Back to the Big Show
Monday, October 27, 2014

WELLINGTON, FL - The Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships program is designed to promote and recognize the pursuit of excellence by providing a showcase competition that meets established quality standards for riders within each of the nine USDF regions.  Riders can qualify for the Regional Championships by riding in designated qualifying classes at USDF recognized competitions.  This year Jodie Kelly Dressage sent nine clients to compete at the regional event for Region 3:

• Adult Amateurs
  • Susan von Hoene - Training Level
  • Kimmie Taylor - 1st & 2nd Level
  • Beth Godwin - 2nd Level
  • Paige Inscoe-Kinney - 3rd Level
  • Melissa McDonald - 3rd & 4th Level
  • Cindy Carpenter - 3rd & 4th Level
• Jr/YRs
  • Emma Count - Training & 1st Level
  • Amanda Stewart - 1st & 2nd Level
  • Mattie Zepernick - 1st, 2nd and Prix St Georges Level

Melissa McDonald and Prism captured 5th place in the AA 3rd Level Championships with a score of 65.705% and 7th place in the AA 4th Level Championships with a score of 58.625%.  Beth Godwin and Caymus captured the 3rd spot in the AA 2nd Level Championships with a score of 67.321%.

Susan von Hoene and Levi finished out of the ribbons in the AA Training Level Championships but posted a great score of 65.100%.  Kimmie Taylor and Wassail competed in both the 1st Level and 2nd Level AA Championships but finished out of the ribbons posting scores of 63.710% and 61.190%.

Paige Inscoe-Kinney and Rhodeao also competed in the 3rd Level AA Championships posting a score of 61.667% but finishing out of the ribbons.  The pair captured the top spot in the 3rd Level Test of the Open show on Friday with a score of 65.641%.  Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo competed in the 3rd Level AA Championships posting a score of 59.744% after Utrillo spooked twice during the test.  Cindy attempted a comeback on Sunday in the 4th Level AA Championships but she and Utrillo just weren't on the same page so Cindy decided it was best to scratch the class.

The event was also successful for Jodie Kelly Dressage Jr/YR clients who took three of the top four spots in the Jr/YR 1st Level Championships class.  Amanda Stewart and her quarter horse gelding Where Art Thou Romeo took the top spot with a score of 70.726%.  Mattie Zepernick and Angeber finished behind Amanda in 2nd place with a score of 68.629%.  Emma Count and Vinkenhove Nelson finished in 4th place with a score of 64.677%.

Amanda and Where Art Thou Romeo also finished in 4th place in the Jr/YR 2nd Level Championships with a score of 63.988%.

Emma and Vinkenhove Nelson were also Reserve Champions in the Jr/YR Training Level Championship class with a score of 68.600%.  The pair also captured the blue ribbon in the 1st Level, Test 3 test of the Open show on Friday with a score of 68.871%.

Mattie Zepernick competed two horses as the Championships; Wencenza and Angeber.  Mattie and Wencenza were Reserve Champions in the Jr/YR Prix St Georges class with a score of 65.855%.  Mattie and Angeber were also Reserve Champions in the Jr/YR 2nd Level Championships with a score of 66.607%.

The GAIG/USDF Regional Dressage Championships are a stepping stone for Adult Amateurs wishing to qualify for the US Dressage Finals.  Horse/rider combinations who qualify through the nine Regional Championships, will have the opportunity to compete on the national stage at the 2014 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan, will be held on November 6-9, 2014 at the Kentucky Horse Park.  The US Dressage Finals is a head-to-head competition in Dressage showcasing Adult Amateur and Open riders at Training through GP levels, who are US citizens.  The event includes an Open Division at Training through Grand Prix levels and all Freestyles, as well as an Adult Amateur Division with Training through Grand Prix.

Jodie Kelly Dressage will once again be represented by two riders at the US Dressage Finals.  This year it will be Melissa McDonald and Beth Godwin.   For Beth it will be her second trip and for Melissa her first.  Melissa qualified with her top five finish in the AA 3rd Level Championships and a wildcard eligible score.  Beth Godwin and Caymus will be making a return visit to the US Dressage Finals with their 3rd place finish in the AA 2nd Level Championships and a wildcard eligible score.

We wish Melissa and Beth luck as Jodie Kelly Dressage is headed back to the "Big Show".

Le Bon Temps Roulé
Wednesday, May 28, 2014

FOLSOM, LA - Jodie Kelly Dressage let the good times roll at the 2014 SEDA Le Bon Temps I&II Dressage Shows capturing show high point awards and earning final scores needed to qualify for the 2014 USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships at multiple levels.

Emma Count and Mattie Zepernick battled it out for the top spot at 1st Level in the Jr/YR Division on both days.  Emma and Vinkenhove Nelson bested all other Jr/YR riders on Saturday with their Test 3 score of 72.097%.  Mattie and Angeber finished in second place with their Test 3 score of 69.516%.  The two swapped finishing order on Sunday.  Mattie and Angeber captured the top spot with their Test 3 score of 76.129%.  Emma and Vinkenhove Nelson finished second with their Test 3 score of 69.032%.

Mattie and Angeber also competed at 2nd Level posting scores of 62.381% and 65.238% on Saturday and Sunday respectively.  The 65.238% score earned Mattie the 2nd Jr/YR Championship.   Mattie and Angeber have recorded qualifying scores for the USDF Region 9 Championships at both 1st and 2nd Level.  Emma and Vinkenhove Nelson are qualified for the USDF Region 3 Championships at both Training and 1st Level.

Jodie captured the FEI High Point Award in the Open Division with a Prix St Georges score of 73.421% aboard Wendy Smith-Boone's amazing Sanidin.  "I am so proud of this naughty ‘little black one’” said Jodie.  “It all came together this weekend for a wonderful Prix St Georges test and a well deserved score.  Thank you to Wendy Smith-Boone for allowing me the ride on your super star boy.  I am so sad it was our last show, but so happy for you two to start your show career together.”

Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo are headed back to the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships earning the final scores needed to qualify at both 3rd and 4th Level.  Paige Inscoe-Kinney and Rohdaeo also picked up their final qualifying score at 3rd Level.

Beth Godwin and Caymus, who are also qualified for the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships at multiple levels (1st and 2nd), earned the 2nd Level AA Championship with a 66.429% performance of Test 1.

Level Champions:
Training Level Jr/YR Champion - Emma Count and Vinkenhove Nelson (71.000%)
1st Level Jr/YR Champion – Mattie Zepernick and Angeber (76.129%)
1st Level Jr/YR Reserve Champion – Emma Count and Vinkenhoeve Nelson (72.097%)
2nd Level AA Champion – Beth Godwin and Caymus (66.429%)
2nd Level Jr/YR Champion – Mattie Zepernick and Angeber (65.238%)
3rd Level AA Reserve Champion – Paige Inscoe Kinney and Rohdaeo (61.579%)
4th Level AA Reserve Champion – Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo (62.250%)
FEI Open Champion – Jodie Kelly and Sanidin (73.421%)

Overall Champions:
Le Bon Temps I Jr/YR Champion – Emma Count and Vinkenhove Nelson (72.097%)
Le Bon Temps I Jr/YR Reserve Champion – Mattie Zepernick and Angeber (69.516%)
Le Bon Temps I Open Champion – Jodie Kelly and Sanidin (73.421%)
Le Bon Temps II Jr/YR Champion – Mattie Zepernick and Angeber (76.129%)
Le Bon Temps II Jr/YR Reserve Champion – Emma Count and Vinkenhove Nelson (71.000%)

Breed Champions:
KWPN Saturday – Caymus
KWPN Sunday – Caymus
Other - Vinkenhove Nelson

What An Amazing Weekend
Thursday, April 17, 2014

DESTIN, FL - What an amazing weekend.  I'm so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing group to call the Jodie Kelly Dressage team.

Before I mention how much everyone kicked butt, I am more pleased and continuously amazed at the friendship, comradery and over all fun had by this group.  Saturday night, Sheila Zepernick hosted everyone for a yummy Mexican dinner at our barn area.

It was there, that we had a champagne toast for Kimmie Taylor on earning her final score for her Bronze medal!

The success continued Sunday with everyone getting the qualifying scores that they needed for regionals.  The day finished up with a clean sweep of the overall championships for Jodie Kelly Dressage.

Training Level High Point - Emmaline Counte and Vinkenhove Nelson (72.200%)
1st Level High Point - Emmaline Counte and Vinkenhove Nelson (75.484%)
2nd Level High Point - Beth Godwin and Caymus (68.214%)
3rd Level High Point - Paige Inscoe-Kinney and Rohdaeo (65.128%)
4th Level High Point - Cindy Carpenter and Utrillo (60.750%)
FEI High Point - Jodie Kelly and Wendy Smith-Boone's Sanidin (65.396%)
Joyce Kuhn Memorial High Point Award - Emmaline Counte and Vinkenhove Nelson (75.484%)

The final cherry on top was Emma Counte earning the overall high score of the show, on Nelson, with her 75% score!

The "rodeo award" definitively went to Mattie Zepernick when her inexperienced mare was caught off guard by the flags whipping and snapping in the wind.  With tactful, patient riding, she restored her mare's confidence and finished the weekend with a 73% ride.  That's what it's all about.

Congratulations to Linda Funderburk
Friday, March 14, 2014

DESTIN, FL - Jodie Kelly Dressage would like to congratulate Linda Rupolo Funderburk on the purchase of Deodoro VO.  We are so excited to have this adorable boy join our team.

Deodoro VO will be 7 years old this August.   He is a Lusitano gelding standing 16.1 hands tall.  He has three excellent gaits and is schooling all 4th Level movements plus has nice piaffe and passage.  He has a great temperament and is extremely talented.

Check out the video of Deodoro below and look for Linda and Deodoro coming down centerline this year.

Home, Safe and Sound
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

DESTIN, FL - We are all home, safe and sound.  While season always has it's ups and downs, over all, I would say this season was a success.

I credit so much of that to my amazing working student and definite MVP of Jodie Kelly Dressage this season, Elizabeth Zecca.  This kid, never slowed down, did everything with a smile and was "on it" every step of the way.

I've always said, all I ask of my employees is that they work as hard as me.  Typically, that's a pretty tall order, but I dare say, I've found one that works harder than me.  She said, the first day, "I'm not going to let you down, I'm going to make this your best season yet."  And regarding all things in her control, she certainly did.  And on top of it, she never missed a fun outing either!

Thank you, Elizabeth!

Left Behind, Again!
Saturday, March 8, 2014

WELLINGTON, FL - Left behind again.  This is the second season in a row most of my horses drove away without me.

I put nine horses on the road this morning, headed to various locations across Florida, some to Louisiana and some to Virginia.  Elizabeth Zecca and I stayed back to tie up loose ends and will hit the road with the last big load on Monday.

A huge thank you to all of my clients who made the 2014 season possible for Jodie Kelly Dressage.  It was especially fun to add Wendy Smith-Boone and Ame Hellman to our group this year!   I am already excited about next year!

Riding With Confidence 1-Day Mounted Clinic with Dr. Jenny Susser
Wednesday, January 1, 2014

DESTIN, FL - Fear is real, and it can be paralyzing.  Riding with fear is something many of us do everyday because we love our horse enough to withstand the discomfort—and mostly hope that it will just go away some day.  If this sounds familiar, Dr. Jenny Susser's Riding With Confidence clinic is for you.

Riding With Confidence is a 1-day mounted clinic for riders.  Start off 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!

If riding is too much anxiety to think of, audit and learn from those on their horses…you’ll feel nervous enough watching for it to have an impact, and will get one-on-one time during the breaks.   Then, finish out the day with a Q & A discussion, a great way to solidify the learning from the day.

Dr. Jenny’s work with equestrians continues to grow, this year she was named the USEF Team Sport Psychologist and was honored to work with the 2012 Olympic Dressage Team in their preparations for the London Olympics.  In 2010, she was the Team Psychologist for the South African Para Dressage Team and worked individually with some of the American athletes at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.  Her work with Lendon Gray and Dressage4Kids is important and fun, and always a part of her schedule.  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.

The clinic will be hosted by Jodie Kelly Dressage at Southern Cross Equestrian Center on Saturday, January 11, 2014.  Space is limited to eight riders.  Preference will be given to DSDCTA members.

Register Now!

Click on the Register Now button above to register and pay online or click here for more information.

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.