DRESSAGE DAILY
Adult Amateur Dressage Appreciation Show at Welcome Back to White Fences IV and the Adult Amateur Dressage Championships, Inc.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
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At the end of the 2014 Wellington, Florida winter dressage season (April 5 – 6), a team put together an amazing Adult Amateur Dressage competition at the White Fences Equestrian Center in Loxahatchee to celebrate the amateur riders. The team of people created a corporation for the future by calling themselves, the Adult Amateur Dressage Championships, Inc. Their Mission aims to provide adult amateur dressage riders with a fun, enjoyable show experience where they can compete as individuals and on teams. They aim to license and run an Adult Amateur Dressage Championships show in 2015 and yearly, thereafter in South Florida. In addition to the Championships, they plan to develop Adult Amateur riders with opportunities to engage in clinics with the same professionals as the professionals and young riders. Their goal works to bring Adult Amateurs opportunities to ride in three to four clinics a year, open solely to the Adult Amateur rider while remaining open to all auditors.Danielle Dux, Arnelle Siegall and Kim Jackson are the heart and soul of the organization and raised funds through sponsors as well as a dunk tank fundraising event a few weeks ahead of the Adult Amatuer Championships in April. Danielle shared, “The idea behind the Adult Amateur Dressage Championships, inc. (AADC) started more than 4 years ago as I polled riders, trainers and dressage supporters on their thoughts and feelings on a championship for amateurs. As an amateur rider, I feel amateurs need these additional opportunities. My goal is to provide a platform for both show and clinic experiences to my fellow amateurs. I really hope the amateurs will embrace this and find it to be a fun and enjoyable experience.”
The 2014 Adult Amateur Dressage Appreciation Show
Where there is a will, there is a way. Embracing the opportunity to bring a little something extra to the adult amateur dressage riders, and given the short amount of time, we at AADC had this year are truly grateful for all the support we received. This would not have been possible without Adam Pollack’s kindness in offering us the opportunity to add amateur-only classes to his Welcome Back to White Fences IV show.
AADC offered the highest test of every level and amateur-only FEI classes during the weekend. For that “something extra” we awarded neck ribbons to champion and reserve, while awarding nicer, longer ribbons for third through sixth places. In addition to the special ribbons, we awarded prizes to all placings. Every amateur rider that showed in these AA designated classes was able to walk away with something special. On top of everything, we awarded overall high score awards for USDF and FEI.
One of the most rewarding things that came out of the weekend was seeing the big smiles on the faces of the amateurs as they picked up their tests, ribbons and prizes. We couldn’t have been happier for our FEI high score winner, Melissa Richards and her horse Daisy. Melissa and Daisy won the Prix St. Georges and were reserve in the Intermediare 1. Their Prix St Georges score of 68.816% was strong enough to garner them the FEI high score. Their successes came after some trying times in Melissa’s personal life and for her, this was like the cherry on top.
Maureen Goge commented, “Thank you for making a good show GREAT and for appreciating the adult amateur rider!” Maureen rode her Seamus to a 66.053% to win the Intermediare I.
Rachael Hicks earned the USDF high score with Don Cartier by winning third level test three with a 73.974%. Rachael also won fourth level test three scoring 70.375% with Fabio Bellini. It was a family celebration as her children joined her in the photo op, proudly displaying her winnings.
Stacey MacLeod rode Walvareh, earning reserve at Training level in her first show! She was elated when she picked up her ribbon, saddle pad and Sinew-X. She commented on the special amateur class saying, “It was really great!”
Full results:
Training Level Test 3
Meredith Matte MCH Ahilana 69.000%
Stacey MacLeod Walvareh 63.200%
Luann Sanandres Crowne Prince 63.000%
Amy Marrich Good Earth Sandman 62.800%
Susan Long Shampaaign 54.600%
First Level Test 3
Jeanette Knight Taraco Mourinho 67.742%
Scott Durkin Royale 62.742%
Jeanette Knight Lalique 60.000%
Deborah Dalseg Fabryana JRF 58.871%
Second Level Test 3
Nina Geissler Abacus 63.810%
Third Level Test 3
Rachael Hicks Don Cartier 73.974%
Tyrelle Keslin DeLainie 70.256%
Kalyn Robbins Jack Flash 64.359%
Cecilia Stabile Orgulhoso 57.436%
Fourth Level Test 3
Rachael Hicks Fabio Bellini 70.375%
Pam Liddell Furst Ferro 66.125%
Stephanie Nowak Don Giovanni 65.875%
Prix St Georges
Melissa Richards Daisy 68.816%
Sophie Ghedin Remy Martin G 63.421%
Lily Zilo Windsor’s Aron 62.895%
Intermediare 1
Maureen Goge Seamus 66.053%
Melissa Richards Daisy 65.000%
Deborah Dalseg Cameo JRF 62.763%
Lee Garrod Royal Christmas 62.368%
Intermediare 2/B
Lily Zilo Esmaltado IV 62.857%
Renee Isler Lightning 61.310%
Anette Grant Karola I 56.667%
Grand Prix
Nancy Binter Olympus 65.300%
Jennifer Huber Vito 63.000%
Louise Smith Weltauna 56.800%
USDF High Score
Rachael Hicks Don Cartier 73.974%
FEI High Score
Melissa Richards Daisy 68.816%
Sponsors for the Competition:
Red Barn Feed and Supply graciously sponsored a Competitor Party that was held on Saturday after the last ride. We thank all of our supporters: Stone Horse Farm, WGI Creative Services, Mary Anne McPhail, Leslie Valente (on behalf of the Adult Amateur Dressage Initiative), Saddle Fit by Diane, Omega Alpha, Renee Isler, Angels Crossing Farm, Oak Hammock Farm, Sue Jaccoma Dressage, May Faire Oaks, Maryanna Haymon/Marydell Farm, Arenus, Mrs. Pastures, La Victoria Performance, Horse Sports Photography, Schleese, JRPR and Show Chic.
