Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Photo courtesy SusanJStickle.com

Reading, Penn. – June 3, 2015 – Margaret McIntosh of Reading , Penn. and her horse Rio Rio completed a successful European competition trip. McIntosh is the 2014 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve National Champion and a Grade Ia Para-Dressage athlete. McIntosh traveled to Waregem, Belgium April 24-26, 2015, to ride in the International Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition CPEDI3*. The event was held at the Bloso Sportcentrum “Gaverbeerk” in Waregem. McIntosh then traveled to Mannheim, Germany May 1-5, for the MaiMarkt ( May Market) Horse Show CPEDI3*. For McIntosh this European trip was an opportunity to showcase her horse Rio Rio in front of multiple FEI Para-Dressage judges. It was also a chance to gain show miles and expertise while riding against the best Para-Dressage athletes in the world. McIntosh earned her horse and rider combination Certificate of Capability for the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team Selection Trials while competing overseas. McIntosh was accompanied by her coach Missy Ransehousen who was the former U.S. Chef d’Equipe for the Para-Dressage Team.

Waregem was the first competition stop where McIntosh competed at the expansive grounds of the Waregem riding school. McIntosh and Rio Rio were consistent earning a second place finish in the Individual, Team, and Freestyle Tests. McIntosh took the judges remarks and headed over to Mannheim, Germany where the electrifying atmosphere of the large equestrian venue was no issue for the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar. The first day at Mannheim was cold and rainy for the Team Test and the duo completed a sluggish but correct Grade Ia Test. The second day McIntosh picked up the pace and earned a 70.1%. McIntosh maintained Rio Rio’s pace on the final day and earned a 74% third place finish in the Freestyle, behind World Equestrian Games’ medal winners Sara Morganti with an 80% and Elke Philips with a 75%.

McIntosh commented, “While Rio’s relaxed attitude can be an advantage, at the beginning of our tour we struggled with the judges requests for more energy and more activity. Missy Ransehousen, my coach and Rachel Gross, my warm-up rider, helped me channel the maximum amount of energy into her dressage tests.”

McIntosh’s scores abroad earned her a horse and rider combination Certificate of Capability for the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team Selection Trials held in 2016. McIntosh has also qualified for the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship held October 29-November 1, 2015, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in  Katy, TX.

McIntosh concluded, “We accomplished our goal for the trip by showing the European judges that Rio Rio could be competitive with the best European horses, including medal winners from last year’s World Equestrian Games”

Following McIntosh fellow U.S. Para-Dressage athletes Rebecca Hart, Annie Peavy, and Debbie Stanitski head to Europe this June to compete in the 2015 CPEDI3* Somma Lombardo (ITA) June 11-14, and the 2015 CPEDI3* Mulhouse (FRA) June 18-21.

Results:

April 24-26, 2015  CPEDI3* Waregem, Belgium

Freestyle 71.3 %   2nd place
Individual 67.8%   2nd place
Team 69.739   2nd place

May 01-05,  2015 CPEDI3* Mannheim, Germany

Freestyle 74.75  3rd place
Individual 71.0% 5th place
Team test  69.2% 5th place

About Gigi McIntosh: Margaret McIntosh broke her neck in the spring of 1999 while riding in an event, resulting in incomplete quadriplegia. Initially paralyzed from the chest down, she is eternally grateful for having the opportunity to regain her mobility. McIntosh had extensive riding experience before her accident: 1970-1976 Working student for May and Denny Emerson; 1976-1979 Working student and barn manager for Gunnar Ostergaard and Ellin Dixon; 1979-1983 Working student/groom George Theodorescu in Sassenberg, W. Germany; From 1987 through 1999 Gigi evented several horses with lots of help from Bruce Davidson, culminating in completing the CCI*** and CCI**** at Rolex Kentucky 3-Day in 1997 and 1998. Six months after her accident she began riding with Jane Cory, the owner of the Cort Center for Therapeutic Riding at Pleasant Hollow Farm in Pleasant Valley, PA.

She initially asked Missy and Jessica Ransehousen for help just before the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and has enjoyed their expertise ever since. In 2012, McIntosh qualified for the London 2012 selection trials including successful trips at back-to-back CPEDI ***s in Wellington, FL. McIntosh was also the Reserve Champion at the 2014 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Married since 1983, with two grown children (Charlotte (27) and Cameron (25)), and her husband, Brian, a retired banker. McIntosh is now aiming at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio Di Janiero with her own Rio Rio.

Listen to Gigi McIntosh here:
Para-Equestrian Show #304  

http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2015/03/26/dressage-radio-episode-304-by-uspea-gigi-mcintosh-on-her-comeback/   

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF). 

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.