Devon Kane and Destiny on their way to victory at the US Dressage Finals. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)
Wellington, FL (November 13, 2014) — As international dressage rider Devon Kane and her self-trained Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny ease back into competition after a summer of training in Europe, an unexpected change of plans brought the pair amazing results. A last-minute decision to compete in the 2014 United States Dressage Finals led to Kane and Destiny achieving first place in both the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open and the FEI Grand Prix Open.
Kane and Destiny had recently claimed the win at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge, which was their first post-Europe competition. The pair then planned to focus entirely on preparing for the fast-approaching winter competition season in Wellington, Florida. As the 2014 U. S. Dressage Finals drew near, though, the encouragement of Kane’s supporters convinced the young competitor to venture from Wellington to Lexington, Kentucky on November 6-9 for the prestigious national event.
“It has been a long and challenging year turning my dragon into a Grand Prix horse,” said Kane, referring to Destiny. “Green mistakes during season kept us a little frustrated, and not being able to compete in Europe this summer was heart wrenching, but I’m confident that our patience paid off. This was a fabulous way to finish the year, and get us ramped up for next year. I am feeling very confident in my horse and my training and excited for the CDI circuit this winter at the Global Dressage Festival!”
The 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals, presented by Adequan, took place at the Kentucky Horse Park. Qualified top competitors from across the country filled Lexington for this Level Five Competition, which is the highest level of competition held in the United States under United States Equestrian Federation rules. The competition featured talented riders from Training Level to the Grand Prix in adult amateur and open divisions.
Kane and Destiny’s first class was the FEI Grand Prix Open on Thursday, November 6. The Finals weekend was chilly with sleet falling from the sky, but the Florida duo rode into the show ring with sunny spirits. Kane was especially enjoying the electric competition atmosphere in the Horse Park, and felt that she and Destiny were at a good place as they returned to competition with a summer of training on their minds. “We are bringing back the pizazz and the flash, and keeping the calmness. It seems to be balancing out,” the USDF Gold Medalist explained. She added, “I think it’s really great to have people here from all the different states. It’s really fun!”
Although the FEI Grand Prix Open class was large, Kane and her eleven-year-old mount (by Diamond Hit out of MIDT-West Regina) won with an impressive ride and a score of 70.100 percent. The pair then moved on to the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open on Friday, November 7. Once again, Kane and Destiny’s precise, beautiful movements captured first place. Their score was 72.000 percent.
Kane was thrilled with her horse’s performances, and feels excited and prepared for further successes in Wellington, Florida this season. For more information about Devon Kane, her horses, their upcoming show schedule, and her training, sales, and boarding business at Diamante Farms in Wellington, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.
Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
210-240-1614