2005 Dressage at Devon - American Junior Riders Championships

Meet the Riders - Ana DiGironimo and Cadanz

15-year-old Ana knows the ins and outs of showing very well. The 2004 Gold Medalist in the Dressage Seat Finals has been showing since the age of 8. She and her 12-year-old grey Dutch gelding, Cadanz (x Cabochan) have been a pair for the past three years.

Trainer Lendon Gray has helped to develop the pair for the past three years. “I am so fortunate to be able to train with Lendon. I could not ask for a better trainer for me. She has been there cheering us on through thick and thin. Our family really appreciates her kindness she has shown us through the years.” Ana trailers in for instruction on holidays and weekends that she has free from other obligations. She previously trained with her on her pony, Orion two years prior to the purchase of Cadanz.

This is their first year making one of the top twelve spots in the nation to be able to come to Devon for the Junior Dressage Team Championships. “It is such an honor to be here. Hard word and dedication have brought us here together and I am so excited to be a part of it.” Their season average coming into this competition is a 68.9%, which landed them fourth onto the teams. Ana and Cadanz are members of Team Independence along with teammates Jennifer Dainer, Arianne Weiss and Jami Edwards.

Ana’s mother, Debbie, is the ultimate show mom. She attends every competition with Ana and is her number one fan. Her upbeat attitude keeps Ana’s spirits up and nerves low. She can always be seen bathing, grooming and handling Cadanz, which takes significant pressure off of Ana.

Some of her goals for 2006 include trying out for Region 1’s young rider team on Cadanz and having the opportunity to represent her country in the 2006 NAYRC. Cadanz has limitless training, so the possibilities are endless for this pair in the future.

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