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Ten Broeck Farm Hosts NEDA Qualifier Breed Show
Sights Set on Fall Dressage Festival
Ten Broeck Farm of Pepperell, MA hosted a high profile breed show on June 14. The Dressage Sport Horse Qualifying for Cosequin/USDF Breeders Championship, New England Series was acclaimed as one of the largest breed shows in the area. With more than 70 horses participating toward the Region 8 Year End Championships – the show is part of the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Series for 2008.
After weeks of preparation, the grounds were a showplace of flowers and fresh white paint. All participants were greeted with a smile and long stem lily as a “thank you” from farm owners Felisberto “Phil” and Orintha Silva.
Phil is a professional handler with 20 years of equine experience. He responded to numerous requests for Handling Lessons to help competitors prepare for this and other upcoming shows. His day also booked up quickly with clients wanting him to “run” their horses in the ring.
Gerd Zuther of Rhode Island, formerly the President of the American Hanoverian Association was the presiding judge. Zuther is a well known judge and clinician throughout the USA & Canada. He has been in the United States for more than 20 years and is certified as an USEF-licensed dressage sporthorse breeding judge.
Zuther successfully completed the eight-year program to become a licensed riding instructor and trainer certified by the German National Federation in 1965.
He is an American Hanoverian Society Honorary Member and has served on its Mare and Stallion Committee since 1985. He is recognized for selecting and training sporthorses, in addition to conducting riding clinics, breeding seminars, and consulting on breeding issues.
Zuther was joined by show secretary Katja Eilers, technical delegate Debra Reinhardt; and equine photographer Carole MacDonald who has been the Official Photographer for The New England Dressage Association since 1988.
Horses were presented in hand or “on the line”. According to Eilers, the field included U.S. bred and European imported Warmbloods. She explains that each group is judged for Conformation, Gaits & Temperament. A selection of 3 & 4 year old horses were also shown under saddle for Suitability to become Dressage horses. Several fillies and colts, not yet weaned, also made their debut in the show ring.
According to Phil, a confident handler is an important part of a horse’s performance in the show ring. Phil handled more than 25 entries at the show with blue ribbons that included Nikko RGS (owned by Rajal Schrubb) for Colts/Geldings of 2008 w/wo dam and Xaman J (owned by Tom Mikes) for Stallions- 4 years and older- not standing at stud.
Kathy Hickerson, Majestic Gaits, Brookline, NH won Get of Sire with Schroeder a 4 year old Hanoverian stallion, scoring 74.15. Recently, Phil ran horses for Hickerson at the Maplewoods Warmbloods Breedshow. At this event, Schroeder (Sandro Hit x Escudo I) on only his second time out to a show under saddle, was the winner of the Stallions at Stud class, Champion Stallion, Champion Mature horse and Reserve Champion of the entire show.
Hickerson says that she is so impressed with Phil’s readiness to run horses that she wonders if he sleeps with his boots on. Hickerson adds, “Phil is not only a super handler, but lots of fun.”
Other highlights include: Mature Horse and Mare Champion “Danya” with Brian Byrne; Filly Champion “Rosalinde” with Thomas Crossen Jr.; Colts/Geldings & Young Horse Champion “Scotia” with Heidi Jordan. “Don Dueto” captured the Stallion Championship, went on to win the Under Saddle Championship with Barend Heibron and was the Ten Broeck Farm Reserve Champion. And, “Danya” owned by Jane Gannon was also awarded the Ten Broeck Farm Grand Champion. For the complete results visit The Latest section at www.tenbroeckfarm.net.
Orintha Silva says she commends such a large crowd for being so courteous and respectful of each other during a very rigorous day. She comments, “By all accounts it was a very successful event. We are grateful to everyone who followed our parking arrangements and treated our stables as if they were their own. We also appreciate the ongoing support from sponsors, spectators, our volunteers and vendors.”
The New England Breed Show Series wraps up at NEDA’s Fall Dressage Festival running September 10-14, 2008 for benefit of Joslin Diabetes Center at HITS on the Hudson, Saugerties NY.
The Festival consists of four competitions, featuring 600 horses competing in classes from Training Level to Grand Prix. The event also includes the New England Region 8 Regional Championships sponsored by the Great American Insurance Group and United States Dressage Federation, and recognized by US Equestrian Federation.
Horses will be shown “in-hand” in the Sport Horse Breed Show and there are special classes for Amateur Handlers, IBC classes for specific breeds of horses, and classes for ponies. This competition is both a qualifier for and regional finals for the USDF Breeders Championship New England Series--also sponsored by Great American. Finals classes will be held Thursday morning. For complete details visit www.neda.org.
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