On Saturday, May 18, 2024, riders and horses gathered for the 2024 SAQ Dressage Spectacular. Held under clear skies, this event featured horses competing in dressage from Preparatory to Novice levels.
Judged by Natasha Symonds and Debbie Dekker, it was a relaxed atmosphere, allowing riders and horses to enjoy the day.
It was fantastic to see nine Standardbred horses excelling. Their performances proved the adaptability of Standardbreds to dressage, winning three of the five open classes against other breeds. Rounding out the off-the-track picture were two Thoroughbreds, resulting in 11 of the competing horses thriving in their life after racing.
One of the standout moments was the presentation of the SAQ Adoption Horse Award to “Take A Chance” (Steve), adopted and ridden by Julie Mourilyan. Steve’s performance was a testament to the success of SAQ’s efforts in promoting horse adoption.
As part of the SAQ State Championships, special awards were presented to the Standardbred high point winners for the three levels of dressage, Preparatory, Preliminary and Novice. Nikki Chalk and Mac Sweeny achieved the high point award for Preparatory, Jenny Holloway and Well To Do Lombo were awarded high point for Preliminary, and Amanda Chant and Tisadvanced won the high point award for Novice Level Dressage.
The day was not just about competition but also about community. Riders, families, and horse enthusiasts enjoyed the relaxed environment. The pleasant weather added to the event’s appeal, making it an enjoyable day for all.
Generally, the 2024 SAQ Dressage Spectacular was a successful event, highlighting the elegance of dressage and the bond between horse and rider. With commendable performances and insightful judging, the event was a positive experience for all attendees. As the day concluded, participants and supporters looked forward to future events in the SAQ calendar.
2024 SAQ Dressage Spectacular: SAQ Adoption Horse Award winner “Take A Chance” aka Steve, adopted and ridden by Julie Mourilyan. Photo by Show Pony Photos
2024 SAQ Dressage Spectacular: SAQ High Point Novice Level Dressage winners: Amanda Chant and Tisadvanced. Photo by Show Pony Photos
