Beth and Bluette in piaffe, September 2005, Intermediare II test. (photo by Amber Palmer Photography; amberpalmer.com)

Beth grew up riding with the Bainbridge Island Pony Club, earning her "B" rating.  After college, medical school and residency training, she returned to riding, focusing on dressage.

Her riding accomplishments include:

  • USDF gold, silver and bronze medals
  • USDF "L" judge graduate with distinction
  • Recipient of numerous year-end and high point awards (see below)

Beth currently rides Bluette, a 1992 Danish Warmblood mare by Rambo out of a thoroughbred mare.  Bluette was imported from Denmark in July of 2001.  The pair has competed at 4th level through Grand Prix.

Beth trains regularly with Roxanne Christenson and has cliniced with the late Dietrich von Hopfgarten, Stephan Kiesewetter, Leslie Reid, Steffen Peters, and Conrad Schumacher.

Beth has been active with Equestrians' Institute for many years. 

 Beth and Bluette at the Northwest Dressage Expo, May 2006 (photo below by Poulsen Photography; www.poulsenphoto.com).  Click here and here for video clips from the ride.

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DRESSAGE COMPETITION RECORD 

2008 - Another injury...

We were all set to ride down the Grand Prix centerline again this year, but another injury changed those plans. I think it is time for Bluette to have a less intense life, and perhaps change her focus to having kids. I know she'd make a fabulous mother, and has potential to produce some talented horses!

2007 - A rehab year (Bluette):

In the late summer of 2006, Bluette suffered an injury that precluded additional competition that year.  2007 was spent in careful rehab.  By the end of 2007, she was back training all of the Grand Prix movements.

2006 - Grand Prix (Bluette):

  • Champagne Classic, July 2006 - scores:  60.833% and 60.104%  earned Beth her USDF gold medal!

2005 – Intermediare II (Bluette):

  • Intermediare II, Cascade Championships (62.683%)
  • Intermediare II, Whidbey Island (62.195%)

2004 – Intermediare I and Prix St. George (Bluette):

  • 19th place, Intermediare I, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 63.875)
  • High Point Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I award:  Royal Ensign Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2004.
  • High Point FEI Horse: Meads Half Penny Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2004

2003 – Intermediare I and Prix St. George (Bluette):

  • 4th place, Prix St. Georges, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 64.750)
  • 1st place, Prix St. Georges, North American Danish Warmblood Society (NADWS), Adult Amateur division
  • 2nd place, Prix St. Georges, NADWS Open division
  • 11th place, Intermediare I, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 63.375)
  • High Point FEI ride, Beaujolais Dressage Show, June 2003
  • High Point Adult Amateur ride, Beaujolais Dressage Show, June 2003
  • High Point Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I award:  Royal Ensign Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2003.

2002 – Fourth Level (Bluette):

  • Earned USDF silver medal
  • 3rd place, 4th level, USDF Adult Amateur division (median score 66.31)
  • 1st place, 4th level, North American Danish Warmblood Society (NADWS), Adult Amateur Division
  • 3rd place, 4th level, NADWS, Open division
  • High point Adult Amateur score, Donida Farm Dressage, July 2002
  • High Point 4th level award: Hitter's Pride Perpetual Trophy, Champagne Classic Dressage Show, July 2002
  • High Point Adult Amateur FEI score, Devonwood Dressage Show, August 2002
  • Selected to be 4th level demonstration rider at the USDF symposium "Improving the Gaits through the levels" with Debbie McDonald, December 15, 2002, Devonwood Equestrian Center, Sherwood, Oregon.

1996 to 1998 – Third level (Talon):

  • USDF Bronze medal (1996)
  • USDF Region 6 Adult Amateur Reserve Champion – score: 64.871% (1998)
  • Northwest Dressage Championships Adult Amateur Reserve Champion – score: 62.564% (1998)
  • 2nd place USDF Adult Amateur division (1998)
  • 2nd place USDF All Breeds, Open, NATA (1998)
  • 1st place USDF All Breeds, Adult Amateur, NATA (1998)

1995 – Second Level (Talon):

  • USDF Region 6 Adult Amateur Champion – score: 65.227%
  • Northwest Dressage Championships Adult Amateur Champion – score: 67.386%
  • 8th place USDF Horse of the Year award
  • 2nd place USDF Adult Amateur division
  • 1st place USDF All breeds, Open, NATA

1994 – First Level (Talon):

  • USDF Region 6 Adult Amateur Reserve Champion – score: 65.5%
  • 4th place, USDF Adult Amateur division
  • 2nd place, USDF All breeds, Open, NATA

1993 - Training level (Talon):

  • USDF Region 6 Adult Amateur Champion - score 70.083%
  • 4th place, USDF Adult Amateur division
  • 2nd place, USDF All breeds, Open, North American Trakehner Association (NATA)