Fresno CDS Valentine’s Dressage Schooling Show

Fresno CDS held its annual Valentine’s Dressage Schooling Show at La Dolce Vita Equestrian Center in Clovis, California on Saturday, February 10th. The weather was perfect for a full day of 75 rides that extended from 7:40 am to 5:53 pm. Traditional dressage classes ranged from introductory level to Prix St. Georges. A large group of western dressage riders also competed in the show in intro, basic, and level 1 tests. Janelle Dunn from Turlock, California served as judge for the show. She had a very long day of judging in order to fit all the rides in during daylight hours and kept the show running on time all day. She went beyond the call of duty in order to accommodate so many rides, agreeing to take a shortened lunch break. She even brought her husband along to serve as scribe all day. High Percentage Awards were presented in three divisions. Leeanne Lloyd Mattos earned the two highest scores in the Open division riding Ingrato Jle to a 73.913% and a 72.083%. Both Adult Amateur high score awards were presented to Bob Wiens riding Myte Please to a 75.000% and 71.296%%. Madeline Vellandi earned the high score in the Junior division riding Danny to a 69.348%. Madison Bridges rode Centaur to a 69.063% to earn the second highest score in the Junior division. Fresno CDS utilized their dressage courts, show office trailer, and judging stand trailer to create a professional show venue. The show office trailer was equipped with new lighting and floor covering. Aniah Sweeny decorated both the show office trailer and judges trailer in a Valentine’s theme. The show arena and warm-up arena were again arranged adjacent to each other to facilitate an efficient, safe, on time show. A short court was utilized for the eventing and introductory tests then quickly transformed into a full court for the remaining classes. Thank you to Bethany Bush, Susan Martino, Sue Lynch, Piete Ogata, Art Buller, Craig Stanley, and Marge Young for setting up the arenas and trailers.   Volunteers make shows possible. The work of the following people was extremely appreciated: Thank you to Craig Stanley- show manager, Debbie Cervenka- volunteer coor dinator, Freya Mello & Deb Moerman- scoring, Aniah Sweeny, Marily Reese, Mary Jane Minnie, Taylor Saunders, & Erin Lamont- ring stewards. Additional thanks go to Cheryl Genzler and Cindi Mellor for keeping the show running smoothly. The Fresno CDS gives special thanks to Debbie Cervenka for bringing subway sandwiches for lunch and to Deb Moerman for bringing coffee, fruit and cookies. A huge thank you also goes to all those who stayed and packed up and moved the trailers and arenas: Art Buller, Erin Lemont, Craig Stanley, and Marge Young. Fresno CDS looks forward to hosting its next schooling show in Woodlake on Saturday, April 28th!