Wednesday May 2, 2004

Detroit Dressage 2004 - A Zada Enterprises, LLC Sponsored Show

Rebecca Hart, High Point American Champion in the IPEC Olympic Qualifier

Detroit Dressage organizer Patrice Schreiber responded enthusiastically to a request to offer an IPEC Olympic qualifier. IPEC is the international governing body for equestrian sports for riders with disabilities. Many international riders, such as the Canadian IPEC riders, required one more 2004 Athens qualifier. Schreiber said, "Everyone should have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. IPEC classes should be regularly part of all shows." The National Disabilities Sports Alliance sent Denise Alvolio as Steward to Detroit Dressage. Seven riders from Canada, the U.S. and the Philippines competed the 2 and 3 level tests with confidence through wind and rain, many on borrowed horses.

High point American rider was Rebecca Hart , 19, a regional contender for an American team spot. A mark of 72.778 in the NDSA/IPEC International Qualifier capped an already qualified position, earning Rebecca Hart a berth as 1st Alternate to the Olympic team.

Her Holsteiner Lego, 9, won the Kingsley Inn Cup for best Freestyle to Music score. Hart's card was dotted with 9's and 10's. "I didn't need this ride to qualify," said Hart, "but it was a nice last positioning ride."

In early 2003, a determined Hart moved from Erie, Pa. to SouthBend, Indiana to train at Linda Frisch's Oleo Acres. Working to qualify, Hart looked for the right horse. Only 3 weeks before trials, her father's friend offered her the elegant bay Lego. Fritsch knew this Latvian-born gelding, and felt he was the right one. "I knew we had to re-train. But he has a great mind and Rebecca and I and trainer Geroge Schrimpt changed him, getting him forward." Hart added, "We think he's one of the best mounts available to the Americans."