ll Breed AA wards
The USDF All-Breed Awards are designed to recognize the accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage. Requiring a minimum of eight scores from four different shows and from four different judges, with two scores over sixty percent at the highest test of the level, and a median score over sixty percent, all which must be earned at recognized shows when competing against all breeds of horses, simply qualifying for these awards is a major accomplishment. Congrats to the 2017 American Haflinger Registry All-Breed Award Winners! N’Tempo SSH1 and Linden Thompson 1st Place Second Level Adult Amateur and 1st Place Second Level Open Median Score: 64.390 N’Tempo SSH1 or “Beau” (2009 Gelding by Nickerson SSF out of Malta’s Margie CAF [Afghan II]) and I found each other in September of 2012. He was an un-broke 3 year old and I was eager for a project. I sought out Petra Warlimont (Evergreen,CO) to help me put him on the best path possible for dressage in hopes to move him up through the levels. Petra is an accomplished young horse trainer who regularly and effectively imports young Hanoverians and sells them into the US market. In the beginning Beau and I felt a bit intimidated by the size and scope of her program, but soon found our place. For the last five years Petra and I have worked tirelessly to be able to access the talent and athleticism that Beau possesses, while dealing with and nurturing his over-active, sensitive and stubborn mind. Because Beau and I now live in MI and Petra is still in CO, I connected with Laurie Moore (Grand Rapids, MI) to help us continue to progress Beau. This year the three of us have guided him through his best season, yet. This year Beau and I won 5 Dover Medals (an award designated for Adult Amateurs who win the Dover 2nd level test 3 class at USDF rated shows), beating many warmbloods and older horses throughout the season; we finished 3rd overall at the National Dressage Pony Cup Championships at 2nd level (AA) and 4th at 1st level (AA); we placed 5th overall at the GAIG/USDF Region 5 Championships at 2nd level (AA); and we dabbled in just enough 3rd level for me to earn my USDF Bronze medal. Beau is currently schooling flying lead changes, improved collection and lateral work so we can compete at 3rd and 4th levels next season. The USDF All Breeds program is a wonderful way to recog-
50 Fall 2017 • Haflinger Horse
nize the breeds of horses who don’t traditionally do dressage. It takes an incredible amount of hard work, determination and GUTS to go out and compete a Haflinger against a Warmblood or Thoroughbred. All Breeds is a great way to recognize that hard work as one must earn a qualifying average score to be recognized. I am THRILLED at the numbers and participation level this year and am honored every year to be a part of this program. I appreciate that the Registry continues to recognize all of the effort and grit that goes into showing dressage at this level and I am excited that the future of the Haflinger in dressage looks bright!
