldenburg gelding, Royal Heir, whom she has developed since he was a three-year-old. "I can't believe that we've done this," said Frieling, blinking back tears. "It's completely unexpected. Today my ride was as good as it could have been. It's been a long road for us, but I'm just so happy to be here. It's been a fantastic experience."

Music once again rang out across the Kentucky Horse Park as a second full day of freestyles got under way with 24 entries in the First Level Open Freestyle in the electric atmosphere of the Alltech Arena.  Emerging victorious was Megan McIsaac, Oregon, Wis. (Region 2), who rode the Trakehner gelding Kingsley, owned by Wisconsin Kid LLC, to a top score of 73.722 percent. McIsaac won the title over Stacey Hastings (Mooresville, N.C., Region 1) on Karen Guerra's Friesian mare, Trijntje v.d. Bokkefarm (by Beart 411) (73.167 percent). 

"It was so awesome to be here and be a part of this event," said McIsaac, a Finals first-timer.  "Kingsley is so talented, and he always brings that to the table. He's a really special horse, and I have some exciting goals for him for the future."

Lexington local and Region 2 competitor Cariann Wlosinski and her Oldenburg mare, Rhiannon (by Rousseau), had already added Saturday's Second Level Adult Amateur Freestyle title to their resume. The pair returned on Sunday to claim one more victory in the First Level Adult Amateur Freestyle on a score of 73.700 percent.  

"It's been a fun weekend!" Wlosinski said. "We rode this freestyle last year and finished third, so it meant a lot to come back and win with it this year. I thought she'd be tired today, but she actually was even better. I also would like to thank those who made the decision to separate the open and adult-amateur freestyle championship classes. Everyone loves freestyles, but they are a lot of work, and it means a lot to have our own division."  

Amy Gimbel and Eye Candy added a second championship honor to their roster by earning the First Level Adult Amateur Freestyle reserve title. Said Gimbel: "She was a little distracted in this test, but she's still such a good girl, and I couldn't be happier with our experience."

Nancy Szakacs' smile was infectious as she rode a Ricky Martin-themed freestyle aboard her Westfalen gelding, Rudi Regali, to top the Third Level Adult Amateur Freestyle Championship with 69.056 percent. "This music suits his movement and personality, and today we were so 'on' with the music, it really was like we were dancing," said Szakacs, who works in clinical research for a biopharmaceutical company back home in Hollister, Cal. (Region 7). "It felt like so much fun, just being in the Alltech Arena and having that electric experience. I remember at one moment I looked up to see my name on the huge scoreboard at the end of arena and just thought, 'Wow!' It's been wonderful."  

Reserve Champion Taryn Hochstatter (St. Charles, Ill. qualified in Region 4) was equally thrilled after scoring 67.500 percent aboard Ginna Frantz's Oldenburg mare, Bella Luna GP. "She's a sassy chestnut mare, so we love to show off that attitude in her freestyle," said Hochstatter, who came to the Finals for the first time with her mother, who she called her "number-one fan." "Of course there's pressure to do well, but when we halted at the end of the test I almost cried because my horse did so well today. It was unreal."

Stacey Hastings returned home a national champion after claiming the Fourth Level Open Freestyle title with 72.278 percent aboard Coves Darden Farm's striking black PRE stallion, Police.  

"This is a brand-new freestyle with music by Peter Gabriel, which suits him well," Hastings explained. "The down side is that it's so new, I just learned the music last week and didn't have time to actually practice it more than about three times. But I had it on video, so I just watched it over and over and over and hoped for the best. We lucked out! I'm so glad I came this year. The show ran well, and everyone's been so friendly."  

Fellow Region 1 competitor Dawn Weniger, Apex, N.C., and her Dutch gelding Don Derrick (by Don Ruto) didn't let a few bobbles keep them from claiming reserve honors with 69.333 percent for their medieval-themed performance. "He was afraid of some patches of light shining on the floor of the arena, so he jumped over them a few times, but he was lovely and forward and light, and I'm pretty darn happy," Weniger said. "I've never done a national championship before, and I was having so much fun with my horse. He makes me smile every day. He's so kind and fun and talented, but still a regular guy."

Final results, photo galleries, and news archives from the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan are available on the official event website. Video on demand from select championship performances is available on the USEF Network. For a complete archive of each competition day's results, click here. 

Watch the US Dressage Finals Live!

Competition is under way at the US Dressage Finals! Mimi Junick and Butterfly Kisses, competing in the Training Level Open and First Level Open US Dressage Finals championships, look pleased with their test. Photo by SusanJStickle.com.

The USEF Network will be live-streaming coverage of the US Dressage Finals, presented by Adequan, beginning Friday, November 7, and continuing through Sunday, November 9.

On Friday and Saturday, all classes in the Alltech Arena will be streamed live. On Sunday, live-streaming in the Alltech Arena begins at 11:35 a.m.

Click here for the schedule of events.

This is the second year for the US Dressage Finals, a national championship for open and adult-amateur riders from Training Level through Grand Prix. Horse-and-rider combinations are invited to compete at the Finals based on placings at the nine annual Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships. The US Dressage Finals, which attract competitors from all corners of the United States, are once again being held at the famous Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the annual Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and many FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, to name just a few.

Educational Bonus

Education is the United States Dressage Federation's primary mission, and dressage enthusiasts won't want to miss a special opportunity to learn from one of the top names in the sport while they enjoy watching the live stream of the US Dressage Finals.

Providing commentary this year is Kathy Connelly, a former US Equestrian Team member and a well-known international coach, trainer, judge, and clinician. Connelly's expert eye doesn't miss a thing as she watches the tests, and her commentary allows listeners insights into how a dressage judge evaluates a ride and what the judge is looking for. There's no better way to train your own eye than to watch our nation's best while absorbing expert commentary.

USDF members will have additional opportunities to learn from Kathy Connelly in person! Beginning in 2015, Connelly and fellow FEI-level trainer/competitor/clinician Betsy Steiner will be conducting the Nutrena/USDF Adult Clinic Series. This duo is truly phenomenal, and you won't want to miss riding in or auditing their clinics. Watch the USDF website and USDF's member magazine, USDF Connection, for dates and details as they become available.

Sharing the Love

Those under the impression that the USDF is out of touch with its members might have rethought their positions had they been at the 2013 Adequan/USDF National Convention today.

As you may be aware, some adult amateur dressage riders have been clamoring for more attention and resources. At the same time, the USDF, like many other equestrian organizations, watches its membership base age and wonders how it will find enough young people to replenish the stock.

Both of these demographics were the subject of discussion at today's USDF Membership Committee meeting, which, like nearly every function at convention, is open to any member.

Two USDF-member-related surveys were conducted this year. The first, by the Membership Committee, aimed to nail down some current demographics and to determine primary reasons for members' decision to renew. The second, an independent survey conducted by then-PhD candidate Jane Rodd, was designed to ascertain adult amateurs' reasons for participating in dressage and for joining the USDF.

It appears that adult amateurs and junior/young riders have very different reasons for becoming involved with the USDF. For the kids, it's all about competing. For the amateurs -- the non-pros among USDF's adult members -- competing takes a back seat to learning, having fun, and enjoying a sense of camaraderie with like-minded enthusiasts.

USDF's affiliated dressage clubs (group-member organizations, or GMOs) are the entry point for many members. Which makes sense, as one's local club is bound to be the primary source of the warm fuzzies many amateurs are after. The takeaway from this is that the USDF needs its GMOs as much as the GMOs need the USDF.

We've all heard the maxim about the importance of first impressions. Well, according to Dr. Rodd's survey respondents, not all dressage enthusiasts earn a score of 10 on this one. Some reported feeling as if they were trying to break into a clique, or were otherwise not warmly welcomed, when they were new GMO members or dressage newbies in general.

This is a disturbing finding that all who love our sport need to take to heart. Does your club, show, event, or barn have a "welcome wagon" system in place? That eager kid or timid lady who approaches you might be your future client, or member, or volunteer extraordinaire.

USDF members crowd in for the sport-horse education session. Photo by Jennifer Bryant.

Perhaps the occasional reminder of why we're in this sport would be helpful in banishing DQ syndrome (that's "dressage queen," and it's not a compliment). In my experience, the best horsemen are the best students. They don't know everything, and they don't pretend to know everything. They retain their love of horses and their eagerness to learn. If you needed an example, all you had to do was look at the meeting room at the convention today, where sport-horse judges Bill Solyntjes and Kristi Wysocki presented a condensed version of their seminar on sport-horse judging. It was standing-room only as respected riders, instructors, trainers, judges, and others crowded in for 60 of the more informative minutes I've spent at a convention. That zest for learning is catching, and attendees lingered for many minutes afterward, experimenting with Bill and Kristi's photos of horses, creating conformational plumb lines with pieces of yarn.

And the kids? You betcha we need them -- kids, ponies, instructors and trainers for kids and ponies, the whole package. If competition is their entry point, then so be it -- offer competitive opportunities for kids and ponies. Many of them will find, as we adults did, that although the thrill of chasing blue ribbons may abate over time, the thrill of learning grows and grows.