USPRE Member Susan Treabess and Kamiakin Top Golden State Dressage Classic CPDEI3*

  Susan Treabess USA and Kamiakin photo by Lindsay McCall

As the Pura Raza Espanol, Kamiakin, made its way down to X on the centerline, Susan Treabess USA cracked a smile The Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3 crowd erupted in cheering for the stallion and his Grade IV rider who had just completed an outstanding freestyle After three days of Para-Dressage competition in front of judges Alison King HK FEI 4, David Schmutz USA FEI 4 and Lorraine Stubbs CAN FEI 4, Susan knew she was ready and excited for the years to follow In 2010, Treabess represented the USA at the World Equestrian Games WEG In 2014, she hopes to have this opportunity again During the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3 multiple riders both developing and veterans achieved their qualifying scores for WEG Those riders include Angela Peavy and two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer, both in Grade III Grade II rider Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and Grade Ib Roxanne Trunnel From Canada, Paralympian Jody Schloss of Grade Ia executed exceptional tests while Robyn Andrews followed with her outstanding test scores After three days of international team, individual, and freestyle tests riders can now reflect and build upon this learning experience for the next major competition year in 2014

Susan Treabess was unsure of what to expect when she entered her 8 year-old into his first international competition “What I am taking away from this show is that Kamiakin is a super horse,” smiled Treabess” He has to get more experience but he is THE horse for me He is going to be my partner for a very long time I am happy with my overall performance this weekend Of course there were mistakes but I know that in the future I can surpass 70% on this horse If I don’t, it’s going to be my fault I know that now; I have my work cut out for me but I have the right team of people ready to help me get there”
 
After a conservative team test ride, Treabess pushed Kamiakin during the individual test That extra push resulted in more expression and a higher percentage score however, it also created a little tension that will be polished out as they gain experience together During the freestyle test, Treabess executed a well-choreographed and artistic test Treabess noted, “That was our first clean-run of our freestyle The music lit Kamiakin up a little bit but that will disappear as he gains experience With the freestyle being 25% of the final selection score, any rider knows they can gain some major points with a great freestyle However, you can’t have that as your major focus As I work with Kamiakin over the next year, I plan on perfecting our technique giving this horse more experience along the way”
 
For an international rider like Treabess, getting to the top takes a team That includes, trainers, farriers, veterinarians, therapists, and so many more supporters “We have a strong support team,” added Treabess “I want to thank Denny Callin of Holland for giving me his time this week, Ellen Eckstein, and I have to thank Katie and Scott Hill I would not be in this position without Kamiakin’s owners Scott and Katie Hill They have entrusted me with this horse and chose not to sell him when they could have I am so thankful I have this opportunity and I am excited for the future”
 
Both Treabess and Grade III two-time Paralympian Barbara Grassmyer USA have been on the international stage They have experienced what it is like to compete against the best Para-Dressage riders in the world For developing riders like Roxanne Trunnell USA, Ashleigh Flores-Simmons USA, Angela Peavy USA, and Katie Passerotti USA the excitement of what the future will hold is what drives them to succeed

For questions about the 2013-2014 Para-Equestrian Dressage season please contact the USEF High Performance Director of the Para-Equestrian Discipline Laureen K Johnson at 908 326 – 1155 or e-mail lkjohnson@useforg
 

1. Susan Treabess, USA, Kamiakin 69250%, 71000%, 73750%, 71333%
2. Katie Passerotti, USA, Luck Dragon, 61250%, 60250%, 60500%, 60667%

1. Susan Treabess, USA, Kamiakin, 69643%, 65952%, 66786%, 67460%
2. Katie Passerotti, USA, Luck Dragon, 53929%, 55238%, 50238%, 53135%

For more questions about Para-Equestrian Dressage please contact Hope Hand at Hope@uspeaorg or 610 356-6481