HorseWeb: Gateway to the Equine World on the Internet HorseWeb Horse Links Manage Links Classified Ads Manage Ads Calendar
In the Spotlight
Dover Saddlery The Equestrian Shoppe
EquiRegister.com ScratchNAll.com
RickeyD's Professional Horse Training
Search the links:
Search the classifieds:

Classifieds Advanced Search
 
Top Viewed Pages
Horse Ads: Horses For Sale
Horse Ads: Quarter Horses
Horse Ads: Tennessee Walkers
Top Viewed Classified Ads
Missing his best friend
Private Home on 24.30 +/- acres
BRAND NEW! 3 Horse Stall BARN For Sale!

Horse News

HorseWeb Horse News:  Lauren Hough and Quick Study Speed to $75,000 Double H Farm International Open Jumper Victory at the Alltech National Horse Show Lauren Hough and Quick Study Speed to $75,000 Double H Farm International Open Jumper Victory at the Alltech National Horse Show

HorseWeb Horse News:  Belgium's Nicola Philippaerts and Cortez Win $50,000 Triumph Project Welcome Stake at Alltech National Horse Show Belgium's Nicola Philippaerts and Cortez Win $50,000 Triumph Project Welcome Stake at Alltech National Horse Show

HorseWeb Horse News:  Elizabeth Boyd and Casallo Showcase Winning Ways for Professional Hunter Grand Championship at Alltech National Horse Show Elizabeth Boyd and Casallo Showcase Winning Ways for Professional Hunter Grand Championship at Alltech National Horse Show

HorseWeb Horse News:  Burnett and Husain Win National Titles at Dansko
Fair Hill International on the Strength of Clear Jumping Rounds Burnett and Husain Win National Titles at Dansko Fair Hill International on the Strength of Clear Jumping Rounds

Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Jumps Two Places and Finishes Sixth at Boekelo

Fairclough, Stroud, O'Brien and Maye Clinch National Titles

Jacob Pope Claims Opening Day Lead at 2012 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East

HorseWeb Horse News:  Luke Olsen Earns Top Slot in Upcoming ASPCA Maclay Finals at Alltech National Horse Show Luke Olsen Earns Top Slot in Upcoming ASPCA Maclay Finals at Alltech National Horse Show

HorseWeb Horse News:  Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino Make History at the American Gold Cup Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino Make History at the American Gold Cup

HorseWeb Horse News:  Samantha Harrison Wins 2012 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals West Samantha Harrison Wins 2012 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals West

HorseWeb Horse News:  Meg O'Mara Finesses the Course to Secure the ASPCA Maclay Regionals at Southeast Medal Finals Meg O'Mara Finesses the Course to Secure the ASPCA Maclay Regionals at Southeast Medal Finals

HorseWeb Horse News: Laura Kraut and Cedric Cash In at the GCT Grand Prix of Switzerland Laura Kraut and Cedric Cash In at the GCT Grand Prix of Switzerland

HorseWeb Horse News:  Christine McCrea And Romantovich Take One Lead the Way in $50,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier Christine McCrea And Romantovich Take One Lead the Way in $50,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier

HorseWeb Horse News:  $200,000 American Gold Cup Title Goes to Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino $200,000 American Gold Cup Title Goes to Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino

HorseWeb Horse News:  Jonathan McCrea Sails In For the Win In the 1.45m Speed Stake Aboard Twisther in Day Two of The American Gold Cup Jonathan McCrea Sails In For the Win In the 1.45m Speed Stake Aboard Twisther in Day Two of The American Gold Cup

HorseWeb Horse News:  Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy Sweep the High Performance Hunters at 66th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy Sweep the High Performance Hunters at 66th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show

More Horse News
Horse News Archives


Browse Links
Last Update:
Sat May 18 09:05 2013 MST
Articles, Literature & Publications
Associations & Organizations
Breeds & Breeders
Chat Rooms
Events, Shows, Clinics, Etc
Facilities, Stables & Farms
Internet Horse Resource Pages
Livestock & Barnyard Pets
Mailing Lists/Listservs
Newsgroups, Forums & Message Boards
Personal Pages
Places of Interest
Products
Services
Sports/Disciplines/Trail Riding
Therapeutic Riding
Vacations, Travel


Browse All Ads
Last Update:
Sat May 18 08:39 2013 MST
Horses For Sale
Stallion Standing
Boarding
Real Estate
Trucks & Trailers
Tack & Equipment
Clothing/Apparel
Farriers
Training
Services
Art, Books, Gifts, Etc.


Articles: Press Release


Team USA Takes Gold Medal in XV Pan American Games Dressage Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil




Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2007

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-Gold is definitely a color that looks good on the necks of Americans equestrian athletes, and Team USA's dressage squad were the first to have the honor to wear it among the three disciplines invited to the XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. The three-member team comprised of Lauren Sammis, Katherine Poulin-Neff and Christopher Hickey finished their combined work to bring home the top honors in the dressage team final on Sunday at Deodoro Stadium and the National Equestrian Center, July 15.

Two Americans entered the dressage arena on Sunday to add to the Saturday score laid down by Lauren Sammis, who stood at first coming into the second day of dressage and final day of the team competition. Thirteen pairings entered the ring this morning, and the American team ended their work with an average score of 68.633%. Canada took the Silver medal (67.250%) and the host country-Brazil-was awarded the Bronze medals on a score of 64.933%.

To add to the excitement, after two rides for both the Americans and the Canadians, there was only a two-tenths difference in the total scores deciding the team medal.

Poulin-Neff was the first of the Americans to enter, and aboard Brilliant Too, she scored a 66.550%, very respectable for a horse that had yet to experience the atmosphere of such a large event.

"I felt good about the test," she said. "There was one little mistake at the end-a flying change. I corrected it, but overall he [Brilliant Too] felt good. I thought he would be more nervous in there...but, overall, I was really happy."

"I'll be more relaxed next time," she said, referring to the upcoming Individual finals. Overall, the pairing finished the Individual 1st Qualifier in sixth place.

Then, the Gold medal came down to the scores for Hickey and Canadian Andrea Bresee aboard Raffles.

Hickey and Regent wrapped up the American effort and scored a 69.150%, which sat them in second place overall. Bresee's 65.250% secured the Silver for her country.

"I made a few little mistakes, and part of those were rider error...going for it a little too much," said Hickey. "But, I'm very happy with our ending score, and to be able to represent the U.S. team. We've had a wonderful time here in Brazil."

Hickey's mount, Regent, was fresh entering the ring today, and the rider was cautious not to over-warm-up the horse. However, some gutsy chances were taken during the test and a resulting few mistakes were made.

"I was a little overzealous trying to make him more expressive, and I could have ridden him a little calmer," said Hickey. "That is one place where I rode too much, and tried to make him higher in the neck and little more forward over the ground with more expression. It didn't work today." Regardless, his efforts were enough to secure the medal.

Sammis spoke for the team when she shared her enthusiasm for the competition and her appreciation. "The way that this show has been run has been fantastic, and the reception from the people has been fantastic," she said. "We are so very grateful to be here as a team."

Team USA chef d'equipe Klaus Balkenhol was obviously pleased.

"Considering that all of these riders are riding in a large international event for the first time, each and every one did a fantastic job," said Balkenhol. "I am thrilled that these riders were able to get the Gold medal. I also want to thank to everyone-the grooms and the others who worked together...that's really important."

Looking toward the Individual competition, Sammis said that she was ready and was fortunate to be competing on her mount, Sagacious HF (an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Hyperion Farm, Inc.). "I have a wonderful horse, and I would take a bad day on that horse any day," she said, thrilled with her Team Gold medal.

Poulin-Neff said that she showed come nerves in her Pan American debut, as did her mount, the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood/Thoroughbred cross gelding owned by Sharon Poulin. However, this was to be expected on such a stage.

"I'm happy with the way it went," she said. "We'll be less nervous here tomorrow. Being here, overall, has been really great, and we have such a wonderful support group here helping us...It has been absolutely wonderful."

"Tomorrow, I'll be a bit bolder, and the Intermediaire I is our better test," said Poulin-Neff.

Hickey, too, shared this appreciation, specifically for all those that have helped him get to this level in his career.

"I'd like to start by saying that we are very thankful that at the USEF [United States Equestrian Federation] we have a very strong organizing body that makes the decision and makes all the arrangements, for everything at the USET Foundation. From our team leader Gil Merrick and Jim Wolf, down to the people in the office, and our team vet and, of course, Klaus, our chef," he said.

Hickey looked forward to Monday's first Individual challenge. "Tomorrow, he and I will have been in that arena once...so I will still ride boldly, but with a little bit more care."

He took an opportunity to joke about the rest of competition, which now has the riders competing as individuals. "Now, the gloves come off!" he said. "We will stay play nice, but we are here to play for medals!"

As for Sammis, she plans for more of what she has already shown the dressage fans at Deodoro. "We'll stay true to the training that I have," she said. "I've been very consistent, so it's the same game plan. Keep smiling and keep on track."

The two-day Individual finals begin on Monday with the Intermediaire I and wraps up on Wednesday with the Intermediaire freestyle.

Brian Sosby

ENDS

As the National Governing Body (NGB) of Equestrian Sport, the United States Equestrian Federation(r), Inc. (USEF) is the regulatory body for 28 breeds and disciplines, including our country's international teams competing in the disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian, reining, show jumping and vaulting. With over 87,000 members, it is the country's largest multi-breed organization and annually license more than 2,800 competitions nationwide. The USEF governs all aspects of competition, including education and licensing of all judges, stewards, and technical delegates who officiate shows.

Vision Statement: The vision of United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.