Lexington, Ky. – Nov. 8, 2017 – With more than 390 entries representing all nine United States Dressage Federation (USDF) regions and 38 states plus the District of Columbia, US Dressage Finals kicks off Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Competitors will vie for national titles across 30 different Open and Adult Amateur divisions.
Complete daily schedules and ride times are available now. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, download competition information, review entry lists, purchase tickets to special events, and sign up to receive news and updates, visit the official event website at http://www.usdressagefinals.com.
“This is our first time competing at the US Dressage Finals! It’s very exciting. All these years trying and finally getting here. It will be a lot of fun. We traveled from Lincoln, Nebraska.” – Stacey Knox and Fernando V, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding will compete in the First Level Adult Amateur Championships
“We were here last year for Third Level and we were reserve champions. It feels great to be back. We got here this afternoon and he feels great. This show is a lot of fun. We have been working hard on the changes – the tempis finally became good and solid this year. Working on getting stronger and playing with half steps. He’s young so working on his strength and his brain. He’s a little hot and spooky. He was champion at his regionals so we are excited to be here.” – Lisa Rush and Finestep HW, an 8-year-old Westphalian gelding will be competing in the Fourth Level Adult Amateur Championship, the Fourth Level Adult Amateur Freestyle Championship and Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Championships
“This is his third year here at the Finals. His first year showing was in 2014 and we actually made it here in First, placing 5th, and Training Level, finishing in 10th his first year. We’ve been working on more collection. He’s always been a bit timid so having him be bolder and confident.” – Kari Schmitt and Recess, an 8-year-old Swedish Warmblood, will compete in the Second Level Open Championship and the Third Level Open Championship
“I competed here in 2013 and 2015, and coached a student in 2014. This is her first year out showing and we’ve been partners for the last two years. She’s getting alot of exposure, going and getting her to trust me in new environments. She’s a lot of talent!” – Brianna Zwilling and For Dea Bella, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, will compete in the Training Level Open Championship
“I made the trip from Utah! I’ve been here with a student but this is my first time here competing myself. Lots of schooling and trying to get better over time. I’ve been trying to get them used to things they may see or run into here.” – Trisha Kerwin-Bell and Donathena, a 5-year-old American Warmblood mare, will compete in the Training Level Open Championship. She will also be competing Daturo II, an 11-year-old Andalusian gelding, in the Grand Prix Open Championship and Grand Prix Open Freestyle Championship.
“I have been to Finals before. This is his second year here and my third year in a row. We’ve been working on alot to get here this year. I have two horses here. It takes alot of practice. It’s a big venue for a young horse and getting him out, while keeping him happy and healthy. He’s a pretty good show horse for being young!” – Kristen Becker and Amadeus, a 6-year-old Oldenburg gelding, will compete in the Second Level Open Championship and Second Level Open Freestyle Championship
“This year was actually my second regionals ever. This year was significantly better than last year, so we ended up doing two championship classes at regionals, then got to nationals with those two classes. It’s pretty exciting! We started off getting his basics really good because they were a little lacking when I got him, and once we did that everything started coming together. We have been able to focus more on his collection and getting him to be more on the aids and come back a little easier and correctly. We are both learning at the same time. Sometimes it doesn’t happen how I want it to, but it’s a process and it’s much better than I thought it would be at this point.” – Maia Barnes and Benvica, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, will compete in Fourth Level Adult Amateur Championship and Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur Championship.
“This is my first Finals with him, and we have been working on all the First and Second Level work. He won the Second Level Freestyle and was fourth in First Level at regionals. His walk and canter are his strong suits!” – Elizabeth Campbell and Fedon-Rubin Royal, a 7-year-old KWPN gelding, will compete in the First Level Open Championship and the Second Level Open Freestyle Championship.
“This is our first time competing in regionals and nationals. We’ve been working on all the baby stuff to get here. Breaking, riding and obedience, and having something that looks a little prettier than just obedience. He has really good gaits, a good brain and he’s not spooky.” – Kelsey Broecker and Bonavento, a 4-year-old Trakehner traveled from Texas to compete in Training Level Open Championship.