Monday April 24, 2006

2006 World Cup Finals, A Stepping Stone for the Future of American Dressage

Founding an "American Riders' Club"?

Arlene suggested that an "American Riders' Club" should be established which supports and promotes American dressage riders at national and international shows. "Our riders need to be pro-active and come up for their rights," she said. "For instance at the CDI Wellington, somebody came up to us and said it was not legal to work our horses in the main arena [before the U.S. League Finals]. This is not an FEI rule! In Europe, the riders would say, 'we don't ride if you don't allow us in'." Page stressed the importance of a club that would help riders to improve their opportunities at competitions and that would advance American dressage world wide.

Page's short-term plans are preparing Wild One for the 2006 World Equestrian Games. "I'm taking my horse home and will give him rest until he's bucking in the paddock. I won't work him seriously until he's fresh," she said. Page has check marked the CDI Raleigh and the CDN Gladstone on her calendar. The Festival of Champions is the final American qualifier for the WEG.

Morse is staying in Europe a little longer and will be showing at the CDI Hagen (April 27-May 1, 2006). "Personally, I need to stay where the shows are. I get better and faster through them." Morse can stay in Europe until May 17 and will then fly home for the selection trial Gladstone.

Check out Horsesdaily's extensive coverage of the 2006 World Cup Finals

Take a look at the Phelpsphoto Database in which you can find more than 35 photos of the 2006 World Cup Finals as well as hundreds of archived pictures from previous finals. Do a search by show "World Cup Dressage Finals - 2006"