Albuquerque, NM – While the snow flies across much of the country, the coveted winter dressage season began in earnest during the Gold Coast Opener Festival CDI in Florida. On the scene for the first time as a duo were Olympic medalist Lisa Wilcox and 2009 FEI 6-Year-Old National Champion Pikko del Cerro HU. There, they showed the crowd how camaraderie, talent and the fundamentals of proper training produce success.

Competing in their first USEF Developing Horse test, Wilcox and Cerro received a 68.67%, taking home the blue ribbon. This was quite an accomplishment for the pair who had only practiced the entire test three times prior to their win. This is only the first step on a successful path that they hope will include the National Developing Horse Championships and the Pan-American Games. For some, the new partnership might come as a surprise. But for those close to the team who watched the expressive Hanoverian stallion win numerous titles under former rider Mikala Gundersen, this transition is no curveball.

“I’m not a U.S. citizen and cannot ride in the Developing Horse classes,” explained Danish team rider Gundersen.  “Cerro is one of the most successful U.S.-bred dressage horses today, and I thought it was important for him to continue in the Young Horse program.” This camaraderie and generosity is something that many in the sport would commend.

For Anne Sparks, Pikko del Cerro’s breeder and owner, this is yet another demonstration of Gundersens’ character.  “Mikala approached me and suggested that Lisa take over Cerro’s ride. She believed it might be the better thing for me as the breeder,” said Sparks. “That’s what I love about Mikala. She does what is right and wanted to do what was right for my horse and me.”

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