Saturday, May 27, 2006

On the Scene at Dressage at Flintridge 2006
Photos and Text By Charlene Strickland

Ashley Schempp Wins Young Rider Team Test

College student Ashley Schempp proved her partnership with Mowgli, earning praise from trainer, Steffen Peters: “In the warmup, it seemed like she really did her homework.”

“We have both learned together,” said Schempp, of Encinitas, California. Her 12-year-old Dutch gelding had been at third level when she first worked with Peters at a clinic. She moved to the Peters barn in October 2005, and started college at nearby Mira Costa Community College.

“For the Prix St. Georges, we've worked mainly on the pirouettes, and his left half pass,” said Schempp. She appreciates her horse's attitude, saying he is “a very sweet, generous horse.”

That temperament has been why “Mo” progressed to Prix St. Georges. Peters noted, It's neat to get a horse to that level, because he has a good attitude. He wasn't the most supple, yet she made the horse extremely ridable.”

Schempp added, “His conformation isnt the greatest. He has a short neck, and his croup is high. But he is a good guy. Not a lot fazes him, and you can really trust him.”

She moved south from northern California, to train with Peters. “His teaching is great.” Majoring in kinesiology, she's able to combine her college career with dressage. She also has support from her parents, who after the Team Test took over Mo's coolout. And she'll celebrate her 19th birthday at the show on Sunday.