Elizabeth Simmeth-Ensor & Luisteris Star: 2011 Equiery Perpetual Dressage Award Winner
receive two scores above 60% at each level in First, Second, and T ird Level classes. Alexi proved to be very spooky in his early years, creating some dif- fi cult challenges for the pair. She jokingly said, “If a leaf dropped into the ring, before I knew it, we were halfway across the arena.” But, she adds, he is an overachiever and is willing to push himself for the results that she asks him for. After years of some of the toughest and most mentally trying competi- tions, she fi nally earned her last qualifying score in 2011.
She recalls,
laughing,“I was the queen of 59%. For some reason I could not get a 60% and I kept think- ing to myself, what is so diffi cult about getting a 60%?”. Just to put the cherry on top of a suc- cessful season, Elizabeth decided to travel with her daughter Laurel to San Diego, California to personally accept the award at the USDF Convention/Symposium. Elizabeth stated that the most important part
of reaching her goal was the journey she took to get there. T e journey for her is always more important than the fi nal result.
Surprise Recognition Being awarded with the Equiery Perpetual
Dressage Award is something that Elizabeth will never forget. When she received notice that she was to be honored at the Potomac Valley Dressage Association banquet, she called Mar-
garet and said, “I think they have the wrong person!” Relatively new to PVDA, Elizabeth did not know much about the award’s qualifi ca- tions and fi gured the board had made a mistake. But hard work pays off and winning the award became the highlight of a won- derful year.
Practicing Patience
Elizabeth receiving her USDF Bronze Medal
Although Elizabeth and Alexi ended 2011 ready to move up to Fourth Level, their 2012 season had to be put on hold and Eliza- beth’s patience was tried again. A misstep here, a tight canter tran- sition there, and Elizabeth knew that something was wrong with her equine partner. After days of testing, she fi nally decided to take Alexi to Dr. Kent
Allen at Virginia Equine Imag- ing. After blocking, MRIs and other diagnostics, they discovered that Alexi had bursitis in both front feet. T ankfully, the issue was caught
very early and treatment was be- gun soon enough that the 2012 season will not be a complete waste. After weeks of stall rest and limited turnout, Alexi and Elizabeth hope to pick up their competition journey at the end of this year. Elizabeth accredited Alexi’s
quick recovery to Dr. Kent Al- len, thanking him for the intense and specialized work he did to fi nd the best treatment for Alexi.
She also graciously thanked EMO and Great American Insurance for giving her peace of mind, not having to worry about the fi nancial burden of such expensive treatments. She also said that without the support of Wayne Win- sor (Green Glen Equine), Jim Jeswick (Manor Equine) and her farrier, Steven Wheeler, Alexi’s progress would not and could not continue at the rate it is today. “T ey are the reason he is at the level he is and the reason he will keep progressing,” Elizabeth said.
The Journey Continues Dressage is not easy and it can take years and
Even though Elizabeth was look- ing for a schoolmaster, there was something about the young “Alexi” that just captured her heart.
years to perfect a single moment that in com- petition is over in mere seconds, yet it is the de- mand for detail and poise that drew Elizabeth in and has kept her working hard to reach her ultimate goal of competing at Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges. Margaret said about the pair, “T e most enjoyable part of teaching Elizabeth has been watching her grow and mature into someone who knows more about life because of her riding. T at is the most important thing to me and ultimately the most fulfi lling.” In the end, no mat- ter what competitive level these two as- pire to, it will be the journey they embark upon that will be the one she remembers for years to come.
Improve Your Scores Sharpen Your Skills
Sh ake advan have openings
well known FEI ride ($125/hr) or with he Medal winner. Cori help horse and ride fantastic lunge less
F nd o Findou in GermaGermany this su lls Take advantage of training opportunities at ortunities at First Choice Far arm
We have openings available for trailer in lessons either with our well known FEI rider and Trainer Felicitas von Neumann Cosel ($125/hr) or with her assistant instructor Corinne Foxley, Bronzee Foxley
s either with our Neumann Cosel
Medal winner. Corinne is a very talented instructor with the skill to help horse and rider to come together in harmony. She also gives a fantastic lunge lesson, if your horse is suitable for it. And...Felicitas does not bite!
Find out in a lesson with Corinne what she learned from Uta Graef in Germany this summer.
d outt inin a l ssalesson n Germanytany this su
a lesson 301-854-6541
Info@firstschoicefarms.com •
www.firstchoicefarms.com 16 | THE EQUIERY | SEPTEMBER 2012
800-244-9580 |
www.equiery.com ned from U ed fromUta Grae m ta Gr ef
tor with the skill to ny. She also gives a or it.
853128-120912
Fran J. Scott
853100-120912
852858-120912e
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