Ole South Dressage Shows

By Nancy Brannon

The Central Tennessee Dressage Association (CTDA) continued its tradition of offering the summer Ole South Dressage shows: August 9, 2019 – Ole South Prelude and August 10-11, 2019 – Ole South Classic, both at the Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The shows are counted as two separate Dressage shows, and the Classic is a Great American/USDF 2019 Regional Qualifier as well as a National Dressage Pony Cup 2019 Partner Show with the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program classes. Judges for the Classic were William Warren (S, MA) and Sara Schmitt (S, NJ). Classes ranged from USDF Intro to Prix St. Georges, Intermediare, and Grand Prix. There was an FEI Freestyle class, Dressage Seat Equitation, and Materiale classes for Three-, Four-, and Five-year olds.

A highlight of the show was that CTDA member Joan Jones earned her USDF Silver Medal with her beloved Prinz at the Ole South.

And, Announcer Rebecca Jones had the best seat in the house.

By M. Rebecca Jones

As the announcer for the Ole South Dressage Classic, I was once again afforded what I refer to as “the best seat in the house.”  I say this not just due to the fact that as announcer I get a bird’s eye view of the two immaculately groomed arenas sitting below on the arena floor at The Miller Coliseum, and also that rides from junior exhibitors, possibly getting to show at their first recognized show, to FEI level riders and their horses who are truly poetry in motion.  There were also awards for Master’s class participants, based on the combined age of horse and rider to equal a minimum of 65, and high score awards. 

Even though the weather was typical for August, some of the hottest of the season, the climate-controlled arena was popular with exhibitors and spectators. 

Organizing, manning, and keeping a show running of this caliber takes a host of staff and, once again, CTDA show staff, members, and volunteers made the shows run seamlessly.  Joe Coleman stepped into the manager’s position and also ensured that the arena footing was second to none for the exhibitors.  Show secretary Kathy Grisola had the schedule orchestrated to run smoothly and CTDA Volunteer Coordinator Moriah Seibert had warm-up stewards, ring stewards, scribes and runners all in place.  To say it takes a village is an understatement and getting to sit in the best seat in the house makes it possible to see how each of the positions needed at a recognized show work together to make the Ole South shows a favorite for many exhibitors. 

S-level judges, William Warren from Massachusetts and Sara Schmitt from New Jersey, scrutinized exhibitors and horses from Introductory level through Grand Prix, including Musical Freestyles each day. Helena Stokes, on Moonshine Kate, rode the USDF Musical Freestyle and Nelson Long rode Be Cool Metall in FEI Freestyle.

The Ole South Dressage judges and show manager got to take a side trip to Nashville, visiting the Parthenon, the Capitol, Printers Alley, Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, and River Front Park.

Whether an exhibitor or avid spectator of the sport of dressage, Central Tennessee Dressage shows come highly recommended.  CTDA hosts the Tennessean Express and Tennessean in June at beautiful Brownland Farm in Franklin, Tenn., and the Ole South Dressage shows are in August each year.  For more information on the Central Tennessee Dressage Association (CTDA) and the activities and events they offer, visit their website at http://wordpress.tndressage.com/ or their Facebook page. 

Ole South Dressage Prelude High Score Winners, August 9

Training Level

AA - Nancy Whitman on SF Dalton

JR/YR – Aislin Falasco on Unscripted

Open – Jody Wilson on Fabulosity

First Level

JR/YR – Mary-Kaylin Linch on Panic! At The Disco

Second Level

AA – Molly Bronaugh on Fortissimo

Third Level

AA – Helena Stokes on Moonshine Kate

JR/YR – Jordan Lockwood on Estudiosio XLIV

Fourth Level

Open – Kathryn Stoy on Flash Gordon HF

FEI

AA - Anne Forby on Donner Prince

Open – JT Burnley on Fuerst Falco

Masters Winner: JT Burnley on FurstTanzer

Ole South Dressage Classic High Score Winners, August 10 - 11

Training Level

AA – Jenny Kemp on Belerina

JR/YR – AislinFalasco on Unscripted

Open – Jody Wilson on Fabulosity

First Level

AA – Jessica Ramirez on Abenteuer

JR/YR – AislinFalasco on Unscripted

Second Level

AA – Diana Treimut on Knight Hart

JR/YR – Mary-Kaylin Linch on Panic! At The Disco

Third Level

AA – Penne Mott on Barkley

JR/YR – Jordan Lockwood on Estudiosio XLIV

Fourth Level

Open – Karen Lipp on Infinity

FEI

AA – Kerri Baxter on Calypso MWF

Open – JT Burnley on Fuerst Falco

   Masters Winner: JT Burnley on FurstTanzer