Becca's Article In Kennett Paper!!

Here are the two Pics of the actual article in the Kennett Paper.

In order to read the article PDFs, please go to our website and look at the link under Becca's bio, as I can't upload the PDF's directly here.

SPOTLIGHT ON HUGH KNOWS

Becca Hart and Hugh Knows
Photo Credit USPEA

Hugh Knows is a 1996 Irish Sport Horse gelding who competed very successfully through the CCI4* level with international rider Karen O'Conner.

"Hugh" came to Blue Hill in early 2011 to begin his new career as a dressage horse. Hugh has competed at second level with scores through 70% as well as in two Wellington, FL CPEDI3* with Grade II Paralympian Rebecca Hart.

Blue Hill is deeply appreciative of the generosity of owner Jacqueline Mars and the O'Conner event team for the opportunity to have such a fantastic horse in our program!

Hartpury Festival of Dressage

Hartpury's Beautiful Outdoor Rings!

James and Jessica attended the Hartpury Festival of Dressage last weekend as a mandatory outing prior to the Olympics.  Jess sent me several pictures of the facility, where the Para teams competed this past weekend!  An excerpt from their website states:

"We are also in for a very special treat in the FEI CPEDI*** sections, Hartpury has been asked to make this into a very special Para outdoor competition this year, the new surface on the International outdoor arena is the same as the London surface, plans are afoot for extra flowers and dressings to give the athletes a real atmosphere as a dress rehearsal for London 2012. 4 other countries are already making inquiries so the international battle is on."

And the Indoor was Just As Impressive!

Jess was thrilled with James' performance, as he finished 3rd on his Team Test, just behind Sophia Wells who is the medal winner from England!  He also scored his personal best with a 69.774 in his individual test, taking third as well & a highly competitive field of riders.  Perfect practice for the big event!! 


To see all the scores from the weekend, please go to the Hartpury website, and check back soon for more updates!

James' Road to the Olympics!!

Downs Equestrian Center

James is living a fabulous adventure on his road to the Olympics!!  I just received a note from Jessica that they were in good hands with James Luck (horse transporter extraordinaire) and they sent photos of  their accommodations at Downs Equestrian Center (home of international event rider, Alberto (Albee) Guigni.  The yard is located in the heart of Wiltshire, near Lambourn.

Ben's Stall is Second on Left!

"We arrived yesterday at Hartpury! 

Ben looks great and the rest of the Irish Team arrived shortly after we did yesterday. We rode this morning and  the jog is this afternoon! This is the picture of the outdoor competition arenas! We will be riding out here tomorrow and in the main Indoor arena on Friday for the Freestyle!!

It was such fun seeing so many of our friends!! The Canadian Olympic Team is here and Robert Dover is helping with the coaching! The British Olympic Team is here as a warmup for the Olympic Games and I always love seeing Carl Hester!!!

In the Para division there are about 39 riders, but 20 of them are British! The Irish have their team plus two alternates.  The weather is cold and rainy not at all the way it is at home!"


Jessica has promised to keep up with the photos and reports from the UK, so we can continue to follow James' progress.  Good luck James!!