Wellington, FL – November 19, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) looks forward to hosting its fourth annual Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in 2015 with ten weeks of fantastic equestrian sport at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. This year’s AGDF will host three national and seven international weeks of competition running from January 8 through March 29, 2015. The total prize money has increased to more than $650,000, making AGDF the richest dressage circuit in the world.
“I am incredibly proud to see how the Adequan Global Dressage Festival has grown since its inception and I look forward to its continued success this season,” stated ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo. “With the support of Adequan and the many other dedicated sponsors at AGDF, we have worked from the beginning to inspire the sport of dressage in America and take it to the next level. Each year brings further evolution, and we look forward to watching the incredible competition that unfolds during this year’s event.”
The winter season is quickly approaching as AGDF prepares to welcome many of the world’s top horses and riders to the beautiful dressage facility at The Stadium at PBIEC. International competition includes four CDI-W rated shows, a CDI 4*, a CDI 5*, and the Western Hemisphere’s only non-championship CDIO, which is also part of the FEI Nations Cup series.
Luitpold Animal Health, the maker of Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), is excited to return to Wellington, FL as the title sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
“I was very encouraged by all the riders and owners that participated at the 2014 AGDF and their anticipated excitement to return in 2015,” stated Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health. “It is an amazing facility, with a wonderful group of people that manage all aspects of the show to make it a world-class operation.”
This year’s event has many exciting highlights to look forward to, including the CDIO Nations Cup, sponsored by Stillpoint Farm and Peacock Ridge. This special team competition for dressage gives riders the unique opportunity to experience a championship-style format. CDIO competition will run March 25-29, serving as the last team event before the Pan American Games in Toronto in July. The CDI 5* competition, sponsored by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty, will be held on February 5-8 featuring over $200,000 in prize money. This notably makes it the second richest CDI 5* in the world.
A star-studded line-up of competitors is set to show this winter in Wellington. Top U.S. riders, including shooting star Laura Graves and Verdades as well as Steffen Peters and Legolas, are scheduled to compete along with top Canadian riders, including the full World Equestrian Games Team and Ashley Holzer. Top European riders, such as Laura Tomlinson of Great Britain, Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP), Christoph Koschel (GER) and Michael Klimke (GER), son of the late Dr. Reiner Klimke, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE), and Lars Petersen and Mikala Gundersen, both of Denmark, are expected to attend, among many others.
FEI dressage committee member Thomas Baur joins the management team at AGDF as Director of Dressage once again this year and looks forward to welcoming all of the competitors.
“It is going to be a very busy season,” Baur stated. “We have lots of Europeans coming this year, including some of the top names in the sport. We are proud to offer the richest dressage circuit in the world with the second richest CDI 5*. The CDIO at the end of the circuit will help riders on the way to the Pan Am Games in Toronto as well. It is going to be a fantastic season, and we can’t wait for the competition to get underway.”
AGDF is also pleased to announce that it will host the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby for the second year during the week of March 5-8, which will feature a special new derby competition.
A new CDI Amateur international division will be introduced during the first week of competition as well and will be offered during the whole season in every CDI. Riders must be at least 26 years of age and will compete at the Small Tour level. While riders in the CDI Amateur international division cannot be listed on the international ranking list (which is reserved for Large Tour riders), this division will give a great opportunity to those looking to step up to international level.
Show manager Lloyd Landkamer noted, “There many exceptional Amateur riders paired with exceptional horses, yet they lacked the confidence to step into the International light of the CDI ring, which is viewed as the professional division. The FEI created this division to encourage these riders to participate in this international format to develop the confidence to go forward in representing their countries.”
He added, “I look forward to seeing the development of this division as it will bring new faces into the winner’s circle. It will add new heroes and inspiration to the sport.”
As always, everyone looks forward to the stunning “Friday Night Lights” Freestyle performances and many special events throughout the season. ESP welcomes the wonderful sponsors as well as the riders, trainers, exhibitors, and owners who will participate in this year’s circuit. For more information and a full schedule for 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.
Devon Kane and Destiny. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)
Wellington, FL (April 16, 2014) – For the third consecutive year, Week 12 of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival was presented by Diamante Farms of Wellington, Florida. The prestigious CDI5*/3* and National Show of Week 12 featured outstanding riders and horses, including Diamante Farms’ own Devon Kane and her horse Destiny.
The GDF 12 CDI5*/3* and National Show took place on Thursday, March 27 – Sunday, March 30 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Diamante Farms, a dressage facility owned by Terri Kane and her daughter Devon, was happy to sponsor an event that is so central to their beloved sport of dressage. The week’s CDI 5* had the status of being the highest possible rating in international level competition. While Devon Kane competes with the best equestrians in the sport, she and Diamante Farms find equal importance in supporting all levels of riders. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival — which hosts a range of classes from pony and junior to USEF-rated National classes — helps them do just that.
Besides serving as one of the presenting sponsors of GDF 12, Devon Kane was a competitor in the CDI 3*. She and her self-trained Danish Warmblood, Destiny, earned a 68.100% in the Open division of the FEI Grand Prix on March 27. Kane spent nearly seven years training the 16.2-hand gelding, refining him from the barely-broke animal she affectionately referred to as her “dragon” to the Grand Prix champion he currently is today. After the FEI Grand Prix 3*, Kane said, “I’m so in love with my dragon! Desi was fantastic today – 68 for 6th in the 3* CDI Grand Prix. So proud and excited! We are getting better and better every time. Lots of 8s and plenty room to improve!”
On March 30, Kane and Destiny came in fifth in the Open division of the FEI Grand Prix Special 3* with a score of 66.490%.
Between Kane’s two days of competition, she further participated in the AGDF by assisting with the exciting liberty demonstration with an Arabian stallion from Al-Marah Arabians. The stallion and his handler from Al-Marah Arabians gave a spectacular performance complete with rears, bows, galloping at liberty through the arena, and traditional Arabian attire.
Devon Kane and all of Diamante Farms’ continued support and sponsorship is part of their dedication to nurture the sport and the equestrian community. Diamante Farms offers dressage training, showing, and boarding services on 10 beautiful acres in Wellington.
To learn more about Diamante Farms and Devon Kane, visit DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.
Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms devkane@mac.com
210-240-1614
Diane Creech and Devon L. Photos by Susan J. Stickle.
Wellington, FL – April 11, 2014 – Diane Creech earned high scores and top placings throughout the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, FL. After three intensive months of training and competing her string of horses owned by Leatherdale Farms, the Canadian rider is heading back to her home base in Ontario.
Season highlights for Creech include several top finishes in the Grand Prix Freestyle with Devon L, who racked up many of the highest Freestyle scores among the Canadians competing in Florida. Creech and the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De Niro-Wibranda, Wolkenstein II) scored an impressive 73.175 percent in the Freestyle at the AGDF 3 CDI-W Jan. 24. Their performance earned them second place behind only Creech’s trainer, Lars Petersen, and ahead of a competitive field including riders from six countries.
Devon L also finished fourth with 72.300 percent in the Freestyle at the AGDF 1 CDI-W and took fifth with 71.950 percent at the AGDF 5 CDI4*.
“This year is the first year that he was really getting into the freestyles and enjoying them, so that was a big step for him,” Creech said. “I think he’s starting to mature a little bit more. It doesn’t take him so much by surprise, and he likes performing for the crowd.”
Along with competing Devon L against the top horses gathered in Wellington for the winter, Creech focused on making steady progress with her other mounts, moving several of them up the levels during her stay. Two Leatherdale Farms-owned horses, Hallmark and Chrevis Christo, worked on the transition from small tour to Intermediaire II. The goal for both horses is to eventually join Devon L at the Grand Prix level.
Chrevis Christo, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lavallo-Chrevi’s La Vi, Matador), won several times and placed in the top two every time he competed at Intermediaire II. He earned consistently high scores, including a 72.105 percent and a 70.592 percent.
Hallmark is a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding by the Leatherdales’ deceased stallion His Highness and out of SPS Lapislazuly by Lancier. He collected scores in the high 60s at Intermediaire II and placed in the top four in large classes each time he came out.
“I’m really excited and happy with them,” Creech said. “It’s a big step up from the small tour to Intermediaire II. I think they did really well. They pulled through, tried hard and demonstrated the great abilities that they have.”
Diane Creech and Diana C
Also moving up in the ranks was the promising Diana C, a 7-year-old Hanoverian mare by the Leatherdales’ stallion Damsey and out of Belinda by Brentano II. She stepped up into Fourth Level in her first time competing in Florida and accumulated several scores in the 70s, indicating she will be one to watch in the future.
“I’m so proud of Diana C,” Creech said. “The Florida season is not an easy task, and she showed that she really fits in. I’m very excited about her.”
While the intense show schedule kept Creech busy, she also devoted plenty of time to educating herself and her horses, working with Lars Petersen to fine-tune her efforts.
“When I come down here, it’s really my training time – we take the horses to the next step with Lars’ training help,” she explained. “Now, they can all look forward to a break when we get home, and then I’ll continue their training. We’ve brought the horses up another level, so my big goal is to confirm what they’ve learned and make it easier in the ring for them.”
“The learning curve here is incredible,” she added. “It’s very important to be here in Florida – that’s what makes you a better rider and trainer. It’s a very competitive environment. You have to come out of your comfort zone and work and improve.”
Creech’s family steps up to take care of her barn while she’s away, making it possible for her to spend the winter developing her horses in Wellington.
“I’m very thankful for the people at home,” she said. “My mother and my sister run my barn while I’m gone, and my mother takes care of my daughter. I also appreciate everyone here who works so hard to run these shows – they need a big thank you in making this happen for us.”
She added that she could not thank her horses’ owners enough for giving her the opportunity to train and compete in Florida each winter.
“I’m so grateful to my owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale, for all their support and understanding,” she said. “It’s absolutely incredible every year.”
About Leatherdale Farms
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.
To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.
Endel Ots and Donatus. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)
Wellington, FL (April 9, 2014) – It has been a season of success for Endel Ots and Donatus, who scored a 73.00% in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix to place first yet again during the final week of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The young team’s first season competing together has been marked by high scores, and Donatus is now the top ranked horse in the Developing Horse Grand Prix.
“The ride went very easy,” Ots said. “Our warm up was super. I had an observation clinic with Debbie Mc Donald, and she invited us to participate in a USEF Developing Training Session March 18-19 which was incredibly helpful. In addition, Evi Strasser coached me on Donatus a week before, and both were very happy with his progress. I started to feel like I could really ride the test and polish off the edges much better this time.”
Donatus is owned by Everglades Dressage, located in Wellington, FL and home to Grand Prix rider and trainer, Bethany Peslar. Ots started working with Donatus just before the season began, and the pair been undefeated in the classes they have entered. Ots now is aiming the chestnut gelding at the 2014 Young Horse Championships this summer, where they will compete in the Developing Horse Grand Prix.
“He still needs some time to get stronger and more confirmed in the show ring. This is his fourth ride down centerline with me, and each time he gets more and more brave. I have to send a big thank you to Bethany Peslar for letting me ride this horse, and of course Evi Strasser for all her time and help coaching,” said Ots.
A veteran in the show arena despite being only 28 years old, Endel Ots has competed in over 150 shows and is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist. He was the alternate for the United States Dressage Team at the Pan American Games, and in 2012, Ots was the Reserve Champion in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix at the Young Horse Championships.
In addition to training numerous horses up through Grand Prix, Ots has years of experience teaching all levels, from beginners to adult amateurs. He coached his sister to a Bronze medal at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships, and to other top finishes at Gladstone. He strives to establish a solid foundation for success, and has found it during the 2014 season, where all of the horses he has shown have never placed below first.
“The plan this summer is to take Donatus to a few more shows and get him feeling super confident in the show ring,” Ots says. “Bethany has a super talented young horse that she’s planning on showing in the Developing Horse Prix St. George this year, and we might take a trip up north along with a few other young horses to finish getting them qualified for the Young Horse Championships.”
Everglades Dressage is based in Grand Prix Village of Wellington, and offers dressage training for all levels of riders from Training level to Grand Prix. For more information, visit the Everglades Dressage website at www.evergladesdressage.com.
Custom Saddlery’s final MVR winner of the 2014 season, Dr. Cesar Parra, is presented with his award by Cora Causemann. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Aiken, SC (April 7, 2014) – It was as easy as 1-2-3 for Dr. Cesar Parra of Piaffe-Performance to close the twelfth and final week of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI5*/3* with performances — on two different yet exceptional horses – noteworthy enough to also earn the Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider Award.
Cary Wallace, Master Saddlefitter for Aiken, SC-based Custom Saddlery, congratulated Parra, who was presented with his MVR award an embroidered Custom Saddlery saddle pad and grey and maroon ribbon. The Custom Most Valuable Rider award has been presented at every Adequan Global Dressage Festival since its inception in 2012 to recognize riders who, ‘through exceptional performance, horsemanship or teamwork,’ brought something special to the dressage show experience.
For Parra, it was his effortless prowess handling two superb athletes at different points in their careers that won his Most Valuable Rider status. On Thursday and Friday, astride Michael and Sarah Davis’s 17-hand, black Dutch (Obelisk-bred) gelding, Van the Man, he earned a 70.920% in the FEI Grand Prix, and on Friday, third-place honors (69.078%) in the FEI Grand Prix Special.
The Wellington weekend then saw the Custom Saddlery MVR mount up with Fiderhit OLD, a black, 16.2-hand mare owned by Michael and Sarah Davis and a star in Parra’s training program. Only two weeks earlier at AGDF10, they rode to the win in the FEI Six Year Old Test Final (Markel/USEF) with an 86.20% finish that also brought her to the top of the US national rankings.
Campaigned on Global Dressage Festival’s final Saturday, in the FEI Preliminary Test for Six-Year-Olds, the pair scored 84% to finish reserve, and on Sunday, in the FEI Young Horse Final for Six-Year-Olds, Parra let the cream rise to the top and brought her down centerline to a victorious 86.400% finish.
“Believe me,” Parra had said at the start of the winter season, “we have not seen the best yet.” But thanks to this Custom Saddlery MVR’s relationship with this very special mare, the dressage world is catching spectacular glimpses of what’s still ahead.
Custom Saddlery is a proud sponsor of Most Valuable Riders throughout the dressage community. For more information on Custom Saddlery, visit their website at www.mysaddle.com.
Dr. Cesar Parra and Lily Zilo. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Wellington, FL (April 7, 2014) – Piaffe-Performance Adult Amateur Award winner Lily Zilo dreams big and her award-winning success during the final week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington is fueling her determination to carry out her goal: riding for Hong Kong in September at the 17th Asian Games in South Korea.
Zilo, who trains with Shannon Dueck and Sahar Daniel Hirosh, stepped up her game against the professionals in Wellington, competing in her first season at the Prix St Georges level with her partner of the last 18 months, the 16.1-hand, nine-year-old bay KWPN (Rhodium x Larcona) gelding, Windsor’s Aron. Their first test on Friday earned a fifth-place score of 62.105%, inspiring Zilo to return on Saturday having fine-tuned their ride for a second-place clinching 64.474% effort.
Competing at Wellington has meant riding against peers from the highest levels of the sport, which is exactly where the Piaffe-Performance Adult Amateur Award winner wanted to be in order to hone her skills before facing off against seasoned international veterans at the Asian Games.
“I know that I will compete with professionals, but as an adult amateur, I feel very proud to face the challenge of representing the Chinese people, and to let young Chinese children know that you can have a big goal and ride for your country,” Zilo remarked. “You need to be a partner to your horse, to reward them when they are good, and to use patience and consistency when asking them to step up.”
“Adult amateur riders like Lily, who focus on the horse and challenge themselves to keep improving, are what keeps our sport growing around the world. I hope the silver picture frame that comes with Lily’s award will hold the photo of her on the medal podium in September,” said Parra.
Throughout the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival series, Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Awards recognized the exceptional successes of adult amateur riders, through their outstanding sportsmanship or horsemanship.
Cesar Parra, DDS, MScD, operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, FL and Whitehouse Station, NJ and has worked with such masters of dressage as Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck and Hubertus Schmidt. Learn more about training and sales prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.
Chris Von Martels Claims First Place in FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle
Wellington, FL – March 30, 2014 – Ashley Holzer (CAN) and Marissa Mastranardi’s Tiva Nana picked up their second win of the weekend in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Diamante Farms, during the AGDF 12 CDI 3*/5* at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Fellow Canadian Chris Von Martels and his own Zilverstar concluded competition for the weekend with a win in the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The classes wrapped up an incredibly successful season of the 2014 AGDF.
Holzer and Tiva Nana, a 14-year-old KWPN mare, finished first in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3* with a score of 71.922%. Second place went to Lars Petersen of Denmark and Willano for their score of 69.608%. Christilot Boylen (CAN) rounded out the top three with a score of 67.275% aboard Hudson 18.
Holzer was overcome by Tiva Nana’s performance on Sunday afternoon after a long weekend of showing. “She’s an incredible horse. She works for me in that ring. She was a trooper. A fun, fun, animal to ride and I feel very lucky to ride a horse like her. She really connects to you. She knows who you are and really wants to do well for you,” Holzer shared.
Overall, Holzer was pleased with their test and felt it was much cleaner than their previous special two weeks ago at the AGDF. ‘Nina’ was much more focused this week, and Holzer decided to lighten up on the aids.
“Last time, I was not so clean,” Holzer admitted. “It’s a little tough, because she’s so green that you don’t want to give such a small aid that she doesn’t know what she’s doing, but if you over-aid her, which I did last time, [it won’t go well]. It’s having the confidence to sit and give tiny little aids and trust that she’ll be able to do it. I just said, ‘Okay, I’ll trust in you. You go and do your job.’ And wow. She felt unbelievable.”
Like Michael Barisone with his ride earlier in the week with Ellegria, Holzer has been shocked by her horse’s quick progression in the upper level tests at the AGDF. “I’m speechless, frankly, to feel a horse work that hard and do that much. I was just trying to sit still! She was really hot today, and I just sat still. I wasn’t even asking for her to do more, that’s just all her trying,” Holzer explained.
Of her future plans with Nina, Holzer added, “We’re just going to have to take a look at what the next plan should be. It’s important that when you have a horse like that, that you look to the future, but without greedy eyes.”
For second place finisher Petersen, Willano is another horse he has brought back from a long lay-off. After having a large melanoma tumor on his neck, the gelding was out of work for two years after already debuting at the grand prix level.
“He did his first CDI two weeks ago, so he’s green,” Petersen acknowledged. “[I’m very pleased with him].He needs to be a little fitter, in a little better shape. In the grand prix, especially, I ran out of energy a little bit, but he was better today. I just did a little bit yesterday with him, so that helped.”
While they may have similar storylines of posting great comebacks after injuries, Petersen said that Willano and his 5* mount Mariett could not be more different.
“He’s maybe a little bit more laid-back than Mariett is. You know, she comes in and goes, ‘Bing!’ I wish he would do that a little bit more!” Petersen laughed.
He continued, “I won a lot on him in the small tour, and there he was actually [brighter]. He was in [great] shape then, so I just need to get him more fit after his lay-off. I think it will all come back. I’m very, very happy with him.”
Chris Von Martels and Zilverstar
Chris Von Martels was the second Canadian to take a victory lap on Sunday at the AGDF, winning the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. Von Martels rode Zilverstar, his ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, to a high score of 76.333%. Second place went to American Christopher Hickey and Ronaldo for their score of 74.750%, while Canadian Shannon Dueck picked up third place on Cantaris with a score of 71.333%.
Sunday’s score was the best yet for Von Martels and Zilverstar, who he felt went incredibly well in the test Sunday afternoon. Sunday’s performance made Von Martels increasingly excited for what is to come with Zilverstar.
“Throughout the whole program, he was very energetic and definitely showed his highlights very well, which I believe are a lot of his trot work as well as his canter and changes. What I’ve always loved the most about him at the show is that he’s very enthusiastic to go in the ring and perform,” Von Martels said.
Von Martels’ choreography was set to a medley of songs from his favorite band, U2. In addition to personally liking the musical arrangement, produced by Jos Peters, Von Martels believes it suits his horse well. The familiarity of the music also helps put on a good show for spectators and judges alike.
Of his choreography, Von Martels shared, “What makes it difficult is that I do a lot of longer lines in the half passes and with a lot of power. I can really show the horse’s ability and show off his real talent. Most of the degree of difficulty gets increased, that I was able to ride this full power throughout the test.”
Zilverstar had a stand-out performance on Sunday, but Von Martels is thrilled with how the entire AGDF season has gone for the two of them. Besides Sunday’s personal best, winning a silver medal as part of Team Canada during the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup was a major highlight for Von Martels.
“He did very well from the beginning of the season on. He steadily improved throughout the season, and I would like to put a little bit of credit to that we have so many shows available [at AGDF]. Your horse can go to the shows week after week and be able to stay focused and improve,” Von Martels pointed out.
He continued, “He’s still relatively new to me as far as competition goes. Our ultimate goal with all of our horses is to bring them to their maximum potential. That takes a lot of time and experience, both at home training and at the show. I would say that my goal is always to help them shine as best as I can, and I think today’s result I’m quite happy with. I think we kept that goal.”
The long-term goal for Zilverstar is to advance to grand prix, but Von Martels is still unsure of when that will be. The pair will travel to Holland to compete over the summer before returning in the fall to Wellington in preparation for the 2015 AGDF.
Competition for the 2014 AGDF concluded with Von Martels’ win, along with a full day’s schedule of national and international competition. For full results and more information, 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 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.
Wellington, FL – March 29, 2014 – American Olivia LaGoy-Weltz picked up her third first place prize in the FEI Intermediaire-1 presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty during the CDI 5*/3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) 12, hosted at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Tomorrow’s competition will conclude an incredibly successful circuit for the third annual AGDF.
LaGoy-Weltz rode Rassing’s Lonoir, her 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lorani x De Noir), to the top of the class with a 73.421%. Second place went to Canadian Chris Von Martels and Zilverstar, who scored a 70.833%. Christopher Hickey, also of the United States, took home the third place prize for a score of 70.789% with Ronaldo.
LaGoy-Weltz was pleased to see “Lono” improve from Friday’s FEI Prix St Georges class and stay with her during the test on Saturday morning.
“I guess the I-1 is our lucky charm! He was good today. He was still hot, but we managed the warm-up a little bit differently,” LaGoy-Weltz shared. “The last few minutes before we go in is really tricky with him. [It’s important to make sure you’re] not getting him over the top before you go in, because when we go in, he kicks it up another ten notches all on his own.”
She continued, “Today, after we took the boots off and I did a canter and a halt and a trot off, he wanted to get hotter. I just kind of put him in a passage and let him passage and piaffe and let him do that until [he quieted down]. It made him have to slow down, but still have some place to put the energy. It was great, considering that I don’t actually train that [movement] that much!”
LaGoy-Weltz was also grateful for the advice offered to her by many of the world’s top dressage professionals that are in attendance at the AGDF. The supportive atmosphere has been one of the biggest benefits for LaGoy-Weltz over the last several months.
“That was really great, yesterday, when I came out. Everyone was just giving me advice. Try this, put an ear bonnet on, do that. Everyone’s really supportive, which is really nice. It takes a village,” LaGoy-Weltz remarked.
Of her test on Saturday, she smiled, “It’s pretty fun to improve your score by 10%! And the 76% from one judge was really exciting. It’s like, ‘All right, we are heading in the right direction,’ even if it’s just from one judge.”
In the short term, continuing in that direction means qualifying for the Festival of Champions in Gladstone, NJ. LaGoy-Weltz acknowledged that Lono had matured significantly over the course of the AGDF, but he still has a lot of work to do.
“The fitter he gets and the more correct he gets in his body, the hotter he gets in some ways. Just because he has a much bigger range of motion,” LaGoy-Weltz explained. “We have a lot of work to do on collection and straightness and consistency this summer.”
Collection will be the biggest focus for LaGoy-Weltz, who joked that Lono “does the hula” in his lead changes. “He likes to do everything big, so teaching him to do everything small [and collected] and be comfortable in that [is a priority]. Now he has to learn to be in the canter where is he is in the trot [mentally and physically]. Where he can put that heat into collection,” she described.
Lono’s long-term plans are less well-known, but as he begins to offer high level movements on his own, LaGoy-Weltz has started to lean towards allowing him to continue advancing.
“I’m definitely looking to the upper level people for advice whether to hang out and perfect small tour or go on. I think the consensus is to go on and keep going, because he’ll be better at that anyways,” LaGoy-Weltz said.
“He’s offering it. I think that’s the most telling point for me. I might as well put him in a position where he’s a good boy for doing that, instead of piaffe-ing at G when I’m not supposed to be!” she concluded with a laugh.
Competition for the AGDF 12 CDI 5*/3* will continue on Sunday morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. with the FEI Grand Prix Special 3*, presented by Diamante Farms. The FEI Intermediare-1 Freestyle, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will follow at approximately 2:00 p.m. at The Stadium at PBIEC. For full results and more information, 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 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.
Canada’s Megan Lane and Caravella Earn Top Call in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*; Adrienne Lyle and Wizard Ace FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*; Chris Hickey and Ronaldo Win FEI Prix St. Georges
Wellington, FL – March 28, 2014 – Competition for the AGDF 12 CDI 5* continued on Friday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) with four major classes. Starting out the day, American Chris Hickey topped the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, with Cecelia Stewart’s Ronaldo earlier in the day on Friday. Fellow American Adrienne Lyle finished first with Peggy Thomas’ Wizard in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, which sponsored all of the large tour classes for the week. Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella clinched the first place prize in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* and Tina Konyot (USA) and Calecto V took top prize in Friday’s feature class, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*.
The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* was the finale event of the “Friday Night Stars” series at the 2014 AGDF, and ended it in great fashion with a packed house of spectators.
Devon Kane of Diamante Farms was thrilled with Friday evening’s class after watching the AGDF develop from its infancy to the world-class dressage competition it has turned into.
“We’re just thrilled to be a part of this whole adventure,” Kane beamed. “These guys were amazing tonight; it’s spectacular to watch. You can see the crowd was so excited, and everybody’s just thrilled to have not only these people here that are blowing us all away but [riders of all levels].”
Of sponsoring the season’s only five-star event, Kane commented, “We take great pride in that. It’s amazing to have a five star here in Wellington, and to be able to provide the upper echelon with that opportunity, we definitely take that seriously. We’re thrilled to be a part of the team and all the founding sponsors here.”
President of Equestrian Sport Productions Mark Bellissimo reflected on a hugely successful season for the AGDF: “We thought it would take four or five years for this to take hold, and I think we thought this is where we would be two years from now,” Bellissimo acknowledged. “We have a tremendous amount of interest, with people visiting and talking about coming next year, so it’s going to continue to grow. I want to thank Diamante Farms and all the other sponsors in this, because I think this is going to be one of the great places in the world for dressage. To be a part of it is an honor, and I think it will endure the test of time.”
Allyn Mann of Adequan shared his thoughts on the AGDF circuit as it reaches the halfway point of its final week of competition, reflecting on the 2014 circuit and the incredible growth the show has experienced since its inception three years ago.
“As I sit here and I reflect on this journey these last three months, the blessings have abounded big time. I think because of what we have, and what we have seen over these past few weeks, and where the future is going thanks to Mark and what your vision has been, [AGDF has turned into a world-class competition]. It’ll only get better, so we are honored to be in this wonderful position, to support a wonderful sport. It’s a blessing, and we’re very grateful to be a part of it,” Mann expressed.
Of the evening’s competition, judge Anne Gribbons added, “I’ve seen also now some horses that were struggling in the beginning of the season, and tonight came around and looked beautiful. Some of our up-and-coming horses had a fantastic effort tonight. It was a very tough class to judge. It’s been a fantastic venue and a really wonderful finale.”
Konyot (USA) received a crystal horse from the Esperanza Collection of Swarovski for her winning ride with Calecto V, her 16-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion out of Bahera by Come Back II. The pair earned an impressive 79.250% to pick up the top prize for the class, while second place finisher Mikala Gundersen scored a 76.775% with My Lady. Third place went to fellow Dane Lars Petersen and Mariett. The pair scored a 76.625% for their performance. Petersen was also awarded the Mary Ann McPhail Award for maintaining the highest international ranking of any rider throughout the twelve weeks of the AGDF.
“Calecto is like a fine wine,” Konyot grinned. “He just keeps getting better. I had a wonderful ride, just a great way to end the season. I had a wonderful experience: a great ride, a great feeling, great energy.”
Konyot was happy that Calecto seems to be peaking as he heads into the FEI World Cup Dressage Finals in April and was also especially pleased to earn their highest score yet in the grand prix freestyle.
“I’ve always been up in the 70s, but this has been my highest score so far. It’s a very good feeling, especially going into the World Cup, where [the freestyle] is an important score for me, so I’m very happy about that,” Konyot shared.
For the weeks leading up to the World Cup, Konyot will continue the same routine with Calecto, always striving to put her partner’s needs first to ensure his happiness and health. “He’s 16 years old; he’s done a WEG, an Olympics. This is not new for him; it’s not new for me either, so we just want to have a great frame of mind, keep ourselves fresh, happy and healthy,” Konyot remarked.
Second place finisher Gundersen also enjoyed a personal best on Friday evening after a season of working on the mare’s fitness. “I have the vet check her after each show just to make sure everything is great, and he says, ‘It’s just amazing: this horse gets better and better every time I see her,'” Gundersen smiled.
She continued, “I’m very happy with tonight. I had more collection in the canter today. I had been missing that a little bit in my prior tests, and that’s getting much better. I had some really good things in there today. For sure it’s our best test so far.”
Gundersen sang the praises of the AGDF for giving her the opportunity to develop her horse over the course of six CDI competitions. “I think she’s also gotten better in the season,” Gundersen commented. “She’s not a young horse, but she’s still quite young in the grand prix, so having all these shows one after another has been very good for her. She’s matured enormously this season. She was so calm and so wonderful to ride tonight.”
Petersen also felt that Mariett was at the top of her game tonight. Of his ride, he commented, “I think tonight she was the best to ride that she has been, actually. I have a little thing at the moment with my piaffes: I have to keep them a little forward. And that’s a little bit expensive, but I’m very happy with her tonight.”
Petersen has used his trademark circus-themed music for his freestyle for the past two years, but tweaked the choreography at the end of the season. He edited the one and two tempi changes, originally performed on a 20 meter circle in the middle of the arena before another line of two tempis.
“I’m getting too old to be riding that many tempis on a 20 meter circle!” Petersen joked. “That’s very difficult to do, and it’s such a big risk. You get one mistake in 31 tempis [and it can be costly], so that’s why I took it out. It’s too risky.”
Megan Lane and Caravella Earn Top Call in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*
Young professionals ruled in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 3*, with Canada’s Megan Lane (22) winning the class with Caravella. The pair scored a 71.600% for the blue ribbon, while 26-year-old Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades took second with a 70.250%. Third place went to Gary Vander Ploeg (CAN) and Degas for their score of 68.350%.
“I love riding my freestyle because of the amazing atmosphere that it creates for my horse,” Lane beamed. “She goes exceptionally well, so it’s always exciting to ride it. This is actually a new freestyle for me; it’s only my second time riding it. It’s done by Jos Peters, compliments of Deeridge Equestrian, who I ride for.”
Of her Spanish-themed music, Lane continued, “It’s so much fun to ride to. The Spanish theme I acquired because I had ridden it in the Young Riders, and I think it suits her personality. I really enjoy riding to that style of music.”
Lane listed several elements of her choreography as points that raise her degree of difficulty, including piaffe and double pirouettes, one and two tempis on a circle, and an extended trot on a loop.
“There was a little mistake in the one tempis, but because of the degree of difficulty in that, something always happens! Our piaffe-passage was definitely a highlight this time, too. I’m really happy with that,” Lane explained.
Lane has her eyes on making the team for Canada in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) later this fall, and appreciated all of the experience she has gained over the last three months at the AGDF. “The experience is priceless. The more experience we get, the more comfortable both of us are. I’m so lucky to be able to come down here and have the chance to ride multiple grand prix,” Lane said.
Second place finisher Graves agreed, noting that she and Verdades have developed immensely as a team. “I really feel like our partnership has grown. We’re having a much more adult conversation these days. He plays in the field and we play in the stall and he’s a very goofy horse to be around, but getting in the arena and right away getting to work [has noticeably improved],” Graves explained.
Graves admitted that Verdades has always been a challenge, but her hard work and patience have paid off. When she realized their recent scores could qualify her for the WEG selection trials in Gladstone, NJ, she quickly threw together a freestyle for Verdades.
“When I realized I might have the scores to get to Gladstone, obviously one of the requirements is to do a freestyle. So I threw this together, and it obviously needs a lot of tweaking, a lot of rewriting of the choreography,” Graves acknowledged.
Of her test on Friday evening, she added, “He went right into the canter pirouettes. He’s riding a lot more like a trained horse, which is nice. I can ride him right up to it and then half-halt and turn him, and he was pretty honest. Also, because I don’t really know where I’m going in there, he has to stay with me and just kind of trust that we’re going to end up where we need to be.”
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard Ace FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*
Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Wizard capped off an incredible AGDF season with another victory lap after winning the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*. The pair earned a top score of 75.588% to earn the class by a substantial margin. Second place went to fellow American Michael Barisone, who rode Ellegria to a 69.392%. Cesar Parra completed an All-American top three with Van the Man. The pair earned a score of 69.078% for third place.
Friday afternoon’s score was another personal best for the pair; Lyle described their performance as the perfect ending to a stellar season.
“It’s been a big changing season for him because he’s been up and down and kind of all over the place [in previous years],” Lyle said. “To have the chance to come to a facility like this and show on a regular basis, and not have it be a huge ordeal [is fantastic]. You’re not putting them through a ton of transport. The footing is great, the stabling is great, so I felt comfortable showing more than I maybe have in the past. I think that’s starting to make it more workman-like and more routine.”
Lyle admitted she would have loved to ride the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*, but was committed to making her long-term goals a priority. The pair needed to put in some practice in the Special leading up to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) selection trials in Gladstone, NJ.
“I felt less rusty than last time. I chose to do the Special because it is so important for Gladstone and for the WEG qualification. As much as I would have really loved the freestyle tonight, I had to keep our long-term goals in mind, and I’m really glad I did. To have a Special that solid under our belt is really helpful for both of our confidences,” Lyle shared.
Barisone was equally thrilled with Ellegria’s performance, remarking that he never have imagined he would have the success he’s experienced with her. “She’s a wonderful horse. She’s honest as the day is long. She’s very simple to ride all the time. I just never thought we would be around 70%,” Barisone expressed.
He continued, “I watch my tape [of their rides] and I say there’s at least five more percent there, at least. This is a dead green, eight grand prix under her belt horse, and I’m getting second to [Adrienne], who’s been to the Olympics with her horse. I’m happy and proud to be in there, and I think she’s got a really long way to go.”
After his two top grand prix mounts were sidelined with injuries right before the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Barisone admitted to getting a bit disheartened, but Ellegria has pulled him out of his funk.
“She’s saving me,” Barisone smiled. “It is so easy, the disappointment when they get injured. All your hope is gone and you’re like ‘Why am I doing this?’ I had the two best I’ve ever had in my life, and the two best got hurt the same week. It was awful. This thing pops up in my life, and she’s putting the faith back in me.”
Barisone added that the AGDF has brought the first truly international dressage competition to North America, which he believes will put Americans on the fast track to catching up with the Europeans.
“It takes a village to get this done. The Europeans just have a really big, organized village. I think that it takes the owners, and the riders, and everybody. It takes this kind of effort and this facility. It’s an incredible circuit. This [show] is going to be one of the things that propels us to being competitive with the Europeans. This is the village, right here,” Barisone concluded.
American Chris Hickey and Ronaldo Enjoy Top Finish in FEI Prix St. Georges
Chris Hickey (USA) and Ronaldo finished first in the FEI Prix St. Georges presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty on a score of 71.842%, followed by second place finishers Denielle Gallageher-Legrif (CAN) and Argo Conti Tyme with a score of 69.781%. Third place went to Shannon Dueck (CAN), who scored 69.561% aboard Cantaris.
Besides a few bobbles in the canter zig-zag and trot, Hickey was thrilled to see the eight-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding continue to flourish as the AGDF circuit comes to a close.
“Ronaldo felt great. His tests are getting more and more solid,” Hickey said. “He’s a very big-moving, elastic horse, so it’s hard to keep everything together sometimes. He’s very immature for an eight-year-old, but I was very pleased with the test.”
Hickey was especially happy that Ronaldo’s owner, Cecelia Stewart, was able to attend the show, and even happier that she was able to see Ronaldo do so well. On top of that, the pair bested a field of 36 riders, making the win especially meaningful for Hickey.
“I think it’s great for the sport. At the end of the season, for the last CDI to be the biggest, is just wonderful,” Hickey commented. “I was really super happy with the results and how my horse went today.”
Ronaldo has been schooling all of the grand prix movements, but Hickey described him as far from ready to be competing at that level. He’ll continue at the small tour with Ronaldo to gain strength and confidence to develop the young horse’s talent. Hickey pointed out that Ronaldo shares a Don Schufro connection on his mother’s side with Paragon, Heather Blitz’s grand prix mount, and Hickey has noticed similarities between the two.
“He’s a big, gangly, young horse still in his body. He’s not a short, smaller, really well-muscled horse. He is also [related to] Don Schufro, which is what Paragon is. If you look at him as a young horse, he was always skinny looking. Ronaldo has a long way to get strong and develop at the grand prix before he can get out and do it,” Hickey explained.
Pedigree is important to Hickey, but he believes choosing a favorable bloodline is not based on talent alone. Ronaldo has also inherited his sire, Blu Hors Romanov, and dam sire Don Schufro’s remarkable temperament.
“For an FEI horse, being a fancy mover as a young horse is not what I want. I want a horse that is going to take the work and develop and get stronger and have the gaits become more expressive and flamboyant as the horse is trained. This horse has a super temperament and a super character and a willingness to work. He goes to work and does his job every day. To me, that’s also a huge piece of what the breeding is,” Hickey explained.
Hickey is excited to see what the future holds for Ronaldo, whom he believes possesses all the features of a great FEI competitor. The pair will contest the FEI Intemediaire-1 and the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle of the AGDF 12 CDI 3*.
“Even though he’s expressive and flamboyant, his hind legs still do the right thing. He piaffes and passages at home unbelievably. You can fire him up and he’s amazing, and then you can fire him up and give him a long rein and he walks on the buckle, totally relaxed again,” Hickey concluded.
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.
Wellington, Fla. – On Friday, U.S. riders again produced top finishes in Wellington, Fla. at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms, as American combinations claimed victory in both the Grand Prix Freestyle and Grand Prix Special. Tina Konyot saved her best performance of the 12 week festival for last as she earned victory in the Freestyle competition, while her teammate from the winning U.S. Nations Cup effort one month ago, Adrienne Lyle, produced a an impressive effort to win the Grand Prix Special.
Grand Prix Freestyle
Konyot (Palm City, Fla) teamed up with her 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and 2012 Olympic Games veteran, Calecto V, earning the highest score of the evening to nearly break the 80% mark in front of a packed house. The 16-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion, who is known for strong performances in the Freestyle, did not disappoint as he earned a mark of 79.250% under the lights. With their winning performance on Friday Konyot and Calecto V close out their winter season on a high note after having earned numerous strong finishes over the last three months.
Shelley Francis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Patricia Stempel’s Doktor, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, were the second highest placed U.S. finishers in the Freestyle finishing in fourth on a score of 76.100%.
Finishing the Freestyle in second and third were Danish combinations Mikala Gundersen with My Lady and Lars Petersen on Marrietta with scores of 76.775% and 76.625%, respectively.
Grand Prix Special
For the second consecutive day, Lyle (Ketchum, ID) and Parry and Peggy Thomas’ 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding Wizard earned high marks to claim back-to-back victories on the final weekend of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. On Thursday, the 2012 Olympic veterans topped an international field in the Grand Prix and returned to The Stadium Friday afternoon to earn a score of 75.558% in the FEI Grand Prix Special Test and win the class by more than a six-point margin.
Finishing in second place was Michael Barisone (Long Valley, N.J.) and Lauren Sprieser’s 13-year-old Westfallen mare Ellegria on a score of 69.392%.
