A partnership of trust, Dr. Cesar Parra, an international dressage rider and owner of Piaffe-Performance and owner Michael Davis with Grandioso at Dressage at Devon, where Parra schooled Grandioso with Dr. Volker Moritz.

Catching up: Pink, Pink everywhere and Honi Walpole and Deborah Darwin looked like the Bobsey twins on the Breast Cancer Awareness Trail Ride at Goethe State Forest in Levy County. Other than our gals in pink, there were 75 riders who covered over 20 miles. We bet the sweaters weren't the only things pink after all those hours in the saddle.

Lisa Wilcox was Sho Clothes speaker of the month, and was asked an intriguing question by Carmen Franco, the rider of Nan Sexton's Vinho dos Pinhais. "Why Germany?" Lisa's answer was illuminating. It was all about the hard work, no days off and constant pressure from the breeder to qualify her stallions. When asked about what she learned from Ernst Hoyos, her trainer of many years in Germany and in fact now, her answer was "He taught me how to focus." Lisa was very articulate and eager to share what it took for her to become the accomplished rider she is. Compliments to Sheila and Doug Hundt for their gracious hospitality.

And speaking of Nan, she and Millie McCoy went to Brazil together and Millie had quite the adventure. Millie's decision to accompany Nan was "spur of the moment." She found a company that could expedite a Brazilian visa and mailed her US passport to the company in Washington, DC. She obtained her visa stamp in record time (usually it takes a month at the embassy in Miami). She arrived via American Airlines in time to meet Nan's plane from San Francisco. BUT when the airport security examined her passport they discovered that although her Brazilian visa was current, her US passport was expired. This problem was not detected by the visa company, the authorities in New York Kennedy airport or the Miami airport. Three international agencies failed to spot the expired date on her passport. (Millie had renewed her passport but it was not the one she pulled out of her drawer at her farm in upstate New York to send to the visa expediter.) NOW WHAT? Millie organized the personnel of the Admiral's Club to contact the American Embassy in Sao Paulo to obtain a temporary visa. Once she had the required information she called Cecilia Gonzaga of Interagro Farms for some political clout. Everyone who is anyone in Sao Paulo was enlisted to help. A word to the wise: Check your passport, apply for your visa within a month of your planned trip to Brazil and understand you must use it within 90 days of obtaining your stamp. Any questions, just ask Millie.

Bumps and bruises: Get well wishes to Shannon Dueck - we wish you a speedy recovery. Karen O'Connor injured her shoulder in a motorbike accident five weeks before she rode Mandiba to the top dressage score at Fair Hill. She picked up 15.6 time penalties in an otherwise fault-free cross-country and dropped a rail to take home the three-star reserve championship and second place overall. Karen also received the Beale Wright Morris Memorial Trophy as leading lady rider. Now that's one tough lady!

We are justifiably proud that Sidelines has been named Official Equestrian Lifestyle Publication of the 2010/2011 WEF as well as our being an Official Media Partner of HITS Horse Shows... gotta admit we love the recognition!

Probably too late to matter, but October Hill Farm hosted a sporthorse auction on November 21st. Remember, we go to press two months in advance of the publication date, so get your news and gossip in early.

FEI dressage judge and rider, Anne Gribbons, will be speaking at the 2010 USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program in West Palm Beach, FL, from January 16-18, 2010. Anne Gribbons has been recently named as the USEF Dressage Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor, pending successful contract negotiations. The Young Rider Graduate Program, with funding support from The Dressage Foundation, is designed to help the young rider transition into the world of international competition, teaching, training and equine business management.

Other side of the pond: Emily Gilruth lost the ride on Edna and Henry Harding's Ashdale Cruise Master. She finished 26th at Burghley on him (when 5 months pregnant!) and consequently he will now be ridden by new local golden boy Oliver Townend.

The United States Dressage Federation is offering the 2010 USDF Directory online, exclusively for members only, as a continuation of USDF's Going Green Campaign. When USDF members log into the USDF Web site, they will be able to access and download the directory in its entirety, eliminating the need to print and mail hardcopies as has been done in the past.

Horses: Now an American citizen, Cesar Parra has a new partner on his Piaffe-Performance team, the talented and much talked about Grandioso. Michael Davis acquired the celebrated Westfalen gelding to support Parra's goal of representing the United States as a team rider.

Olympic mount and dressage horse Mythilus was humanely euthanized Friday, October 9, as a result of complications discovered during a colic surgery. The 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was the former partner of Olympian Courtney King-Dye. In June 2008, King-Dye finished in third place at 2008 Olympic Dressage Trials with Mythilus, securing the pair's trip to compete in Hong Kong.

"He began to colic 85 and he was taken to Fairfield Equine," said Courtney. "It was clear that surgery was inevitable. Dr. Rick Mitchell and his staff did everything they could. I feel blessed to have had Myth in my life. We went through many struggles and heartbreaks as well as many pinnacles and joyous times."

Wedding bells: Craig and Keena Bernstein were wed in Wellington on October 10, and the guest list included most of Florida's dressage community, including Nan Sexton, Tamara Gerber, Johnny and Jackson Robb and Shannon Dueck Barbara Stegon, Brandi, Amy Tara Stegon, Gil Stegon & Marty, Hendrix and Mikala Gunderson, Ilse Schwartz and Frank and Rose Shulman.

News to share: New baby, engagement, pickup truck? On the move, having parties, falling off horses? Share what's happenin' with your dressage friends by e-mailing us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Be sure to put "News Off Centerline" in the subject line.

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