Palm City, Florida (July 2011) – Competing in the Capital Dressage Classic CDI 3* in Raleigh, North Carolina proved to be a successful show for international dressage rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard and his KWPN gelding, Nalando. The trip from Florida to the Carolinas was well worth it for Denizard and Nalando as they received the start of their FEI minimum eligibility standard (MES) scores that will be considered for the 2012 London Olympics in the FEI Grand Prix.
Representing Puerto Rico both Denizard and Nalando earned a 65.3% from Elizabeth McMullen, an FEI 5* judge, and also received an overall average score of 64.3% from a panel of five judges. The pair will look to compete in additional CDIs that will assist in sending the hopeful pair to the 2012 Olympics in London next summer. “I was really pleased with both tests. Nalando felt terrific and the scores we earned will help fulfill the FEI requirements for the Olympics. These scores are what the Puerto Rican Equestrian Federation and Olympic Selection Committee base their selections on,” said Denizard. “I have so many goals that I would like to accomplish with my horses but making the Olympics would be at the top of my list.”
Denizard, born and educated in the United States, is proud to compete in the United States for Puerto Rico. “Nalando and I competed in our first international competition at the 2007 Pan Am Games as the first dressage representative for Puerto Rico in Rio de Janeiro. That was a very exciting time for us and we are looking forward to compete again this year. I feel proud to represent Puerto Rico as an American citizen, the Puerto Rico Olympic autonomy allows me to do so. My dream is to hold both flags, representing both countries that have helped me reach my goals,” added Denizard. “Nalando is much stronger in the Grand Prix movements and has many more competitions under his ‘girth’ now.”
Nalando was purchased and imported from Holland for Denizard in 2006 to compete and train through the levels. “Nalando was schooling all of the small tour movements but had never been in competition except in stallion testings when Nalando was younger,” said Denizard. “I am so proud of Nalando. I work on gaining strength each day and work on the details for the Grand Prix; transition to transition, movement to movement.”
Denizard has had the opportunity to be taught by many international trainers and gained knowledge that has allowed him to compete at the top levels. Denizard rode with Gerd Reuter in Rottingen, Germany in 1987 and in 2004 trained with Henk Van Bergen at his well-known Stable Brakkenstein in Holland. Denizard to this day hosts clinics with Van Bergen and values each of his visits to the United States. Denizard also gives credit to his US-based team of trainers, Roel Theunissen and Marco Bernal.
Denizard received a Bachelor of Science degree in the Equine Sciences from the University of Massachusetts. He became the Director of Riding at Johnson & Wales University from 1993 to 1998, where he was able to refine his teaching techniques and work with many wonderful students. “While at Johnson & Wales I realized I loved teaching the students but I also realized that I was not yet done with my riding and learning either,” said Denizard. In addition to Johnson & Wales University, Denizard has had the opportunities to teach and work at Huntington Farm located in Vermont; Black Forest Hall Private College in Harbor Springs, Michigan and Culver Academy in Culver, Indiana.
In 2010 Denizard received his USDF Gold Medal. Along with his already impressive background Denizard is a USDF certified instructor and graduated from the USDF “L” Judge certification program with distinction. In the fall of 2008, Denizard moved to Florida to escape the cold winters in New England and enjoy the pleasure of training year-round in warm weather.
Denizard is based in Palm City, Florida where he trains and teaches out of Quail Hollow Farm. Upcoming goals include the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, the 2012 London Olympics and possibly making a trip to Europe with Nalando to compete next spring. Please visit www.delantedressage.com for more information.
Contact Information:
Luis Reteguiz-Denizard
Dressage A Delante, LLC
www.delantedressage.com