Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts were invited to, and participated in
the USET/USEF pre-Olympic Games Elite Rider Clinic with Anne
Gribbons and Steffen Peters! It was a fabulous learning
experience, and the perfect end to two weeks of training
with Steffen Peters. Alyssa is lucky to receive such
wonderful instruction, and she is very thankful for the
opportunity to participate in clinics of this level.
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts at the 2011 USDF
National Symposium. Photograph by Melissa Mulchahey
2011 USDF National Symposium
12.3.11 - 12.4.11
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts participated in the USDF
National Symposium in the Developing Horse demonstration
with Debbie McDonald.
Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts
were demonstration riders in the Young Horse demonstration
with Scott Hassler.
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts at the 2011 USDF
National Symposium. Photograph by Melissa Mulchahey
Equestrians Insitute Year End Awards
2011
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander are the Equestrians Institute year
end Prix St Georges Champions. Wrazzmatazz and Alyssa Pitts
are the Reserve Champions, completing a clean sweep of the
Prix St Georges.
Alyssa Pitts and Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano are
the Equestrians Institute year end Training Level Champions
with an average score of over 77%.
Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts at the 2011 USDF
National Symposium. Photograph by Melissa Mulchahey
Furst Fiorano is National Champion 4 Year Old!!
8.25.11 - 8.28.11
Alyssa Pitts and Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano are
the USEF 4 Year Old National Champions!!!! They won with
an 8.5, including a 9.2 for trot.
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander placed 5th in the USEF Developing
Horse Prix St Georges! They also placed 2nd in their warm-up
class.
Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts.
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts.
National Young Horse/Developing Horse Championship Invitations
8.4.11
Alyssa Pitts and Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano have
been invited to the National Young Horse Championships.
They are ranked #1 in the country going into the championships!
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander have been invited to the National
Developing Horse Prix St Georges Championships, and they
go in ranked #3 in the country! Awesome day for us, and
we are really excited about competing in Chicago at the
end of the month. Many thanks to Melissa Mulchahey for
all of her support.
Champagne Classic Dressage Show
7.16.11 - 7.17.11
Alyssa Pitts and Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano were
Open High Point of the show and won the Mary Dodd Perpetual
Trophy for Training Level and the Carlene Coffin Perpetual
Trophy for First Level. Furst Fiorano won all of his classes,
and his highest score was 82.8%.
Jan Chisholm and Valeria won one of their First Level classes,
placed 2nd in their other First Level class, and placed 2nd
and 6th in their Training Level classes. They scored 70% in
one of their Training Level classes.
Melody Gilmore and Kraftwerk had an awesome showing debut!
They had two 2nds, a 3rd, and a 5th in their Training Level
classes with high a high score of 69.6%.
Whidbey Dressage
6.24.11 - 6.26.11
Wrazzmatazz and Alyssa Pitts won both of their Prix St Georges
classes, scoring 66.8% and 66.6%. They won the
Developing Horse Prix St Georges.
Romischer Prinz and Alyssa Pitts won both of their Third
level classes in Romischer Prinz's showing debut.
Wrazzmatazz and Alyssa Pitts. Photography by Tracy Bish
Whidbey Dressage
6.11.11 - 6.12.11
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won their Intermediare I
class with a 71.8% and their USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges class
with a 71.471%.
They are currently ranked 3rd in the national standings
for the Developing Horse.
Alyssa Pitts and Melissa Mulchahey's Furst Fiorano scored 8.8
in the USEF 4 Year Old
class, which is the highest single score nationally to date!
He also scored 80% in his Training Level class.
Wrazzmatazz and Alyssa Pitts won their Prix St Georges class
with a 65%, and they placed second to Jil Sander in the
Developing Horse Prix St Georges with a 65%.
Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts.
Spokane Sport Horse Spring Dressage
5.28.11 - 5.29.11
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won both their Prix St Georges
class and their USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges class.
Their score of 70.7% in the Developing Horse currently ranks them
in the top 5 nationally.
Alyssa Pitts debuted Furst Fiorano in the USEF 4 Year Old
class, which he won with an 8.12, ranking him currently 3rd
nationally. He also scored 76% in his Training Level class
and 72% in his First Level class.
Wrazzmatazz and Alyssa Pitts scored 64% in the Prix St Georges,
placing second to Jil Sander.
Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts. Photograph by Pix'All Photography
Idaho Dressage Festival
5.7.11 - 5.8.11
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won both their Intermediare I
class and their USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges class.
Their score of 67% in the Developing Horse currently ranks them
in the top 10 nationally.
Alyssa Pitts debuted Wrazzmatazz at Prix St Georges, and he
scored 62% in both rides. Not bad for a horse who was
competing at Preliminary eventing less than a year ago!
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts. Photograph by Tracey Bish
Chardonnay Dressage Show
4.17.11
Heidi Brandt and Painted Sarendipity won both of their First
Level classes and were the First Level Amateur High Score.
Jan Chisholm and Valeria won both of their Training Level classes
with scores of 69% and 70.8%, making them the Training Level
High Score.
Furst Fiorano
4.10.11
Melissa Mulchahey purchased the exciting young horse, Furst
Fiorano at the Westfalen Elite Auction. Furst Fiorano is a fabulous
young horse by Furst Piccolo out of a Donnerbube I mare. We
are excited for the upcoming show season with Furst Fiorano!
Look for him in the USEF 4 year old division this year.
Furst Fiorano and Alyssa Pitts after the Westfalen auction
Alfredo Hernandez Clinic
3.14.11 - 3.15.11
AP Dressage hosted another clinic with Alfredo
Hernandez. Here is a video clip put together by
Carolynn Bunch Photography:
Jil Sander and Alyssa Pitts. Photograph by Carolynn Bunch
Spring Into Dressage
3.12.11 - 3.13.11
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won both their Prix St
Georges and Intermediare I classes. Jil Sander scored
67% in her Intermediare I debut.
Alfredo Hernandez Clinic
1.28.11 - 1.29.11
AP Dressage hosted another successful and popular Alfredo
Hernandez piaffe/passage clinic. Alfredo will return
for another clinic March 14-15.
Romischer Prinz and Alyssa Pitts
Equestrians Institute Year End Awards
2010
Avery and Alyssa won the Equestrians Institute Year End High
Score award for First Level with an average score of 74.01%.
We hear that Tim Mallin and Avery are getting along great in
Connecticut
and surviving the horrible snow that the east coast has experienced
this winter.
Avery and Alyssa Pitts
Redhawk's Sagacity
December 2010
We are excited to announce that Alyssa has been given the
ride on Redhawk's Sagacity, an absolutely amazing horse
by Sir Donnerhall out of a mare who competed at the Pavo
Cup. Sagacity is an outstanding example of the superb quality
horses that are being bred by Red Hawk Ranch in Murrieta, CA.
Redhawk's Sagacity and Alyssa Pitts. Photo by Lynn Randle.
Debbie McDonald and Janet Foy Symposium
10.30.10 - 10.31.10
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander were selected to ride in the
On the Levels symposium with Debbie McDonald and Janet Foy.
Jil Sander received rave reviews with Janet Foy jokingly
saying, "There is a trailer out back that you can put
your mare in!"
Morten Thomsen Clinic
10.19.10 - 10.20.10
AP Dressage is excited to host a clinic with Morten Thomsen,
one of the new US Team coaches! This is his first trip to the
Northwest, and we hope to have this become a regular occurence.
For more information, contact Alyssa at (360) 453-7196.
Alfredo Hernandez Clinic
9.20.10 - 9.21.10
AP Dressage hosted a clinic with piaffe/passage specialist
Alfredo Hernandez. Below is a video of Alfredo working with
Alyssa Pitts and Romischer Prinz, a Zweibrucker gelding
by Rossignol out of a Genius x Don mare. This is Romischer
Prinz's third time working with Alfredo.
Whidbey Equestrian Center Summer Dressage
8.13.10 - 8.15.10
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won all of their classes in
Jil Sander's Prix St Georges debut with scores of 68.6%
and 67.8%.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery won all of their classes in Avery's
debut at Second Level with high scores of 72.6% and 71.9%. They
also scored 74% in Avery's First Level class as well.
Alfredo Hernandez Clinic
7.30.10 - 8.1.10
AP Dressage and Cedar Meadow Farm hosted a clinic with
Alfredo Hernandez. Here is a short clip of Jil Sander
and Alyssa Pitts working with Alfredo.
YoungStar Spotlight Winner
6.22.10
Alyssa Pitts has been chosen as a YoungStar Spotlight winner!
This fantastic honor has been bestowed upon Alyssa by
DressageTrainingOnline.com.
Here is information from the press release: "Alamo, California, USA - June 21, 2010 - DressageTrainingOnline.com, announced the first ever
YoungSt(a)r Spotlight grant, back in October 2009. This educational tour grants monies to a minimum
of 6 chosen Young Dressage Horse enthusiasts! The monies will be spent on airfare, lodging,
transportation and attendance to a prearranged hosted trip to Germany centered around the 2010
Bundeschampionate. Directly in line with those dates will be a private tour going to visit top young
horse trainers, riders and breeders. Additional exclusive small forums and discussions with many of
the world's most knowledgeable and successful in this specific area will be additional pieces to this
tour. Educational segments led by DTO feature partner trainer, Dr. Ulf Moeller, head trainer of the
famed PSI sporthorses, Michael Klimke, Ingo Pape and numerous FEI judges, well versed in young
horse evaluation. To walk away with a grounded understanding of what to look for and how to
develop outstanding young dressage horses is the focus of this program. The tour will be led
primarily by the USA's official USEF Young Dressage Horse Coach and Trainer Scott Hassler, who
has trained and developed over 25 horses to the Grand Prix level and Reisa Bonetti, Founder of
DressageTrainingOnline.com, who has sponsored the grant as an opportunity to lend a hand toward
the education and success of the USA in the future development and success of up and coming
grand prix horses.
"The educational tour developed out of the obvious need for further learning around "proper"
development of the young horse. They are so different mentally and physically from an older more
confirmed horse. I see so much struggling from the majority of owners of young horses, dreams that
may not come true and mixed messages from the competitive young horse community in America. I
saw a real need for better more in depth information, coming from those who have been there, done
that..., so I decided to throw my hat into the ring for making a difference in that area of our Dressage
Community." Says founder of DressageTrainingOnline, Reisa Bonetti. "This tour is sure to be so
valuable to the participants, if each of the attendees are able to positively affect a handful of horses, it
is a success! The plan is to be able to grow the monies needed for increased tour attendance and
provide this grant on an annual basis."
The winners were chosen based on their experience with developing young dressage horses, their
proven dedication and passion around making this a focus of their career and nominations and
references submitted to DressageTrainingOnline.com from their supporters.
DTO is making the first time announcement of the following individuals as recipients of the first annual
YoungSt(a)r Spotlight: Jamee Amundson of Colorado, Alyssa Pitts of Oregon, Kelly Krambs of
California, Benjamin Pfabe of Virginia, Brandi Benedict of Virginia, Lauren Ball Tisdale of Ohio and
our 2 runners up are Lisa Pembleton of Florida and Linda Shultz of Kentucky.
Congratulations to all of our winners! Follow DressageTrainingOnline.com, online, on facebook ,
twitter and through our newsletter.
You may continue to follow the spotlight of more tour details, watch a filmed documentary of the tour
as well as viewing the 2011 tour details, by visiting DressageTrainingOnline.com's, Community
Connection."
USEF Elite Rider Clinic
6.28.10 - 6.30.10
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander have been invited to ride in the
USEF Elite Rider clinic with Morten Thomsen at Arroyo del Mar in San Diego, CA.
Morten Thomsen is the new team coach for the US team.
USEF Talent Search
6.5.10 - 6.6.10
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander were invited to ride in the USEF
Talent Search with Debbie McDonald at Epona Farms in Thousand
Oaks, CA.
Here is an excerpt from an article on Eurodressage.com explaining
the USEF Talent Search:
"Historically, the United States has had great success on the international stage, however, as USEF Dressage Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons explained, "Of everything we do right now, the Developing Clinics are probably the most important thing as they are all about the future and developing new Team members and new horses. We need to create depth in our Teams, because we have some great horses at the top, but we need more coming in after them and we want to be able to have more choices."
"I think where we have lacked a little bit in the past is not really trying to develop future combinations for the United States," McDonald added, "as some of our top horse and rider combinations are getting older, we are starting to realize that we need to be thinking about the future, which is why the Developing Clinics were created." She elaborated on one area of particular interest, saying, "The Talent Search, especially, is about finding people who might not be on a list or have gone to championship, but who are very promising and discovering them, giving them a path to follow, a plan for future, and if they don't have sponsors, finding them a way to go ahead and continue on that path."
"The program was designed to find future Olympians to represent the United States," noted McDonald."
Donida Farm Dressage Derby
5.15.10 - 5.16.10
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won both of their Fourth Level,
Test 3 classes with a 70% and a 69%.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery swept all of their First Level classes
with scores of 75%, 74%, 73.7%, and 73.4%, scoring the four
highest scores of the show.
Alfredo Hernandez Clinic
5.18.10 - 5.19.10
AP Dressage is excited to host a clinic with Piaffe/Passage
specialist, Alfredo Hernandez. We are lucky to have Alfredo come
to the Northwest...Alfredo has worked with many of California's
top trainers including Leslie Morse, Hilda Gurney, Tracey Lert,
Sandy Howard, Tracey Hill, and recently, he has caught the attention
of Steffen Peters. Alfredo has a gift with horses, and horses
of all levels are welcome from green to Grand Prix. Please
contact Alyssa Pitts for more information. (360) 453-7196.
There are some riding slots still available, and auditors
are welcome.
AP Dressage Moves to Cedar Meadow Farm
4.1.10
Alyssa Pitts and AP Dressage have moved to Cedar Meadow Farm
in Snohomish, Washington. Alyssa is very sad to leave all of her
friends in California, and she will really miss everyone in the
horse world in California. It has been a tough decision process,
but she is also excited to be back home in Washington, and she
hopes to have as much fun in Washington as she has had in
California. She is now accepting new students and horses in
training as well as offering boarding at Cedar Meadow Farm.
Denville-Kanani
10.31.2009 - 11.1.2009
Alyssa Pitts and Bruce Keeler and Harvey van Dyke's VaVoom MRR
won three out of their four Third Level classes with high scores
of 67% and 66%. This was VaVoom MRR's first show, and he turned a
lot of heads.
CDS Championships
10.1.2009 - 10.4.2009
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva were Reserve Champions in the Cal
Bred Futurity, placed 4th in the Open Futurity, and were
8th in the CDS Training Level (despite having a longside
of letters blow down during their test!).
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander placed 6th in the USDF
Third Level, 9th in the CDS Third Level, and placed 2nd
in their Third Level warm-up class.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery placed third in their Training Level
warm-up class with a 70%.
Laura Langford and Paulette placed 9th in the CDS
Amateur Third Level.
Woodside Dressage
9.19.2009 - 9.20.2009
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva were the overall show High Point with a score
of 75%! Alyssa and Ziva were also the Woodside Series Training Level
Champions, scoring 73.2%. They won all three of their First Level classes
with high scores of 75% and 73%.
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander were the Woodside Series Champions
for Third Level, and they also won their Fourth Level class as well.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery were Woodside Series Reserve Champion
at Training Level, only 1 overall point behind Ziva, with a
72.8%.
Laura Langford and Paulette were the Woodside Series Third Level
Amateur Champions.
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva. Photograph by Debbie Hansen.
Yarra Yarra
8.2.2009
Alyssa Pitts and Avery won their Training Level class with a 72.8%.
CDS Regional Adult Amateur Championship & SFP Annual Show
7.18.2009 - 7.19.2009
Congratulations to Laura Langford and Paulette, CDS RAAC Reserve Champion at Third Level! They
also won two of their Third Level classes.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery swept all of their Training Level classes on their way to winning
the Jeanine Merrill Memorial Trophy. They scored 77%, 76.8%, 76%, and 74%.
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva placed second to Avery in all of their classes except one, scoring
73.6%, 69.6%, 69.6%, and 68.8%.
Allison Walewski and Enigma placed 3rd in the CDS RAAC Second Level.
Laura Langford and Paulette. Photograph by Alyssa Pitts.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery. Photograph by Colvin Pitts.
Woodside Dressage
7.10.2009 - 7.12.2009
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won Jil Sander's debut at Fourth Level with a 66.9%. They also
won one of their Third Level classes, scoring 69.7% and 65.9%.
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva had a great first outing together, winning most of their Training Level classes
with scores of 77%, 75%, 75%, 75%, and 69.6%
Alyssa Pitts debuted Sure Pik at Training Level, winning most of their Training Level classes with
high scores of 78%, 75%, 72%, 72%, and 69.6%.
Elise Cutini and Solut won one of their Second Level classes and have
qualified for the USDF Championships at Second Level.
Allison Walewski and Enigma won both of their Second Level classes.
Charlene Ku and Bear It All won several of their First Level classes.
Alyssa Pitts and Sure Pik. Photograph by Debbie Hanson.
Alyssa Pitts and Ziva. Photograph by Debbie Hansen.
Denville-Kanani
6.6.2009
Laura Langford and Paulette scored 64%, completely their qualifications for the CDS
Championships at Third Level.
Elise Cutini and Solut scored 64% in both of their Second Level classes and have
qualified for the CDS Championships at Second Level.
Allison Walewski and Enigma picked up another qualifying score at Second Level as well.
Finckenburgh
1.5.87 - 5.29.09
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my beloved Finckenburgh, better known as "Sam". Sam
was my first FEI horse, and he was a superstar of a horse in every respect. Besides being a gifted athlete
and a patient teacher, he was a true gentleman. Upon his import to the USA, he became Kristina Harrison-Naness'
first top quality horse. I retired him 3 years ago, and he has enjoyed a lovely retirement in the green pastures
of Washington state with my parents, Bonnie and Garry. They loved Sam dearly as well, and I know that he couldn't
have had a better retirement.
Alyssa Pitts and Finckenburgh at Pebble Beach (2003)
Woodside Dressage
5.16.09
Alyssa Pitts and Avery had a fantastic show. Avery was reserve open high point with a 74%. He won both of his Training
Level classes with a 74% and a 71.7%. He won his USEF 4 Year Old warm-up class with a 72.2%, and he was second in
USEF 4 Year Old Qualifying class with a 79.2% All this in only his second show!
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander won two of their Third Level classes and placed 2nd in their other two classes. They
scored 68%, 67%, 67%, and 65%.
Laura Langford earned her Bronze Medal! Congratulations! Laura and Paulette won one of their Third Level classes,
and placed 2nd in their other Third Level classes with high scores of 65% and 64%.
Elise Cutini and Solut won all of their Second Level classes with high scores of 66% and 66%.
Allison Walewski and Enigma won all of their Second Level classes as well with a high score
of 67%.
Charlene Ku and Bear It All won one of their First Level classes and placed 2nd in their other First Level
classes.
Alyssa Pitts and Avery. Photo by Debbie Hanson.
Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander. Photo by Megan Leonard.
Golden State Dressage
4.5.09
In Jil Sander's debut at Third Level, Alyssa Pitts and Jil Sander scored consistently
in the mid 60s, placing 2nd in nearly all of their classes. They have qualified for the
CDS Championships in one show!
Alyssa Pitts debuted Avery at Training Level and in the USEF 4 Year Old classes. He scored
75.2% in his USEF 4 Year Old test with the comment from the judge that "he has a bright future". He
placed 2nd in several of his Training Level tests, and he wins the gold star of the show for behaving
like a perfect gentleman while TWO horses bucked their riders off and got loose in the warm-up while he was
preparing to enter his first test...what a good boy!
Megan Leonard and Regentanzer had a fantastic show placing 2nd in several of their Third Level tests with
consistent scores in the mid 60s.
Megan has earned her USDF Bronze Medal...congratulations Megan! Megan and Regentanzer also debuted at
Fourth Level, scoring in the 60s and earning the Fourth Level scores for her USDF Silver Medal.
Brynna Quillin and Donnerhill debuted at Third Level where Brynna also earned her USDF Bronze Medal. Congratulations!
Renee Silva and Sifon had a fantastic show...their first together, and Renee's first time out at First Level. They
had high scores of 66% and 65%.
Brynna Quillin and Donnerhill. Photo by Megan Leonard.
Denville-Kanani
2.14.09
Alyssa Pitts and Brynna Quillin's Donnerhill scored 67.9 and 67.5 in Donnerhill's
Fourth Level debut, placing 2nd in both classes.
Megan Leonard and Regantanzer had an incredible debut at Third Level, winning their
first class and placing second in their other class with scores of 66% and 65%! Congratulations
and welcome back Megan and Regantanzer!
Diane Abraham and Uddevalla had a great start to the season, placing 2nd and 3rd in their
First Level classes earning two qualifying scores.
USEF "r" Judging Program
2.1.09
Alyssa Pitts has been admitted to the USEF "r" Judging Program. Successful completion
of this program results in becoming an official USEF licensed "r" judge...wish Alyssa luck!