Consistency is Key at Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3*

Wellington, FL -January 21, 2012 - Consistency continues for para-equestrian dressage riders at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3* held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Saturday was the Individual Test competition and the second day to earn an individual qualifying score for the 2012 Paralympics. Para-Equestrians from Canada, Ireland, Finland, Japan, Mexico, Bermuda, and the United Sates challenged each other and themselves in front of international judges Carlos Lopes (POR), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Marc Urban (BEL). Multiple riders achieved their qualifying scores above the 60% mark including a brand new para-equestrian dressage rider from the United States. 

In Grade Ia Jody Schloss of Canada and Inspector Rebus maintained her lead from the Team Test with a 70.583% on Saturday's Individual Test. Just behind Jody was the Fresian stallion Niekele fan Busenitz with Laurietta Oakleaf in the irons scoring a 65.083%. Laurietta moved from a Grade II to a grade Ia this week based on her classification evaluation. Laurietta explained, "I am happy that I was revaluated this week to a Ia however, I only had 24 hours to learn the new tests for this weekend. The change has made me less tired and I have regained my confidence." For Laurietta her goals may be a little easier to achieve now with recent sponsors Ohio Horseman's Council and Nutrena who have stepped up to make her goals achievable. Following Laurietta for the third position in Grade Ia was Kim Decker aboard Dasher's Destiny from the United States, Bermuda rider Alexander Mitchell aboard Guiness Maskell, and Japan rider Mina Chinju on NTEC Manchada who earned her qualifying score in the Individual Test competition rounded out Grade Ia.

After achieving a top score on NTEC Jabriel on Thursday, United States Grade Ib rider Jonathan Wentz captured the blue aboard NTEC Richter Scale with a 69.275%. "Richter was awesome," expressed Jonathan. "I was hit hard during the first day of competition due to a lack of energy in my test. So I went flat out during the Individual Test and it payed off. In the Freestyle Test I plan on throttling it back a little bit and creating more impulsion with forward movement."

He continued, "My other ride, NTEC Jabriel is a completely different horse from Richter. Richter takes all of my energy and NTEC Jabriel could fly forward in an instant. He requires absolute precision to keep him on the verticle and supple. I am looking forward to competing with both horses next week and I hope to break the 70% mark all three days."

Just on the heels of Jonathan was Canada rider Ashley Gowanlock with new mount Ferdonia 2. In 2011, fellow teammate and owner of Ferdonia 2, Lauren Barwick was riding Ferdonia 2 but the mount seemed perfect for Ashley who has graciously accepted the excellent Oldenburg for 2012 competition.

Lauren Barwick continues with her chestnut mare dominating Grade II for two days. The pair achieved consistent scores above 70% with a 70.159% in the Team Test competition and a 71.667% in the Individual Test. As a Team Canada member Lauren continues to contribute to Canada's lead in the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3*. However, USA Grade II rider Dr. Dale Dedrick and her Hanoverian Bonifatius followed for second and are definitely a duo to watch out for. In third for Grade II was 2008 Paralympian Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger, owned by Jessica Ransehousen. Rebecca brought two mounts to Florida in hopes of gaining more mileage, earning top scores for the team, and to sharpen her relationship and communication with both horses. Rebecca explained, "Both horses are relatively new mounts this year. I have been very proud of Lord Ludger this weekend and I am especially pleased with Hugh Knows. We have been working on adjusting from the leg cue to utilizing the whip as the cue and Hugh has been great. He was a little tense in the Individual Test so I think we just need a little more mileage to increase our communication."

Hugh Knows, owned by Jacqueline Mars, began as an eventer with Karen'O Connor.  From Karen to junior Jess Brumfield Hugh has consistently achieved excellent scores. With his new job as Rebecca Hart's mount Rebecca has been working to attain top results and consistency over the next two weeks.
 
She continued, "I feel very lucky to be able to work with these newer horses under our team coach who is also my personal coach, Missy Ransehousen. We have a really good relationship where we can bounce things off each other to figure out what is going to get the best results. I also feel lucky to have such a support system because without them I could not do this. I am very thankful to Jessica (Ransehousen) who own Lord Ludger, Jacqueline Mars, and everyone who believes in our discipline.

Grade II continued with Mexico rider Fernanda Otheguy in fifth aboard Katherine Butler's Welsh pony, It's Mister Merlot. Behind Fernanda was new Grade II rider, Margaret McIntosh and Idalgo, owned by Janis Smith. As a brand new para-equestrian Margaret had a wonderful test earning her a qualifying score for the 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials. Elizabeth Pigott and Whitney's Willow fell in behind Margaret.  Elizabeth noted, "I just started riding this horse in May and I am working on getting to know my horse more and building a relationship so he trusts me more. In the short time he has come a very long way." Rounding out the Grade II competition was Charlotte Bathlon and Sportsfield Twist.

In Grade III Eleanor Brimmer captured the blue with her 12 year old Holsteiner gelding, Carino H. Eleanor imported Carino H in summer 2011 and within a short time period they are continuing to improve their performances at each show.
 
Finishing the CPEDI3* were the Grade IV para-equestrian dressage riders. James Dwyer and Orlando from Ireland once again secured the top placing with a 70.753%. Behind James was Mary Jordan with her home-bred mare P. Sparrow Socks.

With consistent test results in each of the five grades, riders enter into Sunday's Freestyle competition at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CPEDI3*.  Following the Freestyle competition will be the presentation of awards.