Cari Swanson

World Equestrian Games Dressage Finale

One of the most exciting classes to watch is the Dressage Musical Freestyle. The top 15 riders from the Grand Prix qualify to ride their Musical Kurs in front of record breaking crowds. It is thrilling to watch the horses and riders dance to music as one. The atmosphere was electric when the two American team members Guenter Seidel on Aragon and Steffen Peters on Floriano danced for the crowds.

“Tonight I had to ride a little bit more carefully, Peters said, Floriano was on the edge the whole time coming in there, so I took it a little bit easy in the trot extentions. I am very happy with a 78, we came in and tried our very best and had a lot of fun.”

Peters and Floriano, the 16 year old Westphalian gelding, owned by Stephen and Laurelyn Browning, were the last to compete in front of a sold out crowd, performing to a medley including “Don’t stop Believing” by Fleetwood Mac and “Imagine” by John Lennon. They finished in sixth place with a score of 78.60%.

Seidel rode his 14 year old Bavarian Warmblood gelding, owned by Richard and Jane rown, to 13th place. “When we were going in, I thought he was going to explode,” said Seidel of his mount. He could not have been happier with his horse’s performance, “It was very electric. There were a few mistakes. But when do you have the chance to practice in an atmosphere like this?”

Team USA’s Chef D’Equipe, Klaus Balkenhol has taken our horses and riders to a new level in Dressae. We are all proud of our teams success!

A Day at the Races

/>Saratoga Raceway is less than 2 hours from Dutchess County, offering an exciting day at the races at one of the most beautiful tracks in the country. The main course is a mile and an eighth, the turf course is one mile and the Steeplechase course is 7/8 mile long.

This weekend is the Tavers Stakes named after William Travers, the President of the old Saratoga Racing Association. This year is the 137th running of the Grade 1 Stakes race comprising of a field of 3 year olds racing for the one million dollar purse. This race is the highlight of the summer season just as the Belmont Stakes is the highlight of the Spring meeting at Belmont Park.

Elegant attire is a tradition at the Saratoga Race Course. Find your best country hat and go out to cheer on your favorite horse to win. The entry fee is only $5/person, but bring some money to bet on your horse. You will enjoy a fun day in the country!

Winning Team at Lendon’s Dressage 4 Kids Show

Congratualtions to Kayla with Beau and Joa with Kestrel for winning the schooling class, equitation and training level test 2 in each of their respective divisions. Both riders had a stellar weekend placing at the top of the leader board in every class entered, with the overall team score coming in second.

The weekend was filled with educational opportunities for the riders to learn from the best riders and trainers. This is an event not to be missed if you are a young rider ages 9-21. The competition was tough, but everyone performed beautifully.

With excellent weather conditions, the weekend was a great success and filled with fun events like the Trail Class and Prix Caprilli. Generous sponsors offered prizes and gifts for every place won.

For more information visit dressage4kids web site at www.dressage4kids.com

Dressage 4 Kids

The 8th annual Dressage 4 Kids competition is August 11-13 at Hits in Saugerties, NY. This exciting weekend is for riders under 21 to compete in various age groups for wonderful prizes. The competition was conceived of by Lendon Gray to encourage young riders under 21 to become true horseman. The goal of the program is to create riders who understand the correct position, to develop competive skills, to have knowledge of all aspects of horse care and riding, to offer scholarships to enable competitors to continue their education, and most importantly to have fun and develop good sportsmanship.

Competitors must meet the requirement of qualifying with two scores and come from 10 countries and 25 states. They hail from the worlds of eventing, jumping, hunters, pony club and trail riding. Many of them form teams with fun names like the Beau Jesters to compete against each other.

This is a fun learning experience and a great place to meet other young riders. For more information check out the web site www.dressage4kids.com.

Update on Barbaro’s condition

Many of you have contacted me regarding the latest news on Barbaro, so I would like to let you know about a link that gives updates each week.

You can find the latest info at www.vet.upenn.edu.

As of the last recording, Barbaro is in good shape with a healthy appetite and he remains in good spirits.