University of Connecticut Fall '23

The Dressage Team arose for a 6:15 am departure and drove to UCONN after a quick stop at Dunkin'. We were very sad to hear our fleet van was put out of commission so instead we carpooled. We had planned to listen to our awesome fleet van playlist as a group, so I at least made sure my car was. Alas, we shall save it for UNH...

Kate started the day off at First Level with a ride on Lola the TB who was quite particular about rider choice. Kate worked hard to establish harmony and connection with Lola, but alas, Lola just didn't want to be there yesterday. Absolute hats off to Kate for her gorgeous free walk and a 6th place finish!

Next, I rode Gunther in Upper Training, a horse that I wanted to bring home. He was such a perfect boy. I worked on establishing stretch in his neck, correct flexion in his barrel, and impulsion for a 2nd place finish with a 68.103%.

In Lower Training, Evie redeemed her IDA record with a fabulous ride on our favorite boy Nightstar! Evie worked on willingness of impulsion without setting off his ticker for a 2nd place finish as well!

Lastly, Becks represented the team in Intro with a great ride on Tardy, who loves to live for her name. Becks worked on establishing flexion and bending for a 5th place finish!

Then we moved into a very long DSE session with 8 classes, 2 of each level. We got to meet UCONN's polo horses (so cute!) during this session. Having multiple classes allowed for optimal opportunities for our riders to earn DSE qualifying scores for Nationals.

For First Level DSE, Lila slayed her way around on the difficult Stripe for a 6th place in class 1, and then snatched a 2nd place riding the fabulous Joy in class 2! A special kudos goes out to Lila for riding 2, 20 minute DSE classes in a row!

For Upper Training DSE, Cléa piloted Suma for a 3rd place finish in class 1 and then killed the competition in class 2 for a 1st place finish on Mystique!

For Lower Training DSE, Gillian made her IDA debut riding Suma for a 4th place finish in class 1 and then also rode Mystique in class 2 for a 3rd place finish!

For Intro DSE, our Toni showed the development of frame on Mo for a 4th place finish in class 1 and then crushed the competition in class 2 for a 1st place finish on Excal!