Wellington, FL – February 12, 2017 – Week five of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) concluded competition on Sunday, February 12, with a win for Diana Porsche (AUT) and mount Di Sandro in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 16-25 CDIU25, presented by Diamante Farms.
Diana Porsche and Di Sandro, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (De Niro x Gentina x Sandro) owned by Porsche, rose to the top of the leaderboard in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 16-25 CDIU25, presented by Diamante Farms, with a score of 74.875%.
“Di Sandro was really good today; I think we had a lot of highlights in today’s ride,” said Porsche. “It was a difficult freestyle and we are not used to the warm weather, but I am super happy about the points and about the results.”
Porsche and Di Sandro are currently ranked at number one on the FEI Youth Dressage World Ranking List – U25.
Of her goals, Porsche noted, “I would like to finish my season here at AGDF with good results, and I hope to qualify for the European Championships in the U25 tour for Austria. After that, we will see what the future brings!”
Coming in second to Porsche was Mathilde Blais Tetreault (CAN) and Utah, a 2001 KWPN gelding (by Jazz) owned by Tetreault, with a score of 70.850%. Third place was captured byKaitlin Blythe (USA), who rode Don Principe, a 1999 Hanoverian stallion (Donnerhall x SPS Papagena x Prince Thatch xx) owned by Maryanna Haymon, to a 68.925%.
Earlier in the day, Katriana Sadis (USA) and Zeplim, a 2004 Lusitano gelding (Ribamar x Sereia) owned by Sadis, were the champions of the FEI Young Rider Freestyle CDIY, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, earning a score of 71.875%.
“He was surprisingly hot today!” revealed Sadis. “Usually he’s a really cool dude, but luckily I had some time to get him settled in the ring and then he was right there with me for the whole test. We have a really difficult freestyle; my coach Nicholas Fyffe made it for me. We tried to make it more challenging because I don’t have the biggest moving horse, so you really have to ride to get the points.”
Sadis began competing in the main Global Arena at AGDF in 2014, where she moved up the levels from the FEI Pony to the FEI Juniors and then to FEI Young Riders classes.
Regarding her future goals with Zeplim, Sadis commented, “I think I’m going to do Young Riders again this year with him. My end goal with this horse is to get him to the U25 Grand Prix, so I’m going to continue to work towards that.”
Codi Harrison (USA) and Katholts Bossco, a 2007 Danish Warmblood gelding (Blue Hors Don Schufro x Katholts Farceur x Michellino) owned by Harrison, placed second with a 67.725%. Third place was given to Camille Carier Bergeron (CAN) and Expression, a Westfalen gelding owned by Bergeron, with a score of 67.625%.
Competition at AGDF will resume with a full schedule of classes, including CDI-W competition presented by The Axel Johnson Group, and FEI Small Tour classes, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center, on February 23-26. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
Wellington, FL – February 11, 2017 – Week five at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival concluded its fourth day of competition on Saturday, February 11, with another win for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Horizon in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Engel & Völkers.
Adrienne Lyle and Horizon, a 2007 Hanoverian mare (Hotline x Don Schufro) owned by Elizabeth Juliano, took home another victory, this time in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a score of 75.325%.
“That was my first freestyle ever with her,” Lyle revealed. “We actually just kind of pulled this together last minute. I wasn’t aware that when we entered we also had to have a freestyle, so once we got here to the show I called some friends and Katherine Bateson Chandler lent me an old freestyle of hers. This was the first time I’ve actually ridden through the whole thing. I was really happy and Horizon was really good and stayed right with me and was there for me, despite winging it.”
Lyle and Horizon were also winners of the FEI Intermediaire 1, presented by Engel & Völkers, in Friday’s competition.
Lyle has spent the past few years out of the international competition ring. Commenting on her return, she said, “I’ve been really missing it. It feels really good to get back out there.”
Olympic Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters and Bailarino, a 2008 Oldenburg gelding (Breitling x Schila x De Niro) owned by Four Winds Farm, placed second with a score of 75.100%.
Steffen Peters and Bailarino
“I was very happy with Bailarino. Like I said before, he is not the most motivated horse and for the third day, he still had to work a lot, but he did his job. We had one short change in the three tempis, and that was the difference between the first and second placing.”
Peters joked, “I asked Adrienne to take it easy on me. I even pulled the age card since I’m twice her age, but it obviously didn’t work!”
Placing third in the FEI I-1 Freestyle, was Jane Cleveland (USA) and Monique, a 2009 Danish Warmblood mare (Temptation x Kaprice x Matador) owned by Cleveland, with a 72.750%.
Earlier in the day, Diana Porsche (USA) and Di Sandro, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (De Niro x Gentina x Sandro) owned by Porsche, won the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 CDIU 25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, with a score of 71.535%. Second place was awarded to Anna Buffini (USA) and Sundayboy, a 1999 KWPN/Oldenburg gelding (Kennedy x Eezelma) owned by Buffini, with a score of 69.651%. Mathilde Blais Tetreault (CAN) and Utah rounded out the top three with a 65.907%.
Wellington, FL – February 10, 2017 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades captured another stunning victory in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, on Friday, February 10, during the fifth week of competition at the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, FL.
2016 Olympic Bronze Medalists Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda) owned by Graves, dominated in the Global Arena once again this week, coming out on top of the competition with a winning score of 82.000%.
“We are preparing for FEI World Cup Finals and even though we don’t have an indoor environment to do that,” Graves said, “we have this awesome Adequan® Global Dressage Festival to pack on Friday nights and still get a huge atmosphere for our horses and to practice in, and that is a very lucky thing to have here.”
This was Graves and Verdades’ first win in an FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* competition.
On her ride, Graves said, “The adrenaline is so high when you come out of the arena. You’re so in the moment that when it’s over, you kind of think, ‘What just happened?’ But he was great. He really feeds off of the atmosphere. He’s a highly sensitive horse, and he never lets me down.”
Placing second to Graves in in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* was Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE) and Paridon Magi, a 2003 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Don Primero x Napoli x Napoleon 625) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, with a score of 77.450%.
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Paridon Magi
“I was pleased today with the feeling of Magi,” said Vilhelmson Silfven. “He had a super warm-up and I think that when you get into this arena with this atmosphere, it’s just fun to ride. I had some small mistakes, but a very nice feeling, so overall I’m very pleased.”
2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, a 2007 Rhinelander mare (Rock Forever x First Lady) owned by Four Winds Farm, took third place with a 77.325%.
“I had a different strategy today,” Peters said of his changed routine from Thursday. “This morning I worked her (Rosamunde) for about 45 minutes, and I walked her around all day. I had my doubts after yesterday’s Grand Prix if she could handle an atmosphere like she would have to at the FEI World Cup [Finals], and tonight she proved that she might have the potential to qualify. I’m super happy. There was one 80 already in there. She had a clean test that was much more relaxed then the Grand Prix, and in this atmosphere, I’m stoked.”
Devon Kane spoke on behalf of Diamante Farms, one of the founding sponsors of AGDF.
“We are very, very grateful for the riders who show up and for the owners who send the riders and everything in between that make this show so special,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for us. We feel very blessed and privileged to be able to sponsor here. It’s pretty phenomenal.”
Judge Gary Rockwell spoke about the CDI 5* competition in Florida.
“I think it’s a huge thing for this spot and for all of Florida, and it’s attracting the best horses we have,” he said. “It’s fun to see these horses and riders progressing and getting better and better. We enjoy judging it. When the horses are good and the quality is good, the judging is easy.”
A ceremony was also held Friday night to celebrate the official retirement of Lars Petersen’s (DEN) Grand Prix mount, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, Mariett, owned by Marcia Pepper.
Ken Braddick of dressage-news.com awarded Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades a special brow band to signify their induction into the “80% Club,” after her win in Thursday’s FEI CDI 5* Grand Prix. The victory puts her alongside U.S. Olympic teammate Steffen Peters as a member of the “Club,” which counts only 15 riders in the world as members.
Earlier in the day, 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalists Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet, a 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa x Olympic Ferro) owned by Diane Perry, won the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, with a 73.569%.
“I had a little bit of a rough start with my Grand Prix, so to come back and to ride an almost clean test was good. I’m holding onto this winning cooler very tightly, because I’ve wanted one so badly!” Perry-Glass joked.
“We definitely improved the extended trot,” said Perry-Glass of her freestyle test. “We did not break this time, and I felt like I was able to call up a little more power from him today. We had a few connection issues in the half-pass, but that’s just something that we are always working on with him. He has really good piaffe and passage, and I felt like he was pretty honest with that today.”
Second place was awarded to 2016 Olympic reserves, Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I) owned by Patricia Stempel, with a score of 73.255%.
Francis commented, “I made a point with the cooler weather to ask for a little bit more and for him to be a little perkier because yesterday he was a little blah. He felt a lot better today. We had a few little moments like with the one [tempis] where we could have covered a little more ground, but it was nice and steady so I just left it alone.”
Lisa Wilcox (USA) and mount, Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Escuro x Bellisima) owned by Jacqueline Shear, rounded out the top three with a 72.196%.
“What I’m going for right now are just mistake free tests,” said Wilcox. “There are so many more years on that horse that I don’t want to push too much right now and end up with mistakes that intimidate him. I want him to go in, really enjoy that arena, feel confident, feel successful, and then I think toward the end of the season I can start to power him up in there. I think just that gear alone is pretty nice to ride. I see a lot of fun in the future.”
The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, was won by Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Nintendo, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco) owned by Kastel Denmark, with a score of 73.075%.
Commenting on her freestyle, Jorst said, “I was very excited to be back out there. I haven’t ridden that freestyle since the FEI World Cup [Finals]. It felt really great to get back out and get Nintendo back out there. He loves his freestyle and loves this music, and so do I, so it’s always a highlight for us to get to do it.”
Continuing the USA sweep were second place finishers Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Lonoir, a 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding (De Noir x Lorani x Loran) owned by LaGoy-Weltz, with a 72.950%.
Explaining her choice in music for her freestyle “Ain’t Misbehavin”, LaGoy-Weltz said, “I liked the genre, and it kind of swings to him. We used similar music in the small tour – it was based off of that – so we just upgraded that to start out with for him, since it’s familiar and he goes well to it.”
Third place was awarded to Dawn White-O’Connor and her new dancing partner, Steffen Peters’ Olympic mount Legolas 92, a 2002 Westfalen gelding (Laomedon x Furstin x Florenstan II) owned by Four Winds Farm. They received a score of 72.850%.
“He (Legolas 92) was really good in there today,” said White-O’Connor. “He was really relaxed, so I was happy with that. Sometimes that’s not always the case, but he was really good about it. There were a couple miscommunications because he knows that freestyle really well. There were a few places where he would start a little before or after me, but that’s just some stuff that we have to work out in getting to know each other.”
Wellington, FL – February 9, 2017 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades climbed to the top of the leaderboard in Thursday’s FEI Grand Prix CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, during the fifth week of competition at the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, FL.
2016 Olympic Bronze Medalists Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda) owned by Graves, ended their day with a winning score of 80.080%.
“This is pretty monumental for us,” said Graves. “We’ve been working at 80% in every test for a while now, probably since our first year at Grand Prix. Knowing what was possible with this horse and to be rewarded today while still feeling like I may have some improvements left, it’s encouraging to have the judging panel be generous and my horse be so generous, and for us to have such a great show to come out and compete at.”
The score was Graves’ first one above 80% in a FEI CDI 5* Grand Prix, putting her alongside U.S. Olympic teammate Steffen Peters as a member of the “80% Club,” which counts only 14 riders in the world as members.
Placing second to Graves in in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* was fellow 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, a 2007 Rhinelander mare (Rock Forever x First Lady) owned by Four Winds Farm. They scored 73.820%.
“I had a very electric horse under me today, so the first halt was certainly a reflection of that,” said Peters. “Overall I have to say that there were lots of things that felt absolutely wonderful. Sometimes she can be a bit unsteady in the bridle, and she was just perfect in the connection today.”
Steffen Peters and Rosamunde
He continued, “It’s taking time with ‘Rosie’. She is ten and is still a firecracker – nothing different than with Legolas when he was ten. Horses at that age, they need to have the spark to be brilliant later. She is super honest and is a bit of an overachiever. It’s now about the exposure for her.”
Third place was awarded to Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE) and Paridon Magi, a 2003 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Don Primero x Napoli x Napoleon 625) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, with a score of 73.700%.
Vilhelmson Silfven commented on her ride, “I was very happy with Magi today. He ran a little out of gas. Maybe I warmed him up a little too long, but overall he’s so ambitious and tries to do his best every time.
“I must also say, when Laura got her 80%, I got goose bumps,” Vilhelmson Silfven added. “It’s a cool thing to have. I was really happy [for her]. It was my best memory from today.”
Earlier in the day, Steffen Peters (USA) and Bailarino, a 2008 Oldenburg gelding (Breitling x Schila x De Niro) owned by Four Winds Farm, captured a win in the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a score of 72.719%.
Coming in second place was Jane Cleveland (USA) and Monique, a 2009 Danish Warmblood Mare (Temptation x Kaprice x Matador) owned by Cleveland, with a score of 71.886%. Third place was awarded to Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Horizon, a 2007 Hanoverian mare (Hotline x Don Schufro) owned by Elizabeth Juliano, with a 70.482%.
The FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, was won by Chase Hickok (USA) and Sagacious HF, a 1999 KWPN gelding (Welt Hit II x Judith x Cocktail) owned by Hyperion Farm Inc., with a score of 71.667%.
Second place was awarded to Megan Lane (CAN) and San D’Or, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (De Niro x Rosana M x Regazonni) owned by Jill Irving, with a 70.647%. Placing third was Susan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion (Dancier x Descana x Don Davidoff) owned by Harmony Sporthorses, with 70.608%.
“This is our first year jumping up into the Open Grand Prix,” said Hickok. “We were trying to make sure that he stayed really calm and relaxed, and then today we kind of added a little more jazz and a little more excitement, and I think the score really reflected that.”
After competing at Devon last fall, the pair took some time off to work on preparation for the bigger classes.
Hickok commented, “Every time he comes out, he gets better and better, and I’m stepping up to the plate a little bit. It’s wonderful to have a horse like that, one that can show you the ropes through the U25 and now the Open Grand Prix. He’s just the best competitor you could hope for.”
Wellington, FL – February 8, 2017 – Week five kicked off at the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) with a win for Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Nintendo in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty.
Clinching a victory in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, was Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco) owned by Kastel Denmark, with a score of 71.300%.
Commenting on her ride, Jorst said, “Nintendo just felt so good today. Even in the warm-up he felt so together, and so ready to go. I think that having had a little bit of a break (last weekend) was really nice for him. He was just ready, and I thought we had a really nice test.”
“I don’t actually know what I’m going to do yet,” said Jorst of her freestyle test that she and Kastel’s Nintendo will perform on Friday. “I have new music that I was going to ride through, but I just got it this morning. I’m torn as to whether or not I should do that. It has a little bit of a higher degree of difficulty and a much more fun floor plan for me. I don’t know if I will do that, or stick with my old music. It’s completely up in the air!”
Placing second was Susan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion (Dancier x Descana x Don Davidoff) owned by Harmony Sporthorses, with a 70.880%. Third place was awarded to Dawn White-O’Connor (USA), and Legolas 92, a 2002 Westfalen gelding (Laomedon x Furstin x Florenstan II) owned by Four Winds Farm, with a score of 70.560%.
Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Wellington, FL (February 3, 2017) – International Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Katherine Bateson-Chandler has made a powerful comeback with her primary dressage partner, Alcazar (known to Bateson-Chandler as “Lonzie”), at the 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The duo had much to celebrate after completing their first ride this year at the Adequan Global Dressage festival, where they achieved a personal best score of 71.88 percent in the CDI-W Grand Prix. This was their first time competing together since Alcazar underwent colic surgery in July while the two were in Aachen, Germany to compete in the 2016 World Equestrian Festival CHIO.
Tears of joy mixed with a smile for Bateson-Chandler as the pair exited the show ring together after completing their Grand Prix ride. “I was so happy with him and how enthusiastic he felt about being back at a competition,” Bateson-Chandler remarked. “This was a very special show for Lonzie and me. It is almost six months to the day since he was going into surgery for colic. I’m over the moon to have him back in the ring!”
Last July, Alcazar, a handsome, dark bay Dutch gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark, suffered from colic after the pair completed their Grand Prix ride at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen. Alcazar underwent a successful colic surgery, and the two have been working patiently towards his recovery and rehabilitation since.
“We have tried to do his whole rehabilitation exactly by the book, and really after the first few very scary days he has rallied all the way. I actually kept feeling like I was holding him back a bit for his own good as he kept saying, ‘let me do more!’”
Bateson-Chandler’s long partnership with Alcazar (Contango x Polin, Ferro) began in 2012 when Forbes Clark bought the seven-year-old gelding (who had competed in the prestigious Pavo Cup as a young horse) for Bateson-Chandler to train to Grand Prix level.
“My biggest goal for the 2017 season is to keep Alcazar happy, fit, and healthy,” Bateson-Chandler said. “Beyond that, we would love to qualify for our National championships at Gladstone, which holds a very special place in my heart. Then we will head to Europe to compete in some carefully chosen international competitions, including – I hope – some Nations Cups. We will go back to be based at Carl Hester’s, as we have for the past eight years.”
Bateson-Chandler trains with U.S. Olympian Debbie McDonald during the winter months in Florida. In the summer, she and her horses travel to the United Kingdom to compete and train with British Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hester.
Bateson-Chandler’s love of horses and passion for the sport of dressage began at the early age of sixteen, when she started working as a groom for Olympian (and now U.S. team coach) Robert Dover. Patience, dedication, and hard work have been distinctive hallmarks of her career, as she gained invaluable experience accompanying Dover to two World Championships and two Olympic Games, and eventually worked her way up to be his assistant trainer. Upon Dover’s retirement from competition in 2005, she took over the ride on his horses.
Bateson-Chandler’s many successes over the years include being a member of the 2016 Gold Medal Dutta Corp. U.S. Team at the FEI Nations Cup, and being part of Team USA at the 2016 CDIO3* Odense Nations Cup in Denmark. In 2010, riding Nartan, she represented the U.S at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. The team finished fourth and, individually, she and Nartan qualified for the Grand Prix Special. She is now vying for a spot on the U.S. team at the World Equestrian Games to be held in Tryon, North Carolina, in 2018.
Today, through her business KBC Dressage, Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services where her international experience ensures that students and horses have the competitive edge necessary for success in the dressage ring. She also offers dressage prospect selection for clients. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit her on Facebook and on the web at www.kbcdressage.com.
Para Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki talks about shoulder in.
Wellington, FL – January 28, 2017 – Following a successful Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington, Florida, FEI 3* Dressage and FEI 4* Para Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki conducted an international Para-Dressage Symposium in Collaboration with U.S. Technical Advisor Kai Handt. The symposium ran over three days January 22-24, 2017, and it included demonstration rides of the new tests given by top level Dressage riders. The focus of the symposium was to talk about and work on technical aspects of the FEI tests that were recently released. Kristi Wysocki was able to give her recent experience judging the new tests at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* and explain to the riders what they should aim for in each Para-Dressage Grade. Kai Handt worked with the riders and spoke to them about horse preparation and expectations in the ring. The format of the symposium included both riding intensive and sit down discussions.
Each FEI Para-Dressage Grade Test was demonstrated by top Dressage athletes those included Shelly Francis, Noel Williams, Rebecca Waite, Roz Kinstler, and Jessica Rhinelandar. During the Grade V test demonstration by Grand Prix rider Noel Williams with horse Caprice, owned by Hampton Meadows Farm, Wysocki spoke about the importance of geometry.
“It’s important to make sure your geometry is perfect,” stated Wysocki. “If you don’t get the geometry correct you get in trouble with balance and gait. If you know a particular movement is difficult for your horse, you can use certain preparations or movements on the geometry to get the best score.”
She also spoke about transitions. “Don’t throw your transition score away. Even if you have trouble in the lengthening, for example, make sure the transition is done well.”
Hope Hand, President of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, was happy with both the CPEDI3* and the participation at the symposium. Hand acknowledged, “I want to thank all those involved with both the CPEDI3* and the symposium. That includes the riders and support staff; Judges President Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Anne Prain (FRA); Show management, Thomas Baur, Monica Fitzgerald; Sponsors Mission Control and Mane Stream, Rowan O’Reilly; Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt; USEF Discipline Director Laureen Johnson; USEF; and USPEA.”
She continued, “Even with low entries, this event jump started the season off with great enthusiasm and hope for a fantastic year heading into The World Equestrian Games. The January show is a good way for our Developing Riders to get their feet wet and they did just that with promising scores that met the first step of WEG qualifications. I am excited to see new horse rider combinations coming up the ranks. I look forward to seeing our riders return in March.”
The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* in Wellington, Florida is scheduled for March 9-12, 2017 at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.
Wellington, FL – January 29, 2017 – Jaimey Irwin (CAN) and Donegal V captured another win on Sunday in the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, on the final day of week three, presented by U.S. PRE Association, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).
Week three concluded with a win for Jaimey Irwin (CAN) and Donegal V, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Johnston x Remy x Gribaldi) owned by Team Irwin Supporters Group, in the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with a score of 75.475%.
“He felt like he was dancing with the music which was a lot of fun, and I was really happy with him overall,” said Irwin of Donegal V and his ‘80s inspired Freestyle ride. “He felt really good today. I thought that it was a really nice ride.”
The pair earned another victory earlier in the week in the FEI Prix St. Georges – CDI 1*, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute.
Commenting on Donegal V’s future, Irwin said, “I’d like to do a few more of the small tour competitions this season, but he’s training and working toward the Grand Prix so ideally I’d like to try I-2 and then maybe Grand Prix at some point at the end of the season.”
Coming in second to Irwin was Nicole Levy (USA) and Floratina, a 2008 Hanoverian mare by Fidertantz, owned by Kate Sanders, with a score of 71.400%. Third place was awarded to Kathy Priest (USA) and Fredensdals Zig Zag, a 2008 Danish Warmblood gelding (Blue Hors Zack x Kristiansmindes Elektra xBlue Hors Don Scherzo) owned by Priest, with a score of 70.275%.
Later in the day Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Finally Love, a 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Farewell III x Winzerin x Harvard) owned by Stumpf, captured a win in the FEI Grand Prix for Adult Amateur – CDI AM, with a score of 63.980%. The FEI Young Rider Freestyle – CDIY, sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas, was won by Alexandra Meghji (CAN) and Rigo, a 2001 Hanoverian gelding (Rotspon x Winnepeg x Weltmeyer) owned byDiana Belevsky, with a score of 68.708%. Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP) and Rihanna Ymas, a 2008 Brandenburger mare (Relius x Akira x Akzento) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., saw victory in the FEI Junior Rider Freestyle – CDIJ, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, with a score of 71.167%.
Competition at AGDF resumes February 9-12 with the CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms; CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty; and CDI 1*, presented by Engel & Völkers. Next week at the AGDF show grounds, the $100,000 Land Rover Wellington Eventing Showcase will take place on February 3-4. For more information on that event, visit www.PBIEC.com. For more information and to see a full list of results from AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
Wellington, FL – January 28, 2017 – Victory was awarded to Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Nintendo on Saturday in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).
Clinching the win in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, was Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco) owned by Kastel Denmark, with a score of 72.941%.
“I don’t think I ever realized that it was this difficult. It’s been such a journey for me for so many years,” said Jorst of her decision to compete at the international level. “I was working and working, and I knew that I needed to do something. I turned 48 and I sold my company, and I set out to do this crazy thing. It is totally my passion.”
Commenting on Nintendo, Jorst said, “My favorite thing about him is his spirit. He just goes and goes. All of those years when I made mistakes, and I didn’t really know what I was doing, he just kept on going and kept trying to figure out what I was trying to ask of him. He still does that all of the time, and he is such a pal in the ring for me.”
Placing second was Suzan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion (Dancier x Descana x Don Davidoff) owned by Harmony Sporthorses, with a score of 71.980%. Third place was awarded to Juan Matute Guimon (ESP) and Quantico Ymas, a 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Fighting Fit x Hauptstutbuch) owned by Juan F Matute, with a score of 70.588%.
Earlier in the day Patricia Koschel (GER) and Leuchtfeuer DE, a 2003 Hanoverian gelding (Londonderry x Duene x De Niro) owned by Koschel, captured a win in the FEI Intermediate A for Amateur – CDI AM, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, with a score of 65.056%. The FEI Intermediate II for Amateur – CDI AM was won by Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Finally Love, a 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Farewell III x Winzerin x Harvard) owned by Stumpf, with a score of 67.842%. Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Stereo Love, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Sandro Hit x Lanzarote x Londonderry) owned by Stumpf, saw their second victory of the day in the FEI Prix St. Georges for Amateur – CDI AM, sponsored by Rowan O’Riley and Mane Stream, with a score of 68.105%. The win in the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 – CDI U25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, was awarded to Juan Matute Guimon (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Don Crusador x Welina) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 66.558%.
Wellington, FL – January 27, 2017 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades, 2016 Rio Olympic Games bronze medalists, took their second victory gallop of the 2017 season in the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by U.S. PRE Association, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) on Friday.
Laura Graves (USA) and her 2016 Rio Olympic Games mount, Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda) owned by Graves, topped the leader board once again, with a show stopping performance and a score of 80.728%.
Graves’ and Verdades’ performance marks the sixth time that a score of 80% or above has been recorded at AGDF, and the pair holds three of those scores.
“This horse has a heart of gold, and he loves to come out here. There is nothing that I can really take credit for. I’d like to say that he was born this way and maybe I’ve nurtured it or not taken it out of him, but he’s just a magical character,” said Graves, who also won the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, as well as Friday night’s Owner and Groom Awards.
Of her ride and her time back at AGDF, she commented, “It certainly feels good to start the season on an 80%. That’s been our goal by the end of a lot of our previous seasons, so that’s great. It just feels so good to be back here at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. I’ve ridden in a lot of stadiums now, and there is nothing compared to this.”
The second place finish of the night was awarded to Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén (SWE) and her mount Paridon Magi, a 2003 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Don Primero x Napoli x Napoleon 625) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, with a 77.517%.
Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Paridon Magi
“I was very pleased with Magi today. I just wanted to make sure the judges were awake, so I drifted a little from my floor plan in the beginning to scare them a bit,” she joked. “Because of that I couldn’t get the highest grade myself, but the horse was super tonight. It’s a great atmosphere to ride in here, so it was nice.”
Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) and Woodstock, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Havel x Mirania) owned by Page, rounded out the top three with a score of 74.020%.
Page echoed Graves’ appreciation for the current state of competition. “Without this organization (at AGDF), American dressage would not be where it is today. Being here (at AGDF) has elevated us internationally, like we’ve never been before,” she said.
Judge Lee Tubman said of the new Degree of Difficulty scoring used in the freestyle, “The new system that has been established, (and) overall I think this will work very well. I’m happy to have been a part of it tonight and to have a better understanding, and I look forward to working with it again in the future.”
Allyn Mann, Director of Adequan®, said, “After all of these years, it just continues to be one of the most enjoyable experiences ever. There are great people, great horses.”
The night also featured a special retirement ceremony for two-time Olympic PRE stallion Grandioso (Adelante x Sevillano IX), owned by Kim Boyer. The stallion competed for the Spanish team with rider Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP) at the London Olympics in 2012, and then again at Rio in 2016.
Other classes of the day included the FEI Young Rider Team (CDIY), sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas, and won by Codi Harrison (USA) and Katholts Bossco, a 2007 Danish Warmblood gelding (Blue Hors don Schufro x Katholts Farceur x Michellino) owned by Harrison, with a score of 69.763%. Victory in the FEI Intermediate II 16-25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, went to Juan Matute Guimon (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Don Crusador x Welina) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 68.000%.
The FEI Junior Rider Team class, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, awarded the win to Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP) and Rihanna Ymas, a 2008 Brandenburger mare (Relius x Akira x Akzento) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 67.730%. The winning score for the Intermediate I CDI1*, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, was captured by Lindsay Kellock and Royal Prinz, a 2001 Oldenburg stallion (Royal Diamond x Mystica x Dream of Glory) owned by Teresa Simmons, with a score of 70.132%.
