Latest News

Heidi Degele Coaches Linda Signorelli to a Silver Medal

Wellington, FL (Decemeber 28, 2012) – Heidi Degele coaching philisopy works well for riders, as yet another student achieves her life-long goal of achieving the coveted USDF Silver Medal. Linda Signorelli and Weltlicht, a 16’2 imported Hannoverian by Weltmeyer, recently earned 2 scores over 60% at Fourth level and two over 60% at Prix St. Georges to secure their Silver Medal.

Under the tutelage of Heidi Degele, Linda Signorelli and Weltlicht earned their USDF Silver Medal in 2012. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Degele)

“I am so proud of Linda for achieving her USDF Silver Medal,” said Heidi Degele, who trains out of her own Mesa Farms in Loxahatchee. “She works very hard, is truly dedicated to the sport of dressage. It definitely shows in the competition ring. Linda always stays positive and that says a lot about her character, her drive to do well with riding and showing, and even about life itself.”

Degele continued, “Linda has to drive from Ft Lauderdale to train with me, over an hour and half one way. It is very timee consuming on her part to train with me. She succeeded by taking her horse out to four shows and every time, she won her class with the scores she needed to win her USDF Silver Medal.”

Degele believes in telling riders that they need to install their own buttons, giving certain aids like bending aids, half-halts, and preparing the horse before the next movement with the corner. She says, “Each movement may have a different ‘button.’ I work with my students to practice and prepare at home, so that showing is easier.”

Signorelli was thrilled to achieve the medal, and stated, “I rode a little as a Girl Scout and then started riding again later in life. In fact, I started learning dressage before it was very popular in south Florida, before warmbloods were even available in the US. I have been an elementary school teacher for 23 years. After retiring my previous competition horse, I found Heidi through a mutual friend. I had a bad experience with a previous purchase, a bolting horse, and was going to stop riding. My friend convinced me to come to Heidi’s to take lessons and it grew from there.”

Under the tutelage of Heidi Degele, Linda Signorelli and Weltlicht earned their USDF Silver Medal in 2012. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Degele)

Under the tutelage of Heidi Degele, Linda Signorelli and Weltlicht earned their USDF Silver Medal in 2012. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Degele)

Linda stated, “Weltlicht, also known as Valentine, has given me a lot of confidence in myself and Heidi is always patient and caring. I believe that people and horses are brought into our lives for a reason and to teach us something. I am thankful to have both of them in my life. Even though it is a long drive, I always look forward to going and am excited to ride. I am always learning something new and trying to improve. My accomplishment makes me feel proud and happy not only for myself but for Heidi and Valentine.”

Weltlicht, is now available for the next rider to achieve their Medal goals.

Currently, Degele has several adult amateur client horses in for the season.

Degele trains regularly with Lars Petersen and she also attends clinics with Hubertus Schmidt whenever he comes into town. Degele trained with Schmidt for 3 years in Germany (2004-2007) with her stallion, Ramiros. She also bought another M level mare while there named Everybody’s Darling. She finished training Darling to Grand Prix with Schmidt, and brought her to USA to win a her USDF Gold medal.

Heidi Degele, USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist is now located full time in Loxatchee FL, just minutes outside of Wellington. She has expanded her barn for the 2013 winter season including adding new mirrors to her arena. She is currently accepting horses for full training and consignment. She trains her horses with the classical and systematical methods that she has learned and mastered while in Germany that are proven successful over several generations. Heidi Degele is available for teaching and will travel for clinics.

For more information about Degele, visit her website at www.heididressage.com

Photo: Under the tutelage of Heidi Degele, Linda Signorelli and Weltlicht earned their USDF Silver Medal in 2012. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Degele)

Leave Comment