Sunday, Sept 10, 2006

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

American Bred BW Callista BW Wins "Born in the USA" Award presented by Chesapeake Equestrian Events

Callista’s breeder, Linda Santomenna of Blue Waters Farm in Chesapeake City, MD was thrilled with the mare’s win. “It’s been such a joy to see her grow up and progress, and it’s fun that she lives so close to home,” she said. Santomenna sold BW Callista to current owner Leslie Valente of Bedford, NY as a yearling and the mare was sent to Hilltop Farm to be raised and trained. Santomenna has followed her progress over the years; she has a two-year-old full sister to the Callista that she plans to train in a similar way and is excited about her future as well.

Santomenna produces three horses per year and works closely with Hilltop Farm in developing her breeding program. In fact Arianna, BW Callista’s dam, was purchased from Hilltop as her foundation mare. “I’m so grateful to Scott and the folks he’s working with to promote American breeders,” she said. “It’s so helpful.”

Leslie Valente, the mare’s owner has a dilemma now. “She was supposed to be for me to ride, to take a young horse up through the levels,” she said. “But she is so good, I might reconsider and have her do the FEI test for five year olds too. I didn’t expect to end up here – you kiss a foal and look where you end up!”