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2010 Dressage Shows at Hawk Hollow Ranch
Afternoon of Freestyle: Sharing a story at the judge's booth, despite the melting heat
Lisa Tannehill photography
"Afternoon of Freestyles"
Press Coverage in The Star-Ledger by Nancy Jaffer, 07/03/10 http://www.nj.com/jaffer
ON THE RAIL -- The musical freestyle has made dressage a true spectator sport that can be enjoyed by the uninitiated as well as the educated fan. Randy Leoni, the owner of Hawk Hollow Ranch, sees it as a way to broaden the base of the discipline, which was the genesis for her "Afternoon of Freestyles" that will be held Thursday at her stable at 100 River Road West in Bedminster.
The 4 p.m. competition showcases the rides in an intimate setting, enabling people to feel closer to the action than they do at big showgrounds.
"We have a lot of enthusiasm for the freestyle on the part of the riders, and people have been calling me right and left about coming," said Leoni, who would like to see more than the 170 spectators who were on hand last year attend this time. There is no admission fee to see an interesting lineup of competitors, and fans are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.
Those competing include Heather Mason and Olympic judge Marilyn Payne, both of Tewksbury, as well as Cesar Parra of Whitehouse Station. He will be riding Olympia, the country's top-ranked Intermediare I horse, whose next stop is the U.S. national championships and WEG team selection trials.
They will be held Aug. 6-8 and 13-15 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, not far from Leoni's ranch. She is in charge of the VIP tent at the championships. It's a location that offers people a good vantagepoint, and food as well. Those who prefer the bleachers only have to pay $20 per car for parking.
For information about reserving a VIP table or VIP seat, contact Randi
Press Coverage in The Star-Ledger by Nancy Jaffer, 07/03/10 http://www.nj.com/jaffer
ON THE RAIL -- The musical freestyle has made dressage a true spectator sport that can be enjoyed by the uninitiated as well as the educated fan. Randy Leoni, the owner of Hawk Hollow Ranch, sees it as a way to broaden the base of the discipline, which was the genesis for her "Afternoon of Freestyles" that will be held Thursday at her stable at 100 River Road West in Bedminster.
The 4 p.m. competition showcases the rides in an intimate setting, enabling people to feel closer to the action than they do at big showgrounds.
"We have a lot of enthusiasm for the freestyle on the part of the riders, and people have been calling me right and left about coming," said Leoni, who would like to see more than the 170 spectators who were on hand last year attend this time. There is no admission fee to see an interesting lineup of competitors, and fans are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.
Those competing include Heather Mason and Olympic judge Marilyn Payne, both of Tewksbury, as well as Cesar Parra of Whitehouse Station. He will be riding Olympia, the country's top-ranked Intermediare I horse, whose next stop is the U.S. national championships and WEG team selection trials.
They will be held Aug. 6-8 and 13-15 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, not far from Leoni's ranch. She is in charge of the VIP tent at the championships. It's a location that offers people a good vantagepoint, and food as well. Those who prefer the bleachers only have to pay $20 per car for parking.
For information about reserving a VIP table or VIP seat, contact Randi
Pictures of Hawk Hollow Ranch Recognized Dressage Shows
photos Lisa Tannehill Photography