Sunday, Sept 10, 2006

BW-Callista Claims 2006 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championship for Four-Year-Olds

Judge Axel Steiner didn’t have much to say after the bay Oldenburg mare BW Callista (Contucci – Ariane by A Jungle Prince) performed her winning test today in the 2006 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championship for Four-Year-Olds at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The “O” Judge felt that the ride spoke for itself as an example of what he and Jayne Ayers were looking for in a four-year-old’s performance. But he did give the mare’s rider, Tami Glover, a bit of advice: “You did a very good job riding her,” he said. “You’re sitting on a treasure; be careful with it.”

This was the first year that a final was held for four-year-old horses. The judges rewarded Glover’s ride with an overall score of 9.1, giving her a 9.5 for trot and walk, 8 for canter, 9 for submission and 9.5 for general impression. The mare was very forward, relaxed and rhythmical throughout the test, her gaits balanced and the rider sitting quietly but effectively.

BW Callista also won the Warm-Up class on Friday, prompting Steiner’s comment, “She was good yesterday, but she was very good today. I’d like to take this one home!”

Scott Hassler of Hilltop Farm is the recently appointed National Young Horse Dressage Coach, a position created to support and emphasize the Young Horse program in the United States. Hassler has known Glover since she was eleven years old and first attended a summer riding camp at Hilltop Farm, where she is now employed as a trainer. She is also a graduate of the now defunct American Academy of Dressage in Warendorf, Germany. “She has always had a talent and a natural feel,” he said. “She developed Callista by herself and does a really great job. She rides my horses for me when I’m away too.”

Glover, 26, rides five or six horses on a regular basis. Of BW Callista, she said, “She’s perfect! She has a great mind and never argues – she’s always willing to do what you ask of her and nothing phases her under saddle.”

In regards to working at Hilltop Farm, she said, “The job has a lot of emotion; it’s a second family. Scott’s mom Jill is probably one of my biggest influences. She really made me feel like a part of the family, even when I was a kid.”