The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program kicked off 2006 with the first of three official selection trials at the CDI***/Y Cincinnati and Spring Classic I & II, held May 12-14, at Paxton Farm in Batavia, OH. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Central Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the region's most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for Verden, Germany. Claiming the Six-Year-Old Selection Trial Championship with an overall two-test score of 7.644 was Grande Crimson, a chestnut Canadian Warmblood mare (Rio Grande x Ruby II; bred in Canada by Canterbrooke Farm) and ridden to victory by C. Michelle Folden of Greensboro, NC, for owner Andrea Driscoll of Johns Island, SC. The next USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Selection Trial will be held in Flintridge-La Canada, CA, May 26-28, followed by Raleigh, NC, June 2-4.

~~~