Tag Archives: Cesar Parra

Competitions, Dressage

Game On: Piaffe Performance Locks Down Final Wins before Young Horse Championships

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Katie Riley and Zanzibar. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Whitehouse Station, NJ (July 31, 2013) – “Fiderhit is amazing to watch develop. She has tremendous gaits and elasticity and has improved greatly in her confidence in the ring,” said Katie Riley, referring to Piaffe Performance’s rising young talent, the striking Fiderhit OLD (Fidertanz x Sandro Hit), owned by Michael and Sarah Davis.

Ridden by Nadine Buberl in the First Level Test 1 at USEF/USDF-recognized Dressage at the Ranch, June 15-16 at Hawk Hollow Ranch, Bedminster, NJ, the five year-old Oldenburg mare won her class and delivered the show’s high score:  82.759%.

“In her mare performance test in Germany, she received a nine in rideability,” Riley said.  “She is all-around ‘wow factor.’  She is beautiful, has spectacular gaits and fantastic rideability.”

“Competing at Dressage at the Ranch was part of the plan that we have, leading up to the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships,” explained Parra , who knows, when it comes to the most important event of the year for young dressage prospects, timing is everything.  “We want her to be at her very best there.”

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, August 22-25, at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Chicago, IL, showcases those equine athletes whose outstanding talent and training make them prime candidates for future careers at the FEI level and for participation on US High Performance teams.

The Piaffe Performance team is also excited about Katie Riley’s prospects in Chicago at the Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Championships, where she plans to ride her own Dutch Warmblood gelding, Zanzibar (Consul x Farmer), in the Developing Horse Grand Prix Division.  At the Centerline Events show in Saugerties, NY, in June, they were off to a strong start, with Zanzibar winning (67%) his Developing GP test.

“I’ve always had the feeling that he was a future Grand Prix horse,” she said. “He has always had a desire to work and is so clever and eager.  Last year I showed him at Fourth Level, including placing second at Devon. He also won a few national tests at Prix St. Georges with Cesar so Cesar and I were trying to decide at the beginning of the year whether to move to small tour CDIs or give the Developing Grand Prix at try.

“We tried Intermediaire II for the first time in March and although there were mistakes he felt like happy doing the work, so we made the plan to qualify for Chicago. He is developing very well and improving immensely from show to show.  The Developing Horse Program is terrific; it gives horses like him a place in the ring and a chance to get comfortable at that level.”

The Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships are for seven- to nine-year-old horses competing at the FEI PSG level, and for eight- to 10-year-old horses competing at Grand Prix level.

Follow the progress of Piaffe Performance’s rising stars and meet more of its sale and dressage prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Breeds, Dressage, JRPR

Piaffe Performance: Young Talent, OLD School Style

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Nadine Buberl and Fashion Designer OLD scored an 82.8% at the King Oak Dressage Days. (Photo courtesy of Piaffe Performance)

Whitehouse Station, NJ (July 17, 2013) – There’s just something about Oldenburgs that clicks with Cesar Parra.  He has had some special Oldenburgs in his riding career for sure, but the two five-year-olds that are now in the barn are showing themselves to be true future jewels of their breed: Fashion Designer OLD, co-owned by Parra and Martin Sosnoff, and Fiderhit OLD, owned by Michael and Sarah Davis.

At King Oak Dressage Days, presented by Centerline Events July 6-7 in Northampton, Massachussetts, Piaffe Performance’s Nadine Buberl and Fashion Designer OLD scored 82.80% in front of ‘S’ judges Doreen Horsey, Debby Savage and Joan Humphrey to win the FEI Five-Year-Old Qualifier for the USEF Markel Young Horse Championship, plus earned the high score of the show in their warmup class the day before.

“Nadine has been doing very well with the young horses,” says Parra. That’s almost an understatement.  At an earlier Centerline Events dressage show, June 15-16 at HITS-on-the-Hudson (NY), Buberl pulled a one-two punch in USEF First Level Test 1 in front of (r) judge Susanne Hamilton, with Fashion Designer OLD, winning the class with an 82.931%.  Their only real challenger was stablemate Fiderhit OLD, who was reserve at 80.345%.

“The next day in the Five Year-Old test,” Parra said. “Nadine and Fiderhit OLD won with an 81.8%, and Fashion Designer OLD was second, with a 79%.”

Both young horses have been consistently trading scores in the high seventies and low eighties.  At the Memorial Weekend ESDCTA Dressage Show, Buberl and Fiderhit took the win with a 79.60% in the FEI Young Horse Final Five-Year-Old class and 76.034% in the First Level Test 1, ahead of Piaffe Performance teammates Parra on Fashion Designer OLD, and Wendy Simons on Josefina.

In March, as the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI celebrated its 30th season, the two Oldenburgs showed up and out-shone the field in the FEI Young Horse Test for 5-Year-Olds. Ridden by Buberl, and in front of their trainer, Parra, Fashion Designer scored 80.8% and Fiderhit 78% on Saturday, and traded off placings on Sunday with Fiderhit scoring 81.8% and Fashion Designer 75.8%.

The results of all these shows mean that the trip to Wayne, IL in August for the USEF Markel Young Horse Championships promises to be a fun one for Piaffe Performance.  In addition to the two five-year-olds, Katie Riley will compete her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood Zanzibar in the Developing Horse Grand Prix division.

Follow the progress of Piaffe Performance’s favorite young OLD pair and learn about other sale horses and prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Competitions, Dressage

2013 Memorial Weekend ESDCTA Dressage Show One to Remember for Dr. Cesar Parra

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Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Allentown, NJ (June 4, 2013) – The Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association (ESDCTA) hosted their annual Memorial Weekend Dressage Show in Allentown, New Jersey amongst the wet, windy and wild spring weather.  For Dr. Cesar Parra and the Piaffe Performance Team, it was definitely a show to remember.  The team had many “firsts” including a first-time performance in a CDI event for Adult Amateur rider John McGinty, in which he took first place in the Prix St Georges.  Also, Nadine Buberl took a first in First Level Test One.  Then, to top it all, Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man claimed first prize in the CDI 3* Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 70.125%.

“I love riding close to home,” stated Parra about the show located near the Piaffe Performance New Jersey farm, “and I like to support this show because it is with our local club, ESDCTA.  They put so much work into it, so we love supporting them.”  Piaffe Performance team member John McGinty also appreciated the opportunity to ride in this well organized, FEI-level show.  “There are so many people to thank,” McGinty said about the event, “especially the Management and Organizers for giving the Adult Amateurs this opportunity, and the volunteers who work so hard to help us and get very little thanks.  Also, we’d like to thank the sponsors, including PanaCavallo, Performance Farms, and especially Debbie Witty of Trilogy Performance Saddlery.  Without them, none of us would have the opportunity to ride in these important shows.”  He added, “Having Amateurs competing in CDIs is not only for the good of our sport, but it also helps we Amateurs set higher goals for ourselves along the journey toward perfecting our riding.” McGinty continued, “For example, the highlight of this show for me was being invited into two awards ceremonies with all the other CDI riders. I felt proud of being a rider.”

McGinty and his 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Playboy, scored a 60.625% to claim first place in the Prix St. Georges, and also took a second place in the Intermediate I class with a 61.535%.   He said these thrilling moments to remember in the winner’s circle wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the whole team. “Dr. Cesar Parra and Katie Riley never stop encouraging me to continue the journey of learning,” McGinty commented. “Laura Pradells, Playboy’s groom and caretaker, sends him into the ring looking like a star and helps me get organized, and the wonderful panel of judges work very hard to evaluate our rides and provide us with constructive criticism so we can improve our performances.  I, being an FEI Jumper Judge and an R rated Hunter Judge, realize how seldom exhibitors express appreciation for the work a Judge does.”

A few more firsts at this show will be remembered as well by Piaffe Performance team member, Nadine Buberl.  Riding the 5-year-old Oldenburg mare, Fiderhit OLD, she scored an amazing 79.600% in the FEI Young Horse Final 5-year-old class, and then topped out the First Level Test 1 class with a 76.034%.  Parra described the experience: “We had a fun match up in the First Level Test 1 class on Sunday morning.  I rode Fashion Designer, Nadine rode Fiderhit, and one of our wonderful New Jersey clients, Wendy Simons, rode her mare Josefina, and we finished one-two-three, with Nadine winning with more than 76%.  That was fun!”

Parra also had fun on his 11-year-old KWPN gelding, Van The Man (Obelisk x Landjonker), when they took first place in the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a 70.125%. “I always love riding freestyles and enjoy what the music brings to the horse and to the movements,” he commented.  “This was another step for us,” Parra continued. “I’ve said it before.  I believe so much in the abilities and the quality of Van, and he continues to improve all of the time. We have not seen the best from this horse yet, not even close!”

Piaffe Performance team horses, Van The Man, Fiderhit OLD and Fashion Designer OLD, are all owned by Michael and Sarah Davis.  “The Davis family is terrific.  They were so supportive through the weekend, and I am very grateful,” said Parra, “Also, my sponsor Debbie Witty from Trilogy was there as a sponsor of the show as well. She is the best!  And, I am so grateful for all of our friends and clients that came to cheer us on!”

Cesar Parra, DDS, MScD, operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, FL and Whitehouse Station, NJ and was born in Colombia, where he began riding cattle horses in the Andes Mountains of his grandparents’ farm.  An international trainer and rider with more than 300 FEI wins to his credit, Dr. Parra has worked with the best in dressage, including Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck and Hubertus Schmidt.  He also competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, 2005 Las Vegas Dressage World Cup, and 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games.  Learn more at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Parra and Van The Man Dance to the Top of FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* for United States

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Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man during the Nations Cup CDI 3*. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (April 18, 2013) – Dr. Cesar Parra, whose bridles have been known to sport red, white and blue brow bands, had patriotism riding high over the April 13-14 weekend during America’s only event of its kind, the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO/CDI3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm at The Stadium at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds.  On Saturday, Parra clinched the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* with a 74.375% score on Van The Man from judges Evi Eisenhardt (E), Maribel Alonso (H), Anne Gribbons (C), Linda Zang (M), and Joan Macartney (B).

The former Colombian 2004 Olympic as well as 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games veteran, who became an American citizen in 2008 and represented the US on the Gold medal-winning 2011 Pan American Games dressage squad, was also a member of Friday evening’s Nations Cup reserve champion Team USA 2.

On the combined strength of their Grand Prix Freestyle and Sunday’s FEI Grand Prix Special (72.208%) scores,put Parra in runner-up position in the Individual Rider Standings and top USA Individual rider. Van The Man is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Obelisk x Landjoker) acquired for Parra by sponsors Sarah and Michael Davis in 2011.

“I was very excited to take part in my first Nations Cup and to medal as a team and as an individual,” said Parra. “I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. I’d like to thank my owners, wife, groom, and Katie Riley, my eyes on the ground, and also to the USEF for selecting me as a member of the team. This horse has improved so much. I love him.”

“I am so proud of my husband, so proud of all the Piaffe Performance riders, and all the members of our team. It has been an amazing weekend and season,” said Parra’s wife, Marcela Ortiz.

Tuny Page of Stillpoint Farm praised the Nations Cup format and its contributions:  “One crucial thing about this competition involves the opportunity to expose small tour horses to this kind of atmosphere and a patrons’ tent. That’s really important in the development of international sport. I hope that people in the world of dressage are paying attention to what’s happening here because it’s fantastic and will continue to improve.”

As stylish outside the ring as within it, Parra thanked Page and the pillars of the dressage world that made a week-long dressage event like this possible in Florida:  “Thank you so much [to Page].  She’s not only a great rider with wonderful horses, but she’s always trying to help the sport.  It means a lot to all of us to have this place and I hope we can continue to enjoy it because it’s really a pleasure to come and ride here.  We are so grateful.”

Parra reserved his best praise for last, for his four-legged partner, Van The Man.  “He was right on it, from the very first step.  He’s been, as most of my colleagues know, a ‘clown’ to say the least!  He’s humbled me more than a couple of times, so I just keep on working and today, he said ‘Okay, I’ll do it.’  It was amazing from that first step.  It’s exciting to do the best you can and have it work out.  I’m just so happy that I cannot describe it.  I’m really, really grateful.”

As the Piaffe Performance team leaves Florida for its Whitehouse Station, NJ, facility, all eyes are on the horizon line for Normandy and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“My goal,” Parra concluded, “is to really make him my partner.  I believe in him.  I think he’s a world-class horse.  It’s just a matter of getting him to trust me, to follow me, to believe, to become a great horse.”

Follow Van The Man and Cesar Parra’s season together, and learn more about Piaffe Performance and its stellar stable of dressage prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Parra Earns Second-Place Individual Honors at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3*

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Cesar Parra and Van the Man (SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL – Cesar Parra (Whitehouse Station, NJ) clinched second-place Individual honors today at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm riding Michael and Sarah Davis’ Van the Man. The combination scored 74.375% in Friday’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test and returned Sunday to earn a 72.208% in the FEI Grand Prix Special. The veteran pair finished with 146.583 to claim the runner-up position.

“I’m very excited to be able to take part in my first Nations Cup and to medal,” said Cesar Parra.  “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. I’d like to thank my owners, wife, groom, and Katie Riley, my eyes on the ground.  This horse has improved so much.  I love him.”

Finishing in third for the U.S. was Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) and her own Her Highness O with an Individual total of 146.313. They scored 74.050% in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle and were awarded 72.263% for their FEI Intermediaire I Test on Sunday.

Earning top Individual honors in the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm was Christilot Boylen and Dio Mio of Canada. On Saturday the pair earned 75.500% in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle and 73.789% in the FEI Intermediaire I Test for a final of 149.289.

Links to individual scores can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/overlays/517.aspx.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Parra Leads the Field of Americans in Pursuit of Individual Honors at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3*

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Cesar Parra and Van the Man (SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL – Cesar Parra (Whitehouse Station, NJ) is the top American after the second day of competition at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm. Riding Michael and Sarah Davis’ Van the Man in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3*, Parra earned a 74.375% to win the class.

“I loved it. It was electric,” Parra said about his FEI Freestyle Test. “I want to thank the Davis family for believing in me and the horse.”

Finishing second in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3* were Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) and Patricia Stempel’s Doktor who received a 72.575%. Susan Dutta and Tim Dutta Inc.’s Currency DC (Wellington, FL) finished in third place with a 71.225%.

In the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO3*, Caroline Roffman (Wellington, FL) was the top-placed American, finishing in second place with a 74.050% riding her own Her Highness O. Kimberly Herslow (Stockton, NJ) and Kiroli Enterprises LLC’s Rosmarin earned a third place finish with a score of 73.625%. Christilot Boylen of Canada won the class with a 75.500% aboard Dio Mio.

Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O (SusanJStickle.com)
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O (SusanJStickle.com)

On Sunday, competitors return to The Stadium to vie for individual honors. The top finisher will be crowned by combining his/her scores from the Freestyle, performed Saturday, and Sunday’s test of either the FEI Intermediaire I for Small Tour riders or the FEI Grand Prix Special for Big Tour riders.

The top three heading into Sunday are Boylen (CAN) in first, Parra (USA) in second, and Roffman (USA) is third.

Links to individual scores can be found at http://www.usefnetwork.com/overlays/517.aspx.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

By Kathleen Landwehr

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Parra and Van the Man Selected to Ride USA II Team for Wellington Nations Cups CIO3*

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Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man will represent the United States during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s Nations Cup CDI 3*. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (April 9, 2013) – When the United States fields two dressage teams for the Wellington Nations Cup CIO3*, April 11-14, at the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, among its Grand Prix combinations will be Piaffe-Performance Farm’s Dr. Cesar Parra, who will ride Michael and Sarah Davis’ 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Van The Man, and join Susan Dutta of Wellington, on Tim Dutta Inc.’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Currency DC, on USA II Team at the Grand Prix level.  USA II Team’s Prix St. Georges riders will be Chris Hickey with Witness Hilltop and Justin Hardin with Wyatt Star.  USA I Team will constitute Heather Blitz on Paragon and Shelly Francis on Doktor for the Grand Prix, and Caroline Roffman aboard Her Highness O and Kimberly Herslow aboard Rosmarin at the Prix St Georges.

“It is always an honor to represent the United States,” said the 2011 U.S. Pan American Games Dressage Team Gold medalist, whose international resume as a rider and trainer includes more than 300 FEI wins, as well as having competed in the 2004 Olympics, 2005 Las Vegas Dressage World Cup, and 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games.

Parra, known to sport a dash of red, white and blue color on the occasional browband, is ready to ride: “Van The Man is an exceptional horse, and I always try to live up to the trust that Michael and Sarah show putting their beautiful horse in my hands.  We will be proud to ride for America together.”

The 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for five international competitions, making it among the richest circuits in the world. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Adequan 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.

Cesar Parra, DDS, MScD, operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, FL and Whitehouse Station, NJ and was born in Colombia, where he began riding cattle horses in the Andes Mountains of his grandparents’ farm. Dr. Parra has worked with the best in dressage, including Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck and Hubertus Schmidt.  Learn more about training and sales prospects at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Breeds, Dressage, Training/Clinics

Cesar Parra’s Newest Oldenburgs Honored with a Visit from the German Oldenburg Verband

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Cesar Parra (left) with Holly Simenson, Thomas Rhinow, Nadine Burberl (mounted), and Fiderhit OLD. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 28, 2013) – Let it not be said Dr. Cesar Parra doesn’t have an eye for a good horse. Dr. Parra rode Galant du Serein for Colombia in the 2004 Olympics before becoming an American citizen in 2008 and riding Grandioso to team Gold with the U.S. on the 2011 Pan American Games team. Parra’s eye for talent — or diamonds in the rough if you will – recently led Michael and Sarah Davis, owners of Dr. Parra’s 2012 U.S. Olympic Dressage hopeful, Van The Man, to acquire two five-year-old Oldenburgs for the Piaffe-Performance Farm team:  a mare, Fiderhit OLD, and a gelding, Fashion Designer OLD.

At the Florida Dressage Classic CDI during the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Thomas Rhinow and Holly Simenson of the Oldenburg Verband in Germany visited the Fiderhit and Fashion Designer and elaborated on the OLD designation that was bestowed upon both horses.  It seems ‘OLD’ doesn’t designate just any Oldenburg, but only the best of the best.

Fashion Designer (Faustinus x De Niro) was one of the four-year-old mares and geldings nominated by the Oldenburg society to represent the breed at the 2012 Bundeschampionate in Warendorf (Germany); Fiderhit qualified for the Brilliant Ring of the Oldenburg Elite Mare Show in Rastede (Germany). Out of hundreds of three- and four-year old mares inspected by the Oldenburg Verband in Germany every year, only a select group are invited to go on to a Mare Performance Test. Out of those, roughly 100 earn the States Premium Candidate title, and out of the States Premium Candidates, approximately 60 are invited to the Elite Mare Show.

Oldenburgs hold a special place for Parra. “Oldenburgs have brought me wins and great support.  The quality of the breed’s bloodline speaks for itself. You don’t just read a pedigree, you see it in the horses,” said Parra.  In 2007, Parra faced tests more challenging than any dressage arena.  That July, he lost his best horse, a six-year-old licensed Oldenburg stallion, Donovan, to colic.  Two months later, he suffered a stroke, while on a business trip in Germany.  “It was a really difficult year.  Lots of tears and frustration, but luckily I had a strong team of family and friends I could rely on. You have to leave adversity behind and keep going.”  And Parra is definitely moving forward as he and Van the Man won three national Grand Prix classes with scores in the high sixties during the CDI.

“The Oldenburg breed crosses the best horses from the best associations with strong dam lines, without being limited to state studs or stallions. These breeders are clear about creating a modern riding horse with a good mind,” said Thomas Rhinow during his recent visit. Holly Simensen, Director of the North American Oldenburg Verband, agreed: “The Oldenburg Verband history is about being open minded and looking to future improvement.”  For Fiderhit and Fashion Designer, the future could be brilliant in the good hands of Dr. Parra and the Piaffe-Performance team.

Cesar Parra, DDS, MScD, operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, FL and Whitehouse Station, NJ and was born in Colombia, where he began riding cattle horses in the Andes Mountains of his grandparents’ farm. An international trainer and rider with more than 300 FEI wins to his credit, Dr. Parra has worked with the best in dressage, including Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck and Hubertus Schmidt.  He also competed in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, 2005 Las Vegas Dressage World Cup, and 2006 Aachen World Equestrian Games.  Learn more at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Wellington Classic Dressage

Carlos Munoz and the Piaffe Performance Team Ride to Success at WCD Sunshine Challenge

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Wellington, FL (February 14, 2013) – Dr. Cesar Parra has coached yet another Piaffe Performance Team rider to the top of their game.  Carlos Munoz and his mount, Klouseau, took first place in the Intermediaire I Freestyle at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge, held in conjunction with the World Dressage Masters, claiming victory in his very first CDI level show.  “I couldn’t be happier,” Munoz said about the win. “This is the best reward for all the years of hard training.  It’s definitely worth it!”  Munoz and Klouseau, a 12-year-old Trakehner by Charly Chaplin, scored a 70.4% to ride away with the blue ribbon in the class.  The music for the ride, selected by Munoz himself, helped set the stage for a powerful battle, driving the team on to an emotional and victorious performance, of which everyone watching could feel they were a part.

Parra was equally proud of Munoz’s success. “Since the first time I saw Carlos on a horse, I knew he was special,” describes Parra. “He has all it takes to build his future as an international professional rider. He’s super talented, and also a very nice person!  Carlos is a very important part of my team and I’m grateful to have him working with me.  I am so proud of him and everything he’s accomplishing.”  Parra continues, “Carlos’ win proves what can be accomplished with hard work and having confidence in your horse, in your trainer, and your whole team.  This victory is the result of constant training and trusting in how much we can do together.  Good work always brings great results.”

Parra’s words proved to be true with the other Piaffe-Performance Team riders pulling in great results at the WDM as well.  Nicolas Torres Rodriquez, and his horse, Silver Label, placed second in the Junior Young Rider Individual Test and took another second in the JYR Freestyle.  Dominique Cassavetis and Charming Princess placed fourth in the FEI Young Rider Individual Test along with taking second place in the YR Freestyle.  Bebe Davis got a first and second in the FEI Pony Team and Individual Test winning on Bohdjan the first day and Poldy 10 the second day.  Katie Riley won the FEI Test of Choice with Zanzibar, and also took third and forth in the FEI TOC on Sunday with Beethoven (69.013%) and Zanzibar.  Also, Diana Rey and Toy Story placed first and second at their first horse show together!

For more information on Parra or Piaffe-Performance, visit their website at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352

Awards, Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Uncategorized

Jane Springer Wins the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur High Performance Award at GDF

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Wellington, FL (February 14, 2013) – Dr. Cesar Parra and his Piaffe-Performance Farm recognized Jane Springer as the recipient of the Piaffe-Performance Adult Amateur High Performance Award for her Florida debut in Grand Prix during the 2013 Global Dressage Festival. Springer and her gorgeous chestnut, Talent (Houston x Melona), scored a 60.479%, taking the top spot, and showing off the horse’s true talent. “He’s got some super highlights,” she said about the Dutch Warmblood. “His extensions are fabulous and really over the top!  His tempi changes have come along, and he’s become confirmed in the piaffe-passage.  It’s exciting to know that he was definitely ready to come out at this level.”

Springer has owned Talent since he was 4 years old, and working exclusively with trainer, Robert Dover, brought him out in the third and fourth levels at age six.  Bringing him to Grand Prix is quite an achievement for an adult amateur. “It takes lots of motivation and commitment,” Springer advised.  She was awarded a beautiful tri-color ribbon and engraved silver picture frame as part of the AA High Performance Award.

Designed to recognize exceptional performances by adult amateurs, the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur High Performance Award is given out each week of the Global Dressage Festival. “Adult amateurs are the backbone of our sport,” comments Parra, sponsor of the award. “My team is made up of a number of young riders and adult amateurs, and their dedication to the sport and their horses is undeniable.  I am proud to be able to recognize adult amateurs and their achievements on the GDF circuit in this way.”

For more information on Parra or Piaffe-Performance, visit their website at www.piaffe-performance.com.

For more information contact:
Dr. Cesar Parra
drcesarparra@msn.com
www.piaffe-performance.com
410-977-8352