News
Competition Update
Laurie Astegiano has been having good success in Europe, finishing third at Conty (France), where she also won dressage, and another third at Windsor (England).
USEF National Pony Championships
The National Championships will be held at the Laurels CDE in Unionville, Pennsylvania. http://www.laurelscde.org
Pony Driver Meeting Report
There was a very productive pony driver committee meeting at Live Oak. It was explained that the 2009 Selection Criteria are already underway...
Another major topic was fundraising. The shirts and hats from previous years have been very successful and it was decided that there should be a new edition.
An additonal idea was that of a raffle. Ideas are being tossed around and any input is welcome.
Also, long listed drivers are asked to submit a small bio to be posted on the website. Please submit your name, hometown, ponies name, a few sentences about yourself, and a picture to: info@ponyteamusa.com
FEI North American Challenge
The winners of the North American Challenge were announced at Live Oak. In the Single Pony, Suzy Stafford won top honors. Miranda Cadwell won in the Pair Pony for the second year in a row. Boots Wright won in the Four-in-Hand ponies.
The FEI North American Challenge awards points to competitors at FEI sanctioned shows throughout North America. Points are determined by placing and number of competitors. Drivers are automatically entered.
Pony Driver Meeting
There will be a meeting for pony drivers on Thursday, evening after dressage, at CAI-A Live Oak. The location will be determined.
FEI Test 10 Debuts
Boots Wright, with her Welsh and German Riding Ponies debuted FEI Test 10 at Nature Coast.
FEI test 10, for pony teams and pairs debuted for the first time in judged competition at Nature Coast Driving Trial in Bronson, Florida January 18,19 and 20, 2008. The test, developed over the past two years, was driven by Boots Wright and her team of German and Welsh ponies and received a score of 54.66.
When asked how the test drove, Boots said, "It is a fun test to drive and went very smoothly, I thought." The main ring at Black Prong was in very excellent shape owing to some rain the day before the Trial.
The next time that the test will be driven is at CAI-B Sunshine State at the Ocala Horse Park February 28-March 2, 2008. The President of the Jury will be Diana Brownlie, principal architect of the new FEI dressage tests. It is also the first time that FEI test 9 will be driven by the pony singles as well as the horse singles.