Paralympic Dressage Day 3

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.

Paralympic Dressage Day Two

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.

Paralympics Opening and Day One

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.

By Lindsay McCall

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

Paralympic Dressage Primer Part Three: Get to know your North American Competitors

by Ellie Brimmer

August 24, 2012 –Now that we are all settled in London and the horses are moving into the Greenwich Park venue today, I thought it might be a good idea to take a look at the North American competitors, so you know a little more about the local riders you may cheer for. Representing North America include a four rider team from both The United States and Canada, a three rider team from Mexico and an individual rider from the US Virgin Islands. Let’s take a look first at the United States:

This years top ranked rider is Rebecca Hart, she is the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion and our only Paralympic veteran on our London squad. She competes in Grade II and is riding Lord

Rebecca Hart (USA) and Lord Ludger photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Ludger ,owned by Jessica Ransehousen, a twenty-year old Holsteiner gelding by Lord Calando. Becca has also shown able-bodied through Prix St. George and so has Lord Ludger who competed through Prix St. George with USA Team Para-Equestrian Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen. Becca was fourth in the Grade II Freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in Hong Kong on her own Nortessa, and hopefully she can better her result and bring home a medal.

Following closely behind Becca in the rankings is young rider and 2010 WEG team member Jonathan Wentz. Jon was the 2011 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion and the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve National Champion on NTEC Richter Scale, an eighteen-year old Shire cross owned by Kai Handt. Jonathan competed as a grade II at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky and afterwards was reclassified as a 1B. The connection between Jon and Richter has deepened over the years since the WEG and his high scores in the 1B division have reflected that, he should be an exciting combination to watch.

Third in the rankings by a mere 0.069% is 1A rider Donna Ponessa. Donna has been the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion in the 1A division in both 2011 and 2012. This will be her first major international event. Even though her 1A test is walk only with the exception of trot for added difficulty in the freestyle, she has competed in able-bodied Training Level classes. Her mount Western Rose is the only mare on the team, she is a nine year old Oldenburg by Wendelin III and owned by Wesley Dunham, a professional that has competed her through third level. Donna is a good friend of mine and I admire her determination, she even trained herself off her ventilator to ride, I have hopes that Donna’s hard work will translate into a medal.

Rounding out the team is Grade II rider Dr. Dale Dedrick. She surprised everyone in 2011 and came home with the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Reserve Championship in her first CPEDI*** with her mount Bonifatius, a fourteen-year old Hanoverian by Brentano II. Dale is no stranger to high level competition and before her Lupus diagnosis competed in Grand Prix dressage with a Standardbred mare. Dale has come onto the Para-Dressage scene so quickly and with such great success, it would not surprise me if she pulled an upset in these London games.

Jonathan Wentz (USA) and NTEC Richter Scale by Lindsay Y McCall

Donna Ponessa (USA) and Western Rose photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Dale Dedrick (USA) and Bonifatius photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Our friends to the north in Canada have also fielded a very strong team for these games. Their anchor rider Four-Star Parelli professional Lauren Barwick, was the Individual silver medalist and Freestyle gold medalist in Hong Kong on her mount Maile, an eighteen-year old Dutch mare by Ijsselmeer, who will be ridden by Ashley Gwanlock in the 1B division. Lauren’s new mount Off to Paris, an eleven-year old Oldenburg mare by Welthit 01, is fantastic and both Ashley and Lauren have a strong chance to get in the medals. Jody Schloss is Canada’s 1A rider and this will be her first major international championship with her mount Inspector Rebus, a fourteen-year old dutch gelding by Sambertino, Jody has been very competitive in recent CPEDI*** and will be a rider to watch. The final rider on the Canadian team is grade IV rider Eleanore Elstone. Eleanore represented Canada in the 2010 World Equestrian Games and will be on new mount Zareno, an eight-year old Dutch gelding by Lupicor.

Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Off To Paris at CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL by Lindsay Y McCall

Ashley Gowanlock (CAN) and Maile at CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Eleanore Elstone (CAN) and Why Not G at CPEDI3* in Del Mar, CA by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Jody Schloss (CAN) and Inspector Rebus at CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL by LindsayYMcCall

Mexico has team of three riders, all from grade II. All three riders were also on a team together at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Erika Baitenmann is the lead ranking rider representing Mexico, and has a strong chance of medaling in these games. Erika is competing on her own WEG mount, Casablanca, a fifteen-year old Slovienan Warmblood mare by 410 Carol. Fernanda Otheguy has competed at quite a few CPEDI***’s in the United States on borrowed horses, but will be showing Welton Adonis a fourteen-year old Thoroughbred Stallion by Welton Apollo. This horse was a backup for British 1A rider Anne Dunham in the 2008 Paralympics. Fernando Figuero completes the team, he will be riding Uwannabemine an eleven-year old Dutch gelding by Jazz.

Lastly, there is one individual from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grade Four rider Lee Frawley. This will be her first major international championship. She is competing on Rhapsody, a fourteen-year old Gertland gelding by Foxholm Imiri. It is very exciting to see other riders from the Pan American region as we hope to have Para-Equestrian Dressage included in upcoming Para-Equestrian Pan Am games.

I am so excited to be in London, the horses arrived from their training camp in Surrey to the venue today. I got to walk around the facility and even in the Olympic Arena today. The next big day is August 29th, which has the horse inspection in the morning, and the opening ceremonies in the evening.

Erika Baitenmann (MEX) and Casablanca at CPEDI3* in Del Mar, CA by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Fernanda Otheguy (MEX) and Mr Merlot at CPEDI3* in Wellington, FL by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Para-Dressage Primer Part 2: How to make the team.

by Ellie Brimmer

Just like our able-bodied peers, many factors go into making a Paralympic team. Besides the intangibles (hard work, skill, fundraising ability, and luck), these were the basic requirements to make it on this year’s Paralympic team: First, like an able-bodied rider, you must get a certificate of capability, which means you are required to meet the minimum requirements to ride at the Paralympic/Olympic level. In order to get your certificate of capability you must score a 60% or higher overall on the team or individual test at a CPEDI***. The 2012 Paralympic Calendar year to earn your certificate of capability included the 2010 Altech FEI World Equestrian Games and all CPEDI3* shows prior to Selection Trials and the June 18th FEI nominated entry cut-off date. This is not as easy as it sounds, you have a panel of three international judges and you are under FEI rules. I myself scored in the upper 50%s several times before I cracked 60%, even though I was scoring in the upper 60%s at nationally rated shows. Typically riders who show in able-bodied upper level competition find it more difficult to earn those same scores at the FEI CPEDI3* shows.

Once this initial hurdle was jumped, our riders with certificates were required to compete in one more CPEDI***, so the coaches and judges were able to get a more current look at the riders. After this was

FEI Ground Jury members Marc Urban (5*) BEL Anne Prain (5*) FRA, Carlos Lopes (5*) POR photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

done, it was onto selection trials where horse and rider combination came into play for the first time. Riders had to declare themselves and up to two horses for the team and finish all of the paperwork for the official long list.

As with all FEI competitions for able-bodied and Para-Dressage, the selection trials included an FEI jog inspection and both horses and riders had to be in compliance with FEI clean sport. There were a panel of selectors that watched each round without distraction but the team was primarily chosen off of ranking in the competition. The selectors were the final call in case of close scores. All athlete/horse combinations were required to complete the FEI Individual Championship Test, FEI Team Test, and FEI Musical Freestyle at the Selection Trials. The athlete/horse combinations were ranked based on their overall performance at the Selection Trials. The FEI Para- Equestrian Dressage test scores from the Selection Trial as follows Individual Championship Test 40%, Team Test 40%, and Musical Freestyle Test 20% . The judges were again a panel of three international FEI judges.

A common misconception is that team has to be chosen from the five different grades, this is not true. The only two requirements are that one rider must be from grade two or lower, and there can be no more than three riders from the same grade. That is where the selectors came into play, if one of these two requirements were not met by the top three ranked combinations, then they could use their discretion picking the fourth rider.

This year for the United States Team, the top four riders were picked in ranked order: Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger in Grade Two, Johnathan Wentz and NTEC Ricter Scale in Grade 1B, Donna Ponessa and Western Rose in Grade 1A, and lastly Dale Dedrick and Bonafatious in Grade Two. When looking at each country’s long lists combined, it is interesting to see how the grades shake out and what each athlete’s physical profile is. The Physical profiles is a description of physical limitations at classification, not a diagnosis. Riders are also allowed to ride above the grade their physical profile places them in, but not below.

Team members left to right Dale Dedrick, Donna Ponessa, Pam Lane (of USEF), Jonathan Wentz, and Rebecca Hart photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

I ran the numbers comparing Physical Profile with each country’s graded rider based on the information the FEI provided, and it is below:

109 riders total on the long list for all of the countries combined
21 riders in grade 1a
21 riders in grade 1b
28 riders in grade 2
17 riders in grade 3
22 riders in grade 4

Percentage Breakdowns (included profile information but rider information FEI provides not always accurate)

To understand the profiles for each athlete you may want to look at this: http://www.fei.org/sites/default/files/file/DISCIPLINES/DRESSAGE/About%20Para-Equestrian/RIDERS%20CLASSIFICATION%20Master%20list%2024%2006%2012_web.pdf

Profiles can be complicated but each rider is classified to them based on mobility, strength, coordination, and their physical abilities

19.2% of the total entry are 1as
4.7% profile 1 within 1a
9.5% profile 2 within 1a
9.5% profile 3 within 1a
9.5% profile 5 within 1a
57.1% profile 12a within 1a
4.7% profile 13 within 1a
4.7% unknown profile within 1a
0% profile 7 within 1a

19.2% of the total entry are 1bs
4.7% of entries within 1b are profile 4
4.7% of entries within 1b are profile 6
28.5% of entries within 1b are profile 9
9.5% of entries within 1b are profile 10a
4.7% of entries within 1b are profile 12a, riding up from 1a
4.7% of entries within 1b are profile 12b
38% of entries within 1b are profile 31a
4.7% entries are unknown profile
0% of entries within 1b profile 11a

25.6% of total entry are grade 2
3.5% within grade 2 are profile 10a, riding up from 1b
14.2% within grade 2 are profile 10b
14.2% within grade 2 are profile 11b
17.8% within grade 2 are profile 14
17.8% within grade 2 are profile 17a
25% within grade 2 are profile 31b
3.5% within grade 2 are profile 32
3.5% within grade 2 are a combined profile
0% within grade 2 are profile 8, 18a or 27

15.5% of the total entry are in grade 3
11.7% within grade 3 are profile 15
23.5% within grade 3 are profile 17b
11.7% within grade 3 are profile 18b
23.5% within grade 3 are profile 26a
11.7% within grade 3 are profile 36
17.6% within grade 3 are combined profile riders
0% within grade 3 are 19a, 21, 25, and 28 profile riders

Percentages
20.1% of total entry are in grade 4
4.5% are profile 16 riders
9% are profile 19b riders
9% are profile 20 riders
50% are profile 23 riders
13.6% are profile 24 riders
9% are profile 26b riders
4.5% are profile 37a riders
0% are profile 22 riders

You can see the long list information here: http://www.fei.org/sites/default/files/file/EVENTS/GAMES/PARALYMPIC_GAMES/Para%20Nominated%20Entries%20COCs_FINAL_18%207.pdf

I am leaving for London Monday night, I can’t wait to report from on the scene! Also, since I posted my first blog entry television coverage of the paralympics has been expanded, you can read about it here: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2012/August/14/USOC-announces-expanded-coverage-for-London-2012-Paralympic-Games.aspx

To view more about the Para-Equestrians please visit www.USPEA.org.

To receive press releases about the United States Para-Equestrian Team please e-mail: pressusparalympicequestrian@gmail.com

Other Blog entries:

August 16
http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/paralympic-summer-update.html

August 13

Paralympic Dressage Primer by Ellie Brimmer

http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/paralympic-dressage-primer.html

July 30

2012 LONDON PARALYMPIC MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE UNITED STATES PARA-EQUESTRIAN TEAM by Lindsay Yosay McCall http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/u-s-para-equestrian-dressage-at-london-paralympics.html

Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Donna Ponessa and Western Rose photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Dale Dedrick and Bonifatius photo by Lindsay Y McCall

Prepared by: Lindsay Yosay McCall

On August 29, 2012 the United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team will complete their final FEI horse inspection and the opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Paralympics will commence.  The United States has selected their best equestrians including: veteran Paralympian Rebecca Hart, 27, and Lord Ludger, owned by Jessica Ransehousen; Jonathan Wentz, 21, of Richardson, Texas and Kai Handt’s NTEC Richter Scale; Donna Ponessa and Western Rose, owned by Wesley Dunham; and Dale Dedrick and her own Bonifatius.

Representing the alternates of the team: Donna Ponessa and PG Ganda, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center; Jonathan Wentz and Silvano, owned by Dr. Michele Miles; and Mary Jordan with Deecie Denison’s Sebastian.

Between full-time careers, riding, traveling, and showing these athletes have been placing their best foot forward and dedicating themselves to the sport they love. This week athletes and their Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen are finalizing the team requirements and completing training camp at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. After training camp, the four team riders and their horses will hop on a plane and head off to London.

Here are two unique views from two spectacular Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes:

Dale Dedrick’s summer, “In her own words”

DaleDedrick and Bonifatius photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

July 3, 2012

This week as the reality of this whole experience sinks in, I am struggling with unusual heat and humidity in Michigan, my home.   I did get a tattoo with the Olympic rings last week and it has healed without a

hitch.  Erik really does not mind the heat, but we must limit turn out due to biting insects, and the ground has baked like asphalt causing hoof problems not commonly seen here until August. We re-shod Erik with

United States Para-Equestrian Dale Dedrick with Olympic Rings

pads and his attitude improved remarkably – but this may be due to his new orange bell boots that he works in!

One of the keys from my point of view is that Erik is ready now, and yet we need him ready again in August/early September. I can let him lose some fitness while continuing to build muscle and keeping a fresh attitude. Sadly we are stuck indoors until this hatch of the large biting insects die out. Happily he enjoys a varied routine and lots of horse treats always helps. My father has always held the philosophy that the best “training” occurs when you “bribe the beast”!

Making sure all the equipment is clean, replacing supplies, cleaning pads and sheets as well as my coat. Roz and I have already started to brainstorm packing the tack and “day trunks” for the shipment abroad.    Arranging for my sisters to keep up with my parents who will stay behind is another piece of the puzzle. My cat and dog will have a ball with my folks and sisters so no worries there.

United States Para-Equestrian Dale Dedrick as a child

Here is a pic my 82 y/o Dad just unearthed – me on my 4th birthday in Dec 1959, having my first pony ride.   This is how it all starts!    Check out those saddle shoes and the cars, which date the photo.

July 29

Details, details, details.It seems like most of my waking hours are involved with the pickiest little things, yet one misstep now could spell disaster later. Between the groom, Roz and myself I think we have the horse gear and clothing lined up. We plan to borrow one big trunk so as not to take two small ones, but a comment Meagan heard about limits on trunk size has me stumped. It seems if there are some limits this should have been made clear before now. So, awaiting confirmation of sizes before pack.

Veterinary details are much more involved than anticipated. Who knew that there were 2 ways to do Coggins tests, and that the one required for London was NOT the one used in Michigan and many other states. Luckily my very alert vet picked up on that. Now we hear that the Vesicular stomatitis titers MUST be drawn on Friday August 10th and Fed Exed for Saturday delivery so that the lab can run them on the 13th. This was to all be handled at training camp but now falls to our own vets at home to do the chores (and of course costs me another vet “house call” each time). I have a lengthy running account and maintain good credit!

Shoeing for the horse is another feat of timing. Roz spoke with George Williams who said that we should have the shoes placed about a 7-10 days before shipping. It seems horses feet may swell some with air travel

Dale Dedrick’s groom Meagan

and this helps prevent foot sore issues upon arrival. Since we are not long in England before we compete, this is a big factor. We have added simple leather pads to Erik’s feet as the ground here in Michigan is baked hard as a brick and we did not want to chance a stone bruise at this point. This means however that he must work in bell boots which he seems quite proud of, especially the noise when he works.

As things speed up, it is harder to write updates, but I will try to keep you all caught up in the excitement.   Erik, Meagan, Roz and I all feed off the excitement and well wishes from all our fans and supporters and we thank you.

August 4

Time marches on, and so many details of paperwork must be accomplished in exacting ways.   One of the most difficult for me was filling out the USOC medical questionnaire.   This document, to be used in case of injury or illness is likely more important for para riders than able-bodied, but in any emergency valuable.    My difficulty stemmed from the statement at the start that if you took longer than 20 min. to complete, it would time out and you would lose data entered.    This rattles me with my 2 finger typing method as the form seemed complex. In the end, it was nearly the most comprehensive medical form I have ever filled out, including dates of all vaccines, health insurance numbers, and date that my TUE expired! I was so relieved to get it done and signed.

Erik finally has his vaccines for export all done and an agar diffusion Coggins done. The vets office did not get it all documented correctly on the passport, so I put in a call so they can do that this week before we leave.Tomorrow morning a USEF vet is coming from the other side of the state to draw 6 tubes of blood to be sent to London to test. I think this is his official drug testing which we as a country are voluntarily doing in advance. Thank heavens I have made all the barn help paranoid to stop using any linament washes in the heat and stopped any supplements other than salt weeks ago.

Meanwhile we have been working Erik in more collection and he is getting so powerful. It is an amazing feeling of buoyancy in his gaits, but hard work for him and by the 5th day of work in a row, he is testy. Yesterday his “testiness” got the better of his good judgement and he launched me. Landing on the flat part of the back of my pelvis with head, arms, and legs in the air may not have looked too fancy, but resulted in no more that a bruised posterior and ego. That earned Erik a re-ride from Roz and he made the mistake of trying it again. After a very intense hard session, he wisely said “Uncle” and got permission for long and low and a stop.

I think it is important for all para riders, coaches and families to recognize that the nicest and quietest horse can have a moment.   The bigger, more highly bred and stronger horses needed to be competitive today, are much more powerful and thus any frisking about can be quite spectacular.    Just read the news on the British para team members out with fractures from falls over just the past 18 months!    I do not wish to scare anyone, simply educate you as to what you are signing up for.

For now bruised but undaunted I am continuing to pack and train. I am so excited!

Dale is currently at Para-Equestrian Training camp in Gladstone, NJ and will head over to London in the coming week with Bonifatius.

Video of Dale Dedrick being interviewed by Angelea Walkup from HorseGirl TV

Life after US Selection Trials…Life as an Alternate

Mary Jordan and Sebastian photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

The weeks leading up to US Selection Trials in Gladstone were incredibly busy: working full-time, training full-time and preparing two horses Sebastian and P. Sparrow Socks for the competition. Throughout the spring we traveled back and forth from Maine to Pennsylvania, where I train with Team USA Coaches Missy and Jessica Ransehousen… so lots of shuttling back and forth, as well as shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania to be ready!

Following the trials I was in the alternate position as the 5th ranked rider and 7th horse/rider partnership in the ranked order. Very confusing procedurally, initially, about how this works for an alternate but here’s what I understand… if Jonathan or Donna’s  horse goes lame they can go to their second mount before a slot would go to me; however, if Becca or Dale’s horse goes lame I am tapped to go. It is a challenging position to be in over the summer as anything can happen: not wishing anything to go wrong with your teammates or their horses, yet having trained and worked so very hard for this moment over the past 3 years you hope to go as well as an athlete…especially after the major push to get the team ranked for the Paralympics by going all over to to CPEDI3*’s shows in Saugerties, Florida, Del Mar and Australia!

My coaches advice? To train and show as if I am going to London because anything can happen and I have to be ready to perform and put in a medal worthy ride for our country if needed! Sebastian is certainly up to the task and goes better and better each week as our relationship deepens, and for Clever who is young she just keeps improving with strength and the mileage a young horse develops. So that’s what I have been doing: traveling to Pennsylvania to ride and train on Sebastian with Jessica Ransehousen (who rides him when I am not there) and then I head back to Maine and ride Clever, my second horse who is also long-listed for London and who was the National Reserve Grade 4 Champion to Sebastian. When I am not on a horse I am training at the gym and running to stay fit, and catching up with work of course!

Our next steps are some shows to stay tuned, as well as the Paralympic Training Camp at Gladstone, NJ Aug. 12-18. It is there that the final team will be chosen to go after two soundness jogs and a mock show.

Aside from the training activities I spoke at USOC’s Olympic Day in Saco, Me. about the Paralympic/Olympic movement to a group of 400 children; I spoke about the Paralympic movement and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with a Rotary Club in Hannover, N.H.; and had a day of filming at Blue Hill Farm with a crew from Kansas City with my sponsor Teva Neuroscience for a promotional video on MS;, and I also tried some

Mary Jordan and P Sparrow Socks by Lindsay Yosay McCall

additional prospects for riding, which was fun. We are firmly focused on preparing for the World Games in Normandy 2014 with Sebastian and Clever, as well as cultivating new talent as understudies! The World Stage is increasingly competitive, so we are working to be ready for the next major championships and CPEDI 3*s!!  Until then I am learning and training all I can, putting forth by best efforts for the Team, and putting this experience to use to strengthen us for future team experiences. I can’t wait!!

To receive press releases about the United States Para-Equestrian Team please e-mail: pressusparalympicequestrian@gmail.com

To view more about the Para-Equestrians please visit www.USPEA.org.

Paralympic Dressage Primer by Ellie Brimmer
http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/paralympic-dressage-primer.html

2012 LONDON PARALYMPIC MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THE UNITED STATES PARA-EQUESTRIAN TEAM by Lindsay Yosay McCall

http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/u-s-para-equestrian-dressage-at-london-paralympics.html

Paralympic Dressage Primer

 by Ellie Brimmer

I am a High Performance Para-Equestrian Dressage competitor, and I will be blogging for Sidelines in London this year, with photography support from Lindsay McCall, head of United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) media relations and the Paralympic Equestrian Media Coordinator.

The Olympic competition has officially completed, but you do not have to wait long to watch world-class equestrian competition. In the coming weeks I will be introducing you to the world of Paralympic Dressage competition. The Paralympics first started in 1948 when Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition which involved World War II veterans that had spinal injuries. After correlating the Paralympic Games to follow the Olympics, the Paralympics have become synonymous with “The Games”.  Dressage has been a part of the Paralympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games where United States Individual Equestrians earned two Gold medals and one Bronze medal.

James Dwyer and horse Orlando are a Grade IV Irish Team member who trains in the United States with Jessica Ransehousen Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

What is Para-Equestrian Dressage?

Para is short hand for “parallel”, the competition is intended to be parallel to that of able-bodied competition. The sport designed to allow for compensations so riders with measurable physical disabilities can compete at a high level similar to their able-bodied peers. The Paralympic Dressage events, like the Olympic Dressage events, there is a team, individual, and freestyle medal competitions.

Who qualifies to be a Para-Equestrian?

Riders who want to participate in International Para-Equestrian competitions and vie for the chance to compete in the Paralympics first must be classified in order to compete. Classification is a physical evaluation by two FEI certificated physical therapists. Once classified as eligible, they are placed in one of five grades, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 4. Grade 1a riders have the greatest physical challenges and grade 4 riders are closest to able-bodied. Grade 1a tests are walk only, and the tests progress in difficulty with the fours doing a test equivalent to third level.

How can you watch?

The Paralympic Dressage competition is in the same venue as the Olympic Dressage competition at Greenwich Park in London, England. The Paralympics are scheduled August 29th through September 9th, with the Dressage competition occurring August 30th-September 4th. The Paralympics will not be televised like the Olympics however, you can view live-streaming coverage at www.ParalympicSport.tv If you want to receive daily updates from the competition please e-mail pressusparalympicequestrian@gmail.com and the United States Para-Equestrian Association and Lindsay McCall will keep you updated with daily results, photographs and interviews.

To view more about the United States Para-Equestrian Team please go Here: http://sidelinesnews.com/blogs/olympicsidelines/u-s-para-equestrian-dressage-at-london-paralympics.html

Please visit the United States Para-Equestrian Association website at  www.USPEA.org to get involved and learn more about the High Performance Para-Equestrian discipline.

USA wins Gold at CPEDI3* in Saugerties, NY Photo by Lindsay Yosay McCall

Para-Equestrian Group Shot without horses At Wellington Classic Dressage CPEDI3* at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center by Lindsay Yosay McCall