June 26, 2010- Sunshine covered the splendid Lamplight Equestrian Center on Friday as the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ commenced. The day began at 12:30 PM with top Para-Equestrians competing for the ten spots on the USEF Para-Dressage Team. This was the first of three days that the qualified riders were able to showcase their top skills, great horses, and a chance to be in front of international judges. The three judges were Chris Porterfield (GBR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), and Carlos Lopes (POR). Over the three days of competition each day will count towards their total score to qualify for the World Equestrian Games.

In today's short course team test, Rebecca Hart earned both the first place and second place ribbons. Hart rode her trusty gelding Norteassa to the blue earning a 69.048 % overall. Hart also earned the second place ribbon with Kazan earning a 68.889% overall.

Hart commented, "Today went really well with both Norteassa and Kazan. It was a great feeling; I went in there and both horses felt great and were consistent."

Hart has been riding Norteassa for about eight years and had great success during the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong and she is looking forward to this weekend's competition.

"Norteassa has been my long term partner and we have had Kazan for about three months," noted Hart. "Our last big competition was the WindReach International Para-Dressage CPEDI3* and I am still figuring out Kazan and my partnership."

Hart's coach and trainer is the Chef d'Equipe of the Para-Dressage team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, Missy Ransehousen. "I love working with Missy," smiled Hart. "She is really great at working not only with me but with a new horse and trying to figure out the different cues that the horse may react to. Sometimes the able-bodied cues do not work and Missy is great at adjusting the new horse."

Hart added, "I am very excited to be here this weekend in front of the international judges and to gain more experience on an international stage. I am also excited for the United States Para-Equestrians because this is such a big year for us."

In today's Large course team test, Robin Brueckmann earned the top score of 65% and took home the blue ribbon with Raison D''Etre. The pair successfully completed their dressage test finishing with the top score in the large ring.

Saturday's competition continues with the USEF Para Equestrian Individual Tests both long and short. Sunday, June 27, 2010, is the last day of the selection trials and will consist of the USEF Para Equestrian Freestyle tests.