Wednesday May 2, 2004

Detroit Dressage 2004

Carole Grant, Sponsor and Benefactor at Detroit Dressage

Carole Grant provided an Andalusion stallion for Canadian Jennifer McKenzie to ride in the IPEC classes and Grant's Equistride International was also one of the sponsors of the Zada Enterprises LLC Detroit Dressage I/II. "I knew Jen could ride this horse," she said of the 14-year old import from Spain who belongs to Dr. Brenda Sanford. Sanford knew her horse was honest, kind and patient and would take care of any rider. She herself had been very timid, just learning the canter three years ago when Carole found the horse for her. Grant said, "He'll be a mother to you." riding him, Sanford gained the confidence she needed to progress not just to a canter but to fourth level movements. However, Dr. Sanford doesn't show and so Detroit Dressage was the first competittion for the horse since coming to America.

"It was a dream come true to meet Carole Grant, her daughter, Tonya Grant - Barber and of course the generous owner Dr. Brenda Sanford." said Jennifer. "I can still sense and smell Venablo on my jacket and saddle pad home here in British Columbia. To be able to ride that noble and proud animal will be forever in my heart as my greatest accomplishment since I returned to competition after my accident. To score 66.0% in my qualifying test after only two rides on him was incredible and despite the horrendous weather conditions Venablo was so steady , calm and magnificient. What a thrill!!"

McKenzie has been looking for a horse of her own. Her last prospect did not vet out. Nevertheless, she is optimistic, "My goal is the World Championships in Germany in 2006 with my own horse."