Dressage At Devon Breed Competition Day One

Winner of the Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse - 4 year-old is Heather Blitz's Ripline (Hotline) (Photo: Stacey Lynne)

Clear skies and high scores reigned at Dixon Oval on the first day at Dressage at Devon, host to the USDF East Coast Breeders Final and America's largest in hand show. Among the highlights of the day was Oak Hill Ranch and Olympic team member Heather Blitz's rising star Danish approved stallion stallion Ripline (Hotline) who took the Four-Year-Old Suitable to Become a Dressage Horse in deep company. "I'm really pleased about the result," said Blitz. "The atmosphere here is electric and his athletic ability is matched by his temperament. The plan is to aim him for the USEF Five-Year-Olds next year."

Inaugurating the Angela Barilar Trophy was Qhuiver (Quaterback) bred and owned by Mo Swanson of Rolling Stone Farm. The championship is designed to provide a bridge for three-year-old horses showing in hand and under saddle in the Materiale classes. Swanson, who isn't a stranger to Devon blue walked away with the trophy and $300 cash prize presented by Barilar's family. Qhuiver also added to her growing resume when she took home the Filly Championship and the USDF Fillies Breeders Group Reserve Championship.

"I love it, I think (Angela) picked it herself," says Klaus Schengber. "I couldn't be happier."

"She really likes being a show horse," states Swanson. "I'm really excited and proud. Our plans will include continuing her training with Cara Klothe and perhaps an embryo transfer."

David Bowie MF (Don Principe) bested his class of 17 with an 81.1 percent and currently stands first in USDF ranking, won Foal Championship in addition to earning $1,000 as the high placed Mid Atlantic Hanovarian Breeders, which was presented to Marydell Farm by Paul Cohen of Association Underwriters, Inc.

"I think Davie is the continued evolution in the Marydell Farm breeding program," mentions Maryanna Haymon.

Inaugural winner of the Angela Barilar Trophy was Qhuiver (Quaterback) bred and owned by Mo Swanson of Rolling Stone Farm (Photo: Stacey Lynne)

Alice Tarjan owned and Marydell Farm homebred also claimed the Three-Year-Old Material Filly with Fabrege MF (Fidertanz) whose full brother, Flavius MF also exhibited well in the Two-Year-Old Colts and Geldings. The feminine, athletic filly was a highlight in the group with a ground covering walk and elastic canter.

The Three-Year-Old Colts and Geldings Material winner was KWPN gelding Edition Black (Painted Black). He showed three lovely paces and great maturity.

Damocles HLF (Diamond Stud), owned by Highlife Farm was presented both with the Colt Championship and Young Horse Championship trophy after the fluid moving bay stallion scored an easy 80.6 percent to take top honors.

The day concluded with the East Coast USDF/Great American Insurance Group Championships. Under lights, the split arena hosted the championships which played out to what the best the East Coast breeders had to offer.