2005 Dressage at Devon - American Junior Riders Championships

Meet the Riders - Arianne Weiss and Du Fox Paw

For 17-year-old Arianne Weiss, making the long trip up to Devon, Pennsylvania from Wellington, Florida has been well worth the effort. Her mount this year is "Darby", an 11-year-old American Hanoverian mare (x Darius). Arianne and Darby have been a pair since October of 2004. The duo are currently in training with Nancy Later of Wellington, Florida and have been under Later's training program since June of this year. "Nancy is just fabulous! She is everything that I could ask for and more in a trainer. We get along great and she an awesome person to be around. She believes in me and encourages me to be my best. It is nice to have such a great supporter and friend."

The Weiss family found Darby near Atlanta, GA through the guidance of Chris Hickey. "It was obvious from the first time we saw her that she had incredible potential and talent. We took a chance and it paid off well."

Arianne and Darby started off their Junior-qualifying season with some bumps in the road. Throughout the season, their scores gradually climbed and finally they were able to get in their qualifying scores that landed them a spot on one of the three coveted teams headed to Devon earlier this summer. Raleigh proved to be the pivotal point in the duo's qualifying efforts where they received their first 66%.

None of this would be possible without the countless hours of support and enthusiasm offered to Arianne by her parents. "I count myself very lucky to be surrounded by an amazing family and group of friends who believe in and me and support my dreams and goals."

This coming winter season in Wellington will hopefully include the pair's first Prix St. George and Young Rider classes.

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