Tom Noone, the U.S. representative at the Dressage World Cup Final, has arrived in Aarhus, Denmark in preparation for the competition from April 5-8, 2001. Noone, 28, from North Abington, MA, is riding Fresco
, a 13 year-old Westfalian gelding, owned by Francine Weiner-Govostes from Canton, MA.
Noone traveled to Denmark from Germany where he had been based for the past month at the new International Academy in Warendorf. He had originally planned to compete in a warm-up competition at Rhede, Germany until the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) caused its cancellation. However, Noone remains positive about his preparation after the horse traveled well and was taken for a gentle hack this morning. “He felt very good after the long drive and is as well prepared as he can be given the circumstances,” explained Noone who had to obtain special papers for the horse to be allowed to travel outside Germany.
Warendorf is among many riding establishments and competition venues that have been closed down in Europe due to FMD. This will be the biggest challenge so far for Noone and Fresco whose last outing was during the Washington International Horse Show last October when, as the top placed U.S. rider at the 2000 United States Dressage League Finals, they qualified for the World Cup Final in Denmark.
Tom Noone has been riding since he was three years old. He has a lifelong list of dressage accomplishments, both national and regional, from training level to Grand Prix on several mounts. He is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medallist. In 1997, Noone and Fresco earned first place in the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Saratoga and Dressage at Devon. They also won the WFDA East Coast Riders Cup.
Noone, with Fresco, was the top placing U.S. rider at the 2000 United States Dressage League Finals held during the Washington International Horse Show, October 22-29. Noone was second overall to Germany’s Daniela Groenke. As the highest placed U.S. rider, Noone qualified to represent the United States in the 2001 FEI World Cup Finals
Image copyrighted: Dirk Caremans