Well Done Team USA!

Team Canada Prevails Over USA at Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3*      Wellington, FL -January 22, 2012 - For dressage enthusiasts there is not a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than watching F.E.I. level freestyle competition. As was the case at the final day of the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* where para-equestrian dressage riders exhibited their energizing freestyles and where team and individual awards were presented. Capturing the title of 2012 Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* was the Canadian Team followed by The United States Team in second. Topping each Grade division overall was Jody Schloss (CAN) and Inspector Rebus in Grade Ia, Ashley Gowanlock (CAN) and Ferdonia 2 in Grade Ib, Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Off to Paris in Grade II, Eleanor Brimmer (USA) and Carino H in Grade III, and James Dwyer (IRE) with Orlando in Grade IV. Over three days, 23 riders from Bermuda, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, and the United States challenged themselves in front of F.E.I. judges Carlos Lopes (POR), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Marc Urban (BEL). The Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* is the first of two weekends at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.  Para-equestrian dressage riders continue to work toward earning their individual and team qualifying scores in anticipation of being selected for the 2012 London Paralympics. Champion Canada Team (L to R) Chef d'Equipe Elizabeth Quigg-Robsinon, Madison Lawson, Lauren Barwick, Ashley Gowanlock, and Jody Schloss USA Team (L to R) USEF Para-Equestrian Director Pam Lane, Mary Jordan, Dale Dedrick, Rebecca Hart, and Jonahtan Wentz The United States continued to excel throughout the weekend with team members Mary Jordan and Sebastian in Grade IV, Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius for Grade II, Rebecca Hart aboard Lord Ludger in Grade II, Jonathan Wentz with NTEC Richter Scale in Grade Ib, and Chef d'Equipe Missy Ransehousen. With only six months prior to the 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials the United States continues to grow their team and present quality tests. Mary Jordan commented, "This weekend was intense; I think each rider would agree we all had to ride for every point. With only six months before selection trials that is how it should be and now we need to step up our game. The United States has a lot of new partnerships between horses and riders. We need to develop those relationships carefully and quickly in order to reach our highest potential." Mary Jordan and P Sparrow Socks Jonathan Wentz noted, "I think we are doing really well.  If we just fine tune a few things we can hopefully take the lead next week." Not only did Jonathan achieve leading scores for the United States Team, but he also achieved the highest score of the United States individual results each day including a 72.333% in the freestyle. During the first week of competition Jonathan's coach Kai Handt was unable to attend therefore, his assistant coach, Happy Comly stepped into the reins. "I can't thank Happy enough for her stepping into this position.  I truly appreciate everyone's help including Rachel Zent who owns both of my horses." Jon Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale Jon Wentz and NTEC Jabriel Eleanor Brimmer (USA) and Carino H were the first place winners in the Grade III division. Even though the Grade III division lacked a large number of competitors, Eleanor has appreciated the opportunity for two weeks of judging under F.E.I. standards. "This show was a great learning experience for me," expressed Eleanor. "Carino H is a new mount for me and we are still getting to know each other.  It is challenging as a new international rider to be comfortable with the level of expectation, especially when the number of competitions in the United States are limited." Eleanor Brimmer and Carino H She continued, "I am definitely looking forward to next week's competition however, as the only Grade III rider over both weeks I am unable to measure myself against potential competition." In the Grade IV individual competition superstar James Dwyer of Ireland and his horse Orlando performed a hat-trick. Over three days James earned the top score in his Grade increasing to the last score of a 74.333 % in the freestyle test.  James used a combination of movements to deliver a beautiful freestyle set to a very fitting Irish melody. "I love that music," exclaimed James. "I think Orlando knows his music pretty well too.  When I think he is a little tired coming into the freestlye he hears that music and he always comes up to me. This finish was a great end to the weekend and I am looking forward to next weekend. Keeping consistency was my goal and I hope to achieve that same consistency next weekend." Eight years ago James came to the United States to take lessons from Missy Ransehousen. Little did he know that he would be working alongside Jessica as well. He noted, "Jessica is absolutely wonderful. My horse and I would not be here if it wasn't for her. She and Missy have taken me in and I would not be able to do this without their help. I am looking forward to the next couple of months with her as we hopefully get selected for the Irish Team and then head to London. James Dwyer and Orlando When Sunday came to a close para-equestrian dressage riders packed up their tack for a short break before next week's competition. Beginning January 25, 2012 is the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. On Wednesday the jog for the CPEDI3* will occur followed by Thursday's Team competition, Saturday's Individual Test competition, followed by Sunday's Freestyle competition and awards presentation. January 22, 2012 Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* Freestyle Test Judges: Carlos Lopes (POR), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Marc Urban (BEL) Results: Placing, Name, Name of Horse, Total Score Grade 1a 1.    Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus, 69.167 (CAN) 2.    Laurietta Oakleaf, Niekele fan Busenitz, 68.250 (USA) 3.    Kim Decker, Dasher's Destiny,  64.333 (USA) 4.    Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 63.333 (BER) 5.    NTEC Manchada, Mina Chinju 61.750 (JPN) 6.    Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 60.000 (CAN) Grade 1b 1.    Ashley Gownlock, Fredonia 2, 73.417 (CAN) 2.    Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 72.333 (USA) 3.    Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel, 70.083 (USA) 4.    Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 64.667 (FIN) 5.    Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 61.417 (FIN) Grade II 1.    Lauren Barwick, Off to Paris, 73.917 (CAN) 2.    Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 71.500 (USA) 3.    Dale Dedrick, Bonifatius, 70.333 (USA) 4.    Fernanda Otheguy, It's Mr. Merlot, 67.667 (MEX) 5.    Margret McIntosh, Idalgo, 63.750 (USA) 6.    Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney's Willow, 62.833 (USA) 7.    Charlotte Bathlon, Sportsfield Twist,  61.250 (USA) 8.    Rebecca Hart, Hugh Knows, 60.167 (USA) Grade III 1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 54.333 (USA) Grade IV 1.    James Dwyer, Orlando,  74.333 (IRE) 2.    Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 68.583 (USA) 3.    Madison Lawson, McGuire, 68.477 (CAN) 4.    Lynne Pool, Vasco E, 64.086 (CAN) 5.    Mary Jordan, P.Sparrow Socks, 66.250 (USA) 6.    Lynee Pool, Fisbee, 64.750 (CAN)