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USDF/AHSA Dressage Competition by J. T. Burnley
New Market, TN is fast becoming one of our most enjoyable venues. The grounds: picture perfect. The warm up area: uncrowded and well monitored. The stalls: safe and roomy. The staff: plentiful and encouraging. Wow, what a great opportunity it was to both exhibit and observe at the River Glen facility. A hearty thank-you is extended to the show management for a most enjoyable and well organized weekend.
The level of experience and professionalism was evident from the moment you stepped from the vehicle. Not only were there owners atop their respective equines but trainers and judges alike. I think at last count I observed five different judges, certified instructors and clinicians exhibiting horses in this competition. This was a "text book" competition in that major inconsistencies were completely absent and only minor errors could be detected by the most well trained of eyes.
Trained eyes was an understatement
referencing the judges qualifications. Brian Ross and Sue Smithison have a combined
century of experience in the discipline with scores of achievements stacked
to the ceiling. They were unforgiving of horses lacking fundamentals and could
even catch you half halting when your back was turned. Their comments were delivered
in a positive and informative manner and served each partnership fairly.
Our show stock has again
exceeded even our dreams. They punched out scores beyond that which was expected
of them at the highest tests they have been exposed to. Pharro and Lancitano,
each exhibiting at Introductory Level previously, floated into the ring and
staked their claim at Training Level. Kelly Rice made her introduction to Dressage
less than a year ago and was also seen planting her flag at "X." The
show would have not been complete however, without the generous contribution
of the big bay stallion, Soloman, with less than 120 days under saddle. Soloman
strolled passed the cross country jumps, lounged around the concession stand,
backstroked over to the warm up arena, and breezed into the Dressage Theater
without even so much as a raised eyebrow.
Our horses exhibited against
seasoned winners that were big movers ridden by some of the finest trainers
and judges I know. It was truly a treat to just sit and watch their rides. As
for our stock...I am forever in their debt for the effort they gave me. I was
allowed the privilege of Riding the Dance.
Our attention turns now toward the one of the highlights of our Dressage year at the Octoberfest show in Memphis, TN. We are excited about our level of participation and have entered eight horses in 35 classes. Memphis will close the 2001 year for Adult Amateur and Young Riders and be our final opportunity to prepare jumpers for the Washington International.
Pharro Lancitano Soloman Himbeerstrauch T1 67.727 T2 67.083 Intro 1 63.158 Intro 1 53.164 T2 67.500 T4 64.000 Intro 2 67.895 Intro 2 55.609 T3 67.308 T3 71.154 Intro 2 67.896 T4 66.800 T4 72.000 1/1 67.500