Laurietta's ParaOdyssey

 Who I am
My name is Laurietta Oakleaf and I was recently reclassified as a Grade I rider.  Something that I want to do and hope you will realize after reading this, is that I want to touch ONE person and inspire many people to get out and live their dreams.    

I started with Para Dressage in 2007, but decided in 2015 that I was ready to start to work towards my goals as an International High Performance Rider.

Training Program: 
I started to train with Missy Ransehousen at Blue Hill farms in PA and FL in 2016. With her expertise, I accomplished in 2016 the National Reserve Champion.

Missy and I ride Nikki 6 days a week in preparing us to qualify for the WEG 2018 and to make the elite status list of riders. This also includes a personal trainer and physical therapy to help me as a rider.

2017 accomplishments; 
- Nikki and I got on the developing riders list
- were listed on the USA team competing at the Wellington, FL CPEDI
- named 4th internationally as a Grade 2 rider
- USEF Grade 2 Rider of the Year
- 26th overall internationally

I am working towards qualifying for the World Equestrian Games 2018 and started on this path almost 2 years ago now. 

Working Towards: 
In preparation for this, we have attended many shows, CPEDI3* (internationally ranked) shows, and some clinics. 

I am working on raising funds to continue this journey towards becoming an elite rider, qualifying for WEG, plus continue to work towards our long term goals of touring in Europe in 2019 and Paralympics in 2020 in Tokyo. 

Upcoming CPEDI3*:
- April 2018 - Tryon, NC
- May 2018 - Ottawa, Canada

What it means to be a Para-Equestrian Rider
I am very honored and humbled to have the chamce to have such a wonderful horse, team, and sponsors to work towards my goals. To be a paraequestrian rider means determination. 

Please follow my journey at: 
www.paraodyssey.org 
Facebook

What is Para Dressage?
According to the USPEA, "Para Dressage is dressage for riders with an eligible permanent physical impairment (a deficiency in or loss of body function or structure) as defined by the FEI Para Equestrian Dressage Classification Manual..... Para Dressage is parallel to Dressage using the same basics in training, gaits,
movements and figures but unlike dressage athletes compete according to their Classification Grade."

Niekele fan Busenitz: 
Nikki is a 2004 Friesian Stallion out of Sape 381 x Fetse 349. I first met Nikki at 6 months old and slowly formed the relationship him and I have today. He is my heart and I fully trust him. Showing a friesian has been an honor.

"Learn to live life minute buy minute, to take every opportunity that you are give as a blessing, and reach for your dreams...."