There
are links on this page to DWC through the
years, please enjoy.
Dressage in the Wine
Country August 27, 2005
Garlic Fries and a Unicorn - One Fabulous Night
by Susan Nelson ( Published in Riding Magazine )
Photos:
Ruth Lake © 2005
As usual, the majority of Dressage in the Wine Country
fans could be spotted sporting the quintessential, "I'm
over 21" blue bracelet and heading straight for the
wine tasting venue during this year's event, held August
27 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
This year's wineries treated us to tastings (more like generous pourings) of
some lovely local wines! The breweries were also out in force helping folks
sample their fine wares. We wandered, we shopped, we sipped, (gulped as time
was running out!) and enjoyed another hot, beautiful afternoon (91 degrees!)
in the beautiful wine country. As we waited impatiently for our shot at garlic
fries (the line was terribly long); we enjoyed the wonderful assortment of
vendors and spent more horsey dollars than we should have, as usual.
Show Time!
DWC is becoming DTWC, that is Drill Teams in the Wine Country! The Petaluma
Riding and Driving Club Junior Drill Team opened the show with a fabulous
routine that featured many difficult maneuvers at breathtaking speed. These
15-17 year
olds thrilled us with a series of hard roll backs that had the crowd gasping
in awe of their talent. I'm always amazed and impressed by this group Their
direction and training is sincerely top notch. The spectators certainly enjoyed
this performance and let the group know of their approval. The Starfire Team
presented the colors and impressed us with their outstanding choreography,
another winning team in the making. Photo above: Starfire
Team
Monarch Stables brought an outstanding selection of American Saddlebreds
and riders. These talented riders treated us to western, park seat, and english
riding. Brigitte Scholl is the driving force behind Monarch and her teaching
skills are apparent, as her riders do well locally and nationally. Seventeen
year old Siri Hadland is the star equitation rider at Monarch. Of Siri, Brigette
tells me, "No one can sit more beautifully on a horse." Siri competes
all over the West Coast and is currently leading on the Pacific Coast Circuit.
;
Monarch Stable rider Alexandra Johnson on right
Another student, Stephanie Duck brought her five-gaited horse, Su Casa. Stephanie,
15, has been riding with Brigitte for three years now. And 16 year old Alexandra
Johnson has been working for Brigitte for two years. This driven young lady
buys her own horses and trains them, which has allowed her to advance in the
show world. Molecular biologist Jennifer Moore has recently joined the Monarch
team riding a flaxen-tailed mare owned by Sarah Wolfe of Fresno. Last but certainly
not least was 8 year old Sarah Dawe. With only eight months of saddle time
under her young belt little Sarah made her debut at DWC!
Leslie Rosenberg-Temple, hmmm . . . What can one say this year that wasn't
said last year? Leslie came, Leslie reined and reigned supreme with the gorgeous
stallion Winslow. This stunning animal with his flowing white blonde mane and
tail put in a stunning performance. Through the colored smoke Leslie emerged
on her own personal unicorn. (We have it on good authority that this is the
last remaining wild palomino unicorn reining stallion in California.) If you
missed this year's DWC you missed a lot! I'm personally going to sign up for
lessons with Leslie for a shot at riding the unicorn.
Oh Yeah, Dressage . . .
Local Sharon Marshall of Toyon Farm in Napa treated us to a lovely and energetic
Latin freestyle, ridden to a little La Bamba and a touch of Ricky Martin. Sharon
certainly started off the dressage part of the evening with flair and style.
With her usual Heide-esque aplomb, Heidi Gaain dressed to the nines in shadbelly
and top hat. Riding a fabulous FEI freestyle, Heidi showed us once again why
she is such an incredible competitor and trainer. Her talent in the show ring
carried over to the evening's performance.
What would DWC be without Liz Hendrix and another one of her clever freestyles
and outfits? OK, I admit at first I thought it was Zena the Warrior Princess
under that costume. Sorry Liz! It was the headband! Actually Liz performed
beautifully that evening to music from Chicago. She had the audience clapping
and revved up. Liz is always a favorite among the crowds at DWC, every year
she seems to appear with something more original than the last.
A Special Treat! Foxfield Drill Team rider below
The Foxfield Drill Team made the trek to Northern California
from the Los Angeles area to treat us to their crew of young
riders. With an eclectic selection
of horses, ponies and donkeys, the Foxfield riders are all amazing young
horsemen and women. Each rider is responsible for training
their individual mount to "the
wire" that they use around the neck for guidance (ahem, that means no
bridles!) The rest is done by seat, balance and hours of practice. Each rider
is also required to be the caregiver for their specific mount at home and
away; no grooms are employed at any time. We were very fortunate to be sitting
with
a group of parents and supporters of the Foxfield riders. The proud smiles
and attitudes convinced me that these kids have a superior support system
behind them. They were also sweet enough to treat us to garlic fries! Our
kind of
people!
Each Foxfielder is required to maintain a superior academic standard to remain
on the team. Along with assistance in the form of family and friends; they
are their own ring crew, jump setters and cheering section. This marvelous
group has traveled throughout the country for the past 30 some years demonstrating
their unique riding style and technique. Foxfield was the first equestrian
group to ever entertain at an Olympic ceremony. The total dedication these
young people need to perform at this level is extraordinary.
We oohed and aahhhed as the riding became more and more complicated and frankly
dare devilish! Jumping with no hands, jumping while standing on the horses
back! Each rider is fitted with a secure helmet, other than that the horse
is "nekkid" except for the wire around its neck. It was quite obvious
that the Foxfield riders enjoy what they are doing and the more they thrilled
us the bigger their smiles were. These gracious and talented young riders
certainly deserved all the applause they received.
As always Dressage in the Wine Country is a must see event! The wonderful support
of sponsors and volunteers makes each year's gala successful. It is obvious
to anyone attending that many hours of hard work goes into Dressage in the
Wine Country. I personally look forward to it every year.
Thank you to Ruth Lake for the wonderful photos www.lakewebdesign.com
Thank you to all the wonderful performers
who made this years' Dressage in the Wine Country such fun.
Photos & Video are available of this years DWC, please click
here Photos & Video
|
Click
here to view highlights of Dressage in the Wine Country
2004 evening
performance.
|
For information on how to order tickets, click on the
link at the top of this page or call
(707)523-9100.
A portion of donations allocated to horse related charities
Host Hotel: The New & Exclusive
Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
Santa Rosa, CA
(707)636-7100
Mention : "Dressage in the Wine Country" to receive
show rate; $129 night, or complete romance spa package, $149night.
Click on the links at the
top of the page for the latest information on 2004 Tickets
and our Event. |
