Wellington, FL –  Week two at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center began for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders Thursday, January 26, at the 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3. Canada and the United States of America went head to head in the team competition resulting in an early lead for the United States. With top scores reaching the 70% mark, the United States showcased their determination and progression over the past year. In addition to the U.S.A. and Canada, other countries represented were Bermuda, Finland, Ireland, Japan, and Mexico making up a total of 29 horse and rider combinations to display their top Team Tests. Representing the ground jury was Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Hanneke Gerritsen  (more…)

This article is courtesy of © 2012 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Guenter Seidel and U II. © 2011 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Günter Seidel, the three-time U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, will campaign the California-owned Fandango for a place on the American team for the London Games this summer.

Fandango, owned by Marie Meyers of Moorpark, California, is a 17-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Feinbrand x St. Urgard x Figaro) that has been competed by Marie in California, mostly at national shows but at CDIs in Thermal and Burbank in 2010.

The arrangement for Günter, aged 51 of Cardiff, California, to campaign the horse through August of this year was made with the help of Ed and Camille Penhoet of Toyon Farm in Napa Valley in Northern California.

“I am thrilled that Marie made this opportunity available and that Camille and Ed’s gracious support is making it possible. I know the horse really well and he’s a super talent,” Günter said. “Right now we’re focused on getting ready for the upcoming selection trials.”

In addition to his Olympic success, he was also on the World Equestrian Games team that won silver at Spain in 2002 and bronze at Aachen, Germany, in 2006.

With Fandango, he participated in an exhibition at the 2009 World Cup Final in Las Vegas with his “Phantom of the Opera” themed Pas de Deux.

Under his owner, Marie Meyers, Fandango was the 2008 Intermediaire II U.S. Dressage Federation Horse of the Year, and finished fourth in the 2006 U.S. National Championships at small tour.

Günter rode horses for Jane and Dick Brown for more than two decades until the partneship ended last year which left him without an Olympic prospect until now.

Dear ODS Members,

Corrections for the 2011 ODS Horse/Rider Awards are due January 30, 2012

Preliminary awards lists have been posted on the ODS Website for the 2011 ODS League Show Horse/Rider Awards, the ODS Licensed Show Horse/Rider and Freestyle Awards and the ODS DSHB Awards – please follow the links in the comments section. Corrections must be turned into the correct awards volunteer (listed on each webpage) by 1/30/2012; any errors discovered after this date will only be corrected online (reprints of plates to be at the members’ expense).  Click here for the Sport Horse Awards: http://www.oregondressage.com/sporthorseawards.html or click here for the Horse/Rider Awards for League and Licensed (including freestyles): http://www.oregondressage.com/riderawards.html

Nominations for the 2012 ODS Futurity are due January 31, 2012

The ODS Futurity consists of riding two tests at the ODS Championship Show in September – USEF Training Level Test 3 and USEF First Level Test 1. The futurity is open to all horses four to six years of age who have not shown at First Level or above (or equivalent test) prior to nomination (including ODS League shows).  The point scores from both tests will be added and the highest total will determine the winner. Both owner and rider of the horse must be ODS members in good standing at the time of the futurity; owner need not be the rider.  Horse must be nominated each year and have fees paid each year prior to competition.    To review all of the ODS Futurity Rules and to make a nomination, please visit http://www.oregondressage.com/2012_omnibus/2012-Futurity.pdf.  Refer to ODS Championship Show Omnibus listing for futurity class entry fees and other show fees that may apply.

Applications for Participants in Part 2 of the USDF “L” Education Program are due February 1, 2012

Oregon Dressage Society is proud to be hosting the second part of the USDF “L” Education Program in 2012.  This program is especially important for ODS because of the tremendous opportunity for learning this program offers participants of Part 1 and of the continuing education opportunity this program provides for current “L” program graduates.  Additionally, the ODS League Show approval requires at least an “L” graduate to be used as an official.  Having candidates successfully complete this program will increase the pool of available officials for approved ODS League Shows.  The application period for the USDF “L” Education Program, Part II presented by ODS in 2012 is now open.   Part II consists of Sessions D1, D2, Sitting/Scribing with “R” or “S” Judges and the Final Exam.   Only 10 participants can be accepted and a few slots are still available.   Auditors are not permitted.  Candidates will selected on a first come first served basis.    Please refer to the ODS website (http://www.oregondressage.com/lprogram.html) for further information, criteria and the application form.

Thank you,

ODS Office

Ice and Snow Damage – Cause of Leaks in the Roof

The condition known as “ice dam” due to the buildup of snow and ice on your barn roof (or your house) may be alleviated by following this suggestion.  Using a long-handled snow puller, pull the snow from the roof back just a few feet from the edge of the eaves before ice has a chance to form.  By simply removing the snow along the edge of the roof, you will give melting water a chance to drain from the eaves and prevent the formation of ice dams that may damage your roof.

Please do not get on the roof to remove snow buildup. This is dangerous and you could easily damage the roofing material resulting in leaks when it rains.

Contact Blue Bridle, 1-800-526-1711, for help in insuring your horse or your equine business!

Lexington, KY – The dressage world descends upon the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL for the 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach. Fifteen riders from six countries have accepted invitations to compete at the prestigious event which runs January 26-28 at the CDI5* level.

The U.S. effort is led by last year’s defending champion Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) who returns to the venue in which he swept to victory last year on Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm Ravel. Ravel, now 14, first represented the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games, and has gone from strength to strength since that trip. Peters was also the double-Gold medalist in October at the 2011 Pan American Games with Weltino’s Magic.

But the (more…)

Help for Students of the Sport of Dressage

Most students of the sport of dressage will have questions and queries which arise from the comments and marks that are noted on their dressage score sheet !!!

Pictured right – the founder of Dressage Training On-Line, Reisa Bonetti-Sullivan and her beloved horse Piper.  She says, “Moments like these are the ones that all horse owners cherish, and  in order to preserve this wonderful bond, we must strive to learn more and understand how to communicate with our horse in a way that does not jeopardize his trust and goodwill!”

Reisa asks … 

“Are you experiencing any of the issues mentioned in the scenarios below?”

“Let our trainers and judges help you solve your problems.” she advises!

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The Fort Vancouver Spring Fling I & II Shows have been forced to move dates – please update your calendar to April 7 & 8, 2012.

The Prize List has been updated to reflect changes in opening and closing dates as well as the show date.  The updated Prize List has been posted on the ODS website here: http://www.oregondressage.com/2012_omnibus/2012-FVC-SpringFling.pdf

The FVC Spring Fling I & II is comprised of two 1 day ODS League Approved Shows in Ridgefield, WA.  If you are showing both days, be sure to send each day on its own entry form.  Entries will now open on Saturday, March 3 and will close Saturday, March 23.

Please contact show manager Rose Newman at (360) 281-6550 or rose_newman@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

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Wellington, FL -As the sun rose over the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* commenced. Twenty-three para-equestrian dressage riders from seven countries vied for top scores under F.E.I. judges Carlos Lopes (POR), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Marc Urban (BEL). For two weekends, beginning with the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* and ending with the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*, para-equestrian dressage riders have the opportunity to earn their qualifying scores and increase their international rankings before the 2012 London Paralympics. For each country the next two weekends will mark the closeout of the team rankings before London. Dueling for the top positions in Friday’s Team Test were Canada and the United States. Competition will continue Saturday with the Individual Test, and end Sunday with the Freestyle competition followed by the awards ceremony.

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