Articles: Press Release
Rebecca Hart and Norteassa Defend Title to Win 2009 Cavalor/USEF
Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship
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
By Stacey Meier
Lexington, KY Rebecca Hart has had quite an eventful year. In 2008, she won
her first National Championship aboard Norteassa in May, 2008, and then the
pair went on to Hong Kong to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games and barely
missed winning an Individual medal. This year, Hart bested 16 other riders
to defend her title as 2009 Cavalor/United States Equestrian Federation
(USEF) Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. The championship returned
to the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, May 15 through Sunday, May
17.
In addition, the National Championship was held concurrently with the
Lamplight CDI; and for the first time ever in the US, a CPEDI3* was held,
which is a FEI International Para-Equestrian Dressage competition. Four
nations were represented, including Ireland, Mexico, Canada and the US.
I was excited at the turnout and growth of the championship, said Pam Lane,
USEFs Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting. The championship has doubled
the number of entries from last year with riders from all over the United
States. Weve also added a title sponsor to the event, Cavalor, whose support
contributed to the success of the championship and the future of
Para-Equestrian. This goes to prove that the program is growing and is on
the right track.
Twenty-four year old Hart, from Erie, PA, finished with a final score was
71.665% aboard Norteassa, her 16-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding. Holly
Bergay, of Tucson, AZ, took the Reserve Championship title with a final
score of 65.618% riding Grand Ballerina, a 15-year-old bay Oldenburg mare
owned by Robin Garrett. This was Bergays first time competing in the
Para-Equestrian National Championships and is being guided by trainer and
Olympian Debbie MacDonald.
I was really, really happy with my horse the entire weekend, said Hart. Even
thought the weather conditions werent optimal, he just went out, was
relaxed, was happy and really did his job for me. I couldnt have asked for
anything more from him. I was really excited to be able to hold on to my
title, which was very nice.
Hart said that Norteassa is normally bothered by inclement weather, but it
was not a factor for him this time.
He was really goodhe just totally keyed into me, said Hart. Normally he can
get a little upset with the weather and that kind of thing when it is not
perfect, but he just stayed so focused throughout the entire test. He didnt
care about the footing or the mud or the rain. I was just so proud of
him. He really settled down and did his job.
Both Hart and Bergay will receive a beautiful cooler from Cavalor. In
addition, Cavalor donated gift certificates to the top three finishers:
Champion Rebecca Hart received $2,500; Reserve Champion Holly Bergay
received $1,500; and third place finisher Barb Grassmyer was given $1,000.
As Title Sponsor of the USEF Para-Equestrian National Championship and
CPEDI***, Cavalor was developed by Nutriquine NV (a Belgian company) in
close cooperation with veterinarians, scientists and specialists of
equestrian sports. Nutriquines Cavalor offers a complete line of
supplements, care and feed products to address the diverse needs and
requirements of top sport horses and breeding stables. For more information
on Cavalor, please visit www.cavalor.com.
For the complete results, please visit www.dressageshowinfo.com. For more
information about Para-Equestrian, please contact Pam Lane, USEF Director of
Para-Equestrian and Vaulting, at plane@usef.org or (908) 326-1153.
ENDS
The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide
leadership
for equestrian sport in the United States of America by 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 human and equine athletes.
WWW.USEF.ORG |
