Para-Equestrian Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyles Finalize
Two Exciting Weeks at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
Wellington, FL- January 29, 2012- Over two weeks, Para-Equestrian Dressage riders competed in front of F.E.I. judges Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Carlos Lopes (POR), and Marc Urban (BEL) at two CPEDI3* events . This was the first time that Noreen O'Sullivan and her staff graciously hosted two consecutive CPEDI3* competitions (Gold Coast Dressage Opener and Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge) at the beautiful Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.
For Para-Equestrian Dressage teams this was the last opportunity to raise the F.E.I. world rankings in hopes of being qualified for the 2012 London Paralympics. For individuals this was a chance to gain input from F.E.I. judges, increase World Para-Equestrian rankings for London, and earn a qualifying score for the 2012 Paralympic Selection Trials. As the evening came to a close on Sunday, 28 horse and rider combinations put forward their best competition freestyles. Participation was far reaching including riders from United States, Canada, Ireland, Bermuda, Mexico, Finland, and Japan.
During the first week of competition Canada earned the win in the Gold Coast Opener CPEDI3*. In the second week, the United States edged out Canada for victory at the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge. Individually, Para-Dressage riders remained consistent in their results and showcased some of the top Para-Dressage in the world.
Representing the United States Team for both weeks were Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) who began week one with NTEC Richter Scale and week two with NTEC Jabriel. Chef D'Equipe of the United States, Missy Ransehousen was pleased with the progress that the United States Team and Individuals had over the two weeks.
USA Chef d'Equipe Missy Ransehousen and Rebecca Hart (USA)
Missy noted, "We have definitely improved from one week to the next. These last two weeks have been a good preparation for what we need as a team to go forward. It is a good stepping stone for us to build on. I would like to see a little more from the horses as we progress and I would like to see more accuracy from the riders, but that can always be improved upon."
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