Lexington KY (May 29. 2014) – Life just keeps getting grander for Caroline Roffman, 25, of Lionshare Dressage in Wellington, FL. There was riding Her Highness O to 2013 USDF Intermediare I Horse of the Year honors, and joking last July that she could “die happy,” after a personal congratulation from Isabel Werth following her first CDI Grand Prix Freestyle in Germany.

Now Roffman and Her Highness (aka Hannah)  took center stage winning the CDI Grand Prix and the CDI Grand Prix Special at last weekend’s Kentucky Dressage Association CDI, putting them in an excellent standing going into the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions presented by the Dutta Corp., June 12-15, at USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, which is of course, is also the Selection Trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games US Dressage Team Short List. 

Roffman and her 11 year-old black Hanoverian (Hohenstein x Weltmeyer) mare plan to hone the competitive edge that won them the Kentucky CDI3* with a score of 71.360% comprised of scoring 9’s for their extended trots and piroettes. Their  goal is to be one of eight pairs selected for to compete in Europe for one of four slots on the U.S. dressage squad for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

It’s quite an accomplishment for a horse and rider still coming into their own: “I’ve only just touched her talent. In my opinion, there’s another gear I haven’t yet tapped into. This is Hannah’s third year showing. Ever. (Kentucky) was her fourth Grand Prix (and) my eighth.”  But Roffman is best known for her competitive prowess.  She is focused, percise, and consistantently delivers when the heat is on.  “Luckily, Hannah is fresh and loves her job. She loves to show, too,” Roffman added. 

Roffman also believes in preparing and she is gearing up for Gladstone with a little help from her friends, including one familiar with coaxing great performances from mares: America’s first Dressage World Cup champion, on the great Brentina, Debbie McDonald. 

Roffman also debuted a young American-bred mare, Shiatsu TF, during the show, putting in an impressive ride in the 5-year-old division to win the class.  A 5-year-old Hanoverian mare owned and bred by Anne Schmidt of Tam Farm, Shiatsu’s performance was everything Roffman hoped for in the horse’s debut show.

There’s still work to be done in Kentucky, where Roffman will stay until heading for Gladstone, working with McDonald and bringing along both Shiatsu TF and Her Highness O.  Roffman’s focus over the next few weeks will to keep both horses in top form going into the National Championships.  “I could not be here without the support of so many people, from vets and farriers to my working students, trainers, and colleagues,” said Roffman.  “I’d also like to thank my sponsors, without whom I could not compete on this level: Custom Saddlery, Equiline, Vita Flex, Creative Marketing, Derby Boots, MDC Stirrups, Choice of Champions, Triple Crown Custom, Charles Owen, Premier Equestrian, SSG Riding Gloves, Divine Fitness, and The Horse of Course.”