NAYRC
Team Gold Medalist Michael Shondel Successfully Moves into the Adult
Ranks with a 70.667% at I-1
Wellington,
Florida—The move from the Young Rider ranks to the adult ring
is usually a tough one, but Michael Shondel, team gold medalist
at the 2003 North American Young Riders Championships, has been
making it look easy. With his reliable partner Wallaby, Michael
scored a 70.667% to win the CDI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle at the
2004 Gold Coast Opener CDI January 23-25.
While
Michael enjoyed his time as a Young Rider, he has been looking forward
to the next step in his riding career. “I was very excited
to show this season,” Michael said. “It’s fun to
just get out there and compete. There’s no pressure to make
a team; I can focus on continuing to improve my riding.” In
addition to his commitment to dressage, Michael is in the U.S. Marine
Corps Officer Training Program. After he finishes college he hopes
to ride for the U.S. Marines. “Nothing would make me prouder
than to canter down centerline in my military uniform,” he
explained.
Another
rider making a major transition in 2004 is Emmy Adwers. Emmy earned
her USDF Gold Medal last year as well as several year-end awards,
including USDF Grand Prix Adult Amateur Championship. She also was
champion at the 2003 USDF Region 8 Finals in both open grand prix
and open intermediaire-II. In 2004, Emmy hopes to create a partnership
with her new mount P.F. Robinson.
“Robinson
is a wonderful horse,” Emmy said. “I’m looking forward
to developing a great relationship with him. He has a lot of talent
and I’m enjoying the process of learning how to allow him to
be his best.” The duo earned a 64.792 and a third place in
the grand prix at the Gold Coast Opener CDI. Previously Robinson
competed with Cesar Parra at the 2002 World Equestrian Games.
Both
Michael and Emmy are coached by the 1999 Pan American Games team
silver medalist Cesar Parra. “I have a wonderful group of students
that work very hard. They always make me proud,” Cesar said.
For more information log on to www.piaffe-performance.com.
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