2014 World Equestrian Games Qualifier for Para-Dressage Begins at Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*

Press Release and Photos by: Lindsay McCall

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Rancho Murieta, CA-June 13, 2013– Para-Dressage riders from North America united at the Rancho Murieta Equestrian Center for the 2013 Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* weekend. Horse and rider combinations turned out for the FEI Horse Inspection on Thursday, June 13, in front of FEI Veterinary Delegate Dr. Mike Tomlinson, DVM (USA); FEI Ground Jury President Alison King (HK) FEI 4*; and FEI Ground Jury members David Schmutz (USA) FEI 4* and Lorraine Stubbs (CAN) FEI 4*. Friday, June 14, begins the FEI Para-Equestrian Team Test competition for Grades Ia-IV, followed by the Individual Test on Saturday and Freestyle Tests on Sunday, June 15. Pressure is on for Para-Dressage athletes looking to attain their qualifying scores for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ located in Normandy, France.

Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. and horse Kamiakin smile together as they prepare for the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Jog for the CPEDI3* at Golden State Dressage photo (C) Lindsay Y McCall

With only one year before equestrians head to France, the United States continues to grow the number of Para-Dressage participants, while solidifying their veteran horse and rider combinations. Over the weekend, spectators should expect to see 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Grade IV rider Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. aboard her new mount Kamiakin. Two-Time Paralympian and fellow 2010 WEG teammate, Barabara Grassmyer (Grade III) stepped back into the stirrups aboard her experienced gelding Mibis. For many U.S. riders this will be their first opportunity in front of international Para-Dressage judges. Those riders include Ashleigh Flores-Simmons with horse Athena (Grade II), Roxanne Trunnel of Washington State and her own Nice Touch (Grade Ib). U.S. riders traveling long-distances were Angela Peavy and Leandro (Grade III) of Connecticut and Katie Passerotti (Grade IV) aboard Lucky Dragon from Pennsylvania.

Katie Passetori is looking forward to three days of international competition at the Golden

Katie Passerotti’s horse Lucky Dragon photo by Lindsay McCall

State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*. She noted, ” I am excited to be here. It was a very difficult journey to coordinate but this is something I really want and this is something I want to experience. It hasn’t been easy but I look forward to what the weekend brings.”

She explained, “It’s really cool to be here with Lucky Dragon. I bought him as an eventer originally and he has made a great transition to Dressage. I never expected him to be Second or Third Level material and the fact that he has stepped up to the plate, is amazing. I am really proud of our partnership because I have been the one who has worked with him and brought him to this point.”

Journeying across the United States similar to Passetori and Peavy were two experienced Canada individual representatives both representing Grade Ia. Those accomplished equestrians include Jody Schloss aboard Inspector Rebus and Robyn Andrews with horse Fancianna.

Jody Schloss (CAN) left and Robyn Andrews (CAN) right relaxing after the FEI Jog photo (C) Lindsay McCall

Competition begins in the Main Arena Friday with the Team Test for Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV, followed by Saturday’s Individual Team Test, and Sunday’s Freestyle Tests. For more information about the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* please visit http://www.goldenstatedressage.com or contact Connie Davenport at davenport@saber.net.

For questions about the 2013-2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline Laureen K. Johnson at (908) 326 – 1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@usef.org

For more questions about Para-Equestrian Dressage please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org or (610) 356-6481.

Gallery:

Susan Treabess and horse Kamiakin photo by Lindsay McCall

Angela Peavy’s horse Leandro and trainer Heather Blitz photo by Lindsay McCall

Barbara Grassmyer’s horse Mibis photo by Lindsay McCall

Ashleigh Flores-Simmons’s horse Athena photo by Lindsay McCall

Roxanne Trunnell’s horse Nice touch photo by Lindsay McCall

Jody Schloss’s Inspector Rebus and Jessica Rhinelander photo by Lindsay McCall

Robyn Andrew’s Horse Fancianna being evaluated by Dr. Mike Tomlinson, photo by Lindsay McCall

Robyn Andrew’s Horse Fancianna photo by Lindsay McCall

Lara Oles’s horse Slater is evaluated during the FEI Jog, photo by Lindsay McCall

Rebecca Lewis photo by Lindsay McCall

Evaluating the Jog photo by Lindsay McCall

2013 Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* Rancho Murieta, CA June 13-16, 2013:

Show Manager: Connie Davenport

Show Organizer:

Chair: Mrs. Connie Davenport (530) 265-0950

17930 Highway 20 East –

Nevada City, CA 95959 –

530.265.6259 Fax

COMMITTEE:

Chair: Mrs. Connie Davenport

Mr. Tim Postel

Ms. Jan Oakes (530) 756-8503

Website: http://www.goldenstatedressage.com

Murieta Equestrian Center

7200 Lone Pine Dr

Rancho Murieta 95683

916-985-7334

Ground Jury:

Alison King HK FEI-4* (president)

Lorraine Stubbs CAN FEI-4*

David Schmutz USA FEI-4*

FEI Chief Steward: Sandra Rafferty USA

FEI Technical Delegate: Alison King HK

CHIEF CLASSIFIER: Joanne Benjamin USA

CLASSIFIER: Marion Slatter Blistein CAN

FEI VETERINARY DELEGATE: Dr. Mike Tomlinson, DVM USA

Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* Schedule:

June 14, 2013-Team Test Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV

June 15, 2013-Indivdual Test Ia, Ib, II, III, IV

June 16, 2013-Freestyle Championship Tests Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV

“The Jog” – Best Turnout Award:

One of the highlights of this show is the competition for the best presentation at the “jog”. Awards are typically given for:

BEST TURNOUT OF HANDLER – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*

BEST TURNOUT OF HORSE – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*

BEST OVERALL TURNOUT – CDI 3* YJ U-25 & CPEDI 3*

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014 Qualification Criteria

Qualification Period:

Start: January 1, 2013

End: XXXX 2014 (TBD)

Qualifying Events:

Any CPEDI3* or CPEDI4* event during the qualification period in addition to the Paralympics Games 2012 London

Qualification Score:

All athlete/horse combinations must have attained (as a combination) a minimum 60% score attributed by the Ground Jury in a Team test or Individual Championship test one time.

Judges:

Minimum of 3 FEI PE5* or 4* judges of different nationalities