During the pair’s final test the judges commented that they were extremely impressed with Warsteiner’s willing attitude and awarded him a score of 8.5 for both overall impression and submission. He was awarded scores of 7.5 for walk, 8.4 for trot and 7.8 for canter. Additional judges’ comments during the selection trial were: “active and uphill”, “great rideability”, “absolutely focused and looking willing and happy in his work” and “trainable horse with strong ability for self-carriage”.

This win qualifies the pair to compete at the 2009 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships that will be held at Dressage at Lamplight, Wayne Illinois August 21-23, 2009. The Young Horse Dressage Program “promotes the importance of selective breeding and correct training of horses in the United States, and encourages participation of breeders, riders and trainers of young horses in dressage competition. The purposes of this program is to encourage the properly structured development of young dressage prospects through the training scale; to identify and recognize outstanding talent and the training of international-caliber horses; and to prepare these horses for future careers at the FEI level and participation on U.S. High Performance teams” (United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. 18-JUN-2009 http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allDressage/2004yhProgram.aspx).

For more information about Heather, visit www.flyingchangefarm.com.

Photo: Copyright SusanJStickle.com

Heather Mason aboard Warsteiner.