Jan Ebeling had the kind of show all riders dream about. And he had it at the recent CDI3* at Burbank, California. Jan won the CDI Grand Prix and the CDI GP kur with the Oldenburg mare, Rafalca, (Argentinius -Rubinstein I) owned by Ann Romney , Beth Meyer, Pat Crow and Amy Ebeling.
The weather forecast for rain and wind meant all classes and warm-up were held inside the Equidome. Much to the relief of show organizer Glenda McElroy–to say nothing of the riders– the show still ran fairly well.
“The two international judges gave us over 68% in the Grand Prix,” says Jan. “Also, the way the mare stayed focused, it made everything feel better. My time in Europe late last year with Wolfram Wittig was very helpful.”
Jan and Rafalca are well on the road to their invitation to Gladstone later this summer, where the top 15 combinations will compete for a spot on the U.S. dressage team for WEG . Jan adds that Olympic rider Christine Traurig has been his eye at ringside. “We have a long standing friendship,” says Jan, “and she has just been a great support.”
Jan also won ALL his other classes at the show– the open Intermediaire II and the open Grand Prix with another Oldenburg mare, the 11 year old Sandrina (Sandro Hit).
“We are planning to move her up to some of the CDI's later in the season,” says Jan, “she just keeps improving.”
Jan also won 4th-2 and 4th-3 with another rising star, the Oldenburg mare Rosenzauber (Rotspon x Shogun).
“Rosie is just lovely,” says Jan. “She is black and an eye-catcher, but also backs up her wonderful conformation with great movement. Everything is easy for her.”
Plans for ‘Rosie’ are now to concentrate on developing her for next year's selection trials for the Pan-American Games (which are held at small tour level).
Rosie belongs to Young Rider (and long-time student) Amanda Harlan, explains Jan, “but the Harlan family have been extremely gracious and offered to let me try out for the Pan-Am Games.”
Next show for Rafalca will be another CDI, “ Festival of the Horse” , at the end of March.