Monday, May 23, 2005

Jennifer Conour and Theoden, a Stallion by Kennedy Win 5-Year-Old USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Central Selection Trial

The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program kicked off 2005 with the first of three official Selection Trials at the CDI 3*/Y Cincinnati and Spring Classic I & II, held May 13 – 15 at beautiful Paxton Farm in Batavia, Ohio. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Central Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the region’s most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for The World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany, held July 1-3. The USEF/Markel National Young Horse Championships will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 9-11.

In a new format this year, the Selection Trial competition is comprised of two tests for each age division (Five- & Six-Year-Old): the Preliminary Test and the Finale Test. Held over two days, the Preliminary Test on Saturday counts 40% towards the overall results, with the Finale Test held Sunday, being the determining factor at 60% of the total. In addition, all horses must have pre-qualified by earning a score of at least 6.8 in a previous Young Horse test in order to contest the Trial, thereby raising the bar for all entrants.