by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Nearly 100 competitors traveled to Saratoga from all over the Northeast to compete in the Dressage at Saratoga 2015 event.
“The show was a huge success!” reported ENYDCTA President/ Show Chair Regina Cristo. “We hosted professionals, Adult Amateurs and Junior riders — many looking to qualify to move on to Regional Championships in USDF Region 8. A host of others came and competed for the fun factor, and to get an evaluation of their riding progress from USEF National Level judges.”
The 3-day event’s High Point Adult Amateur Kerry Rose competed with her Percheron-cross gelding, Benjamin Blue.
“Dressage at Saratoga is one of my favorite shows,” commented Kerry. “I have been competing at it for years. It is run very professionally and everybody is friendly and supportive.”
Kerry remarked that although dressage can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. “It requires a great deal of commitment and dedication. Dressage helps with self-discipline and you grow to have such a strong bond and special relationship with your horse.”
Kerry says the Yaddo Show Grounds, where the competition is held, has excellent footing and a relaxed environment. “ENYDCTA does a great job and their sponsors are very generous with their awards.”
Stacy Rose, sister to Kerry, scored 3rd High Point Adult Amateur for the event. She competed with her Dutch Warmblood, Otto. “Dressage is a sport that requires commitment, motivation and determination,” said Stacy. “I have enjoyed dressage in that it has helped me develop a greater connection physically and mentally with my horse. We have worked together as a team for the past three years and have had many successes along the way.”
Stacy said she has been attending Dressage at Saratoga for many years. “It has always been and continues to be a well run show with friendly, supportive people. I love participating in the Dressage at Saratoga competition and am appreciative of the generous awards provided by the show’s sponsors.”
The sisters are from Orange County, NY.
Junior/Young Rider Mika McKinney of Maine, attended the event to compete on ‘Good Night & Good Luck’, a Mount Holyoke School Horse. McKinney, who won Training Level 2 and Training Level 3 in her division, said she trains at home with Barton Lee Patrick of Lincolnville, Maine.
Open Division Bonnie Timmerman of Vermont, brought her KWPN (Royal Warmblood pedigree) Dutch Warmblood gelding ‘Vivaldi’ to work in the event. Timmerman, a UVM Dressage Coach since 2004, was awarded the prestigious IDA Coach of the Year Award in 2012 and was credited with coaching her team in 2007 to earning the Intercollegiate Dressage Association’s (IDA) National Championship National Sportsmanship Award, which is presented to the team that best represents the ideals of sportsmanship, achievement and dedication to IDA.
Timmerman remarked she is training Vivaldi herself. “He came over from Holland when he was 8 months old, I’ve had him since then.” Timmerman and Vivaldi placed 3rd in USEF – Third Level 1 class under Osborn.
Cristo said every sponsor for DAS is appreciated for their generosity. “Without these amazing sponsors, competitors would not have the wonderful well-earned prize packages they receive.”
Cristo says the event also owes its success to the many volunteers on hand. “A stellar group of volunteers made this happen once again, who without their dedication to our sport, large shows like DAS would not happen. Thank you to the many men, women and young people who gave up their holiday weekend to help us! A good time was had by all!” Cristo stated. “Congratulations to all our award winners!”
Meghan Watt of Wilton, NY, won Junior/Young Rider High Point, while Cailin Sanford, Ballston Spa, NY, won High Point Open. Results may be found at www.enydcta.org .
