Taylor Moon, DS Equestrian Coach
On May 11 and 12, Madelanne Garceau ’26 and her horse Lulapon Nedt “Smidge” attended the Spring Bear Spot Farm and Foundation I & II USDF/USEF qualifying shows in Concord, MA. Their goal was to complete 3rd level test 3 and 4th level test 3 on each day to qualify for regionals in Saugerties, New York. This being their first show of the season and losing last year to an injury, Maddie had some hesitation as to whether or not they were ready to compete at these levels. Not only were they ready, they scored exceedingly well with scores of 65.63% and 68.72% on Saturday and 66.50% and 70.28% on Sunday, which not only qualified them for regionals but earned Maddie two scores toward her silver medal. Additionally, she was the junior champion and high point rider of 3rd and 4th-level and Smidge was Champion horse.
After such a successful show weekend, their goals shifted and Maddie and Smidge now have their eye on competing Prix St. George at the FEI level and will be focusing on this for the remainder of the show season. Maddie and Smidge’s new goals of qualifying for regionals at Prix St. George, and potentially earning her last two scores, will make Maddie a Silver Medal dressage rider.
