Allison Brock and Rosevelt. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.
Wellington, Florida — January 8, 2015 — Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt topped the competition this afternoon in the FEI Grand Prix presented by MTICA Farm, the first of the 2015 season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) during AGDF 1 CDI-W. The duo won the class on a 71.00%, followed closely by Tinne Vilhemson-Silfven (SWE) and Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) respectively. The first week of AGDF continues through Sunday, January 11, with the first “Friday Night Stars” Musical Freestyle beginning at 7 p.m. on January 9 and an FEI Grand Prix Special on Saturday, January 10.
Brock was elated with the performance of Rosevelt, a 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, in the large class of 17 riders. Coming off a spectacular 2014 season, accumulating wins at Dressage at Lexington and Devon, today marks a great start to the 2015 season for the pair who will be staying in Wellington throughout the duration of AGDF.
The competition was stiff, as many seasoned riders decided to stretch their legs and begin their seasons on the first day of AGDF competition. “I’m very pleased with him. He was so rideable today. More than anything, I am just pleased to be in the company of these other riders. To be riding with them is such a big deal,” Brock said. “I have the utmost respect for them and I know how hard they have worked to get to this level. It is truly an honor to be competing with them.”
While training with Jan Brink in Sweden, Brock decided to bring Rosevelt back to the U.S. at the end of his 7-year-old season, where she competed him in the Developing Horse Tour and High Performance Prix St. Georges classes in Wellington during his first winter.
Making the move to Grand Prix was not an easy transition for the pair, as they encountered some bumps in the road with before truly hitting their stride in 2014. “I did a year of Small Tour, where he won his regional GAIGs and then I decided to start developing him to the Grand Prix level. It was a longer process than we expected, but with those things, they happen when the horse is ready and you have to just be patient,” she commented.
As for the future, Brock has planned a competition schedule for Rosevelt, which will continue through the rest of the AGDF season. Along with competing at the Grand Prix level, she plans to contest a Friday night freestyle class as a training opportunity for the pair to experience the atmosphere under the lights. “I’m going to use this time wisely, and we’re going to take it one day at a time. Ultimately, my plan is to just keep him happy which he seems to be right now,” she stated. “I would like to see if maybe we can make a run for Pan Ams and at least get on the list and then hopefully shoot for something like Rio (Olympics) long-term.”
Traveling to Wellington each year is highlight for Brock, a native of Hawaii, who has been coming to South Florida to ride for many years. “It’s so competitive here. You’re always going to see world-class horses and riders and not to mention the great weather,” she smiled. “But alongside the competition you really have to think about what you want to accomplish and how to properly manage your horse and keep them fresh.”
It takes a committed team to help riders and horses reach the Grand Prix level, and Brock is truly grateful to the individuals who have helped her reach this stage in her career. “It is so important for me to recognize the people that make this possible. They deserve so much credit and I am continually thankful for their support, the Kundruns, Michael Barisone, and so many others. I am excited for what’s to come and it would not be possible without them.”
For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
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Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
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