A New Partner for the New Year: Pat Stempal of Roundabout Farm in Loxahatchee Florida has a new horse that has her smiling from ear to ear. Danilo is a 8 year old beauty and the perfect match for Pat according to trainer Shelly Francis
Catching up: Jane Savoie says she’s started taking Ballroom and Latin dance lessons at the Dance All Night studio and she’s having a BLAST! “I ran into Caroline Roffman there and she’s taking lessons, too. I’m stunned and pleasantly surprised by the similarities to riding! I tried to get Rhett [her husband] to go…he might – but hasn’t started (He doesn’t look too enthusiastic yet) LOL!” Jane says. She takes lessons five days a week from Eric Ocando. “It’s actually good for me because my tendency is to want to lead. (Hmmm…Wonder what that says about my personality?!?)…But He’s 6’3” and just “blocks” me with his body when I try to take over. “My only regret is that I didn’t start this sooner,” she continues, “I can’t tell you how much fun I’m having!” We’re just about ready to sign up for lessons ourselves after this! [The Editor]
Kudos to Isabell Werth, who made a public statement by wearing a helmet at an FEI level competition at the 2011 CDI-W Frankfurt, a national show circuit finals for small tour horses. Isabell Werth is competing Flatley but not top hat for her; she’s chosen uvex as her helmet supplier and she signed a long term contract with the protection specialists based inFürth,Germany. “The high safety and protection standards, comfort and optimal ventilation of their helmets, as well as their range of classic, elegant designs suitable for dressage, have completely won me over.”
2011 was huge for Karin Offield’s Brek-n-Ridge Farm in Northern Michigan. “We had close to 200 children and adults pass thru our doors for lessons this summer, so we kept busy! Kate Etherly manages the farm and Eliseo, who took care of Lingh, came back to help with the farm. Karin says she’s teaching Eliseo how to ride and so when he returns toMexico to stay with his family he will be able to train the young horses. Lingh graced the cover of ST.GEORG Germany’s most famous equestrian magazine and the Win a Ride on Lingh winner was announced in the December 2011 issue. Karin went toGermany and taught the 13 year old winner a lesson on Lingh!
International Horse Sport Palm Beach is launching its 2012 season with new footing in all of the rings at The IHS Champions Park at Equestrian Estates, site of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and IHS Series Shows. The first to view and approve this tremendous upgrade was an elite committee representing the United States Equestrian Federation. The committee, consisting of Eva Salomon, Anne Gribbons, and FEI rider representative, Heather Blitz recommended approval to the Dressage and Executive Committees of USEF. The IHS Palm Beach Managing Partners include FEI riders and trainers Ed Borresen and Lars Petersen, together with well-known show organizers Noreen O’Sullivan and John Flanagan.
Congratulations to Jim Wofford, recipient of the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award. Jim is a legend in Eventing. A decorated athlete, Jim has helped shape an industry as a trainer, clinician, author and administrator. His lifelong involvement with equestrian sports and his incredible list of accomplishments have secured his place in history.
American WEG Team bronze medalist Leslie Morse has retired her 17-year old Swedish Warmblood stallion Tip Top 962 from competition to stand him at stud. The dark bay licensed stallion has been one of America’s most successful dressage horses in the past five years. Leslie says she is seeking stallion owners interested in leasing Tip Top for the 2012 breeding season so she can continue to focus on training Tip Top’s and Kingston’s offspring. Interested stallions stations can inquire via email or by visiting Morse’s official website www.lesliemorsedressage.com
The 2011 USDF Convention was a weekend of highlights for California-based dressage rider Amelia Child who was on cloud nine as a big winner during the convention. While the 19 year old Young Rider earned her bronze and silver medals, it was hearing her name drawn as the final winner in Custom Saddlery’s year-long All American Saddle Fit Challenge contest that had her bubbling over with enthusiasm. Child was the fifth person to win a custom dressage saddle from Custom Saddlery, makers of handcrafted custom-fit dressage, jumping and event saddles.
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