The terraced layers of springtime landscaping in early bloom outlined the levels of dressage arenas creating a flow of color and greenery. The stage was set, and all was in place for the inaugural Ginny Rattner Memorial CDI FEI 3* Dressage Show, in Sherwood, Oregon.

It was the evolution of a dream carried on by the family of late Ginny Rattner who carved the Devonwood Equestrian Center into the Oregon hillside. Surrounded by vineyards, with the snow covered Mount Hood peaking out above the tree line, dressage riders, trainers and horses strolled along the paths to their designated arenas for three days of sun kissed competition.

William Warren – FEI 4* USA, Agnieszka Majewska – FEI 4* POL, Peter Storr – FEI 5 * GRBR, Michael Osinski – FEI 5 * USA, Noah Rattner, Organizer, and Omar Zayrik – FEI 3* Mex.
©Mary Phelps 2023 Devonwood CDI 3*

With an all star panel of FEI Judges, officials and organizers, Noah Rattner led fulfilled the vision his Mother had when it all began in 1998.  DevonWood Equestrian Centre was founded and built by Justin & Ginny Rattner. A venue created with the purpose of offering maximized safety for horse and rider in a location serving as the focal point of equestrian knowledge development and growth in the Pacific Northwest.

Noah, is a force in US Dressage as an organizer, announcer, and USDF Region 6 Director. With his loyal team hovered every detail including producing perfect weather for three days of competition. Drawing competitors from Region 6,  Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Western Montana, the only CDI 3* in the Pacific Northwest also attracted a large Canadian contingency.

Dressage Trainer, FEI 4* Judge and breeder Kari Mclain was on hand to coach students and watch the days unfold into what was heartening to her as an Oregonian native. “This was so needed for our region.” Kari explained. “A 3* competition at this level is so different than a National event. Riders and horses need this experience to gain the confidence needed to be at this level.

The previous week DevonWood hosted a National show, and those who could, traveled, and stayed nearby to compete again, or volunteer. The region is flowing in wine, with multiple vineyards less that a thirty minute drive. Nadine Schwartsman, from Eagle, Idaho travelled from her farm LeBoise Dressage. “I brought the horses and clients last week and helped Noah with his show, rode this week in the CDI, and next week we will be hosting our own show, which Noah organizes for us.”

With plans in place for 2024, the two events will have a Markel Young Horse Clinic sandwiched in between providing a passionate group of riders and young horses the opportunity to benefit from the training.  Superior breeding operations such a Sonnenberg Farm in the region, are just a 20 minute drive, and used the National show as a training opportunity to prepare for the National Young Horse Championships in Illinois in August. Christine Traurig the USEF National Young Horse coach, was out on the weekend to scout talent and support riders, noting

The quality of horses with the passion and support from a region where cowboy hats outnumber helmets