The New England Dressage Association’s Fall Festival took place Sept. 17 to Sept. 21 in Saugerties, N.Y., where several Vineyard riders competed, including Tracey Olsen and Isabella Thorpe from Woodbe Farm; Madeline Alley and Hannah Maxner from Netherfield Farm; and Jessica Forend, who is now riding at Jewel Court Stud USA, in Connecticut. Horses and riders competed in classes from Training Level, the first step on the dressage ladder, to Grand Prix, the pinnacle of the sport as seen at the Olympic Games.

Jessica Forend riding Winston earned two first place awards. — Terri A. Miller

Vineyard riders were carrying with them the sad news of Beatrice (Beach) Bennett’s death on Wednesday. Ms. Bennett was the owner of Netherfield Farm, and a highly respected and accomplished rider and trainer, on the Island and nationally. She had reached the highest levels of the sport and coached generations of Vineyard equestrians.

Highlights from the show included:

Madeline Alley of Netherfield Farm on Ariza GS — Third Level, Test 2: first place for juniors, sixth place overall; Fourth Level, Test 1: first place for juniors, fifth place overall.

Jessica Forend of Jewel Court Stud USA on Winston — Fourth Level, Test 1: first place; Fourth Level, Test 3 2011: first place.

Tracey Olsen from Woodbe Farm on Zem and Lamborghini — Fourth Level, Test 3: sixth place (Zem); Sweepstakes: sixth place (Zem); FEI Grand Prix: fourth place (Lamborghini).

Isabella Thorpe from Woodbe Farm on Reina — Training Level, Test 1: first place for juniors, fourth place overall; Training Level, Test 2: third place for juniors; Training Level, Test 3: first place for juniors, third place overall.