Global Dressage Festival National Challenge Wrap-Up
Wellington, FL – March 8, 2012 – Alix Szepesi of Hamilton, MA took top honors on Tuesday, March 6, the first day of the Global Dressage Festival National Challenge. Szepesi, who is currently based in Wellington, rode William to an outstanding score 77.432% in the USEF First Level Test 2-Open at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF). Susanne Dutt-Roth of Canada also scored well earning 77.000% in the USEF Fourth Level Test 1-Open riding D2. The GDF National Challenge was only the second show for the eight-year-old warmblood.
The Global Dressage Festival also welcomed their first Para-Equestrian competitor, Jody Schloss, 39, of Toronto, Canada. Schloss scored impressively in both of her classes on Tuesday riding Inspector Rebus. The pair received 74.118% in the FEI Para Test of Choice and 75.500% in the FEI Para Freestyle Test of Choice.
Schloss rode her first horse at 11 years of age. She left the sport for a while, but then returned to riding as part of her therapy following her injury in 1996. She has only been competing on “Rebus” for one year and is classified to ride in the Grade 1A level, which is for the Para-Dressage rider with the most significant level of impairment. She trains with Jessica Rhinelander while wintering in Wellington.
On Wednesday, March 7, Schloss had another great test at the GDF capturing the highest score of the day. She and Inspector Rebus earned 72.500% in the FEI Para Test of Choice class. Schloss’ mom, Gail, who was on hand to watch her daughter compete, said that Jody really enjoyed the show.
“She was very happy with her tests today and yesterday,” said Gail. “She also appreciated that the venue was wheelchair accessible. It was very easy for her to get around.”
Schloss has qualified for the 2012 Paralympics in London and is aiming for a position on the Canadian team.
Ilse Schwarz rode Gaye and Joseph Scarpa’s Don Joseph to the second highest score on Wednesday receiving 72.258% in the USEF First Level Test 3-Open.
Upcoming Events for the Global Dressage Festival
Anja Plönzke Dressage Clinic Series
Renowned international dressage trainer and competitor Anja Plönzke of Germany will be giving a series of clinics in the International arena at the Global Dressage Festival Stadium show grounds.
Clinic 1: March 12 & 13
Clinic 2: March 22 & 23
Clinic 3: March 26 & 27
FEE: $350 per individual private lesson
$200 per horse for semi-private lesson (two horses)
(sessions – approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour)
Advanced registration required.
CONTACT: Jamie Saults, jmsaults@aol.com or call 561-784-4278
The next event in the Global Dressage Festival circuit is the $15,000 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI-3* and National Show, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute to be held March 15-18 at the Stadium Show Grounds of the Global Dressage Festival. The international show will feature world-class dressage horses and riders from several nations.
The National Show classes ranges from the USDF Intro level to national Grand Prix level as well as Opportunity classes and a Materiale division. The Wellington Dressage Classic offers superb arena footing, spacious stalls and exceptional officials. For more information please email at dressagefestival@aol.com or call Lloyd Landkamer at 561-784-4279.
About the Global Dressage Festival
The Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events.
The GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the GDF will feature four separate national shows to be held at the newly constructed venue that extends the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.
The GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes four outdoor arenas with world class footing. Future planned improvements include a covered arena, permanent covered spectator seating for the central outdoor arena and a permanent Patrons Club and 200 permanent stalls.
Please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.