HAPPY'S "EYE" WITNESS NEWS! |
Copyright 2005 Carolyn Watson Photography
- SUMMER 2010 -- Congratulations once again to Fancy and Alyssa on their success at their first recognized event -- and only their second event as a pair!!! The pair earned an overall 2nd in the eventing competition, just being edged out of 1st place. Way to go everyone, and very best wishes for continued success for Fancy, Alyssa, and Fred and Debbie Ellis! Fancy may be more petite, but she's obviously got a lot of heart and talent! Olney Farm, August 1, 2010, Joppa, MD 2nd, Dressage (28.5%) Stadium - 0 (Zero) Cross Country - 0 (Zero) Fancy and Alyssa do it again! At their first dressage schooling show together, Alyssa and Fancy earned 1st place in both of their classes! Congratulations to all! Begin Again Farm Dressage Schooling Show, July 18, 2010, Leonardtown, MD 1st, Training Level 3 (71.2%) 1st, Training Level 4 (71.6%) Congratulations once again to Michele Martin, Mimosa AF and her rider/trainer, Christine Rivlin on their great weekend success at Woodside Summer Dressage. The pair earned the Markel Open High Point Championship, the Show High Point Championship and the Lower Level Championship, to boot! As Michele shared, "As always, she just goes in and does her job, no fuss, no muss - steady, correct, balanced and not bothered by much - a good brain does get you somewhere!" We wish Michele, Mimi and Christine continued success as they rise through the levels and much fun in the process! Woodside Summer Recognized Dressage Show, July 16-18, 2010, Woodside, CA Markel High Point Champion - OPEN Show High Point Champion Lower Level Champion 1st, Training 4 - Open (72.8%) 3rd, Training Level 4 - Open (65.2%) 2nd, Training Level 4 - Open (64.4%) Congratulations to Christine Miller and Two To Tango (TTT) who returned to dressage competition under his trainer, Lacey Hranicka after a lengthy hiatus from competition. "Tango" not only suffered a serious injury at a very young age which brought about much question about potential full recovery, he then sustained a second injury (and when healed in between injuries, Tango participated in an ATA voluntary inspection where he fared quite well, especially for a gelding). Despite his injuries and due to the great TLC from Tango's owner, he overcame these injuries and has been able to return to competition. Christine shared that Tango has much potential as displayed under his first rider of the weekend, Lacey Hranicka. And last but certainly not least, under Lacey, Tango earned High Score on Saturday and High Score for the entire weekend show. A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Tango, Christine, and her trainer, Lacey on their great success at their first outing in a very long time! Way to go Team TTT! Anne Troensegaard Secured Gold by Nordic Championship in DRESSAGE for Citizens in Drammen, Norway - Anne Troensegaard and Seduc received the individual GOLD in dressage with an achievement of 75,150%. The competition was held on July 4, 2010.
- SPRING 2010 - Congratulations to Debbie & Fred Ellis on Fancy's success at her very first Hunter/Jumper schooling competition! After some very basic dressage training and only 30 days of training with an eventer/jumper, Fancy placed very well in her first competition despite the heat, humidity and lurking thunderstorms! Fancy finished up with a 2nd and 5th place and was very "fancy" to watch, indeed. She took the entire show atmosphere in stride, demonstrated an excellent work ethic, and displayed very good bascule, suppleness and scope, especially for a more petite girl. Fancy also demonstrated the great "engine" and push power she possesses. Very best wishes to Fancy, her owners and trainer for a great future ahead! Very exciting news was received that Cassidy (out of Center Swing XX, bred by Kari Cassel & now owned by Christy Leonhardt), competed and earned 1st Place with a score of 61.3% in their first 2nd level dressage schooling competition - Second Level Test 2. Kari shared, "they won their class and "looked lovely!" The show was held at Valley View Farm in Vilonia, Arkansas. May 2010 - Fantastic news! Congratulations to Mimi who returns to the California recognized dressage arena and earns fabulous scores first time out from top judges, including Ms. Linda Zang! Woodside Spring Dressage, Woodside, CA, May 22-23, 2010 2nd - Training Level 3 - Open (72.00%) 1st - Training Level 4 - Open (78.40%) Reserve High Score This was Mimosa AF's (a/k/a/ Mimi) first competition after a 2+ year hiatus to be a mom (producing 2 premium foals). Michele shared that Mimi prefers the performance arena to motherhood. "Weather at the show was not typical for this time of year, super windy and cold but Mimi was absolutely stellar about everything - flapping tents, horses getting loose, the usual horse show craziness! But in her usual no-nonsense, let's get to work attitude - Mimi pulled off a 72% at T3 with Nancy Benton judging and a 78.4% at T4 with Linda Zang judging (who gave her 8 on gaits, impulsion and submission)." We also understand Mimosa earned Reserve High Point Score of the show! Way to go Team Mimosa and very best wishes for continued success and great fun ahead! April 2010 - HOFFNUNG's SUPER STAR has arrived! HERZLICHT (A/K/A/ "HEARTFELT"), also known as our true Heart Throb, came into this world on April 18, 2010. This absolutely outstanding colt foal was the result of a carefully researched and successful line breeding, with the goal to preserve very essential, top quality Trakehner bloodlines here in the US. HEARTFELT has received nothing but absolute "rave reviews" from everyone who has had the great pleasure to meet he and his outstanding dam, HOFFNUNG. We are SOOO thankful that Hoffnung had a safe and "happy" foaling, bringing into the world a big, tall (40+") and beautifully boned colt foal who very quickly captures everyone's hearts -- and for good reason. A great future awaits HEARTFELT and we are so privileged to be a part of his life and are so thankful to have the opportunity to breed to such a high quality Trakehner mare. P.S. - HeartFelt is the result of a donated breeding to the ATA. Hoffnung was inseminated with a half dose of frozen semen and conceived on the first try -- thanks to great frozen semen, the great knowledge, skill and expertise of Dr. Andy Schmidt, and to Christine, Hoffnung's human companion! Way to go Team HF! Not only are Induc offspring doing well in the U.S., SEDUC, half-brother to Happy Hour earned very good scores admidst steep competition at the CDI Vestfold. Danish rider, Anne Troensegaard placed 1st in Intermediare II and Grand Prix at the Arctic Equestrian Games CDI in Vestfold, Norway. The pair earned a score of 68.368% and 68.340%, respectively.
- FALL 2009 - Well, the GAIG and BLM Finals have come and gone and Golden Hour and his rider, Amanda Chambers did very well. In the midst of their very first season together and GH's first season at recognized competition, in addition to their great success at Training Level, they also managed to "step it up a notch" and compete at First Level and ended the season with solid wins at both Open Training and First Level. As icing on the cake -- it's official, GH has earned the following USDF year-end awards: USDF Horse of the Year - GH ranks 94th out of 608 horses. All we can say is, "way to go GH!!!" USDF All-Breeds (American Trakehner Association) - GH has earned the outstanding rank of 3rd in the U.S. at Training Level - Open. Our sincere congratulations to "Team GH" and especially to Debbie and Fred Ellis for taking the great time, effort and dedication required to get Golden Hour into the recognized competition arena. We know the unending dedication, time, effort and resources it takes to not only compete these days -- to also be successful. Again, congratulations to all! Schedules permitting, we hope to schedule David DeWispelaere's return in 2010. Last, but certainly not least, we have some updated photos of some "happy" kids that we will be posting soon, so "stay tuned"... :) WOW!! What a great and fun summer it's been! Congratulations to Mary Bak and Pixie on their fabulous first under-saddle experiences -- Mary shared wonderful feedback about Pixie's ridability, trainability and Pixie's wonderful character and personality. Pixie has blossomed into a beautiful young horse who has a fabulous mind and body! Very best wishes to Mary and Pixie at their first "big" clinic. More news to follow and updated pics will be posted shortly on Pixie's page! More CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Golden Hour (GH), his rider, Amanda Chambers and GH's human companions, Debbie and Fred Ellis. This team has had a sensational summer with significant wins and easily qualified for the USDF Region 1 Finals to be held in October 2009 (BLM and GAIG ) with very solid scores. The pair also made their debut at First Level. Way to go Team GH! Golden Hour, VADAF Dressage At Rose Mount I & II , Fredericksburg, VA, September 18-19, 2009 1st - Training 4 Open (78.4%) 1st - First 1 Open (74.33%) 3rd - Training 3 Open (73.60%) High Score Training Level High Score First Level High Score Open Golden Hour, EEMI Recognized Summer Fling Dressage , Leesburg, VA, August 1-2, 2009 2nd - Training 4 Open (66.00%) (Tie) 2nd - Training 2 Open (70.00%) 1st - Training 4 Open/USDF Qual. (70.00%) 1st - Training 2 Open (76.07%) Golden Hour, Dressage At Lexington , Lexington, VA, July 11-12, 2009 1st - Training 2 Open/SHAC (67.85%) 3rd - Training 3 Open/BLM (68.80%) 7th - Training 2 Open/SHAC (64.64%) 3rd - Training 4 Open/GAIG (68.80%)
- SUMMER 2009 - CONGRATULATIONS are definitely in order for Golden Hour (GH) and his rider, Amanda Chambers, for the great success at their first dressage competition together, GH's first dressage competition since last fall, and GH's very first recognized dressage competition. This pair really started their season off on a very positive note. At what is now a huge annual fund-raising event for breast cancer research (The PVDA Ride-For-Life Recognized Dressage Competition), GH and Amanda earned 1st place in every class they participated. The classes were quite large (19 & 12 entries) and were filled with very well-known, successful quality horse and rider combinations. There definitely existed very tough competition in these classes and the pair definitely earned their top rankings. Golden Hour, PVDA Ride-For-Life Recognized Dressage Competition, Upper Marlboro, MD, June 27-28, 2009 1st - Training 1 Open (70.000%) 1st - Training 3 Open/BLM (69.600%) 1st - Training 1 Open (69.565%) 1st - Training 3 Open/BLM (69.200%) Way to go GH and Amanda and congratulations to GH's owners, Fred & Debbie Ellis.
- SPRING 2009 - CONGRATULATIONS to Kosmisch and his rider, Kendra Menzies, on their successes at the Houston Dressage Society Spring Class I and the Dallas Dressage Club Spring I & II competitions!
- FALL/WINTER 2009 - A hearty CONGRATULATIONS to Deborah & Fred Ellis and their two "happy" kids on their dual successes at their very first under-saddle dressage competitions! Golden Hour, Oakridge Park Schooling Show, Hughesville, MD, October 19, 2009 1st - Intro B (63.00%) 1st - Training Level I (66.0%) Lucky Cricket Schooling Show, Huntingtown, MD, January 11, 2009 1st - Intro B (69.5%) Hour's Golden Charm, Lucky Cricket Schooling Show, Huntingtown, MD, January 11, 2009 2nd - Intro A (66.0%) We hear these half-siblings earned rave reviews from the judge and spectators. Way to go GH and Fancy!!! Happy New Year to all! Very best wishes for a healthy, happy, peaceful, and successful new year. We are very hopeful 2009 will be a more positive year for all. If you have not yet had the opportunity or do not yet know about the new DVD available in the US, "If Horses Could Speak," by Dr. Gerd Heushmann, with the introduction spoken by Hans-Heinrich Isenbart, we highly recommend viewing this DVD. For us, it was a very clear reminder and an educational, very thought-provoking and emotional look into the correct (and incorrect - specifically "hyperflexion") training of the horse and the associated consequences. The 3-D animations of the horse's anatomy and biomechanics were excellent, as was the very correct riding of our friend, David William DeWispelaere. We found it to be an absolutely excellent DVD of superb quality and professionalism -- one we will no doubt refer to time and time again. David's contributions to this project are very significant. And on that note... "David has been the awarded the 'Piaffe Plaque by the German Magazine PIAFFE published by the WuWeiVerlag. With this award personalities from the International equestrian scene are singled out for their extraordinary merits in their work with horses. David is setting the standards for 'Classical Horsemenship' in it's purest form. The local newspapers, Aachener Zeitung and Aachener Nachrichten did extensive reports on the ceremony and featured David in a lengthy interview." 'Tug of War' as a movie ("If Horses Could Speak") - On November 29th a premiere was being held in Hamburg for the new movie of Dr. Gerd Heuschmann inspired by the book "Tug of war." ('Stimmen der Pferde' in German). 350 people attended and gave a standing ovation. The movie shows in anatomical detail what bad riding can do to the horses fisical and psychological well-being. Especially targeted is the 'Rollkur' or 'Hyperflexion'. David is an integral part in this movie: he is putting the message in practice and shows with his We are very pleased to again offer a donated breeding to benefit the ATA for 2009.
- FALL/WINTER 2008 - There is a donated breeding on the horizon for the 2009 season to Happy Hour. Stay tuned... We extend our sincere personal thanks to Shawnda Nadeau, Vice President, ATA and to the ATA for affording us the opportunity to share a piece of our "Trakehner Story" with other ATA members.We hope our experience with our Trakehners will bring a few smiles for those who read the article. We will post it on the Media Page soon! CONGRATULATIONS are once again in order for Kosmisch, Kendra Menzies and the Cassels of LIttle Rock, AR. Kosmisch and rider Kendra became the 2008 ATA Reserve Champions, Second Level. In addition, Kosmisch ranked in the top third in the country for USDF Horse of The Year (HOY) standings. Congratulations to all! And while a bit more distant in relation, CONGRATULATIONS to breeder and owner Judith Dent-Davidenas of Little Rock, AR whose "Cassius Clay" became the 2008 ATA Champion, Yearling Colts. Cassius Clay is by Prince of Prussia, out of Cassiopia by HAPPY HOUR. CONGRATULATIONS to Kosmisch, Kendra Menzies and the Cassels on Kosmisch's success earning Reserve (2nd) in the 2008 USDF All-Breeds (ATA) Award at Second Level (Open) with a median score of 65.132%, and for his overall national placement in the top third for the 2008 USDF Horse-Of-The-Year (HOY) final standings at Second Level.This is super news! Again, congratulations to all in Kos' continued performance success. Based on the significant accomplishments of Kosmisch & Cassidy thus far in 2008, Happy Hour currently ranks in the top half percentile of the USEF Leading Dressage Sires. CONGRATULATIONS Christry Leonhardt and Cassidy and to Kosmisch and his rider, Kendra Menzies, for their respective accomplishments at the Region 9 championships held the weekend of October 17-19 in Oklahoma. Christy and Cassidy are off to a fabulous start in their journey into the dressage competition arena. Induc is doing great! It's such a great fortune and privilege to have 3 generations of this wonderful lineage under one roof. While they are each very unique in their personalities, at the same time, they are truly like "peas in a pod." It's a blast to be around them all and to be a part of their lives. Induc is healthy and happy, and as he passes by the mirror in the arena taking a quick glimpse at himself, he knows he's "still got it!" :) Stay tuned for our farm profile in the Breeding/Stallion issue of the ATA magazine due out in December 2008. CONGRATULATIONS to Christine Miller and "Two To Tango" of Cedarburg, Wisconsin on their win at their very first schooling show on May 3rd at the Sorensen's Schooling Show in East Troy, WI. Christine and TTT earned 2nd place with a score of 64% in their Intro A class and a 1st place in their Intro B class with an even better score of 65%.Less than a year ago, Two To Tango sustsained a very serious injury. It was not known if he would return to soundness. Due to all the wonderful TLC given by Christine, not only did her boy recover, but they are now out in the show world. What an incredible year for them both. Again, our sincere congratulations to Christine and Tango, and very best wishes to you both for many years of great happiness and success together.
- SPRING 2008 - More April congratulations to Chrisy Leonhardt of Little Rock Arkansas and Cassidy!!! Christy purchased Cassidy as a 3-year old in October 2007. At their debut competition at the Country Classic I & II Dressage Show in Perryville, AR, Christy and Cassidy earned three 1st places - way to go!!! What a lovely pair. We extend our very best wishes to Christy and Cassidy for many years of great happiness and success together. 1st - Training Level 4 Jr. - 62.0% 1st - Training Level 2 Jr. - 66.79% 1st - Training Level 4 Jr. - 62.4% TRAINING LEVEL CHAMPION! ATA HIGH SCORE! Congratulations to Kosmisch & Kendra Menzies for their performance at the Houston Dressage Society Spring Class I/II - The pair earned 2nd place in their 2nd Level, Test Four (Qualifying) class with a score of 68.095% and 3rd place with a score of 67.381%. WOW!!! Way to go Mimi, Stacy and Michele!!! We just received great news that Mimi had a fabulous weekend at her second, away-from-home competition of the 2008 season.For this show, Michele turned over the reins to Stacy Zwergel to ride Mimi at the highly competitive (and strict judging) Golden State Dressage Festival and CDI***, Rancho Murieta, CA over the weekend of April 4-6. Mimi took all the hustle and bustle in stride, once again confirming her great character and easy, steady nature. Mimi's and Stacy's scores were: 2nd - Training Level 3 Open - 65.60% (Friday) 3rd - Training Level 4 Open - 64.8% (Friday) 1st - Training Level 3 Open - 66.4% (Saturday) 3rd - Training Level 4 Open - 64.4% (Saturday) 2nd - Training Level 3 Open - 62.4% (Sunday) What a busy and very successful weekend for Mimi, Stacy and Michele. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! Happy sends his love and asks that Mimi receive extra hugs, kisses and carrots! Thanks so much for sharing this great news, Michele! :) It is a great pleasure to extend YET ANOTHER HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS to Michele Martin and Mimi on their 2008 show season debut at the Yarra Yarra Dressage Classic in Pleasanton, CA over the weekend of March 15-16. The pair had a break in competition since Mimi became a "mom" last year, but picked up right where they left off. Both did absoutely super despite very hectic, disruptive surroundings earning 2nd place, Training Level Test 3 with a score of 66.80% (out of 8), and 2nd place, Training Level Test 4 with a score of 66% (out of 9). This was Mimi's first show "away" from home. Way to go Michele and Mimi and very best wishes for continued success and great fun! WAY TO GO KOSMISCH AND KENDRA AT YOUR WELLINGTON DEBUT!!!! A very hearty congratulations to Kosmisch, Kendra and the Cassel's on their success this past weekend (March 8th) at the Wellington Dressage Classic II. The pair earned 3rd place (out of 9) with a great score of 66.923% in the USEF Third Level, Test 1 (Open) class judged by M. Poulin. What a great start in 2008 for this pair! November 2007 Congratulations once again to Kosmisch, the Cassel's and Kendra Menzies on Kos' success at the Region 9 finals. Kosmisch earned 2nd place in the SWDC Open 2nd Level Championship class with a score of 65.714% under Judge Linda Zang, and 63.214% in the GAIG 2nd Level Championship class under Judge Lois Yukins. What a fabulous show season for Kosmisch and Kendra! Way to go! October 2007 Congratulations to Happy Hour on his 2007 rankings (top third) for both USDF and USEF for Dressage Sires (900+ horses) and Dressage Breeding (60+ horses). His USDF ranking is a result of the performance of his son, Kosmisch under rider Kendra Menzies, who also earn big kudos for their 4th place ranking in the USDF All-Breeds with a median score of 66.905% and Cassidy, the up-and-coming 3-year old son who is already making his own mark in the performance world. Kudos once again to Kosmisch and the Cassel's on what we understand was a very "spirited bidding war" that took place at the primarily Trakehner and Dutch horse auction/sale held at KD Jumpers in Wisconsin on October 6th. Kosmisch, sired by Happy Hour out of Korinna, was one of the many fine sale horses presented at the auction who possesses a very prestigious and successful performance record, especially for such a young horse. We understand Kosmisch commanded very active bidding, to say the least. Even though the final bid on Kosmisch fell short of his reserve, it is our understanding his final bid far exceeded that of any other bid placed during the entire auction. Very best wishes to Kosmisch and his owners at the Region 9 finals! August 2007 While the USEF 2007 performance standings are still preliminary at this point, we are very proud that Happy Hour ranks 18th in the Leading Sires/Dressage Breeding category. In addition, out of 900+ horses, Happy Hour ranks in the very top third for Leading Sires/Dressage category. These rankings are great and come as a result of the success of just a minimal number of offspring (1-2), which makes these rankings even more significant.. Kudos to Happy Hour, to the moms and to their offspring! Happy Hour rises to the occasion yet again! Happy made the transition to 4th level competition just a few weeks after his second Third Level competition of the year and under a new rider. He placed well in his very first 4th Level Test 1 class with very positive remarks from the judge (see July updates), and stepped right up to 4th Level Test 2, where again Just want to let everyone know that Induc is doing fantastic and seems to be loving life! Induc is 17 years young now and still has what it takes! He and his grandson have established quite a bond and all the boys get along very well. It is great fun to watch three generations interact and they are like peas in a pod in many ways, and all very easy to handle and uncomplicated in their nature. I think each tries to outdue the other in how cute and charming they can be. We will post some updated photos of Induc and everyone soon. He is quite healthy and seems to be very happy, and we are keeping him in light work which he certainly seems to enjoy. June-July 2007 Congratulations to our friend in California, Michelle Martin, Mimosa (Happy's daughter - a/k/a/ Mimi)) and Dela Rosa (Mimi's first offspring - a/k/a/ "Lucy) on their joint success at the German Oldenburg Verband inspection in Calfornia. Mimi was accepted into the Main Mare Book and earned good scores, especially on her head, neck, breed/sex type.Mimi was an absolute princess at the inspection, actually more a Queen - very poised about the whole affair." Lucy earned Premium status!!! Way go to Mimi and Lucy!!! Now MIchelle gets to have Mimi back as her riding horse to continue her training and performance. Congratulations Michelle and thanks so much for sharing this great news! Happy Hour made his debut at Fourth Level at the EEMI Summer Dressage Classic held in Leesburg, VA on July 28-29. While there were a few minor "bloopers" due to Happy's greenness at this new level, the pair executed a very fluid, harmonious and energetic test (despite the heat and humidity), earning a number of 8's and 7's, with very complimentary feedback from the officiating "S" judge, who included in her remarks, "very elegant horse!!!" Way to go Cassidy!!!! Yet another congratulations to Cassidy and the Cassel's on his success at the Proud Meadows Summer I competition in Waxahachie, TX, winning the 3-year old in-hand colt class with a 77.2% and the IBC Trakehner class with a 76% on June 9 2007. May 2007 Again, a hearty congratulations to Kosmish and the Cassel's on his success at the Oklahoma Dressage Society Spring I competition held on May 5-6 2007. Kosmisch and Kendra took away a 1st and 2nd place at Second Level Test 4, and earned the Trakehner High Point. April 2007 Congratulations to Komsich and the Cassels on Kosmisch's success at Second Level and earning the Trakehner High Point at the ADS Country Classic II on April 28-29 2007. Kosmisch earned 1st place at Second Level Test 2, and earned two 2nd places at Second Level Test 4. Way to go Kosmisch and his rider, Kendra Menzies!!! Congratulations to Cassidy and the Cassel's on his success, winning the 3-year old colt class at the Arkansas Sport Horse Classic on April 27 2007. September 2006 July 2006 May 2006 Mimosa, 1st Training Level Test 2, 64.230% 2nd Training Level 2, 72.31% 1st First Level 4, 68.89% Reserve Champion 2-Year-Old Colts & Geldings 1st First Level Test 4 (Open), 64.16% 1st Training Level 4, 73.46% 1st First Level 4, 69.44% September 2005 1st Second
Level 2 May 2005 April 2005 November 2004 In addition, Kosmisch placed 4th in the nation for the USDF/DSHB Materiale Award with a median score of 75.300% -- and he earned this median score with minimal under-saddle competition, with his latest score of 77.100% earned in September 2004. And last but not least, Kosmisch ranks an overall 16th in the nation for all USDF 3-Year Old Colts & Geldings. Go Kosmisch!!! We wish to extend a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Kosmisch, to John & Kari Cassel of Little Rock, Arkansas and to Kosmisch's two riders. We are very thankful and most appreciative to John & Kari for taking all the time, effort and training involved in getting a youngster out in the competition world. We wish them the very best happiness, health and continued success. Maybe the US National Young Horse Championships will be on the horizon for Kosmisch one day! August 2004 July 2004 A second congratulations to Fred & Debbie Ellis of Owings, Maryland
on their second and absolutely lovely foal (and another
bright chestnut baby with four white socks and a blaze!). Fancy
is a lovely, long-legged filly with lots of suspension already. Fancy's
official name is Hour's Golden
Charm, born 4/28/04 out of the ATA PSB TB mare, Goldie's
Locket. Two
to Tango, (a/k/a/ Tango) is out of the ORB Trakehner
mare, Tarentella (by Tannenberg). |
