U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor Kai Handt with his own NTEC Royal Dancer, ridden by Roxanne Trunnell (Grade Ia). Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com. Photo is taken at the trot-up for the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship/ Selection Trial June 2-5 in Gladstone, NJ.

presented for the trot-up at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Selection Trial for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). The Trials/ National Championship are scheduled June 2-5, 2014, at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes from Grades Ia, Ib. II, III, and IV will compete over the week for their chance to secure a spot on the U.S. WEG Para-Dressage Team. Each of the 24 horse and rider combinations will be vying for the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian National Championship as well. Tuesday, June 3, 2014, begins the FEI Team Test, followed by the Individual Test on June 4, and finally the Musical Freestyle test on June 5. All athlete/ horse combinations must complete the FEI Individual Championship Test, FEI Team Test, and FEI Musical Freestyle at the Selection Trial. The athlete/horse combinations will be ranked based on their overall performance at the Selection Trial, by weighting the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage test scores from the Selection Trial. Those percentages include Individual Championship Test of 40%, Team Test of 40%, and Musical Freestyle Test of 20%. The ground jury includes President Kristi Wysocki (4*) USA, Adrienne Pot (3*) USA, and David Schmutz (4*) USA. The 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Para-Dressage Selection Trials is managed by Connie Davenport.

With superb horse show management, a historical equestrian facility, and the top Para-Dressage equines in the United States, these riders have the formula they need to succeed at the Trial/ National Championship. The 2014 calendar year has been one of the most competitive Para-Dressage years in history making the Trials/ National Championship one of the most exciting events in June 2014.

During the week riders, sponsors, coaches and spectators have a chance to mingle with their fellow competitors outside the Dressage ring. On Monday, June 2, 2014, following the jog, the USPEA hosted a Welcome Reception to jump-start the festivities. On Wednesday, June 4, The USET Foundation is hosting a Kick Off Party for the newly established Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage. The Challenge was created in thanks and appreciation to Margaret H. Duprey and The Barnfield Foundation. The Kick Off Party begins at 5 PM at Hamilton Farm and includes Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres. On the final day, June 5, the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion and Reserve Champion will be named following the competition. The awards ceremony will name the top horse/rider combinations in each of the five Grades in addition to the top horse/rider combinations selected for the long list for the U.S. Para-Dressage WEG Team. Also included in the final accolades will be the Sportsmanship Trophy. The Sportsmanship Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Sportsmanship Award at the National

The Sportsmanship Trophy

Championship. The Sportsmanship Trophy is to be awarded annually to the

Para-Dressage Athlete competing at the National Championship who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper and unselfishness. The organizing committee and officials of the competition shall nominate up to three competitors exemplifying the award definition the day before the final awards ceremony. The athletes participating in the event shall vote for the winner (one vote per athlete) once the slate has been announced. The winner will be presented the take-home trophy during the final awards ceremony and their name will be engraved on the Perpetual Trophy that is maintained by the USEF. June 3, 2014, FEI Team Test competition begins at 9 AM Tuesday.

List of Athlete/ Horse Combinations at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and Selection Trial Trot-Up:

Name of Athlete, Name of Horse, Name of Owner

Grade Ia:

Derrick Perkins and NTEC Hans, owned by Kai Handt

Kim Decker and Dasher’s Destiny, owned by Kim Decker

Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Kai Handt

Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch, owned by Roxanne Trunnell

Laura Goldman and Buckeye, owned by Kristen Ropp

Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio, owned by Margaret McIntosh

Grade Ib

Sydney Collier and Willi Wesley, owned by Victoria Dugan

Sydney Collier and NTEC Cuplee, owned by Patricia Mendenhall

Grade II:

Rebecca Hart and Shroeter’s Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo’s, and Will and Sandy Kimmel

Deborah Stanitski and Tiramisu, owned by Deborah Stanitski

Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and Verite SF, owned by Dana Williams

Marsha Cullen and Latte, owned by Marsha Cullen

Elle Wooley and Noble Baron, owned by Francine Gentile

Grade III:

Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno

Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper, owned by Rebecca Reno

Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing, owned by Eleanor Brimmer

Kate Shoemaker and Pacifec M, owned by Kate Shoemaker

Kate Shoemaker and Arpeggio, owned by Kate Shoemaker

Pamela Hardin and Freemont, owned by Nadege Soubassis

Pamela Hardin and GM Major Soho, owned by Pamela Hardin

Grade IV:

Mary Jordan and Sebastian, owned by Mary Jordan

Elizabeth Traband and Ucari, owned by Helene Bergstrom

Holly Bergay and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Kai Handt

Susan Treabess and Kamiakin, owned by Scott and Katie Hill

Criteria to Determine Eligibility to Compete in the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship may be found at: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx.

For more information about World Equestrian Games criteria please visit:

https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/allparaequestrian/hpparaEquestrian.aspx

For questions about the 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 the Para-Equestrian discipline please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspea.org at the USPEA, or (610) 356-6481.