Tag Archives: Diane Creech

Diane Creech and Devon L Take Second in World Cup Qualifier

January 30, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Diane Creech and Devon L perform their freestyle. Photos by Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – January 30, 2014 – Diane Creech and Devon L were on top of their game Friday night at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 CDI-W. Their standout performance earned them a second place finish against tough competition in the Grand Prix Freestyle, a qualifier for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final.

Creech and Devon L, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De Niro-Wibranda, Wolkenstein II) owned by Leatherdale Farms, scored 73.175 percent for their performance under the lights in front of a large crowd.

“I think Devon was fantastic,” Creech said. “I’m totally ecstatic. He was very powerful, and he was still focused on me with the atmosphere. I was very happy with how he handled everything.”

Creech credits Devon L’s owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale, with having the patience to allow him to mature into the top competitor he is today. She noted that he seemed to enjoy the electric atmosphere.

“I love having the audience, and I’m so happy that Devon is getting into it,” she said. “He’s not afraid any more. He just gets excited.”

It was the pair’s second performance of their new freestyle, set to “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities. Creech was thrilled with Devon L’s effort and feels the music is a good fit.

“I think he likes the routine and the music,” she said. “You can really feel how he perks up on the inside, almost like he’s tapping his toe.”

“There are quite a few difficulties in the freestyle, and he answered every question,” she added.

The pair’s excellent execution of the challenging test helped them place well against a top international field. The class of 14 included riders from six countries and horses who have competed around the globe.

Creech also rode Chrevis Christo to excellent scores in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival national show. In just his second show at Intermediaire II, Chrevis Christo, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lavallo-Chrevi’s La Vi, Matador) earned scores of 70.592 and 69.079 percent.

“I was so excited about him,” Creech said. “He’s my young, up-and-coming Grand Prix horse. Mr. and Mrs. Leatherdale bought him, and they are so excited and so happy to have him. We believe that he has a really bright future.”

She said Chrevis Christo has an incredible work ethic and always wants to please.

“He’s sweet and he tries very hard,” she said. “He doesn’t like to make mistakes. He never says no and always wants to keep trying.”

Both Devon L and Chrevis Christo will have some time off to relax and “just be horses” after their successes over the weekend. Next up for Creech is the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 4 National show on Feb. 1-2, where she will compete Diana C and Hallmark 3, both owned by Leatherdale Farms.

About Leatherdale Farms
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Wirth – North America
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +1 561.753.3389 / Fax: +1 561.753.3386
Email: pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Diane Creech and Diana C Make a Perfect Pair

January 21, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Diane Creech and Diana C at the Gold Coast Opener. Photos by Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2014 – Canadian Grand Prix dressage rider Diane Creech and Diana C, Leatherdale Farms’ young Hanoverian mare, are attracting attention not only for their style in the show ring, but also for their matching names.

“People ask me, ‘Did you name the horse after yourself? Are you that conceited?'” Creech laughed. “It’s the name she came with! It’s so funny that it’s not only Diana, but Diana C. She was meant to be, and I’m really excited about having her.”

Creech and Diana C showed they work well as a pair in the mare’s 2014 debut in the show ring on Jan. 18. They earned a score of 67.297 percent to take second place in Fourth Level Test 2 at the Gold Coast Opener national show, held at The Stadium at PBIEC in Wellington, FL.

“I’m ecstatic,” Creech said after her ride. “I just rode her quietly through. There’s a lot more power in there. She’s a very, very special mare. I really love her, and she’ll be something really good.”

Diana C, a bay Hanoverian mare by Leatherdale Farms’ stallion Damsey, will turn 7 this year. Doug and Louise Leatherdale purchased Diana C after seeing her in Germany in 2010 at the prestigious Herwart von der Decken-Show, where she was named champion dressage mare. Creech has been training the mare for about a year.

Diana C has competed lightly thus far, so the Gold Coast Opener was a good opportunity for her to gain some experience. Creech was impressed with how well the young mare handled the atmosphere and the challenge of shipping in to compete at an unfamiliar venue.

“I’m really glad that she stayed focused and with me,” Creech said. “That was my main goal. I know she can do all the movements – that is not a problem for her. So all I wanted was for her to come out here and be happy and relaxed, stay focused and stay with me. She was super. I’m very excited about her.”

“I know Doug and Louise [Leatherdale] will be too,” she added.

Creech plans to keep working at Fourth Level with Diana C and give her time to get completely comfortable before moving up.

“She’s still so young,” she said. “We’ll work on making her stronger and confirming where she’s at now. Once she’s really confirmed in that kind of work, going into the small tour is not going to be hard for her. It’s just taking her to shows and getting some experience.”

Creech also rode Hallmark 3 in his Intermediaire II debut at the Gold Coast Opener. The pair earned a score of 66.382 percent and finished fourth in a large FEI Test of Choice class. Hallmark 3, who will turn 10 this year, is a black Hanoverian gelding by the Leatherdales’ late stallion, His Highness.

“It was very exciting to ride him in his first Intermediaire II,” Creech said. “He did some beautiful work. He was a happy, good boy.”

She said the pirouettes and half-passes were highlights for Hallmark 3, and she was pleased with his positive effort in stepping up a level.

“I don’t want to push him too early to get into the Grand Prix,” Creech said. “I like the Intermediaire II test and it’s a good challenge for him. He’ll be a great Grand Prix horse.”

Creech will continue competing her lineup of top horses owned by Leatherdale Farms throughout the show season in Wellington.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Wirth – North America
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +1 561.753.3389 / Fax: +1 561.753.3386
Email: pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Diane Creech Makes Strong Debut in Wellington Season Opener

January 18, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Diane Creech and Devon L in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 1 CDI-W. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – January 17, 2014 – Canadian Grand Prix dressage rider Diane Creech was pleased with the two horses she brought out at the start of the 2014 show season for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 1 CDI-W, sponsored by MTICA Farm and Everglades Dressage.

Devon L, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De Niro X Wilbranda X Wolkenstein II), placed fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday night with a 72.300 percent and earned a 65.880 percent in the Grand Prix on Thursday.

Chrevis Christo, a 11-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lavallo X Chrevi’s La Vi X Natador), earned the blue ribbon and a red ribbon in his entrée to the Intermediaire II level at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 1 National Show. Both horses are owned by Doug and Louise Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms.

Creech and Devon L unveiled a technically difficult freestyle Friday night with new music and choreography created by Karen Robinson.

“He was quite spectacular,” Creech said. “It was a beautiful, big atmosphere. Devon is starting to like the freestyle. He really gets into it now. I took very calculated risks on the movement and it all paid out. He was really with me and, with the difficulty built into the pattern, it was very well executed.”

She was pleased with the electric atmosphere and the large crowd at the first Friday night freestyle. She was especially grateful to her local friends who came to support her.

“After x/halt/salute, they were yelling and screaming and so happy for me,” she said. “It’s really cool to have friends here. I don’t see them all year, but they all come.”

*Diane Creech and Devon L. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge*

Her fan club will be there en force when she rides Devon L in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 CDI-W later this month. She has mapped out a training strategy for the show including studying the video of her freestyle, focusing on where she can make things better and visualizing the test.

“It’s a very good training tool to visualize,” she said. “You can’t keep riding the horse through the freestyle, so you visualize it. Then, you ride it and improve it.”

She was also pleased with Chrevis Christo’s debut in his first Intermediaire II.

“It was his first show since last summer,” she said. “He’s ready to be at the level. He just needs a bit more mileage and a bit more experience, but he’s the real thing!”

Creech and her trainer, Lars Petersen, brought the horse up through the levels and they are looking forward to watching him develop. Petersen intently watches her competition and rides every stride from the ground.

“He is an incredible trainer and person,” she said. “It is wonderful to work with him because he’s engaged and enthusiastic.”

Essential to the team are the horse owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms. Creech said she sent them the videos of her rides and they were ecstatic over the outcome and the progress the horses have made.

“Without them I wouldn’t be anywhere,” she said. “They are the first ones after the show to congratulate me.”

Creech plans to show two other Leatherdale Farms horses this weekend at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI*: Hallmark 3, a 10-year-old Hanoverian by the Leatherdales’ late stallion, His Highness, and Diana C, a 7-year-old mare by the Leatherdales’ top Hanoverian stallion, Damsey. She finds the frequent shows in the Wellington area make it ideal for her to compete her horses and then give them a rest before they begin again.

‘They all get to have their turns and have the experience and then get a break and then go out and do it again,” she said.

“The horses always come first,” she said about Team Leatherdale/Creech/Petersen. “It’s really teamwork and I’m so fortunate to be part of the partnership between all of us.”

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Wirth – North America
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +1 561.753.3389 / Fax: +1 561.753.3386
Email: pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Dressage

Diane Creech and Devon L Takes the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup

November 10, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Creech said Devon L performed with power and focus. Photos by Ben Radvanyi.

Toronto, ON – November 10, 2013 – Diane Creech of Caistor Centre, Ontario, and Devon L, a 13-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Louise and Doug Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, put in nearly flawless performances in the Grand Prix and the Freestyle to earn the pair the win of the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario.

“The Royal is the highlight for all of our Canadian riders,” said Creech. “Being invited is already very special. Only the top four riders get to go. We already felt honored to be there, but to win is like a dream come true. It makes us very proud.”

Creech and Devon L finished second to David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital in the Grand Prix on Wednesday, Nov. 6, where they scored 67.801 percent to begin the show on a strong note. The following night, Creech and Devon L took it up another notch. The pair’s outstanding freestyle effort earned them a score of 75.417 percent, giving them a clear lead over second-placed Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital (72.917 percent) and securing the win of the coveted Canadian prize.

“Devon was spectacular in the ring; he had all the power but stayed focused,” Creech said. “I was so proud of him because the atmosphere was electric. Afterwards, I was so happy to call Doug and Louise who were unable to attend. I am so grateful to them for supporting me and having the trust in Devon.”

Spectators clapped and cheered as Creech piloted Devon through their freestyle to a soundtrack assembled by Karen Robinson. Creech shared that her coach, Lars Petersen, told her that Devon had so much presence during their freestyle that it gave him goose bumps.

“Diane’s horse was wonderful,” said Elizabeth McMullen, who judged the famed Canadian competition at ‘C’. “Lots of power, lots of rhythm. The horse really makes you sit up and pay attention. He’s just lovely.”

Devon L is by De Niro x EM Wibranda by Wolkenstein II. The pair placed second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the Saugerties CDI-W in August. They had equally impressive results during the 2013 winter season in Wellington, FL, where they will compete again this coming season and debut a new freestyle designed by Robinson.

“As a Canadian, this is a very big deal,” said Doug Leatherdale about the win for Creech and Devon L. “We purchased his dam from our friend, Hans-Henning von der Decken, with Devon in-utero and shipped her to our farm in Minnesota, where he was born. We raised him and gave him to Diane to train. We couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Carrie Wirth and Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Diane Creech and Devon L to Compete at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto

November 6, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Diane Creech and Leatherdale Farms’ Devon L. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Wellington, FL – November 5, 2013 – Diane Creech from Caistor Centre, Ontario, will go head-to-head against fellow Canadians in search of the Royal Dressage Championship at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Creech and Devon L, a 13-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Louise and Doug Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, will compete in the Grand Prix Wednesday, Nov. 6, and the Grand Prix Freestyle Thursday, Nov. 7, in hopes of winning the $20,000 Royal Invitational.

“It’s the biggest indoor show in North America,” Creech said. “One of the highlights of the show is the Grand Prix class. The top Canadians in the World Rankings are invited. It’s an important show for Canadian dressage.”

Devon L (by De Niro x EM Wibranda by Wolkenstein II) placed second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the Saugerties CDI-W in August. He had equally impressive results during the 2013 winter season in Wellington, FL. The Leatherdales bred Devon L and have been there every step of the way.

“Doug and Louise have been such great supporters,” Creech said. “They’ve been so wonderful while Devon matures. And I am so, so happy and pleased with how he’s developing.”

According to Creech, the Leatherdales really enjoy the whole process of developing a Grand Prix horse, rather than going out and purchasing one. They prefer the journey and love the challenge, and they are committed. Creech shared that when Devon L was born, Doug Leatherdale joked, “Both his sire and his dam were black and out came this redhead!”

“He’s a very, very talented horse,” Creech explained. “Nothing is very hard for him. With several seasons competing in Florida under his belt, he’s coming into his own. He’s one of those horses who is so close to being a genius and he’s becoming more confident all the time.”

Creech continued, “We were honored to be invited to the Royal Winter Show several years in a row. I think that he’s prepared and ready to prove himself.”

About The Royal Invitational Dressage Cup Grand Prix
The Royal Invitational Dressage Cup Grand Prix will be held at 3:50 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and the Grand Prix Freestyle at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The awards ceremony will be at 9:35 p.m. on Thursday. You can watch it live on demand at http://www.todocast.tv/rmpictures/royalfair2013free/. Results are available at http://royal.showmanagementsystem.com.

About The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show and runs Nov. 1-10 in the Direct Energy Centre and Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. This year’s Royal Horse Show will also feature performances by Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia, and her nine Arabian horses at Liberty, performing Nov. 6-9. Visit www.royalfair.org for more information.

About Leatherdale Farms
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensing stallions all based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M), the Trakehner Herzensdieb (Tambour), and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Dressage Radio Episode 113 – Diane Creech & Young Reporter Koryn Staehling

July 22, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Canadian Diane Creech is collecting blue ribbons both north and south of the border so Chris caught up with her to find out the secret of her success. Our first Young Reporter Koryn Staehling tells us about the Kids 4 Dressage Festival that was hosted by Lendon Gray. Plus, we welcome a new sponsor, HorseShow.com. Listen in…

Dressage Radio Episode 113 – Show Notes and Links:

Host: Chris Stafford – follow Chris on Twitter
Photo: Diane Creech by www.DressageDaily.com.
Guest: Diane Creech
Guest: Young Reporter Koryn Staehling about www.dressage4kids.com
Link: Listen to all the HRN shows on the Hallway Feeds iPhone App.
Link: Click here for the trial offer: www.audibletrial.com/hrn
Please follow us on Facebook.
Follow Horse Radio Network on Twitter.

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Tag Archives: Diane Creech

Diane Creech and Devon L Take Second in World Cup Qualifier

Diane Creech and Diana C Make a Perfect Pair

Diane Creech Makes Strong Debut in Wellington Season Opener

Diane Creech and Devon L Takes the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup

Diane Creech and Devon L to Compete at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto

Dressage Radio Episode 113 – Diane Creech & Young Reporter Koryn Staehling

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