Jennifer Dixon Earns Team Reserve at Reining By The Bay 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Reining By The Bay began in 1999 with the goal of promoting the sport of reining, increasing awareness, encouraging participation and educating the public about the sport.
Held at the beautiful 272 acre Horse Park At Woodside, site of the UPHA Chapter 1 Horse Show and just a stone’s throw from Stanford University and Palo Alto, Calif. the event showcases some of the best reining horses and exhibitors in the country. In addition to the world class competition one of the many highlights of the event July 21-27, 2014 included ‘Trading Reins” where teams of riders from the Saddlebred, Hunter/jumper and Reining disciplines trade horses.
The event was sponsored by Markel and Frank Costantini, Director of Western Disciplines at Markel International described it by saying, “As custodians of the horse industry we have a responsibility. That responsibility in my mind is to introduce people to horses. We felt that we should show the people at Reining by The Bay how people from other disciplines, in this case the Hunter, Jumper and Saddlebred world what it’s like to participate in the reining world and show the reiners what it’s like to participate in the jumping world.
“We felt it would be a great benefit to encourage the entire horse industry to participate, and that would include Olympic and World Equestrian Games Show Jumper Guy Thomas who graciously brought his horses for the reiners to ride, as well as the reining professionals who offered their horses for the English/Saddle Seat riders to ride.
Whether you ride English or Western we felt that the horse experience was something that we would like to present the opportunity for you all to interact with the equestrian athletes that are here this evening."
Jennifer Dixon, of J.L. Dixon Stable, was invited along with three other riders to participate in the “Trading Reins” event. Trainers Andrea Fappani and Gabe Davide both donated two reining horses for Dixon and the other riders to use. Dixon was on a team with Fappani named “Leapin’ and Spinnin’” and they finished as reserve champions under the direction of their coach Sean McBurney. This was the first time Dixon had competed in the event and asked to complete a reining pattern. All of the participants had lessons at the Horse Park the day of the show.
In addition spectators (and there wasn't an empty seat in the house) were treated to the incredible “Saturday Nite Lite Bites” presented by Stone Valley Farm who provided their Heritage Berkshire pork to four of the top local restaurants, The Village Pub, Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar, Bierhaus in Mountain View and Frattoria e Mare, to use while working their magic. The great food they provided just added to the unique and exciting atmosphere.
Jennifer Dixon rode Starbucks Finest in the “Trading Reins” team event during Reining By The Bay
Held at the Horse Park at Woodside, site of the UPHA Chapter 1 Horse Show, Dixon and Starbucks Finest finished as the reserve champions on a team that included legendary reining trainer Andrea Fappani.
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