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"A Family Tradition for 131 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 15, 1997-3 Class act Blackstock rider's on dressage squad By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Grit and determination have paid off for Stephanie Jensen. On Sunday, June 22, the 19-year-old Blackstock rider and her horse, Marzano, a 9-year-old gelding, Surried a spot on the Ontario Young Riders Dressage eam. Eight riders vied for a position on the team, but just four were selected. Stephanie, leading with the highest points is joined with three other riders from around the province. To qualify for the OYR dressage team, riders have to be between the ages of 16 and 21 and must be riding at the Prix St. Georges or Olympic level. It's a good team," Ms Jensen said. "We're all about the same age, and we've gotten to know each other well during the trials." In dressage, any mark over 60 per cent is decent. Last year when Ms Jensen was first on the provincial Young Riders dressage team, she and Marzano were earning marks of 55 to 59 per cent. But this year the two have wowed the judges at each trial. While her lowest mark has been 60 per cent, her top mark has been an incredible 68 per cent. "We're a team now," she said. "Marzano's come a long way from when my parents bought him in 1994." But the liver chestnut gelding knows his stuff, too. The first weekend Ms Jensen had him, she competed and qualified for the Nationals. That year she ended up placing reserve champion in the Basic 4 Level. In 1995 horse and rider moved up to the more chal- lenging Medium 2 Level, where riders of all ages com- peted. "That was tough, as we were up again several top riders, including former Olympians" she said. But in 1996 Ms Jensen and Marzano qualified for the Young Riders Dressage Team, and are back on the team again 'this year. "My scores have shocked me and my coach, Lee Tubman,"she said. Mr. Tubman, her coach of two years, is a Level 3 dressage coach who is currently showing horses at the Grand Prix level, too. He's told his stu- dent he'll take her out to dinner any time her score is over 65 per cent. : "Well, he owes me four dinners now" she said. Now that Ms Jensen has made the provincial Young . Riders Dressage team, her goals are to bring home a medal at the upcoming North American Young Riders' Championships in Wadsworth, Illinois in August. At this international meet several teams from Mexico, the U.S. and other provinces compete for medals. "My goal is to be in the top 12, and possibly be a con- tender for a medal," she said. While the team competes one day, individual competitions are held the following day. Last year the winning score in the individual class was 66 per cent. With the marks Ms Jensen has already earned this year, she has hopes of bringing home some more awards. tae A recent graduate of Cartwright High School, Ms Jensen is heading for the University of Guelph this fall, but won't be alone. Marzano is coming to the Royal City, too, and will be staying at Peter Ibs' stables where the Jensens bought the horse in 1994. From an early age, Ms Jensen has enjoyed riding. Initially, she learned the basics in horsemanship and riding through the Oshawa and Durham: Pony Clubs. She's also had a lot of support from her parents, Brian and Judy, over the years. "My parents have been wonderful," she said. "Without them I'd be nowhere." SN Blackstock rider Stephanie Jensen with horse Marzano. The pair have worked extremely hard to earn a spot on Ontario's junior dressage team, and are hoping to fare well at a series of competi- tions this summer. al ial i 0: HHL I. g2 - All Summer Hats - Women's T-Shirts - GANT & CHAPS Shirts 30% OFF - Men's & Womens [Ea BP N HHH PSmip - (HORE > Shorts Eh - All Bathing Suits - Womens T-Shirts 3 8 § 4 = 40% OFF - Selected Women's Co-ordinates | - Selected Shoes =f « E 25% OFF OUR FAMOUS 'BACK OF THE STORE' YARD SALE SUPSIYIA LGN LV EY-N SS IVIR'SS YIN» To JN IG WON EIR §. - All Summer Hats 30% OFF - All Bathing Suits - Krickets Co-ordinates Casual Shoes - 0 o ART 'MH | S F] 0 iL = 40% OFF s - Selected Kid's L Summer 42 Co-ordinates |= - Selected Kids Ro =» Runners and a in X 1:1 » H Ag ages isle ou p- BR@®CK'S Service, Quality & Style Since 1881 168 Queen St., Port Perry 985-2521 BRB CK'S for Kids 1H 174 Queen St. Fort Perry 9865-8797 former location of Pentlands) Re