RIDERS AND SCHEDULE
10.00am - 10.30am - Cavalletti Work
Amelia Avery riding Aislings Royal Image
We are just starting in the lowest levels of local shows in Eventing and I would really love to take him up the levels as far as he is capable of as he is my heart horse and loves cross country. We have a background in Dressage training and competition and are able to execute most / all of the 2nd Level Test manoeuvres. We have jumped up to around 2ft on occasion but school 18" as of right now. We go out to school cross country as much as we can but we would really love to get more experienced in that as we have only been able to do short courses at 18"-2ft jumps.
Maddie Joy riding Parlay de Uno
Parlay De Uno is a 2020 KWPN mare sired by Uno Don Diego. I purchased her at the end of 2023 as an unstarted 3.5-year-old directly from her breeder in Oklahoma. We began her under-saddle training in January 2024, with the goal of developing her into a competitive FEI horse, including aspirations for the FEI 5-Year-Old classes in 2025.
Parlay made her show debut in September 2024 at training level. She is currently schooling all of First and Second level, and is working to develop and refine elements of the FEI 5-Year-Old test, including walk-canter transitions, rein backs, counter canter, and shoulder-in. My long-term goal is to develop Parlay into a happy, and successful FEI partner. She will help me work toward completing the final two scores for my USDF Gold Medal and, hopefully, become a competitive FEI mount for the future.
YOUNG HORSE DRESSAGE
10.30am - 11.10am
John Mason riding Splendido
Splendido is a six-year-old Hanoverian Gelding by Secret x For Romance, owned by Victoria Reeder and was imported as a two year old by Elizabeth McConnell. Splendido has been awarded the USDF Horse of the Year award in Materiale and Training Level, Region 9 Open Champion at Training, First, and Second Levels. John and “Sailor” hope to be able to qualify and compete at the Festival of Champions later this year in the Six year old division.
Advanced Medium and PRIX ST GEORGE
11.10am - 11.50am (Small Break afterwards)
Andrew Phillips riding Heathrow
Andy Phillips is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist based at WV Dressage in Waller, TX. He enjoys working with horses of all breeds from training level to Grand Prix and has trained extensively with Pati Pierucci, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel, and Anne Gribbons. Heathrow is a 2012 Dutch KWPN gelding by Rubignon out of a UB40 mare. He was bred in Canada and has been owned by Alex Medina since he was a 2 year old. He is currently competing at PSG with the goal of going in an I-1 by the end of the year. Our main focus with him is developing elasticity in his gaits and giving him confidence in the collection. Heath has a great work ethic and will never say no to a sugar cube or carrot!
MK Connatser riding Schnell’s Highlight
MK Connatser is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist based at Rocking M Stables in Dallas, Texas. She began riding at three years old and is now fifteen. MK trains with Allison Stai and Yvonne Kusserow. In 2024, she rode Schnell’s Highlight at North American Youth Championships (NAYC), earning a team bronze medal. Schnell’s Highlight, affectionately known as Hygge, is a 2009 Hanoverian gelding by Blue Hors Hotline out of a Rotspon mare. He was bred in Holland and has been owned by MK for almost two years. He is currently competing at Juniors with the goal of competing at PSG over the summer. Our main focus with him is creating elasticity and reach in his shoulders and suppleness in his topline. Hygge is an amazing partner to work with and is an absolute cuddle bug!
Inter 1 and Grand Prix
12.15am - 13.00pm (followed by a lunch break)
Emilee Spinelli riding Don Huerico
Emilee is the owner, rider, and trainer of Don Huerico, affectionately known as Mio. Mio is a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding whom Emilee purchased as a 9-year-old. She has worked closely and consistently with Julio Mendoza as her coach, utilizing clinics, virtual lessons, and time spent in North Carolina, where Julio is based. Under Emilee’s guidance, Mio has progressed through the levels, competing internationally at the CDI4* level. The pair were on track to compete in Grand Prix in 2022, but an unfortunate pasture accident sidelined Mio for several years. Thankfully, he has made a full recovery and is now stronger than ever. Emilee is excited to compete at the Intermediate II and Grand Prix levels this season.
Young Horse Eventing
14.00pm - 14.40pm
Avery McMillan riding Cash and Time
Cash and Time is a seven year old OTTB and Avery has owned him for six months
Amanda Merritt riding Drago HPH
Drago HPH
Drago is a 6 year old Westfalen (Darco Son x Tiz Today) owned by Elena Enno of Weatherford, Texas. Amanda Merritt of Anchor Equestrian was lucky enough to take over the ride while Elena prepares to welcome her second child.
Drago is an exciting young horse that shows promise to be a strong competitor in eventing and the jumpers.
Advanced Level Eventing
14.40pm - 16.00pm
Laura Sparks riding Killossery Kitten
Laura Sparks is an adult amateur event rider living in the greater Houston area. She started riding at six years old and it wasn’t long before she was eventing in Area V. As a young adult, Laura competed up to the Preliminary level. While balancing her career in the oilfield, and raising a family, she continued competing at lower levels. After 15 years, Laura left the oil industry and began focusing on achieving her riding goals. In 2024, she competed her four horses in both USEA Preliminary and Intermediate events and multiple FEI 2* and 3* competitions. Laura completed the 2024 competition year ranked third Preliminary Adult Amateur by the USEA.
Killossery Kitten, “Kitty”, 2015 Irish Sport Horse Mare, 16.1
Sire: Mr Big Cat
Dam: Killossery Kruisette Sire of Dam: Cruising
Sean Worrall riding Osito
Sean is a graduate A pony clubber from Colorado. He has recently relocated to the greater Houston area to further pursue a competitive career in FEI and Intermediate levels of eventing. Sean has had the pleasure of developing Osito, a 17hh off the track thoroughbred gelding, from his first event, to consistent high placings at Preliminary, and a winning debut at the Intermediate level. Recently the pair completed their first FEI 2* at Galway Downs.
Amanda Merritt - Apparition “Dobby”
Amanda has spent the last 21 years as a dedicated equestrian professional. She owns and operates Anchor Equestrian in Brenham, Texas. The facility serves as a home to numerous members of the Texas A&M eventing team, as well as young riders and adult amateurs. With a passion for developing talent both in horse and rider, Amanda fosters an environment that promotes growth, teamwork, and a love for the sport.
Apparition, an OTTB, has been produced by Amanda through the 2* level. After purchasing the horse for $1, they have moved up through the levels to finish in the top 10 at their first CCI 2* in 2024. They also sported top finishes at the 2023 and 2024 American Eventing Championships. In 2025, they are setting their sights on moving up to the 3* level.