Horse Illustrated Magazine

The final day of intense competition for the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ concluded Sunday.  Earning both the championship rosette and cooler and the reserve championship rosette and cooler was Rebecca Hart.  Hart rode both of her mounts to top honors over the last three days. Hart and Kazan earned the National Championship and Hart and Norteassa earned the reserve championship. Hart was surrounded by top coaches including her trainer and Chef d’Equipe of the USEF Para-Dressage team, Missy Ransehousen; top judges Chris Porterfield (GBR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), and Carlos Lopes (POR); and top competition.

The weekend’s competition was a chance for the riders to not only compete among their peers, but to gain experience in front of international judges.  The three days of Para-Dressage competition included the team test, individual test and freestyle competition.  On Sunday, the freestyle test added the music element to the test where riders showcased their artistic abilities on horseback.

Hart was pleased with both of her horses over the weekend.  She noted, “I was really happy with both Kazan and Norteassa.  It has been a long week, we had a long drive to get here, the weather changed constantly from storming, to being hot, and then raining, and overall despite those drawbacks both horses were wonderful.  They went in there and did their job.”

Both of Hart’s tests featured music that was exciting, emotional and at times relaxing.  Hart challenged herself by featuring additional movements such as canter work which is not required at Grade II.   Hart explained, “For Kazan I took the music that Kerri Sowers used for the Young Riders and then we modified it a little for the Para-test.  I love the Manheim Steamroller music and it definitely fit Kazan’s personality.  Norteassa’s–or Squeaky as we like to call him–music was the same music we performed to in Hong Kong.  I have always liked that music, it fit Norteassa and I thought it was emotional and moving.”

Hart had three wonderful days at the Lamplight Equestrian Center and although it is not official yet that she will be going to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, (WEG) she looks forward to sticking with her plan as the World Equestrian Games approach.  “We have a couple of months to work on a few items,” smiled Hart.  “When we are home we will continue working on consistency; keeping the horses happy, healthy and fit; and I would love to reproduce this weekend’s performance in October in Lexington, KY.”

Without the support of everyone involved with the Para-Equestrian discipline this exciting year may not have been possible.  “The fact that Para-Equestrians are involved in the World Equestrian Games opens the door for a disabled sport and it is a great opportunity for all disabled athletes out there to get involved,” said Hart.

Hart added, “I would like to thank all of my sponsors and supporters including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; Supracore; Starbucks; Kerri Sowers who generously donated Kazan for me to use; Missy Ransehousen and Blue Hill Farm; Niagra Equissage and Paul Magee, who keeps the ponies’ backs very happy; and every one else involved.  I hope that I have not left any names out because everyone is very important to my horses, my program, and our future.”

The next stop on the Para-Equestrian’s calendar will be traveling to Lexington, Kentucky for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. The Para-Dressage competitions will take place in the Covered Arena on the Kentucky Horse Park starting on October 5, 2010 and ending  with Individual Freestyle Tests on October 8, 2010.

RESULTS:

2010 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships

PLACING          RIDER          HORSE                 TOTAL(%)
1          Rebecca Hart             Kazan                    69.745
2          Rebecca Hart             Norteassa            69.014
3          Robin Brueckmann   Raison d’Etre      66.633
4          Laura Goldman          Carlingford JD    66.265
5          Susan Treabess        Moneypenny        65.763
6          Holly Bergay                Grand Ballerina  65.087
7          Jonathon Wentz          NTEC Richter Scale  64.999
8          Wendy Fryke                Lateran                64.987
9          Jennifer Baker             Duel                     63.494
10        Mary Jordan                 Paxton Abbey      61.95
Robin Brueckmann    Radetzky              61.83
Kim Decker                  Dashers Destiny 61.718
Erin Alberda                 Delectari             61.038
Kathryn Groves            Friespruch         61.026
Barbara Grassmyer   Mibis                    60.573
Mary Jordan                 Brigadier             59.825
Kim Jones                   Fascination         58.158
Jonathon Wentz         Contigo                 56.949
Wendy Shugol            Statesman’s Larissa  54.388
Elizabeth Pigott          Mr. Darcy             52.655
Wendy Shugol           Statesman’s Audacious 34.733

Long List for the USEF Para-Dressage 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™

Rebecca Hart
Robin Brueckmann
Laura Goldman
Susan Treabess
Holly Bergay
Jonathon Wentz
Wendy Fryke
Jennifer Baker
Mary Jordan
Kim Decker
Erin Alberda
Kathryn Groves
Barbara Grassmyer
Kim Jones
Elizabeth Pigott