Oceana ISF and Allison Cyprus Rock the US Dressage Finals

January 16, 2025

3 Minutes

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Oceana ISF and Allison Cyprus topped off an incredible 2024 show season with a US Dressage Finals Championship at Second Level (72.103%) and a Reserve Championship at First Level (72.917%). Allison and her business partner Ann Rosenberg purchased Oceana ISF (Sir Sinclair, Keur x Katruus, Star/Prov. Keur, by Colonist) via video when the mare was only two years old. The pair made their show ring debut in the FEI 4-year-Old and Training Level classes in 2023 and then moved into First and Second Level in 2024. They won numerous classes, earning scores as high as 79.047% at Second level and 76.250% at First Level, qualifying for both divisions at the US Dressage Finals at the GAIG/USDF Region 1 Championships. (You can read about the beginning of their partnership here.)

Allison answers our questions about the road to the US Dressage Finals.

Let's start with the regional championships that qualified you for the US Dressage Finals. How were those championship classes and was your goal to qualify for the US Dressage Finals when the show season started?

AC It was our goal at the start of the year to qualify Oceana for both the GAIG/USDF Region 1 First and Second Level Championship classes, with the hope to qualify for US Dressage Finals. Oceana started out very nervous and almost electric at shows during her first year of competition in 2023. I took my time exposing her to more friendly competition rings and keeping the choice of tests at a low level to help reduce any pressure and improve her confidence. It was clear to me early in the 2024 show season that she had not only found her confidence in the competition ring, but enjoyed strutting her stuff for the judges. She is such a performer now!

The US Dressage Finals is such a fun show and also a big endeavor, especially for a young horse. What did Oceana think about the Kentucky Horse Park?

AC I was so proud of how Oceana handled herself at the Kentucky Horse Park. It can be a very daunting facility at that time of year with the crunchy leaves blowing around, cold wet weather, and of course the elaborate arena decorations. Oceana can definitely still get nervous in that kind of show environment, but with the level of trust between us she is quicker now to follow me through any scary situations.

You had two great championship classes. What were the highlights for you?

AC For both classes I would say the canter tours were the highlight for me. Oceana was very adjustable and honest throughout the canter work. I have put more work into the canter as she finds such ease with the trot work. I loved that she stayed with me and followed my guidance through some of the more challenging parts of the canter tour.

You've brought Oceana up yourself. What did this show and these results mean to you?

AC After the long haul to compete at Regionals and then an even longer haul to compete at Finals, Oceana was one tired pony. I was lucky that we arrived at the horse park early in the week so she had more days to recharge. After my first schooling session, and realizing just how tired she was from the haul, I told myself I had two options. I could push her more in my schooling sessions in hopes to bring more life to the ride but with the chance I could run out of fuel when test day came. Or I could trust my training and keep our schooling days to a minimum in hopes to give Oceana the best chance of peaking at the right moment. I decided on option two and it allowed us to have the success we did! It was very rewarding to know after the travel days, days off, and light schooling rides she knew the job and on show day said yes when asked to do the task at hand. She has always been a yes horse, which makes the partnership with her so enjoyable.

Was your business partner Ann Rosenberg able to attend?

AC Ann is very dedicated to our horses and attends all the horse shows. She wouldn’t have missed it for the world! She loves Oceana and loves to spoil her with carrots, baths, and the most adorable outfits. We so, so love Oceana and are looking forward to future performances with her! I have to thank Ann as well as all of my family members who have continued to support Oceana and I in our endeavors. It takes a village and I love my team!

Learn more about the ISF sales program here. Sir Sinclair, Keur is available this season via frozen semen. Check it out here.

 

Allison and Oceana ISF

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