SHAWNA HARDING AND COME ON III PHOTO BY SUSAN J. STICKLE
FOR MORE PHOTOS VISIT PHOTOGRAPHER'S WEB SITE http://susanjstickle.com/
October 27th -News from my competition horses if your interested. Come ON III is the Horse of the Year in the I-1 and I-1 freestyle and Freestyle Challenge. He just did his first I-2 and we won with a 67.5%. We will begin the Grand Prix in Florida. Richman a newly imported fully licenced breeding stallion owned by Kathleen Broughan, and I won his first start at 4th level with a 69% and Tonya Rowe"s Rigo is second in the country Horse of the Year for Second level and just won the Region 3 Second level Championship with a 71.78%.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aiken, SC - April 30, 2008 - Shawna and the team garnered more big scores at Dressage at FENCE in Tryon, NC April 26-27. Shawna and Come On III used the event as fine-tuning for the USEF National Intermediare I Championships in late June. Saturday's 73.500% in the Prix St. Georges indicated that they are definitely on the right track. Shawna and Come On III followed this up with an exceptional 75.750% on Sunday in the Intermediare I. These scores should bolster Come On III's top ranking in the USDF Horse of the Year standings at Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I and two Intermediare I Freestyle classes.
Shawna and Tonya Rowe's Rigo had a solid debut at Third Level. The 7-year old Hanoverian gelding competed in the Third Level test 3 both days with scores of 68.605% and 67.209%. This will be one of Rigo's two qualifying scores for the USDF Regional Championships at Third Level (he is already qualified at Second Level). Rigo needs only one more score at Second Level to achieve a very high (most likely first place) ranking in the USDF Horse of the Year standings.
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“Succes” Defines Raleigh CDI-W/Y/J;
US Breeders Take Top Honors Among Aspiring Young Horses
Release June 03 2008-Raleigh, NC
By Suzanne Mullen
For the 17th year running, the Raleigh CDI-W/Y/J and Capital Dressage Classic sponsored by the NCDCTA proved to be a weekend not to be missed for top international dressage competitors and supporters. The show was slightly smaller this year than last, but the quality of the horses and riders who were here to earn qualifying scores on the national and international level were amongst the best ever with competitors representing regions all over the U.S. as well as Canada, Hong Kong and Europe.
The steamy weather scarcely dampened the electric atmosphere of this crucial last qualifying competition for top riders from the U.S. Europe and Hong Kong vying for a chance to represent their country at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2009 FEI World Cup Final. In addition, riders from the U.S. were also competing to earn qualifying scores for the 2008 USEF National Dressage Grand Prix Championship; 2008 National Dressage Intermediare I Championship; 2008 NAJYRC; and USEF National JR/YR and Brentina Cup championships. Also this was a qualifying competition for the: USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship, sponsored by the Dutta Corp & PSI
This weekend also featured a hotly contested competition among breeders of future dressage stars with the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Eastern Selection Trial for the 2008 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Dressage.
Lars Peterson of Denmark wasn’t trying to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, but he showed international star power Saturday night with his Grand Prix Musical Freestyle on the grey DWB gelding Succes. Choreographed to perfection to a whimsical selection of cartoon themes, the flowing ride showed off Succes’s lightness and athleticism, delighting the crowd and the judges who gave it the winning score of 74.2%.
“He is normally a very spooky and hot horse but today he was hot but he stayed with me the whole way then he can really show off his talent – it was really fun. I really like this show. I’ve been in this country for 6 yrs and I’ve been here every year. It has a little bit more of an international atmosphere because of the indoor, good footing. We particularly like to come here.”
George Williams of the U.S., always a crowd favorite in Raleigh with his Westfalan mare Rocher, was second with a 69.8%, followed by Tara Stegen with New Tango with a 67.7% and North Carolina’s own Joe Sandven and his Hannoverian gelding Rachmaninoff with 66.9%
The competition among the Grand Prix riders was close throughout the weekend, with the top spots in the other FEI GP classes claimed by different teams, rather than a single horse and rider dominating the weekend. Michael Barisone who has enjoyed a lot of recent success with his DWB gelding Neruda won the FEI Grand Prix class of 16 with a 67%, while Jane Hannigan was the winner of the FEI Grand Prix Special with a 65.8% on Maksymilian.
While world-class competitions such as the Raleigh CDI-W/Y/J may have only a fraction of the number of Grand Prix riders and horses of comparable CDI competitions taking place in Europe-- which often boast 50 or more FEI Grand Prix competitors--long time “O” Judge Barnabas Mandi of Hungary was nonetheless very complimentary of show organizer Janine Malone and her team, saying it definitely belonged on the calendar of top FEI competitors.
“This is a very well organized competition. The volunteers are working very well, the scribers are excellent and the hospitality and the atmosphere [are] great. I think this competition has its own significance. [In addition to getting needed qualifying scores] Grand Prix riders can check where the actual stage of the training of the horse [is], where is the actual capacity, and how can we improve for the future.”
Among the other classes closely watched and contested were the Intermediare I class won by Lars Peterson on Chicco Roslev with a 64.9; the Intermediare Freestyle topped by Lauren Sprieser and Clairvoya with a 65.65 and Catherine Malone on Don Sarok won the FEI PSG Open during Friday’s competition with 62.250%.
In the qualifying competiton for the NAJYRC and the USEF National Junior/YR Championships two names stood out. The Young Rider Prix St. Georges and Young Rider Team Test were both won by Jillian Costello from Gainesville Florida --and a student of Lars Peterson-- on Kismo; while the Junior Team and Individual Tests blue ribbons belonged to McKenzie Jenkins and Tsarina Bint RII of Gallatin Tennessee.
U.S. Breeders were well represented at the competition during the Eastern Selection Trial for the 2008 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses and the 2008 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program.
The highly praised 16.2 Hannoverian Gelding Cabana Boy owned by Hilltop Farm, and ridden by Christopher Hickey were the standouts among the 6 year old horses with a final score of 8.16., followed by Teresa Butta and Froelich.
Among the 5 yr old winners was second year in a row champion Joe Sandven of Fletcher N.C.. This year’s honors went to the 17h Hannoverian mare Ronatella S owned by Helen Wiest, with a final score of 7.944 followed by River Side Lady, also a Hanoverian Mare, owned by Robbie Rice and ridden by Debbie Hill.
It was an especially sweet victory for Joe Sandven who makes the Raleigh CDI a definite destination on his competition calendar each year.
“We love the Raleigh CDI. Good footing, good venue. We’re really lucky to have a CDI in our own state. They are few and far between and good people, good horses coming out of NC. Thank goodness Janine and the NCDCTA are willing to do this show!
The arena is a little scary for the young horses but fine for the Grand Prix horses. It’s fun to have won the 5 yr old championship on the horse five years ago that I’m competing Grand Prix on this time. Its nice to now come full circle and be starting all over and starting off with another winning five year old.”
Joe has been invited to train with Klaus Balkenhal but isn’t sure yet when or if he will be traveling to Europe.
At the Capital Dressage Classic ponies and small horses turned heads with their impressive scores and competitive tests against their larger counterparts.
Isabelle Leibler who trains with Lars Peterson in Florida brought her two German Riding Ponies. She scored a 70% in the FEI Test of Choice and second in a large class in the FEI Freestyle test of choice with Depardieu. Bailey Cook of Carbon NC had scores of 65.3 and 68.9 on Louise Rascoe’s German Riding Pony stallion Sweet Rock Solid at Second level. Anna Stovall of Chesapeake Va rode the 14.3 h stallion Ridley to a win in a large 3rd-2 class with a 67.949, while Elly Schobel of Williston SC scored an impressive 69.5% in the USDF Materiale class for 4 and 5 yr olds with her 12.1 h.Welsh stallion Fox Cry Nicodemus.
Jennifer Baumert of Columbus NC was a frequent blue ribbon winner and took away a number of 2nd place honors as well throughout the weekend with her mounts DeWert, Nero and Delaware, scoring in the high sixties and seventies at Training and First Level in numerous classes. She ended up with the Training Level High Average Award on Nero with an average of 67.732%.
NC’s own Robin Brueckmann who has been named again to represent the U.S. at the Para-Olympic Games had a weekend of successful rides on Radetzky with wins on Sunday in 3rd Level-2 with a 66.9% and 3rd-3 with 65.3% while Rebecca Nelles of Louisburg NC earned scores of 69.7% at First Level and 64.88% at Second Level with Vested Interest, topped a large FEI TOC (PSG) class with her mare Rymtik with a score of 61.6% and scored a 64.375% with Royal Scandal Mangalam to win the FEI Grand Prix B class.
The Trainer’s Award went to Tami Crawford. She and her three students had a total of fourteen rides for an average of 65.682%.
FEI Grand Prix Special #023 Adam Lastowka riding Oleander
JASMINE FARM LUAU SUMMER CELEBRATION
Some of you may already know since it has been on the SCDCTA calendar for several months, but am sending out the prize lists for the June 7 show at Jasmine Farm. Rebecca Houseley from Charleston is back by popular demand to judge. This show is SCDCTA recognized. The arena will be watered- so no dust!- and a full concession stand with brownies, cookies, chips, hot dogs, chili and drinks will be available. Also, the swimming pool will be open to all competitors and their friends & family to keep cool!
This show is very low-key-suitable for the very beginner, first-timer- but also suitable for a more seasoned competitor to get mileage and practice. Also new to the format: Event riders may ride just their dressage test if they want.
By request, since apparently most events use test B, I have changed to using those tests.
If anyone is interested in jump judging, scribing, or helping out in any other way, please let me know- we always appreciate you! I hope you can come! Thanks so much!
Valerie
Closing date: IN HAND June 1, 2007
Checks payable to: Jasmine Farm
MAIL TO: 340 Pine Acres Road, Windsor, SC 29856
(overnight mail, check box for “no signature required”)
Dressage tests $25.00, Combined Tests $35
Aiken resident Shawna Harding recently returned home from a world-class 3-month dressage season in Wellington, FL that had fans of the sport comparing her to golf's Tiger Woods. Shawna and her own 9-year-old Danish Warmblood Come On III won 11 of their 12 events at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I levels. 5 of their wins were at the International CDI level. In 2007, only one horse/rider team had more CDI wins (6)at these levels. Shawna and Come On III accomplished this feat in only the first three months of the year.
Shawna and Come On III also won the Wellington Classic Challenge of Champions, an award for winning all three Prix St. Georges classes at the three designated Challenge events. This new "triple crown" award was an enormous accomplishment against almost 100 other horses competing in the challenge.
To achieve this level of success, Shawna and Come On III had to garner top scores consistently all season long. This they did with an average of 71.333% in front of mostly Olympic and International level judges. Their phenomenal scores were good enough to place them between first and fourth in the USEF National Intermediare I Rankings throughout the season. An interesting fact of their high ranking is that their qualifying scores were achieved at CDI competitions which are generally known for more stringent judging standards.
The pair's Wellington season continued the trajectory of success that they have established since 2006 when they moved to Aiken from Europe. Since then they have won 41 of of their 54 starts (75%) with an average score of 70.070%. Shawna also trains and competes client horses and has an astounding record with these horses as well. Since early 2006, she has won 27 of 31 times (87%) on her clients' horses with an average score of 70.443%. One of these horses, Rigo (owned by Tonya Rowe) made the trip down to Wellington with Shawna. Rigo competed 7 times in Wellington, winning 6 of his starts with an average score of 70.881%.
After what some are calling the most dominant "small tour" (Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I) season in Wellington history, Shawna and Come On III have set two new goals. First, they are preparing for the USEF National Intermediare I Championships in California in June. They are easily qualified for the championship and are considered one of the favorites. If they can find the financial support to make the trip, they will most certainly have a great chance to win.
Shawna’s impressive training and competitive experience in both Europe and the United States has brought her to the pinnacle of her sport. Her talent and experience in the show ring, her comprehensive training from some of the masters of dressage, combined with the competitive spirit, drive, focus and dedication necessary to make a champion, have served her well.
Competing in dressage at the international level is a capital-intensive endeavor. To perform at this level, Shawna requires the support of sponsors - both individual and corporate. She is seeking sponsors for her 2008 campaign and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to get involved with an international-caliber athlete and be a part of her quest to become a member of the United States Equestrian Team. For information on how you can become one of Shawna’s valued supporters, please click here.
Shawna's main base is at Black Forest Equestrian Center in Aiken which is owned by Kathy and Ivan Lewis and her winter base is at Eric Richman’s in Loxahatchee, Florida.
ITE O'HIGGINS YOUNG AT BUCKLEIGH FARMS
Ite O'Higgins-Young was born in Dublin, Ireland. Growing up in the horse world, she was an avid foxhunter and received her "A" Pony Club Certificate from the Ward Union Pony Club at the age of 16. Wins at the Dublin International Horse Show and Three-Day Eventing were a way of life.
Formal training began at Iris Kellett's School of Show Jumping and then onward to train with Col. J. Hume Dudgeon. Ite then went to Porlock Vale in England, a top teaching facility under the direction of Ms. Betty Howett and Col. Jamie Crawford where she became certified as a B.H.S. instructor.
Extensive competition experience filled the next few years; competing in America on the Three-Day-Event Circuit with wins at Ledyard, Radnor and Fair Hill.
Having always had a keen interest in dressage, Ite purchased two top international prospects and went on to purchase "Federleicht" who placed 13th in the Seoul Olympic Games and won the World Cup with Robert Dover. Representing Ireland on the U.S., Canadian and European Circuits, she won the Canadian Ontario Grand Prix Championship.
After extensive training in Germany with Dr. Reiner Klimke, she was invited to represent Ireland at the World Championships in Sweden, the European Championships in Germany and received a special invitation to compete at the prestigious Dortmund International Show, placing sixth. Ite has successfully campaigned horses on the Florida Circuit for many years.
Ite is now accepting bookings for lessons, horses in training, and clinics. For more information and available dates please call (803) 641-4441
http://www.buckleighfarms.com/dressage.html
Toi riding Wjedro (Will) at the Asheville, NC show in August, 2006.
Toi Trent
USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist
/www.quintynnehillfarm.com/
Toi Trent has an extensive background in teaching with a Masters degree in Education. She provides written lesson summaries and educational handouts to further increase the rider's equestrian knowledge. Toi has earned a USDF Bronze and Silver Medal and she completed Charles de Kunffy's East Coast Instructor Program in 1999. With this training and her riding experiences with classical dressage trainers as de Kunffy, Hungarian Olympian, Gjula Dallos and Jessica Jo Tate, Toi's teaching program emphasizes the rider's equitation. Correct, focused riding results in the rider's positive influence on the athletic development of the horse.
Call 803-649-1527
1355 Coleman Bridge Road
Wagener, SC 29164
