JUNIOR OLYMPIANS FROM IDAHO!!!

We would like to introduce ourselves.  We are Courtney Dale and Sadie Lahey from Eagle, Idaho.  (Biographical notes are posted below).

Sadie Lahey has been selected from the Northwest Region (Region 6), and is the only Idahoan to represent the region at the Young Rider Competition in Lexington, Kentucky, at the end of July, 2010.   An international competition with riders from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, South America and the United States, this competition  is the “Junior Olympics” of Dressage.   Many of our future Olympians come from this select group of national champions.

Courtney has declared her intent to compete for selection on this prestigious team, and with her many accomplishments in riding, we expect that she too will represent the region in 2011.

State interest in dressage has increased dramatically, and we are hopeful that 2011 will see a team composed of Idaho representatives on our Region 6 Team.

Dressage is the basis for all riding, and blends the skilled subtle movements of the rider with the athleticism of the horse.  Dressage has been called the ballet of equestrians.

Financial support is being sought to aide these young women in their “Quest for Kentucky”.  We feel they represent the very best of Idaho, and are pleased that they will have the opportunity to ride on the national stage in such a significant competition.

The following opportunities are available:

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Sponsor: At the $500.00 and above level your name will appear on either a saddle pad or polo shirt (your choice)  that will be worn during the preliminary jog and in all warm up events on this international stage.

Super sponsor: At $1000.00 and above , a banner will be displayed by the girls stalls and at all events the girls participate in, giving you exposure not only throughout the state of Idaho, but in Oregon, Washington and Kentucky.  Your name will also be on the saddle pad or polo shirt.

All donations are appreciated!!!  We will write a letter of “Thanks” that will be published in the Idaho Statesman, listing all names of contributors, no matter how small.

Thank you so much for your interest!

Sadie Lahey and Courtney Dale

Please contact Kathryn L. McMullan [laheymk@cableone.net] if you are interested in supporting this venture!

Bios:

Courtney

My name is Courtney Dale and I am 18 years old.  I am a graduate of the Medical Arts Charter High School and would like to pursue a career in Radiology. I reside in Eagle, Idaho and train with Ernst Herrmann at Once Upon A Horse.

My trusty steed, Fortune, a Danish Warmblood and I have been together a little over a year which is the length of time I have been seriously riding Dressage.

Some achievements include Awards in Dressage and Quadrille, Reserve Champion in  Eventing, Hunter/Jumper; Awarded the Mini Metal Class. Also, I rode with The Ehcapa Bareback Riders as Mini Princess.  Most recently, I was awarded a scholarship from USEF which enabled me to be selected to ride in the Sue Blinks Young Riders clinic in Gig Harbor.  Fortune was awarded the Danish Warmblood Breed Award for the year 2009. This year I declared my intent for the Junior Young Rider Program and I have really enjoyed my experience and meeting other young riders; next year I will continue in this program as well. Most importantly, I have a deep love for horses and a desire to become the best rider I can be and to honor my sport as well as respect my equine partner.

Sadie

Sadie Lahey

My name is Sadie Lahey and I’m sixteen years old.  I have been riding horses since I was four years old, and have been competing and showing since I was seven.  I have been training for nine years at Once Upon A Horse, in Eagle, Idaho, with Janet & Ernest Herrmann.

Last September, I won the Junior/Young Rider Region 6 Championship in Dressage for 2^nd level.  In December, my KWPN horse Up To Date P (Uppa) was shipped from Holland.  We have been working together since then.  Under Ernie’s guidance and training, I have been able to achieve my long-time dream of being able to represent the Northwest Region and Idaho (Region 6), in the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (Junior Olympics).  The NAJYRC is a very prestigious international competition, and is designed to groom young riders to represent their countries at the Olympics.  This is my ultimate goal.

Uppa and I have worked hard this 2010 show season to qualify for the competition, travelling many hours to the qualifying shows.  This would not have been possible if it were not for my parents, my trainer, and the Dales who have shared their trailer and travelling adventures with me.  I achieved my goal of qualifying and on July 21^st, I will be flying to Lexington, Kentucky, to compete with Uppa in the NAJYRC as the only junior rider representative from the entire Northwest region and Idaho.

This is an expensive trip and your support, not only for me, but also for all of the other Junior and Young Riders who have the same dreams as we do, is greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much!

Sadie, Uppa, and all of the Region 6 Juniors and Young riders

to be

Other accomplishments:

Upcoming Junior at Centennial High School

National Honor Society

GPA 4.2

2005 Junior/Young Rider First level: Reserve champion on Patterson

2006 Junior/Young rider Tr/1^st level : Reserve champion on Patterson

2007 Junior/Young rider 1^st level Rider of the Year: Champion on Patterson

2007 Junior/Young 1^st level Rider of the Year on Patterson

2009 Region 6 Champion 2^nd level Dressage on Ralf (owned by Janet Herrmann)

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