Friday September 3, 2004

Halasz and Ahern Among the Winners at Dressage in the Rockies

For the first time, Dressage in the Rockies offered three separate shows. The always-popular show drew riders from several states to the Colorado Horse Park. Amateurs, juniors and top professionals competed in the four-ring show that also featured top sport horses at the USDF Cosequin Sport Horse Breed Show.

Simone Ahern claimed the Overall High Point Championship at show three, as well as the Lower Level High Point Championship with a 74.231% aboard her own Ravenelli’s Wizard, a six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Ahern, a professional trainer from Peyton, Colorado, explained that victories were especially rewarding because Ravenelli is the first horse she has purchased that she intends to keep. “He’s a very special horse and always tries hard,” she said. The pair won both the open training level test four and first level test two during show three.

Another multiple class winner was Kelsey Propp with her horse Caboose. The pair won all six classes they entered and were the Lower Level Junior High Point Champions for show one and Reserve Champions for show two. High score among their six blue ribbons occurred during show two when they finished with a 70.385%.

Caboose, by Columbus, was originally a hunter, but was transformed into a dressage horse with help from Maureen McGrady. Propp has been riding the horse for almost a year and is very pleased with the change in his temperament from rogue to winner. “He has transformed into a hard working, talented horse that will not settle for anything else but a first place,” Propp said with a laugh.

Sue Halasz, of Parker, rode several horses to championship honors, including Julius, winner of two grand prix classes and a FEI High Point Championship. Dressage in the Rockies was Julius’ first show back after a nearly life-ending injury. Halasz was also successful with Crooked Willow Farm’s Grannius II. The Hanoverian stallion by Graf Grannus earned two Upper Level High Point Championships and was also the Champion Stallion at the USDF Cosequin Sport Horse Breed Show. Additionally Halasz earned a High Point Reserve Championship with Inca.

Markel Insurance once again sponsored the high point awards. For complete show results visit www.coloradohorsepark.com. For all of your horse insurance check out the Online Insurance Tour and get a quote for FREE offered Mary Phelps, a Markel Equine Specialist.

Photos Copyrighted: D. Peitzman

Related Links
Horsesdaily "On the Scene" at 2003 Dressage in the Rockies
USDF Horse of the Year 2001, Julius and Sue Halasz
1998 Dressage in the Rockies