Shawna and Come On traveled to Lexington, KY for the USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships held 9/15 -9/16 at the Kentucky Horse Park. The long drive and their hard work all year long was rewarded, and they came away with the much deserved title of reserve champion.
The Championships, sponsored by the Dutta Corporation and Performance Sales International were offered for the first time this year. This new competition was inspired by a popular German championship to recognize up and coming 7 to 9 year-old dressage horses, and to help provide a much needed bridge between the Young Horse ranks and the High Performance at the Grand Prix level.
This inaugural championship brought together 14 pre-qualified entries from around the country, some traveling to Kentucky from as far away as California in order to compete for the title. “This new program is revolutionary in the U.S. and will help to identify and develop our future Team horses,” said Tim Dutta of the Dutta Corporation. “We are proud to support this program and look forward to its continued growth.”
Come On was a bit distracted on the first day of competition, which impacted his collective two-day score. But in this instance, Shawna didn’t mind being the reserve champion. Ahead of her was former Olympian Michelle Gibson with her young Oldenburg stallion, Don Angelo. “Being reserve champion to Michelle is an honor,” Shawna said. “We’re very good friends and we work together in Florida, so she’s been really good support for me.”
Next on the competition schedule for Shawna and Come On is the Region 3 Championships In Ocala, FL from October 19-21.
