Lindsey Agaliotis represented St. Andrews in the Upper Training division riding test 3. “Lindsey is a great student and takes her horsemanship very seriously” said coach Jackie Dwelle. “On Saturday, she watched every horse go, recorded all of the scores and talked to as many people as possible to learn as much as she could about the horses she could potentially draw. The individual draw was on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and right after the draw she was talking to riders that rode the horse the day before and found a local person who knew the horse well. By the time she got on the horse we had a game plan and strategy for our 10 minute warm up.” Dwelle continued, “In my opinion she achieved her goal of showing off the horse to the best of his ability. The horse could be tense and a little stiff. During the warm up Lindsey worked on stretching and transitions to relax and supple him. During her test she said he felt a little less relaxed but I did not see that.”
Lindsey placed 6th overall with a score of 63%, the horse she rode placed 12th with his second rider. “We were all very please with this result” said Dwelle. “Lindsey’s parents were there the entire weekend and could not have been more supportive. They pitched in to help wherever we needed it, putting up banners and organizing the awards presentation on Saturday. They were fantastic, I’m so grateful for their help and support.”
Unlike previous hosts the University of Florida does not have a large equestrian program. The Gators ride with their coach Bridgette Boland at her home in Newberry. Bridgette, nine very dedicated University of Florida students, and some wonderful volunteers planned and organized the show. Bridgette’s clients and friends very kindly lent their horses and served as parade riders and horse handlers. “I was amazed at how organized the show was” said Dwelle “I thought Bridgette was crazy when she offered to host last year, but I was so impressed with the organization of the show and how everyone worked together so well.”
Dwelle coaches the St. Andrews Dressage Team and serves as National Secretary and Treasurer for the IDA and also is filling in as the web liaison.
Lindsey on the Equisense horse
Lindsey and Coach Dwelle
Joanne Agaliotis, Lanier Cordell and Lindsey helping set up the Awards Presentation
Lindsey with parents Bobby and Joanne
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