Megan Zappe Earns USDF Silver Medal
TVDCTA rider Megan Zappe recently completed the requirements for her USDF Silver Medal. To qualify for the medal, Megan achieved two scores in Fourth Level and two scores in Prix St. Georges at 60% or greater. The table below chronicles her efforts:
| Date | Show | Location | Class | Place | Dressage % |
| April 5, 2008 | Sherry Levin Memorial | Hernando, MS | Fourth Level, Test 1 | 1 | 62.326 |
| April 5, 2008 | Sherry Levin Memorial | Hernando, MS | Fourth Level, Test 2 | 1 | 63.864 |
| May 30, 2008 | Tennessean Express | Murfreesboro, TN | FEI Prix St Georges | 1 | 60.000 |
| May 31, 2008 | Tennessean Dressage | Murfreesboro, TN | Fourth Level, Test 2 | 1 | 60.000 |
| January 3, 2009 | Twice As Nice Dressage I | Newberry, FL | FEI Prix St Georges | 1 | 61.842 |
In addition, Megan composed an article for the TVDCTA Bits newsletter in January, 2009 to tell the story of her quest for the Silver Medal:
My Silver Medal
Megan Zappe
On the first week of January I earned the last score at Prix St. Georges level that I needed to obtain my USDF Silver Medal. In February 2008 I began riding my mom’s horse, Frequent Flier Miles, and working towards showing at Fourth Level. I originally intended to attempt qualifying for the Young Riders Program, but unfortunately I am not yet a US citizen, so I decided that the Silver Medal would be an appropriate goal.
In April I competed in the Sherry Levin Memorial Show in Mississippi, and scored in the 60s at Fourth Level. At the Tennessean Dressage Show in May I earned another score for Fourth Level and one of my Prix St. Georges score. At that point I was consumed by preparations for starting college, and my showing plans were put on hold even though I kept riding.
Over the Christmas break my mom and I spent ten days in Wellborn, Florida working with Bryan McMahon in preparation for the show at Canterbury Show Grounds. This was an incredible experience. I received daily instruction from Bryan and my riding improved astronomically.
The past year has been wonderful. I have had the opportunity to ride a horse that is schooling Grand Prix, to work with top Dressage instructors, and to compete at a level I had not dreamed of reaching for many years. It has been an incredibly valuable experience and I would like to thank my mom for lending me her horse, Bryan McMahon for his coaching, and Debbie Hill for lending me her shad-belly coat and top hat. Earning my silver medal is simply proof of the quality of instruction and help I received this year, and something I will always be proud of.
