2011 marked the second year that American Quarter Horses could earn AQHA points in dressage and incentive fund monies by participating in USDF shows that were recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association.
Since its inception in January 2010, Lynn Palm, coached by Cyril Pittion-Rossillon, has been competing with American Quarter Horses at such shows. Two of her mounts by the famous Rugged Lark, Larks Home Run and Larks Royal Star, earned high honors in 2011.
Larks Home Run, owned by Amy and Tom Grabe of Ocala, FL, garnished the overall High Point Open Dressage Horse for AQHA in 2011. Affectionately known as Homer, he finished as one of five top point earners in Training, First and Second Levels and earned the highest amount of points in First Level for the year.
Larks Home Run’s stable mate, Larks Royal Star, owned by Hope Huber of Fort Wayne, IN, also made an impression with a second place finish for highest point earner in First Level as well as numerous championships along the way. Both horses qualified and competed at the 2011 USDF Region 3 Championships and have already qualified for 2012.
For those AQHA competitors who like patterns, stepping into the dressage ring and mastering a pattern-like test will have riders hooked on dressage. Like horsemanship and hunt seat equitation, riders can execute a test with finesse, accuracy and fluidity. The partnerships and progression of training in dressage is priceless!
To learn more about getting involved with quarter horses in dressage or for the discriminating buyer to find the perfect partner like Larks Home Run or Larks Royal Star to trot into the dressage arena with, please visit www.quarterhorsesindressage.com or www.lynnpalm.com .
About Lynn Palm
Palm's career highlights include 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsewoman of the Year, a record four AQHA Superhorse wins, AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women's Athletic Association, named one of the top United States clinicians by Horse & Rider magazine, over 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Champions, over 50 bridleless dressage exhibitions at events including the National Horse Show, 1989 World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and World Cup.
Palm and Cyril Pittion-Rossillon are co-founders of three horse industry companies: Palm Partnership Training, Women LUV Horses, and Alliance Saddlery USA. Palm is the author of the new release, The Rider’s Guide to Real Collection. Being the first female with an equine educational TV show, Palm’s training show airs on HRTV Dish 404 Tuesday evenings with additional airings throughout the week and on demand at HRTVlive.com.