Wellington, Florida (March 22, 2016) – Even through the blazing Floridian heat, International Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Katherine Bateson-Chandler perfected her Grand Prix Freestyle test aboard Jane Clark’s Alcazar to a 72.425 percent and the pair’s first CDI victory of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 2016 season. The two rose to the top of the leader board with a funky freestyle test set to the tunes of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky Music,” and Bateson-Chandler’s favorite, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars with “Uptown Funk.” The groovy songs complimented the pair, whose exciting freestyle has been bringing Adequan Global Dressage Festival attendees to their feet each week of the international winter show series.
Bateson-Chandler jumped on the chance to create her season’s freestyle for Alcazar with a myriad of upbeat songs, mixed with the help of Marlene Whitaker. “As soon as I heard ‘Uptown Funk,’ I was like, ‘I’m having that. Before someone else gets it, I’m having that,’” laughed Bateson-Chandler. With primary focus on “Uptown Funk,” Bateson-Chandler and Whitaker designed the entire freestyle around the crowd-pleasing song. “I really love my music because it’s so fun and fits Alcazar well.”
Even with the music on cue, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar still had to face the unrelenting and challenging midafternoon heat. “This horse show is rough because it’s boiling out there,” she commented. “We are all doing the best we can, but at this point, we are cooking. I am glad that Alcazar kept doing his job.”
Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding lovingly known as “Lonzie,” have had a distinguished campaign thus far this season, highlighted by being the top American placing in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W sponsored by Everglades Dressage. The pair has been improving in both test execution and confidence under the intense stresses of international level competition and the exciting, yet nerve rattling, ‘under the lights’ show environments. “He’s still a green horse and is getting used to having more atmosphere, which is why I keep putting him into more ‘under the lights’ situations. He keeps stepping up to the plate, and I’m really proud of him. He is becoming more and more comfortable in the ring,” Bateson-Chandler remarked. Now gearing up for the finale week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival season, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar have their confidence high and ambitions set on performing their very best.
Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services through her business KBC Dressage. Her international Grand Prix experience ensures that her students – both human and equine – have the competitive edge necessary for success in the dressage ring. KBC Dressage offers training services, lessons, clinics, and prospect selection for clients. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit www.kbcdressage.com.
Irons, Hendricks, Matute Jr., and Molina Earn Divisional Honors Florida International Youth Dressage Championships
Wellington, FL – March 20, 2016 – Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Zantros finished with a win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, on the final day of competition of week ten at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), scoring a 73.250%. Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz followed in second place with a 72.250%, while Christer Egerstrom (CRC) and Bello Oriente collected third place earning a 70.750%. AGDF will conclude with its final week of competition on March 30 – April 2.
Collins-Strijk has been a dominant force in Small Tour competition with both of her mounts, Zantros and Don Tignanello. Zantros, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Krack C x Hinde-Utopia), performed a solid test with Collins-Strijk in the irons today, even though Collins-Strijk noted he was a bit behind her leg during the test.
“Today was the first time that [Zantros and I have] done the freestyle this season. I was waiting to see if it was going to fit with him, but because I know the music really well I felt like it was good,” said Collins-Strijk. “I think he was a little bit tired today because of the weather this week and they’ve been here a lot, but that’s what I felt.”
Collins-Strijk has found incredible consistency with both of her mounts, and Don Tignanello has been a breakout star this season.
“He was very good this week too, just a little bit tired also. It’s the end of the season and they’ve been in the ring a lot at this point. They both really tried this week and I’m proud of them, even though that sparkle may have been off a little bit,” she continued.
Collins-Strijk praised Zantros for his quality trot, which always receives good marks from the judges during their test. She detailed, “He has a really nice trot. It’s very light and elegant, and you can get that swing in the half passes. It’s where he really scores well.”
This week also served as a special competition for Collins-Strijk, as Mike and Roz Collins, essential members of team Collins-Strijk, sponsored the entire Small Tour division, in which Collins-Strijk won all three classes.
“It was very cool I thought. It was great and it doesn’t always work out like that, but this time it did and I was very pleased,” she smiled.
Irons, Hendricks, Matute Jr., and Molina Earn Divisional Honors Florida International Youth Dressage Championships
Four talented individual riders collected championship accolades today at AGDF for their performances in this week’s Florida International Youth Dressage Championships presented by Kim Boyer, the Davis family, the Kane family, and Dressage4Kids, highlighting international dressage riders under the age of 25.
Hannah Irons, 16, of Queenstown, MD, rode Bohdjan to capture top honors in the FEI Pony division, while Felicitas Hendricks, 15, of Hagen, Germany, and Faible AS won the FEI Junior division. Juan Matute Jr., 18, of Madrid, Spain, and Dhannie Ymas were recognized for their top performances in the FEI Young Rider division, while Pablo Gomez Molina, 21, of Valencia, Spain, and Tarpan Ymas earned the Under 25 championship.
Six different nations were represented in championships, while riders from around North America traveled to partake in one of the main CDI championships hosted for the next generation of dressage riders.
Juan Matute Jr. and Dhannie Ymas
Juan Matute Jr. competes in a number of divisions on a typical CDI week at AGDF, but has found a new sense of consistency in his rides and brings a positive energy to the ring with each test. Earning the FEI Young Rider championship, Matute Jr. discussed his approach to the week.
“I’m very lucky to be able to ride many different kinds of horses that give you different feelings. Thank you to Yeguada Ymas, my sponsor, for allowing me to have these opportunities,” said Matute Jr. “I think our goal this week was to reach high scores, which are always the goal, but also to experience new feelings, like softer aids and a lighter contact, but it’s also about enjoying the championship. We’re all young and we’re supposed to have fun, which is our priority here.”
Matute Jr. competed with his gold medal-winning European Championship mount, Dhannie Ymas. The pair continues to earn big scores, and their partnership has only strengthened since last season.
“He’s a superstar. He’s a super talent. He’s very ambitious, which is where some of our mistakes came from this week, being a bit overly ambitious, which was mutual,” he laughed. “Little by little we’re making our steps to the higher levels together.”
Hendricks and Faible AS have been very competitive on the AGDF tour since last season, which was their first time ever competing in the United States. Hendricks, who rides with the Christoph Koschel, has formed a strong bond with Faible AS, consistently performing relaxed and fluid tests.
“I’ve been riding him for a little bit over a year now, and he can be very special. This is great experience for him here in this international ring,” said Hendricks. “He learns from show to show as do I. Every show is a new beginning for us, and he always gives his best. I try to do my best too for him.”
“Last year when we came, that was my first international show. This is my second year doing them, and I hope that we will be able to come back next year as well,” she continued.
Irons and Bohdjan competed together for the first time at the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships this week and the experience is something that Irons feels was very beneficial for the duo.
“Bohdjan was graciously donated to Dressage4Kids by Bebe Davis and the Davis family, so he has a lot of experience in the FEI Pony division. I started competing him last summer, so he has taught me a lot already,” said Irons. “This was our first CDI together, and it was a fun experience getting to know riders from all over the world and competing at such a big facility. It was a whole new level for me, and it was a great experience.”
“I’m very thankful to everyone that has given me the opportunity to be here, Dressage4Kids, who own Bobo, and my parents and friends for all of their support,” she added.
Gomez Molina and Tarpan Ymas, owned by Yeguada Ymas, is a relatively new pair, as Gomez only took over the ride on the stunning chestnut gelding earlier this season. Their performances in the Under 25 division at the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships served as their second CDI competition together and their first championship event at AGDF.
“Yeguada de Ymas gave me a really good horse to ride in the Under 25. We had some mistakes today, but I’m happy because he was good too,” said Gomez Molina. “We are very happy with our tests this week. We are just beginning together now.”
Gomez Molina is looking forward to forging a partnership with Tarpan Ymas and working with him more throughout this year to solidify their understanding and communication in the ring.
“I think right now, it’s about working every day outside of the shows, but also keeping showing and keep going. We’re going to continue learning,” he noted.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Francis and Doktor Grab Second Large Tour Win of AGDF 10 in FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*
Wellington, FL – March 19, 2016 – Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt put on an impressive show at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) this week with a first place finish in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, with a score of 74.225%. Competition at AGDF 10 concludes tomorrow with the final day of the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships alongside the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins.
Lara Griffith (GBR) and Rubin Al Asad collected second place honors, receiving a 71.059%, while Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Galant earned third place with a 69.510%.
Brock discussed her time away from competition with Rosevelt, owned by Fritz & Claudine Kundrun, to concentrate on asking for more expression but not compromising the accuracy of their tests. Today, Brock executed a nearly flawless test, which earned them a 74.225%, tying their personal best score in the FEI Grand Prix Special, which they also achieved at the Achleiten CDI 4* last year in Europe.
“It was pretty solid. We didn’t have any mistakes and that’s why I’m back here doing this, because of our mistakes in the CDI 5*. I wanted to show everyone that we can count our one tempis,” smiled Brock. “He was perfectly good and so I feel very good about this. To come out and ride a clean test was the important thing.”
The weather at AGDF today saw plenty of sun, but also torrential downpours right in the middle of the FEI CDI 4* class, which caught all top three finishers at some point in their tests or warm-up. Brock is typically very cautious of the weather with Rosevelt in terms of their preparation and warm-up, but the 2002 Hanoverian stallion handled the day’s adversity with ease.
“I was initially concerned about him getting overheated in the warm-up because it is so humid today, and then all of the sudden we were getting pelted with heavy rain. The good news is, we’ve never had an indoor, so I have to ride in a lot of stuff,” she explained. “He has to deal with it, so that’s not something that I’m worried about, but more so (I was worried about) being able to hold on to my reins. I thought he was very good about the whole thing though.”
“I’d really like to thank Betsy (Juliano) again for sponsoring this class and also really thank Fritz and Claudine Kundrun because they’re behind me 2,000% all of the time. I really also need to say thank you to Michael (Barisone),” continued Brock. “He’s out there all of the time and just a constant presence, such a rock for me. For him and the Kundruns, it’s nice when everything starts to come together. [Michael] was quite emotional after the Grand Prix, as we all were, and it’s just so nice when all of the hard work pays off.”
Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Asad, owned by Dr. & Mrs. Bechtolsheimer, have worked for most of the winter circuit on maintaining consistency at the Grand Prix level, which they’ve only been riding for two years together. A bit dissatisfied with the pair’s test in the FEI Grand Prix, Griffith felt that “Rufus” was much more in front of her leg today, which earned them a significantly higher mark.
“I was pretty pleased with his test today. The Grand Prix was a bit disappointing because Rufus went in and wasn’t really sure he wanted to do it, so I was a little bit nervous about the Special considering how many transitions there are,” she explained. “I didn’t have the engine there, but I trained with Laura [Tomlinson] yesterday and we sorted a few things out and he was firing today.”
“We’re lucky enough to have an indoor at home, so we typically get to stay away from the rain, but he handled it quite well and by the end of our test there was sunshine. That’s part of our sport though, so we managed it okay I thought,” she continued.
Wilcox and Galant have just moved to the Grand Prix level this year after a successful Small Tour campaign at AGDF last season, and they are continuing to gain experience and knowledge at the higher level together. Wilcox, a veteran rider for Team USA, continues to test the massive Belgian Warmblood gelding in the ring, and their expression is starting to earn them strong marks, especially in their trot work.
“I was really pleased with him today. I’m glad that I didn’t get rained on during my test because his ears are extremely sensitive and he was already throwing his head a bit in the warm-up. I thought if this happens throughout my entire test this is going to be interesting, but you know, he’s maturing every test out,” elaborated Wilcox. “To get through mistake-free is our first goal and then working on the transitions, through the collected walk to the piaffe and passage, trying to keep those as seamless as possible.”
Galant, owned by Jacqueline Shear, has a true talent for the Large Tour movements. Wilcox finds herself always gauging Galant’s comfort zone during their tests so she has a strong understanding of where she can begin to push for more expression.
“I try to add a tick more expression in the places that I can. It kind of got me in the butt today after the right half pass, but you know, the thing is, I’m in there testing things constantly, how much I can and how much I can’t,” she explained. “It’s a lot of information for me, while he’s maturing at the same time. I’m proud of him because he lets me test and I’m thankful. I’m grateful for where he’s at already and in the ball game.”
Shelly Francis and Doktor
Victory in the FEI Grand Prix Special for the CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, went to Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor, owned by Patricia Stempel, with a score of 70.569%. Canada’s Megan Lane and her own Caravella finished in second with a 69.627%, while Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Trostruplund’s Scarlet took home third place with a 69.078%.
The Grand Prix Special is technically the most challenging test of the Large Tour classes, featuring the only walk to piaffe transition in the big tour, twenty-four one tempi changes divided between two lines, and very demanding piaffe-passage sequences.
“I didn’t have a massive headache, which helped, but he felt pretty good today,” Francis said. “I had to get him to pick himself up a bit more and I think I had a bit too hard of a half halt at the end of the extended trot, and he picked his nose up. There was a plate that dropped at the end of the extended canter in the VIP that made him look at bit, but he was pretty steady for the most part today.”
“I felt like this ride was a bit better, and I was sitting there able to determine what needed to be different, which is more difficult when I have a migraine. We just need to continue on with our practice,” she noted.
In the final week of AGDF competition, Francis will make an appearance for Team USA on the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO 3*, alongside teammates Perry-Glass on Goerklintgaards Dublet, Laura Graves and Verdades, as well as Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock. Francis indicated that she has been working all season to help make Doktor more steady and consistent, even when he is more sensitive and hotter to her aids.
“I’ve been steadily, through the whole season, just asking him to be a bit more solid. He just needs to give me an easier ride, not in the sense that I don’t have to ride, but more so that he pays attention more,” she said. “I think today, because I was asking him for a little bit more hot in the piaffe and passage, he was awake and noticing things. I’m just going to carefully keep getting him sharper as we go.”
Lane and Caravella have been top competitors for Canada over the course of this season, and Lane was eager to improve on the constructive comments she has received from the international judging panels so far this circuit.
“I was going today for a clean test with a little bit more energy, which has been a critique of my past rides. I had a little more horse than I did yesterday-the weather helped with that,” she explained. “There were multiple points that were highlights today, so I was really, really happy with her.”
Reflecting on her season so far, Lane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete so consistently in Florida and that she and Caravella have grown together as a pair. She elaborated, “It is a continuous learning curve, no matter what level you’re at in this sport; you’re always trying to improve your relationship. Our relationship isn’t different, but we have grown together because we’ve been able to compete at all the shows here.”
Perry-Glass, coming off of a spectacular evening aboard her other Grand Prix mount Goerklintgaards Dublet in last night’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, found herself in the top three again today with Trostruplund’s Scarlet owned by Dianne Perry. The pair has an established relationship together, and Perry-Glass felt their test today was an improvement to their Grand Prix test this past Thursday.
“Today was a lot better than our Grand Prix test. In that test she got a little bit behind my leg, so the last couple of days we’ve been working on her connection,” said Perry-Glass. “She’s one of those horses that you can’t stop riding, and that’s teaching me a lot for all of the horses I’m riding. Today, she was really good in her extended trots, which I felt were much better. Her piaffe was a little bit more honest today than it has been and the changes were great, so I think she was more honest today than I’ve had her. She’s teaching me a lot still.”
Competition at AGDF 10 concludes tomorrow with the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships along with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar Take Top Honors in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*
Wellington, FL – March 18, 2016 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades performed one of their best FEI Grand Prix Freestyle tests so far this season at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), earning a 79.475% to take a commanding win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm.
Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet followed Graves to the winner’s circle, finishing in second place in their first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle test together with a score of 75.750%. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Don Diego Ymas captured a well-deserved third place finish, receiving a 73.225%.
Graves and Verdades entered the Global International Arena at The Stadium with new freestyle choreography and music, but the same consistency and fluidity for which they’re now known. Graves has worked hard to find the right gear for “Diddy” this season, and it seems the pair is right on the mark moving into an important part of this year’s season.
“You know, with as much experience as this horse has now globally, he’s recently become very sensitive to the atmosphere. We do for him what we can in relaxation, but like I was saying after the Grand Prix on Wednesday, his confidence has to come from me,” explained Graves. “I have to give him the cues, and he needs to be certain of what I’m asking him. For tonight, I thought it was a big accomplishment personally, riding through that tension and having him step up to the plate.”
The pair now has a mutual understanding of what the expectations are in the ring, and their partnership has continued to flourish. Graves and her own 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda) have become one of the most consistent Grand Prix pairs for Team USA over the past two years since their debut at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Caen, France, in 2014.
Both Graves and Perry-Glass have been in consistent training with U.S. dressage legend Debbie McDonald, with both riders referencing their strong relationship with her as a major factor in their performances so far this season.
“Debbie’s gift is that as a trainer, she can feel what you’re feeling as a rider. It takes a weight off of you that you don’t realize exists. She just gives you that feeling that you’re never alone and what you’re feeling is normal. You’re going to train through it and you’re going to, like she said to me tonight, come out on the other side. She just gives you this confidence to ride well,” explained Graves, regarding her time with McDonald.
Perry-Glass exited the ring in tears after completing her first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle aboard Goerklintgaards Dublet, a 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa), that she has campaigned to the top of the Large Tour leaderboards all season long.
“I came out crying,” she acknowledged. “He’s just so awesome, and I’m so lucky to have him. We’re growing up together and respecting each other more and more. We’re learning from each other, and I couldn’t ask for any more.”
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect with him. Last year in the Intermediaire I Freestyle, he would get really hot and I pretty much had no control. I knew that once the music started, that was the horse I was going to have,” she said. “The consistent training with Debbie [McDonald] and the support from her has really helped his confidence and my confidence. He stayed with me the whole time and there are small places that we can clean up, but this is our first time out there and I’m so proud of him.”
As for their first freestyle beneath the lights, Perry-Glass felt their ride went just as planned and she’s motivated to continue their progress.
“Adrienne Lyle did the choreography. She’s been such a great friend and a great supporter of us. I worked with Tom Hunt, who does Charlotte Dujardin’s music. I’ve been working with him for a while, and we have a good relationship. I wasn’t sure what type of music I wanted for Dublet and I was like ‘Yes, this works!’ There are obviously some things that we will have to tweak and enhance, but I’ll start with a 75%,” she laughed.
The young Juan Matute, Jr. performed a brilliant and nearly mistake-free test about Don Diego Ymas, a 2003 Hanoverian gelding owned by Matute’s father, Juan Matute. In their best freestyle test to date this season, Matute was very pleased with their ride and felt the progress they have made this season has been defining in their career together.
“Little by little we’ve been building the confidence in the Grand Prix together and this is our second season at this level. It was a very exciting start to the season, but I think tonight is really the highlight so far,” commented Matute. “I’m very happy, and I’m very excited.”
“I enjoyed the test a lot. It was pretty much mistake-free, which is a big deal for us right now in our second year at Grand Prix,” continued Matute. “Being dynamic and being able to adapt to every situation is very important. What can I say, I’m sitting here next to these two beautiful riders, and it was just a great night.”
Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm, title sponsor for AGDF 10, is a successful businesswoman and horse enthusiast and has played an integral role in the growth of AGDF through the years. Drawing a strong parallel between the expansion of AGDF and the affirmation of a successful business, Juliano spoke to the successes the competition has seen this season and the promising future for the sport.
“I think that growing a business is really about evolution and that is what I see here at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, but also very importantly with all three riders here. I’ve had the privilege of watching them evolve and get better each year,” said Juliano. “That, to me, is my favorite part of being here in the winters, and I think that what Mark Bellissimo and his team have done to provide this opportunity for the riders and people like me to participate has been fantastic, and we appreciate it.”
Judge at C, Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), was impressed with the top three rides and spoke candidly about the importance of AGDF to the global scale of dressage and its success in reaching young riders around the world.
“What we see tonight sitting at the press conference with these three very good young riders – this is what it is all about. This is dressage when it is at its best, in a super atmosphere that you’ve managed to create here at the Global show grounds. It’s so important to the sport,” he explained. “We can’t have enough of that. I’m so proud of you (three riders). You all did so well and have super nice horses. It’s good for the future of the sport when you have young ones coming up and just great combinations. It’s great fun and just a privilege to be here and judge.”
Adequan®, title sponsor of the entire circuit at AGDF, has maintained its position as a crucial partner and supporter of the venue since its inception. Allyn Mann of Adequan® senses a remarkable change in the sport and hopes new owners and riders will be motivated by the incredible performances seen so far this season at AGDF.
Keeping with tradition this season, Adequan® sponsored several owner awards during the evening, recognizing and appreciating the individuals who continue to help grow the sport through their support. Makenzie Rath, owner of Sholitaire ridden by Melissa Fladland, was presented with the AGDF 8 National Show High Score Award, for Sholitaire and Fladland’s score of 79.773%. Kylee Laurie was awarded with the AGDF 9 National High Score Award, for the performance of Harmony’s Duvall and Adrienne Lyle, who scored a 82.500%. Michael Collins, owner of Don Tignanello, ridden by Leida Collins-Strijk, was presented with the Prix St. Georges Owner Award for Collins-Strijk’s score of 72.289%. Laura Graves earned the Owner Award for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, recognizing her performance aboard Verdades. Graves, who also serves as her own groom, was presented with the Groom’s Initiative Award on behalf of Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC.
“The owners are the foundation of the sport, and we honor them for everything that they do. The investments they make, the patience and love they have, so that three beautiful riders and horses like the ones we have here tonight can show up and do some amazing things,” said Mann. “We’re so blessed to be a part of this whole environment and to see how this how festival has evolved.”
“On a night like tonight where Laura, Kasey, and Juan get to be on the podium, this is the future. But without the owners, none of this can happen. Let us not forget that they are the backbone of everything that happens here and when I think of our business, they’re the ones that keep us funded so that we can do what we do. Again, thank you to Betsy, and all of the owners, for everything you do,” he continued.
Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar Take Top Honors in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* presented by The Dutta Corporation
Katherine Bateson-Chandler (USA) and Alcazar, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark, found themselves atop the leaderboard in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, with a score of 72.425%. Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar have been hard at work this season, also training with Debbie McDonald, to improve their presence in the arena before heading back to England to compete in Europe this summer.
P. J. Rizvi (USA) and Breaking Dawn followed in second place with a 70.600%, while Anna Marek (USA) and Unico G collected third place honors with a 67.275%.
Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar
“In my last couple of freestyles I’ve had mistakes in my flying changes. I was bound and determined today, even if I had to turn myself inside out, to not have mistakes in my changes, which I managed to pull off,” laughed Bateson-Chandler. “I was really happy with that.”
“He’s going to have a couple of nice easy days before the next CDI. To be honest, when I’m not here at the show I don’t really ride him in the ring that much. I’m lucky to have a farm with a big track and a grand prix field,” explained Bateson-Chandler, on how she keeps Alcazar fresh and ready to compete. “We’ll have a little break after the next show here and then we’ll head back to England.”
P. J. Rizvi and Breaking Dawn earned their highest FEI CDI score this afternoon with their 70.600%, which Rizvi noted is a huge accomplishment for the pair, as this is their first competitive CDI season together.
“This is so far our biggest accomplishment together. For me, the heat is brutal, but for Edward, my horse, it’s the most amazing thing because my usual struggle with him is that he’s extremely forward and we have mistakes in the changes because he gets a little bit ahead of me,” she said. “Today I felt like he was a bit more backed off, and he was really attentive to me. I was super thrilled today.”
Rizvi rides to the same music that her trainer, Ashley Holzer, used with Breaking Dawn at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. It is very sentimental for Rizvi. She said, “What we did, because Edward had a long rest period after the Olympics, is we changed the choreography to be more difficult, but used the same music. I love really funky music, but I tend to dance too much during the test, so I need very stable music. I think it suits him, and the bagpipes really accent his piaffe and passage.”
Traveling down from Ocala, FL to compete at AGDF, Marek and Unico G are finding a rhythm, which has left Marek feeling very positive about their progress and direction for the rest of the season.
“We come down about four hours to show here for the weekend and then go home. We definitely struggled with the heat a bit this week, but today I was really proud of him because I felt like I had more horse than yesterday,” she commented. “I swear though, the music always pumps him up and he’s ready to go. We had fun riding today’s freestyle, and we just made it a little bit more difficult so there were a few little bobbles.”
“I rode my first freestyle on Unico. Over the last year, we got comfortable with that choreography while I learned to ride the freestyle. We just started to change it a bit more difficult. I wanted something a bit dramatic for him. We’ve had a long road and to me it tells a great story,” she continued.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – March 17, 2016 – Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor, who have been campaigning at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) circuit all season, collected a win this afternoon in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, at 3:15 p.m. and the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Francis and Doktor won with a score of 70.180%. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing’s Lonoir, in their second FEI Grand Prix start together, earned second place with a 69.940%, while Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique took third place with a 69.100%.
On the second day of dressage competition at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) this week, Francis and Doktor entered the ring late in the order, and moved fellow American LaGoy-Weltz out of the top position, which she held for majority of the class. Displaying consistent relaxation and rhythm in their tests, Doktor’s presence in the ring is progressing, according to Francis.
“I’m hoping to improve his self-carriage a bit, so that I don’t have to sweat so much,” she laughed. “He was very good, and he’s getting much better about not making as many mistakes in the test. The pirouettes today were very good and steadier. The piaffe and passage were nicer, but today he was in between hot and tired. He felt awesome, and he’s just going better and better.”
Francis, who was suffering from a migraine during her test, said that Doktor really stepped up to the plate in the ring today and covered for her feeling a bit less on her game than usual. She explained, “I didn’t feel very good at all during the test, and he just kept on going.”
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir
In just their second CDI competition at Large Tour together, LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir, who were very successful in Small Tour classes last year at AGDF, proved that they’re a combination to watch at the Grand Prix level this year and are becoming comfortable and confident with the movements at Grand Prix level.
“He moved into Grand Prix at the beginning of Florida at the National level, and I’ve been thrilled with how focused he is and how relaxed he is with the work,” said LaGoy-Weltz. “It’s like he’s almost found his own and now it’s time and strength building. This is his sixth Grand Prix ever, so I’m pretty thrilled.”
Tomlinson has had a successful two weeks aboard both of her Grand Prix mounts, Rosalie B and Unique, owned by her parents, Dr. & Mrs. Bechtolsheimer. She found a confident and rideable horse beneath her today in the ring, as Unique, one of her greener mounts, concluded one of her best tests yet.
“[At AGDF] is the first time that she’s been able to do a few Grand Prix shows in a row, which has helped us massively. She was a different horse to ride today than she was when she first got here. There are still parts of the test where she looks too big and not together to show off what she can really do and get those marks that she could get,” elaborated Tomlinson. “From a rideablity point of view, I’m thrilled. It’s really the best she’s been to ride, and she’s trying very hard for me. She’s obedient, and she’s never going to say no to anything.
“I’m thrilled with our progress and I feel like we also have a lot to build on as well,” continued Tomlinson.
All three riders will head in their own separate directions at the end of circuit in just two weeks, as Tomlinson and her team depart for Europe this Sunday, while both LaGoy-Weltz and Francis will contest the final CDI of the season at AGDF before reaffirming plans for the rest of the year.
Francis and Doktor will represent the United States in the Stillpoint Farm Nations Cup CDIO 3* at AGDF in two weeks, while LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir will contest their final CDI 3* Grand Prix at AGDF.
“I’m hoping that both of the horses will be able to go to Europe and do the shows there. Doktor will be on the CDIO 3* team, in two weeks and I’m really going to try and show him off a bit more,” noted Francis. “He’ll have a couple of weeks to get it together for me, and I think if I were feeling better he would have done better today.”
LaGoy-Weltz said, “I think we may go to Tryon for the CDI 3* and maybe do a freestyle. I haven’t really started working on it yet. This season we’re just going to keep working and strengthening him more through the summer for next year.”
Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello maintained their winning ways moving into the second day of CDI 1* competition. The duo won the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, with a score of 72.289%. Tina Irwin and her own Laurencio claimed second place with a 70.368%, while Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Gallant Reflection HU, owned by Horses Unlimited, captured third place with a 68.658%.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the start of the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships in the Van Kampen Covered Arena at PBIEC, along with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation, beginning at 3:15 p.m., and the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, at 7:00 p.m. under the lights at The Stadium. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – March 16, 2016 – Victory in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 4* presented by Havensafe Farm at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) went to Laura Graves (USA) and her own Verdades with a score of 76.28%, adding another excellent performance to their growing collection of top finishes so far this season. In a top three sweep for riders representing the United States, Allison Brock (USA) and her longtime partner Rosevelt earned second place with a 74.080%, while Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet finished in third place receiving a 72.660%. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Mike and Roz Collins, as well as the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation.
Temperatures today in South Florida worked their way well past the 80-degree mark, but Graves and Verdades performed a smooth and relaxed test, which Graves was pleased with, noting, “He is not known to be a hot weather horse. He is such a big guy, but he really carried me through. We had a couple of mistakes in our changes, which is not typical for us, but I’m not really concerned. I was most excited with the fact that we’ve been training very regularly.”
“Every time we ride, we have eyes on us thanks to the Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize Grant that I was able to receive this year. I’m now feeling that more often than not, I’m riding my new training, not my old training. Feeling that in the ring and having the reflection in the test mirror your warm-up, or at least starting to, is really exciting for us,” she continued.
Allison Brock and “Rosie” also had a terrific day back in the CDI arena after taking a short training-focused hiatus from competition. Brock discussed her decision to take some time away from competition arena with the 2002 Hanoverian stallion (Rotspon x Lore) owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun. The pair focused on their communication together in hopes of bringing their performances to the next level, producing accurate and powerful tests.
Allison Brock and Rosevelt
“He was really good and I was a bit worried about the heat today, as I’m sure everyone was. I have not been out in about a month, and I really felt like after the last show, I thought he went better than ever, but I was taking a lot more risks which were turning into mistakes,” explained Brock. “I really decided to stay home and work on our communication and firm that up. A little bit, I’ve been in the same situation as Laura, in that we’re riding constantly with eyes on the ground and tightening things up. It’s hard to not be in the ring and then just come out, but I really felt like in this case, with this particular horse, it was in his best interest to do it like this.
“I took the risk of holding out, and it clearly paid off today. He was happy to go, he was happy to be here, and it was the first time that my warm-up carried through to my test. I’m really proud of him,” she noted.
Riding first down the centerline in today’s FEI Grand Prix CDI 4*, Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet set the tone for the large class, which had 18 entries, and led for majority of the afternoon with their score of 72.660%. While riding a bit more conservative today, Perry explained that the consistency she continues to see from “Dublet” is incredibly motivating for her, as the two are contesting only their fourth Large Tour CDI competition together.
“It feels good because I know that I can eventually push for more. This is only his fourth CDI at this level, and it’s about keeping his mind happy and healthy. I think once I feel like the right time to push for more, I can,” she said. “Today, I think our test was really consistent and very clean, but it was a bit more on the conservative side. I think that, personally, it had to do a bit with the heat and a little bit too long of a warm-up, but he felt great. I had rideability today, which is what I really strive for with him because he can be a bit looky and tense. He was with me and happy, and I just feel so honored to be sitting up here with these two.”
The camaraderie and positivity streaming through Team USA this season at AGDF has been evident and in testament to the confidence the riders have been giving each other throughout the season. Brock spoke to the stabling arrangements for this week’s competition, in which Graves, Perry-Glass, and Brock are all stabled in adjacent stalls in the same FEI barn, as a symbol of support and motivation for one another.
“It started with Lisa Wilcox, who we all love. She’s just the best person you can ever be in a barn aisle with. She’s so inspiring and has done everything, just gives a really positive energy. We all decided that after the 5* here, we needed to have a barn name to put on the entry forms. We couldn’t come up with one and Lisa said, ‘All for one and one for all,'” explained Brock. “We’re all barn mates under that name and I think that shows how we all feel about each other and what it means for us to be competing together. I think it’s an incredible atmosphere, and it’s pretty cool because it isn’t always that way. We are all about supporting each other.”
Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and her own Don Tignanello, a 2005 Hanoverian gelding (Don Vino x Atlantica), have been nearly unbeatable in Small Tour classes this season at AGDF and capped today with another victory in the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, receiving a 72.982%. Collins-Strijk piloted her second mount, Zantros, to second place with a score of 71.623%. Kevin Kohmann (GER) and Fritz San Tino, owned by Melanie Pai, earned their first top three finish in CDI competition this season with a 70.833%.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, along with the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by The Dutta Corporation. For more information on AGDF and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – March 15, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) welcomes back international competition this week to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) as the facility prepares to host the AGDF 10 CDI 4* presented by Havensafe Farm, CDI 3* presented by The Dutta Corporation, and CDI 1* presented by Mike & Roz Collins. The 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, presented by the Davis family, Kim Boyer, Dressage 4 Kids, and the Kane Family, will run in conjunction with the CDI 4*/3*/1* competition throughout the week, allowing top young riders the opportunity to compete in a major international setting at AGDF. Competition will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16, and continue through Sunday, March 20. The AGDF 10 “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
The CDI 4* will begin Wednesday, March 16, as the FEI Grand Prix presented by Havensafe Farm will commence in The Stadium at PBIEC promptly at 3:00 p.m. The FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, will begin at 8:00 a.m. prior to Grand Prix competition on March 16. The FEI CDI 3* presented by The Dutta Corporation will begin on Thursday, March 17, at 1:25 p.m. with the FEI Grand Prix, preceded by the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Mike & Roz Collins.
Both FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*/3* classes are set to take place on Friday, March 18, with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* scheduled to finish just before the start of the popular “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights at 7:00 p.m. The FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4*/3* classes will highlight competition on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1* concluding competition on Sunday, March 20.
In one of the largest international competitions ever hosted outside of Europe, more than 140 FEI entries jogged before the judging panel on Tuesday afternoon. The 2016 season at AGDF has developed into one of the most competitive dressage destinations in the world. The event this week will focus not only on the accomplishments of professionals and amateur riders, but also young competitors excelling in the sport, as the largest group of entries was submitted for the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships.
Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas at the 2015 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships
Showcasing riders in the Under 25, Young Rider, Junior, and Pony divisions, the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships offer a growing platform for young riders wishing to compete at the international levels of the sport, bringing them to the forefront of one of the world’s largest dressage competitions. As the sport continues to expand as an equestrian discipline around the world and entry numbers for the competition continue to increase this year, a massive FEI Young Rider division will highlight the week, boasting 24 entries, the largest Young Rider division in the history of AGDF. Competitors from around the globe are set to take to The Stadium at PBIEC representing nations from North America, South America, and Europe.
“We’re very proud of the growth and expansion this show has seen over the past few years, and the representation this year in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships attests to that,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for AGDF. “This is the first step for many of these riders pursuing the FEI Grand Prix level, especially the individuals we will see in the Young Rider division. We’re honored to host this championship and are thankful to our sponsors Kim Boyer, the Davis family, the Kane family, and Lendon Gray for their continued efforts each year.”
In the four FEI divisions offered to riders competing in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships this year, there are great numbers of competitors expected to compete, including: two competitors in the FEI Pony Rider division, eleven riders in the FEI Junior Rider division, 24 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, and eight combinations contesting the FEI Intermediaire II 16-25 division.
Top-ranked U.S. rider Barbara “Bebe” Davis, currently ranked 7th in the FEI Young Rider World Rankings list, will compete two mounts, Feivel Mousekewitz, owned by Michael Davis, in the FEI Young Rider division, and Equestricon’s Carrera, owned by Antonia Arl, in the FEI Intermediaire II 16-25 division. Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) who has dominated in both the Large Tour and Small Tour classes at AGDF this season, will compete Dhannie Ymas, owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., in the FEI Young Rider division as well, looking to add another win to his already successful campaign this season. Felicitas Hendrix (GER), currently ranked #3 in the world on the FEI Junior Rider list on Faible AS, will also compete, while Diana Porsche (AUT), ranked third on the Under 25 FEI World Rankings list, will compete in both the FEI Young Rider division and FEI Intermediaire 16-25 division aboard Porsche’s Eloy and Di Sandro.
This is the fourth year the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships will be hosted by AGDF and the competition is organized by Equestrian Sport Productions. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, and competition this week, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
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 the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Susan Jones and Connaisseur (Photo courtesy of Dieter Busse).
Wellington, FL (March 14, 2016) – Dr. Cesar Parra and his Piaffe Performance Farm is continuing to reward accomplished adult amateur riders at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award. This past week, during the show series’ Palm Beach Dressage Derby, Susan Jones of Walton, Kentucky was the Adult Amateur Achievement Award winner.
Parra, an Olympian who has trained many amateur and professional riders during his illustrious career, loves honoring adult amateurs for the hard work and dedication they put in with their horses. Susan Jones accepted the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award after competing throughout the weekend with her horses Reliance, Connaisseur, and Lindor’s Finest.
Parra presented Jones with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award after her performance in the Prix St. Georges with Reliance, a 13-year-old sired by Rhodimont and out of Gesstine, a Classiker mare imported from Germany. Jones bought the 2003 dark bay from Kathy Priest around seven years ago. A highlight of their career so far was their 2011 win in the GAIG/USDF Region 2 Championships amongst 33 other horses at First Level.
Jones and Reliance have climbed the ranks together, and Friday marked their first Prix St. Georges test at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. After that test, Jones commented, “We’re just going to continue getting better. I’m going to be here the rest of the weekend trying to perfect our test.”
Sure enough, the pair did just that and improved by almost two entire percentage points when they captured the blue ribbon for the week’s Sunday FEI Prix St. George Adult Amateur class.
Jones fits riding into her successful career as CEO, President, and Founder of the consulting firm Seed Strategy, which works with many Fortune 500 companies and other recognizable world brands. As a 1986 alumni of Indiana University, Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing and currently serves on the Dean’s Council in the university’s Kelley School of Business.
When Jones is at home, she can be found spending time with her family or riding her dressage horses Reliance, Connaisseur, and Lindor’s Finest at her farm, Flyaway Acres, in Northern Kentucky. “Dressage is my oxygen,” Jones said. “I need it to live. To be on a horse and to continue to master being the best you can be and riding in harmony – there’s nothing better than that.”
Dr. Cesar Parra and the entire team from Piaffe Performance were proud to reward Jones, as she shares Piaffe Performance’s strong love for dressage and dedication to excellence in the sport. Piaffe Performance will continue presenting the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award throughout the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where Piaffe Performance is also the sponsor of the International Rider Lounge and the Hospitality Tent by the National Arenas. The Piaffe Performance Rider Lounges provide drinks and snacks for all levels of riders to enjoy as they relax before or after their tests.
Piaffe Performance, founded by Olympic dressage rider Dr. Cesar Parra, has locations in Jupiter, Florida and in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Parra and his team provide full-service training based on the Classical German Training Methods. Dr. Parra has worked with such masters of dressage as Herbert Rehbein, Siegfried “Bimbo” Peilicke, Hans Rueben, Herbert Kuckluck, and Hubertus Schmidt. Learn more about training and sales prospects at www.GKHorsesatPiaffePerformance.com.
Endel Ots wins the Custom Saddlery MVR Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Wellington, FL (March 14, 2016) – When dressage stars shine brightly across the state of Florida, Custom Saddlery takes note. The company rewarded Brian MacMahon and Endel Ots for their excellence by presenting them with the Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider (MVR) Award at recent Florida dressage shows. MacMahon was recognized for coaching students and horses to excellent scores – as well as excellent scores himself – at the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2 in Canterbury, Florida. Ots was recognized at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival for his international success with his young horses.
A dressage rider for more than 30 years, MacMahon is a jack-of-all-trades in the world of dressage. He competes, trains, breeds, conducts clinics, and is an “r” judge. Carlie Evans of Southeast Horse Shows, the management company for the Twice as Nice Dressage show, explained why MacMahon was chosen by the show committee as recipient of the Custom Saddlery MVR Award. “Brian was chosen because he is a great supporter of our shows,” she said. “He shows horses himself at all levels including freestyles, he brings students with him who show at all levels, and he has horses that he breeds and has sold competing at the same shows. He’s an all-around positive person in the world of dressage.”
MacMahon usually competes with as many as four horses and coaches five students at shows. At the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2, his proudest moment was watching his working student, Mickensey Johnson, win all of her classes in only her second recognized show aboard Kalahari, a 15-year-old Warmblood gelding (Beaujolais x Katmandu, Columbus) owned by Eugene Abello and bred by MacMahon.
“I took my first riding lesson 30 something years ago when I got out of college, and that was that,” MacMahon said. “I love the sport. I think that when a horse is truly correct and on your aids, there’s nothing like it.”
MacMahon is based out of his Sword from the Stone Farm in Wellborn, Florida and will be beginning his “R” judge program this summer. Now that the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2 is over, his upcoming goals are to get his students qualified for regional championships and his young horses qualified for championships, as well.
Endel Ots received the Custom Saddlery MVR Award while competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. He was presented with the award because of his impressive achievements over the past year. Ots became only the second American ever to qualify both a five-year-old horse and a six-year-old horse for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany. Ots qualified Lucky Strike, a German-bred six-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Lord Laurie x Heidi, His Highness) owned by Endel Ots and his father Max Ots, and Samhitas, a German-bred seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Sir Donnerhall I x Heidebluete, Abanos), owned by Canadians Gary and Jeannie Vander Ploeg of Pine Ridge Farm. He is continuing his success this winter season in Wellington, Florida, and hopes to once again qualify the horses for the world Young Horse Championship.
Ots is a Custom Saddlery sponsored rider, and competes in the Custom Saddlery Icon Coda model. “I like Custom Saddlery for their customer service,” he said. “They always get things done on time. When you hear you are going to get the saddle, you get it. There are so many saddles to choose from – you can have whatever saddle you want designed however you want it.”
The Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider Award is presented at major horse shows to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in the sport. Custom Saddlery, the Official Saddle of the U.S. Dressage Team through the 2016 Olympic Games, gave both MacMahon and Ots an embroidered Custom Saddlery saddle pad, bag, towel, and ribbon as the newest MVR Award recipients.
Custom Saddlery’s MVR Award is all about quality riders, just as the company’s saddles are centered on top quality craftsmanship and materials. Custom Saddlery provides professional fitting services and manufactures accessories to compliment the saddles, including stirrup leathers, girths, and saddle pads.
For more information about Custom Saddlery, visit www.mysaddle.com or call 1-800-235-3865.
Wellington, FL (March 10, 2016) — After riders competed under the lights at the Grand Prix Freestyle during the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Everglades Dressage, the title sponsor of the Derby, rewarded first place winner Lars Petersen with the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award. Rose and Bethany Peslar, the mother/daughter duo who own and run Everglades Dressage, were proud to once again sponsor such a significant event in the dressage community, and to reward Petersen for his victory.
Rose and Bethany Peslar have had a tremendous influence on the growth of dressage in Wellington, Florida that dates back to before the Adequan Global Dressage Festival even existed. As soon as the idea for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival was born, the Peslars were quick to step in as founding sponsors of the international winter show series. Since then, they have carried on the tradition of being the title sponsor of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and presenting the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award throughout each show season.
Endel Ots, a trainer based at Everglades Dressage, explained, “To sponsor the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is extremely important to the Peslars. They are very supportive of all of the riders here, and they will continue to give their sponsorship and support in the future.”
One way that the Peslars show their support is by presenting the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award. This award is given to admirable riders who demonstrate significant achievements in any aspect of dressage. After Petersen’s recent performance in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, it was clear that he well deserved the award.
Petersen, a Danish rider with an impressive resume of international competition, scored a 78.025 percent in the Freestyle with his self-owned Danish bred mare, Mariett. Their closest contender was fellow Danish rider Mikala Gundersen on My Lady with a 75.700 percent.
“It always feels good to win, but this win was especially good because it was after Marriett has been showing for two weeks in a row – which, for all of us, is a lot,” Petersen explained. “But, she was really fresh going in and it was really fun. Everything came together.”
To accomplish this feat, Petersen’s strategy was simple. “She’s just been kept loose and happy, and that’s the most important thing,” he said. When asked about what’s on the horizon for him and Marriett, Petersen’s response was equally simple: “I take it one day at a time.”
For now, he’s perfectly content with his recent accomplishments – including his recognition from Everglades Dressage. Everglades Dressage, in turn, is happy to continue supporting immensely successful riders like Petersen and all riders who have a love for dressage.
At the Palm Beach Derby, Rose and Bethany Peslar were also honored themselves with the Premier Equestrian Award, presented by Premier Equestrian, for their contributions and dedication to the sport. The Peslars are happy to play such a role in the Wellington dressage community, and look forward to continuing to present the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award throughout the remainder of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
