Jeremy Steinberg, photo copyright Mary Cornelius, all rights reserved.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation and Jeremy Steinberg, the National Dressage Youth Coach, have introduced a new personalized online video training program for America’s youth riders.

The video program was created as the best way to reach the greatest number of riders in a country the size of the United States.

Jeremy, who travels extensively giving clinics to youth riders, said the program had been in the works for a year and is now up and running as “The USEF Youth Talent Hotline.”

The program is designed so riders can get any extra help throughout the year.

“It involves riders uploading a video which will be completely private and inaccessible to anyone other than rider, me and the IT department at USEF,” he said.

“Then I will in turn get an email saying there is a new video which I will then watch and make some notes on.  Depending on the number of videos and where I am when I review them, the rider will either get a video back with an audio track dubbed over the video of me giving pointers, ideas and thoughts. If I am not in an area to access that feature, the rider will get an email back with the same information written out instead of an audio track.”

Riders can set up an account by contacting Leah Oliveto at USEF (loliveto@usef.org) with “Youth Talent Hotline” in the subject line. The USEF will set up an account, password and access to the site.

Representing the United States was Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib) on NTEC Jabriel from Richardson,TX.  At the helm of United States team is Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen.

During the first week of the Florida CPEDI3*, Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale represented the U.S.A Team. During the second week NTEC Jabriel was chosen as one of the four team members. This change was a result of testing a new horse for its Team potential. In the Grade Ib competition, Jonathan earned the top score with NTEC Richter Scale of 70.530%, and the second place with team horse NTEC Jabriel 68.409%. “Richter really improved today,” noted Jonathan. “However, I was extremely tired after my first horse so when I rode Gabe I became a little heavy.  As a rider I have to be perfectly precise with Gabe and the smallest change in my body can affect him.”

He continued, “Tomorrow our goal is to work on the turn on the haunches for the Individual Test. It is a really hard move that most able-bodied riders struggle with because it is all leg.  As a para-equestrian this movement is even harder to ride and teach.”

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius represented Grade II for the U.S.A. Team Test competition scoring a 71.984%. She commented, “To be selected for the team is an incredible honor at a CPEDI3*.  Everyone is doing their best and everyone is supporting each other. This is only the third CPEDI3* that my horse Erik and I have competed in so we are still working out the little kinks to polish our show ring performance. Having two shows in a row has been a wonderful opportunity to build on what was good the first week and eliminate pieces that weren’t so wonderful. Today I decided to let Erik’s frame out a little bit, soften him, and move forward.  I really like the change I made in this horse today which made me realize my plan for tomorrow. The only detail about the test that was a challenge was walking into a halt and backing up because Erik is much better at trotting into the halt and backing up. I have really appreciated the support and training of my trainer Rosaline Kinstler who has helped me make these decisions about Erik each and every day.”

Rounding out the other half of the U.S.A. Team Tests were Grade IV rider Mary Jordan and Sebastian and Grade II rider Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger which brought the United States just a few points ahead of Canada.

Rebecca Hart noted, “I really think the team is going in the right direction. With this opportunity to have back-to-back competitions everyone is able to look at their comments from last week and work towards a goal for this week. So far that has shown in their scores.

Mary Jordan responded, “It is wonderful being able to show twice at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, I can’t think of anywhere else where we have been able to get that feed back and work on it. The team overall is doing quite well. I definitely feel the support of my teammates. We are able to encourage each other and share ideas about fine tuning our rides.”

As the end of the competition approached Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger were given their chance in the ring scoring a 71.746%.  Rebecca commented, “This is our third CPEDI3* together and we are really starting to mesh.  The moments of A-Ha! are becoming more frequent and I can already start to feel where our partnership is going. Lo Lu has a really big flowing trot and we now have that hammered out so in the future we will focus on accuracy and getting that same trot energy into the walk. We have been working hard on the adaptive cues and I am looking forward to when everything becomes consistent.”

Mary affirmed, “I was pleased with Sebastian today. He is a new partnership since three weeks before the September horse show in Saugerties so we are just getting his program together. What I love about Sebastian is that he is much happier here at a horse show than hanging out at home.  When I trot him into the ring he feels like he grows about ten feet. As Robert Dover noted he has a really flamboyant extended trot so I think that as his fitness continues to improve that he can show that brilliance in his test.

The Canadian Team members included 2008 gold and silver medal Paralympian Lauren Barwick – Four Star Parelli Professional- and Off To Paris.  The pair earned the highest score of the day with a 75% in Grade II. With a last minute change for Ashley Gowanlock, Ashley showed Maile who was Lauren Barwick’s partner when they won the 2008 gold and silver medal in the Hong Kong Paralympics.  With just one day to learn the ride Ashley and Maile scored an impressive 67.576% in Grade Ib placing them just behind Jonathan Wentz (USA). In Grade Ia Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus earned a score of 67.255% placing her in second behind Laureitta Oakleaf (USA) at 71.275%. In Grade IV Lynne Pool and Vasco E represented Canada earning a 63.281% behind Mary Jordan and Sebastian (USA) at 66.406% and behind, dominating Grade IV Irish rider, James Dwyer and Orlando at 69.635%.

Chef d’Equipe Elizabeth Quigg-Robinson explained what the Canadian team has gone through within the last 24 hours, “We had to make a few changes today because we had a couple little problems with the horses.  Ashley’s ride developed an abscess just before the trot up so we had to switch her onto a reserve horse.  Lauren’s Maile was just coming back into work and training but because Lauren was down in Florida she brought Maile with her.  We are very proud of Ashley earning a great score for the team on a new horse. We are also very proud of Lauren who had fabulous ride today. She has really put together all the things the judges have said over the last couple of weeks.”

She continued, “We are so proud of the entire team.  They had a great week last week and so far they have remained consistent this week. Having two weeks back-to-back has really taught our team how to manage a small interruption in the regular routine like the one we had today. We are trying to use every tool including a sports psychologist who is working with our team to discuss interruptions like bringing in a new horse.”
After the Florida CPEDI3* the Canadian team will travel to multiple locations including Eleonore Elstone who will compete in Europe this winter at the CPEDI events. “We have some wonderful funding partners like Own the Podium who are very supportive of us,” noted Elizabeth Quigg-Robinson. “Our funding cycle is a four-year cycle which continues as long as we keep performing well. As we approach London we will have to check our funding to decide which shows to do next.”

It takes lots of support for every para-equestrian to reach their goals including companies like People on Horses. The brow bands seen on the Team U.S.A horses were donated to the United States Para-Equestrian Team members from People On Horses and President Lisa Woodcock-Zella. Since 1998 Lisa and her company have supplied top riders with her crystal, diamond, and jeweled brow bands. “We truly enjoy donating to the Para-Equestrian Team,” smiled Lisa.  “We have been donating brow bands since the 2004 Olympic Team, and we have continued with donating them to each team at many international events. We enjoy donating the brow bands because we feel it gives the team a feeling of camaraderie and unity.”

On Saturday, the Individual Team Test competition will occur followed by Sunday’s Freestyle Test and awards ceremony. In addition to the CPEDI3*, the World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group and the top dressage horses in the world will compete for $130,000. A total of 17 horses and riders from six countries will participate in the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, which is the only World Dressage Masters event to take place outside of Europe.

January 26, 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3*

Name, Horse, Score, Country

Grade 1a

1.    Laurietta Oakleaf, Niekele fan Busenitz, 71.275 (USA)

2.    Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus (CAN), 67.255 (USA)

3.    Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 63.431 (CAN)

4.    Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 63.137 (BER)

5.    Kim Decker, Dasher’s Destiny, 62.941, (USA)

6.    NTEC Manchada, Mina Chinju, 61.275 (JPN)

Grade 1b

1.    Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 70.530 (USA)

2.    Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel (USA), 68.409 (USA)

3.    Ashley Gowanlock, Maile, 67.576 (CAN)

4.    Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 65.076 (FIN)

5.    Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 65.076 (FIN)

6.    Margaret McIntosh, Idalgo, 61.818

Grade II

1.    Lauren Barwick, Off To Paris, 75.000 (CAN)

2.    Dale Dedrick, MD Bonifatius, 71.984 (USA)

3.    Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 71.746 (USA)

4.    Fernanda Otheguy, It’s Mr. Merlot, 67.460 (MEX)

5.    Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney’s Willow, 66.190 (USA)

6.    Rebecca Hart, Hugh Knows, 64.841 (USA)

7.    Charlotte Bathlon, Sportsfield Twist, 62.302 (USA)

8.    Sydney Collier, Quimerico KF, 58.968 (USA)

Grade III

1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 58.951 (USA)

Grade IV

1.    James Dwyer, Orlando, 69.635(IRE)

2.    Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 66.406(USA)

3.    Lynne Poole, Vasco E, 63.281 (CAN)

4.    Lynne Pool, Fisbee, 62.656 (CAN)

5.    Lise Yervasi, Brendan Braveheart 62.031 (USA)

6.    Mary Jordan, P.Sparrow Socks 61.875 (USA)

7.    Robin Brueckmann, Radetzky, 61.458 (USA)

8.    Madison Lawson, McGuire, 61.354 (CAN)

For more information about the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3* please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com or contact Noreen O’Sullivan (561) 714-9026.

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 California combination will have plenty of competition. From the home team, they will have two combinations from their team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games as challengers: Todd Flettrich and Otto and Tina Konyot, 2010 USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Champion, with Calecto V. Adrienne Lyle and Wizard are hot off a win last weekend at the same venue, and Pierre St. Jacques will round out the U.S. effort on Lucky Tiger.

Jacqueline Brooks, Ashley Holzer and Victoria Winter will represent Canada. Big names from Great Britain’s 2011 Gold medal-winning European Championship Team: Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester. They will ride Valegro and Wie Atlantico respectively.

“Last weekend was great – it was my first Florida show and it was great,” said Lyle. “I’m really excited. I can’t wait to get over there and school with everyone let alone compete against the best in the world. We are just really excited. Wizard is doing great he’s getting stronger and more confirmed all the time.”

The complete list of entries is:

Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) – Gran Gesto

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) – Valegro

Todd Flettrich (USA) – Otto

Carl Hester (GBR) – Wie Atlantico

Adrienne Lyle (USA) – Wizard

Ashley Holzer (CAN) – Breaking Dawn

Tina Konyot (USA) – Calecto V

Yvonne Losos de Muñiz (DOM) – Dondolo Las Marismas

Steffen Peters (USA) – Ravel

Anja Plönzke (GER) – Le Mont d’Or

Pierre St. Jacques (USA) – Lucky Tiger

Per Sandgaard (SWE) – Lomumba Havdal

Minna Telde (SWE) – Deinhardt

Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven (SWE) – Favourit

Victoria Winter (CAN) – Proton

These riders will compete for €100,000 ($130,000) at the only World Dressage Masters competition to be contested outside Europe.  The top two horse/rider combinations from the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3* Grand Prix will be invited to the CDI5* Grand Prix following the completion of that class on Thursday.  The CDI5* jog is on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

This sold-out event will be broadcast live on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/WDM2012/ beginning at 2pm ET on Saturday with the Grand Prix Special and followed by the Grand Prix Freestyle at 7:30pm ET. Video on Demand coverage of both events will posted the following day.

The first of four para-equestrians representing the United States was rider Mary Jordan (Grade IV) of Wells, ME aboard Sebastian, para-equestrian Dale Dedrick (Grade II) from Ann Arbor, MI on Bonifatius, Rebecca Hart (Grade II) of Erie, PA aboard Lord Ludger and Jonathan Wentz (Grade Ib), NTEC Richter Scale from Richardson, TX led by Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen.. The United States team set the pace with the first ride of the day from Mary Jordan beginning at 8:30 a.m. on her team horse Sebastian. She noted, ”Sebastian went pretty well today. I had a morning ride at a beautiful facility, on a great horse. However, I am looking to produce even more out of him.”

Mary has kept a tight schedule since December when she headed to Melbourne, Australia. ”I went from Australia, to having Christmas, and then shipped both horses, Sebastian and P. Sparrow Socks to Florida,” commented Mary. “It definitely took a lot of work to get down here but it was worth it. There is no substitute for becoming seasoned, the more experience we get and the more competitive mileage we gain at this level will continue to help us grow as individuals and as a team.”
Jonathan put forward two steady tests aboard team horse NTEC Richter Scale and Bavarian Warmblood NTEC Jabriel. “Our goal was to use Richter as the safe choice for the team and he played it safe and executed a nice test,” noted Jonathan. “Even on a bad day Richter is still consistent.”

He continued, “I am looking forward to the rest of this weekend and especially next week’s CPEDI3*. Saturday’s individual test ramps up even more, the turns become tighter, and each test presents a new set of challenges. For me it’s about keeping steady and working hard, and those goals come easy with my trainer Kai Handt, his assistant Coach Happy Comly, and of course owners Julia Handt and Rachel Zent.”

For rider Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius a score of 69.318% would capture the top score for the United States. “It was one of those tests that was quite even,” smiled Dale. “I like to ride a steady test on the first day because Erik is a horse than can get enthusiastic and sometimes he will volunteer a little more than necessary. Since we rode a test that was balanced and correct I now know he is listening. Saturday will be about going deep in the corners, making sure the transitions are correct, and perfecting the details. For the team I know we have a great group of people that top riders that will perform their best this weekend.”

Rounding out the United States team was top rider Rebecca Hart aboard Lord Ludger. “I was quite happy with him,” said Rebecca. “There was a lot of outside stimuli and he handled it beautifully. I enjoyed the team test competition today and I also enjoyed riding my relatively new mount Hugh Knows.” Hugh Knows was a prior event horse owned by Jacqueline Mars. Rebecca is planning to continue to grow with both horses as they make their way to selection trials this summer.

Representing the Canadian team at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* was Madison Lawson on McGuire (Grade IV), Lauren Barwick aboard Off To Paris (Grade II), Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2 (Grade Ib), and Jody Schloss on Inspector Rebus (Grade Ia).
With Canada and the United States dueling for the top placing, Chef d’Equipe of Canada, Elizabeth Quigg, was very happy with the team’s results. She noted, “The team went as well as expected and we are hoping to maintain that through the next six months. We brought a lot of people down to Florida so they could get more experience with the two shows back to back. It is also a good opportunity to assess everybody from the winter but we have a long way to go till August.”
Jody Schloss responded, “I am looking forward to the next week as well. We all ride really hard and I think our marks showed that.”

Excelling in Grade IV with a winning score of 68.75% James Dwyer of Ireland and his trusty gelding Orlando. James remarked, “I was overall pretty happy with my ride today. There are a few little things here and there that we need to work on but overall all he was really good and I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Like many of the para-equestrian dressage competitors James will stay through the two weeks of competition. After a short break he will head to Europe with Orlando where he will show in France, Belgium, and Germany in preparation for the 2012 Selection Trials. As the weekend continues riders from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Finland, Bermuda, Japan, and Mexico will compete in Saturday’s Individual competition followed by Sunday’s Freestyle and awards ceremony.

Results: Placing, Name, Name of Horse, Total Score

Grade 1a

1. Jody Schloss, Inspector Rebus, 67.157

2. Lorrietta Oakleaf, Niekele fon Busenitz, 63.529

3. Robyn Andrews, Fancianna, 62.745

4. Kim Decker, Dasher’s Destiny, 62.157

5. Alexander Mitchell, Guiness Maskell, 61.863

6. Robyn Andrews, Ravallo Son, 61.471

7. NTEC Manchada, Mina Chinju 56.275

Grade 1b

1. Ashley Gownlock, Fredonia 2, 70.985

2. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Jabriel, 69.381

3. Jonathan Wentz, NTEC Richter Scale, 66.212

4. Jaana Kivimaki, Sarona, 63.636

5. Katja Karjalainen, Hidden Creek Jones, 63.409

Grade II

1. Lauren Barwick, Off to Paris, 71.667

2. Dale Dedrick, Bonifatius, 69.318

3. Rebecca Hart, Lord Ludger, 69.048

4. Rebecca Hart, Hugh Knows, 65.714

5. Fernanda Otheguy, Sarona, 64.921

6. Elizabeth Pigott, Whitney’s Willow, 63.651

7. Margret McIntosh, Idalgo, 61.905

8. Charlotte Bathon, Sportsfield Twist, 57.460

Grade III

1. Eleanor Brimmer, Carino H, 57.531

Grade IV

1. James Dwyer, Orlando, 68.750

2. Lynne Pool, Vasco E, 64.427

3. Lynee Pool, Fisbee, 63.958

4. Madison Lawson, McGuire, 63.958

5. Mary Jordan, Sebastian, 63.333

6. Mary Jordan, P Sparrow Socks, 62.135

For more information about the Gold Coast Dressage Opener please visit www.gcdafl.org

or contact Noreen O’Sullivan (561) 714-9026.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the dates and locations of two Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Sessions for 2012. The open training sessions will be a unique opportunity for up and coming talent to have one-on-one sessions with USEF Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler. The two-day event will include a 45-minute lesson each day with Scott Hassler as well as an evening lecture and discussion for the riders led by Scott. He explains, “I’m really excited about the decision to schedule the open Young Horse Training sessions. They will provide an opportunity for people to better understand the Markel/USEF Young Horse program as well as the correct development required for young horses to advance in the training scale towards the FEI levels.”

 The first Young Horse Training Session will be held February 18-19 at Shannondale Farm in Milton, Georgia. Applications for this training session are due January 31^st. Another Training Session will be held April 14-15 at Twinwood Equestrian Center in Simontown, Texas. Applications for this training session are due March 30^th.

Applications, fees and further information about these training sessions can be obtained by contacting USEF Director of Dressage National Programs, Hallye Griffin (hgriffin@usef.org). Dates and locations for Central and New England area training sessions will be announced at a later time.

In addition to the training sessions, there will be Young Horse Dressage Observation Sessions at two events in 2012. These sessions are simply “observations” that will take place at the competition and will allow USEF Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler to observe and scout for talented Young Horses. There will not be a fee for the Observation Sessions. The first Observation Session will take place at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby on March 3-4^th in West Palm Beach, Florida. Another Observation Session will take place March 27-28^th at the Festival of the Horse in San Juan Capistraño, California.  If you are interested in taking part in the Young Horse Observation Sessions, please contact Hallye Griffin (hgriffin@usef.org).

Please remember that Applications of Intent for the 2012 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Championships and the 2012 Developing Horse Dressage Championships (presented by the Dutta Corp and PSI) are due April 30^th and can be found under Dressage Championship Applications when you log into your USEF account:  https://www.usef.org/_AUAIFrames/Login/Default.aspx

Eleven competitions will be recognized (one per breed category), receiving a plaque as well as a mention in the USEF Week in Review e-newsletter. From these competitions, two will be selected from a random drawing to win the Grand and Reserve prizes. The Grand Prize winner will receive a pizza party for their exhibitors at the 2013 competition; the Reserve winner will receive an ice cream party for their exhibitors at the 2013 competition. In order to be eligible to claim their prize, the competitions must remain USEF licensed for 2013.

All USEF members in good standing who have participated in a USEF licensed breed competition as a trainer, coach, rider, driver, handler, official or owner, are encouraged to vote and share their feedback with USEF.

The contest is now underway and voting ends December 1, 2012. To cast your vote during this competition season, simply visit:

https://www.usef.org/_AUAIFrames/FavoriteBreed/default.aspx.

For more information, please contact Alexandra Harper, National Affiliates Representative at (859) 225-6951 or via e-mail at aharper@usef.org.

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has nominated Capt. Mark Phillips and Missy Ransehousen for top coaching honors with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  With this nomination, they have been named USEF Coach and Para-Equestrian Coach of the Year.

Capt. Phillips has had a long tenure of medal winning service to the USEF. Beginning in 1993 – he has brought medals home from every championship he has coached, except for one. In 2011 his team made history.  They won Pan American Team Gold with all five athletes finishing on their dressage scores. This is the first time in history this ever happened. The U.S. Team also won Individual Silver and Bronze. Even more impressively, this was a relatively inexperienced team, only one rider had represented their country previously.  He has worked tirelessly on the developing rider program the results of which are now being utilized. He serves on four USEF Committees and is a top international course designer and technical delegate. His impact on the sport, both in 2011 and throughout his career has been profound and garnered him the Nomination of USEF Coach of the Year.

Missy Ransehousen has had a banner year with the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, coaching two winning teams at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Para-Equestrian CPEDI 3* in Saugerties, NY and at the Saddlewood Festival of Dressage CPEDI 3* in Werribee, AUS.  Ransehousen also coached Rebecca Hart to a Reserve Championship Individual honors at the USEF Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* and then on to a double win at the Saddlewood CPEDI3*. The Australian success was even more impressive because it was achieved entirely on borrowed horses.  Ransehousen has coached four-time National Para-Equestrian Champion and Paralympian Rebecca Hart to all of her championship titles. Ransehousen’s commitment to the sport is tireless, her efforts since 2000 have grown the sport considerably and she works as an advocate and fundraiser for the program as much as she works helping her riders succeed.

“Captain Phillips and Missy Ransehousen are extraordinary coaches,” said James Wolf, USEF Executive Director, Sport Programs. “Both of these individual have dedicated their lives to the training of horses and riders.  Their dedication, determination, integrity and work ethic make them both strong candidates for USOC Coach of the Year Honors.”

Both Phillips and Ransehousen will be considered by the USOC for the National and Paralympic Coach of the Year Award that will be announced in late spring/early summer 2012.
ENDS
For more information about the Coach of the Year Program, please contact Christy Baxter, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Sport Programs at cbaxter@usef.org.

Peters (San Diego, CA) won the top honor in 2008 and 2009 based largely on his accomplishments with Akiko Yamazaki’s phenom Ravel – but in 2011, Ravel had some help. Peters capitalized on his first trip to the Pan American Games and scored Team and Individual Gold in a tremendous effort with Jen and Bruce Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic. From California to Aachen, Germany Peters was undefeated in 2011 with the now 9-year-old Westphalian gelding.

Both Ravel and ‘Magic’ scored at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, NJ in September sweeping the Grand Prix and Intermediaire I divisions respectively. Peters won all six classes in the effort and secured his Pan Am spot with Magic in the process.

The trip to Mexico proved worth the miles as Peters and Magic dominated at the Guadalajara Country Club. The competition was hard fought for Individual honors but Peters led an American sweep. Heather Blitz and Paragon won Silver while Marisa Festerling and Big Tyme secured Bronze. Peters also won the William C. Steinkraus Trophy , awarded to an equestrian in an Olympic discipline, for the third time. As a result, he was one of six equestrians in the running for the USEF’s top honor.

Videos of all of the Horses of Honor are available here:

http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012

Neville Bardos – Eventing

He shouldn’t have lived. But he did. He shouldn’t have returned to his life as an event horse. But he returned better than ever. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin’s barn in West Grove, PA. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games – leading the U.S. effort. But his life changed dramatically in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2011. Martin pulled him out of the burning barn to safety. Neville Bardos was left with horrific injuries due to massive amounts of smoke inhalation and the subsequent damage to his throat.

Neville, who is owned by 10 members of a syndicate bearing his name, never seemed to feel as badly as he should have and he began making a miraculous recovery. Through the help of his vet (Dr. Kevin Keane), his groom (Lindsey Taylor) and the Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center (where he visited the Hyperbaric Chamber) Neville defied the odds and made a miracle trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England in September. He rocketed around the cross-country course clean and fast and finished seventh at the world’s toughest CCI4*.

Braver than brave, Neville Bardos’ courage saw him through more than just a difficult cross country course it helped see Martin through the rebuilding of his own life. Shortly after the fire, Martin lost his father in a bicycling accident in Australia. Shortly after that Martin’s wife Silva lost her father to cancer. It was a nightmare summer for the Martin’s and Neville’s success helped them find their way through it.

In 2011, he was also second at the Red Hills Horse Trials in the CIC3*(in March), fourth in the Advanced at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. If Neville Bardos had lived the rest of his life in the field this story would have had a no less incredible and happy ending. But Neville was looking to make a miracle and tonight was the next chapter in that mission.

Hear the reaction to Neville Bardos’s win here:

http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/187/boyd_martin_on_neville_bardos_win.aspx 

Sjoerd – Friesian

Not to be outdone by a tearjerker Sjoerd’s year on the National circuit was one of insurmountable success. Xena Vimercati’s stallion won and won and won. He transcended divisions, riders and classes. Anyone lining up against the striking jet black Friesian knew that to try to beat him they better bring their A game.

He was honored for his confirmation and presence in the ring and with his panache and personality he garnered fans everywhere he went. He was undefeated in 2011 in the Halter division.

Sjoerd was named World or Grand National Champion 14 times in 2011. He also added four World/Grand National Reserve Champion titles to his list.

At just six years of age, Sjoerd is beginning to build a dynasty.

He won back-to-back Shakespeare Perpetual Hi-Point Friesian Trophies and Jeff Wonnell Memorial Versatility Silver Belt Buckles continuing a streak that began in 2010. He also scored the Robin ut de Warren Memorial Perpetual Trophy, World Champion Saddle Seat Open, 19 Regional titles and 5 Reserve Championships. He won with 10 different people in 2011, demonstrating his versatility and trust. He won across the country, picking up championships in California, Colorado and Virginia. He won with multiple riders across divisions at the same show, exemplifying his ability to adapt to different styles of riding in the different classes he contested. He won Equitation, Dressage, Liberty, Walk/Trot, English Pleasure, Trail, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Saddle Seat, Western Pleasure, Junior and Amateur Classes.

As a sire, he is already beginning to prove his mettle. He is the sire of TDR Zivah the Diva who was the 2011 USEF Grand National Champion Part-bred Friesian. In 2010 and 2011 she was the Grand National Part-bred Halter Champion. Sjoerd’s foals, although only yearlings and weanlings, are consistently winning top honors in the show ring. They carry his looks and his talent with them.

Hear the reaction to Sjoerd’s win here:

http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/186/sjoerd_wins_2011_national_horse_of.aspx

The other four Horses of Honor are:

Starr Llight – Arabian

Starr Llight is frequently referred to as both Dynamic and a Diva. Every time the now 16-year-old Arabian mare enters the ring she rises to the occasion. With her young owner Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups, Starr Llight ended up winning a spectacular ride-off for the coveted Open Purebred English Pleasure title at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. With that victory, Starr Llight became the winningest Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and is only the second mare since 1988 to win the title.She is also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted prize.

Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has now won 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. Boyd and Starr Llight are the only Arabian horse/rider team to win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division.

CHThe Daily Lottery – Saddlebred

When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, High Hickory Farm’s CHThe Daily Lottery put together an undefeated record in amateur competition in 2011. CHThe Daily Lottery scored Grand Champion titles at the UPHA/American Royal, Kentucky Fall Classic, Midwest Charity Horse Show, Bonnie Blue National, and the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show and dominated every time he set foot in the ring.

The now 8-year-old is no stranger to success with his rider Gabe Deknatel and his consistency and big motion are impossible to ignore. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast and seemingly invincible.

Coral Reef Via Volo – Jumping

Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed “Shrimp,” Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With one of the world’s best riders, Beezie Madden, aboard she topped the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List for much of the 2011 competition year and went on to impress the world at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She led Team USA’s Gold-medal effort, which also secured 2012 Olympic qualification. She added only one time fault through five rounds of jumping and won Individual Silver to back up the Team Gold.

In 2011, Coral Reef Ranch’s Via Volo and Madden racked up numerous wins across the globe. They were on the winning team in the Nations Cup at the CSIO4* Wellington. They won the D-LINE Cup 1.60m Spruce Meadows and the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam (CHIO). A recent partnership, having won their first competition together just over a year ago, the future for Coral Reef Via Volo is bright.

Weltino’s Magic – Dressage

Bruce and Jen Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic was undefeated in 2011, winning with Steffen Peters at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. Together they continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

They continued to set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. ‘Magic’s’ character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender since he was started by Peters’ wife, Shannon. With Shannon he was Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division.

Dozens of champions were honored across the USEF’s 28 Breeds and Disciplines tonight. From jumpers to hackneys, vaulting horses to parade horses, the evening recognized the best horses from 2011. The reception and the HOTY dinner were made possible by Adequan, a steadfast supporter of the USEF. For more information about our other Annual Meeting Sponsors please visit: http://www.usef.org/convention/2012/sponsors.aspx.

More information about the Horses of the Year and the 2012 Annual Meeting is available here:

http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEFAnnualMeeting2012