DressageDaily: The Derby Series Kickoff Launches the 2005 Dressage in Florida Season: Shannon Dueck and Korona Ace the Grand Prix

Friday January 21, 2005

The Derby Series Kickoff Launches the 2005 Dressage in Florida Season

Shannon Dueck and Korona Ace the Grand Prix

Shannon Dueck While many of the Grand Prix horses are waiting for the first CDI of the season, at the Gold Coast Opener, January 21-13, Canadian Team veteran Shannon Dueck and her long time equine partner Korona (KWPN by El Corona) took advantage of the opportunity to fine tune her horse at the Derby Series Kickoff, before facing the panel of judges the following week. Dueck and Korona aced the Grand Prix with a 68.541% slightly edging Susanne Dansby Phelps and Cooper who scored a 67.083%.

"Korona and I made a breakthrough this summer while training and competing in Europe," explained Dueck. "He had always been so explosive and full of himself, usually expressing that in the test, but he has done several shows now without that happening." Dueck went on to observe that learning Grand Prix is much like going through school. "I used to think that when I got to Grand Prix, I would achieve the highest goal in dressage." Dueck smiled. "But, it starts with pre-school Grand Prix, then Kindergarten Grand Prix, then Grade School, on up to Graduate school. It feels as if we have reached High School now."