GAIG/USDF Regional Dressage Championships
Monday, November 19, 2012

DESTIN, FL - The GAIG/ USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships were held at Chattahoochee Hill-Bouchert Farm in Fairburn, GA on October 4-7 and the Region 9 Championships were held November 1-4 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX.  Jodie Kelly and several of her clients represented Jodie Kelly Dressage in these Championships.

Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo competed in the Region 3 Championships at both 2nd and 3rd Level in the Adult Amateur division.  The pair finished 12th on Friday in the 2nd Level championships and 10th in the 3rd Level championships on Saturday.

Martha Deasy-Little and Ravel finished at the top in the FEI Intermediate I class on Friday with a score of 60.263% and second in the same class on Sunday with a score of 62.171%.  Martha also finished sixth aboard Loretto in the 3rd Level Adult Amateur Championships with a score of 61.538%.  This combination also finished 4th in the Third Level, Test 3 class on Friday with a score of 63.141%.

Beth Godwin and Caymus capture top honors in the Training Level, Test 3 class in the Adult Amateur division on Friday with a score of 67.600%.  They followed up that performance with the Reserve Championship at Training Level for Adult Amatuers with a score of 72.300%.

Lily Hall and Feinbrand's Fantom finished in 7th place in the Second Level, Jr/YR Championships.

Jodie competed four horses at the Region 3 Championships; Broadway, Ciesto Strona (Cover Girl), Vinkenhove Nelson and Sanidin.  Jodie and Manhattan qualified for the Grand Prix Championships but Manhattan was not able to compete due to a minor injury.

Jodie and Broadway captured 1st, 2nd and 5th place finishes at the Championships.  This team won the 1st Level, Test 2 class in the Open Division on Friday with a score of 65.541% and finished 5th in the 2nd Level Championships in the Open Division with a score of 71.290% on Saturday.  The judges awarded Jodie and Broadway with their best score (73.710%) in the 1st Level, Test 3 class on Friday.

Jodie and Vinkenhove Nelson finished in 5th place in the FEI Prix St Georges Championships in the Open Division with a score of 66.974%.  They also captured 4th place in Saturday's FEI Prix St Georges class in the Open Division with a score of 65.526%.

Jodie and Sanidin were awarded the top score in the 2nd Level, Test 3 class of the Open Division on Saturday with a score of 73.333%.  Unfortunately, the pair did not perform as well in the 2nd Level Championships class on Sunday finishing 5th with a score of 64.702%.

Melissa McDonald and Prism finished 3rd in the Second Level, Test 3 Adult Amateur class on Sunday with a score of 57.619%.  The pair finished out of the ribbons in the 1st Level Adult Amateur Championships with a score of 62.419%.

Susan von Hoene and Levi capture three ribbons at the Championships.  The pair capture 2nd place in the Training Level, Test 2 Adult Amateur classes on Friday and Saturday posting scores of 61.964% and 63.214% respectively.  This team also captured 4th place in Sunday's Training Level, Test 3 Adult Amateur class with a score of 57.600%.

Ellen Witterstater and Jalmund finished 2nd in the 2nd Level, Adult Amateur Test 3 class on Friday with a score of 57.381%.  The highlight for Ellen was her 7th place finish in the First Level Adult Amateur Championships with a score of 67.419%.

Mattie Zepernick and Wencenza captured top honors in the Region 9, NAJC Junior Team Test Championship classs with a score of 65.676%.  They also captured 1st place in the 4th Level, Test 1 class for Jr/YR for their 65.286% score.  Mattie finished off the show capturing the top two spots in the Jr/YR Championship at 2nd Level on Sunday.  Mattie and Wencenza finished at the top with a score of 67.917% and Mattie captured 2nd place aboard Amarula with a 67.083% score from the judges.  Mattie and Wencenza also finished 4th in the 2nd Level Freestyle class in the Open Division on Sunday with a score of 70.833%.

Mattie Zepernick and Amarula were awarded 1st place in the Second Level, Test 1 Jr/YR class posting a score of 70.429% on Friday.  They followed this performance up with a 1st place finish in the 2nd Level, Test 3 class for Jr/YR on Saturday with a score of 63.929%.  Mattie also finished 3rd in the same class aboard Nereide with a score of 57.381%.

These championships recognize the outstanding efforts of riders in each USDF region and provide an excellent opportunity for spectators to view the top competitors in their respective regions.  Competitors qualify for Great American/ USDF Regional Championships by competing in designated qualifying classes throughout the year at USDF-recognized competitions.

Riding With Confidence 2-Day Mounted Clinic with Dr. Jenny Susser
Friday, August 17, 2012

DESTIN, FL - How about “show nerves”, do they ever get in your way?  Do you wish you could ride as well at a show as you do at home?  Do you avoid showing your wonderful horse altogether because you get anxious just thinking about it?  Do you wish you had some magic formula to make your brain go away so you could just enjoy showing or clinicing?  No matter what level, Training Level to Grand Prix, we all can perform better competitively with better mental skills.  Join International Clinical Sports Psychologist, Dr. Jenny Susser, for an exciting new clinic to help you RIDE BETTER MENTALLY!

Dr. Jenny's work with equestrians continues to grow, especially following the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, October, 2010.  She was the Team Psychologist for the South African Para Dressage Team and worked individually with some of the American athletes.  She works with some of the top Young Riders and Juniors in the country, FEI trainers and competitors, and Adult Amateurs all over the country.

“Riding With Confidence” is a 2-day clinic for riders given by Dr. Jenny Susser.  Start off both days with an hour-long lecture on Sport Psychology and begin forming a new foundation of mental toughness.  Learn how to improve focus and self-confidence, two integral parts of riding better mentally.  Then, get on your horse and ride!  With a gallery of on-lookers, your trainer, and a sport psychologist, you'll feel as nervous as you've ever been at any horse show.  With your fears or “show nerves” palpable, Dr. Jenny will help you develop confidence and learn new ways to control your physical responses right there on the spot!

Because of the heat factor we are breaking the clinic up into a Friday (August 24) night session, a Saturday (August 25) morning and evening session, then Sunday (August 26) morning.  Essentially it is still the two days, but over a course of three.  Dr. Susser will start each “day” with a lecture that she encourages everyone to attend.  The lectures will be Friday evening and Saturday evening with rides beginning after each of the lectures.  We are planning our first lecture to start at 5:30 PM on Friday evening.

The clinic is full but there is plenty of room for auditors.  The cost is $75 for any two sessions and $100 to audit all sessions.  Wine, cheese, coffee and pastries will be provided.   The clinic is being held at Southern Cross Equestrian Center in Destin, FL.

Visit Dr. Susser's website for more information about her and her work.

NAJYRC Begins Today With Dressage Team Competition
Wednesday, July 18, 2012

LEXINGTON, KY - The 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North features 261 young athletes that will compete in five disciplines over the next five days.  The NAJYRC is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

This year, young equestrians have come from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala to vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the FEI World Equestrian Games disciplines of reining and endurance.

The Dressage Competition featured 80 Young Riders and Junior Young Riders from across the nation today, including DSDCTA Emerald Coast Chapter member Mattie Zepernick on the Region 3 team.  Mattie held the lead through the better part of the class and led the Region 3 team to a fourth place finish with her 8th place overall finish.  Coach Jodie Kelly said, "I am so proud of my kid!  66.480%, we'll take it!  At only 14, I could not be more proud of how Mattie rode this morning and has handled the pressure of being a member of a team throughout this whole journey."

The other Region 3 Junior team members all finished in the top 16, including Lindsey Holleger (10th) who finish just two places behind Mattie with a score of 66.000%, Rebecca Cohen (14th) with a score of 65.000% and Mallory Kent (16th) a score of 64.027%.

The individual tests are to be held this Friday and riders return on Saturday for their freestyle tests.  Mattie enters the ring on Friday at 11:40 AM EST.  The USEF network will be streaming all Dressage YR Individual & JR Individual rides live on Friday.

Top 10 Finish for Mattie Zepernick at 2012 National Junior Dressage Championships
Sunday, June 10, 2012

GLADSTONE, NJ - Day two of the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions produced the first three National Champions of 2012 in the Young Rider, Junior, and Pony Rider Divisions.  It also featured the Grand Prix National Dressage Championship which also serves as the USEF Selection Trial for the 2012 Olympic Games - which finishes next Saturday.

Steffen Peters refused to loosen his grip on the Grand Prix title with Legolas 92 - repeating yesterday's winning effort to close out the first half of that championship.  Peters' student, Brandi Roenick, who won the 2008 National Junior Dressage Championship with Pretty Lady, returned four years later to take the Young Rider National Dressage Championship with her beloved mare.  Ayden Uhlir won the USEF National Junior Dressage Championships with Sjapoer - holding on to her lead from yesterday.  Barbara Davis won the final championship of weekend one, claiming victory in the National Pony Rider Dressage Championship.

After two days of competition Mattie Zepernick and her 9-year-old KWPN mare Wencenza finished in 7th place in the USEF National Junior Dressage Championships.  This was Mattie's first trip to the National Championships and she was by far the youngest Junior competitor at only fourteen.

Mattie and Wencenza posted a score of 64.486% in the FEI Junior Team Test finishing in 6th place at the end of the first day of competition.  She followed that up with a score of 64.947% and a 7th place finish in Sunday's FEI Junior Individual Test.   The two scores were combined to determine her final score of 64.717% and her 7th place overall finish.

"Mattie and Wencenza were fantastic today." said coach Jodie Kelly.  "We went for it, took some risks and unfortunately it resulted in some mistakes.  That happens.  I am so proud of how Mattie rode."

The competition was streamed live by the USEF Network.  You can watch both of Mattie's rides at USEF Dressage Festival of Champions.

"We had an amazing week at Gladstone riding, showing, and watching some of the most amazing horses and riders in the country.  Thank you to my parents, Mrs Mary Alice, and my trainer, Jodie, for helping me get there, always believing in me, and helping me follow my dreams." said Mattie.  "It was a great experience and hopefully we'll be back next year!"

Congratulations Mattie!  Job well done.

Peters Leads the Way in the National Grand Prix Dressage Championship; Three Rising-Stars are Half-Way to National Titles at the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions
Saturday, June 9, 2012

GLADSTONE, NJ - The first portion of four USEF National Dressage Championships got underway at the USEF Foundation Headquarters Saturday.  The Grand Prix National Dressage Championship got the day started in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena.  All eyes were watching because this Championship also serves as the USEF Selection Trial for the US Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Ground Jury of Axel Steiner, Linda Zang, Hilda Gurney, Uwe Mechlem, Janet Foy and Natalie Lamping rotated throughout the day to judge the competitions.

The storied facility, which has been used for both training and competition for decades hosts current champions, as well as future - the Young Rider, Junior and Pony Rider National Championships all got underway on day one of the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions.

"This place has such wonderful history, a lot of champions have come out of this arena," said Steffen Peters, who leads the Grand Prix National Championship.

Ayden Uhlir stormed into the lead of the Junior Championship with Sjapoer, scoring 68.649 in the FEI Junior Rider Team Test.   The 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Uhlir oozed ring presence as he holds a 1.2 point leading heading into Sunday's final test.  Uhlir (Arlington, TX) competed in the National Junior Dressage Championship last year placing seventh.  She credits her improvement this year with knowing her horse better.

Making her first trip to the National Junior Dressage Championship was Mattie Zepernick and her 9-year-old KWPN mare Wencenza.  The pair scored 64.486 in the FEI Junior Rider Team Test finishing the day in sixth place.  Mattie, only 14-years-old, is following in the footsteps of her coach, Jodie Kelly, whose first major competition was the Cosequin Jr. Championships held in Los Angeles, California at age fifteen.  Jodie won both the team and individual Gold medal in that competition.

Mattie and Wencenza will be back in the ring tomorrow at 2:26 PM EST for the FEI JuniorRider Individual Test.  You can watch her ride online where the USEF Network is streaming the competion live - USEF Dressage Festival of Champions.

Region 3 Dressage Championships Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, May 27, 2012

FAIRBURN, GA - Chattahoochee Hills Dressage at Bouckaert Farm will host the 2012 USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships the first week of October.  Jodie Kelly Dressage decided to look at this weekend's show at Bouckaert Farm as a dress rehearsal for that event recreating the show-day atmosphere to school show-day jitters away.

Jodie and Sanidin posted a score of 74.800% in the Young Horse 6-Year-Olds FEI Test to capture the top spot.  Katie Wooten-Bryant and San City finished just behind Jodie with a score of 73.400%.

Jodie and Cover Girl brought home two reserve champion ribbons for their performance of Training Level, Test 3 with outstanding qualifying scores of 71.200% and 73.000%.  Cover Girl is a 5-year-old KWPN mare owned by Kristine Lundblad.

Beth Godwin posted four qualifying scores at Training and First Level aboard her KWPN gelding.  Beth's high score of 74.600% came from judge Cheryl Holekamp for her performance of Training Level Test 3.  Caymus is a product of Beth's breeding program at Jolly Bay Farm.

Lily Hall's best score was the 65.536% awarded by judges Cheryl Holekamp and Natalie Lamping for her performance of 2nd Level, Test 3 aboard Feinbrand's Fantom.  This was also a qualifying score for the Region 3 Dressage Championships.

Linda Funderburk and Branstock's Ryujin also earned a Region 3 Dressage Championships qualifying score of 64.400% at Training Level in the Adult Amateur division.  Her highest score was the 68.750% Training Level, Test 2 score.

Cindy Carpenter earned her second 3rd Level qualifying score with two Test 3 performances of 63.013% and 63.269%.  The scores also were the final scores needed to earn her USDF bronze medal.

If this weekend's dress rehearsals were any indication of what the actual performances will be, the Region 3 Dressage Championships should be a very successful endeavor for Jodie Kelly Dressage team members.

Here are the results for Jodie Kelly Dressage:

Chattahoochee Hills Dressage
Rider	Horse	Division	Level	Test	Ribbon	Score
Jodie Kelly	Ciesto-Strona	Open	Training	Test 3		71.200%
Jodie Kelly	Ciesto-Strona	Open	Training	Test 3		73.000%
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Open	2nd	Test 1		70.571%
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Open	Young Horse	6-Year-Olds FEI Test		74.800%
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Open	1st	Test 3		60.806%
Cindy Carpenter	Utrillo	AA	3rd	Test 3		63.269%
Cindy Carpenter	Utrillo	AA	3rd	Test 3		63.013%
Katie Wooten-Bryant	San City	Open	Young Horse	6-Year-Olds FEI Test		73.400%
Katie Wooten-Bryant	San City	Open	3rd	Test 1		64.408%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	Training	Test 3		74.600%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	Training	Test 3		66.200%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	1st	Test 3		64.677%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	1st	Test 3		63.871%
Lily Hall	Feinbrand's Fantom	Jr/YR	1st	Test 3		61.935%
Lily Hall	Feinbrand's Fantom	Jr/YR	1st	Test 3		58.871%
Lily Hall	Feinbrand's Fantom	Jr/YR	2nd	Test 3		65.536%
Lily Hall	Feinbrand's Fantom	Jr/YR	2nd	Test 3		64.881%
Linda Funderburk	Branstock's Ryujin	AA	Training	Test 2		68.750%
Linda Funderburk	Branstock's Ryujin	AA	Training	Test 2		63.214%
Linda Funderburk	Branstock's Ryujin	AA	Training	Test 3		64.400%
Linda Funderburk	Branstock's Ryujin	AA	Training	Test 3		59.600%

From Tears to Cheers
Saturday, May 26, 2012

Written by Glenn Carpenter

FAIRBURN, GA - On November 10, 2007 Jodie Kelly entered the ring at the Blue Angel Dressage Show aboard Manhattan to perform their first Grand Prix test at a show.  It had been a hard journey with lots of blood, sweat and tears.  But they had finally made it.

After she left the ring and arrived back at the barn, clients, friends and family were waiting with a celebration that included a specially labeled bottle of pink champagne commemorating the event.  Cindy Carpenter kept one of those special bottles of champagne and vowed one day she would open that bottle to celebrate her own victory when she earned her USDF bronze medal.

Yesterday when Cindy left Ring 1 after performing Third Level Test 3 at the Chattahoochee Hills Dressage Show Cindy commented, "Well that was crap!".  Then the tears of frustration flowed.   "I can ride that test so much better than that.  I did everything Jodie said to do and it still looked like crap."

Jodie told her, "There was a lot you did well and now we just need to sharpen everything a little and put it all together.  Natalie Lamping was the judge at "C" and she does not cut anyone any slack and I am not sure who the other judge was at 'B'."  "What do you mean there was a judge at 'B'?," sounded Cindy.  And the tears flowed again.

Scores at this show were available online shortly after each ride.  Cindy didn't bother to check because she just knew her scores were going to fall short of the 60% she needed for her Bronze medal.   Her Team Pink teammates offered their words of encouragement saying they didn't think the ride looked that bad.  Everyone had been checking for each others scores but no one really wanted to check Cindy's scores fearing they would make matters worse.

After rinsing off Utrillo and getting him settled back in his stall, I started checking for Cindy's scores.  A couple of web browser refreshes later a score was posted; 31.987%  I thought to myself, it didn't look that bad through the video camera but I can't tell her that score it would just crush her.  Then I realized that only one judge's score had been posted and the 31.987% was just 1/2 of her total score.  The first score was 63.974% from the Judge at 'C'.  I felt safe in passing on the information to Cindy.  "You're kidding, right?" was Cindy's reaction.  "That was Judge Lamping.  I can't believe that is right."

What seemed like fifteen minutes later the score from the judge at "E" was posted.  A 62.051%.  She had done it!  A combined score of 63.013% had earned her the final score she needed for her bronze medal.  Cindy went from tears of frustration, to cheers and high fives from her teammates, back to tears of joy when Jodie came over to congratulate her student with a big hug.  "I am so proud of you." Jodie said.

So Cindy finally got to open that bottle of vintage champagne from 2007.  And in typical Cindy fashion, she couldn't just celebrate and enjoy the moment.  On the way back from retrieving the champagne from the RV Cindy declared to me, "I have a new goal now.  I want to qualify for the National Championships in 2013 at Third Level."  Driven, she is.  I wonder why she admires her trainer so?

Jodie Kelly Dressage Wins Championshps at Dressage Across the Lake III & IV
Monday, May 21, 2012

FOLSOM, LA - Jodie Kelly Dressage earned top honors at the Dressage Across the Lake III & IV Shows this weekend.  The USDF sanctioned event was a USEF NAJYRC, GAIG/USDF Regional Championships and Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships qualifier.

Beth Godwin and Caymus trotted away with the Adult Amateur high point award for the show plus the Adult Amateur Championship at both Training and First levels.  The pair posted a 77.400% score in a Training Level Test 3 class to capture the Training Level Championship.  The judge's score of 72.903% for their performance of Test 3 placed them at the top among all Adult Amateurs competing at First Level.  Both scores were also qualifying scores for the 2012 USDF Regional Championships.

Jodie Kelly captured the show's High Point award for the Open Division with her 79.000% mark aboard Ciesto-Strona (Cover Girl) in the Training Level Test 3 class.  Jodie and Cover Girl also added a First Level qualifying score for the 2012 USDF Regional Championships with a 73.548% score at First Level Test 3.

The 2012 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships shall be held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, August 24-26, 2012.  A minimum overall average of 7.2 must be maintained for consideration to these Championships.  The top 15 horses nationally for each age category will receive invitations to the Championships.

Jodie and her second mount, Sanidin, posted an amazing 80.600% score in the Young Horse Test of Choice USEF Qualifier class.   Jodie hopes to qualify Sanidin for the 2012 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships and is off to an excellent start.

Mattie Zepernick finished as Reserve Champion for the FEI Junior/Young Rider Division.  Mattie and Wencenza followed up a solid FEI Junior Individual Test NAJC/USEF Qualifier score of 74.013% with a score of 76.500% for their FEI Junior Freestyle NAJC/USEF Qualifier performance.  Mattie also captured the Championship for Junior/Young Riders at Second Level aboard her second mount, Nereide with a Test 3 score of 71.548%.

Melissa McDonald and Prism captured top honors among all Adult Amateurs competing at Second Level.  The judge's score of 62.976% for her performance in the Test 3 class bested all other competitors.  Melissa was also the USDF/Dover Adult Saddlery Medal winner for the show.  The USDF/Dover Saddlery Adult Medal is awarded to the highest scoring adult amateur who meets the eligibility requirements and has obtained a score of at least 60 percent in the designated Second Level class.

Riding for the first time at Third Level, Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo earned their first qualifying score (60.513%) for the 2012 USDF Regional Dressage Championships.  This show was Cindy's return to the ring after suffering a broken leg just eight weeks ago.  The score was also her first towards earning her USDF bronze medal.

The next stop for Jodie Kelly Dressage is the Chattahoochee Hills Dressage Show next weekend in Fairburn, GA.

Blue Angel Dressage Show Kicks Off DSDCTA 2012 Show Season
Thursday, May 3, 2012

PENSACOLA, FL - The 2012 DSDCTA show season is in full swing as members gear up for the launch of its popluar series of shows.  The season was kicked off with the Blue Angel Dressage Show hosted by the Florabama and Emerald Coast Chapters of the DSDCTA at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Pensacola, Florida April 21-22.

The Blue Angel Dressage Show has been the premier dressage show in the Florida Panhandle ever since its beginning in 2003.  The popular show series attracts many of the area's top dressage horses and riders.  The April show saw sixty-one horse and rider combinations participating in the two-day Level 2 Dressage competition.

The judges for the show were Ms. Kem Barbosa (S) NJ and Ms. Kathy Daly (r) FL.  The show manager was Nancy Robertson, show secretary was Linda Lester and the USEF Technical Deligate was Mr. Robert Higgins (R) FL.

Jodie Kelly of Destin, FL captured the show's High Point award for the FEI Levels with her 70.750% Grand Prix Freestyle performance aboard Manhattan.   Jodie also won top honors aboard Vinkenhoven Nelson FEI Test of Choice Class with a score of 66.184% for their execution of the Intermediate I test.  In addition, Jodie was the Second Level High Point Champion aboard Sanidin earning a score of 65.952% for Test 3.

Collette Zimmer and Emerald Impressions were rewarded with the Trakehner High Point Award after posting two scores of 66.935% for performances of First Level Test 3 in the Open Division.

Jodie Kelly, Collette Zimmer, Melissa McDonald, Ellen Witterstaeter, Beth Godwin and Tammy Key from Team Kelly all earned qualifying scores for the USDF 2012 Regional Dressage Championships at this show.  A single Regional Dressage Championship program organized by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF), is held in each of the nine USDF regions.  To qualify for a Regional Championship, horse/rider combinations must earn a total of two qualifying scores, at two different USEF/USDF-recognized Dressage Competitions, from two different judges, or combination of judges.

Judges Barbosa and Daly awarded Melissa McDonald qualifying scores of 68.065% and 65.645% for her performance of First Level Test 3 aboard Prism in the Adult Amateur division.

Jessica Johns and Flirt posted a qualifying score of 65.484% at First Level Test 3.  The pair also captured top honors in the Second Level Test 1 and Test 2 classes in the Adult Amateur Divison with scores of 62.571% and 64.211% respectively.  Jessica also won the Name Your Own Score award.  Prior to the show a competitor selects a class and predicts what score he or she will earn in that class.  The competitor closest to their prediction wins the award.

In addition to earning a 2012 USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships qualifying score of 66.452% at First Level, Test 3 in the Adult Amateur division, Ellen Witterstater and Jalmund were also awarded the show's Most Esteemed Award.  The Most Esteemed Award is given the horse and rider combination whose combined ages is the greatest.

Judges Barbosa and Daly awarded Tammy Key and Jolie with qualifying scores of 64.200% and 68.000% for their execution of Training Level Test 3 in the Adult Amateur Division.  Tammy also captured the blue ribbon for her ride aboard Jolie in the First Level Test 1 class and a second place in the First Level Test 2 class in the Adult Amateur Division with scores of 65.862% and 63.243% respectively.

Beth Godwin and Caymus earned qualifying scores of 67.000% and 66.400% at Training Level.  The pair captured first and second place in the Test 3 class in the Adult Amateur Division.   This team alo earned top honors in the First Level Test 2 class with their score of 66.757% and 3rd place in the First Level Test 1 class with a score of 64.483%.  For those of you that have followed Jodie's riding career may remember her accomplishments aboard Caymus' mom, Wencenza.

After all the wind settled you could say that the DSDCTA's Blue Angel Dressage Show was a success for Team Kelly.

The Ride of My Life
Monday, March 19, 2012

WELLINGTON, FL - Jodie Kelly and Manhattan finished in fourth place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2012 $15,000 Wellington Classic Dressage Classic CDI*** held at the Global Dressage Festival Stadium show grounds in Wellington, FL.  "I had the ride of my life tonight," commented Jodie.  "I am SO proud of my boy.  We were absolutely as good as we are tonight."

Jodie and Manhattan finished just behind Heather Blitz and Pargon (USA), Ashley Holzer (CAN) and Anja Plonzke (GER).  Heather Blitz rode Paragon to a score of 75.350% to win the Grand Prix Freestyle.  Seven months ago Blitz was winning the silver medal at the Pan American Games with Paragon.

Ashley Holzer riding Breaking Dawn was second in the Freestyle with a high score of 74.275%.  Holzer now has two horses qualified to be selected by the Canadian team for the London Olympics.  Her horses will be first and second on the Canadian's list for team members.

Anja Plonzke of Germany scored 73.350% on her horse Le Mont d'Or to finish the evening in third place.  There was lots of enthusiasm for the pair, as the German show jumping riders, currently competing in the series at the Wellington Equestrian Festival across the street from the Global Dressage Festival, cheered her on.

Jodie and Manhattan scored 68.400% with two of the five judges awarding them with marks above 70%.  "I couldn't have asked for any more from him," said Jodie.  "He gave his all.   This ride has been a long time coming."

Jodie purchased Manhattan when he was just three years-old.  He is now eighteen.  Jodie broke Manhattan and has trained him through all of the levels herself.

Anna Ennis and Fancy as a Clown Dominate Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic IV
Monday, January 16, 2012

GULFPORT, MS - Anna Ennis and Fancy as a Clown swept all six Opportunity Walk, Trot Cross Rails and Walk, Trot Canter Cross Rails classes in the Hunter Division at the Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic IV capturing the top spot on both days of competition March 2 - 4.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classics are a six-week United States Equestrian Foundation AA Rated Hunter-Jumper event highlighting some the sport’s finest equine athletes from across the nation!  With approximately 1000 horses exhibiting and 12,000 spectators, this is the largest hunter/jumper show on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

The six weeks are broken into the Gulf Coast Premiere I, Gulf Coast National II, Gulf Coast Mid-Winter III, Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic IV, Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic V, and Gulf Coast Finale VI.   The Grand Prix’s are held on Sunday.  They include prizes for two $25,000 Grand Prix Classes, four $35,000 Grand Prix Classes, a USHJA International Hunter Derby, and a World Championship Rider Event.

The event is held Feb. 8 - Mar. 18, 2012 at the Harrison County Equestrian Center at 15321 County Farm Road, Gulfport, Mississippi 39503-8220.

The Classic Company is a USHJA Members Choice Award winner, known for producing quality, exhibitor friendly, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows throughout the Southeast US.  For additional information on any of the 2012 events, please call the office at 843-768-5503 or visit them on the web at www.classiccompany.com.

Recognizing Local, Regional and National Member Achievements
Monday, January 16, 2012

Written by Cindy Carpenter, DSDCTA Awards Chairperson

MADISON, FL - The DSDCTA recognized the local, regional and national achievements of its members at the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet this past weekend.  In addition to recognizing member achievements, the event also gave members the opportunity to ride the Southeast's first interactive riding simulator, Amerika.

Ruthanne and Jeff Gardner opened Joint Venture Farm and their home for the Club's use during the three day weekend.  They housed many members, made stalls and paddocks available, and a special stabling area for Amerika with a place to sit and drink your hot chocolate while watching fellow members ride.

The banquet was held Saturday at Divine Events in Madison, FL.  The food, socializing and the awards were much fun for all.  Ruthanne organized the event along with a silent auction.  Jean Stick was our shopper for food and wine.  She made some excellent choices for our many snacks.  Their joint efforts were greatly appreciated.

Northwest Florida Chapter member, Jamie Stabler and USDF Region 3 Director, Kimmie Taylor, helped distribute the awards to our well deserving members.  Kimmie said of the awards, "The coolers and saddle pads were amazing and really nice quality!  We all will be proud to use them in the up and coming months."

Jodie Kelly was awarded the Elaine Williams Memorial Trophy as the rider with the highest three Training Level scores (averaged) received at DSDCTA sponsored shows during the year.  Jodie's top three scores aboard Stanley Holister averaged 78.944%.  Jodie is a member of the Emerald Coast Chapter.

The Debbie Lillibridge Award was presented to Lily Hall.  This award is presented to the Junior combined training rider who has shown the greatest improvement over the course of the year.  Lily was Champion at both Training and First Level in the Junior/Young Rider Division at the 2011 National Dressage Pony Club Championships held in Lexington, KY.  Her performance also captured the Present Pony Club Rider High Point Award for the show.

Lily also had a first place finish with her new horse, Feinbrands Fantom, at novice level for junior/young riders at the Poplar Place Farm September Eventing Trials in Hamilton, Ga.  The win qualified Lily and Feinbrands Fantom for the 2012 USEA Area 3 Eventing Championships.

Lily also finished in sixth place in the Dressage Seat Medal 13 and Under Equitation class riding Feinbrands Fantom at the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships.  She is a member of the Northwest Florida and Emerald Coast Chapters.

Mary Baltikauski was presented with the Club's Volunteer of the Year Award.  It was a well deserved accolade.  Mary was responsible for producing the show program for the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships.   She also took on organizing the many volunteers at the event putting in countless hours to ensure the event was well organized.

DSDCTA president, Barbara Petti, reported at the Board Meeting the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships were a great success for the DSDCTA.  The Board of Directors approved the distribution of a portion of the profits from the event to the individual chapters.

A big thank you to all that helped organize this year's event.  I will be sending out a survey to all members regarding next year's awards banquet.  Please make sure that your email address is current with the President of your Chapter to ensure you receive a copy of the survey.  Your feedback will help us make next year's event bigger and better.

Blue Angel Dressage Celebrates Eight Years
Wednesday, November 23, 2011

PENSACOLA, FL - The Blue Angel Dressage Show has been the premier dressage show in the Florida Panhandle ever since its beginning in 2003. The Blue Angel Dressage shows have attracted many of the area's top dressage horses and riders.  Nearly forty riders traveled to the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Pensacola, Florida for this two-day performance show November 12-13.

The judge for the show was Ms. Sue Malone Casey (S) TX. The show manager was Becky Johnston, show secretary was Linda Lester and the USEF Technical Deligate was Pat Maykuth (r) GA.

Jodie Kelly Dressage captured the show's High Point awards for five of the seven levels offered at the show.

Jodie captured the show's High Point awards for the First, Third, Fourth and FEI Levels.  She was also awarded the show's overall High Point award for her performance at First Level (76.129%) on her Dutch Warmblood mare, Broadway.

Jodie received the show's High Point honors at both Third and Fourth Level aboard Carol Dover's Decorated Debut with scores of 67.949% and 66.857%.

The show's High Point Award at the FEI Level went to Jodie and Venkenhove Nelson.   Venkenhove Nelson is owned by Ali Howard.  Jodie and Nelson were in the show ring for only the second time at Prix St George and posted a winning score of 70.789%.

Susan Von Hoene and her Quarter Horse, Levi, were awarded the show's High Point award for Introductory Level.  This duo was also the best among all Quarter Horses with their winning score of 71.250%.

High Point Award winners were:

• INTRODUCTORY LEVEL - Susan Von Hoene - Levi - 71.250%
• TRAINING LEVEL - Kaylyn Taylor - Son of Juan Car - 74.583%
• FIRST LEVEL - Jodie Kelly - Broadway - 76.129%
• SECOND LEVEL - Linda McCormick - Rough Cut - 71.429%
• THIRD LEVEL - Jodie Kelly - Decorated Debut - 67.949%
• FOURTH LEVEL - Jodie Kelly - Decorated Debut - 66.857%
• FEI LEVEL - Jodie Kelly - Vinkenhove Nelson - 70.789%
• BLUE ANGEL HIGH SCORE - Jodie Kelly - Broadway - 76.129%

Other notable achievements by Jodie Kelly clients included:

• Cindy Carpenter - Cindy and Utrillo captured three 2nd place ribbons in 2nd Level classes in the Adult Amateur Division; one of which was the pair's second qualifying score (62.143%) for next year's Championships.
• Beth Godwin - Apalto received a qualifying score of 66.129% at First Level.
• Ellen Witterstaeter - Ellen and Jalmund received a qualifying score of 64.839% at First Level.