The Dressage Foundation's Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund Awards $9,000 to Adult Amateur Riders
Monday, December 9, 2013

LINCOLN, NE - The Dressage Foundation is proud to announce this year's recipients of the Carol Lavell Gifted Memorial Fund Scholarships for Adult Amateurs.  Each will receive a $1,000 Scholarship to enable them to set aside quality time in concentrated training with a horse they own, with a trainer of choice, away from the daily pressures of job and family.

"Congratulations to these deserving Adult Amateurs for being selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship!  Thanks to the generosity of Carol Lavell, her family, and friends, we are thrilled to provide this support," said Jenny Johnson, Administrative Director of The Dressage Foundation.  "We hope that each recipient will make the most of the concentrated training time that this scholarship will allow, and we look forward to hearing from each recipient about his or her experience."

Up to eleven $1,000 grants are available each year - one per United States Dressage Federation Region and two wild card grants that can be awarded in any Region.  The following Adult Amateurs were chosen as recipients from their respective USDF Regions to receive grants for training in the 2014 calendar year.

USDF Region 1 – Brianne Reynolds (MD) and her horse, Hershey, will train with Jackie Kinney.   Brianne is a member of the Maryland Dressage Association and the Potomac Valley Dressage Association.

USDF Region 2 – Carolyn Desnoyer (WI) and her horse, Fresca, will train with Jayne Ayers.   Carolyn is a member of New Dressage Association.

USDF Region 2 – Samantha Gorzkiewicz (IN) and her horse, Atlas, will train with Elizabeth Grainger.   Samantha is a member of Michiana Dressage Club.

USDF Region 3 – Cindy Carpenter (FL) and her horse, Utrillo, will train with Jodie Kelly.   Cindy is a member of Deep South Dressage and Combined Training Assocation.

USDF Region 4 – Charli Ann Stevens (MO) and her horse, Aaperizcion+, will train with Angela Hecker-Jackson.   Charli Ann is a member of Kentucky Dressage Association.

USDF Region 5 – Jennifer Quigley (CO) and her horse, MidKnight Attraction, will train with Sarah Martin.   Jennifer is a member of Grand Valley Dressage Society.

USDF Region 6 – Lisa Koch (OR) and her horse, Benny, will train with Brooke Voldbaek.   Lisa is a member of Oregon Dressage Society.

USDF Region 6 – Edwin Miller (OR) and his horse, Lord of the Ring, will train with Jeremy Steinberg.   Edwin is a member of Oregon Dressage Society.

USDF Region 7 – Dee Elliott (CA) and her horse, Red Hawk’s Houdini, will train with Sarah Lockman.   Dee is a member of California Dressage Society.

For more information about The Dressage Foundation and the Gifted Memorial Fund, visit www.dressagefoundation.org or contact Jenny Johnson at (402) 434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.

The Dressage Foundation
The Dressage Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt, donor-driven organization that is dedicated to supporting and advancing the sport of dressage.  The organization solicits contributions, appropriately allocates the donations, and awards grants and scholarships to dressage riders of all ages and levels.  For more information, please visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

Not The Fairy-Tale Ending Hoped For, But A Dream Come True
Wednesday, November 13, 2013

LEXINGTON, KY - For the first time in almost 30 years, national titles for adult amateur and open dressage riders from Training Level to Grand Prix were presented at the inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  Four full days of intense competition were held to mark this historic event.

Competition was fierce across 24 championship classes.  More than 300 entries representing all nine United States Dressage Federation (USDF) regions and including riders from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels riders participated in the event.  Included in this group of hopeful competitors were Jodie Kelly Dressage clients Cindy Carpenter and Beth Godwin.

Both had finished as Reserve Champions in their respective divisions at the Region 3 Dressage Championships to qualify for the US National Finals and had high hopes for similar results at the Finals.   They made the two-day, twelve hour trip from Destin, FL trailering their horses to Lexington together.  Jodie made arrangements for a stop over on the way up and back at Lisa and Harold Smith's beautiful farm just south of Birmingham, AL.

Beth and Cindy used Friday's rides in the Open Show as warm ups for Saturday's Championship rides.  Beth had a great score of 71.452% and finished 3rd in her AA 1st Level class.   Cindy finished 5th in the AA 3rd Level class with a score of 61.923%.  Both felt they were going to have even better results on Saturday.

Cindy and Utrillo were the first down centerline for Jodie Kelly Dressage in Saturday's Championship classes.  Judges Jane Weatherwax at H, Jayne Ayers at C, Lois Yukins at B gave them a score of 58.291% putting them out of the ribbons in 11th place.  "Those of you that know Utrillo's story, know this was not the fairy tale ending I had hoped for." said a disappointed Cindy.   "I knew that a score in the mid-60's wasn't going to win the championship, so we went for it.  Utrillo showed up with lots of pizazz but I didn't ride the most accurate test and it was reflected in the judge's scores.  But, I set a goal in 2012 to qualify for the National Championships one day.  It was a dream come true to fulfull that goal in the inaugral year of the National Finals."

Beth and Caymus were next up in the AA 1st Level Championships.  Beth and Caymus bested 20 other horse/rider combinations posting a score of 69.892% to capture 4th place and a trip around the Alltech Arena in the Awards Ceremony!  The judges for Beth's class were Gary Rockwell at H, Sandra Hotz at C, and Janet Foy at B.

So, what's next for Beth and Cindy?  "We didn't really have time to enjoy our Reserve Champions finish at the Regional Championships with the National Finals coming so quickly after the Regionals," said Cindy.  "I will take a couple of days off from riding to enjoy our accomplishments in 2013 before we start working on getting back to Lexington in 2014.  I haven't stopped believing in Utrillo and myself.  And Jodie still believes in us, too."

Jodie was interviewed on Horse Radio Network about being at the US National Finals.  "I am so proud of these two ladies," said Jodie.  "They have worked so hard to get here.   I am so happy to have these National Championships for them.  These two both have full time jobs, ride their horse before or after work, and spend their lives juggling their schedule and finances to make this sport they love possible for them; classic adult amateurs."  You can listen to the full interview via the link in the Related Links below.

The USDF did a great job organizing this event and the Kentucky Horse Park facilities and staff were phenomenal.  Eva Oldenbroek Tabor of Region 9 was the very first exhibitor to enter the Alltech Arena for her Intermediate II test aboard "Uberlinis".  "When I first walked in I said, 'Oh my God look at all this!'", exclaimed Tabor.  "It looks like a European World Cup venue.  The footing is fantastic, and the whole set-up is just beautiful."

Akiko Yamazaki of Woodside, CA (Region 7) is widely known as the owner of U.S. Dressage Team horses "Ravel" and "Legolas" for Steffen Peters, but this event was her turn to be in the saddle.   Yamazaki was pleased with her experience.  "I think this show exceeded all of my expectations, right from the get-go," she noted.  "All the information was provided in such a timely and organized manner, so I already felt well-taken care of before I even arrived.  And then once I was here, everything ran so smoothly and was just great.  Congratulations to the show organizers - I think this has exceeded everyone's expectations and I'll be returning home and spreading the word in California that we have to come back en masse."

Kudos to the USDF and the Kentucky Horse Park for making the inaugural US Dressage National Finals memorable for all involved.

Dreams Can Come True
Friday, October 18, 2013

CONYERS, GA - From Florida to California, excitement is sweeping the nation as the final round of Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championship competitions get underway this weekend in USDF Regions 1 and 9.   But this year it's not just blue ribbons on the line: for the very first time, horses and riders competing in the Regional Championships will have an opportunity to qualify for the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, a national head-to-head competition showcasing adult amateur and open riders from Training Level to Grand Prix.

The USDF received more than 1,200 declarations from riders seeking to qualify for what may be the chance of a lifetime to compete on the national stage and win fantastic prizes, bragging rights, and more than $50,000 in prize money.  Riders in USDF Region 3 competed last weekend to earn top marks and be eligible for a possible invitation to the Finals.  This group of hopeful competitors included several members of the Jodie Kelly Dressage team; Cindy Carpenter, Beth Godwin, Melissa McDonald, Amanda Stewart, Chelsea Akavickas, Susan Von Hoene and Kimmie Taylor.

Cindy Carpenter and Beth Godwin have enjoyed finishing in the ribbons at previous regional championship titles in the adult amateur ranks with their mounts, Utrillo and Caymus.  In addition, they have watched and supported Jodie in her pursuit of national and international titles. But now it's their turn to pursue national-level goals. "I decided to declare because I thought if I had the ride of my life and had not declared I would kick myself for missing perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Plus it would be exciting to be able to ride in a national finals at a huge venue against the best riders in my division, not just from my region," said Cindy.  "As an adult amateur, it is a great way to compete against the top Adult Amateurs from across the country."

Cindy and Utrillo were first to go of the twenty horse and rider combinations competing for the AA 3rd Level Championship and posted a score of 65.577% which kept them atop the leader board for the next five rides before being bested.  The riders that followed were unable to post a better score leaving Cindy and Utrillo as Reserve Champions and automatically qualifying them for the National Championships.

As a breeder of top dressage prospects, Beth Godwin is no stranger to elite championship competition.  In addition to being the Region 3 AA Reserve Champions at Training Level in 2012, Beth and Caymus finished 15th in the USDF national Horse of the Year rankings for all riders at 1st Level this year with an average score of 73.003%.  Beth and Caymus topped forty other horse and rider combinations to capture the AA Reserve Championship at 1st Level at last weekend's Region 3 Dressage Championships with a score of 72.984%.  Like Cindy and Utrillo, their 2nd place finish also qualified them for the National Championships

"I am so incredibly proud of these two girls," said Jodie.  "They have worked so hard to get here and deserve this sweet success.  These two both have full time jobs, ride their horse before or after work, and spend their lives juggling their schedule and finances to make this sport they love possible for them; classic adult amateurs.  I am so glad these championships have been created for them."

Melissa McDonald and her mount, Prism, fell short of qualifying for the National Championships, but captured sixth place in the AA Second Level Championship with a score of 63.929% competing in only her second trip to Regional Championships.  She and Prism also finished in ninth place in the AA Third Level Championship with a score of 60.833% missing the ribbons by only 1/2 point.

Chelsea Akavickas and her mount, Made You Look, captured 3rd place in the Jr/YR 4th Level Championship with a score of 62.125%.  This was Chelsea's first trip to the Regional Championships.   Despite the 3rd place finish, her score was less than the minimum needed to qualify for a National Championships wild card berth.

Amanda Stewart and Where Art Thou Romeo finished in 9th place in the Jr/YR Training Level Championship with a score of 67.100%.  "Super duper proud I my pony.  After my ride I was sitting in second then about ten or fifteen people rode and bumped me down to ninth.  It was a VERY close class though," said Amanda.  "I finished out of the ribbons by just 1 point."   Amanda and Romeo also rode in the Jr/YR 1st Level Championships where they finished 10th with a score of 62.500%.

Susan von Hoene and Levi scored a 57.600% in the Championship class with perhaps the most competitors.  Fifty-one horse and rider combinations competed for the ribbons in the AA Training Level Championships.  This was Susan's first trip to the Regional Championships.  Susan and Levi bounced back in the Open Show to capture 2nd and 3rd place in two of the AA Training Level Test 3 Classes with a scores of 64.000% and 62.000%.

The inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® will be held November 7 - 10, 2013 at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, home of the 2010 Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games.  For the first time in history, riders from across the country at all levels of performance will be invited to compete over the same hallowed ground where international champions have been crowned.  "The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the finest equestrian facilities in the world," notes George Williams, President of the USDF.  "And I couldn't be more thrilled that our mission to provide a national spotlight for riders at all levels, especially adult amateurs, will now be realized there.  This will be their moment to shine."

To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition information, review lists of declared riders and horses from each region, and sign up to receive news and updates, visit the official event website at www.usdressagefinals.com.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

Walt Disney once said, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."  With Jodie's coaching and encouragement, her clients have found the courage to live their dreams.

Triumph, Tragedy and Victory
Monday, July 22, 2013

LEXINGTON, KY - The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21.  Young equestrians come from the United States, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands 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 competition is run under rules of the FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent.

In 2012, Mattie Zepernick and Wencenza were selected to represent Region 3 at the NAJYRC.   This was Mattie's first trip to the NAJYRC and she helped her team finish just out of the medals in 4th place in the Team Championship.  This year Mattie and Wencenza made a return trip to Lexington, this time as a member of the Region 9 team; 2012's bronze medalists in the Team Championship.  Her teammates for 2013 were Kalie Beckers and Carush, Cassie Schmidt and Velasquer and Anna Campbell and Mai.

Mattie and Wencenza were among the first to go in the Junior Team Championship on Wednesday.  Mattie sat atop the leader board for most of the day and in the end their individual score of 67.189% bested thirty-two of North America's top Junior Riders posting the 4th highest score and leading the Region 9 team to a 5th place finish.

On Friday, Mattie and Wencenza were the last to enter the ring at the Rolex Stadium as they continued their quest for a medal in the Junior Individual Championship.  This dynamic duo finished in 6th place with an individual score of 67.053%.  “I love this kid.  6th place individual with a 67% at NAJYRC!” exclaimed Jodie on Friday.  “Bring on the freestyle tomorrow.  We can't wait.”

Well, Saturday didn't go even remotely how they had planned.  Jodie's beautiful JR combo that had remained in the top six throughout the week, ended their 2013 NAJYRC with colic surgery Saturday morning.  “If there is a silver lining to it, at least we were across the street from one of the world’s leading vet clinics.  I cannot express my gratitude enough to Hagyard and their amazing staff, from the show grounds to the clinic, they were amazing,” said Jodie.

The second picture on the right is Mattie and Wencenza seeing each other for the first time after surgery.  They say a picture says a thousand words.  Jodie and team Mattie are heartbroken, but elated at the same time.  They expect a full recovery and the girls will be headed back down centerline in no time.  “Thank you all for your texts of encouragement throughout the day,” said Jodie.  “There have been lots of tears to say the least.”

There were happy faces Sunday morning!  It was a long 24 hours, but they say Wencenza is doing great.  Mary Phelps said, “Victory comes in many versions, and saving the life of a wonderful horse is one of them.”  No truer words have ever been spoken.

Thank you all for such love and support.  Our girl is on the mend!

Results

FEI Junior Rider Team Championship (Individual Scores)
1. Olivia Zeilinger – Stentano (Region 7) - 68.811%
2. Laurence Blais Tetreault – Lowelas (Canada QC) – 68.378%
3. Lindsey Hollenger - Friedensfurt (Region 3) - 67.757%
4. Mattie Zepernick - Wencenza (Region 9) - 67.189%
5. Naima Moreira Laliberte - Windbreaker3 (Canada QC) - 67.054%
6. Rison Naness - Venezia (Region 7) - 66.730%

FEI Junior Rider Team Championship
1. Canada QC - 201.864
2. USA Region 7 - 201.460
3. USA Region 3 - 196.865
4. USA Region 1 - 196.324
5. USA Region 9 - 196.189

FEI Junior Rider Individual Championship
1. Lindsey Hollenger - Friedensfurt (Region 3) - 70.974%
2. Naima Moreira Laliberte - Windbreaker3 (Canada QC) - 70.105%
3. Rison Naness - Venezia (Region 7) - 68.921%
4. Laurence Blais Tetreault – Lowelas (Canada QC) – 68.132%
5. Gabriella Glumac - Zodessa (Region 7) - 67.316%
6. Mattie Zepernick - Wencenza (Region 9) - 67.189%

Movin' On Up
Sunday, May 19, 2013

FOLSOM, LA - Melissa McDonald and Prism traveled to Folsom, LA for the Dressage Across the Lake 3 & 4 shows this weekend.  The weather was perfect, and the stars aligned.  Melissa and Prism earned the final score Melissa needed to meet the requirements for the USDF Bronze medal!

The USDF offers a series of rider award levels to recognize the achievements of the riders on the national level.  The awards are based strictly on the scores the rider achieves over time, generally over a period of several years utilizing rides on multiple horses.  The USDF Bronze Rider Medal is the first award offered to recognize consistency and accomplishment.  This medal requires six scores, two at First Level, two at Second Level, and two at Third Level, of 60% or better, from six different judges, at six different shows.

Prism is a 17 year old 17'2" dark bay Oldenburg bred in Hume Virginia.  Melissa had just been introduced to dressage when she purchased Prism in 2004 when he was 8 years old.  She is thrilled to have achieved this goal earning all of her Bronze Medal scores on Prism.

Melissa explained, “He had no real training other than just basic walk, trot, canter and trail riding when I got him so we definitely have been on this journey together, learning as we go!”   She kept Prism at her barn at home in Virginia and even though she had a trainer she rode pretty casually the first few years she had Prism.  She took lessons pretty regularly but also did a lot of trail riding.

“I was just starting to school first level when I got to Jodie's in September of 2010 so she really was responsible for bringing us along through the levels.”  continued Melissa.   “Obviously being in Jodie's barn surrounded by that quality and level of riding definitely upped my focus and dedication!  Jodie has really helped us realize our potential and we're not done yet!  It has been an awesome journey since we've gotten here!  I remember reading client articles on Jodie's website when I was first researching her before I moved.   I can't believe I'm actually now joining that group!”

"The medal was hard earned and well deserved," said Jodie.  "I am very proud of her.  We have another Bronze Medalist on our team."

On Top at the Blue Angel Dressage Show
Tuesday, May 9, 2013

PENSACOLA, FL - The DSDCTA's Blue Angel Dressage Show has been the premier dressage show in the Florida Panhandle ever since its inception in 2003.  The popular show series attracts many of the area's top dressage horses and riders.  Last month's show saw over eighty horse and rider combinations participating in the two-day Level 2 Dressage competition.  With over 80 horse and rider combinations, last month's eventw was the largest Blue Angel Dressage Show since its inception.

Jodie Kelly Dressage captured show high point awards at First, Second, Third, Fourth and the FEI Levels plus the overall show high point.

Beth Godwin captured the First Level High Point award, and the Joyce Kuhn Memorial High Point award for the entire show, with her score of 72.903% aboard Caymus in the Adult Amateur Division.   Beth is now more excited than ever to return to the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships with Caymus.  Beth and Caymus were reserve champions at Training Level in the Adult Amateur Division at last year's Championships.  This year's Region 3 Championships will be held October 11-13 in Conyers, GA.

Melissa McDonald and Prism captured the High Point Awards for their performances in the Adult Amateur Divison at both Second and Third Levels with scores of 69.762% and 65.610% respectively.   Melissa and Prism will also be returning to the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships in 2013 having already qualified at Second Level.

Emily Staadecker and Philosopher posted a Test 3, Open Division score of 69.750% to capture the High Point award at Fourth Level.  Emily is the Barn Manager for Jodie Kelly Dressage.

Jodie anchored the team's performance capturing the FEI High Point award for her ride aboard Vinkenhove Nelson in the Intermediare I class of the Open Division.  Judge Fran Dearning awarded Jodie and Nelson a score of 69.342% for their effort.

Mattie Zepernick and Wencenza Cinch Palm Beach Dressage Derby FEI Junior Individual Rider Test
Monday, March 4, 2013

Excerpt from Phelps Media Group story written by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge and Sue Weakley

LOXAHATCHEE, FL - Mattie Zepernick from the U.S. cinched first place in the FEI Junior Individual Rider Test with a 65.553% aboard Wencenza.  She smiled as she arranged the cooler she won emblazoned with the words “Palm Beach Dressage Derby” before the presentation ceremony.

“We are slowly and surely getting better,” she explained.  “I’m getting a better feel for having more expression in all my gaits and it comes from taking risks.”

Please see Related Links at bottom of this story for link to Press Release from Phelps Media Group.

Results

FEI Junior Rider Individual Test
1. Mattie Zepernick – Wencenza- 65.553%
2. Paula Matute (ESP) – Gasper – 64.974%

Jodie and Manhattan's score of 63.979% captured 10th place in the FEI Grand Prix class on Friday which was won by Lars Peterson and Mariett with a score of 72.745%.  Jodie and Manhattan also entered the Grand Prix Freestyle class on Sunday finishing in 9th place with a score of 66.800%.

Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts

USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Rider's Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition- USEF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels;
FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests.

It's Just Fun!
Saturday, March 2, 2013

Written by Jodie Kelly

WELLINGTON, FL - At 3PM Thursday, Manhattan was "accepted" at the jog.  Yesterday we headed down centerline for the Grand Prix.  We had a nice clean, consistent ride.  No mistakes, but nothing fancy.  Good for a 63.9%.  I was totally happy with my boy for still hanging in there with the big boys.

I came down this season not sure if Manhattan was going to show.  He's 19 this year and my only objective for him is to be healthy and happy every day.  Everyone was asking if he was showing and my answer all along was I was going to let him decide.  He has been fresh and exuberant and a little naughty all season.  I think that gave me my answer ;-)

I take his competitions one at a time.  His work schedule is made up of hacks and gallops and a lot of "playing" in the ring.  This may very well be his last CDI, but after all these years of literally showing him at every level, I still learn so much from him each trip I take towards C.

It's JUST FUN.

I ride him last everyday so that no matter how tough the day, it ends great, just by sitting on him.  Not sure what I did to be lucky enough to grow up with this amazing pony, but I thank my lucky stars every day that I have!

Welcome Back Court!
Wednesday, February 8, 2013

LOXAHATCHEE, FL - Nearly 3 years ago, I put this green band on my wrist while Courtney lay in a coma.  I have not sat on a horse since that it was not on my wrist.  Her husband, Jason, came up with the "Come Back Court" wording; a line that meant different things to different people on many different levels.  I was the last lesson that day before Court's life, and those of so many around her, was changed forever.

She has in fact "come back" and been back on so many levels for quite some time now, but today, she came back as my coach!  She came back to sitting by the ring I was riding in and came back as the voice ringing through my ears as I worked.  And let me tell you, she is just as tough now, as she was then!

Court, I have been lost without you!

Food, Fun and Fellowship
Thursday, January 17, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Eash year the DSDCTA holds its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet to provide an educational opportunity to its members and to celebrate the accomplishments of its members and their horses.  The festivities are also one of the Club's annual fundraising events.

This year's events were held at Walt and Carol Dover's beautiful WC Dover Farm in Tallahasse, FL.  This year's fundraising event was a USDF University accredited workshop conducted by Gil Merrick, former USEF Managing Director for Dressage.  The workshop addressed how today's equestrian, who often must balance career, family, and friends with horses, can "Live Life Masterfully" and honor each of their commitments.

The workshop was followed by a social hour sponsored by Jodie Kelly Dressage.  The social hour preceeded a very unique and elegant party for DSDCTA's dressage and eventing members, complete with beautiful awards, an amazing dining experience, as well as a captivating slide presentation.  For many members and trainers, the Awards Banquet is a highlight of the show season.

Awards were presented to members for their competitive accomplishments.  Winning can be attributed to many hours of hard work and training, early mornings and late evenings in the saddle, and the untiring support of family and friends.  And of course, none of it would be possible without the fabulous horses they ride.

Those staying over Saturday night to return home, or attend the Board Meeting on Sunday, were treated to an outdoor movie experience under the stars.  With gourmet popcorn provided by Laurie Kelly, members grabbed their beach chairs and blankets for a night out with family and friends.  Secretariat was the movie on the big screen that provided one of life's memorable moments for all that attended.

It was a full day of education, fun and fellowship as the club celebrated the local, regional and national accomplishments of its members.  Thank you to Cindy Carpenter, DSDCTA's Awards Chairperson, for planning and organizing such a spectacular set of events.  If you missed his year's event, make sure you mark your calendar for the same weekend next year.  Plans are already underway to top this year's festivities!

Jodie Kelly and clients came away with the following awards:

DSDCTA Annual Awards
Rider	Horse	Division	Level	Ribbon	Score
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	Training		76.000%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	First		66.201%
Beth Godwin	Apalto	AA	First		62.298%
Cindy Carpenter	Utrillo	AA	Third		63.141%
Tammy Key	Jolie	AA	Training		63.600%
Susan von Hoene	Levi	AA	Training		63.482%
Linda Funderburk	Branstocks Ryujin	AA	Training		63.375%
Kimberly Taylor	Narkos	Masters	First		66.855%
Kimberly Taylor	Narkos	Masters	Second		66.350%
Jodie Kelly	Ciesto Strona	Open	Training		73.700%
Jodie Kelly	Broadway	Open	First		69.839%
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Open	Second		69.048%
Jodie Kelly	Vinkenhove Nelson	Open	Prix St Georges		69.211%
Jodie Kelly	Manhattan	Open	Grand Prix		66.702%
Jodie Kelly	Manhattan	Open	Grand Prix Freestyle		68.400%
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	FEI Jr/YR	Individual Test		65.833%
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	FEI Jr/YR	Team Test		66.486%

USDF Regional Championships
Rider	Horse	Division	Level	Ribbon	Score
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	Training		72.300%
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	First Level	17th	64.113%
Linda Funderburk	Branstocks Ryujin	AA	Training
Jodie Kelly	Ceisto Strona	Open	Training	13th	64.500%
Jodie Kelly	Ceisto Strona	Open	First
Jodie Kelly	Broadway	Open	First		71.290%
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Open	Second		64.702%
Jodie Kelly	Vinkenhove Nelson	Open	Prix St Georges		66.974%
Ellen Witterstaeter	Jalmund	AA	First		67.419%
Lily Hall	Feinbrand's Fantom	Jr/YR	Second
Cindy Carpenter	Utrillo	AA	Second Level	12th	58.750%
Cindy Carpenter	Utrillo	AA	Third Level		59.679%
Mattie Zepernick	Amarula	Jr/YR	Second		67.083%
Mattie Zepernick	Nereide	Jr/YR	Second		67.917%
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	NAJYRC Young Rider	Team Test		65.676%
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	Jr/YR	Third		70.833%

National Accomplishments
Rider	Horse	Division	Level	Ribbon	Score
FEI North American Jr/YR National Championships
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	Jr/YR	Member of Region 3 Team		66.486%
USDF Year End Awards
Cindy Carpenter	USDF Bronze Medal
Beth Godwin	Caymus	AA	Training		72.590%
Mattie Zepernick	Amarula	Jr/YR	Second	12th	64.643%
Mattie Zepernick	Wencenza	Jr/YR	Third	25th	64.692%
USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships
Jodie Kelly	Sanidin	Qualified in 5-Yr-Old Division

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.