Thursday September 15, 2005

USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championships Final Presents the Horses For the Future

The Sensational Sir Sinclair and Belinda Nairn Wertman

Known for stallions which are not only extremely well bred, well built and well trained, Iron Spring Farms also develops and promotes stallions who are good in their mind. Iron Spring Farm’s owner Mary Alice Malone’s philosophy makes simple sense. “Why do it if you can’t enjoy the ride?” Iron Spring Farm had an incredible day the Sunday of the USEF/Markel National Young Dressage Horse Championships. Not only did the handsome Dutch Warmblood stallion Sir Sinclair (by Lord Sinclair I out of Krishna by Flemmingh) top a strong and impressive field of six-year-olds, at the Kentucky Horse Park, but across the country, at Spruce Meadows in Canada, their jumper stallion Judgement won the Spruce Meadows International Grand Prix with Beezie Madden becoming the first American bred stallion to win over 1 Million dollars.

Sir Sinclair presented a “finished picture of a happy and contented horse mature in his connections.” commented Cara Whitham for the panel. “and,” she added with a grin, “I am sure it will not be long before we see this horse at the next level, Prix St. George quite soon.”

His trot work showed a “lovely cadence, and clear rhythm” earning a 9.0 and cheers from the crowd. His canter was “well balanced with clean transitions and changes” gainined an 8.8. It was only in the walk where the judges commented the horse was "not always even behind" the percentage dropped to a 6.2. With a huge score for submission at 9.5, and a 9.0 for type, Iron Spring Farm’s Sir Sinclair was crowned the USEF/Markel National Young Dressage Horse undisputed champion of America’s best six-year-old young Dressage horses.

The Kentucky Horse Park and horse show management headed by Margie Koffler once again demonstrated their ability to produce a world class competition for a world class event. As America anxiously awaits the final decision of the FEI as to whether they will be awarded the 2010 World Equestrian Games, we will hopefully look back on this past week as one which has produced our future team, American owned and trained.

Horsesdaily 'On the Scene' at the 2005 USEF/Markel USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Championships - More coverage and results.

Check out a large selection of On the Scene Photos in the Phelpsphoto Database. Do a Search by Show > Event/Show > USEF/Markel National Young Horse Championships - 2005