Tag Archives: Devon Kane

Dressage, JRPR

Devon Kane Delivers Grand Prix One-Two Punch at the 2017 Gold Coast Opener CDI

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Devon Kane and Destiny (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, FL (January 26, 2017) – After spending last winter show season focusing predominantly on training her young horses and giving clinics, Devon Kane of Diamante Farms is back to head down centerline in the CDI ring at the 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Kane’s first appearance in the CDI ring in Wellington, Florida this year was this past weekend in the Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Opener for the 2017 season, held at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds as part of the 12-week series. Diamante Farms was certainly not disappointed with the results.

The 2017 Gold Coast Opener CDI was particularly exciting for Kane, as she was reunited in the show ring with her longtime partner Destiny (the 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding with whom she earned the title of 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champion) after over a year. Kane had spent the previous week training with her mentor, Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt, whom she routinely spends her summers training with in Germany.

Kane and Destiny brought home the blue ribbon in the CDI Grand Prix, and their closest competitor was Kane herself with another horse – Sir Galanto, who earned second place. Sir Galanto is a more recent addition to Diamante Farms’ powerful string of horses. The 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Stedinger x Die Galanto, De Niro) received top placings in the Small Tour in major shows along the eastern U.S. coast with Kane throughout 2016.

Devon Kane is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist who has trained under three Olympic athletes and earned impressive titles all before the age of 30. She won the Individual Gold and Team Bronze medals at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in 2007, and has been unstoppable ever since. She has gone on to represent the U.S.A. in international competition in Europe.

At her home base in Wellington, Florida, Devon Kane owns Diamante Farms alongside her mother, Terri Kane. Diamante Farms, a US Equestrian Elite Training Center, is a world-class dressage facility known for producing top-notch horses and riders. Trainers Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann – German international rider and trainer, master bereiter, and German gold medalist – lead the charge in developing excellence at Diamante Farms. Both Kohmann and Kane can be seen in the CDI ring at this year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival, of which Diamante Farms is a founding sponsor. Diamante Farms is also the presenting sponsor of the prestigious Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI5*, which will take place on February 8-12, 2017. The event attracts top riders from across the Americas and Europe, and is the flagship show of the winter dressage series every year. Diamante Farms is also the weekly sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival U25 Division. In addition to these sponsorships, Diamante Farms actively supports the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and the Robert Dover HorseMastership Clinic.

Diamante Farms is located just minutes from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds and offers top-quality training, clinics, and sales to the dressage community. The lush estate boasts more than 20 courtyard-style stalls, grass paddocks, and large covered and outdoor arenas. Learn more about Diamante Farms at DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
561-307-2831

Dressage, JRPR

Don Angelo Helps Young German Rider Excel in European Under 25 Tour

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Katharina Hemmer and Don Angelo (Photo courtesy of Teresa Klauke-Deimel)

Etteln, Germany (September 23, 2016) – Devon Kane of Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida is known as an accomplished dressage trainer, competitor, and clinician; but despite all of her equestrian success stories, Kane never hesitates to choose a horse’s well-being over another blue ribbon. Kane is also quick to spot a young rider who could use her help in rising up the ranks in dressage. Katharina Hemmer, a young German dressage rider, can certainly attest to this.

Hemmer has been working at Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt’s dressage facility in Etteln, Germany for the past three years. Kane trains under Schmidt, and while spending a summer training with him in Germany along with a few of her own horses from Diamante Farms, she discovered a perfect way to help one of her horses while also helping Hemmer’s dressage career advance.

Diamante Farms’ Don Angelo, an Oldenburg gelding by Don Larino, had suffered from severe allergies while living at Diamante Farms, an elite dressage training facility owned by Devon Kane and her mother Terri Kane in South Florida. While in Germany with Kane, Don Angelo’s allergies disappeared. “He started really thriving there,” Kane stated. Although she knew that the impressive gelding could dominate in dressage competitions in the U.S., after seeing his allergies improve so much in Europe, Kane chose not to bring Don Angelo back home. When she saw Hemmer riding at Schmidt’s facility, a new idea for Don Angelo’s future was born.

“Katharina really stole my eye a little bit more than the other riders at Hubertus’s. She works really hard, she’s really sweet, and she’s a great rider. You can tell she truly cares about the horses and about riding. She really is everything we were looking for in a rider for Don Angelo, and we felt that it would be a perfect opportunity for Katharina to be able to compete with him,” Kane explained. So Don Angelo remained in Germany with Hemmer and has competed successfully with her while remaining allergy-free in his new home. “We take care of everything – the vet bills, the feed, whatever he needs,” said Kane, “and Katharina does the rest.”

For Hemmer, this was the perfect arrangement. “When Devon first offered me the ride on Don Angelo, I felt really honored and thankful for this great chance,” said Hemmer. “Don Angelo gave me the chance to make the step into the Under 25 tour. We competed in the Under 25 tour in some big national shows this year. We placed really well there. In Münster for example, we got the best result of all the Under 25 riders in the Intermediate B. Don Angelo is also very experienced with the Grand Prix movements, so I can learn a lot from him.”

Don Angelo and Hemmer were especially successful this summer. “Don Angelo and I had some really nice tests, and made great progress in general. A highlight of the summer for me was my first ‘real’ Grand Prix. Angelo did a great job! We finished fourth in a very talented and experienced field of riders. I was very happy about it, and really thankful to the Kane family for giving me the opportunity to ride such a great horse.” The accumulation of show ring successes for the pair also earned Hemmer the Golden Rider Badge. “In Germany, riders get the Golden Rider Badge when they win 10 tests at Small Tour level. One of the 10 needs to be a minimum of Intermediaire I,” Hemmer explained. “I got the Golden Rider Badge this summer. I’m very proud of this achievement, because I think earning it is a goal that every rider has.”

Outside of the show ring, Hemmer and Don Angelo’s partnership is just as strong as it is in front of the judges. “Our connection grew quickly from the beginning,” Hemmer smiled. “Don Angelo has a great personality and an adorable character, which made me fall for his charms. He is always fighting for me, which is a great feeling.

“My long term goal in dressage is to improve as much as possible and make the best out of my opportunities. I want to say thank you to Terri and Devon Kane for entrusting me with Don Angelo,” said Hemmer.

To the Kanes, seeing the affection between Don Angelo and Hemmer makes it all worthwhile. Back in Wellington, Florida, Devon Kane and everyone at Diamante Farms continues their dedication to helping horses and riders like Don Angelo and Katharina Hemmer find happiness and success in the show ring. Besides working with her own clients and horses, Kane is available to give clinics that help riders achieve that ideal partnership with their mounts. Diamante Farms offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales in dressage on its beautiful 10-acre estate. Learn more about Diamante Farms at DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
561-307-2831

Dressage, JRPR

Devon Kane to Speak at 2016 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival

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Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini.

Fruitport, MI (June 22, 2016) — Many of the most talented and dedicated young dressage riders in the U.S. are on their way to Michigan for the 2016 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival (LYDF) Midwest and Emerging Dressage Athlete clinic (EDAP), which will take place this weekend. The young riders will spend the weekend competing and learning from the best in their sport.

When considering who would make an ideal speaker and commentator to share expertise with the riders at this year’s 2016 LYDF Midwest, Kim Boyer had the perfect candidate in mind. Boyer, the committee president at Hampton Green Farm (the Fruitport, Michigan facility that is hosting this event on June 24-26), selected USDF Gold Medalist Devon Kane to be the speaker at the Dressage4Kids benefit dinner and commentate for the dressage portion of the LYDF Midwest show.

“I first met Devon as a Young Rider, and I have followed her successes as she has matured into a competitive Grand Prix rider. She is very serious about her training and her work,” said Boyer. “At LYDF Midwest, we are encouraging a path to High Performance. We consider the young people who come to the show as the base from which many good riders have emerged. We select speakers who are role models as riders and professionals, who are a part of the world of international competition, and who have a career that our young people can aspire to emulate. Devon can speak for the values and experiences of the road from youth rider to adult professional. Our show committee was thrilled when she agreed to come speak to our kids.”

The in-demand trainer and clinician Devon Kane is equally excited to be involved in the 2016 LYDF Midwest. “I love working with young riders and doing things to help the next generation,” she said. “I think this will be a huge opportunity to help some of our dedicated, up-and-coming young riders.”

Earning a slew of impressive titles before age 30, Kane has traveled the world training under Olympians and finding success in major competitions. Kane has been unstoppable in the show ring ever since she stepped into the spotlight as the Individual Gold and Team Bronze medalist at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in 2007. Kane earned the title of 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champion with her self-trained horse Destiny, and represented Team USA at the Nations Cup CDIO5* in Falsterbo, Sweden, in 2015. She is currently bringing several other horses up the ranks, with whom she has been scoring over 70 percent at major horse show venues along the eastern U.S. coast this year.

Kane is excited to speak with the young riders at the 2016 LYDF Midwest and EDAP clinic. “We all go through that same experience, so I want to share my story — what I did, how it worked, why it worked, and what support I needed,” Kane said. “I have been very fortunate in that I have had a great support system, and I think that is a huge part of how you get where you are going, but you have to know how much sacrifice it takes to get there as well.”

Kane hopes to give advice that young riders can implement now to make things easier down the road — for example, learning the value of teamwork, which she feels was invaluable to her experience as a young rider. “I think one of the most important things you can learn early on is how to support a team and work happily together while also maintaining your individuality,” she explained.

In addition to her prepared talk, Kane is looking forward to answering as many questions as she possibly can, from young riders as well as their parents and friends. “I’m an open book. There is no question I am uncomfortable with, so I can give as much advice and share as much of my experience as possible,” she said. “I hope that I am able to encourage and help some of the riders. I’m excited to be amongst such dedicated riders, and hopefully I will have a positive influence.”

The 2016 Lendon Youth Festival Midwest is an all-youth horse show for riders under 21. It consists of three divisions: a Written Test, a Dressage Test, and an Equitation Test. More information about this unforgettable experience for youth riders in the Midwest may be found at www.hamptongreenfarm.com.

The Kanes’ Diamante Farms is a top-notch dressage facility that shows unstoppable dedication to dressage and horsemanship. Diamante Farms offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales in dressage. Learn more about Diamante Farms at www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
561-307-2831

Dressage, JRPR

Devon Kane Heads down Centerline in Europe with Grant from USEF

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Devon Kane and Destiny (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, FL (May 28, 2015) – Grand Prix dressage rider Devon Kane has been selected to compete abroad through a USEF International High Performance Programs grant, generously supported by the USET Foundation, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), and USEF Sponsors and Members. Kane and her 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny (Diamond Hit-Midt-West Regina, Rubenstein) will represent the U.S. at the Nations Cup CDIO5* Falsterbo in Falsterbo, Sweden, July 9-12.

Kane and the other talented grant recipients will represent the U.S. in Nations Cup competitions this summer in Falsterbo as well as in Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Hagen, Germany; and Hickstead in the United Kingdom.

“I am very honored and flattered to have been chosen by the USEF committee for the training grant,” Kane says. “I am so grateful to USEF and the donors for the financial help to keep my education and career expanding. I am truly honored to represent the U.S. at the Nations Cup CDIO 5* in Falsterbo, and we will center our training in preparation for this show.”

Kane, owner and head trainer at Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida, also traveled to Europe to compete and train last summer, and is ready to step up into even more prestigious international competition this year with Destiny. Last year, Kane spent her summer in Europe training two of her horses, Destiny and Winchester, with Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt of Germany. Her history of working with Schmidt has helped her achieve great success in dressage. She is excited to continue training with the renowned rider this year.

“The USEF grant makes this part of my career – being able to train with Hubertus and compete in Europe – possible. It is hard to leave your base and clients to go to Germany to train, and the grant makes my ambitions possible. ‘Desi’ had some down time after finishing the season in Wellington, but he is happily working hard now. We are fit and ready to get to work as soon as we arrive and soak up as much ‘Hubertus time’ as we can. Destiny and I are excited to start our summer season and get working!”

Kane and Destiny seem prepared to represent their country in international competition after completing a successful winter show season at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, and before that earning the title of 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champion in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kane will leave Florida for Europe on June 1, and will stay for three months. While in Europe, she will be based at Flyenhof stables in Etteln, Germany with Hubertus Schmidt. Besides Destiny, she will be bringing Winchester, her new stallion Sir Galanto, her working student Mckenzie Jenkins, and Jenkins’s horse Heerser.

To learn more about Devon Kane and Destiny, and about Kane’s successful dressage training, showing, and boarding business Diamante Farms, visit DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
561-307-2831

Community/Charity, Dressage, Publications/Media

US Dressage Finals Champion Devon Kane Stars on Dressage Radio Show

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Destiny gives Devon ideas on what to say in her Dressage Radio Show interview (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (November 26, 2014) — The winner of the 2014 United States Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship is now also a radio star. FEI dressage competitor and trainer Devon Kane of Wellington, Florida, is featured as a guest on Dressage Radio Show’s “Dressage Radio Episode 285 — US Dressage Finals Wrap.” In the thirty-five minute episode, Kane shares the exciting story of her unexpected journey to Lexington, Kentucky that resulted in national victory.

Dressage Radio Show, produced by the Horse Radio Network, broadcasts top dressage news and entertaining rider interviews every Friday. The show was eager to welcome Kane as the guest of Episode 285 on November 12, 2014. Equestrians Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Phillip Parkes hosted the episode, which featured successful U.S. Dressage Finals competitors Kane and Rachael Hicks. With an over twenty-hour trek from south Florida to the sleeting, stormy Lexington finals and the outstanding accomplishments of a spirited horse in the Grand Prix ring, Kane’s story is one that dressage enthusiasts will not want to miss.

“I wasn’t planning to go to Kentucky because of the distance and the traveling, but the more I thought about it, the experience of being able to go up there and ride in a real indoor arena was really something I couldn’t pass up,” Kane explains on the radio show. “I need that exposure and I need that time in the arena. It worked out greatly to our advantage, obviously!” Kane and her self-trained Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny took first place in the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open on Friday, November 7, with an impressive score of 72.000 percent. Since Kane purchased Destiny as a barely broke five-year-old, the pair has become a formidable team in the show ring. The now eleven-year-old horse is a brilliant example of Kane’s training abilities.

“My horse was wonderful! He was super and ready and we were so prepared,” Kane shares about the Finals. “Destiny is one of those really special horses. When I first met him, I knew there was something great in the horse. He’s a little spunky. He’s always been a little bit different and kind of difficult to keep together. But in the Grand Prix, he’s really come into his own. He’s so much happier in the Grand Prix work then in anything else. It keeps his mind and his body busy.” Both Destiny’s and Kane’s love for Grand Prix dressage was evident from their beautifully fluid movements throughout the test.

“The coolest part about nationals is there are so many different people and different areas represented that you don’t always see at other show circuits,” Kane enthused. “They made the atmosphere so electric and so exciting! I’m very happy that we did this.” As the winter competitive season of Wellington, Florida approaches, national champions Kane and Destiny are ready to continue their winning ways.

To listen to Kane’s exciting interview on Dressage Radio Show, go to http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/11/12/dressage-radio-episode-285-us-dressage-finals-wrap/. For more information about Devon Kane, Destiny, and Kane’s flourishing dressage training, boarding, and sales business Diamante Farms in Wellington, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
561-307-2831

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Devon Kane and Destiny: Grand Prix Champions at the 2014 US Dressage Finals

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Devon Kane and Destiny on their way to victory at the US Dressage Finals. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (November 13, 2014) — As international dressage rider Devon Kane and her self-trained Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny ease back into competition after a summer of training in Europe, an unexpected change of plans brought the pair amazing results. A last-minute decision to compete in the 2014 United States Dressage Finals led to Kane and Destiny achieving first place in both the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open and the FEI Grand Prix Open.

Kane and Destiny had recently claimed the win at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge, which was their first post-Europe competition. The pair then planned to focus entirely on preparing for the fast-approaching winter competition season in Wellington, Florida. As the 2014 U. S. Dressage Finals drew near, though, the encouragement of Kane’s supporters convinced the young competitor to venture from Wellington to Lexington, Kentucky on November 6-9 for the prestigious national event.

“It has been a long and challenging year turning my dragon into a Grand Prix horse,” said Kane, referring to Destiny. “Green mistakes during season kept us a little frustrated, and not being able to compete in Europe this summer was heart wrenching, but I’m confident that our patience paid off. This was a fabulous way to finish the year, and get us ramped up for next year. I am feeling very confident in my horse and my training and excited for the CDI circuit this winter at the Global Dressage Festival!”

The 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals, presented by Adequan, took place at the Kentucky Horse Park. Qualified top competitors from across the country filled Lexington for this Level Five Competition, which is the highest level of competition held in the United States under United States Equestrian Federation rules. The competition featured talented riders from Training Level to the Grand Prix in adult amateur and open divisions.

Kane and Destiny’s first class was the FEI Grand Prix Open on Thursday, November 6. The Finals weekend was chilly with sleet falling from the sky, but the Florida duo rode into the show ring with sunny spirits. Kane was especially enjoying the electric competition atmosphere in the Horse Park, and felt that she and Destiny were at a good place as they returned to competition with a summer of training on their minds. “We are bringing back the pizazz and the flash, and keeping the calmness. It seems to be balancing out,” the USDF Gold Medalist explained. She added, “I think it’s really great to have people here from all the different states. It’s really fun!”

Although the FEI Grand Prix Open class was large, Kane and her eleven-year-old mount (by Diamond Hit out of MIDT-West Regina) won with an impressive ride and a score of 70.100 percent. The pair then moved on to the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open on Friday, November 7. Once again, Kane and Destiny’s precise, beautiful movements captured first place. Their score was 72.000 percent.

Kane was thrilled with her horse’s performances, and feels excited and prepared for further successes in Wellington, Florida this season. For more information about Devon Kane, her horses, their upcoming show schedule, and her training, sales, and boarding business at Diamante Farms in Wellington, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
diamantefarms@icloud.com
210-240-1614

Dressage, JRPR, Wellington Classic Dressage

Devon Kane Takes the 2014 GAIG USDF Region 3 Grand Prix Championship

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Devon Kane and Destiny. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (October 24, 2014) — Devon Kane and her self-trained Grand Prix gelding Destiny have made their presence known upon returning to Wellington, Florida, after a summer of unexpected events and learning experiences in Europe. At the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge on October 16-19, 2014, Kane and Destiny proved to be unbeatable in the Grand Prix.

Kane recently returned from a summer of training with Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt in Germany in preparation for the winter dressage season in Florida. Kane and Destiny entered the Global Dressage Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this past weekend looking better than ever. Kane and the Danish Warmblood won the Grand Prix on Friday with a 72.450%, and went on to sweep the Grand Prix Regional Championship with a commanding lead on Sunday. They are now qualified to compete at the 2014 US Dressage Finals in Kentucky.

Kane feels that her time in training with Schmidt this summer and Destiny’s brief period of rest following a minor injury actually helped them to achieve the win at the show. “It wasn’t what we planned, but it worked out for our benefit. It’s like solving a Rubik’s cube. You get one side in line, then the other side’s messed up again and you have to go back and fix it,” the USDF Gold Medalist explains. Kane was thrilled with Destiny’s performance at the Championships. “It feels like it’s all coming together.”

With fresh spirits and a recent win under her belt, Kane is ready to ride into the competitive winter season. “My horse is feeling super right now,” she said. “He’s really fit and his muscles feel good. He’s training really hard and well. We have a couple more shows before season starts to fine-tune some things, and hopefully we can keep the momentum we have right now flowing.”

Kane and Destiny are based at Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida, where Kane is the head trainer. For more information about Devon Kane, Destiny, and the top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales that Diamante Farms offers, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
devkane@mac.com
210-240-1614

Dressage, JRPR

Diamante Farms Presents Exciting Final Week of Competition at 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

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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

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Devon Kane Coaches Students to Success at 2014 Adequan GDF 9 National Show

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Joanne Stoudenmier and Come on III. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (March 25, 2014) – “A fantastic show weekend! Fabulous job, ladies!” Devon Kane enthusiastically congratulated her students after the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 9 National Show. Two of Kane’s students, Sarah Chatfield and Joanne Stoudenmier, earned high rankings in the show ring and high praise from Kane.

Devon Kane trains and teaches lessons at her family’s farm, Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida. She is well-qualified to pass on her dressage skills to her students, which she loves to do. Twenty-eight-year-old Kane spent over a decade training with Olympian Michelle Gibson, and now trains with Olympian Hubertus Schmidt of Germany. Her impressive list of accomplishments includes winning the USDF Gold Medal in 2012 and the USDF Silver Medal in 2010, as well as successfully training her own horses to win first place at Grand Prix level.

This past weekend brought victories across the board for Kane. On Friday March 7, Kane’s team at the Challenge of the Americas (Team International) took home the win. On Saturday March 8 and Sunday March 9, Kane coached her students to excel at the 2014 Adequan GDF 9 National Show.

The 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 9 National Show, a two-day event held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, featured a range of classes for dressage riders from pony level to Grand Prix.

On Saturday March 8, Kane’s student Joanne “Jody” Stoudenmier showed her own Come On III, a Dutch Warmblood. “Jody rode beautifully for TWO scores of 68%+ in PSG! Could not be more excited or happier to see her back in the show ring and smiling so big!” Kane beamed. Stoudenmier and the 17.2-hand bay gelding earned a 68.816% in FEI Prix St. Georges/Adult Amateur, putting them in third place for the class.

That same day, Kane’s student Sarah Chatfield showed Chatfield’s KWPN bay gelding, Pattent. The pair earned fifth place in the Open FEI Grand Prix division. Chatfield and Pattent’s real victory came the next day, March 9, when they won the FEI Freestyle Grand Prix – Open division. “Sarah Chatfield had a super weekend and finished it off with a fantastic 68%+ in the GP freestyle today for first place!” Kane said after the show.

Stoudenmier and Come On III were also back on Sunday, earning a 68.158% in Adult Amateur FEI Prix St. Georges. They finished in fourth place. Kane, Stoudenmier, and Chatfield were proud of the weekend’s results and can’t wait to show again.

To learn more about Devon Kane and her training and lessons operation at Diamante Farms in Wellington, visit DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
devkane@mac.com
210-240-1614

Dressage, JRPR

Devon Kane and Destiny Win FEI Grand Prix Special at Week Three of Adequan Global Dressage Festival

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Devon Kane and Destiny.  (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (January 31, 2014) – Diamante Farms’ Devon Kane and Destiny, the 16.2-hand dark bay Danish warmblood trained personally by Kane, notched another win under their cutaway during Week Three of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, with a 67.843% finish in Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix Special 2014.

The win – and score — continue to cement Kane’s observation that her self-trained Danish-bred (by Diamond Hit, out of a Rubenstein mare) gelding has never yet delivered a performance earning below 65% from judges. Their career began together when Destiny was a green five-year-old and today, the 27-year-old Kane and her 11-year-old mount are standing foursquare on the threshold of Grand Prix greatness.

While establishing herself as one of American dressage’s rising stars, Kane worked for two years with Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt to transform the horse she once called her “dragon” into her Destiny.  Since competing in three national Grand Prix in Florida, she has also received coaching from USEF Developing Coach Debbie McDonald and German trainer, Kevin Kohmann, while also overseeing her own training and lessons operation and riding up to a dozen horses daily at the family’s Diamante Farms in Wellington.

“I have a better relationship than ever with Destiny now. I know 110 percent that he’s going to do what I ask him,” Kane said.  Prior to those summers with Schmidt, Destiny was “hot and a bit special. You didn’t always know that he would do what you wanted him to do.”

But Kane always knew she had a champion at her fingertips:  “He knows he’s super special.”

Those around her think Kane is super special, too. “He (Schmidt) knows when to tell me to push.  He understands a hot horse and the importance of compromise.  At the same time, he makes us a hundred percent accountable. He expects a horse to be on the aids, working for me and with me, without negative tension.  I understand where he’s coming from.”

Kane plans to keep tracking in the right direction, and is making it a priority to return to Germany again this summer.  Until then, her plans for 2014 are to maintain that ideal of consistency in performance she and Destiny have established and qualify for the U.S. National Championships.

“Our next goal is to prove we can ride over 70 percent each time we get in the arena,” Kane said. “Gladstone is in our sights now.”

Diamante Farms of Wellington offers dressage training, board, sales and clinics for riders and horses of all levels.  Learn more at DiamanteFarms.com or by calling 210-240-1614.

Contact Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
devkane@mac.com
210-240-1614