2003 Dressage at Devon

Julie Warstler and Zippity-Do-Da Dominate Incentive FEI Pony Classes at Devon

Julie Warstler and her New Forest Pony Zippity-Do-Da won both FEI Dressage Pony classes at 2003 Dressage at Devon. It was the very first time that Devon featured these so far unknown FEI recognized dressage tests in their program. Though more FEI Ponies are known to compete in the United States, five showed up at Devon.

Julie Warstler won the Pony Team Championship test with 64.833%. In the judges' boxes were FEI dressage chairwoman Mariette Withages from Belgium and the German judge Peter Engel, who are both very known with judging the FEI pony classes in their own country. Julie McKean finished second and third with her ponies Leah (62.333%) and Nachu Peakin (58.000%). In fourth place was Samantha Hodgson on Beymoon Zela (57.167%) and Cara Klothe finished fifth on Shawntyr with 54.667%

Warstler went on to win the Pony Individual Test with 61.290%. The individual test is technically more difficult which explained the lower scores. All other riders were ranked the same way. McKean landed in second and third position on Leah and Nachu Peakin (61.129% and 60.323%). Hodgson was fourth with 58.387%, Klothe fifth with 55.968%

Twelve-year old Julie Warstler of Dryden, MI, made the long haul to Devon to present a fantastic and very promising FEI dressage pony in the ring. Zippity-Do-Da is a 10-year old 13.2 hands high pony with the largest and most powerful basic gaits of the five that were competing.

Though Julie trains Zippity on her own, in Devon she was coached by Grand Prix rider Susan Dutta. Under the professional guidance of Dutta, Warstler made considerable improvements on the walk pirouettes during the weekend. The pony was imported from Europe and purchased in the U.S. by the Warstler family.

Mrs. Warstler stressed the importance of coming to Devon with their FEI pony. "We made this long trip because we need to promote the ponies. Kids usually go the hunters because it's more easy." In Europe, almost every young rider starts out with ponies and those who are seriously interested in dressage go through the FEI pony tests until they are 16 years old. Ponies do not require so much strength from children who don't have the power to ride large warmblood horses. "Kids have to learn dressage on ponies," Mrs Warstler said, "Julie earned her bronze medal on Zippity."

by Astrid Appels

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