Paralympic Freestyles

by Ellie Brimmer photos by Lindsay Y McCall

Musical Freestyles are my favorite part of CPEDI competition. After the stress of working hard to achieve certain benchmarks in the team and individual tests, you can really let loose and have fun with your music and challenge yourself with the choreography. The Paralympic freestyles were over the last two days and they did not disappoint.

The freestyles started out with grade two, I know Dale Dedrick’s freestyle well as we work with the same coach Roz Kinstler. Dale improved everyday of the competition, and it was delightful to see her do so well in the freestyle. Dale went early in the class and scored a 69.150%. She held the early lead for a long time, until fellow teammate Becca Hart overtook Dale’s score with a 73.250%. The freestyle has always been a strong point for Becca, and team USA was thrilled with her result. Becca was fourth in Hong Kong, so we were all very anxious to see how the rest of the class would go. Becca’s final placing with 5th, even though it was not a medal we were still happy with the result.

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius

Becca Hart and Lord Ludger

Great Britain’s Natasha Baker was able to break the 80% barrier for a gold with a fantastic score of 82.800%. Britta Napel’s was able to overcome mistakes in the canter work of her freestyle for silver with a 77.400% Angelika Trabert was in bronze position again with a 76.150%, I really enjoyed her “Lion King” freestyle music.

Natasha Baker with her gold medal

Britta Napel and Aquilina 3

The hotly contested 1B division was next, Jonathan Wentz had a flawless ride on Richter Scale with new freestyle music for 73.000% which put him in the lead, but ended up 5th by the end of the class. We were really happy with Jon and Richter’s riding performance, Richter also deserves a special commendation for being “the friendly horse”. In the lower grades you are allowed to have a companion horse in the field of play on the outside of the dressage court. Richter was excellent and kept the rest of our team horses happy and calm while performing.

Rachel Zent with Richter Scale as the friendly horse.

In a surprise finish the gold medal winner from the individual test ended up fourth. Lee Pearson who has been on top of the standings for a long time, ended up in the bronze medal position with a 74.200%. Katja Karjalain of Finland showed a lovely harmony with her mare, displaying excellent accuracy despite of a visual impairment and was able to slip into the silver medal position with a 74.250%. Pepo Punch of Austria finished in the gold medal position with what in my opinion was the best freestyle of the entire Paralympics, which included some beautiful walk pirouettes on centerline. Pepo Puch was able bodied and rode most recently in the Athens Olympics in eventing, but a accident left him a para rider and he has really made the most of it finishing his freestyle with a 79.150%.

Pepo Punch and Fine Feeling

Katja Karjalainen and Rosie

The Grade Four’s started final freestyle day. US Virgin Islands rider Lee Fawley had a wonderful freestyle with caribbean music and USA based Irish Rider James Dwyer who is always excellent in the freestyles finished strong with a 74.400%. Frank Hosmar of the Netherlands had a strong third place finish with a 78.600%. Both the gold and silver medalist broke into the 80%s, Sophie Wells won silver on her mount Pinocchio with a 81.150%, I loved her freestyle music of old Disney scores, especially the walk music of “When You Wish Upon a Star”. Belgium’s Michele George had a second gold medal ride on Rainman with a 82.100%, the primarily British crowd was clearly disappointed to see Sophie displaced from first, but Michele George had a excellent ride.

James Dwyer and Orlando

Michele George with her gold medal

Sophie Wells and Pinocchio

The Grade Threes were a lot of fun for me to see, since I know the required movements for that test, it was interesting to see how the different riders chose to arrange their required movements. Hannelore Brenner of Germany won gold again with Women of the World with a 81.700% the only grade three ride of the whole Paralympics to break into the 80s. Deborah Criddle of Great Britain won her second silver with a 78.550%. Annika Dalskov of Denmark maintained her bronze position with a 76.950%.

Hannelore Brenner (GER) by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Deborah Criddle and LJT Akilles

The Grade 1as closed out the show, USA Rider Donna Ponessa went early in the class and had a very technically difficult freestyle, she was the only 1A that included trot work in her choreography. It gave her a score of 70.750%, but it unfortunately was not high enough to get her in the medals. Sophie Christensen showed why she is one of the superstars of the sport and won her class with a 84.750% in her freestyle. Laurentia Tan was able to better her bronze in Hong Kong with a score of 79.000%. The Bronze medal was won by Irish rider Helen Kearney with Mister Cool, she had a wonderful Adele medley for her freestyle.

Donna Ponessa and Western Rose

Sophie Christiansen by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Laurentia Tan and Ruben James 2.

It is bittersweet for me that the Paralympic equestrian events are done, it really inspired me and I enjoyed seeing the best riders in the world, but now I am also excited to get back home and get back to training with my own horse. London has been an excellent host city, the event has been very well organized and the volunteers could not be more kind and helpful. I am here until closing ceremonies, and we are going to play tourists for a few days, and I hope to catch a few other events while I am here.

(Wrap-up of Individual Test competition from Sunday and Monday September 1-2, 2012)

Photos and Article by Lindsay Yosay McCall: 

London, England-September 3, 2012-Over the last four days Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes have had their opportunity to place their best foot forward in the Greenwich Park arena. Riders were able to show-off what they have worked towards over the last few years. The first two days of the 2012 Paralympic Equestrian competition consisted of the Team Test where Great Britain dominated four of the five grade levels. Over the last two days during the Para-Dressage Individual Test competition however, individual powerhouses overthrew Great Britain’s reign. One of those athletes working towards capturing a medal was Jonathan Wentz (USA) and NTEC Richter Scale, owned by Kai Handt.

Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Jonathan Wentz has traveled around the country gaining experience for himself and his horses before qualifying for London and heading to the Paralympics. In 2010 at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ Wentz came close to winning a medal with NTEC Richter Scale at his first World Equestrian Games. With his hunger for more, Wentz, his trainer Kai and his support team set off to prepare for the 2012 London Games. As they prepped Richter and multiple back-up horses Wentz began winning the Grade Ib championships at many international competitions. These wins placed him in the top ten of the FEI World Rankings where he maintained his position throughout the 2012 show season. Nothing could stand in Wentz’s way as he armed himself with a stellar horse and the support of the United States Equestrian Federation’s Para-Dressage team.

For the Individual Test at the London Paralympics, Wentz drew an early spot in the order just in front of Lee Pearson of Great Britain. As the horse and rider combination of Richter and Wentz executed each technical requirement the judge’s scores began to increase. Although Wentz had a test that was respectable, moments of imperfection would earn him a score of 70.348%. Jonathan’s position would first be moved by Lee Pearson and horse Gentleman with a 75.391%. Then Australian athlete Joann Formosa and Worldwide PB would perform a 75.826% knocking the nine-time Gold Medal athlete Lee Pearson from his podium. With only two horses to go Pepo Puch of Austria and horse Fine Feeling would push Wentz into fourth place.

“We are proud of Jonathan,” noted horse owner and trainer Kai Handt. Out of the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing, Show Jumping, able-bodied Dressage, and Para-Dressage placing thus far Wentz has the highest placing of any of the United States Equestrian Team members.

“There’s still way more to come,” smiled Wentz. “During the Team Test we got hit for being too conservative but today we went too much the other way and hit too hard on the accelerator. We got way too wobbly in the trot-work and the walk-work. We finally scored the way we were hoping in other parts of the test but the trot work hurt us. I was happy with the turn on the haunches and my walk work since it was a place we improved upon within our test.”

Although Wentz did not stand on the podium for the Individual Test it gave him that much more desire to be there next time. The question will remain as the 2012 London Paralympics comes to an end if we will see the handsome eighteen year-old at the World Equestrian Games in Rio, or if a retirement is in his future.

As the Grade Ib Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal winners stepped up to the podium for the Individual Test Australian Joann Formosa (AUS), Lee Pearson (GBR), and Pepo Puch (AUT) exchanged a congratulatory embrace.

Lee Pearson (GBR) SILVER Joann Formosa (AUS) GOLD Pepo Puch (AUT) BRONZE

“I came here to win and I wanted gold,” exclaimed Formosa. “This has been my goal my entire life. I love this sport, I love my horses, and when I am aboard my horse there is a feeling of freedom. I couldn’t be happier to have won this medal and I couldn’t have earned this without my support team, fundraising, family, friends, and fans.”

Pearson genuinely noted, “I am really happy with earning Silver, believe me. It has been a tough competition and Joann rode beautifully. I am actually over the moon; It would have been amazing to win a gold but I am happy to place this medal up on the wall with my past medals.”

Lee Pearson (GBR) with Silver medal by Lindsay Yosay McCall

He continued, “Of course I will be back in Rio to redeem myself. I love horses and I love this sport. Although I wouldn’t be able to do this sport without the help of everyone on Team Great Britain, our sponsors and staff, our country, and of course the United Kingdom Lottery.”

Results Individual Championship Test – Grade Ib

1.  Joann Formosa (AUS) and Worldwide PB           75.826%

2. Lee Pearson (GBR) and Gentleman                        75.391%

3. Pepo Puch (AUT) and Fine Feeling                         75.043%

4. Johnathan Wentz (USA) and Richter                      70.348%

5. Katja Karjalainen  (FIN) and Rosie                          69.739%

Results Individual Championship Test – Grade Ia

1. Sophie Christiansen (GBR) and Janiero 6         82.750%
2. Helen Kearney (IRL) and Mister Cool                   76.700%
3. Laurentia Tan  (SIN) and Ruben James 2      73.650%
4. Rihards Snikus (LAT) and Chardonnay       70.400%
5. Liselotte Rosenhart (DEN) and Prior Lady’s Rawage  70.000%

Great Britain added another Gold Medal to their accolades when Grade Ia Para-Equestrian Sophie Christiansan and Janiero 6 earned an 82.750%. Earning the Silver was Helen Kearney of Ireland and Mister Cool, and winning the Bronze was Laurentia Tan and Ruben James 2 of Singapore. United States Para-Equestrian Donna Ponessa and Western Rose, owned by Wes Dunham earned the sixth position for their Individual Test.

“We gave it our all but it could have been a lot better. There was some improvement from the Team Test and some things we didn’t do as well,” said Ponessa. “It’s a learning process.”

Lee Pearson (GBR) SIlver Medal

In the Grade II competition USA Team Captain and 2008 Paralympian Rebecca Hart was positive as always for the entire team despite her individual placing with Lord Ludger, owned by Jessica Ransehousen. “This was his first international on this scale,” noted Hart. “It was not what I hoping for but it’s good to get him out here and get the experience. Obviously we were hoping for a little bit more especially for the team but it was ok. There are definitely ups and downs to every event for each one of us.  We have what we need we just need to do it.”

Dale Dedrick who rode Bonifatius in Grade II for the U.S.A concurred, “We have a great team and I am proud to be a part of it. Our preparation for this event has been superb. From the work my trainer Roz Kinstler of Ann Arbor, Mich. and I have done at home and on the road to the preparation of Meagan Szarek my groom.”

Gold Medal winner of Grade II was Natasha Baker (GBR) and horse Cabral. Baker expressed her excitement, “This is the most incredible feeling in the world. Coming to my first Games here in Great Britain and to come home with a Gold Medal is brilliant; I get a postbox and stamp!”

She continued, “Since the age of 10 I said I would compete in the Paralympics and win a Gold Medal. Since my first games I never expected this in a million years but I couldn’t have done this without my horse. He is a dream, I am so proud of him, I really am.”

Pepo Puch (AUT) Bronze Grade Ib Winner and Family by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Sophie Christiansen by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Sophie Christiansen by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Results Individual Championship Test – Grade II

1.                  Natasha Baker (GBR) and Cabral                        76.857%

2.                  Britta Napel (GER) and Aquilina 3                      76.048%

3.                  Angelika Trabert  (GER) and Ariva-Avanti       76.00%

4.                  Petra  van de Sande (NED) and Valencia Z       74.476%

5.                  Eilish Byrne (IRL) and Youri                                          73.429%

Natasha Baker and GBR Flag by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Results Individual Championship Test – Grade III

1.                  Hannelore Brenner (GER) and Women of the World     73.467%

2.                  Deborah Criddle (GBR) and LJT Akilles                    71.267%%

3.                  Annika Dalskov  (DEN) and Aros a Fenris       71.233%

4.                  Susanne Sunesen (DEN) and Thys Que Faire      69.700%

5.                  Sanne Voets (NED) and Vedet PB                                          68.767%

Hannelore Brenner (GER) by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Deborah Criddle by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Results Individual Championship Test – Grade IV

1.                  Michele George (BEL) and Rainman     77.065%

2.                  Sophie Wells (GBR) and Pinocchio                    76.323%%

3.                  Frank Hosmar  (NED) and Alphaville       73.097%

4.                  Ciska Vermeulen (BEL) and Whooney Tunes      71.613%

5.                  Line Jorgensen (DEN) and Di Caprio                                          70.258%%

Michele George by Lindsay Yosay McCall

The 2012 London Paralympics continues through September 9 and the equestrian competition concludes on September 4 with the last of the Individual Freestyle competition. Following the Freestyle competition on Tuesday will be indivudal ceremonies for Grade Ia, III, and IV and the Medal Ceremony for the Team Results. The 2012 London Paralympic Equestrian compeition includes seventy-eight horses from 26 nations. Horse and rider combinations are judged on technical requirements in front of international FEI judges President Kjell Myhre (NOR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Anne Prain (FRA), Gudrun Hofinga (GER), Sarah Rodger (GBR), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Kathy Amos-Jacob (FRA) as the reserve member.

THE UNITED STATES PARALYMPIC EQUESTRIAN TEAM NOMINATED BY THE UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Rebecca Hart, 27, of Unionville, Penn. and Jessica Ransehousen’s Holsteiner gelding Lord Ludger

Jonathan Wentz, 21, of Richardson, Texas and Kai Handt’s 18 year-old NTEC Richter Scale

Donna Ponessa, 51, of New Windsor, N.Y. and Wesley Dunham’s Oldenburg mare Western Rose

Dale Dedrick, 56, of Ann Arbor, Mich. and her 14 year-old grey Hanoverian Bonifatius

Team Staff:

Missy Ransehousen (Unionville, PA)- Chef d’Equipe

Jim Wolf (Lebanon, NJ)- Chef de Mission

Pam Lane (Gladstone, NJ)- Team Leader

Stacey Kent (Cochranville, PA)- Team Veterinarian

by Ellie Brimmer photos by Lindsay Y McCall

Sunday was the final day of individual competition and the grade fours kicked off the morning.  Though there were no USA riders in the Grade IV division, a large portion of the USA contingent turned up to cheer on Pennslyvania based Irish rider James Dwyer. He had a swap in his canter extension, but the high quality of the rest of the test gave him a 68.516% for 6th place.

James Dwyer and Orlando

The top three riders from the team test were also the medal winners for the individual test. Michele George from Belgium scored a 77.065% and was able to pull ahead of Great Britain’s Sophie Wells who scored a 76.323%. Frank Hosmar from the Netherlands repeated his third place from the Team Test with a 73.097%.

Michele George and Rainman celebrating!

The Grade threes went next and I was very excited to see how each rider executed it, as the individual test is more challenging than the team team. The top three result order was unchanged from the team test. Hannelore Brenner of Germany won the gold with a 73.467% but had a surprising two off course rider errors. Deborah Criddle of Great Britain finished in silver with a 71.267% but did have some resistance. Annika Dalkslov of Denmark was able to hold her third position for bronze with a 71.233%.

Germany’s Hannelore Brenner and Women of the World

The 1a Individual Test went last in the day, and USA rider Donna Ponessa went late in the order as dusk was coming over the arena. Wesley Dunham’s Western Rose is young but she handled the atmosphere well. Donna earned a 69.200% for a 6th place, she has a new freestyle planned for London and I cannot wait to see it.

Donna Ponessa acknowledging the cheering crowd.

Sophie Christiansen performed to her usual high standard with a 82.500%. The horse Janerio 6 has a wonderful tempo and Sophie is extremely accurate with her figures. Ireland’s Helen Kearney and Mister cool had a spot on ride for 76.700% for silver and Singapore’s Laurentia Tan repeated her bronze performance from Hong Kong with Ruben James 2 with a 73.650%.

Double gold for Sophie Christiansen (GBR), Individual Championship in Grade Ia and Team © FEI/Liz Gregg

The team awards were announced and Great Britain won gold, Germany won silver, and Ireland won bronze. I couldn’t be happier for the Irish with their bronze win, looking forward to the team awards on Tuesday.

Natasha Baker, GBR GII. FEI/Liz Gregg
Copyright:
©FEI/Liz Gregg

Pepo Puch AUT Grade 1B. ©FEI/Liz Gregg

Making the transition
Austria’s first equestrian medallist at the Paralympic Games Pepo Puch added Freestyle gold to his Individual Championship bronze with a swinging test on his mare Fine Feeling. “She likes the people, the atmosphere, the cheering and she offers me so much”, said the former Event rider that competed for Austria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. After his accident, which was a technical accident and not through any fault of his horse, he spent 6 months immobile in hospital, and vowed never to give up and as soon as he was out, was lifted onto his 2007 Burghley horse The Who and began his rehabilitation. “My wife is my trainer and I train her, so this success is for the family” he added.

On beating Lee Pearson, “he’s a great sportsman, I hope to be the rider he is one day”.

The complete set – gold, silver and bronze
Lee Pearson finished his London 2012 Paralympic Games experience with a James Bond themed Freestyle to earn the bronze medal – which he adds to his team gold and individual championship silver for the complete medal set. “The three medals will look great over my fireplace” he joked. He now has his sights set on the future, new horses, the FEI World and European Championships and ultimately Rio 2016.

Facts and Figures
First Austrian gold medal since Equestrian sport joined the Paralympic Games in 1996. Pepo Puch also secured the first bronze on Saturday in the Grade Ib Individual Championship Test.

First Finnish silver medal at the equestrian events of the Paralympic Games. In 2000 Marita Tevali had won two bronze medals on a borrowed horse.

Record Freestyle score and personal best in Grade II for Natasha Baker: 82.800

Top eight riders in Grade II all over the 70% mark.

They have participated at every Paralympic edition since Dressage joined the programme in 1996: Nathalie Bizet (FRA), Jens Lasse Dokkan (NOR) and Angelika Trabert (GER).

Medal count so far: GBR 8 (4 gold, 4 silver), GER 6 (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), AUT 2(1 gold, 1 bronze), AUS 1(1 gold), BEL 1(1 gold), IRL 2(1 silver, 1 bronze), FIN 1(1 silver),  DEN 1(1 bronze), NED 1(1 bronze), SIN 1(1 bronze).

The last day…
Tomorrow Grades IV, III and Ia will have their Freestyle tests with medal ceremonies for each of the Grades as well as the overall team medal ceremony.

Results and Start Lists available here

London 2012 Equestrian Hub
Check out the London 2012 hub on the FEI website here for links and information regarding the schedule and results, rider biographies, FEI History Hub, photo galleries, rules, guide to classification and more.

Double gold for Sophie Christiansen (GBR), Individual Championship in Grade Ia and Team © FEI/Liz Gregg

by Ellie Brimmer photos by Lindsay Mcall

Today started the Individual competition and the first day of medal competition for our para riders. We started out with the grade two riders, and Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius went first for the United States. Bonifatius was considerably more settled  in the individual competition earning her a 64.619. We look forward to her freestyle on Monday. Paralympic veteran Becca Hart rode skillfully and earned a 68.286% for 11th place. A few horses still had difficulty with the atmosphere of the large venue and there were two unfortunate eliminations for Italy and Australia.

Photographs of our riders

Becca Hart and Lord Ludger photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius photo by Lindsay Y McCall

The top three riders we all separated by less than one percentage point. Great Britain’s Natasha Baker took the gold with a 76.857%. Both Germany team riders Britta Napel and Angelika Trabert finished in bronze and silver respectively, Napel with a 76.048% and Trabert with a 76.000%. All three rode superb tests, and any of these riders could have easily taken gold.

Natasha Baker with her gold medal photo by Lindsay Y McCall

The afternoon session was the Individual Grade 1B class, USA’s Jonathan Wentz had the second ride in the class. He earned an excellent score of 70.348%, so all was left for the USA crowd to wait out the class to see if Jonathan would medal. Lee Pearson the reigning Paralympic champion went immediately after Jonathan and scored a 75.319, and later in the class was upset from his gold medal position by Australia Joann Formosa. I was very happy for the Australia team as they had a disappointing elimination in the grade 2 class.

As the Grade II competition came to a close, the second to last rider made his way to the arena, who was top world ranked Pepo Puch from Austria. Unfortunately for the United States contingent, he unseated Jonathan from the bronze medal position with a great ride and well deserved score of 75.043.

Jonathan Wentz and Richter Scale photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Joann Formosa (AUS) with grade two gold photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Jonathan ended up in fourth place and although all US contingent here  would have liked to see a medal for the United States we could not be more proud of Jon or pleased with how he rode today. Tomorrow is a new day, and it will be Donna Ponessa’s chance at a 1A individual medal.

Natasha Baker from Great Britain scoops the first equestrian gold medal in Grade II. Britta Napel on the left and Angelika Trabert (GER) on the right taking silver and bronze © FEI/Liz Gregg

Australia’s Joann Formosa and Worldwide PB

by Ellie Brimmer with photos by Lindsay McCall

Donna Ponessa and Western Rose

Friday was still cold and windy but we were all grateful for the lack of rain. The day began with the grade four team test. The grade four riders are the closest to able bodied and the only grade to show in a full size arena. The test is equivalent to USEF third level. The United States did not have any riders in the class but we all turned out to cheer on Pennsylvania based Irish rider James Dwyer who rides with Jessica Ransehousen.   James rode superbly and finished in fourth with a 69.719%. Lee Fawley, the first ever Paralympian from the US Virgin Islands ride for a commendable 61.750%.

James Dwyer and Orlando

Sophie Wells, who also has competed in able bodied young rider competition for Great Britain also won today’s grade four team test with a 75.906. She was followed by Belgian rider Michele George with a really lovely test for a 72.906. Frank Hosmar from the Netherlands rounded out the top three with a 71.781.

Sophie Wells and Pinocchio

Belgium’s Michele George and Rainman

The grade threes were most exciting to me, as I am a grade three rider. The level of activity and collection of the top riders is what you would see in a able bodied grand prIx test and something I aspire to.  Hannelore Brenner from Germany was the only rider from outside of Great Britain to win a class, and she won with style. Her harmonious test with her long time partner Women of the World earned her a 75.714. Deborah Criddle rode a excellent test all one handed as she loss the use of hers after a accident to finish with a 72.926. Just a fraction behind Criddle was Denmark’s Annika Dalskov and Aros a Fenris in third with a 72.889.

Germany’s Hannelore Brenner and Women of the World

GBR’s Deborah Criddle and LJT Akilles

The last class of the day was the 1A test.  The 1A team test is for the riders with the biggest physical challenges and is ridden at a walk only. After you see some really good 1A tests, your expectations for your own walk work are forever raised. Donna Ponessa went into the ring for the United States, we needed a good score from her to keep our hopes of a bronze medal alive. Donna and Western Rose came through earning us a 70.235 for 5th place. At the half way point this puts us in 7th in the team competition, but within fractions of the the next couple highest ranked teams. It is a long shot, but I think we still have a chance. Sophie Christiansen of Great  Britain earned a record breaking score of 83.765% it had lovely harmony and certainly deserving of the win. In second place was the rider from Singapore, Laurentia Tan earning a 74.235, with a very well ridden test. Para Dressage is still a new sport to Singapore and it was nice to see their rider do so well. Third was Irish rider Helen Kearney with Mister Cool, a wonderful Irish Sport Horse gelding. The other Irish 1A rider Geraldine Savage rode a Irish cob, it was very special to see the two Irish team members do so well on Irish horses.

Sophie Christiansen and Janeiro 6

Laurentia Tan and Ruben James 2.

by Ellie Brimmer & photos by Lindsay McCall

Kai Handt enters the ring with Jonathan Wentz on NTEC Richter Scale.

I have been enjoying my time here in London and have spent a large amount of time watching the different countries school in the main arena. Lindsay McCall and I had a great time before the Para-Dressage events getting her credentials in order at the Media Center at the Main Olympic Park in Stratford and sightseeing in London.

Wednesday August 29th was the jog and opening ceremonies, and I am happy to report all USA horses passed with flying colors. Opening ceremonies was in the evening at the Olympic Park in Stratford. I loved it, it was an emotional ceremony for me seeing so many disabled people who have the same passion for elite sport come together for a common cause. In the opening the had a flyover of a plane lit up in LED gold piloted by a soldier who lost his leg in Afghanistan. Her Majesty the Queen opened the games, Stephen Hawking was one of the main hosts, along with Sir Ian McKellan. The torch was lit by Margaret Maughan who won the first British Gold Paralympic Medal at the 1960 Stoke Mandeville Games in Archery.

Today started with the team test for Grade Two in the morning with USA riders Becca Hart and Dale Dedrick. In the afternoon Grade 1B performed their team test with USA rider Jonathan Wentz competing. The weather was challenging for spectators and riders alike as it was raining more often than not, with a sharp cold wind. The arena atmosphere was challenging for some horses, but as the day went on and trainers adjusted their warm-up for horses and riders, things improved.

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius

Becca Hart and Lord Ludger

Grade II is the most hotly contested grade with 23 riders vying for gold. Dale Dedrick went fifth in the overall order and was the first United States rider. Bonifatius struggled a little bit with the arena surroundings, but Dale dealt with his skittishness tactfully. Paralympic veteran Becca Hart rode Lord Ludger in some of the worst rain we had all day, but both horse and rider handled the conditions well. They were fourth in the class today with a 69.095%.

England’s Natasha Baker and Cabral giving the crowd a celebratory wave.

Germany’s Britta Napel and Aqualina 3.

Natasha Baker, the individual rider for Great Britain won the Grade II Team Test decisively on her beautiful horse Cabral, earning a 76.095%. The accuracy of the ride, quality of the gaits and willingness of the horse was wonderful. Second place was the last rider in the class Britta Napel who overcame a spook in the beginning to earn a 72.571%. Lauren Barwick from Canada said that her horse did not mind the arena, but the loud speakers were the biggest concern for her. Lauren’s experience guided the pair to a very strong third place finish of 72.095.

The weather did not improve this afternoon for the Grade 1b, but a majority of the fans who stayed until the end were rewarded with getting a chance to see the top rides in the 1B group. Jonathan Wentz had a good deal of pressure on him to help keep our USA team medal hopes alive and had to ride in some very poor conditions. The draft cross NTEC Richter Scale was unfazed by both the cold rain and harsh wind in the imposing Greenwich Arena and really rose to the occasion giving the USA its top score of the day of a 70.364% for a fifth place finish. In spite of going off course by turning the wrong direction starting the 8m walk circles British anchor rider, Lee Pearson still won his class with a 74.682. Austria’s Pepo Punch who has regularly been on top of the world rankings for the past year earned a second place finish with a 73.636%, he rode a very strong test with a wonderful horse, and could very well beat out Lee for the Individual Gold. The third place rider was admittedly a surprise for me, Austrailia’s Joann Formosa had a phenomenal test to finish for third, with a 71.955 This is a relatively new partnership, so the pair went under the radar for our more seasoned spectators.

England’s Lee Pearson and Gentleman.

A happy Pepo Punch leaving the ring with Fine Feeling.

The grade fours, which are the most able-bodied go first thing in the morning Friday followed by the grade threes. I am really excited to see the grade threes, as that is my own personal competition grade. Tomorrow has our final USA rider Donna Ponessa in the 1A group in the afternoon. I think her chances at a individual medal are high, and it keeps the door open for a USA team bronze.

London, England, United Kingdom–August 29, 2012 – Every tear shed, every mile traveled, and every salute in the show ring over the last few years have now led to this moment at the 2012 London Paralympic Equestrian competition held in Greenwich Park. Before riders and coaches could breathe a sigh of relief seventy-eight horse and rider combinations stepped forward for the official horse inspection. Each team and individual presented their mounts at a trot in front of the competition officials including the veterinary commission and ground jury. Each horse was carefully examined before being given the official nod to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Equestrian Games scheduled for August 29^th through September 4th. The horse inspection began in alphabetical order according to the International Paralympic Committee abbreviations. Henceforth, the United States watched 74 horses approach horse inspection before Lord Ludger, NTEC Richter Scale, Western Rose, and Bonifatius were given the salute to continue on to the first day of Para-Dressage competition.

Wes Dunham and Western Rose ridden by Donna Ponessa (USA) photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Four dashing United States members dressed in exquisite Ralph Lauren red, white, and blue attire formally presented each United States’ equine. These handlers included: United States Paralympic Equestrian Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen presenting Lord Ludger for United States Team Captain Rebecca Hart; owner Kai Handt leading NTEC Richter Scale for Jonathan Wentz; owner Wes Dunham of Western Rose for equestrian Donna Ponessa; and groom Meagan Szarek presenting Bonifatius for rider Dale Dedrick.

Meagan Szarek noted, “The whole Paralympic experience has been wonderful. It really gives a humbling prospective about what able-bodied individuals take for granted on a daily basis. It is very motivating watching and working with each of these athletes on the United States Para-Equestrian Team. I am honored to be a part of it all and share this experience with so many talented Equestrians from around the world.”

Bonifatius, ridden by Dale Dedrick, and Meagan Szarek photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Lord Ludger, ridden by Rebecca Hart, and coach Missy Ransehousen photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Kai Handt and NTEC Richter Scale ridden by Jonathan Wentz (USA)

Out of the 78 horses from 26 nations only two horses were asked to return for additional inspection. These two horses will be evaluated further before the competition begins on Thursday. Grade II will be the first Grade in the incredibly designed Greenwich Park Arena to show in the Team Test competition. The first horse will enter the ring at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday with the final Grade II trotting down centerline at 12:35 p.m. Grade Ib will begin at 14:15 p.m. and the last Grade Ib athlete will finish at 16:35 p.m.

United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Grade II rider Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius of Ann Arbor, Mich. will compete at 9:30 a.m in the Team Test competition while Grade II Rebecca Hart aboard Lord Ludger of Unionville, Penn., will compete at 10:30 a.m. Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale of Richardson, TX will compete at 4:15 p.m. in Grade Ib and final United States Para-Equestrian Donna Ponessa and Western Rose of New Windsor, NY will compete in the Team Test on Friday.

The Overall Team Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be determined based on the top three rider’s percentage scores for their country. Each rider will compete in the Team Test and his or her score will be combined with the Individual Test for an overall percentage score. The top three rider’s scores from each country will be compared for the final score for the Team medals.

The Individual Medals will include a Gold, Silver, and Bronze for each of the five grades (Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV. These medals will be determined based on each rider’s individual performance score on the Individual Test. The Freestyle Medals will also include a Gold, Silver, and Bronze for each of the five grades.

This week Rebecca Hart was nominated as the Team Captain of the United States Paralympic Team. This is an honor for her as she adds her name to the list of team captains before her. Rebecca commented, “This has been a really fabulous experience not just for our team but for Para-Equestrian Dressage. London is the birthplace of the Para-Equestrian sport and it feels great to represent our country in this wonderful city. As we watched each of our horses jog in the horse inspection we were impressed with the beauty of the backdrop of the equestrian venue at Greenwich Park, The Queen’s House.

Donna Ponessa agreed, “It makes me really proud to be an American and represent our country in the birthplace of the Para-Equestrian movement. I am also really proud to have made this journey with my support staff and team. We have accomplished a lot in a relatively short amount of time and I am pretty overwhelmed about being here.”

The Paralympic Equestrian Competition begins on August 30 and concludes on September 4^th.

USA TEAM

THE UNITED STATES PARALYMPIC EQUESTRIAN TEAM NOMINATED BY THE UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

Rebecca Hart, 27, of Unionville, Penn. and Jessica Ransehousen’s Holsteiner gelding Lord Ludger

Jonathan Wentz, 21, of Richardson, Texas and Kai Handt’s 18 year-old NTEC Richter Scale

Donna Ponessa, 51, of New Windsor, N.Y. and Wesley Dunham’s Oldenburg mare Western Rose

Dale Dedrick, 56, of Ann Arbor, Mich. and her 14 year-old grey Hanoverian Bonifatius

Team Staff:

Missy Ransehousen (Unionville, PA)- Chef d’Equipe

Jim Wolf (Lebanon, NJ)- Chef de Mission

Pam Lane (Gladstone, NJ)- Team Leader

Stacey Kent (Cochranville, PA)- Team Veterinarian

Orlando ridden by James Dwyer of Ireland photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Casablanca, ridden by Erika Baitenmann, from Mexico photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Valencia Z from the Netherlands photo by Lindsay Y McCall

2012 Paralympic Equestrian Schedule at Greenwich Park

August 30, 2012

Grade II Mixed Team Test 9:00 AM -12:15 PM

Grade Ib Mixed Team Test 2:00 PM -5:00 PM

August 31, 2012

Grade IV Mixed Team Test 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

Grade III Mixed Team Test 1:15 PM-3:45 PM

Grade Ia Mixed Team Test 3:45 PM-6:15 PM

September 1, 2012

Grade II Mixed Individual Championship Test 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Championship Grade II 12:30 PM-12:45 PM

Grade Ib Mixed Individual Championship Test  2:30 PM-5:30 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Championship Grade Ib   5:45 PM -6:00 PM

September 2, 2012

Grade IV Mixed Individual Championship Test  9:00 AM-11:30 AM

Medal Ceremony Individual Championship Grade IV  11:45 AM-12:00 PM

Grade III Mixed Individual Championship Test  1:45 PM-4:14 PM

Grade Ia Mixed Individual Championship Test 4:15 PM-6:45 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Championship Grade III  7:00 PM-7:15 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Championship Grade Ia  7:15 PM-7:30 PM

September 3, 2012

Grade II Mixed Individual Freestyle Test 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

Medal Ceremony Individual Freestyle Grade II

Grade Ib Mixed Individual Freestyle Test 2:15 PM-5:00 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Freestyle Grade Ib 5:15 PM-5:30 PM

September 4, 2012

Grade IV Mixed Individual Freestyle Test 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

Medal Ceremony Individual Freestyle Grade IV 11:45 AM-12:00 PM

Grade III Mixed Individual Freestyle Test 1:45 PM-3:45 PM

Grade Ia Mixed Individual Freestyle Test 3:45 PM-6:00 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Freestyle Grade III 6:15 PM-6:30 PM

Medal Ceremony Individual Freestyle Grade Ia 6:30 PM-6:45 PM

TEAM MEDAL CEREMONY 6:45 PM-7:15 PM

September 9, 2012

Closing Ceremony

Information on Live Streaming Paralympic Coverage at Paralympic.org and Television Coverage at NBC Sports Network (information about coverage below was provided by the International Paralympic Committee and was not written by USPEA)

By creating original video content for the US Paralympics YouTube channel, YouTube.com/USParalympics, while also partnering with NBCUniversal and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), US Paralympics will provide the American public with more coverage of the US Paralympic Team than any previous year.

Beginning on 29 August and continuing through the conclusion of the Games on 9 September, US Paralympics will provide 10 daily video highlights packages via its US Paralympics YouTube channel.

In addition to the online content, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will air one-hour highlight shows on 4, 5, 6 and 11 September at 7 p.m. EDT. Following the Paralympic Games, on 16 September, NBC will broadcast a 90-minute special from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT. All NBC and NBC Sports Network Paralympic highlight shows and specials will re-air on Universal Sports Network and UniversalSports.com.

During the Games, which start on 29 August, the IPC’s website will have five channels broadcasting live sport each day. Four channels will have English commentary whilst a fifth channel will be available in Spanish.

The website will also feature a revolutionary new SMART player which has been developed by the IPC’s worldwide IT partner Atos. The player uses innovative technology that will enable those watching live swimming and wheelchair basketball on www.paralympic.org to view real-time results tickers, statistics, biographies, news and social media – all in one integrated and synchronized window. It also simplifies the user’s interests and gives specific and relevant results per sport, similar to the ones available to commentators inside the venues.

Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/paralympicsporttv

U.S. Paralympics website (http://www.usparalympics.org),

U.S. Paralympics Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/usparalympics/)

U.S. Paralympics Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/usparalympics/)

For more information about the United States Equestrian Federation please visit www.USEF.org

For more information about the Para-Equestrians heading to London please visit http://www.fei.org/events/games/paralympic-games/london-2012

To view more about the London 2012 Paralympics please visit the official Paralympic website at http://www.london2012.com/

ABOUT THE EQUESTRIAN PARALYMPICS (courtesy of FEI)

Host nation Great Britain, Germany, Denmark and Canada have qualified the maximum number of riders 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 and France – have qualified four riders.

The National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Singapore and Mexico, which had originally qualified four riders, returned one qualification slot each and will be represented by three-rider teams. The unused slots were re-allocated to Norway and Israel on the basis of the Individual Para-Equestrian Rankings of athletes not already qualified with a team. As a result, Norway, which had already qualified two individual riders, will be fielding a composite team consisting of three members.

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 Frawley of the Virgin Islands and Anita Johnsson of Sweden.

A total of 78 Para-Equestrian riders will be battling it out for the 11 sets of medals available.

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

TEAMS

4 nations with 5 riders (team + 1 individual): CAN, DEN, GBR, GER

9 nations with 4 riders (team): AUS, BEL, BRA, FRA, IRL, ITA, NED, RSA, USA

3 nations with 3 riders (team): MEX, NOR, SIN

NATIONS REPRESENTED ONLY BY INDIVIDUALS

2 nations with 2 individuals: FIN, NZL

6 nations with 1 individual: AUT, ARG, BER, ISR, JPN, HKG

3 Bipartite Commission invitations: AUT, ISV, SWE

PHOTO CREDIT: All photographs taken by Lindsay Yosay McCall for the USPEA 2012