Monday, June 4, 2006

CDI***/Y Dressage at Raleigh 2006
On the Scene for DressageDaily by Sue Smithson

Young Dressage Horses Take Center Stage at CDI***/Y Dressage at Raleigh 2006

The USEF Markel Young Horse Eastern Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships drew an impressive group of five and six year old horses for the final of three U.S. selection trials. “The quality here is very exciting,” said Markel’s John Seger.

Both the five and six year old class winners from Saturday’s preliminary test (weighted 40% for the championship) not only held their lead, but widened their margins in Sunday’s final (weighted 60%). In fact, all eleven five year olds were more settled in the coliseum today, and scores from the judging panel of Ann Gribbons, Natalie Lamping, and Jane Weatherwax reflected this.

Teresa Butta-Stanton’s Unitas (Niagara - Nellyzora X Harald) was uphill, balanced and powerful to earn a 9.3 on his trot and a 9.0 on general impressions for a final average of 87.6.

“He felt even better today,” said Butta-Stanton. “He was right with me the whole time.”

Butta-Stanton, a full time trainer based in Maryland, bought the horse off a video tape two years ago on the advice of friend and importer Mike Norwood. She gets occasional help from Scott Hassler, but said Unitas has been easy. “He really wants to do it, he’s always trying.”

Peter Ruig's Up To Date, a Dutch gelding by Flemming H, was reserve champion five year old with Jan Brons of Florida riding. His scores, all mid to high 80’s, were as consistent as his performances. The judges admired the horse’s balance and collectibility.

Twelve qualified six-year olds scratched down to six by showtime, but the division was certainly not lacking in quality. Tim Dutta Corporation’s Currency DC earned a 9.0 on his loose and fluid trot to help boost his overall score to 87 on his finale test. The judges remarked “This is a fabulous talent for the future. The highlight of the test was the lateral work, wonderful shoulder-ins.”

It was a good day for Dutta’s German business partner, Guido Klatte and his wife Britte. Both the champion and reserve champion six year olds were purchased out if Klatte’s barn - Currency DC, and Diamante Farms’ Don Angelo. Michelle Gibson piloted the big dark bay Don Larino stallion to the reserve championship with a 80.4 today. The judges were impressed with his power and presence.

The top five placings in each division split $2,000 in prize money for their efforts, and the winners from the Eastern, Western, and Central selection trials will be ranked for the selection committee to decide who will represent the U.S. at Verden, Germany this August for the FEI World Breeding Championships. It was interesting to note that of the 17 finalists in Raleigh, there were no mares, and only one horse was bred in the U.S. - Joanne Balling’s Donegal, ridden by Hokan Thorn.