Elizabeth Grainger and her horse, Guinness, make a fine pair. Guinness is a quarter horse, and his real name is Charlies Big Slugger. However, Guinness was born on St. Patrick’s Day, so the name is appropriate.
Elizabeth received a fourth place from the U.S. Dressage Federation. It was the Adequan All Breeds Award to recognize accomplishments of specific breeds in dressage. Dressage is an equestrian sport recognized by the Olympics and is often called horse ballet. The horses perform from memory predetermined movements. “It is a test of training for both horse and rider,” she said. “When synchronicity between the rider and horse occurs, it is truly breathtaking.”
Last year, dressage got a lot of talk because Ann Romney had a horse in the Olympics. Now let’s get back to our Guinness.
The South Bend resident grew up loving horses and rode in 4-H. She saved up her hard-earned cash to buy a horse. She is a St. Joe High and Saint Mary’s graduate and was a member of the Notre Dame equestrian team. Her love continued and she founded Grainger Dressage in
November 2005.
She decided to pursue the All Breed Award last spring. She and her husband, Brooks; groomer Suzanne Hall; photographer Chris Hall; and assistant Jamie Hall all traveled to four competitions in Romney, Ind., to earn the scores needed.
This year is a whole new schedule to move on to the next level.
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News flash …Watch “Jeopardy” Monday on WSBT Channel 22 for Mishawaka resident Erin Schmidt Smith. The show was taped in October and everyone in the family has been eager to see the show and how it went for Erin.
Show participants can’t tell what happens. All super secret. So we have to watch. She is the daughter of Andrea and Bill Schmidt, and she graduated from St. Joseph High and Saint Mary’s College.
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Dress up and head to Plymouth for the annual Linda Constant Formal Dinner and Dance on Saturday at the LifePlex, 2855 Miller Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing until 11 p.m.
Organizer Cilla Dressen said it is a fun evening to watch the professional dancers take the floor. “Linda was a ballroom instructor who spent her entire life in Mishawaka. She had cancer and died three years ago. This is a nice gathering to remember someone who touched so many lives.”
Meat, dessert, plates and flatware are provided.
Soda and water can be purchased. Everyone needs to bring a dish to share, Cilla said. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. “It is an evening everyone can enjoy.”
For tickets, call Cilla at 574-264-7464.
NAMELY NEWS
Local dressage competitor gains recognition
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