DressageDaily: Royal Prince Reigns Supreme at the 2004 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championships: World Championship preparation

Wednesday September 15, 2004

Royal Prince Reigns Supreme at the 2004 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championships

World Championship Preparation

No doubt Hassler’s experience both watching at and participating in the World Championships was to her benefit as well, since these tests are not scored in the same way that typical dressage tests are scored. Rather, the importance is placed on the horse’s potential as a dressage competitor, with emphasis on its gaits, submission and general impression more important than precision and accuracy in the test, or the correctness of the rider. Still, it is without a doubt that Hassler’s educated seat and exacting ride played a huge role in presenting the horse to his best.

Differing from other dressage tests, the panel of three judges sits together at “C” and collectively gives only one mark at the end of the ride. These judges commented, in the short summary following Royal Prince’s performance, “This horse has a beautiful connection and is soft in the bridle and swinging in his back.”

The United States Equestrian Federation developed its Young Horse Program in 2001 to promote the importance of selective breeding and professional training of horse in the United States. It encourages breeders, riders and trainers to follow a system modeled on similar, successful European programs to develop young horses to their highest potential and prepare them for the highest level of FEI competition.

This year, the program now has the added support of the sponsorship of Markel Insurance, for which DressageDaily.com’s Mary Phelps is an agent.

Awards Photo; Jennifer Keeler, USEF Sport Manager, Dressage, John Seger and Mary Phelps - Markel, Judges Axel Steiner, Jayne Ayers, and Gary Rockwell. Susanne Owen Hassler and Royal Prince.