Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF (Shannon Brinkman)
Peters Eighth in Grand Prix Special, Francis Tenth in CDI4* Small Tour
Aachen, Germany – U.S. dressage riders had top performances against stiff competition at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 were the top U.S. pair in the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special with an eighth place finish. Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF had an impressive showing in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Freestyle claiming second place honors. In the CDI4* Small Tour, Shelly Francis and Danilo were tenth in the Intermediaire I Test.
CDIO5*
In the MEGGLE-Preis class, 30 CDIO5* horse-and-rider combinations performed the Grand Prix Special before a packed Deutsche Bank Stadium. Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) and Legolas 92 executed a lovely test demonstrating beautiful extended trot and half-passes and quality piaffe and passage movements. A mistake in the one tempis flying changes marred an otherwise excellent test. Peters and Four Winds Farm’s 11-year-old-Westphalian gelding scored a 73.375% to finish in eighth place.
“After the Grand Prix the expectations were pretty high for the Grand Prix Special and Legolas started out with wonderful trot work,” said Peters. “It was the first time we ever got an 8.5 for the trot extensions. Even at the walk he was very relaxed. The piaffe and passage too was wonderful. Unfortunately there were the mistakes in the one tempis but overall still a good score; he placed well, and we still have another chance tomorrow.”
Tina Konyot (Palm City, FL) and Calecto V demonstrated their typical expressive style before the judges. The pair’s flowing test only contained a mistake in the one tempi flying changes. She and her own 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion finished in 13th place with a score of 71.104%.
Jan Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) and Rafalca had a mistake-free test, receiving high marks against a star-studded field of competitors. Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers’ 16-year-old Oldenburg mare was in top form, earning a 70.417% for Ebeling to end up in 15th place.
Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) and Patricia Stempel’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Doktor had to execute their test in the rain but performed a solid test. The pair earned a 69.042% to finish in 22nd place.
Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW took top honors with a score of 80.667%. Anna Kasprzak of Denmark and Donnperignon finished in second with a 77.354%, while Isabell Werth of Germany and Don Johnson FRH were third with a 76.437%.
CDI-U25
Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) and Sagacious HF performed a wonderful Grand Prix U25 Freestyle for the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class. The pair did a daring compilation of movements timed well to their music, especially the piaffe and passage. With Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s 14-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Roffman executed two tempi flying changes around the corners and along the short side of the arena, as well as one-handed two tempi flying changes on the centerline. The pair was rewarded with a 76.275% to finish in second place.
“It was an amazing experience,” commented Roffman of her time at the CHIO Aachen. “To be part of a team, have people supporting you, and showing you the ropes for hopeful future experiences on teams. People like Steffen, Tina, Jan, and Shelly with so much experience, and of course Robert [Dover, Chef d’Equipe] and Jenny [Van Wieren-Page, Managing Director of Dressage], sort of learning the ways from them. It has been an amazing experience, probably the most memorable horse show or horse-related experience I have.”
Roffman was awarded a Dutta Corp. flight to train and compete in Europe and had an impressive showing at the prestigious European CDI.
She went on to thank the numerous people who helped her get to Aachen. “I mean I wouldn’t be out here without Al Guden who of course owns Sagacious and gave me the privilege of riding him, my mom and my dad, my trainer Juan Matute, Robert Dover, Debbie McDonald who stood behind me on this. Tim Dutta helped me get here with the sponsorship of a flight. All the other people back home who are making all the other horses I am supposed to be riding still going and of course Sierra Keasler who has helped me and groomed for me. It has been a huge team effort. Thanks to Dr. Rick Mitchell and Julie Mitchell for keeping my horse healthy and happy and everyone. It takes so many people; it’s a village.”
Nanna Skodborg Merrald of Denmark and Millibar won the class with a score of 78.475%, while The Netherlands’ Diederik Van Silfhout and Arlando were third with a 73.950%.
CDI4* Small Tour
In the WOTAX-Preis class, Francis rode the Intermediaire I Test with Danilo as part of the CDI4* Small Tour competition. The pair performed a smooth test with a nice reinback, extended trot, and half passes. She and Patricia Stempel’s nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding scored a 68.974% to finish in tenth place.
Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer and Della Cavalleria OLD won the class with a score of 77.316%, Patrik Kittel of Sweden and Deja were second with a 75.263%, and Denmark’s Andreas Helgstrand and Polka Hit Nexen scored a 74.447% for third.
Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF (Stockimageservices.com)
Weber Maintains Lead Following Cones Phase, Roffman Is Second in CDI-U25
Aachen, Germany – Strong performances continue from the U.S. competitors at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. In the CAIO-4 competition, Chester Weber maintained his Individual lead following the cones phase. Caroline Roffman rode Sagacious HF to a second place finish in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Test, while Laura Kraut had a second place finish of her own with longtime partner Cedric.
Dressage
Caroline Roffman made quite a statement in Aachen’s Deutsche Bank Stadium with Sagacious HF in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix. With the Hyperion Farm, Inc.’s 14-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Roffman (Wellington, FL) rode a lovely, flowing test with quality piaffe and passage movements. The pair earned a score of 68.953% as the first combination to come down centerline in the Preis der Liselott und Klaus Rheinberger Stiftung class to finish in second place.
In the CDI4* Big Tour competition, Susan Dutta and Currency DC performed the Grand Prix Special in the Lindt-Preis class. She and Tim Dutta Inc.’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding moved well between the challenging sequences of movements in the test, earning a 67.042% to finish in sixth place.
Roffman withdrew her own Her Highness O from Aachen CDI4* Intermediaire I competition for veterinary reasons. Roffman, Team Veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell, and Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover had the welfare of the horse as top priority.
Driving
CAIO-4 competition continued Friday in Aachen with the Prize of Soers cones phase, which counted towards Individual standings, and following its completion Chester Weber remains atop the leaderboard.
Weber (Ocala, FL), driving a team he co-owns with Jane Clark, left all the balls in place but collected 1.19 points for just exceeding the time. The four-time FEI World Championship medalist was the winner of both Wednesday and Thursday’s driven dressage phases and looks to continue his domination in Aachen.
Weber leads the individual standings on a score of 32.39, two points ahead of reigning FEI World Champion Boyd Exell of Australia.
Also competing for the U.S. is Jimmy Fairclough (Newtown, NJ) with a leased team from Koos de Ronde. He stands in 25th place after collecting 22.09 points in the cones on Friday.
Competition continues Saturday with the marathon, which will be the final phase in Individual competition and the second portion of Team competition.
Following Thursday’s driven dressage, the U.S. lies second on a score of 98.5 behind the Dutch Team who lead on 87.29.
Laura Kraut and Cedric (Shannon Brinkman)
Jumping
Laura Kraut continued her streak of success this summer with a second place finish in Friday’s RWE-Preis von Nordrhein-Westfalen. On Cherry Knoll Farm Inc.’s Holsteiner gelding Cedric, Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) cleared the lengthy sixteen-obstacle course of German course designer Frank Rothenberger with a clean, efficient first round.
She carried that success into an exciting jump-off and put together an aggressive, nimble round, but wasn’t quite able to catch Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum. On Chaman, Beerbaum’s 38.12s effort was almost a half second faster than Kraut and Cedric’s 39.77s round.
Also representing the U.S. were Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’. They had a couple of unfortunate rails down and finished in 27th place (from a field of forty-eight) with eight faults.
Eventing
The fifth and final discipline hosted at the 2013 CHIO Aachen kicked off Friday, with many of the top eventers from throughout the world going head-to-head. Two of the three phases of CICO3*competition were held as elite combinations performed their dressage tests and went to task over a demanding show jumping track.
The U.S. will head out onto Saturday’s cross country in sixth place with all to play for. The four Land Rover Competition Grant recipients represented the U.S. admirably on Friday in Aachen’s electric atmosphere.
Caroline Roffman is the first American dressage rider to be invited to compete at in the Under 25 Grand Prix division at Aachen. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (May 23, 2013) – Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage is looking forward to officially adding the word “international” to her title of FEI Dressage Rider. After winning many prestigious US awards and titles in her young professional riding career, Roffman has earned the honor of being invited to compete at Aachen this summer. She is the first American dressage rider to be invited to compete in the Under 25 Grand Prix division at Aachen, and will make history in that class with Sagacious HF. She is excited about her plans to travel to Europe with Sagacious and her own mare, Her Highness O to train and compete in the prestigious European tours. “I am proud and excited to test my mettle in the European arena, and to be the first American to compete in the Under 25 Grand Prix,” said Roffman. “I will also compete Her Highness O in the small tour at various European CDI competitions including Aachen,” Roffman announced.
Roffman has clearly demonstrated the caliber of dressage riding found in the US. With titles to her name such as 2011 Young Adult “Brentina Cup” winner, 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions National Intermediaire I title, and winner of the US Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship last summer at Lamplight, she is able to travel abroad with the experience of a seasoned rider well beyond her years. The two horses she is taking on the journey are equally impressive.
Sagacious HF, a 1999 KWPN (Welt Hit II x Judith x Cocktail) gelding owned by Hyperion Farm, Inc., came to Roffman in 2012, and these stars have been soaring ever since. Most recently, the pair scored above a 78% during of the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival at the Dressage National 3 in the Young Rider Grand Prix. “I am completely smitten with this horse,” Roffman describes. “I am thankful to my team, and everyone who has helped us including Lars Petersen and Juan Matute.”
Roffman is also planning to take her small tour mare, Her Highness O, on the journey. Roffman and this beautiful black mare totally ruled many of the shows during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, including winning a Team Gold and Individual Bronze at the CDIO Nations Cup 3* in Wellington. Roffman explains that last summer, after several years of partial ownership, she acquired full ownership of Her Highness, and they went on to win the USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship in 2012. “She came to me to be sold as a brood mare with only 30 days under saddle,” Roffman says about the now 9-year-old Hanoverian. “I soon realized what a special horse she is, and since then have worked to cultivate her talent in the show arena. To have the chance to compete her in Europe is a dream come true.” Roffman describes the 16.2 mare by Hohenstein and out of Weltmeyer, as a great talent, but explains it’s her character that sets her regally above other horses. Roffman plans to take Her Highness to even higher levels, and she is excited to continue developing this amazing horse to the Grand Prix level.
At only 24 years old, Roffman has accomplished more than most dressage riders ever dream of. Most recently, she was awarded the Judy Guden Memorial Trophy at the 30th Anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby show, and also helped claim a second Team Gold Medal at the 2013 Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm in Wellington. She has won multiple titles in the Young Horse divisions, including championships in the Four-, Five- and 6-Year-Old divisions, and in 2012 won the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges with Her Highness O. Roffman also was the 2012 Intermediaire I Champion on her own Hanoverian gelding, Pie.
Caroline Roffman owns Lionshare Dressage in Wellington, FL and partners with US Pan Am Team alternate and 2012 Developing Horse Grand Prix Reserve Champion, Endel Ots. For more information about these two rising dressage stars, visit www.lionsharedressage.com.
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O won the FEI Intermediaire-I Freestyle at the WEF Dressage Classic CDI-3*. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (March 19, 2013) – Caroline Roffman and her 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, Her Highness O, found their rhythm at the WEF Dressage Classic CDI-3*, and topped a field of seven riders in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle with a score of 75.125%. It was a banner day for the pair as this was their first time riding the Intermediaire-1 Freestyle and only their 3rd CDI together. Her Highness O (Hohenstein/Weltmeyer) was the top ranked Intermediaire-1 horse in the United States going into the WEF Dressage Classic, after winning the FEI Intermediaire-1 class at the 30th Annual Palm Beach Derby.
“I have to thank Terri Gallo because that freestyle is five years old, and it works with every horse,” said Roffman. “All my stars aligned today, and I’m very proud of Her Highness. I’m very lucky to have her.” Roffman, who has trained the mare for the past three years, co-owned her with Jennifer Lind before purchasing her outright in August. Roffman believes Her Highness has a bright future, and is aiming her at the large tour. “She has a lot of talent for piaffe and passage, and what she may not have in talent she makes up for in heart. She wants it as much as I do, and doesn’t like being second in the awards ceremony.”
Roffman and her partner Endel Ots combined their knowledge and expertise to open Lionshare Dressage in prestigious Palm Beach Point in Wellington. Both Roffman and Ots have worked with some of the world’s top trainers and use their knowledge to educate riders of all levels and train and produce champion horses.
Roffman, who holds the title as the 2012 Intermediaire I National Dressage Champion and Ots, the Reserve Champion 2012 USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix winner with Agastrofos, are rising stars on the dressage scene as trainers, riders and instructors.
Davis, McKean, and Derr Win Inaugural Florida Youth Championships; Jordan Is High Point Rider at Para-Equestrian
Wellington, FL – March 17, 2013 – The WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows wrapped up competition today at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The highlight class was the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, with Caroline Roffman (USA) and Her Highness O taking the top prize. The Florida Youth Championships presented by Dressage4kids and sponsored by PanaCavallo wrapped up with awards in four divisions, and the Para-Equestrian competition had their presentations to honor the top teams and individuals. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival continues next with the Wellington CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms on April 4-7, 2013.
For the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, there were seven entries. Winning the class with a score of 75.125% was Roffman and Her Highness O, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare by Hohenstein x Weltmeyer. Second place went to Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Dio Mio with a score of 74.650%, while Kimberly Herslow (USA) and Rosmarin were third with 73.125%.
Roffman, who owns and runs Lionshare Dressage in Wellington, FL, with Endel Ots, has owned Her Highness O for three years. She found the mare after her career as a broodmare. Despite little knowledge under saddle, she thought the mare was “pretty special,” and developed her with then co-owner Jennifer Lind. She purchased her outright this past August. “I have to thank Jennifer Lind for letting me do that. She made it possible,” Roffman said. The pair won the Developing Horse championship last year. This is only their third CDI international small tour and it was their first freestyle together.
Roffman remarked, “I have to say thank you to Terri Gallo because that freestyle is five years old and it works with every horse. All my stars fell and aligned today because it was not exactly the most well-prepared test! It’s a really great mare and I’m very lucky to have her.”
Despite her small stature at 16 hands and Roffman’s height at six feet, they work well together when Her Highness O enters the show ring. “She’s very small, (but) she will never let you know that. She is true to her name. She thinks she’s queen and everyone should bow to her. When you tack her up, it’s like she has an alter ego. She has a lot of pride. I think she’s happy not be a brood mare anymore. I think she really likes being a show horse and wants to be treated a certain way. Her character is awesome,” Roffman described.
While the canter is noted as a slight weakness for Her Highness O by Roffman, today’s freestyle helped. “It’s not a bad canter, but she gets a little tense. Teaching her changes was difficult because she was so hot. Surprisingly today, the changes on a bent line actually helped. I think she was wondering where we were going. It was really a freestyle today!” Roffman smiled.
Roffman believes that Her Highness O has the capability to do the Large Tour test. “Her best qualities are piaffe and passage. I believe in her a lot. What she may not have in talent, she’ll make up for in heart,” she explained. “She wants it as much as I do. She doesn’t like being second in the awards ceremony.”
Inaugural Florida Youth Championships Help Young Riders
The Florida Youth Championships presented by Dressage4kids and sponsored by PanaCavallo were a great success with winners in four divisions. The program is to help young dressage riders gain experience and education for the high performance levels.
The winner of the Brentina Cup class was Julie McKean of Camden, ME. She and Stelina had a total of 64.617. McKean has been riding Stelina for a year and a half, and they have had success in the Brentina Cup at the national championships, placing sixth. “I’m really excited because our partnership has come a long way. We’re riding with a new level of consistency,” she said.
McKean looked forward to competing in the classes at the AGDF. “I was really motivated to be in this particular CDI because I hadn’t ridden in front of a full panel of judges since Devon. I need to get my feet back in international waters! It was a confidence builder for me because we went in and put in a really steady test, pretty clean. We have to work on maintaining uphill balance and I feel that we did that.”
Fifteen-year-old Bebe Davis of Bedminster, NJ, captured two top prizes. She and Poldy 10 won the FEI Pony Division with a total of 67.763, while Rotano was tops in the FEI Junior Division on a total of 66.009. Davis and Poldy 10, who is 17 years old, are in their second season together in Florida. They won the national championship title in 2012 and were champions at Devon. “He’s my favorite pony; I love him so much. I brought him last minute and I’m really glad I did. I was nailing everything and it’s all coming along so well. My hard work is paying off. He’s just the best.”
This is Davis’ first season in the junior division and showing with Rotano. “I’m just starting to get to know him and how to warm him up,” she said.
Davis was excited to participate in the Championships. “In dressage, the young riders is not as big of a program. To see people care about what we do and appreciate it for all the hard work we put in, it’s really great. This weekend was about learning for me,” she related. “I’m learning to keep riding every single show like it’s no big deal. If you show your horse to the best of their ability and ride to the best of your ability, it’s really going to pay off. You end up being happy with yourself because you’ve done the best that you can do, regardless of the score.”
Alexa Derr, who is 18 and from Reinholds, PA, won the FEI Young Riders division with Just Livingston with a total of 63.991. They have only been together since November. Derr noted, “My goal was to have a clean test and to really work on some of the areas that I have been having difficulty with, like canter pirouettes and lateral work. It’s his strong point, but not always mine. I was really wanting to have a nice, polished, expressive test.”
Derr is a participant in the Winter Intensive Training Program with Lendon Gray, who heads the Dressage4kids program. What Derr enjoyed most about the program and today’s championship was the support from all of her fellow competitors. “For me, that was really such a cool feeling to have all the support and be able to support everybody else. I felt like everyone was there for each other,” she said. “It didn’t feel like a championship; it felt like everybody was out there to do their personal best and have fun with it as well.”
Para-Equestrian CPEDI Helps Riders Qualify for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The CPEDI competition finished up today and had awards ceremonies for the grade winners as well as the team competition and overall high point. Canada won the team competition with a total of 399.598 from riders Lauren Barwick on Off to Paris, Jody Schloss with Inspector Rebus, Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2, and Lynne Poole with Vasco E.
In today’s Freestyle classes, the winners were:
Grade Ia – Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus, 69.000%
Grade Ib – Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2, 68.417%
Grade II – Lauren Barwick and Off to Paris, 68.667%
Grade III – Eleanor Brimmer and Carino H, 64.333%
Grade IV – Mary Jordan and Sebastian, 70.583%
Mary Jordan, of Wells, ME, was named the High Point Rider with Sebastian, a horse owned by Deecie Denison that she has been riding for two years. “I needed a horse with world-class gaits. We had an instant chemistry,” she recalled. “She’s been very supportive of letting me ride him and train him. We campaigned heavily leading up to the London Paralympics.”
While the pair just missed competing as they were the alternates for the Paralympics, Jordan has learned and grown with Sebastian and her trainers, Jessica and Missy Ransehousen. In addition to working full-time as a feed representative for Cavalor in New England and raising a 16-year-old, she has competed in Para-Equestrian since 2009.
“I had been competing in dressage and three-day eventing my whole life. Eleven years ago I was the third person in my family diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My father was a quadriplegic that I never saw stand or walk. I had some challenging times when I was first diagnosed, but I got really proactive about my health,” Jordan explained. “Then I found out about Para-Equestrian. It was always my goal to ride for my country, like every other little girl that ever lived! But it was a new door that opened to me. It’s been so much fun. I’ve been blown away by the Para experience.”
Jordan rode her own homebred horse at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), and her goal is to compete at the 2014 WEG. Showing at the AGDF has helped her get a qualifying score. “It’s such an amazing facility and the footing was wonderful,” she expressed. “We can’t thank everyone enough for opening the doors to US Para. It’s our first qualifier for the WEG. We have so few three-stars in the country, so we’re extremely grateful as riders to have a facility to come to and have a feeling of European competition here with some of the best riders in the world.”
The Adequan 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 Adequan 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 Adequan GDF will feature six separate national shows to be held at the Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds. The Adequan GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The 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.
First Founding Sponsors: Matt Varney, Chris and Rob Desino, Wellington Equestrian Realty; Janet and William Richardson Pearson, Chesapeake Dressage Institute of Annapolis, MD; Devon and Terri Kane, Diamante Farm; Joe and Gaye Scarpa, Magnolia Farm; Tuny Page and Family, Stillpoint Farm; and Kimberly and Frederic Boyer, United States P.R.E. Association
Founding Sponsors: Ashley Holzer and Diane Fellows, Today’s Equestrian; Bethany Peslar, Everglades Dressage; Betsy Juliano, Havensafe Farm; Carol and Rebecca Cohen, Two Swans Farm LLC; Janne Rumbough, MTICA Farm; Mike & Roz Collins; Suhail and PJ Rizvi, Peacock Ridge; and Tim and Susie Dutta, The Dutta Corp.
Corporate Sponsors: Brown Distributing, Champion Equine Insurance, Charles Owen, Chronicle of the Horse, Custom Saddlery, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Equestrian Services International (ESI), Elite Equestrian Magazine, European Dressage Connection, Gold Coast Feed & Supply, Horse Of Course, Horseware Ireland, Interagro Lusitanos, Moet Hennessy USA, Nespresso USA, Paddock Cakes, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Pennfield, Piaffe Performance, Premier Equestrian, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Rolex, Sanctuary at PBIEC, Show Chic, Sidelines Magazine, World Equestrian Brands
Caroline Roffman and Uruguai at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (March 4, 2013) – Caroline Roffman and the Lusitano stallion Uruguai were in the ribbons this weekend, as they scored an impressive 66.477% in the FEI Prix St. Georges to take the Interagro Lusitanos High Score Lusitano Award during the Florida Dressage Classic CDI, which is the second CDI of the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The pair was presented with a beautiful black halter with silver accents and an engraved plate for their prize. The stunning black Lusitano stallion, known around the barn as Alejandro, is owned by Robinson Lusitanos of Louisiana.
The 11-year-old black stallion demonstrated the elegant assets of power and precision that have made the breed so popular for dressage. “He is kind and willing, and always ready to take you down the centerline,” Roffman said of the stallion. “He is easy to ride, and a great match for any rider, of any level.”
Robinson Lusitanos, one of the largest Lusitano breeders in the United States, began its breeding operation that features mostly Interagro Lusitanos from Brazil, purchased and imported under the guidance of Interagro’s US Sales Director, Peter Van Borst. Uruguai’s studmates include the notable Maverick Interagro and Pitagoras Interagro.
Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil sponsors the High Score Lusitano Award during the Florida dressage circuit, and is recognized as the largest breeder and exporter or Lusitano horses in the world. “We are always looking to recognize exceptional Lusitanos competing on the dressage circuits,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, Managing Director of Interagro Lusitanos. “Our horses and clients have had much success, and the Lusitano is becoming a favored mount for many sport horse disciplines.”
The Interagro horse is a modern Lusitano, a horse that excels in many disciplines, from dressage and driving to jumping and working equitation. Interagro horses can be seen driving, working, and training on the farm in Brazil every day. Interagro is committed to preserving the pure bloodlines of the Lusitano breed, and Interagro bloodlines include some of the most respected bloodlines in the breed such as Farao (JHC), Nirvana Interagro, Ofensor (MV), Xique-Xique (CI) and Yacht (SA).
Interagro also offers guests and clients a unique way to truly immerse themselves in the Luistano breed and the equestrian culture of Interagro through Destination Lusitano. From riding an Interagro stallion across the rolling Brazilian countryside to enjoying Portuguese cuisine, Destination Lusitano caters to each guest’s needs and can be tailored to their interests. In addition, the 600 Lusitanos that call Interagro home make Destination Lusitano the ultimate equestrian getaway.
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga to preserve the Lusitano breed, Interagro Lusitanos is now recognized as the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses. Dr. Gonzaga started with a small band of four mares and one stallion imported to Brazil from the breed’s native Portugal. To date, over 600 horses populate the 1,200-acre ranch outside São Paulo. Today, Cecilia Gonzaga manages the farm and operations. Interagro Lusitanos are handled, prepared, and evaluated from birth, with a handful of the best stock presented at auction each year.
For more information on Destination Lusitano or to learn more about Interagro Lusitanos, visit their website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.
For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608 jrpr@mac.com
Caroline Roffman and Uruguai do Arete rode the FEI Prix St. Georges during the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (February 26, 2013) – What’s better than a great ride on a beautiful horse? Why, two great rides on two horses, of course. Caroline Roffman, who owns and operates Lionshare Dressage with rider and trainer, Endel Ots, continues to successfully campaign the Hanoverian gelding, Bon Chance (Belissimo M x Weltmeyer), winning Sunday’s Developing Horse Prix St Georges (70.147%) at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI, February 14-17, less than a month after equally-consistent Fourth Level marks during the Gold Coast Dressage series, and also had the highest-scoring (66.477%) Lusitano, Uruguai Do Arete, for owners Robinson Lusitanos, in the FEI Prix St George.
Roffman said bringing the chestnut gelding Bon Chance, a.k.a. Moto, to the show arena at Fourth Level was horse’s first return to the ring since he tied for first in the Six-Year-Old division at the Young Horse Championships in 2012. The goal, after a solid win in the 70s at Fourth Level, was to bring Bon Chance to Prix St George. With a second place in Saturday’s Developing PSG, and a win on Sunday, the Lionshare Dressage duo is right on track. “I am blessed to develop such horses and am excited for their futures,” she said.
Uruguai Do Arete, who is for sale through Lionshare, demonstrated the elegant assets of power and precision that have made the Lusitano breed so popular for dressage. “He is kind and willing, and always ready to take you down the centerline,” Roffman said of the stunning stallion. “He is easy to ride, and a great match for any rider, of any level.”
For more information about Caroline Roffman and the rising stars of Lionshare Dressage, based at prestigious Palm Beach Point, please visit www.lionsharedressage.com.
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (January 17, 2012) – Dressage rider and trainer Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage, and her beautiful black mare, Her Highness O, dominated during the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge I, taking firsts in both the FEI Prix St Georges Open under judge Gary Rockwell and FEI Intermediaire 1, judged by Natalie Lamping. Roffman and Her Highness scored a 72.368% to win the Prix St Georges and then the following day enjoyed a decisive win in the Intermediaire 1 with a score of 74.211%. Roffman shared that this was the mare’s first time show at this level.
“She came to me to be sold as a 7-year-old brood mare who had only been lightly ridden as a 3-year-old,” Roffman explains about the now 9-year-old Hanoverian. “I soon realized what a special horse she is, and I became part owner.” Roffman describes the 16.2 mare by Hohenstein and out of Weltmeyer, as a great talent, and notes it is her exceptional character that sets her regally above other horses. “Her heart is what actually makes her special,” she says, “She works to please you always.” Now a full owner, Roffman plans to take Her Highness to even higher levels. “I’d like to thank Jennifer Lind of Wolkentanzer Farm in California, Her Highness’s former owner and breeder, for the opportunity to work with such a talented horse.”
Caroline Roffman put in an impressive ride on Sagacious HF in the Young Rider Grand Prix at the Holiday and Horses show. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (December 6, 2012) – Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage and Sagacious HF wowed the crowd and the judges during the Holiday and Horses show on December 1-2, 2012. On Saturday the pair scored a 73% in the FEI Test of Choice class, in the Under 25 Grand Prix. On Sunday they rode the same test for a score of 71.106%. This performance was only their second competition together, and they are preparing for the upcoming 2013 Florida circuit.
“Sagacious and I are still getting to know each other, but I’m very pleased with our scores and with how his training has been progressing,” says Roffman. “We have no set plans for the future but I’m enjoying the ride.” Sagacious HF (Welt Hit II x Judith x Cocktail), a 1999 KWPN gelding owned by Al Guden, recently came to Roffman after the U.S. Olympic selection trials in June, and they are now working with her longtime trainer, Danish Olympian Lars Petersen. Roffman plans to campaign the horse during the winter show circuit in Wellington, and the pair seem to have a good shot at competing in the Under 25 division at Aachen.
Caroline Roffman on Sagacious HF at the GCDA Fall Fling. (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)
Wellington, FL (November 15, 2012) – Dressage rider and trainer Caroline Roffman of Lionshare Dressage put in an impressive ride on Sagacious HF in the Young Rider Grand Prix at the Gold Coast Dressage Association (GCDA) Fall Fling. She and Sagacious scored 72.442 percent and received 8s on the piaffe, quite an accomplishment for their first show together.
Roffman said she was really pleased with the horse’s performance and was thrilled to receive such excellent scores. “Though we are just getting to know each other, I feel like he is already trying to please me,” Roffman said about the 13-year-old KWPN gelding. A big group of fans were on hand to support Roffman and Sagacious, including her mother Andrea Nason, Sagacious’ owner Al Guden, her business partner at Lionshare, Endel Ots, her fiancé Travis Laas, her grandparents and all of her working students. They were able to cheer the new team on to an amazing success.
