A star-studded roster of riders will compete for three days, December 1-3, 2006, in the Fifth Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage at the National in Wellington, FL. The prestigious dressage show is featured, along with the country’s top hunters and jumpers at the 123rd National Horse Show and Family Festival, which runs November 29-December 3 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.
Topnotch riders from around the world and their world-class mounts are entered in the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) classes, including Lars Petersen of Denmark with Dacardo; Shannon Dueck of Canada aboard Control; Marco Bernal of Colombia with Cascade 23, Halbgott and Diamore; Patrick Burssens of Mexico on Dark Secret; and Werner Van Den Brande of Belgium on Mastermind.
These seasoned international competitors are up against an outstanding contingent of U.S. professionals, including Katherine Bateson-Chandler aboard Collo 5 and Nibbett B; Jan Brons with Cardou and Jourdan; Melissa Taylor on Schumacker; Nancy Later with Alexis-D; Melissa Jackson on Wellington 248; Susan Dutta and Gumshoes DC; and Bent Jensen with Liberty Light. FEI classes will also be hotly contested by well-known circuit riders from the adult amateur ranks, including Janne Rumbough riding her Gorron GF and Karin Reid-Offield on Welt Adel.
The grand prix will provide a preview of contenders for the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) regional championships, as several excellent riders have declared the class as one of their qualifying scores, including Tara Stegen with New Tango, Bethany Peslar on More Magic and Betsy Rebar-Sell aboard Wonderful Walden.
In addition to the FEI classes, Dressage at the National showcases riders and horses at every level, from training to grand prix. Many of the topnotch trainers and riders will be making multiple trips to the rings with several horses at various levels. Wellington-based Australian Ilse Schwarz will be making the most trips down center line over the weekend having entered multiple classes with three horses—Pete Noir in the first-level ranks, Cadenza in the young horse class for four, five and six year olds and second level classes, and Daylight in the third level slots.
Wrapping up this year’s edition of Dressage at the National on December 3, riders will turn up the volume for “Freestyle Sunday.” Spectacular musical kurs will be presented at several levels, including young riders, with the Grand Prix Freestyles capping off the show as riders piaffe, passage, and half-pass to unique soundtracks and choreography.
Officiating over the rings at the Fifth Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage at the National will be Betsy Berrey (‘S’); Sarah Geikie (‘S’); and Sharon Poulin (‘S’).
For a complete schedule of riders and ride times, visit Stadium Jumping’s official website at www.stadiumjumping.com.
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