Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at United States ... · Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials Gladstone, NJ

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United States Para-Equestrian Association

For Immediate Release:Written by: Lindsay Y McCallPhotos by: Lindsay Y McCall

Releases and Photos available at:www.USPEA.org

Media Contact: Hope Hand3940 Verde Vista Drive

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360E-mail: [email protected]

(610) 356-6481

Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at UnitedStates Equestrian Federation Paralympic

Selection Trials

Gladstone, NJ -June 12, 2012 - The weather report for Tuesday, June 12, 2012 predicted 80%chance of rain at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters. Within an hour ofcompetition at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Paralympic Selection Trials/Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, rain began to crash upon the trees. Rider's did notwaiver from the schedule and welcomed the rain as a variable to take advantage of. As the secondday concluded Rebecca Hart (Unionville, PA) inched ahead of Donna Ponessa (New Windsor, NY),and 2011 National Champion Jonathan Wentz (Richardson, TX). With only the Freestylecompetition left to secure four spots on the United States Paralympic Team headed to London,

Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at United States Equestria... https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_previe...

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riders hope to continue earning supreme scores. Currently Rebecca Hart, Donna Ponessa,Jonathan Wentz, and Dale Dedrick (Ann Arbor, MI) have remained in the top four of the standings.

Rebeca Hart and Lord Ludger compete under a downpour of rain at theUSEF Paralympic Selection Trials


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Rebecca Hart and Carlingford's Taldi

Rebecca Hart, 26, and Lord Ludger excelled in the Grade II Team Test earning a 73.968% aboardthe Holsteiner gelding. Hart showcased her test when the rain became a downpour but Hartremained determined and relaxed. "I owe my grippy gloves to sticky spray," chuckled Hart. "Thereins get quite slippery in a rain like this and with two whips, and two reins it gets difficult to holdonto everything if it's wet. However, the rain was not a factor on how LoLu performed." Having alltypes of situations occur within an atmosphere like the Selection Trials gives the riders experiencesthey can grow from before heading to a large show like the Paralympics." Under Blue Hill Farm's instruction with Missy and Jessica Ransehousen, Hart has achieved fourNational Champions, represented the U.S. at the 2008 Paralympics and 2010 Alltech FEI WorldEquestrian Games, and she has traveled the world including a trip to Australia for internationalPara-Equestrian competition. Riding continues to help Rebecca strengthen and condition her bodyagainst a rare genetic disease called Familial Spastic Paraplegia. "Riding makes a huge difference with my disability," Hart explained. "Doctors call me an "upsidedown paraplegic" because based on my scans they cannot see how I could even walk, let aloneride. However my physical therapy, training with a personal trainer, and constantly riding helps tostrengthen and condition my muscles." Donna Ponessa added, "I am way ahead of the curve with my disease progression like Rebeccaand Doctors say it is because of riding and my determination."


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Ponessa has gone from a wide-eyed brand new Para-Equestrian in March 2011 to one of the topPara-Equestrians in the United States. Alongside FEI rider and trainer Wes Dunham, Ponessa hasclimbed the ranks to achieve supreme scores in the Grade Ia division. On the first day of competition at the USET Headquarters Ponessa went one-two with WesternRose, owned by Wes Dunham. Western Rose was followed by PG Ganda, on loan fromVinceremos Thereaputic Riding Center. On the second day of competition the ex-Canadian showjumper, PG Ganda and Ponessa secured a 73% to take home the first place followed by WesternRose.

Donna Ponessa and Western Rose


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Donna Ponessa and PG Ganda

In Grade II, Jonathan Wentz ,21, replicated Ponessa on day one securing a one-two placing withSilvano, owned by Dr. Michele Miles in one and NTEC Richter Scale in second. During theindividual competition NTEC Richter Scale, owned by Kai Handt, earned the win with a 72.899%followed by the ex-World Cup jumper, Silvano. To be competing at the 2012 Paralympic Selection Trials is a goal Jonathan Wentz decided tocapture from 13 years of age. After growing out of the therapeutic riding programs Wentz found KaiHandt and North Texas Equestrian Center. Handt and his wife run a successful Dressage barn inWylie, TX and compete on the FEI level around the world. Handt enjoyed challenging Wentz eachweek when they began working together and he never went easy on 6'3" young rider. Wentz hasemulated Handt's desire strive for the best results and not accept an average performance.


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Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale


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Jonathan Wentz and Silvano complete their test unstoppable from theintense rain

Daled Dedrick has accompanied Wentz as a US Team Member as they campaigned over the 2011year. Dedrick's mount Bonifatius has been essential to the United States Para-Equestrian Team.Dedrick has been a lifelong horsewoman and was even part of the 1986 U.S. Olympic FestivalTeam. Dedrick joined the Para-Equestrian competition in June 2011 as a Grade II rider and hit theground running earning the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve NationalChampionship. Dedrick trains her grey 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding in Michigan with RosalindKinstler "Roz". Dedrick is currently ranked fourth among her competitors and has a very goodchance she may earn a spot on the 2012 Paralympic Team.


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In Grade III, Wendy Fryke of Parker, CO and Lateran achieved top scores during Tuesday'scompetition. The 2010 World Equestrian Games member continues to excel in front of theinternational judges. Fellow 2010 World Equestrian Games teammate Mary Jordan of Wells, MEand Deecie Denison's gelding, Sebastian, earned the top placing in Grade IV. Jordan went one-tworiding her mare P. Sparrow Socks to a second place finish. The 2012 Paralympic Selection Trials and 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage NationalChampionships finalize competition on Wednesday with the exciting Freestyle Tests. Each horseand rider combination will complete their Grade's technical requirements using a previous selectedpiece of music. The Freestyle Test is the last 20% of each rider's overall score and will be evaluatedby FEI Ground Jury members, Carlos Lopes (5*) POR, Anne Prain (5*) FRA, and Marc Urban (5*)BEL. An awards ceremony will follow Wednesday's competition at the USET Headquarters inGladstone, NJ.

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius


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Wendy Fryke and Lateran

Mary Jordan and P. Sparrow Socks


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Mary Jordan and Sebastian

Results from June 12, 2012 Team Test of 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials andPara-Equestrian Dressage National Championships Grade Ia:1.Donna Ponessa and PG Ganda---73.0%2.Donna Ponessa and Western Rose---72.0%3.Laura Goldman and NTEC Willi Wesley---64.0%4.Kim Decker and Dashers Destiny---63.417% Grade Ib:1.Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale---72.899%2.Jonathan Wentz and Silvano---72.101%3. Margaret McIntosh and Carlingford JD---64.348%4.Laurietta Oakleaf and Niekele fan Busenitz---63.696%5. McIntosh and Idalgo---57.754% Grade II:1Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger---73.968%2.Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius---71.905%3.Elizabeth Pigott and One Night Stand---65.714%4.Rebecca Hart and Carlingsford's Taldi---65.714%5.Elizabeth Pigott and Whitney's Willow---64.524%6.Kim Jones and Ghlenlivet---59.841%7.*Sydney Collier and Otto Pilot---58.730%*Sydney Collier will not be competing for the Selection Trials due to the age qualification of16-years for the London Paralympics. Sydney will be competing towards the 2012 USEFPara-Equestrian Dressage National Championship


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Grade III:1Wendy Fryke and Lateran---65.389%2Eleanor Brimmer and Carino H---53.667%3Erin Alberda and Sir Rocco---49.667% Grade IV:1.Mary Jordan and Sebastian---67.204%2.Mary Jordan and P. Sparrow Socks---63.763%3.Robin Brueckmann and Radetzky---63.441%4.Lise Yervasi and Brendan Braveheart---57.849%5.Lise Yervasi and Tailor Made---50.914%

Robin Brueckmann and Radetzky

Jonathan Wentz, Rebecca Hart, and Ponna Ponessa


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Lise Yervasi and Tailor Made


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Elizabeth Pigott and Whitney's Willow


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Eleanor Brimmer and Carino H

Lise Yervasi and Brendan Braveheart


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Elizabeth Pigott and One Night Stand


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Margaret McIntosh and Idalgo


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Laurietta Oakleaf and Niekele fan Busenitz


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Kim Decker and Dasher's Destiny

NTEC Laura Goldman and NTEC Willi Wesley


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Erin Alberda and Sir Rocco

Kim Jones and Ghlenlivet


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Sydney Collier and Otto Pilot

Results from June 11, 2012 Team Test of 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials andPara-Equestrian Dressage National Championships Competitor-Horse, Horse Owner, (Hometown)---Score Grade Ia:1.Donna Ponessa-Western Rose, Wesley Dunham, (New Windsor, NY)---73.725%--2.Donna Ponessa-PG Ganda, Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, (New Windsor,NY)---71.569%3.Kim Decker-Dashers Destiny, (Centreville, Virginia)---63.725%4.Laura Goldman-NTEC Willi Wesley, Kai Handt, (Highland Heights, Ohio)---63.039% Grade Ib:1.Jonathan Wentz-Silvano,Michele Miles, (Richardson, Texas)---72.727%2.Jonathan Wentz-NTEC Richter Scale, Kai Handt, (Richardson, Texas)---72.500%3.Margaret McIntosh-Carlingford JD,Trudy Phillips, (Reading, Pennsylvania)---64.318%4.Laurietta Oakleaf-Niekele fan Busenitz, Joanne Bosma, (Jacksontown, Ohio)---63.561%5.Margaret McIntosh-Idalgo, owner Janis Smith, (Reading, Pennsylvania)---60.985% Grade II:1.Rebecca Hart- Lord Ludger, Jessica Ransehousen, (Unionville, Pennsylvania)---71.825%2.Dale Dedrick-Bonifatius, (Ann Arbor, Michigan)---70.238%3.Rebecca Hart-Carlingsford's Taldi, Jessica Ransehousen, (Erie, Pennsylvania)---67.778%4.Elizabeth Pigott- One Night Stand, Regina Cristo, (Downington, Pennsylvania)---65.952%5.Kim Jones-Ghlenlivet, Nancy Lewis-Stanton, (Georgetown, South Carolina)---62.937%


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6.Elizabeth Pigott-Whitney's Willow, Melissa Ranseshousen, (Downington,Pennsylvania)---62.302%7.*Sydney Collier, Otto Pilot, Sue and Kevin Niblo(Ann Arbor, Michigan)---61.508%*Sydney Collier will not be competing for the Selection Trials due to the age qualification of16-years for the London Paralympics. Sydney will be competing towards the 2012 USEFPara-Equestrian Dressage National Championship Grade III:1.Wendy Fryke-Lateran, (Parker, Colorado)---67.469%2.Erin Alberda-Sir Rocco, Melissa Mulchahey, (Woodinville, WA)---54.383%3.Eleanor Brimmer- Carino H, (Wayazata, Minnesota)---58.951% Grade IV:1.Mary Jordan-Sebastian, Deecie Denison, Wells, Maine)---68.438%2.Mary Jordan- P. Sparrow Socks, (Wells, Maine)---64.531%3.Robin Brueckmann-Radetzky, (Summerfield, North Carolina)---64.479%4.Lise Yervasi-Brendan Braveheart, (Baker City, Oregon)---57.969%5.Lise Yervasi-Tailor Made, (Baker City, Oregon)---54.479% FAST FACTS: 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials and NationalChampionships WHAT: Para-Equestrian Dressage Selection Trials for London Paralympics WHEN: June 11-13, 2012 SHOW MANAGER: Kim Keenan-Stordahl LIVE SCORING: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2012USEFDressageFestivalofChampions/ LIVE TWEETING: Follow the USEF Paralympic Selection Trials and Para-Equestrian DressageNational Championships results from the USPEA Twitter Account and view the #PARAEQTRIALSfrom @uspea. ABOUT THE EQUESTRIAN PARALYMPICS (courtesy of FEI) The Paralympic Equestrian events take place in London, England at Greenwich Park August30-September 4, 2012. Host nation Great Britain, Germany, Denmark and Canada have qualified the maximum number ofriders and will each be represented by a team of four and one individual. Nine countries - USA, The Netherlands, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, South Africa, Australia andFrance - have qualified four riders.


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The National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Singapore and Mexico, which had originallyqualified four riders, returned one qualification slot each and will be represented by three-riderteams. The unused slots were re-allocated to Norway and Israel on the basis of the IndividualPara-Equestrian Rankings of athletes not already qualified with a team. As a result, Norway, whichhad already qualified two individual riders, will be fielding a composite team consisting of threemembers. New Zealand and Finland will be represented by two individual riders apiece. Bermuda, Argentina,Japan, Hong Kong and Austria have each been allocated one individual slot.Three Bipartite Commission invitations have been issued to Thomas Haller of Austria, Lee Frawleyof the Virgin Islands and Anita Johnsson of Sweden. The nominated entries will be published on 18 June 2012 and definite entries on 6 August. A totalof 78 Para-Equestrian riders will be battling it out for the 11 sets of medals available. The detailedlist of qualified nations is available here. SUMMARY:26 nations - ARG, AUS, AUT, BEL, BER, BRA, CAN, DEN, FIN, FRA, GBR, GER, HKG, IRL, ISR,ISV, ITA, JPN, MEX, NED, NOR, NZL, RSA, SIN, SWE, USA TEAMS4 nations with 5 riders (team + 1 individual): CAN, DEN, GBR, GER9 nations with 4 riders (team): AUS, BEL, BRA, FRA, IRL, ITA, NED, RSA, USA3 nations with 3 riders (team): MEX, NOR, SIN NATIONS REPRESENTED ONLY BY INDIVIDUALS2 nations with 2 individuals: FIN, NZL6 nations with 1 individual: AUT, ARG, BER, ISR, JPN, HKG3 Bipartite Commission invitations: AUT, ISV, SWE Photo Credit: Photographs taken at the 2012 USEF Paralympic Selection Trials and 2012 USEFPara-Equestrian Dressage Natonal Championships in Gladstone, NJ. The Trials and NationalChampionships are scheduled June10-13, 2012 at the USET Headquarters. Photo © Lindsay YMcCall for the United States Para-Equestrian Association. *All logos, phrases, and words representing the Paralympics, London 2012, London Olympics,Olympics, and any combination referring to the Paralympics or Olympics are property of the UnitedStates Olympic Committee and the 2012 London Olympic Games.*

About United States Para-Equestrian Association: The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, na9onal federa9on board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The associa9on gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in thePara-‐Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-‐athletes to par9cipate in all disciplines under the


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para-‐equestrian umbrella. The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federa9on (USEF) which serves as theNa9onal Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This rela9onship between the USPEA and USEF is toencourage para-‐equestrian compe9tors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and getinvolved with the en9re equestrian sport. Ul9mately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-‐equestrian discipline. From growth in thenumber of par9cipants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to interna9onal Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-‐equestrians theknowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the Interna9onal Olympic CommiPee(IOC), the Federa9on Equestre Interna9onale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federa9on (USDF), and USEFwhich provides Para-‐Equestrians the top equestrian resources. In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply fundingto the Para-‐Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federa9on(USEF). For more informa9on about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Handby e-‐mail: [email protected] or by phone: (610)356-‐6481. To view an online version of this press release please visit: hPp://uspea.org/?p=23

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Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at United States ... · Rain Fails to Dampen Rider's Spirits at United States Equestrian Federation Paralympic Selection Trials Gladstone, NJ