Friday January 30, 2004

Shondel Successfully Moves into the Adult Ranks With 70.667%

The move from the Young Rider ranks to the adult ring is usually a tough one, but Michael Shondel, team gold medalist at the 2003 North American Young Riders Championships, has been making it look easy. With his reliable partner Wallaby, Michael scored a 70.667% to win the CDI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle at the 2004 Gold Coast Opener CDI January 23-25.

Wallaby is a 13-year old Hanoverian gelding by Werther out of Gordola and stands at a massive 18.2 hands.

While Michael enjoyed his time as a Young Rider, he has been looking forward to the next step in his riding career. “I was very excited to show this season,” Michael said. “It's fun to just get out there and compete. There's no pressure to make a team; I can focus on continuing to improve my riding.” In addition to his commitment to dressage, Michael is in the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Training Program. After he finishes college he hopes to ride for the U.S. Marines. “Nothing would make me prouder than to canter down centerline in my military uniform,” he explained.