The Global Dressage Festival also welcomed their first Para-Equestrian competitor, Jody Schloss, 39, of Toronto, Canada. Schloss scored impressively in both of her classes on Tuesday riding Inspector Rebus. The pair received 74.118% in the FEI Para Test of Choice and 75.500% in the FEI Para Freestyle Test of Choice.

Schloss rode her first horse at 11-years of age. She left the sport for a while, but then returned to riding as part of her therapy following her injury in 1996. She has only been competing on "Rebus" for one year and is classified to ride in the Grade 1A level, which is for the Para-Dressage rider with the most significant level of impairment. She trains with Jessica Rhinelander while wintering in Wellington.
 
On Wednesday, March 7, Schloss had another great test at the GDF capturing the highest score of the day. She and Inspector Rebus earned 72.500% in the FEI Para Test of Choice class. Schloss' mom, Gail, who was on hand to watch her daughter compete, said that Jody really enjoyed the show.

"She was very happy with her tests today and yesterday," said Gail. "She also appreciated that the venue was wheelchair accessible. It was very easy for her to get around."

Schloss has qualified for the 2012 Paralympics in London and is aiming for a position on the Canadian team.

Ilse Schwarz rode Gaye and Joseph Scarpa's Don Joseph to the second highest score on Wednesday receiving 72.258% in the USEF First Level Test 3-Open.