Betsy Steiner and Kathy Connelly will be among the experts offering audio commentary to Dressage with the Experts participants at the upcoming Dressage at Devon, September 23-28. Dressage with the Experts allows participants to listen, through radio-equipped audio headsets to what a top trainer or judge is saying about what is going on before them, hoof fall by hoof fall in the arena. It is an opportunity for those who know little about the sport to increase their understanding of the movements, and a chance for the seasoned spectator to gain insight into the nuances of the discipline. The process is enhanced by the real-time posting of scores for each movement on the electronic scoreboard. Dressage with the Experts is sponsored by Hampton Green Farm.
Participants rent the audio sets for a day and then tune in for the classes they are interested in learning about. There is a special section of the grandstand set aside for Dressage with the Experts participants, but reception is available throughout the showgrounds. Dressage at Devon Chair Jim Hall said, “Dressage with the Experts is always popular, and we have been fortunate in recent years to be able to expand the number of headsets to accommodate even more spectators.”
Organizer Frances Keller is thrilled with the panel of experts that have volunteered to participate this year. “Betsy Steiner, along with her daughter and partner, Jessie, should offer a fascinating commentary for the grand prix freestyle,” she said.
Along with Steiner, a grand prix champion and prominent coach are Kathy Connelly, also a grand prix champion; top trainer Bob Orton; dressage competitor and United States Dressage Federation “R” judge Elsie Kellerman; longtime “C” judge and scribe for top world competitions Johanna Gwinn; and judge, trainer and competitor Richard Ellis.
Dressage with the Experts will be offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $35 for one day, $50 for two days and $65 for three days, and will be available at the Dressage with the Experts gazebo in the Festival area of the show grounds.
The tentative schedule for Dressage with the Experts is:
Friday, 2 p.m., Bob Orton: FEI Grand Prix Qualifier for Grand Prix Special
7 p.m., Kathy Connelly: FEI Grand Prix Qualifier for Grand Prix Freestyle
Saturday, Noon, Elsie Kellerman: FEI Intermediaire I
4 p.m., Richard Ellis: FEI Young Rider Individual Test
8 p.m., Betsy and Jessie Steiner: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle
Sunday, 8:45 a.m., Johanna Gwinn: FEI Grand Prix Special
10 a.m., Johanna Gwinn: FEI Young Rider Freestyle
Dressage at Devon is one of the highest rated international dressage competitions and most complete breed show outside of Europe. Olympic medalist Robert Dover calls it “the standard by which all American horse shows should be judged.” Dressage at Devon takes place at the Devon Horse Show Grounds, Route 30, in Devon, PA, September 23-28. For more information on Dressage at Devon, please visit www.dressageatdevon.org.