![Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. and horse Kamiakin smile together as they prepare for the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Jog for the CPEDI3* at Golden State Dressage ( Lindsay Y McCall)](/images/articles/4445/treabass.jpg)
Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. and horse Kamiakin smile together as they prepare for the FEI Para-Equestrian Dressage Jog for the CPEDI3* at Golden State Dressage ( Lindsay Y McCall)
With only one year before equestrians head to France, the United States continues to grow the number of Para-Dressage participants, while solidifying their veteran horse and rider combinations. Over the weekend, spectators should expect to see 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Grade IV rider Susan Treabess of Winters, Calif. aboard her new mount Kamiakin. Two-Time Paralympian and fellow 2010 WEG teammate, Barabara Grassmyer (Grade III) stepped back into the stirrups aboard her experienced gelding Mibis. For many U.S. riders this will be their first opportunity in front of international Para-Dressage judges. Those riders include Ashleigh Flores-Simmons with horse Athena (Grade II), Roxanne Trunnel of Washington State and her own Nice Touch (Grade Ib). U.S. riders traveling long-distances were Angela Peavy and Leandro (Grade III) of Connecticut and Katie Passerotti (Grade IV) aboard Lucky Dragon from Pennsylvania.
Katie Passetori is looking forward to three days of international competition at the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*. She noted, " I am excited to be here. It was a very difficult journey to coordinate but this is something I really want and this is something I want to experience. It hasn't been easy but I look forward to what the weekend brings."
She explained, "It's really cool to be here with Lucky Dragon. I bought him as an eventer originally and he has made a great transition to Dressage. I never expected him to be Second or Third Level material and the fact that he has stepped up to the plate, is amazing. I am really proud of our partnership because I have been the one who has worked with him and brought him to this point."
Journeying across the United States similar to Passetori and Peavy were two experienced Canada individual representatives both representing Grade Ia. Those accomplished equestrians include Jody Schloss aboard Inspector Rebus and Robyn Andrews with horse Fancianna.
Competition begins in the Main Arena Friday with the Team Test for Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV, followed by Saturday's Individual Team Test, and Sunday's Freestyle Tests. For more information about the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* please visit http://www.goldenstatedressage.com or contact Connie Davenport at [email protected].