The University of Findlay's Dressage Program is very proud to present our 15 year old Rhinelander gelding - Duel.  

Duel embarked on a fantastic journey this spring.  He teamed up with Para-Equestrian Jennifer Baker on her quest to compete in Para-Dressage at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  Jennifer's story is amazing.  She was in two horrific motorcycle accidents back in 2001.  Her ankle was crushed in the first accident.  The second accident caused near fatal injuries.  The doctors fought to save her injured leg, and were successful.  Then they broke the news to her that she might never walk, let alone ride a horse again.  Jennifer was determined to do both.  The hospital stay was long and the physical therapy was excruciating.  Jennifer kept working.  Once she was able to walk again, the next goal would be riding.  Horses and her son kept her going.  Even when she could only brush or pet a horse, it was enough to keep her spirits up.  Once Jennifer was able to ride again, she set a new goal - riding Para-Dressage at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.  Jennifer and her horse Harley started the long ardous task of working to qualify for WEG.  Unfortunately, Harley sustained an injury and would not be able to go on.  Jennifer searched for a new horse to ride.  Her search brought her to The University of Findlay's Janet Harms.  Janet explained to her that she had three upper level horses that were ready for the opportunity.  Jennifer and her mother, horse trainer Nancy Baker, drove to Findlay to check out the horses.  When Jennifer rode Duel, there was an instant connection. 

Jennifer found that Duel was the horse to continue her journey with!  Jennifer and Duel competed at WindReach International Para-Dressage show in Ontario, Canada.  They worked very well together and Jennifer fell in love with Duel.  The next stop was the WEG Selection Trials held at Lamplight Equestrian Center near Chicago.  This was it.  They had to be a team or the dream would be shattered.  Jennifer and Duel competed in the three days of competition and finished 8th overall.  They needed to finish in the top 10 to qualify!

Just when things seemed to be going Jennifer's way, another setback.  Duel injured his suspensory ligament. 

Jennifer will continue on to WEG with the horse Kranak.  She is very grateful to Duel and The University of Findlay for getting her to WEG!

Duel returned to UF to finish his rehabilitation and will get back into training with the students that also love him.  There was a "Welcome Home" party and Duel received his favorite treat - a banana. 

Duel is a champion.  He was given the job of getting Jennifer Baker qualified for WEG and he accomplished it.  We are so proud of him!

GOOD LUCK AT WEG, JENNIFER!