This week in Wellington - CPEDI 3*

Robyn Andrews with her game face on. Photo via Facebook/RobynAndrews

In the land of palm trees and sunshine, it's the para dressage riders' turn to shine with the first CPEDI of the season underway this weekend. They don't often get the same attention their able-bodied fellow riders do but make no mistake, at this level these are international calibre athletes and horses competing at the top of their game.

Canada was well represented in the Grade 1 Para Team Test today (Friday). Robyn Andrews took home top honours aboard Fancianna with a score of 69.702. Toronto's Jody Schloss was second with 65.952 on her new mount Lieutenant Lobin.

Both of these riders have represented Canada at the Paralympics and both have Canadian coaches. Jody has been with Jessica Rhinelander for a number of years, while Robyn has recently joined forces with Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu.

Jessica is a native of St. John's, Newfoundland, and is now based year-round in Wellington, where she owns and operates Rhinelander Equestrian Services. In addition to her coaching duties, she is an avid competitor herself with a lovely young KWPN gelding named Dimanche. With scores over 70% at Prix St. George in last week's GDF National, this is a pair to keep your eye on.

Brittany is best known for her success in the competition ring, particularly after last year's silver medal-winning team performance at the PanAm Games with All In. Originally hailing from New Glasgow, NS, she has been based with Ashley Holzer for many years and divides most of her time between New York and Florida. Brittany has recently begun to develop the training and coaching side of her career and travels regularly to Ottawa and Montreal for clinics. (I should mention that she's also booked to come to Equestrian Dreams for a clinic in May. Hurray!)

CPEDI action resumes tomorrow with the Individual tests. Check back here and I will update the post with results.

***** SATURDAY UPDATE *****
Robyn and Jody finished 1-2 again today in the Grade 1 Para Individual Championship. Robyn and Fancianna scored 70.393 while Jody and Lieutenant Lobin earned 66.488. On to the freestyle tomorrow!

*****SUNDAY UPDATE*****
Robyn Andrews scored a hat trick this weekend, winning the freestyle with 73.056% to sweep all three classes in the Grade 1 division. Jody Schloss continued her super weekend as well, earning 66.944% for second place. What a fantastic way to start the season!

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