Focusing On The Positive!!

While there has been some recent disappointment at Blue Hill Farm, with Gigi's grade classification as it pertains to the Selection Trials, we want to point out the importance of the achievements that were reached by our girls (Becca, Gigi, Missy, Rachel, Alex, etc) during their stellar performances at Gladstone!!  It's pretty impressive to think that they've produced a National Champion and Reserve National Champion through consistent training, determination and the loyal support of such an amazing team of owners, riders and staff members at Blue Hill Farm.  It's a pretty special place!
Kudos to all!!

Rebecca Hart Earns Sixth USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Margaret Mcintosh Takes Home Reserve U.S. Para-Dressage 2014 World Equestrian Games Selection Trial Rankings are in Press Release by: Lindsay Y. McCall Photographs Copyright SusanJStickle.com   Gladstone, NJ- June 5, 2014- For the sixth time in history Grade II Para-Dressage rider from Unionville, Penn., Rebecca Hart, took home the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Rebecca Hart (Grade II) earned the 2014 USEF National Championship with Shroeter’s Romani, (Danish Warmblood) , owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo’s, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com. Photo is taken in Gladstone, NJ at  the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/ Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). Dressage National Championship. Hart rode the Danish Warmblood Shroeter’s Romani to the victory. Schroeter’s Romani is owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo’s, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. Earning the Reserve Championship was Grade Ia rider Margaret McIntosh and her own Rio Rio (Rheinland Pfalz-saar). The 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/ Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) was one of the most competitive Championships/ Trials in Para-Dressage history. Para-Equestrians from around the U.S. traveled to Hamilton Farm at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, for their chance to earn a spot on the U.S. WEG Team and achieve top national rankings. The June 2-5, National Championship/ Trials ground jury included President Kristi Wysocki (4*) USA, Adrienne Pot (3*) USA, and David Schmutz (4*) USA. Behind Reserve Champion Margaret McIntosh obtaining third place was Grade Ia athlete Roxanne Trunnell and her own Nice Touch. Fourth place overall went to Young Rider Sydney Collier and the Mecklenburg NTEC Cuplee, owned by Patricia Mendenhall. Fifth place overall was earned by 2010 WEG athlete Susan Treabess and the PRE Stallion Kamiakin, owned by Scott and Katie Hill and the sixth place accolade went to Angela Peavy and the Hannoverian Lancelot Warrior,owned by Rebecca Reno. The awards ceremony named the top horse/rider combinations in each of the five Grades in addition to the top horse/rider combinations selected for the long list for the U.S. Para-Dressage WEG Team. Also included in the final accolades was the Sportsmanship Trophy. The Sportsmanship Trophy was awarded to Marsha Cullen. The Sportsmanship Trophy is a Perpetual Trophy awarded to a Para-Dressage Athlete competing at the National Championship who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper and unselfishness. Cullen was presented with a take-home trophy during the final awards ceremony. Top U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes (Left to Right) Sydney Collier, Angela Peavy, Ashleigh Flores-Simmons, Susan Treabess, Rebecca Hart, Roxanne Trunnell with U.S. Technical Advisor/ Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com. Photo is taken in Gladstone, NJ at  the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/ Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio (Rheinland Pfalz-saar International), owned by Margaret McIntosh earned the USEF Reserve National Championship.

Do You Know Carli McGinley?

NAME: Carli McGinley
Working Student With BHF Since December 2013
Discipline - Eventing
Horses - Searching for a new partner in crime

Photo credit to Xpressfoto
Hagyard Midsouth CCI* 2012

Carli is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and developed a passion for eventing as a kid, riding and competing anything and everything she could get her hands on. She started her eventing career on a 13.2 feisty Arab mare that she competed through training level.

Since then Carli has mostly ridden OTTB's and really loves working with them and bringing them along. She spent a summer at a training track galloping racehorses, learning how they tick and gaining invaluable experience.

Carli came to MIssy and Jess' after working for Stephen Bradley in Va, with the goal to work on her dressage. She brought along Kaiser, with whom she has had had a long and successful career with, including being 2012 USEF JR/YR CCI* National Champions. Missy helped her solidify her riding partnership with him, ultimately making the decision to retire Kaiser from upper level eventing. He is now very happy in his new home where he will run around beginner novice and novice with ease.

Carli is currently looking for her next partner...Probably an OTTB with a lot of personality and willingness to jump! Carli believes that Blue Hill is a great fit for her and feels like part of a huge family, and BHF is very happy to have her!!

Photo credit to Xpressfoto
Hagyard Midsouth CCI* 2012
Check out our amazing staff on our website!

Gigi and Becca Both Make the FEI World Ranked List!!

It is with great pride that we announce that both Gigi and Becca have made it into the top 5 in the FEI World Rankings!!!  We are so thrilled for the ladies, and for the entire team at Blue Hill Farm who have worked so hard to earn this great achievement!

I spoke with both Becca and Gigi this week to get their reaction to this phenomenal news:

Link to FEI World Rankings

Gigi was absolutely thrilled to find out that she's currently ranked 2nd in the World Rankings!  Her success in the 2 CPEDI's in Europe have contributed to this overall ranking.  The trip to Europe was more than just a success on the competition level, as that time in the throws of international competition also presented her with the time to bond with Becca. 

"Together we experienced the extreme highs & lows of competition.  When I was conflicted over riding against other riders with severe disabilities, she and Missy reminded me that I had to get past that emotion and compete!  I have a lovely horse and great help with the crew at Blue Hill Farm, including Missy, Jess, Rachel, my family and all the people who have encouraged me since my accident."

Becca is equally as excited about the world rankings!

"To have a new partner in Romani and to already be ranked 5th in the world is a great confidence builder going into Selection Trials being held June 2-5 in Gladstone!"

The whole support team at BHF wishes these ladies the best of luck preparing for and competing at the Selection Trials at Gladstone!

Fabulous Phelps Media Press Release on Becca and Romani!

Rebecca Hart and Romani Return from Europe Ready to Rock Gladstone

Written by: Sue Weakley
Client: Cherry Knoll Farm http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/
Release Date: 2014-05-07

Photo Credit PMG

Wellington, FL – May 7, 2014 – Para-equestrian dressage rider Rebecca Hart just arrived home from European competition ready to kick into high gear for the June 2-5 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and selection trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France.

Hart and her equestrian partner, Schroeters Romani, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Lobster-Manique, Come Back II), competed in CPEDI3* shows in Deauville, France, April 4-6, and Moorsele, Belgium, April 25-27, to gain valuable competition experience.

“I am so glad that we did go because it was such a great learning experience,” Hart said. “We were competing in front of five judges and in Florida we compete in front of three. They were the two largest para shows that have ever happened. It was very well attended with the best of the best out and about and getting ready for the WEG. So, we got to see where we stood and what we need to work on, which was huge.”

Photo Credit PMG

“When we are competing in the States, we are sheltered and such a small group,” she continued. “The Europeans are very good at what they do—they’re the top dogs at this sport. If you want to play over there, you have to go and get in their world. It’s only going to get better from here.”

Hart said Romani traveled like a pro and has taken all the changes in stride since the mare’s purchase in Denmark five months ago with the help of Hart’s supporters: Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm, Hart’s family, William and Sandy Kimmel and Sycamore Station Equine Division.

Photo Credit PMG

“I’m very excited for Rebecca,” Duprey said. “She took the ‘bit’ and went to Europe to see how she compared to her competition there.  Now she knows what her homework is before the selection trials next month.”

Duprey not only helped Hart with her dream to purchase Romani, but she also helped create the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage through the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. She and the Barnfield Foundation will match leadership gifts made to the USET Foundation for para-equestrians to compete in international competition including the World Equestrian Games and Paralympics to meet the $800,000 goal.

“Hopefully, this challenge will raise the funds that will allow para-equestrian riders the chance to go to Europe and compete as Rebecca did,” Duprey said.

Hart returned home to Unionville, PA, and continues her training with Missy Ransehousen, who traveled to Europe for six weeks to coach. Hart and Romani spent time in Florida to train and compete in the CPEDI3* in Wellington March 12-16, and while in Florida, she trained with Todd Flettrich. Hart said Romani has coped well with moving so often in the past several months.

“She is a trooper,” Hart said. “Her life has been turned upside down. She got settled in Pennsylvania and then we moved her to Florida and then off to Europe we went.”
“In Deauville, she stayed focused and together,” she said. “She can be very nosy—she likes to see what is going on around her. She has always been an able-bodied horse and at a para competition there are wheelchairs and crutches. There’s a lot to look at and it can be intimidating for a horse that’s not used to that. She was aware of it but she kept her cool.”
In France, the pair qualified for the freestyle with scores ranked in the top five in their division, Grade II. Then, in Belgium, they made the cut again.

“She loves her freestyle and she gets into the music,” Hart said. “The technical aspect was good. It was quite high. But the music−in Belgium we had issues with the sound system. It ended up skipping part of the music and then it got stuck on the loop and it only did her trot music. It ruined the artistic presentation of her freestyle. It was disappointing but the technical was strong.”

Hart will unveil a new freestyle in Gladstone created for the pair by Marlene Whitaker from Custom Freestyle.

“We’re looking at something a bit lighter, a bit more feminine,” Hart said. “A bit more emotional, softer music because of the way she is. She can’t carry a heavy, dramatic music. It’s going to be a fun freestyle.”

Hart said she plans to work on connection and artistic expression with her horse between now and the National Championship.

“All the technical aspect is there,” she explained. “Now we want to add to the overall performance and the connection I have with her so that there is something to keep her focused and keep her moving without having the obvious distraction of the test. I want to get that flow and harmony to be able to support her and really show her off to the best of her ability. I feel that she’s quite phenomenal.”

For more information on the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge, contact the USET Foundation, 908-234-1251.

Paraquest's (Gigi & Rio) Final Report From Moorsele!!

Gigi and Rio have returned home, and Missy has told Gigi that she is to stay out of the barn for a few days in order to rest up from their big trip!!  The following is a report from the final phase of their trip.

"The last leg of our European tour found us in the small town of Moorsele , BE at magnificent equestrian show venue, Quadrille.  Mary Jordan, Rebecca Hart and I shared our stabling with three lovely British riders and a very boisterous Italian Paralympic team! As a bonus, our dear friend James Dwyer from the Irish team and his lovely "new" wife, Phillipa Johnson-Dwyer (South Africa) were stabled nearby, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

The club-like atmosphere at Quadrille, incorporating a restaurant just behind the judges' tables and a lot of activity around the ring was challenging but once again, Rio proved her worth as a no-nonsense competitor, completing her first Team test at the 1a level with a 69.2% for sixth place. A 68% (6th) in the individual test on day 2 highlighted my weak points but found us still competitive.

The freestyle class presented a new set of challenges! As I was newly reclassified as a 1a (due to gradually but markedly increasing spasticity), I had not prepared an appropriate freestyle. The multi-talented Rachel Gross drew on her extensive musical knowledge to cobble together lovely music from the movie 'Spirit'. Missy provided the choreography and we rode through the test once on Saturday evening. 

Rio delivered a very technically correct test (as I struggled to keep up with the music) to finish with a 69.9% in fifth place! Many thanks to Missy and Rachel for their great efforts!

We left Belgium having successfully accomplished the goals set many months ago.  The riders and horses gained experience at very electric venues not found anywhere in the United States.
The exposure to the high level of competition, so daunting in Deauville , became a matter of course in Moorsele.   Rio's scores have improved and become more consistent at every competition this spring. We have been judged several times by the same European five-star judges who have rewarded us with markedly higher scores at each outing.

We are well-prepared for the June 2-5 National Championships and selection trials at the old USET headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. It would be lovely to see you there!

Thank you so much to Missy Ransehousen and Rachel Gross for their inestimable coaching and horsemanship and to Rebecca Hart for her philosophy. And to all of you whose encouragement helped launch this trip of a lifetime, I am eternally grateful!

All results from Quadrille
http://www.quadrille.bz/2012/index.php/EN/results-2014/category/22-27-04-2014

Rachel Reports From Deauville!!

We're excited to get a great report from Rachel, now that she has returned to the land of wifi!  Take the time to read about the girls adventure from Rachel's point of view.....which includes a bit of a history lesson as well.  Wonderfully written Rachel and we can't wait for your next report!

"First competition down, and we are back in Holland for two weeks before we head to Moorsele, Belgium!  This being my first European trip, it was quite surreal to drive through three countries in one day.  Each time we stopped for fuel there was a different language being spoken at each gas station!










Deauville, known as the 'Parisian Riviera, is a beautiful town in Normandy France, and is apparently one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in all of France.  Deauville has a seaside casino and racetrack, And has long been a huge tourist attraction. The coastline is filled with Tudor mansions and up into the hills and cliffs of Normandy are stunning houses. It's absolutely breathtaking.

Little historical sidenote: there is so much history associated with the towns in Normandy, and obviously with the beach itself, being the site of 'Operation Neptune,' which was the code name for the D-Day Allied assault on the beach on June 6, 1944.  Roughly 156,000 soldiers made up of British, American, and Canadian troops stormed the 5 code named beaches that were the invasion sites or were paratroopers that were dropped in behind enemy lines the night before the attack on the beaches.  They were able to eventually break into France and drive the German forces out of Normandy, including Deauville.

Ok, now that I've fully emphasized the historical significance, I'll actually write about the show!  Rio and Romani settled in very well to their parisien environment, and had good rides on Wednesday and Thursday before the jog. Both horses passed the jog with flying colors, and Friday morning Becca started us off with the team test. She put in a lovely ride, ending the day in 4th place with a 69, and right up there with the tough competitors.  Romani looked brilliant. Gigi and Rio had a nice test as well, and finished 9th with a 64.

Becca and Romani

Becca and Romani

Saturday was the individual test and Becca again started us off in the morning, and put in a solid test with a 66. Gigi rode beautifully and had a lovely test, scoring a 66 as well. For Sunday, only the top 7 horses in each grade were able to ride the freestyle, since there were so many competitors. Becca made it into the freestyle and had a great ride, finishing 5th with a 69. Unfortunately, Gigi missed out on the 7th place finish to get into the freestyle by a few tenths of a point! It was a great experience for both she and her horse however, being the first really big international competition in Para for both of them!

Gigi and Rio

Gigi and Rio

This was my first experience at a real international competition, and I was blown away by the quality of horses and riders. These European Para riders are phenomenal, and really set the standard for Para-dressage.  It was quite an experience to be stabled along with so many other countries, and also to be at a CPEDI3* that was only a para competition. There were 79 horses that competed!  I'm so proud of our riders, and so happy to be a part of this experience to get these girls to WEG 2014! "

Go BHF and Go USA!!

Good Bye Adequan Global - Hello Europe!!!!

We enjoyed truly beautiful weather from March 13-16, during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. We competed in a huge covered arena, sheltered from the sun but quite breezy at times.
Twenty- eight horses jogged for the veterinarians on Thursday.  Serious competition began on Friday with each grade riding their Team Tests, followed by the Individual Tests on Saturday and the Freestyle on Sunday.

Missy drove Rio down from Ocala on Tuesday so she would have time to feel comfortable with the chaos at the show, including the cracking flags and the loudspeaker.  We need not to have worried, as all that atmosphere just made her brilliant on Wednesday, and by Sunday she needed very loud Freestyle music to wake her up again!

Photo Credit Lindsayt McCall

She easily earned the scores necessary to be eligible to compete internationally, with 66.5% on the first day and 65.3 on the second!  Rio was lovely, and I have my work cut out for me in terms of working on accuracy and straight, square halts!

Thanks to a rush job by Marlene Whitaker of Custom Freestyles, we have a beautiful routine set to the music of "The King and I" for our Freestyle competition!  Rio really perked up to do a beautiful test, falling right in with the "March of the Siamese Children".  The judges liked it as well, rewarding us with a 69.66% average from two 70% scores and one 68%.  We were thrilled!

Missy Ransehousen has done a wonderful job with Rio and me over the past few weeks.  In Wellington, she not only coached us but also made sure that Rio was turned out beautifully!  Once again, Brian's video and moral support was invaluable!  Lauren Sara, Laura Spilhaus and Stacey Kent were also very helpful as well.   The most humorous contribution came from Babsi Neidhart-Clark and Mimi Lufkin who were determined to keep my hair hidden under my hat with a lot of "Ez Braid", hairspray, and giggles!

Rachel Gross flew down on Tuesday to care for Rio in Wellington, and today they fly to Amsterdam with Becca Hart's Schroeder's Romani.  For the first week, we will be in Emmem, NL at Paulien Alberts' stable.  Missy catches up to us on March 28, when we will travel to the first show in Deauville, FR on the following Monday.  I am very excited to be traveling and showing in Europe with good friends and such a lovely horse. This is truly "living the dream".

Thank you all so much for your good wishes and continuing support!