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The 45th Anniversary CDS Championship Show Presented by HorseShow.com Celebrates...Young Horses

 Few dressage tests generate excitement like the young horse classes, where all the hopes, dreams, and possibilities for future equine dressage stars are on display. One program in particular can boast of a proven track record for identifying and rewarding talented youngsters capable of performing on a national and international stage: the California Dressage Society's Young Horse Futurity. This year, the CDS Young Horse Futurity will once again be offered in four, five, and six-year-old divisions during the 45th Anniversary CDS Championship Show Presented By HorseShow.com at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA, October 4-7, 2012, held in conjunction with the Great American/USDF Region 7 Championships and Breeders Championships West Coast Series Final.

      

For the Futurity, young horses compete against other horses of the same age in a two-test format, with four-year-olds contesting Training Level Tests 2 and 3; five-year-olds performing First Level Tests 1 and 2; and six-year-olds competing at Second Level Tests 1 and 2. The total number of points from both tests determine the final placings. Each year, judges are impressed by the quality of rides they see. "Overall these were lovely horses which were well ridden," said judge Natalie Lamping after the 2011 Futurity classes. Fellow judge William Warren agreed. "I enjoyed the challenge of having one good horse after another in these classes - it makes judging exciting."    

 

In addition to bragging rights, competitors in the CDS Young Horse Futurity have the opportunity to win some serious cash. Utilizing a nomination system for all horses, 100% of nomination fees are channeled back into prize money for the Futurity divisions, with total purses able to exceed $9,000. In addition, CDS offers a unique state-bred incentive program, with California and Nevada-bred horses eligible for a possible $6,000 in additional prize money. Each age division also offers an Adult Amateur and Open Division, offering something for everyone. Last year, Melissa Mulchahey of Livermore, CA claimed the Adult Amateur Division of the Four-Year-Old Futurity with her own Westfalen pony gelding, "Outrageous". "This CDS Futurity is a great opportunity for amateurs with young horses to compete against our peers," she said after the win.

 

It's not too late for owners to nominate their young horses to this year's Futurity. You never know - the next dressage superstar could be standing in your own paddock. Visit the CDS website to find out how to nominate your talented youngster today!

 

For more information about the 45th Anniversary CDS Championship Show Presented by HorseShow.com, visit www.california-dressage.org.

Written by Yellow Horse Marketing for the California Dressage Society

  

~ 2012 GAIG USDF Region 7 Finals ~  

~ GAIG USDF Breeders Championship West Coast Series Final ~  

~ CDS Championships ~

October 4-7, 2012  ~ LAEC 

  

CALIFORNIA DRESSAGE SOCIETY ~ www.california-dressage.org