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Young Riders Shine for HGF at Wellington Classic Spring Challenge CDI
Young Riders Shine for HGF at Wellington Classic Spring Challenge CDI What may have been the busiest week of the season for HGF--with USPRE Annual Meeting and PRE-Show plus a major circuit international show and High Point Challenge--turned out to be carried away on the performances of HGF's young riders. Our entire team of riders ages 15 to 24 showed the Wellington Dressage community how to ride and show their PREs for top scores and big wins. Rachel Chowanec, 16, continues to dominate the JR CDI classes with Lendon Gray's Embrujado XI. A 2nd Place in the Team test on Friday was followed by two First Places in the Individual and Freestyle tests on Saturday and Sunday with scores ranging from 65 to 68 from the top international judges. A last minute addition to Rachel's freestyle which added ten-meter circles at the counter-canter to half-pass showed the pair's flexibility and range of skill. Congratulations Rachel for being the CDI High Point Champion for USPRE as well! Head Groom Molly Reynolds did her first show on her fabulous new stallion Bolero CXLVIII. The brother to Fuego, Bolero lived up to his former record and tradition at HGF, scoring over 68% both days at Training and First levels with Molly, who placed in the top 3 in her classes and received the AA High Point Award for USPRE for the weekend. Bolero will be standing at stud this spring at HGF for Maureen and Cluties Sharp's Raven Star Ranch. Working student Bettina Gruber, 19, of Germany, scored 65.263 to take 2nd in the Third 1 with Camaron, and beat out the other JR/YRs for the USPRE High Point award. And our youngest rider at 15, Chelsea Reed, did her first Welllington Show with Lentisco, scoring 61 and 62 at First and Second Levels with her chestnut stallion. Chelsea, daughter of Tom and Megan Reed, also trains with Lendon Gray and is planning to continue Lenny's training with sites on JR classes next year. Finally, 24 year old Mica Mabragana and Idilio made their International debut at PSG and Inter 1 this weekend, receiving scores of 63.596 and 63.070, both qualifying marks for their bid for Pan Am Games for Argentina. As related in all the press for the weekend, the conditions for the outdoor classes were extremely difficult with driving rain, limited warm-up area and slippery rings. In spite of this, Mica put in very credible tests as she and Idilio continue to develop their relationship together. This is Idilio's first time in 5 years in the International classes and we are thrilled to see the continued improvement in him even at 16 years old. (Additionally, Idilio received the Peak Performance Award for best turned-out horse.) Congratulations to all our riders and their many successes this weekend!
April Plans:
April 10--Mica leaves Wellington for New York April 16-17 Gold Coast Grand Finale, and final USPRE High Point Challenge of FL Season April 22--Molly, Idilio and Bolero head to New York April 28-May 1 CDI Saumur Other Notes: Head Groom Molly Reynolds will accompany Mica to New York for the summer to care for Idilio while he continues to prepare for the Pan American Games with Mica, at Fritz and Claudine Kundrun's Bedford facilities. Molly will also be taking her Bolero, for continued training with Lendon and Mica. We will miss them all this summer at HGF. Rhianna is taking time off to spend the summer with her family in Alaska. We hope she enjoys her break and hope to see her again in Florida in the fall. Foaling season starts in May, just as the Florida team returns to Michigan. Sandy, Lora and the Michigan staff have weathered another winter in Fruitport and expect to send all herds back outside round the clock in another week or two. The Michigan winter has been good for the horses there, mares are strong and active, and the young horses are well-boned and hearty. Check back for more news about our summer plans--training, clinics, events, and sales. Good things are in the works for summer 2011...
Traverse City Success Stories!
HGF took 5 stallions up to Traverse City with an agenda for each. Excellent showing conditions and top-quality judges who are Wellington regulars are only two reasons to attend this fantastic show. We are please to report the following success stories: Idilio II--Back in the FEI ring after almost 10 months, having sustained two slight back-to-back injuries. Maria LIthander was looking to retain his high scores from Wellington 2009 at the PSG with hopes to qualify for Regionals at the Small Tour. This they accomplished easily, with a high score of 70% on the second day and the FEI Reserve High Point Award (second to George Williams). Idolo Americano and Bolero CXLVIII--Last year's TC show was Idolo's first time in the ring. This year, he and his stable mate Bolero dominated the Second Level Four classes, taking first and second each of the three days and securing their Regional scores. Adelante rode in his first ever 3rd level tests, taking Second Place both days with scores up to 67%. We are especially pleased with this young horse, who has made such progress since his Training Level debut in 2009. He received scores of 7s from Judge William Solyntjes on his lead changes and showed his usual confidence in the ring. Decorosito HGF--Son of Molly Reynold's Decoroso and HGF's Quintera, this 4 year old amazed us all with his performance in his first ever dressage show. Scores in the mid to high sixties and placings of Fourth and Third in large classes. The beautiful liver chestnut was a superstar! Congratulations, Maria, Molly, and staff for a great week!