Wednesday September 10, 2003

2003 Dressage at Stone Tavern

Michael Shondel Balances Young Riders and Military Obligations

Michael Shondel's deepest desire is to someday ride in military uniform for his country at international level. "I want to show in the Marines Corps uniform but I need to get them to sponsor me (as the Corps does for members who wrestle, box and drive race cars) before I do it," said the Kinnelon, NJ college junior who returns for more military training this summer.

An Officers' Candidate School trainee in the service, he can be commissioned as a second lieutenant when the business administration major graduates from college.

For now, the 21-year-old added some finishing touches to his junior career. He and his Wallaby (Werther - Gordola) swept the FEI Young Riders' individual test (69.744), the FEI team test (68.370), and the FEI Kur (71.375) at Stone Tavern.

He and his Hanoverian gelding had just come from the North American Young Riders Championships. As the fourth highest placed individual rider at the under-21 finals, Shondel helped his squad get the team Gold Medal.

Related Links
Scores: National Young Horse Championships (.pdf file)
Beemer and Fabrice-S, 2003 American Young Horse Champions
Region Three Wins Team Gold with Michael Shondel In the Lead After Team Test
James Armstrong and Gustaaf are good for the Blue