Member SPOTLIGHT

ParaEquestrian Events.

Taking the Reins

Submitted and Written by Member: Laurietta Oakleaf on August 15, 2007

My name is Laurietta Oakleaf, I am 27 and show ParaEquestrian Dressage on my best friend, Quimerico KF (an Andalusian Stallion). I scored in the 60s at Nationals while showing Grade III (...right before the show started I found out that I was showing a Grade higher than I should have been, I am technically at Grade II).

ParaEquestrian dressage is now an FEI sport and is for disabled riders. We show in different levels depending on our disability, with Grade IA being walk only and IB walk and a little trot. Grade II is mainly walk/trot/some canter, Grade III is w/t/c and lateral work. Grade IV starts with half passes (trot and canter), shoulder in, travers, tempis, and pirouettes, but, no passage or piaffe. Freestyle has some restrictions with everything else being legal, for me, no tempi's, passage, piaffe, or pirouettes.

We are also required to compete at USEF/USDF shows, where our Grade determines the level/test. I am required (Grade II) to show at least Training Level; Test 4, although I have shown up to Second level; Test 3 this year with scores in the 60s.

We receive a letter of dispensation for the USED/USDF shows, depending on our needs. For me, I am alllowed to use voice, 2 whips (due to my legs not working well from the CIDP (my disease)), a brace in my boot, and rubber bands to hold my foot in the stirrup. Believe it or not, I used to be an avid jumper until this disease hit at the age of 21 and paralyzed me from neck down, overnight. Eventually I got some use back and can now wallk in leg braces. I have recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer. The day before Nationals I had a radiation treatment and again during the show. I am now going through another bout of radiation, where they are now looking into lymphoma.

We had to qualify for Nationals and meet the acceptance of the team, in order to be allowed to compete at the Worlds. We are required to submit IPEC team, individual, and freestyle tests from different shows and 4 test scores from the USEF/USDF shows, from at least 3 different judges and 2 different shows. Our scores in all of these must meet the minimum of 63%, although to get invited to any CDI competition you really need a 67% or above range.

I placed 8th overall (8th on team and Individual test, 7th on freestyle) at our ParaEquestrian Nationals at Paxton Farms in 2007. I was extremely happy, considering I have only been riding and training in the dressage field for about 9 months. I did qualify for World's, but due to funding I could not go. I am working on finishing the Advanced Riders list as a Grade II and Grade III. I am also working on qualifying for Nationals in 2008 and would like to be among the top 3 riders, where hopefully I could secure a spot on the ParaOlympic team in 2008.

Currently I am looking for someone to help me with fundraising for the rest of this year and next. But so far, I am working hard on finding sponsors, taking on extra jobs to help with finances, and learning about fundraisers.

You can read more on me at: www.equinerencenter.com and go to the ParaEquestrian Page.