2006 Dressage at Devon

Michael Shondel and Silver Label Win with Magical 70% Score

September 30, 2006

Michael Shondel and his Swedish warmblood gelding Silver Label (by Rambo) won class 1B Fourth Level Test 2 at 2006 Dressage at Devon. Scoring a magical 70.000% for a fault free test, Shondel led a field of 21 competitors.

Danish Lars Baekgaard finished second with 69.535% aboard the Danish warmblood Shagall Solyst. Susan Springsteen and Fanale followed in third place (68.605%) while Susan Dutta and her Hanoverian mare Golden Choice placed fourth (67.209%).

Michael Shondel was ecstatic about his victory. "It went very smooth and quiet and he stayed very relaxed," Shondel said. His ride was virtually errorless with only a crooked halt before the rein-back disrupting the picture perfect.

Shondel has been working hard on improving the riding of his grey gelding. "I've been working on keeping him relaxed before the class and on general relaxation to get into a movement."

Because Shondel's trainer Dr. Cesar Parra spent the summer in Europe focusing on the World Equestrian Games, Michael has been mainly coached by Parra's assistant Katie Riley the past few months. He also got regular help from judge Volker Moritz. "Volker attacks my position and hands and teaches me to make subtle corrections. He teaches me to be softer," Shondel explained.

Michael manages a tree-cutting business in "real life" but horses are still a main focal point. Riding has taught him patience ("I am still working on it") and persistence. "I had to deal with young horses and injuries and learnt not push too fast," he stated.

The Devon win took Shondel one step closer to his near-future goal. " I want to ride Prix St Georges - Inter 1 in Florida next season. Then we'll see how it goes and maybe qualify for the Pan Ams."

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