Michael Barisone USA
Born: August 17, 1964

Michael Barisone has been a part of the American Dressage scene from the USDF Junior/Young Rider ranks winning his USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. But it was with Comanche the white faced KWPN Dutch Warmblood gelding by Naturel, that he rose to true prominence and became international team material. Since 1991 when they finished six overall and qualified as second alternate for the Pan American Games, Barisone and "Chuck" never missed the USET top 12. As a member of the 1998 USET Developing Rider Tour, they were the "clinch" ride that won the Team Gold Medal at the Nations Cup in Hickstead, England. Sadly "Chuck", who had developed serious health problems shortly after he returned to America, did not survive, despite a valiant effort to save him.

Barisone took over the reins of Dotato, the 17.3 KWPN Dutch Warmblood by Zeoliet out of Sandra by Hoogheid. Owned, ridden and trained by his then girlfriend (now wife) Vera Kessels's , a Dutch rider, Dotato competed successfully through the Intermediare levels, winning the Intermediare II in 1998 at Dressage at Devon. Once again Barisone made the 1999 USET Developing Rider Tour, and contributed to the Team Silver at Hickstead, England.

Along for the ride, with owner Sue Thomas footing the bill, was Safir, a 16. 2 Danish Warmblood mare by Diamond out of Hexa by May Sherif, who was petite, explosive, and brilliant. Spending most of the summer at Johann Hinneman's barn to train, is what Barisone considers her turning point. "It was Sue's commitment to this mare that made her progress possible." Barisone acknowledged. "Once people started to see her in Germany, there were many offers to buy her. Sue was asked to name her price, but she believed in this mare and that maybe together we could do it for this country." Safir has 5 foals, which were embryo transplants. The oldest is a 5-year-old in Barisone's training barn, located in Loxahatchee, Florida in the winter and near Gladstone, New Jersey in the summer.

"I always said she was the most wonderful animal I have sat on. She feels like a Ferrari. It's just that for the first year it was like driving a Ferrari on ice, then dry road, then ice again, and a spin out here and there!" Together the duo got to know each other and Safir was clearly in charge letting Barisone know her limits, which he respected. "I wear the smallest spurs I can find and NEVER have I carried a whip with her. "She can be afraid of her own shadow, and jump out from under you, but no way can you criticize her for it."

Barisone's patience and understanding paid off during the first weekend of the back to back Selection Trials at The Horse Park at Equestrian Estates, Loxahatchee, FLorida, May 13 and 14. Just several hundred yards from where he trains in the winter at the property of Bruno Deikman, Barisone and Safir were "in the zone" both in Saturday's Grand Prix Qualifier, and the Grand Prix Special moving up from ninth to sixth position puts Michael Barisone and Sue Thomas's Olympic dreams within reach.

When the scores are averaged after next weekend's finale the top five riders will be selected to go to Europe for the two final USET Dressage Selection Trials for the 2000 Olympic Games.

Related Links
On the Scene for the 2000 Dressage Olympic Selection Trials
Barisone and Safir Win USET Grand Prix Qualifier at the Heidelburg Cup
Michael Barisone and Comanche
Michael Barisone and Dotato