Tuesday October 30, 2003

Dressage Exhibition at Metropolitan National Horse Show In New York City

Hunters and dressage started off the Metropolitan National Horse Show at Pier 94 and the Show Piers on the Hudson Complex in New York City, NY. The show runs from October 29 to November 2. Started in 1883, this is the 120th year for the National Horse Show Association of America.

Culminating the first day of the competition was the evening dressage exhibition. The Continental Cup was run as a musical freestyle team competition. Three teams each of four riders were represented by Grand Prix, Intermediaire, Young Rider, and Pony Level. Taking first place were Isabelle Leibler on Get the Picture, Elisabeth Austin on Hierarch, Silke Rembacz riding Connecticut, and Sue Jaccoma on Jellowa. Also riding were Rachel Chowanec, Julie McKean, Marissa Mastronardi, Michael Shondel, Katie Riley, Cesar Parra, Anne Gribbons, and Ashley Holzer.

Austin, of Williston, VT, was surprised by how enthusiastically the crowd received the dressage exhibition. "It was amazing to feel the support and excitement from the crowd. Some dressage movements that we take for granted absolutely awed them. I was a bit worried about my horse's reaction to the applause, but the highlight of the evening was during our extended trot when the audience cheered us on. This caused him to try even harder. He's the best and I couldn't be happier with our performance."

Related Links
Who's Who: Cesar Parra
Who's Who: Anne Gribbons
Who's Who: Silke Rembacz
Horsesdaily Coverage of the Metropolitan National Horse Show