USEA Area II Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Celebration
Event Program
“Order of Go”
10:00 AM
Welcome!
Mimosa & Bellini Bar
Silent Auction Opens
11:00 AM
Lunch Begins
Pasta Bar
11:30 AM
Speaker Presentation
Mary Grace, USEF R Eventing Judge
12:00 PM
Awards Presentation
1:30 PM
Silent Auction Closes
2:00 PM
Event End
Luncheon Presentation
New 2026 Eventing Dressage Tests, the Purpose of the Levels and What it takes to become a ‘Dressage Judge’
Speaker: Mary Grace, USEF R Eventing Judge
New Dressage Tests for 2026
Beg. Novice Test A
Novice Test A
Training Test A & B
Modified Test A & B
Preliminary Test B
Intermediate Test A
Advanced Test A
Purpose of the Tests
Starter/Beginner Novice
Introduce green horses & riders to competition, focusing on building confidence, education and foundational skills like RHYTHM, RELAXATION, SUPPLENESS, BALANCE and STRAIGHTNESS. (Pyramid of Training)
Novice
Confirm that horse & rider display a SUPPLE, obedient and forward moving partnership, establishing basic CONTACT, correct bending and clear RHYTHM in all three gaits. (20 Meter circles in trot and canter. Transitions between markers. Shallow serpentines. Working gaits…. free walk and medium walk)
Training
Confirm that the horse is SUPPLE, moves freely forward in a clear RHYTHM with a steady TEMPO, with a clear willingness to accept the bit. These tests evaluate the horse and rider’s foundational training, focusing on OBEDIENCE, RELAXATION, and CONTACT. The horse demonstrates clear, consistent, and rhythmic gaits in walk, trot, and canter.
Key objectives at Training Level include:
PROGRESSSIVE DEVELOPMENT: Building on the basics, requiring 10 meter circles and half circles at the trot, and introduction of lengthening of strides in the trot and canter
Modified
This level bridges the gap between Training and Preliminary, serving as a stepping stone that introduces technicality, medium paces, and increased precision. They test the horse’s submission, freedom of movement, and the rider’s ability to demonstrate forward, balanced and accurate riding. The dressage phase at this level ensures the horses is a ‘happy athlete’ (Continued development in lengthened paces at trot & canter.)
Preliminary
To demonstrate the harmonious development of the horse, confirming a solid foundation of rhythm, suppleness, and connection while preparing for higher-level competition.
Unlike the lower levels, Preliminary requires the horse to begin developing the strength and ability to ENGAGE the hindquarters for a more uphill, balanced frame. (Lengthening of stride in trot and canter, leg yielding, rein back, and simple changes of lead through trot, introduction of counter canter.)
Intermediate
Increased technical difficulty, while maintaining all the ‘basics’ (rhythm, relaxation, suppleness), and introduction of COLLECTION in the trot and canter work. These tests emphasize the horse’s ability to shift weight to the hindquarters, improving balance and engagement for the jumping phases (appearance of a more ‘uphill’ outline). (Collected paces, half pass, extended walk, shoulder-in, haunches-in)
Advanced
These tests measure a higher level of schooling, obedience, and physical development of the horse and rider, including more increased collection, engagement, and precision. Advanced tests serve as the pinnacle of national level Eventing, ensuring horses are strong, supple, and capable of fairly intense collected work. (Flying changes of lead, extended trot and canter work)
2025 Top Volunteers
TOP 10 VOLUNTEERS: 2605 Hours
SUSAN HART: 362 Hours 14 Minutes
DENNIS DAVIS: 332 Hours 13 Minutes
BARBARA (BOBBIE) DAVIS: 296 Hours 41 Minutes
BETH DIAMOND: 283 Hours 52 Minutes
ANGIE LEIHY: 265 Hours 27 Minutes
DAVID SLAGLE: 241 Hours 35 Minutes
JAMES B. NEWMAN: 217 Hours 20 Minutes
LIZ POOLE: 213 Hours 40 Minutes
TONI MARIE WOODS: 198 Hours 18 Minutes
CAROLYN ALEXANDER: 193 Hours 54 Minutes
TOP 10 COMPETING VOLUNTEERS: 667 Hrs
LISA PRAGG: 89 Hours
JOAN HILSMAN: 85 Hours
SUZY GEHRIS: 83 Hours
ANGI BEVERS: 74 Hours
SARA DRUFFNER: 71 Hours
EMMA HINKE: 66 Hours
MARGARET DUGAN: 61 Hours
ELIZABETH BROTHERS: 55 Hours
BRYN SCHOENTHAL: 42 Hours
ALEXIS SOUDER: 41 Hours
2025 USEA Area II Award Winners
Open Intermediate
1. Altaskin Jack, Megan Hopkins
2. Salt, Stephanie Sills
3. Mille Neuf Cent, Stephanie Sills
Open Preliminary
1. Viking Navigator, Alexandra Wikstrom
2. Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, James Power
3. Cooley Valentine, Ashley Cosenza
4. Magnific C’Imagination, Julie Crispin
Preliminary, Amateur Adult
1. Viking Navigator, Alexandra Wikstrom
Preliminary, Junior
1. Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, James Power
2. Cooley Valentine, Ashley Cosenza
Open Modified
1. Excel Star Quidam's Cavalier, Avery Cascarino
2. Leabeg Sam, Sophie Reed
3. Cooley Valentine, Ashley Cosenza
4. Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, James Power
4. Night Moves, Elisabeth Tansey
6. Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
7. Magnific C’Imagination, Julie Crispin
7. Cara’s Huntsman, Isabella Beaumont
9. Two Today, Allison Sowden
Modified, Amateur Adult
1. Leabeg Sam, Sophie Reed
2. Magnific C’Imagination, Julie Crispin
3. Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
4. Star of Midnight, Sophie Reed
Modified, Junior
1. Night Moves, Elisabeth Tansey
2. Cooley Valentine, Ashley Cosenza
3. Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, James Power
Open Training
1. HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
2. America Runs on Duncan, Jessica Goldberg
3. Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
4. Global Ask, Kathleen Cannon
5. Valor, Stephanie Sills
6. Ben-jamin’ Traveler, Peyton Frankovich
7. Dassett Evermore, Kendal Fansler
8. Raven, Donald Ruths
9. Nonpareil SPF, Tori Nuckols
10. Night Moves, Elisabeth Tansey
Training, Amateur
1. America Runs on Duncan, Jessica Goldberg
2. Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
3. Valor, Stephanie Sills
4. G Man, Julia Korey
5. Cakewalk, Catherine Ramsey
6. Uncle Bub, Caitlyn Mounce
Training, Master Amateur
1. Raven, Donald Ruths
2. Global Ask, Kathleen Cannon
3. Carlingford Castle, Katherine Thornton
4. Monatrea Cooley on the Con, Janet Ferri
Training, Junior
1. HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
2. Ben-jamin’ Traveler, Peyton Frankovich
3. Dassett Evermore, Kendal Fansler
4. Night Moves, Elisabeth Tansey
Open Novice
1. Sheeran, Christine Hryzak
2. Christine, Ella Ruth Goodman
3. Cakewalk, Catherine Ramsey
4. Zempat, Bekah Bartley
5. Causeway Princess, Michelle Tomasini
6. Global Ask, Kathleen Cannon
7. Jules Verne, Quinn Miller
8. Over Rider, Diana Rowland
9. Affirminator, Katerina Pecinovsky
9. Avalon Realta, Natalie Panyutin
Novice, Amateur Adult
1. Cakewalk, Catherine Ramsey
2. Zempat, Bekah Bartley
3. Affirminator, Katerina Pecinovsky
4. Causeway Princess, Michelle Tomasini
5. Silk Market, Michelle Deleon
6. G Man, Julie Korey
7. Dynamic Decision, Malie Lockard
Novice, Master Amateur
1. Over Rider, Diana Rowland
2. Global Ask, Kathleen Cannon
Novice, Junior
1. Christine, Ella Ruth Goodman
2. Jules Verne, Quinn Miller
3. Avalon Realta, Natalie Panyutin
Open Beginner Novice
1. Our Golden Chance, Liana Theroux
2. Rock’N Ranger, Jeannette Lussi
3. RVR Coldstone, Claire McMillan
4. Excel Star Cristal Coronet, Avery Cascarino
5. Watch Me, Susan Gehris
6. Bop Marley, Katarina Nack
7. Virginia Gentleman, Blair Dunleavy
8. For Arts Sake, Allison Sowden
8. B.E. Never Say Never, Julie Wotring
10. Moonlight Farm Diamond Kisses, Elizabeth Emerson
Beginner Novice, Amateur Adult
1. Our Golden Chance, Liana Theroux
2. Virginia Gentleman, Blair Dunleavy
3. Moonlight Farm Diamond Kisses, Elizabeth Emerson
4. Jack in the Box, Gina Franz
5. Silk Market, Michelle Deleon
6. Winston, Lauren Long
Beginner Novice, Master Amateur
1. Rock’N Ranger, Jeannette Lussi
2. Watch Me, Susan Gehris
3. B.E. Never Say Never, Julie Wotring
Beginner Novice, Junior
1. RVR Coldstone, Claire McMillan
2. Bop Marley, Katarina Nack
3. SF Sergeant Reckless, Natalie Cosenza
4. Amazing Grace, Hayden Swartz
Open Starter
1. Paint Misbehavin’, Katrina Davis
2. Paloma, Abigail McEwen
2. Dealt A Lucky Hand, Laura Beebe
4. Sweet Frijole, Olive Dumais
5. For Arts Sake, Allison Sowden
6. Moonlight Farm Diamond Kisses, Elizabeth Emerson
7. Copper, Sofia Goedeke
7. Excel Star Cristal Coronet, Avery Cascarino
9. Audrey, Kayla McCoy
10. Supercalifragilistic, Sarah Davidson
Starter, Amateur Adult
1. Paloma, Abigail McEwen
2. Dealt A Lucky Hand, Laura Beebe
3. Audrey, Kayla McCoy
4. Supercalifragilistic, Sarah Davidson
Starter, Junior
1. Sweet Frijole, Olive Dumais
2. Copper, Sofia Goedeke
TOP PLACINGS OVERALL
Maryland Bred: Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
Pennsylvania Bred: Dealt A Lucky Hand, Laura Beebe
Virginia Bred: Sheeran, Christine Hryzak
YEH 5 YO: Excel Star Cristal Coronet, Avery Cascarino
Irish Sport Horse: HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
Thoroughbred: America Runs on Duncan, Jessica Goldberg
Adult Rider: America Runs on Duncan, Jessica Goldberg
Young Rider: HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
CDCTA Dual Member: Global Ask, Kathleen Cannon
DVCTA Dual Member: Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
MCTA Dual Member: Jaguar Rosette WG, Katie Novotny
NCDCTA Dual Member: Supercalifragilistic, Sarah Davidson
BREA Dual Member: Gammon Castellvi-Cross
Member Nominated Awards
Area II Adult Riders Rider of the Year: Jordan deButts
Area II Adult Riders Resilient Rider of the Year: Bekah Bartley
Area II Adult Riders Horse of the Year: Jump for Sally, Cathrin Weiss
Perpetual Trophy Awards
Young Event Horse – The Merlin Memorial Trophy to Young Event Horse Champion, donated by Dr. Elizabeth Callahan: Excel Star Cristal Coronet, Avery Cascarino
Irish Event Horse – The “It’s the Luck of the Irish” Memorial Trophy donated by Tully Cross Farm to the Best Scoring RID/RIDD Event Horse in Area II: HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
Junior Starter - The Al Capony Junior Starter Trophy donated by the Zupan Family: Sweet Frijole, Olive Dumais
Beginner Novice Open – The Catoctin Sporthorses Night Magic Memorial Trophy to the Open Beginner Novice Champion: Our Golden Chance, Liana Theroux
Beginner Novice Junior – The Area II Junior Beginner Novice Champion Trophy: RVR Coldstone, Claire McMillan
Beginner Novice Amateur – The America Rising Perpetual Trophy Beginner Novice Amateur Adult Champion: Our Golden Chance, Liana Theroux
Novice Amateur – The Poco Perpetual Trophy to the USEA Area II Novice Amateur Adult Champion: Cakewalk, Catherine Ramsey
Novice Junior – The Full Moon Farm Memorial Junior Champion Trophy presented by Stephen and Karen Fulton: Christine, Ella Ruth Goodman
Training Open – The Fozzy Bear Memorial Trophy to the Open Training Champion: HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
Training Amateur – The Area II Organizers Perpetual Trophy to the Champion Training Adult Amateur: America Runs on Duncan, Jessica Goldberg
Training Junior – The Ashley Stout & Avant Garde Memorial Trophy to the Junior Training Champion: HSH Golden Boy, Emma Whitaker
Preliminary Amateur – The Rigel Perpetual Trophy to the Preliminary Amateur Adult Champion: Viking Navigator, Alexandra Wikstrom
Preliminary Junior – The Wolf Run Farm Perpetual Memorial Trophy to the Junior Preliminary Champion: Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, James Power
Celebration Sponsors & Supporters
Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters who donated and discounted our fabulous award prizes and silent auction items!
Dr. Tyler Murray. Dr. Tyler Murray, EdD, CMPC is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and lifelong equestrian who helps riders build confidence, focus, and resilience in the saddle. With a doctorate in sport and performance psychology, she specializes in the unique mental demands of equestrian sport, where fear management, pressure, and partnership with the horse play a critical role in performance. Her evidence-based approach gives riders practical mental tools they can apply immediately in training and competition. https://www.thewholeequestrian.com/sportpsychology
Susanne Lane. A bit of a chameleon, Susanne Lane has explored many types of media in order to keep her artistic juices flowing. Learn more at www.susannelane.com
Major Jeremy Beale. Major Beale is widely known for bringing out the full potential in both horse and rider. A U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) gold medalist and former international and Olympic event rider for Great Britain, Major Beale is a popular clinician through the FEI levels, and a designer of equestrian products.
Susan Hart. Area 2’s indefatigable multi-annual Volunteer of the Year and first national Gold Medal Volunteer in USEA VIP history.