Markel/Cornerstone Champions Crowned at Cool August Nights Dressage in California

Markel representatives John, Lisa, and Brandon Seger as well as Gil Merrick present the Open Third Level Markel/Cornerstone Series Championship to Sherry Van't Riet and "Sir Deauville". (Photo:Genia Ply)

BURBANK, CA – California's dressage riders enjoyed a weekend of hot championship competition and cool entertainment during Cool August Nights held August 25 - 28, 2011 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA, featuring the popular Cornerstone Open and Amateur Championships sponsored by Markel Insurance as well as the Los Angeles Breeders Classic. "I'd like to personally thank our long-time sponsor, Markel Insurance," said Glenda McElroy, competition manager. "Because of their continuing support, we are able to offer these special championships and fabulous prizes for Cornerstone competitors."

Markel representatives John Seger, Lisa Seger, and Brandon Seger as well as Gil Merrick were on hand to present championship jackets and prizes to competitors who have pursued qualifying scores and a chance to vie for these championships at levels from Training to FEI since December. Congratulations to Jaye Cherry and "Santana" for winning the Open Training Level series title; Cindy Ramirez-Smith with "Decoroso HGF" at Open First Level; Heather Neely riding "Enchante" in the Adult Amateur First Level division; Sherry Van't Riet with "Sir Deauville" for Open Third Level; Ritchie Silva and "Amadeus" at Third Level for Adult Amateurs; Emily Tears with "Lopaca" for Adult Amateur Intermediaire I; and Whitney Harrington riding "Laredo 183" to the win in the Adult Amateur Grand Prix division.

Markel/Cornerstone High Point Show Champions for Cool August Nights were also presented in five divisions. In the FEI ranks, Franchesca Liauw and "GB Marko" claimed the dress sheet, while Jaye Cherry rode "Santana" to top the Open division. For Adult Amateurs, Emily Tears with "Absolute Zephyr" earned the tricolor sash, and Anna Buffini with "Roosevelt SFS" won the Junior/Young Rider division. The Breed division was won by the two-year-old Hanoverian filly “Saraphina” owned by Shawn and Deanna Kacer.

Cornerstone Event Management would also like to congratulate Margaret Stout, who rode "Ilion" at Training Level to complete her Century Club ride (when the rider's and horse's combined ages total 100 years or more).

During the weekend, a wide array of activities were available for both exhibitors and spectators. The highlight of Cool August Nights was "Dressage Goes To The Beach", a special evening of entertainment on Friday featuring musical freestyles, a spectacular "Harry Potter" pas de deux, frisbee dogs, a drill team, Parade of Champions, and silent auction. In addition, thanks to the Lisa Seger Equine Insurance Agency, "The Retreat" hospitality area was once again a popular feature for competitors, complete with live music on Friday evening.  

Upcoming Cornerstone events include Woodside Autumn Dressage, September 16 - 18 in Woodside, CA. This competition is the final segment in the 2011 Woodside Vacation Rewards series, whereby all Open and Adult Amateur riders who have competed in two of the three Cornerstone dressage competitions held at the Horse Park at Woodside this year are eligible for a drawing to win a five-day/four-night stay at the Marriott Resort of their choice located anywhere in the continental United States.

Cornerstone Event Management is the leading resource for premier dressage events in California. For more information, including news, show calendars, prize lists, entry forms, schedules, and results, visit Cornerstone Event Management on Facebook or www.cornerstonedressage.com.