Tali's Rolex Dressage

I'm not sure I can put exactly into words how proud and excited I am following Tali's test yesterday at Rolex. He was a little tense as we entered the arena, which was exactly what we expected. Just as we had hoped he continued to improve throughout the test. Amazingly, he finished up the day sitting in 3rd place!

The USEF Network has posted the video online, click here to view.

In the best of all worlds I had hoped that we would have had a day like yesterday. I can't stop thinking about how great Tali's future will be, we're just scratching the surface of our potential. I have to again thank Larry and Amelia Ross for their support in our partnership with Tali. Without their help I certainly would not in this position!

So just as we had planned and mentioned in previous the previous blog, I will be withdrawing from Rolex here to reroute to Saumur CCI*** in France in a month's time. I have to thank both Land Rover as well as all of the private donors who have made the USEF travel grant possible. It's an incredible opportunity, and based on Tali's performance yesterday I can't wait!

If you are at Rolex this year, please join us for a course walk today, Friday at 4:30 meeting at the start box. Also I'll be at the following both signing my new book as well as autographs:

Ecogold 11:45
Pony Club Games 12:15
Bit of Britain 1:15
CWD Saddles 4:00

Tomorrows details still to come!

Plans from Rolex to Saumur CCI*** and beyond...

Tali at the Fork CIC*** photo thanks to Samantha Clark

Due on our wedding day was the Land Rover USEF grant application for the Saumur CCI***. Submitting the application brought back some bitter sweet memories of my first trip overseas with Running Order to Boekelo some years back. I found myself thinking about how lucky I am to have this opportunity for a second time. Running Order was such a spectacular horse and will always hold a special place in our hearts, his halter still hangs in our tack room today. With certainty I can say Tali has benefited from my experience, that's the beauty of equestrian sport. The moment you stop learning you stop progressing, it's so important to enjoy the process.

I have to thank Larry and Amelia Ross who have been partners with Tali and me for some time, without their support I would not be here today. I have been incredibly pleased with Tali's results to date. Knowing that no event this spring is the end game I've been mindful of his fitness, soundness and conditions at each competition. To me it makes no sense to run his legs off on XC for a blue ribbon or prize money if it sacrifices his future. That said he's been exceptional, but with definite room for further improvement! I'm still working out how to make the most of his talents. He is inherently a tricky horse, in my experience all the good ones are!

I've made a concerted effort to enter shows or events which offer the greatest atmosphere to improve his ability to cope with exciting, large environments. He is well on his way and has continued to get better with each outing, but this is an ongoing process.

So where to we go from here? I had heard through the grapevine that we would receive final word of the Land Rover/USEF grant following the Fork's CIC***. So why Saumur? I'm not focused soley on the WEG's this year or frankly any particular championship for that matter. That said, I want more than anything to be named to US teams in the future. I'm convinced that if my process is sound I will be able to develop partnerships with my horses which will result in future successes. If I do what I think is best for my horses and myself those team spots will come. Amazingly Tali has only been at advanced since Millbrook and run only one CCI*** (Fair Hill International) where he finished 4th. While qualified and entered at Rolex, I'd jump at the chance to run one more 3* on foreign soil. This would offer the best of all worlds. Strange, charged atmosphere and the complexity of the XC should not be overbearing and should allow for the best chance for sucess. Building confidence and consistency is my main goal at this point in his career.

Last week I received the email from Joanie Morris delivering the great news that I was a recipient of the Land Rover grant! For me it's a humbling experience receiving validation of a lifetime of efforts and the past six years with Tali. I am incredibly thankful both to Land Rover as well as the countless individual donors who have afforded me this opportunity. It's a great feeling knowing you have the backing of so many, I hope you all can share this experience with me.

So what about my Rolex entry? I am still going to still attend this year for the Dressage phase being that there is no other place in this hemisphere to gain exposure on the world stage. Tali and I will no doubt come away from the experience stronger, more resilient and better prepared for Jersey, Saumur and beyond. This is an invaluable opportunity!

This next week will be a continuation of our chaotic past few weeks where we're finalizing our move to Apex, NC. We have been back and forth between the new farm and Aiken more times than I'd like to count. We'll remain in Aiken through Saturday where Eli (owned by Mike Rubin) and I are jumping in the $25k Grand Prix in town. Katie and Jess are also competing at Sporting Days, when both compeitions wrap up we'll pack up for one last time and head to NC! We're planning to depart for Rolex early Tuesday morning giving us enough time to take Tali for a hack in the afternoon around the park.

Check back for updates throughout the week!

-D

Carolina International CIC***

Tali in the CIC*** XC - Photo by Amy Dragoo at the Stone Henge Complex

We've returned to Aiken from the inaugural Carolina International. I want to start by recognizing the efforts by the countless volunteers, sponsors as well as my fellow members on the organizing committee especially Jane Murray and Marc Donovan. Without the efforts of these countless people, we wouldn't have the Carolina International or eventing as a sport for that matter!

As for our horses, they were excellent. I can't thank my lovely wife, crazy to say :), and Michelle for their support and help. Our horses and I would be lost without them! The results were as follows:

CIC*** - Crown Talisman aka Tali owned by Larry & Amelia Ross and Doug - 4th
CIC* - Cellar Door aka Little Leo owned by Jane Dudinsky - 2nd
CIC* - Lysander aka Big Leo owned by Kristin Michaloski and Doug - 5th
Preliminary - Cossino Rio aka Rio owned by Fred & Wendy Luce and Doug - 1st
Training - Lisnahall Imperier aka Rex owned by Virtus - 1st 
Training - de Kooning aka Willem owned by Susan Cipolla - 2nd

On our drive home I was stuck thinking that this was, across the board, my most successful weekend to date. I felt humbled by all who are currently and have supported me in the past. I am driven to do them proud. I can't wait to see what comes in the future!

We're headed to Atlanta for some jumping with Eli on Thurs, will be interesting. Check back soon for results!

The new face of Eventing

In a recent blog post on the Chronicle of the Horse I proposed a classification system which would both allow for more cost effective introductory levels as well as a top tier event which would offer world class atmosphere and competition. With the ultimate goal of growing our sport and helping all who participate in sanctioned and unsanctioned competitions.

I am dismayed that a few have interpreted my message as a power and money grab redistributing from the lower end to the high end being that this is no way my intent. Below is a response posted on Eventing Nation.

"Everyone seems to be focusing on the upper level prize money as my primary motivation for writing this piece. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. I open the COTH article explaining that I’ve found it cost prohibitive to compete at the lower levels, in searching for alternatives for our horses I chose to limit my events in favor of jumper shows. This allowed me to gain much needed experience for the horses under my care at a much more reasonable cost due to add back money.

It’s only logical that more riders are choosing to go to other disciplines or unrecognized competitions which offer a welcoming competition for reasonable fees. As a judge, TD, rider and a member of the organizing committee of the Carolina International I have a unique perspective on this topic. I have spoken to multiple organizers who said that running unrecognized events costs them half as much and offers the same profit margins.  If the USEA became more flexible with their fee structure and rules, organizers would have more flexibility to price their events reasonably.  It’s crucial that we drop the barriers to entry at sanctioned events, allowing more participants at the grassroots levels. We have a great sport comprised of a great breath of people. I wrote this looking to allow more to participate at reasonable fees, as well as support our team members and owners to help our country succeed on the international stage!

One quick side note with regards to prize money, Carolina International this weekend is a great example of what we need for ‘A’ class events.  Entries cost about as much as other events and horses finishing in the top placings will be able to pay for their weekend or more. These funds were raised under the great leadership of Jane Murray at the CI not on the back of other competitors!

I want our sport to thrive and it’s not going to happen by pricing competitors, owners, riders or organizers out of the market!”

DPE's Expert Advice - Performing Under Pressure

Tali's Morning Jump Session

We've just started our column on Facebook titled "DPE's Expert Advice - Performing Under Pressure".  Check the link for details. www.facebook.com/dpequestrian We're also looking for additional topic ideas, please write in with your ideas!

Back to Aiken following a great week at Meadow Creek in Texas!

This was the unbelievable situation Helmut Boehme and I found ourselves in on our drive back to Dallas from Meadow Creek this afternoon. Having a heads up that thunderstorms were on the horizon we decided to run XC on 1:30 min intervals today rather than the customary 2 mins. This allowed us to wrap up before the major rain hit. Or should I say what started as rain. We hopped in the car and headed north towards the DFW airport when the bottom dropped out. I've not been in a thunder and lightning rain, hail, sleet storm before, and even if I had, the magnitude of this was exceptional! We managed to arrive at the airport with what should have been hours, but was just minutes to spare. 

I'd to thank Robbie and Brad as well as the countless volunteers who kept everything running smoothly especially in today's less than ideal conditions!

I'm airborne at the moment, and planning the hectic week ahead. Jess and my wedding is just a few short weeks away. Aside from the final loose ends with the party, we need to head to Raleigh this week to find a house!

We'll also be back at PSJ late in the week for the $15k mini prix, check back for updates and results!

-D 

Quick inflight update!

I’m in the air somewhere between Atlanta and Dallas heading to Texas to judge for the weekend. Since the last update, Tali had his first Advanced run of the year. He was exceptional, especially in trying conditions! He wrapped up the day with a win. Not a bad way to start off 2014! All of the others competing on the weekend were excellent. All finished well continuing our top 5 finish steak in 2014.



Monday and Tuesday following I had the great opportunity to ride in the George Morris clinic held at Boyd’s place. It was a great chance to ride with one of the greatest coaches this country has seen. It was an excellent reminder of how much the basics position flaws can negatively influence our horses performance. I came away refreshed and motivated to continue to improve my riding and jumping. As he said in casual conversation, in a stressful environment we can not always rely on instinct, but our basics will always be there at our disposal. They have to be perfect!

Tali is back in the game

Morning Sunrise at Pine Top

Tali's first outing of the year wrapped up today at Pine Top. While still a little rusty, he showed a number of great signs of progress. His video is below:

Following our successful outing at Pine Top, just about home I received a call from a good friend and local vet Sarah Thompson asking if I was close enough to make it in time to ride her horse in the Cupid Classic's $5k Welcome Stakes. Just in the nick of time, I was able to drop Tali and Michelle off and make it to the show. Qatar was excellent, having jumped him once a month earlier I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. He finished up in 6th!

Back to Pine Top tomorrow to ride Susan Cipolla's de Kooning in Novice and Sunday in the $10k Mini-Prix at the Cupid Classic on Eli owned by Mike Rubin.

Equestrian Social Media Awards

We were lucky enough to be nominated as a finalist in the Equestrian Social Media Awards, so we need your vote! Click here to vote for us!

Chronicle of the Horse Blog

The most recent blog posted on the Chronicle of the Horse's website can be viewed here.

The first book is on the way to the printers!

Two years in the making the book is in print! Details coming soon regarding availability, tentative date is early March.

A wait list is on Trafalgar's site by clicking here.

Rex's helmet cam video from the YEH-5 finals

I'm not sure how I lost this one, but I've just come across Rex's helmet cam video from the 2013 YEH-5 finals at Fair Hill.

As many are aware, Rex was purchased by Virtus with the help of a new partnership between DPE and Downes Howard's Howard Equestrian. For more information about the syndicate and Rex click over to our horses page.

While Rex is not for sale, we are more than happy to help you find a perfect partner for your future. Contact Doug with any questions or inquiries.

We've arrived in Aiken, ready to get going!

The rig all cleaned up with new DPE logo and Cavalor (http://www.cavalor.com/us-en)

As I alluded to in my previous post, we've finally arrived in Aiken. Following one of the most chaotic, hectic weeks we're finally just about unpacked and organized. Moving our lives, and barn was an epic challenge which I'm very happy to say is now behind us! We've spent the last week and a half unpacking, cleaning, organizing and tying up loose ends. While stressful, it has given me time to reflect on the past successes and failures with business and life. There is an opportunity to start anew and I'm looking forward to it without a doubt!

Heading into the winter/early spring season for me is always a great time of year. Just like our move south, I've always found it a time for reflection. What went well with my horses and where I fell short. A back to the basics theme seems to pervade my winter training. Figure out what root flaws have limited my performances, and fix them without the stress of a competition looming in the near horizon.

In planning our next months, if you find yourself in the area, feel free to stop by. I'm happy to help whomever is determined to improve regardless of level. We also have limited training spots for your horse starting January 1st. Let me know if you have any questions, it's amazing how much can be accomplished in a short period of time down here in Aiken. We've got access to a number of training facilities, schooling and recognized shows and events. Green horses can be exposed, not only to all of the common questions but to varied terrain not seen in other locals. It's the perfect jump start to your season!

More information can be found at DPEquestrian.com or give Doug a call at 908.399.9112

2013 Wrap-up Stats and More

Tali at Fair Hill International CCI*** Photo thanks to Alex Thayer via EventingNation's Who Jumped it Best

Details coming soon but I'm happy to report we've arrived in Aiken following one of the most chaiotic weeks of my life. With the tremendous help of Stacey Rogers who drove my car down form NJ and helped us unload the limitless piles of horses, equipment, jumps etc... Jess, Michelle, Katie and I have uprooted from NJ on our way to Raleigh, NC via Aiken, SC through April.

In reviewing the results from 2013 I was shocked and humbled. It's very easy to take a biased look at your horses from week to week, but these statistics seem to speak for themselves! Our total starts were down from last year due to my hand surgery in April, but every other statistic has improved. This is also the very first year I've ever had 100% of my XC rounds finish without jumping faults.

Not only am I incredibly lucky to have such a great group of horses, but a fabulous support and ownership team. Our owners include, Jane Dudinsky, Fred and Wendy Luce, The Virtus Syndicate, Kristin Michaloski, Kristen Burgers, Larry and Amelia Ross. DPE's support system includes, Sue Donatosky, Greg Staller (Running 'S' Equine), Michelle Novak (DPE's Manager) and our working students Jorgan Olijslager and Katie Cantine. I'm afraid I've missed countless others have contributed as well and I greatly appreciate their efforts.

Tali finishes 4th in his first CCI*** at Fair Hill - Chronicle Blog

Tali cooling off after XC in the vet box with Katie (L) and Joan (R)

My latest blog is now up on the Chronicle of the Horse's website, read by clicking here.