bethandherhorses

Beth and her horses-

Donner Girl & Bluette

Beth currently rides the 2004 Oldenburg mare Donner Girl (aka DG) by Don Gregory:

Beth and DG at home in the new covered riding arena, just days after DG arrived in August 2009

and the 1992 Danish Grand Prix mare Bluette by Rambo:

Beth and Bluette in piaffe, September 2005, Intermediare II test. (photo by Amber Palmer Photography; amberpalmer.com)

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Beth grew up riding with the Bainbridge Island Pony Club, earning her "B" rating. After college, medical school and residency training, she returned to riding, focusing on dressage.

Her riding accomplishments include:

USDF gold, silver and bronze medals awarded
USDF "L" judge training program graduate with distinction
Recipient of numerous year-end and high point awards (see below)

Beth trains regularly with Roxanne Christenson and has ridden in clinics with the late Dietrich von Hopfgarten, Stephan Kiesewetter, Leslie Reid, Steffen Peters, and Conrad Schumacher.

Beth has been active with Equestrians' Institute for many years.

Beth and Bluette at the Northwest Dressage Expo, May 2006 (photo below by Poulsen Photography; www.poulsenphoto.com). Click here and here for video clips from the ride.

Beth recently completed a huge construction project on her property in Redmond, WA, and now enjoys a wonderful new barnand covered riding arena. After 17 years of riding in the rain, what a luxury!!!

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Dressage Journeys

2009 - More journeys -

I traveled to the Netherlands and Denmark this summer seeking a new equine partner. Criteria: young-ish (5-7 yrs), not too big (16.2 hands max), and FEI potential (duh!). After a whirlwind several days trying 16 horses, I selected Donner Girl, aka DG, a 2004 16.0+ hand Oldenburg bay mare by Don Gregory. Why? Because of all the horses that fit the criteria, this one had the best natural gaits, and the most agreeable, cooperative temperament. And she is pretty! She has already had a foal, so she has the training of a 4 yr old in a 5 yr old body. She is very sensible, and a blast to ride.

Keep up with DG's training on Beth's blog.

I also still ride Bluette, my 1992 Danish Warmblood mare by Rambo out of a thoroughbred mare. Bluette was imported from Denmark in July of 2001 and we trained and competed successfully from 4th level through Grand Prix. Bluette is now retired from competition, but she still keeps me on my toes! If the right person came along to lease her and learn from her Grand Prix expertise, I'd consider it. But for now, I'm enjoying the ride.

Bluette did not get pregnant in the summer of 2008 so I tried again in the spring of 2009, seeking expert advice. Despite fairly aggressive attempts, Bluette still did not get pregnant. So, it was not to be. Bluette came home from the Reproduction Center in Oregon, and is now back as a riding horse.

2008 - Another injury -

Bluette and I were all set to ride down the Grand Prix centerline again this year, but another injury changed those plans. I think it is time for Bluette to have a less intense life, and perhaps change her focus to breeding. I know she'd make a fabulous mother, and has the potential to produce some talented horses!

2007 - A rehab year (Bluette):

In the late summer of 2006, Bluette suffered an injury that precluded additional competition that year. 2007 was spent in careful rehab. By the end of 2007, she was back training all of the Grand Prix movements.

2006 - Grand Prix (Bluette):

Champagne Classic, July 2006 - scores: 60.833% and 60.104% I earned my USDF gold medal! Woo hoo and THANK YOU BLUETTE!! What a ride!!

2005 – Intermediare II (Bluette):

Intermediare II, Cascade Championships (62.683%)
Intermediare II, Whidbey Island (62.195%)

2004 – Intermediare I and Prix St. George (Bluette):

19th place, Intermediare I, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 63.875)
High Point Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I award: Royal Ensign Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2004.
High Point FEI Horse: Meads Half Penny Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2004

2003 – Intermediare I and Prix St. George (Bluette):

4th place, Prix St. Georges, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 64.750)
1st place, Prix St. Georges, North American Danish Warmblood Society (NADWS), Adult Amateur division
2nd place, Prix St. Georges, NADWS Open division
11th place, Intermediare I, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 63.375)
High Point FEI ride, Beaujolais Dressage Show, June 2003
High Point Adult Amateur ride, Beaujolais Dressage Show, June 2003
High Point Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I award: Royal Ensign Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2003.

2002 – Fourth Level (Bluette):

Earned USDF silver medal
3rd place, 4th level, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 66.31)
1st place, 4th level, North American Danish Warmblood Society (NADWS), Adult Amateur Division
3rd place, 4th level, NADWS, Open division
High point Adult Amateur score, Donida Farm Dressage, July 2002
High Point 4th level award: Hitter's Pride Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2002
High Point Adult Amateur FEI score, Devonwood Dressage Show, August 2002
4th level demonstration rider at the USDF symposium "Improving the Gaits through the levels" with Debbie McDonald, December 15, 2002, Devonwood Equestrian Center, Sherwood, Oregon.

1996 to 1998 – Third level (Talon):

USDF Bronze medal (1996)
USDF Region 6 Adult Amateur Reserve Champion – score: 64.871% (1998)
Northwest Dressage Championships Adult Amateur Reserve Champion – score: 62.564% (1998)
2nd place USDF Adult Amateur division (1998)
2nd place USDF All Breeds, Open, NATA (1998)
1st place USDF All Breeds, Adult Amateur, NATA (1998)

1995 – Second Level (Talon):