Jessica Teaches "Fix A Test" Clinic at Second Nature Farm!

Last Sunday, Lara Osborne spent the day with Jessica scribing for her at Second Nature Farm in Oxford.  The purpose of the day was to hold a fundraising "Fix A Test" for their Junior / Young Rider team.  Thanks so much to Lara for submitting this report!

 "On Sunday, Jessica spent the day at Anecia Delduco’s Second Nature Farm in Oxford PA, helping their SNF Jr./Yr. Dressage team do some fundraising, by judging a Fix-A-Test Clinic.  She had a full day judging 10 riders ranging from Training Level up to PSG and everything in between.

Colleen Gray

Colleen and Jessica

Rebecca Cord

 All of the riders rode through their tests, and then Jessica reviewed their scores, explaining why she scored them as she did, and what they could do to improve the score in the future.  Jessica also offered suggestions on ways to improve the overall appearance of the horse and rider team, which would also help in improving scores.   Everyone was happy with the suggestions and there were visible improvements made by all the team members.

Jessica enjoyed meeting some of the riders in the community, and the Second Nature Farm Jr./Yr. Dressage team gave Jessica a lovely gift basket as a thank you for donating her time towards their cause!"

Photo credits Anecia Delduco.

Dawn's Early Light!

Here we are in the "dawn's early light" at the Horse Park in Ocala last weekend. Many thanks to Missy Ransehousen and Elyse Fehr for rallying despite the initial cruelty of Daylight Saving Time this past weekend!

Despite the  dark and cold Sunday morning, I had the most fun practicing trot lengthening in a wide open field! We did a practice freestyle this weekend just so Rio would not be shocked to hear music blaring during her dressage test. (Much like the ice-skating freestyles, the horses perform a set of required movements set to music of the rider's choice.) She scored 69.5% to finish second to Canadian Ashley Gowanlock!

Rio won Saturday's class (68.9%) the Team dressage test over two veteran Para riders - Ashley Gowanlock and Laura Goldman, who with their new horses will also be competing in Wellington.
   
I still need to add more energy to her walk work but once again, Rio was unflappable and lovely to ride on the show grounds. I am very excited to get settled into Wellington today!

Many thanks to Lesli Cohen, not only for renting her lovely house, but for donating much of her equine paraphernalia to me! Many thanks to Leslie Hicks for setting that up!

Kim Kojima's hospitality was boundless! She provided a lovely, well run barn as well as the comforts of home, an internet connection, pair of breeches, and at the very end, a delicious dinner with poached pears for dessert!

Thanks also to David Zeigler for all his help and Steph Cauffman and Elyse Fehr for their excellence in braiding a moving target!

I am always a little sad to leave my eventing friends behind in Ocala  for the glitz in Wellington, but with Missy's help, Rio gets better every day and I can't wait to show her off!

Thanks so much for everyone's support! Next update from the Global Dressage Festival!

Gigi and Rio Report on Their First Competitive Weekend in Florida!

Since arriving in Ocala on February 15, Rio has been stabled at Kim Kojima's lovely eventing facility, on Route 326, minutes from Longwood Farm South.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the (somewhat sporadic) Florida warmth and sunshine!  Many thanks to Kim, David Zeigler, and Steph Cauffman for tending to Rio while at her farm!

Missy, Gigi and Rio

Our first show this past weekend was outside Gainesville, about an hour from the farm in Ocala. We rode the Team dressage test on Saturday, scoring a 70, with moments of brilliance and also areas leaving room for improvement. As I was the last horse of the day, we seized the opportunity to video the movements in my freestyle test to be set to music from "The King and I".

We returned to the same venue on Sunday morning for an chilly 8 o'clock ride, and at 46 degrees, Rio had frost on the tips of her ears!  Regardless of the cold, she impressed me with her show manners and was so much fun to ride! Normally, she tends to be lazy, but on this chilly morning she was very forward and exuberant.  I could hear Bruce Davidson's voice, from the old days, telling me to use my legs to contain her and her dressage test (71.5%) was brilliant!

I have been blessed with a great support network in my preparation for this trip to Florida.  This winter in Pennsylvania, a great foundation was laid by Jessica and Rachel Gross.  Upon arriving in Floricay, Missy's coaching has made all the difference in our final preparation for the show season! As well as riding Rio and teaching me, she has enlisted her expert team consisting of Stacey Kent DVM, Saddle Fitter Bruce Close, Blacksmith Todd Meister, all of whom have pulled together to make us truly competitive! Elyse Fehr has been indispensable as a groom and Brian, my husband, has videoed every ride as well as provided all that unconditional support.

We have another practice show next weekend in Ocala before traveling to Wellington on March 11th for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and CPEDI 3*, a qualifying competition for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in August.

Video of this past weekend's competition is forthcoming....so stay tuned!!  ~ Gigi

Press Release from USPEA at Global Dressage Festival Wellington!

Para-Dressage Athletes Prepare for Upcoming CPEDI3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and Welcome Back to White Fences Photography and Press Release by: Lindsay Y. McCall Wellington, FL – March 2, 2014- With only a few weeks left before the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10 CPEDI3* scheduled March 12-16, 2014, para-dressage athletes have been working hard preparing their mounts for competition. Over two weekends February 20-23 and February 28- March 2, multiple para-equestrian riders showcased their new partnerships at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) 7 and 8 in Wellington and at the Welcome Back to White Fences Show in Loxahatchee, FL February 20-23. U.S. riders included Rebecca Hart, Ellie Brimmer, Elle Woolley, Deborah Stanitski, Angela Peavy and Canadians Jody Schloss and Robyn Andrews. For many of those riders the weekend shows were the first time riders debuted their new horse/ rider combinations. There are only two U.S. CPEDI3* events left in the United States to qualify for the U.S. Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG.) in Normandy, France. Those events include the AGDF 10 CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL, March 12-16, and the Golden State Dressage CPEDI3* in Rancho Murieta, CA, taking place April 3-6, 2014. Ellie Brimmer and London Swing at AGDF in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall The first horse and rider combination in the ring under judge Lilo Fore at The Stadium at AGDF 7 was Grade III rider Ellie Brimmer (USA) of Wayzata, MN, and her brand new horse London Swing. The duo had a well-executed test and Brimmer was excited about how beautifully the partnership came together. She noted, “I was really pleased with my test today. London Swing was just imported from Germany only one month ago. He handled the big atmosphere at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival really well, I give my trainer Rosalind Kinstler credit for getting us ready to show on such a short timeline and setting us up for success as we work towards my goal of qualifying to compete on the U.S. Team at the WEG. It was great to see other new horse rider combinations competing in the para-equestrian division as well and I know we all appreciate how welcoming the whole show management team at Global is to para-dressage competitors.  I think the CPEDI3* this year will be very exciting as we do have a lot of new horse rider combinations working hard to qualify for WEG selection trials. Elle Woolley and P. Sparrow Socks at AGDF in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall Following Ellie Brimmer was Grade III rider Elle Woolley (USA) and her own P. Sparrow Socks. In 2013, Woolley attended the U.S. Para-Dressage Symposium held in Maine. During the symposium Woolley borrowed Grade IV Para-Dressage athlete Mary Jordan’s horse P. Sparrow Socks. For Jordan, P. Sparrow Socks was her project that she produced from her 2010 World Equestrian Games horse Paxton Abbey. Jordan saw the connection that Woolley and P. Sparrow Socks had and Woolley was excited to move forward within the Para-Dressage discipline and purchased the mare for competition. The AGDF 7 was the first big Para-Dressage show for duo Woolley and P. Sparrow Socks. “I couldn’t be more thrilled with my first day out there,” smiled Woolley. “I had no idea what to expect and my horse really stepped up for me. She knew she was performing and our scores reflected it. I’m very proud of her. The second day, I was just spent and so was my horse and our scores reflected that. I’m still so pleased with the overall weekend. I know now exactly what our homework is, where we need work, and I’m going to have to bring that extra energy. I know what to expect at the coming CPEDI3* and I am very confident about it.” Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu at AGDF in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall Former eventer and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Deborah Stanitski, MD of Charleston, South Carolina and her horse Tiramisu were also experiencing one of their first big para-dressage shows over the weekend. Stanitski commented, “I was happy with my Grade II (team?) test but there was also room for improvement. I am looking forward to my first international Para-Dressage show at Global in the middle of March.” Paralympian Jody Schloss and her veteran mount Inspector Rebus had two consist days at the Wellington horse show. Jody was happy with the weekend’s outcome and looks forward to showing at the AGDF 10 CPEDI3* alongside her Canadian teammates. Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus at the AGDF in Wellington, FL. Photo by Lindsay Y McCall During the same weekend, Welcome Back to White Fences in Loxahatchee, Florida, hosted a full Dressage and Para-Dressage show. Two-Time Paralympian Rebecca Hart (USA) and Canadian Robyn Andrews participated in the Para-Dressage Test of Choice. This show was the first debut of Grade II Rebecca Hart’s new horse Schroeters Romani. The duo had an outstanding individual test scoring a 77.571% on their first day. Hart purchased Romani, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, with the help of Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Hart’s family, William and Sally Kimmel and Sycamore Station Equine Division. Rebecca Hart noted, “I am super excited about Romani. I am honored and humbled to be able to get to ride this horse. We have the best support team behind us and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. It wouldn’t have been possible with out them. It was fantastic to go out and be as successful as we were on our first competition together.  I am really looking forward to the future and continuing to grow as a team.” Para-Dressage riders continued to compete in AGDF 8 Palm Beach Derby February 28 – March 1, including Robyn Andrews (CAN) aboard Fancianna; Deborah Stanitski (USA) and Tiramisu; Angela Peavy (USA) with her three horses Ozzy Cooper, Stuart Little, and Lancelot Warrior; and Ellie Brimmer competed with London Swing earning a 71.875% in their Freestyle. Scheduled March 12-16, 2014, Para-Dressage riders from Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV will be participating in the AGDF 10 CPEDI3* held at The Stadium in Wellington, FL. This FEI qualifier for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is one of the last two U.S. qualifiers before the WEG selection trials. To learn more about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival please visit GlobalDressageFestival.com. Results: AGDF Week 7 Day One Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus KWPN Grade 1a Team Test 70.652 Elle Woolley and P. Sparrow Socks grade III Individual Test 68.659 Ellie Brimmer and London Swing Grade III Team Test 64.868 Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu Grade II Team Test 64.853 AGDF Week 7 Day Two Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus KWPN Grade 1a Individual Test 70.217 Ellie Brimmer and London Swing Grade III Individual Test 67.927 Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu Grade II Team Test 67.353 Elle Woolley and P. Sparrow Socks grade III Team Test 62.895 AGDF Week 7 Day Three Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu Grade II Individual Test 63.857 Welcome Back to White Fences I February 21 Robyn Andrews Fancianna Team Grade 1a Test 70.217 Welcome Back to White Fences I February 22 Rebecca Hart Schroeters Romani Grade II Indiviudal 77.571 Robyn Andrews Fancianna Individual Grade 1a Test 69.348 Welcome Back to White Fences I February 23 Rebecca Hart Schroeters Romani Grade II Team 70.882 Robyn Andrews Fancianna Freestyle Grade 1a Test 71 %

About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:  The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

Para Competition Schedule & WEG Prep!

Excitement is brewing as the Para Riders gear up for the 2014 WEG Selection Trials.  Both Gigi and Becca's horses have shipped to Ocala in preparation for their first competition in the beginning of March.  Stay tuned for updates!!

Feb 15- Ship to Ocala!

March 1-2 Dressage at Canterbury

March 8-9 Ocala Dressage

March 13-16 CPEDI3* Global Dressage Festival, Wellington, FL

March 19 Horses fly to NL with Rachel Gross

April 4-6  CPEDI3 Deauville, FR

April 25-27 CPEDI3  Moorselles BE

June 1-2 Gladstone, NJ,  
National Championship and Selection Trials for 2014 World Equestrian Games 

David's Reflections From Down South!

Many thanks to David for this wonderful blog submission.  We can't wait to follow you and all the riders at BHF on their quest for personal best in 2014!!

Candid of David & Jess
Photo Credit Ashley Holzer

"As I enjoy the more seasonable weather in Ocala, I wonder why anyone thought Aiken would be a good place to winter.  Let's also not forget our friends who remain in Pennsylvania at BHF, who are just now digging out from another big winter storm!

Watching the Winter Olympics, I started thinking about my own Olympic quest.  Certainly, it started when I first sat on a horse all those years ago, but it wasn't until I came to Blue Hill Farm, 2 years ago, that I felt like I was really being directed in that route.  Between Missy and Jessica's championship successes, both as riders and coaches in Eventing, Dressage, and Para-Dressage, the barn caters to serious athletes.

There's a buzz in the air, as 2014 is going to be a very exciting year for BHF, with Becca and Gigi on fantastic new horses who are serious WEG medal contenders in the Para Dressage.  BG and Topper are headed to the Young Rider Championships, giving me the opportunity to be the first Young Rider to compete in 2 disciplines the same year!

I could not have made it here without Jessica and Missy:  Missy so graciously giving me the ride on BG, watching me muck things up along the way as he and I bonded.  Missy, always with a positive word and unwavering support, and Jessica, turning Topper and I from Eventing misfits to FEI Dressage winners.  This was no easy task I'll admit.  I could not have gotten my riding to this level without their support.

The biggest piece if advice I can give to fellow young riders, or professionals, or amateurs for that matter, is find that coach who will give you 110%.  Someone who will take pride in your successes, knowing that they helped make it happen.  In return, work hard towards your goals and appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into you!"

Despite Snow, Sleet and Power Outages - Paralympic Fundraiser A Fabulous Success!!

Forty five of the original 60 RSVPs struggled through a lot of ice and snow to attend last Thursday night's fundraiser for two-time Paralympian Rebecca Hart and Paralympic hopeful, Margaret McIntosh! Martha and Daryl Thomas, Babsi Neidhardt Clark and her husband, Rick hosted the event in Kirkwood, PA at the Thomas' brightly lit and wonderfully warm house.

The evening began with wine, beer, and a delicious and extensive selection of hot and cold
hors d'oeuvres.  Babsi set the tone for the occasion with an earnest, well-documented description of the paradox facing the Para Equestrian discipline today. Briefly stated, the United States Olympic Committee and the competitive Equestrian organizations have cut off all funding for Para Equestrians because, despite very creditable performances, they have not produced medal-winning results. Para Equestrian competition at home and abroad is expensive but necessary in order to compete for medals so the riders need extensive private support.  She also hoped to raise awareness of the Para Equestrian competition as parallel to able-bodied Dressage, not to therapeutic riding or the Special Olympics.

Babsi's inspiring and enthusiastic introduction set the stage for video presentations highlighting Rebecca and Margaret's equine experience and involvement in the Para program. The videos served as a very intimate but succinct introduction to two remarkable women. After the videos, Rachel Gross, Assistant Trainer at Blue Hill Farm, helped  Rebecca and Margaret answer questions in a brief "Meet and Greet" session.

The overarching intent of the organizers was to establish an on-going community of both financial and emotional support, hopefully creating a wave of energy and enthusiasm to carry these riders to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy and beyond!

As a delightful post script and just one example, among many, of the enthusiasm Babsi and Martha envisioned, Sharon Clark and Liz Collard of Rigbie Farm in Darlington, MD were able to organize shipping the Para horses to Florida courtesy of D.J. Johnson Horse Transport!

Many thanks for their remarkable generosity, to the Clarks and Thomases and the community of local businesses and horsemen who are making this project an overwhelming success!