Posted April 23, 2006

The Search for America's Next Equestrian Star: Dressage

Gold Coast Dressage - Provedes the Stage for the Final Act

According to Gold Coast Dressage Association President Noreen O’Sullivan-Flanagan, that is one of the reasons the club went to such efforts to accommodate the TV show’s filming. “When you have something that is going to be on TV, it should be a win-win,” said O’Sullivan-Flanagan, who mentioned that the club donating the ring time, volunteers and the additional judges’ boxes requested.

O’Sullivan-Flanagan’s biggest concern was that the filming did not “compromise the competition,” which takes a year to organize and is a big event for the hundreds of riders who compete in its classes that range from Training Level to Grand Prix. She also had to make sure the non-horse savvy crew and cameramen were briefed concerning proper horse show etiquette. “Sometimes what appears to be a distraction (to either horse or rider) can make a big difference in their performance.”