The second annual Ginny Ratner Memorial CDI at Devonwood, in Sherwood, Oregon, began on a clear, bright day under the snow-capped Mount Hood. Bringing a top-level CDI to Northwestern USA had been a dream of the beloved late Ginny Ratner, and her dream was realized by her son Noah, supported by his family, including his ever-present father Justin Ratner director of Intel Labs.

Thirty-two competitors from the USA and Canada presented their horses to the jury panel on the first three days of High-Performance Dressage in the Pacific Northwest.

Northwestern USA Nurturing Dressage Development

Known as the original corridor of technology, Devonwood is surrounded with vineyards, where the region produces some of the world’s fines wines, specifically Pinot Noir. The same special soil that produces quality grapes, also produces quality horses, with several breeding farms.

Nearby Sonnenberg Farm did not have to travel far to bring their elegant mare Sonnenberg’s Juliette d’Rosa (Ampere x Farrington x Jazz), who dominated the Prix St Georges /I1 division as the highest scoring CDI horse of the show.

Worth the Trip

Devonwood attracts northwestern Canadian riders, several travelling over 17 hours to compete in one of the only CDI’s in northwestern North America. A solid young rider division showed talent and quality as members of the 2023 medal-winning Region 6 team impressed the judges’ panel. The last qualifying event in the northwest for US riders and Canadian competitors will determine the team selection for the 2024 Discover Dressage/FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF to be held July 30-August 4 in Travers City, Michigan.

Olympic Judge Highlight

International 5* Dressage judge Isobel Wessels (GBR) a well known and respected International competitor as well, was hired by Devonwood owner and organizer Noah Rattner knowing full well she will be one of the judges for the Paris Olympic 2024. Joining her in a top panel were Omar Zayrik (Mex), Jane Weatherwax (USA), Agnieszka Majewska (POL) , Willian Warren (USA) and Lee Tubman (CAN) formed a quality panel.

Markel Sponsorship Ups The Ante in 2024

HorsesDaily’s Mary Phelps, a longtime Markel Equine Specialist traveled across the country with her  associate of 25 years, Tracey Scharf for the weekend. On the scene as supportive sponsors for Devonwood’s CDI, Markel hosted the welcome party in the VIP Tent following Thursday’s jog. Devonwood has been a client for many years, as are others horse and farm owners in the region.

A highlight for Mary and Tracey was a visit  to nearby Sonnenberg Farm for a tour of some of our “clients” horses insured.  We met the yearlings and two newly born fillys, daughters of Devonwood High Point princess Sonnenberg’s Juliette d’Rosa, out of recipient mares bred through artificial insemination.

“Coming for the second year to Sherwood, Oregon for the Ginny Ratner Memorial CDI at Devonwood, has established us as a hands on sponsor.”said Mary Phelps. ” I already reserved my AirB&B for next year, and we plan to stay longer, taking advantage of a well thought out strategy by Noah to add a National show the following weekend.”

Live Streaming

Class schedule and results linked here

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