Tag Archives: Adequan Global Dressage Festival

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Laura Graves and Verdades Victorious as Week 3 Kicks Off at AGDF

Leave a comment

Laura Graves and Verdades. Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 26, 2017 – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Laura Graves (USA) and her horse Verdades won the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, on the opening day of the third week of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The competition, which runs from January 26-29 and is presented by the US PRE Association, is held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Coming in on the top of the leaderboard in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, was Laura Graves and her 2016 Rio Olympic mount Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda), earning an impressive score of 76.660% and a standing ovation from spectators.

Graves commented, “This is now his (Verdades) fourth year doing the big tour, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that you have a plan and you also have ten other plans. He’s a super honest horse. His pirouettes can always be very good. I thought he was very rideable in those today. His half passes were nice.”

This was the pair’s first time in the show ring since their Team Bronze Medal win for the USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“He’s notorious for being super sensitive. I was really thrilled about how he came out and he schooled super, and then went through the test really trying his best,” said Graves.

Regarding the future and her goals, Graves said, “I really hope to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals. Hopefully because it is so close, we can make it happen this year!”

Placing second 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 75.080%. Third place was awarded to Charlotte Jorst (USA) and mount, Kastel’s Nintendo, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco) owned by Kastel Denmark, with a 73.080%.

Fourth place finishers Kathrine Bateson Chandler (USA) and Alcazar, a 2005 KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polina) owned by Jane Forbes Clark, were awarded the only 10 of the day, on their final halt from Judge Christoph Hess (GER) at E.

Earlier in the day, Jaimey Irwin (CAN) and mount Donegal V, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Johnston x Remy x Gribaldi) owned by Team Irwin Supporters Group, captured a win in the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with a score of 70.746%.

For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

US Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Earns Blue at AGDF CPEDI3*

Leave a comment

Robyn Andrews (CAN), Fancianna. Photos by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Canadian Robyn Andrews and Fancianna earn the overall individual championship

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2017 – Athletes from the United States and Canada competed over the January 20-22, 2017, weekend at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Para-dressage riders in Grades I through V attempted the brand new FEI Para-Dressage tests in front of ground jury members President Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Anne Prain (FRA). The U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte earned the blue for the team competition. Earning the individual champion was Robyn Andrews (Grade I) of Canada with an overall total of 70.506. This was the first of two CPEDI3* events held at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida. Following this CPEDI3* is a Para-Dressage symposium with FEI 3* Dressage and FEI 4* Para Dressage Judge Kristi Wysocki in collaboration with U.S. Para-Dressage Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt. The second CPEDI3* is March 9-12, 2017.

The U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte showcased top tests with precision and accuracy at the CPEDI3*. The team of four horse and rider combinations included (Grade I) Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Daytona Beach;(Grade Ib) Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) Niekele Fan Busenitz; (Grade IV) Eleanor Brimmer (USA) and London Swing; and (Grade V) Katie Jackson (USA) and Wembley.

U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt noted, “We had a good nations cup team this weekend. This was the first CPEDI of the year and since we started off really early this season it prevented some of our riders from showing up. The new tests came out very late this year and some riders wanted to ride in their local shows before riding them in an international venue. However, we had some great rides this weekend. The March show will be a big show with lots of new horses and riders.”

Individual athlete Robyn Andrews (Grade I) of Canada topped the competition averaging a 70.506 with Fancianna. Andrews said, “We did awesome. I find at shows Fancianna listens to me really well. I am enjoying the new tests. I find them hard but I like the challenge that each presents. I look forward to competing at the March show when there are more riders and horses.”

Also competing from Canada was Paralympian Jody Schloss and Lieutenant Lobin in Grade I. Schloss said, “I’m really happy with our progress. He was looking at everything but I’m happy with where we are at and our future together.”

Paralympian Roxanne Trunnell (USA) rounded out the Grade I competition with NTEC Daytona Beach. “Daytona acted like such a pro out in the show ring and it’s hard to believe she is coming back from a leave of absence in international showing,” stated Trunnell. “When I first started showing Daytona at our first show together she screamed her head off the entire test but this time she didn’t make a peep. I was very impressed with her. During the individual test she was a little tense but she was still a good horse.”

Laurietta Oakleaf (USA), Niekele Fan Busenitz

In Grade II Laurietta Oakleaf and her longtime partner Niekele Fan Busentiz had top scores in the Team and Individual tests. Oakleaf explained, “I’m really liking the new tests. They are a little more difficult but it keeps the horses attention. I wanted to thank my trainer Missy Ransehousen because without her help I couldn’t have ridden in this show. I am honored to have shown at this CPEDI3* with all of the wonderful riders and I was pleased with my rides over both days.”

Grade IV rider Ellie Brimmer and London Swing (USA) had three consistent days at the CPEDI3*. Ellie expressed, “I really appreciate the time and effort the test writing committee put into these new tests after Rio. I find them to be riding well. In the individual test my coach Shelly Francis and I focused on a short warm up, improving the forward impulsion. I’m so happy to have been a part of Team USA for this show and I’m thankful for Deloitte’s support.”

New para-dressage athlete Katie Jackson and her own Wembley experienced their first-ever international show. “I was so happy with Wembley he really showed the potential we have together and the power he can give. He tried so hard at this show. He was really intense but with me through everything and really listened to me. This was my first time in a big nation stadium and it was an incredible experience. I was soaking it all in as the national anthem played. This was a pretty amazing experience. If you told me this a year ago that I would be doing this I wouldn’t believe you.”

Jackson added, “I want to thank all the sponsors including Mane Stream and Mission Control. I want to thank them for the lovely prizes and the support. I also want to thank Kai Handt, Laureen Johnson at USEF, and Hope Hand of the USPEA for making these shows happen.”

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.

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Robyn Andrews and Fancianna Capture CPEDI 3* Victory at AGDF

Leave a comment

Robyn Andrews and Fancianna. Photo Credit ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2017 – Week two of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) features CPEDI 1*/2*/3* Para Dressage, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Competition continued Saturday at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

Robyn Andrews (CAN) and Fancianna, a 2001 Friesian x Andalusian mare owned by Andrews, were victorious once again in the Para Individual Championship Grade I – CPEDI 3* with a score of 70.036%.

Andrews commented, “Our ride went really good today. Fancy (Fancianna) seemed to really listen to my aids, so everything seemed to flow well.”

Placing second to Andrews in the Para Individual Championship Grade I – CPEDI 3* was Judy Schloss (CAN) and Lieutenant Lobin, a 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding (Lobster x Farine) owned by Schloss, with a 66.488%. Third place was awarded to Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Daytona Beach, a 2002 Westphalian mare (Don bedo x Weindame) owned by Roxanne Trunnell and Kai Handt, with a score of 63.690%.

Other classes of the day included the Para Individual Championship Grade II – CPEDI 3* won by Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) and Niekele Fan Busenitz, a 2004 Friesian stallion (Sape 381 x Wemke H x Fetse 349) owned by Laurietta Oakleaf, with a score of 70.931%. The Para Individual Championship Grade IV – CPEDI 3* awarded a win to Eleanor Brimmer (USA) and London Swing, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (Londonderry x St.Pr.St Ribanna x Rubinstein I) she owns, with a score of 65.163%.

Katie Jackson (USA) and Wembley, a 2004 Westphalian gelding (Wolkensteinn II x Stutbach I Regata x Regazzoni) owned by Jackson, concluded the day with a win in the Para Individual Championship Grade V – CPEDI 3* with a score of 64.921%.

Jackson is a Grade V Para-Equestrian and an above-knee amputee since 2015 due to a rare form of sarcoma.

“This week is our first CPEDI and our first time down centerline in this amazing Stadium, here at Global,” said Jackson. “Being here means a lot. It actually gets me a little choked up! With everything that’s gone on in the last year and a half, with overcoming the cancer, and the amputation, just being able to ride again is amazing.”

The final day of competition concludes January 22 with a full schedule of classes including Para Freestyle CPEDI 3* tests. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

AGDF Kicks Off Second Week with First CPEDI Competition of the Season

Leave a comment

Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Daytona Beach.

Wellington, FL – January 20, 2017 – Week two of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) features CPEDI 1*/2*/3* Para Dressage, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Competition started on Friday at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), in Wellington, FL.

Robyn Andrews (CAN) and Fancianna, a 2001 Friesian x Andalusian mare owned by Andrews, cinched a victory today in the Para Team Test Grade I – CPEDI 3*, with a score of 69.702%.

Placing second to Andrews in the Para Team Test Grade I – CPEDI 3*, was Jody Schloss (CAN) and Lieutenant Lobin, a 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding (Lobster x Farine) owned by Schloss, with a 65.952%. Third place was awarded to Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Daytona Beach, a 2002 Westphalian mare (Don bedo x Weindame) owned by Roxanne Trunnell and Kai Handt, with a score of 63.929%.

Trunnell highlighted her positive experience at AGDF. “The facility is really nice! My horses always feel calm here.”

Regarding her horse, Trunnell said, “The horse I rode today belongs to me. She wasn’t quite ready for Rio so we left her at home. I used my trainer’s horse over there. For Tokyo, she’ll be ready. She’s been out of the show ring for a while. She didn’t get nervous (today). It was a good ride.”

Other classes of the day included the Para Team Test Grade II – CPEDI 3*, won by Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) and Niekele Fan Busenitz, a 2004 Friesian stallion (Sape 381 x Wemke H x Fetse 349) owned by Laurietta Oakleaf, with a score of 67.576%. The Para Team Test Grade IV – CPEDI 3* awarded the win to Eleanor Brimmer (USA) and London Swing, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (Londonderry x St.Pr.St Ribanna x Rubinstein I) she owns, with a score of 64.375%. Katie Jackson (USA) and Wembley, a 2004 Westphalian gelding (Wolkensteinn II x Stutbach I Regata x Regazzoni) owned by Jackson, finished with a win in the Para Team Test Grade V – CPEDI 3* with a score of 63.527%.

Competition continues January 21 with a full schedule of classes including Para Individual Championship CPEDI 3* tests. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Dressage, Products/Services

Adequan Global Dressage Festival Brings Technology to the Forefront

Leave a comment

Photo ©SusanJStickle.com.

New Freestyle Scoring System for Competition and Spectator Judging App Available

Wellington, FL – January 19, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) kicked off its season at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL last week and runs through March 25. Making its AGDF debut was the FEI’s new Degree of Difficulty (DoD) Freestyle Judging System, accompanied by a new spectator judging app.

AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur is excited to introduce these two new, innovative technologies during the circuit. “I think it’s a good step forward, to make the subjective freestyle a bit more objective,” he said. “We will continue through the season in the CDI-Ws with it, to get ready for Omaha and the FEI World Cup Final.”

The technology was first thought of with the help of FEI 5* judge Katrina Wüst of Germany and created by software developer and German national judge, Daniel Göhlen.

The FEI’s new Freestyle Scoring Suite asks riders to create and submit floor plans ahead of time with the Floorplan Creator. The Suite also has a second element, Judge Assistant, which displays the floor plans for the judges and allows them to score the freestyles.

The scoring is regulated through the FEI, and now riders compete and work to achieve high freestyle scores through challenging choreography. The software calculates the degree of difficulty executed, which will then be awarded to the over-all degree of difficulty mark that belongs to the individual freestyle.

“It can be compared to ice skating. The riders know beforehand what degree of difficulty score they might get. The degree of difficulty is highly dependent on the technical execution,” said Göhlen.

Floorplan Creator displays elements including combination, difficult transitions, particle, and “joker” (which allows the rider to repeat a particular movement if they are in need of a re-do).The software requires the judge to communicate with the scribe, asking the judge to accept or reject the degree of difficulty awarded to each movement.

To actively incorporate the audience into the world of dressage tests, Göhlen also developed the Spectator Judging app. The app allows spectators to actively participate by giving them three different live scoring options.

Göhlen noted his inspiration for the creation of the app, “I always looked at these performances and thought, ‘What would I give? What marks would I choose?’ I thought it would be fun to try it out, to try judging in that way.”

Each app user is able to give a score movement by movement, in a simplified manner, or create an overall score at the end of the ride. The spectators are then able to compare their scores directly to the scores given by the judges.

The system was launched successfully in the United States in 2016 at the International Omaha, and will be making its way back to Nebraska for the FEI World Cup Final in April.

For downloading and more information on the new Freestyle Scoring Suite and Spectator App, please visit www.fei.org and www.blackhorse88.com. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* Commences in Wellington

Leave a comment

Ellie Brimmer and London Swing by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL – January 19, 2017 – The winter equestrian show season is in full swing in beautiful Wellington, Florida. At The Stadium at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, Para-Dressage riders are prepping for the 2017 CPEDI3* January 20-22, presented by Mission Control and Mane Stream. Although a small sample of athletes will be competing at the first CPEDI3* of 2017, the list includes riders from both the United States and Canada. The CPEDI3* begins on Friday, January 20, with the Team Test, followed by the Individual Test on Saturday, and the Freestyle on Sunday.  Ground jury members include President Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Anne Prain (FRA).  Friday will not only be the launch of the CPEDI3* but it is also the first time the judges will see these athletes ride the brand new Para-Dressage tests of 2017. It is also the first time these athletes have new Grade names.

In 2017, the five current Grade names changed from Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV to Grade I, II, III, IV, and V. Grade IV rider Ellie Brimmer will be competing over the weekend with her horse London Swing. The duo earned the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award during the FEI Horse inspection on Thursday. Brimmer is looking forward to the first international Para-Dressage show of 2017. She noted, “I’m looking forward to getting the opportunity to show in the International Stadium again. This CPEDI is a great opportunity to experience in a big atmosphere venue. My goal for this show is to ride these new tests with good energy and use this as a baseline to see where I need to make improvements. Working with my trainer Shelly Francis, I think my partnership with Louie continues to strengthen and I look forward to seeing what we’re able to accomplish.”

Para-Dressage competition begins at 10 AM in The Stadium at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival.

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.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

AGDF Concludes Week 1 with Win for Christoph Koschel and Ballentines 10

Leave a comment

Christoph Koschel and Ballentines 10. Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 15, 2017 – Week one of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, concluded its final day of competition on Sunday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), in Wellington, FL, with a victory in the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle for Christoph Koschel (GER) and Ballentines 10.

Christoph Koschel (GER) and Ballentines 10, a 2008 Hanovarien gelding (Belissimo M x Weltina x Weltmeyer) owned by Hof Beckerode GmbH, ended their day with a score of 72.800% in the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle.

“My horse felt great today,” said Koschel. “It’s his first international show. I was proud of him (Ballentines 10) today. He is really green, and I think he will be a great horse for the future and for the Grand Prix.”

The pair rode to freestyle music designed originally for a different horse, Koschel explained. “It’s the music from my wife, and it is a pretty easy one (freestyle). But I think that to ride a horse for the first time in a freestyle, you can’t make it too difficult.” Of the music in regards to Ballentines 10’s overall performance, Koschel commented, “It fit quite well.”

Coming in second to Koschel in the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle was Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and For My Love, a 2011 Hanoverian gelding (For Feeling x Escudine x Escudo I) owned by Stumpf, with a score of 69.525%. Third place was awarded to Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz, a 2001 Oldenburg stallion (Royal Diamond x Mystica x Dream of Glory) owned by Teresa Simmons, with a score of 69.200%.

Other classes of the day included the FEI Junior Rider Freestyle, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, won by Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP) and Zoef Ymas, a 2004 KWPN gelding (Amsterdam x Mona x Walser) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 70.150%. Juan Matute Guimon (ESP) rode Quantico Ymas, a 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Fighting Fit x Hauptstutbuch) owned by Juan F Matute, to victory in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 16-25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, with a score of 72.925%. The FEI Young Rider Freestyle, sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas, awarded the win to Katrina Sadis (USA) and Zepelim, a 2004 Lusitano gelding (Ribamar x Sereia) that she owns, with a score of 69.675%.

Competition at AGDF will resume Friday, January 20, with the CPEDI 1*/2*/3* Para Dressage, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

“Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W Kicks Off at AGDF

Leave a comment

Lisa Wilcox and Galant. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 13, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) ended its second day of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL with the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by the AMCI Group, to benefit Brooke USA. Wowing the crowd with yet another show-stopping performance was the winning combination of Lisa Wilcox (USA) and mount Galant.

Lisa Wilcox and Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Escuro x Bellisima) owned by Jacqueline Shear, had another impressive day, topping the leader board in their second performance of 2017 and earning a score of 77.209% for their Justin Timberlake and “Trolls” movie soundtrack-themed freestyle in the Global Arena. Awards were also presented to the owner of Galant, Jacqueline Shear, and groom Bibi Diaz.

Commenting on her freestyle, Wilcox said, “I knew that he (Galant) liked it, so I was hoping that that would show up in the arena tonight. It brought a bit of confidence because he recognized the music, he was having fun, and he totally focused on me and what we were doing.”

Of Galant, she said, “I’m so proud of him. I’m just so proud of where we have come from last year to this year.”

Team Canada saw some strong performances for the night and rounded out the top three placings. The duo of Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella, a 2001 KWPN mare (Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman) owned by Lane, scored an impressive 75.967% putting them in second place.

Megan Lane and Caravella

Lane described her goals for the season with Caravella. “It’s been an amazing journey with this horse and at both stages of our lives. It’s still growing. I’m excited for the future; I have plans on going to the World Cup so I look forward to that.”

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (CAN) and All In, a 2005 KWPN gelding (Tango x Leontine x Damiro) that Fraser-Beaulieu also owns, rounded out the top three with a score of 72.608%.

“I was really proud of All In tonight. You know, he is a hot horse and tonight he actually seemed like he was getting more relaxed and more calm the more I went through my pattern,” said Fraser-Beaulieu.

Judge Gary Rockwell commented on the tests and the new scoring system that has been put into place for the Freestyle judging. “It’s the first time that the riders have ever really had a catalogue of degree of difficulty,” he said.

AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur also expanded upon the new judging concept, stating, “The riders have to submit their floor plan beforehand, and they also have to follow the floor plan. The judges will judge movement by movement and they can choose if they accept the difficulty or not, and I think it’s a good step forward to make the subjective freestyle a bit more objective.”

Fritz Kundrun spoke on behalf of the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, and took some time to elaborate on how sponsorship promotes the mission of Brooke USA, highlighting the plight of working equines in third-world countries and how helping the animals also helps their owners.

Allyn Mann, Director of Adequan®, concluded the evening press conference by thanking the top three riders. He noted, “Your rides were received well by everybody. What a wonderful way to start off the season.

“I think that we are a family,” he continued. “It really is just a wonderful experience to have the owners, the riders, the fans, the grooms, and of course, the horses. I feel that if this was as good as it got, it would be wonderful. But we know that there is much more to come.”

Other classes of the day included the FEI Young Rider Team (PSG), sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas and won by Barbara Davis (USA) and Feivel Mousekewitz, a 2001 Hanoverian gelding (Federweisser x Saninni x Singular Joter) owned by Michael Davis, with a score of 67.000%. Victory in the FEI Intermediate II 16-25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, went to Juan Matute (ESP) and Quantico Ymas, a 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Fighting Fit x Hauptstutbuch) owned by Juan F Matute, with a score of 72.447%. The FEI Junior Rider Team class, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, awarded the win to Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP) and Zoef Ymas, a 2004 KWPN gelding (Amsterdam x Mona x Walser) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 68.595%.

For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Lisa Wilcox and Galant Come Out on Top for First Day of FEI Grand Prix at AGDF

Leave a comment

Lisa Wilcox and Galant. Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 12, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began its first day of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL on Thursday with a win for Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Galant in the FEI Grand Prix sponsored by MTICA Farm. The first week at AGDF features CDI-W competition from January 12-15 and is presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA.

Week one of AGDF includes the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, on Friday, January 13. Gates open at 6 pm. General admission is free and parking is $10/car.

Lisa Wilcox and her mount Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Escuro x Bellisima) owned by Jacqueline Shear, came out strong in their first performance of 2017 and earned a score of 71.340% to place them at the top of the leaderboard in the Global Arena.

Wilcox described her test: “I really liked the piaffe and passage, the extended work, (and) all of the trot work was lovely. The canter work got a little squirrely; it was a little up, so I lost my two (tempis). He got a little sensitive to my leg, so I got a couple of one (tempis) in my two tempi line and then just missed aiding correctly in my one tempis.”

Wilcox spent the summer with Galant training and working toward the upcoming season.

“This past summer, we trained. I call it my ‘summer of a million and one transitions’,” she said. “He didn’t show; he didn’t do anything but body-building and strengthening for Grand Prix. So now I feel like I have a second year Grand Prix horse.”

The duo competed as the final Grand Prix ride of the day, earning positive scores from the judges to kick off their season.

“We are going to try to qualify for the World Cup, and we will see how it goes. We also have a very fun freestyle, I’m looking forward to riding that Friday night,” Wilcox said. “It will be brand new music for him (Galant). We’ve only had a chance to practice twice. We just got it. He likes the music, so I’ll be curious to see how he demonstrates that in the arena.”

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady

Coming in second to Wilcox in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, sponsored by MTICA Farm, was Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady, a 2000 Danish Warmblood mare (Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern) owned by Janne Rumbough, with a 71.220%. Third place was captured by Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella, a 2001 KWPN mare (Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman) owned by Megan Lane, with a score of 70.700%.

Earlier in the day, Christilot Boylen (CAN) and mount Rockeylane, a 2006 Westfalen mare (Rock Forever x Rica) owned by Christilot Boylen, captured a win in the FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 68.289%.

For more information and to see a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Competitions, Dressage

2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Welcomes the World

Leave a comment

Laura Graves and Verdades at the 2016 AGDF. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – December 2, 2016 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) returns to The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) this year on January 12 to March 25, featuring dressage stars competing on an international stage in the equestrian epicenter of Wellington, FL. In its sixth year, AGDF is pleased to welcome competitors, spectators, and vendors back to celebrate the highest level of dressage sport in North America.

“The AGDF has become a very special event for PBIEC and Wellington,” said Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo. “Every year, we have more people coming to watch, and the local community is becoming engaged with the sport of dressage. We look forward to seeing more incredible sport in 2017.”

AGDF will feature seven weeks of CDI competition in 2017, with each of those weeks including a concurrent national show. The circuit features four weeks with FEI World Cup qualifying events, a CDI 5*, CDI 4*/3*/1*, and a CDIO 3*.

AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur stated, “The level of dressage increases every year at AGDF. We have worked very hard to make AGDF one of the best dressage competitions in the world, and we feel that this year will be better than ever.”

The season will begin with the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial CDI-W (Jan. 12-15), presented by The AMCI Group, to benefit Brooke USA and organized in remembrance of Lloyd Landkamer. Lloyd was the show manager of AGDF and an influential member of the dressage community until his passing in 2015.

The second week of the 2017 circuit (Jan. 20-22) will welcome the growing para-dressage tour back to AGDF, as the first of two CPEDI 3* competitions will take to The Stadium. Both CPEDI 3* weeks will host riders from around North America as they vie for top titles in team and individual competition. The second CPEDI 3* will be hosted during AGDF 9 from March 10-12. CPEDI competition is presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena.

Two special competitions are the CDI 5* in February and the CDIO 3* in March. Many of the best dressage horses and riders in the world will compete in AGDF’s CDI 5* week, presented by Diamante Farms, on February 9-12, which features the highest possible international rating in dressage.

The finale of the season on March 22-25, Wellington’s CDIO 3* presented by Stillpoint Farm, remains the only Nations Cup competition for dressage in North or South America outside of championship events. It is once again part of the FEI Nations Cup series. Each year, more international riders make the journey to compete in the coveted event, and it stands as a special conclusion to the AGDF circuit. New to the schedule this year, there will also be a CDIO for Under 25 riders, giving up-and-coming riders the chance to compete on a team.

Each week of international competition at AGDF features “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyles, which bring the crème de la crème of dressage out to shine under the bright lights of the Global Pavilion at PBIEC. The evening is a highlight for riders and spectators alike, as international competitors show their freestyles set to music in a fun evening of sport and entertainment. Special musical acts, such as a string quartet or the Yale a capella singing group, are featured in between amazing dressage performances.

With ten weeks of competition and divisions for every level, the AGDF is widely recognized as an innovative and world-class event for the sport of dressage. Each of the seven CDI weeks hosted at AGDF this year will feature large and small tour competition, while also offering FEI Amateur, Under 25, Junior, and Children’s Divisions to generate more opportunities for a diverse group of competitors to experience all that AGDF has to offer.

Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to hosting everyone this year as the AGDF maintains its incredible development and welcomes everyone to enjoy the event this winter. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Weekly Schedule**

January 12-15: AGDF 1 Lloyd Landkamer Memorial CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA; FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by MTICA Farm; and FEI Small Tour. Schedule includes National Show.

January 20-22: AGDF 2 Para-Equestrian CPEDI 3*, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena

January 26-29: AGDF 3 CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. PRE Association; FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas; and FEI Small Tour, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute. Schedule includes National Show

February 4-5: Wellington Eventing Showcase

February 9-12: AGDF 5 CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms; CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty; and CDI 1*. Schedule includes National Show.

February 17-18: AGDF 6 National Show

February 23-26: AGDF 7 CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group; FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special; and FEI Small Tour, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center. Schedule includes National Show.

March 2-5: AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle (Sat., Mar. 4), presented by Everglades Dressage; FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Peacock Ridge; and FEI Small Tour. Schedule includes National Show.

March 10-12: AGDF 9 Para-Equestrian CPEDI 3*, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena; and National Show.

March 16-19: AGDF 10 CDI 4* and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Havensafe Farm; CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corp; and CDI 1*. Schedule includes National Show.

March 22-25: FEI Nations Cup week – AGDF 11 CDIO 3*/CDIOU25 and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Stillpoint Farm; CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses; and CDI 1*, presented by Yellow Bird Farm. Schedule includes National Show.

**Tentative schedule, subject to change. “Friday Night Stars” freestyles on Friday nights of CDI competition with exception of AGDF 8. Dates are actual competition days.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in North or South America. The AGDF offers more than $750,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.