Germany - The U.S. will be well represented this week with teams and individuals competing at both CDIO5*/CDI3*/CDIU25 Rotterdam in The Netherlands and CDIO-Y Hagen in Germany. In Rotterdam, the U.S. will field a senior team in the CDIO5*, three individuals in the CDI3* and two U25 combinations.
Competing concurrently in Germany, a team of two young riders will contest the CDIO-Y Hagen as part of the USEF Young Rider European Tour.
Horse inspections were held today for the CDIO teams and U-25 competitors, all U.S. horses passed. The horse inspection for the CDI3* Rotterdam horses will be held tomorrow.
CDIO5*/CDI3*/CDIU25 Rotterdam
Representing the U.S. in CDIO competition will be Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel’s Doktor, Charlotte Jorst and Kastel Denmark’s Kastel’s Nintendo, Arlene Page and her own Woodstock, and Kathleen Raine and Jennifer Mason, David Wightman, and her own Breanna. The team will be under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig as USEF Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover readies for the 2015 Pan American Games back home in the U.S.
"I have been thrilled with the success of our U.S. dressage athletes in Europe this summer,” said Dover. “As we head toward the Nations Cups in Rotterdam, Hagen, Falsterbo, and Hickstead, with three different groups of athletes and horses, our main goal is to be well represented by some combinations new to the scene and some veterans showing them the way. I would hope for top placings at each of these hotly contested CDIOs and know our two and four-legged athletes will do America proud! Many thanks to our amazing support crew who will be helping our athletes achieve personal bests in the upcoming competitions.”
CDIO competition gets underway Thursday with the Grand Prix and continues on Saturday with the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. All three tests will be used to determine the team results.
In addition, U.S. athletes will contest CDI3* competition with Shelly Francis on Patricia Stempel’s Danilo, Brian Hafner on Rebecca Hafner and his own Lombardo LHF, and Tuny Page on her own Alina. These pairs present for inspection on Thursday and begin competition on Friday.
Also competing for the stars and stripes, as part of the USEF Developing Dressage Program are CDIU25 combinations of Chase Hickok and Hyperion Farm’s Sagacious HF and Genay Vaughn and Starr Vaughn Equestrian’s Donarweiss GGF. USEF Dressage Developing Coach Debbie McDonald will be on hand to coach these combinations.
Rotterdam Start Times and Results
CDIO-Y Hagen
Rising stars Catherine Chamberlain and Kimberly Pribble’s Avesto Van Weltevreden and Ayden Uhlir on her own Sjapoer will compete for both team and individual accolades beginning with the team test on Thursday. Chamberlain and Uhlir have experienced great success as juniors and young riders, each earning Individual Gold medals at the FEI/Adequan North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. USEF Dressage Youth Coach, George Williams will serve as Chef d’Equipe.
"I strongly believe the overall goal of the USEF youth program is an investment in our future,” said Williams. “For the long term international success of the U.S., it is crucial that we are able to bring Young Riders to competitions like Future Champions at Hagen. I am grateful for the sponsorship and support that allows us to introduce our Young Riders and their horses to the European dressage world. For us, first and foremost, it is about the experience. I'm excited as this is the first time ever we have brought a Young Rider team to Europe. I would be happy with our two riders being in the top ten."
Hagen Start Times and Results
The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members. Without the support of these organizations and individuals, it would not be possible to provide such support to the athletes competing abroad. The USEF is especially grateful to individuals who give generously of their time and money to support the equestrian teams.