Chase Hickok and Sagacious HF. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Tina Irwin and Fancy That Finish AGDF 10 with a Win in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle
Wellington, FL – March 15, 2015 – Competition for AGDF 10 concluded on Sunday with the 2015 Florida International Dressage Youth Championships (FIDYC) as well as the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI-W 1*. The FIDYC, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm, Pana Cavallo and the Davis Family, and Dressage4Kids, showcased the talent of 35 upcoming riders from around the world. The Overall division winners included: Chase Hickok (USA) for U-25, Dana van Lierop (NED) in the Young Rider division, Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) in the Juniors, and Amanda Mcauliffe (USA) in the Pony division. AGDF 12, with CDIO3*/CDI3*/CDI1* competition is the final week of the circuit, held March 24-27.
Chase Hickok of Wellington, FL had a spectacular week aboard Hyperion Stud LLC’s Sagacious HF. Hickok, who is a full time resident in Wellington, has been able to compete at several CDIs this season. “We took last week off to go back to training before the championships and I think it was overall much better than previous weeks, so I’m really happy with that,” she said. “It’s a great feeling to be a part of a championship weekend and it’s a great sense of camaraderie and a great opportunity to compete with so many great riders.”
With an incredible performance in the Young Rider Freestyle this morning, receiving a 77.925%, and an 80.500% from the Judge at M, it is clear that van Lierop is an incredible talent for the Dutch in dressage. “I’m thrilled and proud of everything that we accomplished this week. It’s amazing to see all of the other riders here and be able to compete in a new environment. I have to truly thank the owner, Jochen Arl. He made this all happen, and I am so incredibly thankful for him giving us the opportunity to compete here,” she expressed.
Juan Matute, Jr., a familiar face around Wellington this circuit, has continued to improve this season and had great rides with both horses competing in FIDYC this week. He mentioned, “I think this show was a big success, and it’s a great experience. I was very pleased with all of my tests and it gives me a better idea of areas to keep working in and improving on. All across the board (it was) very positive.”
This was the first CDI competition for Amanda Mcauliffe and the duo gained much needed experience in the international arena for them to continue exceling in the Pony divisions. “This was my first winter in Florida and my first CDI, and I’m really happy to be riding him and to have been able to compete here. It was really fun, and we have learned so much.”
Antonia Arl (BEL) and Equestricons Ziggy placed first in the FEI Junior Freestyle receiving a 74.325%. Alexandra Meghji (CAN) and Iliado II followed in second with a 70.075% and Ashleigh Conroy-Zugel (USA) and Ungaro in third earning a 66.650%.
Dana van Lierop (NED) and Equestricons Walküre finished atop the leaderboard in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle with a 77.925%, followed by Vivien Niemann (GER) and Don Vertino in second on a 73.450%, and Rosalie Bos (NED) and Equestricons Bolita rounding out the top three receiving a 72.725%.
Tina Irwin (CAN) and Fancy That have been knocking on the door of the winner’s circle the entire season at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and today the pair got it done with a mistake free test in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI-W1*, presented by Michael & Roz Collins. The duo edged out Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastels Adventure with a 74.375% to take the win. Jorst finished in second with a 74.350% and Silva Martin (USA) came in third aboard Aesthete receiving a 72.550%.
Irwin and Fancy That have had an incredible season thus far at the mare’s first consistent year at Small Tour, and she has continued to impress. “This is our first CDI season and she’s green to the level, so we started our way building her up,” she said. “I felt that with every show she had been getting better and better and this is really just the icing on the cake.”
Irwin, who was selected to Canada’s second team for the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* aboard Fancy That, is looking forward to representing Canada as she pursues her ultimate goal of competing on home soil in Toronto at the Pan American Games. “That is really the long term goal for us right now. I don’t ever look at the lists because I don’t want to know where we stand, but we continue to get better with each competition and I’m confident that we can make that happen,” she remarked.
The duo have been together for quite some time, as “Fancy” was originally brought to Irwin as a sale project who ended up staying through the ownership of client Christine Faux, who also rides the horse but does not compete. “It’s a really cool relationship and partnership we have. I can’t ever give enough thank yous to Christine who has been a huge supporter of our career together, making sure that we get the best of everything. This wouldn’t be possible without her,” smiled Irwin.
Today served as an emotional first win for the pair at the CDI level as several of Irwin’s clients, including Faux, were on hand to witness the victory. “We’ve worked so hard with her, and she has so many incredible highlights. Her pirouettes are unbelievable and keep getting better,” said Irwin. “The support I have received down here is incredible, and I know there is a lot to come from her in the future.”
Charlotte Jorst (USA) capped an incredible final week at AGDF 10 for Kastel Denmark, as the team prepares to fly home to the West Coast this week. Jorst and “Adventure” nearly swept the Small Tour this week and she was delighted with their second place finish today in the Freestyle. “This whole season has been a dream. I can’t believe that we actually did it. I have learned so much and have made so many incredible new friends,” she said. “What is this sport about if you can’t say you’ve become friends with a whole new group of people who support you!”
The duo’s test today was beautiful with lovely expression and fluidity, which has helped them continue to earn marks well into the 70s. “I was so pleased with him today. I know he was tired from the past few days of competition and the heat, but he really gave me everything I asked for, which is why he’s so amazing.” With three top finishes this week in the Small Tour to end their competition season here at AGDF, Jorst is an inspiration to Adult Amateurs everywhere working to compete at the top levels of the sport.
Jorst and her string of talented mounts will head back to Reno, NV, and compete at several West Coast CDIs in the coming months before Pan American Games selections, for which she hopes to be a contender with “Adventure.” “That is the goal and I know that he needs a break from showing,” she said. “We’ve had so much great experience here and now he’s confident and consistent, which was the goal going into this season.”
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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