The word “return” took on multiple meanings when Dalman Show Jumping traveled to Flintfields Horse Park for the start of the summer show season at Traverse City Spring Horse Shows CSI2*.
Sandra Dalman on Carlimbo Z. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
Returning to rated competition for the first time since the global COVID-19 pandemic temporarily brought competition to a halt, setting foot on the show grounds was a welcome feeling for head trainer and international show jumper Sandra Dalman. And when the bell sounded for the first Dalman Show Jumping entry in the International Arena, it became immediately apparent that there was no rust to be worn off. Sandra rode Dalman Show Jumping’s A-Frieda-O (Goodtimes x Carolus I) to victory in the event’s opening 1.20m jumper class, recording a comfortable win aboard her former grand prix mount, now the ride of her husband Javan Dalman, the Founder and Owner of the highly successful Dalman Jump Co.
The week’s highlight came in the $72,900 Turtle Creek Casino Grand Prix, the opening grand prix event of the eight-week circuit in Traverse City. First to go over Leopoldo Palacios’ (VEN) 1.45m track, Sandra and Dalman Show Jumping’s Carlimbo Z put forth a beautiful round, coming home with all the jumps still in the cups and just two time penalties against them. With only five combinations advancing to the jump-off, the pair would secure themselves a top-10 finish, bringing home the ninth-place rosette. The outing was particularly noteworthy, given it was the first for “Teddy,” a 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Candillo Z x Limbus), in international grand prix competition. Dalman Show Jumping has developed the talented gelding for the past two years.
“I couldn’t be happier with Teddy in his first grand prix and his first time back in the show ring since February,” Sandra said. “He has come such a long way with us already, and I’m excited for a big future with him!”
Dalman Show Jumping riders Heather Wasilausky (left) and Javan Dalman (right). Photo courtesy Sandra Dalman.
It was a successful week all around, as Dalman Show Jumping students also brought home their fair share of ribbons. Javan Dalman took the reins aboard A-Frieda-O for podium finishes in the Adult Amateur Jumper division in his debut aboard the Dutch Warmblood mare—and his return to the show ring for the first time in a decade. Sharing that podium with Javan in both the two-phases special class as well as the $2500 Child/Adult Jumper Classic was fellow Dalman Show Jumping rider Heather Wasilausky, who has gotten off to a tremendous start to her new partnership with Belgian Warmblood gelding Jaipur van de Distelhoeve (Chippendale Z x Heartbreaker).
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the summer season and our time here in Traverse City,” Sandra said. “We really used the time away from the show ring to focus on training and developing the newer partnerships in the barn, and it has really paid off. Javan and Heather walked right into the main ring and rode with so much confidence. I’m so proud of them!”
Dalman Show Jumping continues its summer circuit with another week of international competition at Traverse City Spring Horse Shows CSI2*.
About Dalman Show Jumping
Led by international show jumper and USHJA Certified Trainer Sandra Dalman, Dalman Show Jumping is a high performance boutique boarding, training, and sales operation based in Ridgefield, CT and Wellington, FL. Dalman Show Jumping is designed to help the serious rider achieve his or her goals, both in and out of the saddle, and is heavily involved with developing quality show horses. Welcoming new students of all ages and experience levels that aspire to improve their riding, Dalman Show Jumping boasts a competitive yet nurturing atmosphere, where horse and rider always come first, and the love for the sport is never lost. Join the Dalman Show Jumping team! To learn more about Dalman Show Jumping, click here.