It has happened. After surviving an intense audition process and an exciting week with six-time Olympian Robert Dover on The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star: Dressage, airing on Fox Reality Channel, Brendan Curtis became the show’s first casualty. The Silver Spring, Maryland resident is going home, leaving the five other contestants to battle it out.

The second episode showcased the incredible opportunities the players participated in during their time at Dover’s Romance Farm, in Wellington, Florida. The stellar educational offerings included visits with some of the world’s foremost equine experts, including field trips to Palm Beach Equine Clinic and the Dressage at Equestrian Estates show. “Each of these young riders had access to top quality veterinarians and other experts, which is invaluable for their overall education as horsemen,” said Executive Producer Karin Reid Offield.

After the workshops, the elimination round began. The challenge? Each finalist was asked to demonstrate their knowledge to the judges by giving a 20-minute dressage clinic for beginners. The contestants were to act as if they were speaking to a completely novice horseman or non-horse person. The key was to break down the complex topic into manageable chunks of information while creating excitement for those new to the sport. Although it was tough to make the first cut, the decision was made to send Curtis off into the sunset.

While it was disappointing for Curtis to be eliminated so early in the competition, he said “being able to participate on the show really brought to my attention the need for me to find an assistant trainer position that would allow me to really develop and hone my skills as a horse professional. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities to explore.”

For the remaining participants, the experience has been a wake-up call. Expectations are high and the winner must show drive and skill, as well as the ability to command attention. Offield continued, “The winner of this show must excel in every way. It’s not enough to be an excellent rider.” Who stays and who goes? Find out on Friday on the Fox Reality Channel, 9:00 a.m. EST, 8:00 a.m. CST, 7:00 a.m. MST, and 6:00 a.m. PST.

The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star: Dressage was conceived by Dover and Brave St. Productions. The show has been called a cross between American Idol and The Apprentice. To learn more, visit www.americanequestrianstar.tv.

About Offield Farms
Offield Farms is a FEI-level breeding, showing and training facility catering to the needs of discerning horse owners and riders. The farm’s mission is to serve as a significant catalyst for the advancement and promotion of the sport of dressage.

About Brave St. Productions, Inc.
Brave St. Productions, owned by Tammy Leech and Russell Best, is an award winning and vertically integrated content creator and Production Company serving the worldwide marketplace. While continuing to produce series for a variety of traditional cable and broadcast networks, Brave St. also produces documentaries, webisodes, promotional videos, and has most recently created and produced a pilot for legendary Sandy Frank Entertainment, a 10 webisodic order for Comedy Central, is in development with FUSE, and is currently producing various pilots for various different cable outlets.