Selestial R, An Avoidable Tragedy
It is with a sadness that has broken my heart many times over that I announce that Se...
28 January, 2022
2020 USDF Horse of the Year Awards
Indiana R was USDF HOY at 4th Level, Regiment was USDF HOY at 1st Level....
10 March, 2021
Samson R and Mallih Ataee Update
Samson R and his new owner, Mallih Ataee, have been selected for the USEF Observation...
19 October, 2020
2020 Show Results
Indiana R: 77.051, 76.250, and 73.472 at Fourth Level in his debut, Regiment: 81.528,...
29 July, 2020
2019 USDF Horse of the Year Awards
Indiana R was USDF HOY at 3rd Level, Samson R was #5 at 3rd Level, Geronimo R was #4 ...
30 May, 2020
2019 Show Results
Geronimo R: USDF Region 6 Reserve Champion Prix St Georges and Intermediate I, Indi...
05 May, 2020
2018 USDF Horse of the Year Awards
Selestial R was HOY at Intermediate I and Geronimo was Reserve at 3rd level. Alyssa a...
05 April, 2019
2017 USDF Horse of the Year Awards
Selestial R was 4th level HOY, Quintessential Hit was PSG HOY and Reserve I-1. Alyssa...
30 December, 2017
2017 Show Results
Quintessential Hit: USDF Region 6 Prix St Georges Open Champion, NW Intermediate I Op...
05 December, 2017
Social Feeds
Photos of Dogwood, the Desperado stallion, at liberty in the field. He is something special!
Photo credit Karlin Ekberg.
#alyssapitts #dogwood #desperado
2 days ago
Um wow he’s stunning 🤩
Wow
Beautiful
Please pm details and video!
Oh my🤭❤️
Stunning!
Fancy boy! 😍
Proudly presenting Dogwood, an imported 3 year old stallion by Desperado x Donnerschwee x Romancier. Desperado is a top international scoring stallion for the Netherlands, recently scoring 79% and winning the first round of the Dutch championships at Grand Prix. Dogwood's dam combines the outstanding blood of the D and R lines, which are proven producers of Grand Prix horses time and again. This young stallion is available, as I just had a baby.
Photo credit Alyssa Hamedi.
#alyssapitts #dogwood #desperado #donnerhall #donnerschwee #romancier
3 days ago
Can you pm a video of him and the ggw colt please?
Super ♥️
Video
Price
Obsession SH is growing up to be a real stunner! This 3 year old Grand Galaxy Win x Tango gelding is about to get started under saddle. I am willing to consider parting with him only because I just had a baby, and I'm going to be short on time for a while. Please PM me for more information. Photo credit Alyssa Hamedi.
#alyssapitts #obsessionsh #grandgalaxywin
3 days ago
Oh he is gorgeous and such a kind eye
Stunning! Laura Michelle - ready for your next project yet? 👀💓
Can you please send me more info? Thank you
Katie Robicheaux this guy!
Paula Cather
Hailey Jones
Angie Korczak Krylo
He’s gorgeous 💜
Congrats to Nikki Scarpino and Lambada!!! I sold Lambada to Nikki years ago, and Nikki has done a beautiful job developing Lambada all of the way to Grand Prix. It brings me joy to see my former horses thriving and loved.
2 months ago
That’s so awesome!!!
Selestial R, An Avoidable Tragedy
It is with a sadness that has broken my heart many times over that I announce that Selestial R died in June of 2021. It has taken me many, many months to accept that this wonderful horse is no longer living.
I met Seleste as a young 4 year old, and the second that she arched her neck over the stall door and engaged me with her expressive eyes, I was a goner. I just got a feeling from looking into her eyes and face, and after I rode her, I felt that she would be something special. She was a gangly, awkward looking youngster, but once she started moving, she was light and graceful on her feet.
Over time, she transformed from the awkward duckling into a beautiful and magnificent horse. As a five year old, we rode in front of Charlotte Dujardin for the first time, and she told me, “Don’t be surprised if she turns out just as nice or better than Quin.” Quin is superstar, Quintessential Hit. Seleste proved Charlotte right, and Seleste went on to win three USDF Horse of the Year titles over the years (First Level, Fourth Level, and Intermediate I). Seleste made her Grand Prix debut at 9 years of age, scoring over 73% from an FEI 5* judge in her first outing. I believed wholeheartedly in Seleste’s talent, training, and disposition. I believed that she would be very successful in international competition. Without the deep pockets to fund an international career for Seleste, I made the extremely difficult decision to sell Seleste.
I sent Seleste to a top rider in Germany, and from there, her story becomes one of extreme tragedy. The sordid details of Seleste’s experiences in Europe revealed all of the worst of people. In writing of Seleste’s passing, there is no way to escape the bitterness and anger that the treatment that she received brings forward. It would be unfair to Seleste to not disclose the injustices that she suffered. Her vet records in Germany were put in another person’s name, and all of the care that she received was hidden from me. It appears that she received treatments for conditions that were never disclosed to me. The vet who treated her, even upon knowing that I was the owner, has refused to give the complete records to me despite numerous requests from me to obtain them, a complete violation of a veterinarian’s legal and ethical obligations.
Sensing in my gut that something was amiss, especially after another American horse tragically died of laminitis in that German barn, I moved Seleste to a barn in Holland. Eventually, it was revealed to me that Seleste had laminitis, but the laminitis was hidden from me for three entire months by the broker and trainer in charge of her care, as well as by the vet in charge of her care in Holland. She was being ridden on about 8 degrees of rotation before I was notified that she was not well. The tragedy is that had immediate and aggressive steps been taken to combat some inflammation in one foot, it’s entirely possible that Seleste would not have experienced laminitis and rotation. She should have been on ice around the clock, received anti-inflammatory treatments and been rested completely. Instead, they chose to continue riding and training her, exacerbating the inflammation to the point that the structures in the foot were damaged beyond repair.
It was a whirlwind of stress after that. As soon as I knew that Seleste was not well, I did everything that I could do to save her life, bringing her to Florida to receive the best care in the world. In Florida, Seleste was treated by a world renown podiatrist with corrective shoeing for laminitic horses. She was under the care of one of the best vet hospitals in the world, and she received the best supportive care possible. Unfortunately, despite the amazing efforts of everyone involved in Florida, they were unable to save her, and she was ultimately euthanized. A venogram was performed before the recommendation to euthanize was made. The results of the venogram were conclusive that there was no hope. On June 15, an amazing friend FaceTimed me from Seleste’s stall at the vet clinic, and I had to say goodbye to my beloved Seleste who had always given me her best. Seleste deserved a long and happy life with excellent care and a lovely retirement. She didn’t deserve to die young at the hands of people in Europe who valued something, I don’t know what, more than the life of a precious living being. A necropsy confirmed what we already knew: she had severe rotation in both front coffin bones and proliferation of both front coffin bones. She was in excruciating pain.
I have tried long and hard to make sense of it all, and I have experienced anger, bitterness, guilt, sadness, and grief. The only thing that would make things right is for Seleste to still be alive and well. She cannot be brought back, and that is a bitter pill to swallow. My only hope is that the people who wronged Seleste will change their ways. I hope that they will always act with the horse’s best interest first, and I hope that they will be honest in all of their future dealings. I hope that every horse in the world will be valued as a living, sentient being, and that the life and well being of every horse will be considered first above sport and above business interests. In my experience, I saw the people at the top of the sport behaving abhorrently, and that needs to change. My memories of an absolutely magnificent horse are tarnished by the horrible end that she suffered at the hands of dishonesty.
4 months ago
This is one of my absolute favorite quotes. I know how hard it was to write but it’s important. Nothing can change the past but the truth can always impact the future.
One of the most special horses I’ve ever had the privilege to connect with. I think of her often. I am gutted and can’t imagine the emotional journey this set you on. Hugs
This industry has a lot of soul searching to do about the things that are done to horses to justify end goals. I’m glad people like you are involved to help bring about changes in attitudes to these incredible sensitive wondrous beings. Thank you for telling Seleste’s story, I hope it helps bring about justice for other horses in the competitive horse world. Sending you much comfort and condolences.
Having seen the up close and personal consequences of equine abuse on the backyard end of the spectrum, I can only tell you that your feelings are valid and will likely not be easily processed. By sharing it, you shine light into the dark corners of the horse world and the people who read it will be better informed and prepared when they make decisions for their horses in the future. I'm very sorry for your loss and the entire situation.
You need to name these people so others don't end up going through the same thing.
I am so, so sorry that you lost such a beautiful and talented dear friend. Sometimes we try to give our horses opportunities that we think we can't give them. I know because I've done it twice and will never do it again. One of my horses died tragically at 6 of kidney failure and I never got the chance to ride him down centerline but the trainer did😭. The other did well at shows, but I could see he was not happy, so I told the trainer I would take over his training. Did our progress slow down? You bet. Is he is far happier now with just me? Absolutely. Our horses don't care what level they get to, only that they are loved and cared for, and that should always be our priority. Will they miss out on greatness? Maybe. But will we do everything in our power to give them a long and happy life? Absolutely. And that is worth more than all the accolades in the world.
I am so very sorry for your loss and the pain Seleste must have endured. I think so often in horse "business" the almighty dollar clouds people's judgment. And they forget that these high "potential" horses have beautiful, innocent souls that have no idea that they are worth so much. This is why I cannot do sales and why I have such a hard time parting with horses that I own. It's so hard to trust that they will be treated as the special souls that they are, whatever their price tag. Godspeed Seleste and I hope your pain continues to fade over time.
There are people who talk a lot and say nothing... and people who say little and communicate a lot. You are the latter - when you say something, it has weight. I'm paying attention, and I hope the FEI is too.
Even already knowing the whole story, reading this makes me sad and mad all over again for you and Seleste. I’ll never understand how these people could do this. You did everything you could. Such an avoidable tragedy. So sorry Alyssa 💔
What a tough story to tell and a nightmare to live through. I am so sorry. I truly don’t understand how people can behave so poorly. My hearts breaks for Seleste and for you. Thank you for sharing her story. While it’s painful to read and hard not to cry, it’s only a tiny portion of what you’ve been living through. May Seleste’s memory inspire us to be that much kinder and gentler to all animals, especially our horses. 💕
Oh Alyssa, this is horrific. I loved that mare from afar and everything you did with her. I know you did your research and placed her in the best possible place for success and a long healthy life. People were cruel, lied and cheated; that is not your fault. Thank you for telling this story, for calling them out. Forgive yourself for what you could not have imagined. So so sorry
Horses are so tolerant and noble. Thank you for sharing her story. There are people in the community who grieve with and for you. There are no words for those who choose to inflict pain on such generous trusting souls.
Absolutely gut wrenching. I know your pain; my Rosenfurst N also succumbed to abhorrent treatment due to my misplaced trust. I will never forgive myself for trying to retire him in the wrong hands, and will have nightmares and regrets about it always. Take comfort in your good intentions and never let a star who loves you go again😢. I know I won’t.
I balled my eyes out reading this - I am so, so sorry you endured this tragedy with your precious ‘soul mate’…..as much as I love, love, love Dressage & other competitive disciplines….trained with some world class clinicians, participated in many shows, and trained many in the lower levels…I personally got out of showing for these very reasons….don’t lose your love & passion for these animals ‘ this sport over the selfishness & greed that runs rampant in the equine competitive world. This experience - as devastating as it is - coupled with your passion, love & skill can benefit MANY - get out there & share your gifts with others!!!! My sincerest condolences for your most devastating loss- my heart goes out to you💕❤️💕
I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you. Keep standing up for these beautiful horses lives, they mean more than money.
Alyssa, Thank you for posting this and bringing awareness to the animal cruelty that is seen in these sports. The kindness and compassion you demonstrate doesn’t go unnoticed by humans or animals 💕
I remember one of the first shows I took photos for you - I took one of Seleste that you thought was Quin on first glance, and I was like "no, that's Seleste!". Seleste, the ballerina. She was an absolute joy to watch with you. She definitely proved Charlotte right! (Charlotte is always right, isn't she?!) Good for you for sharing this, as hard as I'm sure it was to try to put it in to words. It breaks my heart for you and Seleste. She was a very special special mare and no horse deserves to be treated like she was. I am so very sorry. ❤
This is just flat horrifying…words absolutely can not describe the fear in all of us reading your story. What courage you have for sharing this. I wish I had the most comforting words, to take your pain away, and something profound to restore humanity, but I can say that I love you and the dedication you have in each and every horse. You are a good human❤️❤️❤️
I'm so sorry. This is horrible and tragic. It's why I don't send my horses out. Just cannot trust anyone to care for them the way you would. This is so heartbreaking. Hugs. 🙁
Oh Alyssa, words won’t even form. You did everything in your powers to assure her every possible chance to shine, and those you entrusted her to failed you. But even worse, they failed dear Seleste. It is unfortunate that some think of a horse like a piece of gym equipment instead of advocating for a living being. Unfortunately, this is an all too common scenario in the horse world. I am so so sorry for both of you. (((Hugs)))
And THIS is why I dislike most people! THIS is why, Jeremy Robbins, that I have such a hard time selling any of them! 😭
My heart breaks for you, and for your beautiful mare. I hope, in time, that the anger, bitterness, guilt, sadness, and grief you have experienced will ease and that you can put those energies into something positive. I am sure that Seleste would want that for you.
I'm heartbroken for you & sickened by her suffering. Thank you for sharing your story so that others may learn from your loss. Know in your heart that you did right by her.
Gosh Alyssia, such a heartbreak to read this. Thank you for your eloquence in standing up for those that can’t speak for themselves. Senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to you and i hope there is a way to out these people so they dont repeat their despicable actions.😢
This is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry that this happened to Seleste and to you. I hope you can someday find peace knowing that you made every decision in her best interest, even if others did not. I hope the support and validation from your community can support you during this very difficult time ❤️
Congratulations to my dear friend who is the new owner of Moonbear TF!! "Moony" is an absolutely wonderful horse with super athletic ability and talent coupled with a stellar disposition. It's bittersweet, as I love riding Moony, but I know that she has the most amazing home possible, and I hope that she and her new owner have a fabulous time together.
5 months ago
Lucky Moony!
Christmas special on Valentine AP for mare owners and breeders! Valentine AP was Reserve Champion USDF Horse of the Year at First Level in 2021, in his first year of showing, with scores to 81%. He boasts an outstanding pedigree, sired by Vitalis and out of a Diamond Hit x Lavauzelle mare. Valentine AP has a stellar temperament combined with excellent rideability. He has three super gaits with lots of talent for collection and the FEI levels. He is smaller in size and type, so a fantastic refining option, especially for someone wanting to breed amateur friendly horses. He has the movement and talent to create superstars who are rideable and a joy to be around. Available via frozen semen. Christmas special: two doses for $900 or one for $450.
5 months ago
Sierra's human would like a Valentine baby for Christmas! 😍😂
Very interested in breeding
😍 I'm interested!! I'll message you!
Spot on!
Brett Parbery: "Do You Ever Feel Like Quitting?"
eurodressage.com
Brett Parbery, an Australian Grand Prix rider and 2018 WEG team rider, recently shared this insightful post on his Facebook page with the following words of wisdom.
5 months ago
Wow. Simple. Straight forward. Spot on. Thank you for the supporting thoughts, helpful
Great advice!
Love this ❤️
Love this!
Fantastic!
Love it, really speaks to me right now. Thanks for sharing
Excellent. Thank you for sharing.
Finally got photos of the beautiful and amazing Moonbear TF ("Moony"). She doesn't take a bad photo!
6 months ago
Adore her- and her big girl ears! Super easy to clip too 😉
Please pm price, height, and more on temperament. Thank you. She’s beautiful. And beautifully ridden!
Love her! I love the mares with big ears 🥰
The sweetest mare and so dedicated to her morning naps! 😇
Gorgeous mare!! Well, pregnant. You and Colvin make beautiful babies and are lovely parents so good cause for celebration 🍼❤️🤩
She is so special!!
Double congratulations.....the horse is lovely and yay for a baby!
What a beauty! And congratulations!!
Beautiful horse, AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!💕🍼💕
So lovely! Umm did I hear you say you are pregnant Alyssa🥰🥰
Fabulous mare🤩
Sending you a PM
That trot! 😍
Tell me you are keeping this one!?!
You ever need polos done you call me 😉
Love!
Heidi Elmore ❤!
Would love to know size and price on this one - thank you!
Please PM price and height. Thank you!
I know of a couple of really special young horses coming available due to owners' personal situations. If you are looking for a top young horse, please contact me for more information.
6 months ago
Took some video today of Moonbear TF, a 4 year old mare by Franziskus x Tuschinski x Ferro. Love this mare!
youtu.be/WxH2o3NCHU8
7 months ago
THAT is a lovely, lovely mare!!! Plus she has an amazing tail.
Wow! She’s the full package! Sweetheart in the barn and amazing under saddle ❤️ ps she loves maple bars 🤷🏼♀️
Wow...she is extraordinary. Love the relaxation over the back and flowing tail too🐴❤
😍. love her! also love the mare (Ma Jolie) that I purchased from you!!
She is beautiful!!
What a beautiful 4 year old!
She’s fabulous!
Moony Girl ☺️ such a sweet mare
Beautiful! And a perfect name!
She is lovely Alyssa
How tall is she please and can you pm me the price? Thank you
Do you know mare's mother's name? I think I own a half brother out of same dam, but know she had a full sister too.
My favorite💜💜💜
Ooooo I like that one!
Yes please
Price and size?
Katie Robicheaux she is cute!
How fun! Can’t wait to see her out and about😍
Price please
Lovely!
Ooooh❤️
Wow lovely mare! Congrats
So very lovely
We did it! 2 states, 5 days, and 80 freshly clipped horses - huge thank you to all of our clients for making this our biggest trip yet 💪🏼
Braids & Body Clips PNW
Elevate Sport Horses
Starnes Equestrian
Kohr Values Equine
Alyssa Pitts Dressage
Kimberly Mitchell Dressage
Shine Equestrian LLC
Kat Southam Dressage
Claire Darnell/Amanda Barr Olson Dressage
7 months ago
With great sadness on my part and joy for his new owner, I announce that Valentine AP has sold. He is the most wonderful horse with a character that I doubt that I will ever find again. He is the kindest, most gentle, and most willing horse. He is beautiful, and he is amazing to ride and train. I know that he is loved to pieces and that he will bring his new owner lots of joy. I wish them an amazing journey and life together, and I miss him!
7 months ago
Saw him a few days ago when I was out clipping and he said to say hi 🙂
You better get another "little" one so I can have a new favorite, lol! Valentine is the sweetest and most talented boy with exceptional training, VERY lucky new owners!
A wonderful horse for a wonderful friend and rider! Thank you Alyssa Pitts Dressage for making this possible! He is loved to pieces!❤️
What a spectacular horse! I was Kiri’s first student with Harvey…though I miss him terribly and I have been walking out of a brutal illness, your dressage pictures continue to provide incredible inspiration for me to get back on the horse when they say my body is ready
We miss you, Valentine!!! ❤️ He is such a sweetie. I’m so glad he got such an awesome new owner.
I am so happy that you found a wonderful home for him 😘
Congratulations! Selfishly I’m a little sad though. Love him ❤️
I will miss you forever baby horse! ❤️ He is a special one
So hard. I was looking forward to watching you develop him but happy he gets to adventure with a new person as well. Bittersweet no doubt.
Where did he go? I own his surrogate mama and have loved keeping up with him!
The special ones are the hardest to sell ❤ Best of luck on his new journey!
Congrats to both parties!!!🎉
I (and Reggie) will really miss this adorable little muppet!!
Congratulations to all!
Bittersweet. All the very best to the new owner🐴❤️
I always looked forward to working on him!
Look at that face…what a sweet boy. 🐴❤️
I got to meet him! ADORABLE!!!!!!
I love getting photo updates of my young horses who are growing up in pasture at Karlin Ekberg-Sporthorses! I can't wait for these boys to grow up.
7 months ago
Honestly they are so cute!
We really like Onana !
I am so grateful for my amazing horse, Indiana R ("Indy") and for all of my friends and professionals who have supported me in the arena and out of the arena this past year. The grief, burnout, and disillusionment that I have experienced is for another post at another time. Thank you to Indy, who has helped me to remember that I'm just a girl who loves her horse(s) no matter what. I look forward to seeing his cheeky face every morning, and I always feel inspired riding him. Below is a video of our last show for the year.
Thank you to all of my team members who are always there for me and my horses: Anya Morozova, Kim Mitchell, Dr Joey Bergevin, Seth Noble, Heather Manuel, Greg Brewer, Mark Rowley, and so many more people at Cedar Meadow Farm who are always supportive and friendly. And thanks to my best friends behind the scenes who have been there for me every step of the way...not sure that any of you want to be mentioned, but I think that you know who you are.
Here's to enjoying a shared love of horses and a community of wonderful people!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_is-BSv4fM
7 months ago
What a star ⭐️ And in the snaffle!
You are a superb rider and overall fantastic horsewoman. All the horses you have trained throughout the years are so lucky to have been guided by you. Congrats to you and Indy! He is lucky to have you as his partner. ❤️
So great to see you and that wonderful Indy this past weekend; I’ve missed you! You have been such an inspiration to me and are such a great trainer and person to look up to. I’ve been grateful for your guidance and you know how much I 💜 Indy. I hope to see you again soon.
Alyssa, there are very few who can ride and and train like you. Even fewer who can Show a horse like Indy so beautifully in a snaffle. Even fewer who are parenting two young and boys and running a successful business at the same time. I wish I ran into you more often so I could tell you this in person. I know M.S. would feel exactly the same way!
So honored to know this horse you guys are the best team ever! Miss you💕
Lovely test, and it's so nice to see an upper level horse being shown in a snaffle!
You two are so fun to watch, such a dynamic pair. 😍
Elegant and harmonious are always the first words that come into my head when I watch you ride any horse. I so admire you for your talent to train and your love ❤️ for every horse 🐴. Time to rest and look to the joy of turning the page to the next chapter. Love you my friend. 😘
I love watching you ride! Such an incredible pair you make 😍
He’s fabulous and you are a wonderful trainer and horsewoman!
Wow! How beautiful. Thanks for sharing this!
What an extraordinary chemistry 💕 between horse and rider.
You are an amazing rider, trainer, and horse woman, but more importantly a great human. So sorry this has been a tough year for you❤ So glad the cute little "quarter horse baby" Indy ended up with you and grew in to the super star he was meant to be! Can't wait to continue to cheer you two on! 🤩
It's so nice to see your post!! I loved watching you ride in many of the clinics up here in Vancouver, British Columbia. Such a beautiful rider and your horses are gorgeous ♥️
Such a great horse, to have a great horse you have to have a great rider!🤩♥️
You trained him Beautiful 🤩
So nice to see you this past weekend. Indy looks amazing!!
Amazing rider, amazing horse…congratulations!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏
You and Indie are a perfect match!
Beautiful ride!
Beautiful 🤙😍
lovely team
What a gorgeous test!! Hooray!!!
Beautiful!