Wellington, FL (March 10, 2016) – Years of hard work and experience really pay off – and this week, no one knows that better than Canadian dressage rider Belinda Trussell and Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals. Trussell once again topped the scoreboards during the weekend’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in Wellington, Florida. Her 16-year-old equine partner Anton out-performed large classes of talented competitors. “Anton is getting better and better. He’s like a fine wine; he’s better with age,” Trussell smiled. As an Omega Alpha Ambassador, Trussell certainly knows the benefits of improving with time – Omega Alpha is a company that has spent well over two decades researching and developing all-natural equine health supplements to become a leader in the industry. With such a wealth of experience and knowledge, Omega Alpha’s supplements have been shown to produce outstanding results. “I won’t go to a show without Omega Alpha supplements, because my horses need to feel great and perform at their best,” Trussell explained.
At the prestigious Adequan Global Dressage Festival this past weekend, Trussell and Anton certainly did perform their best. The pair took first place in the competitive FEI Grand Prix class of 40 entries with a 73.7 percent. Two days later, they showed that they had only just been getting started with their victory laps. In the FEI Grand Prix Special, Trussell and Anton scored their personal best score as well as broke the record for the highest-scoring Canadian pair in the Grand Prix Special. Their score of 75.529 percent was over two points higher than their closest contender, Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock.
“Anton was stellar this week,” said Trussell. “He was brilliant in the ring. His highlight is his piaffe, and his passage is really good, too. His transitions in and out are very easy for him. He’s a really solid competitor, and it’s such a great feeling as a rider. You have that confidence going into the ring that your horse knows his job well.”
“I am so proud of Anton and so grateful to my wonderful team,” continued Trussell. “Hearing the Canadian anthem twice in one week among such a competitive field was incredible.”
Omega Alpha, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was proud to cheer on fellow Canadian and devoted Omega Alpha product user Belinda Trussell. Omega Alpha develops natural supplements through research-based science to improve equine health and performance. The company’s formulations consistently help horses and riders like Anton and Trussell achieve their dreams. For more information about Omega Alpha, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca or call 1-800-651-3172.
Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations who will represent the U.S. at the Stillpoint Farm Nations Cup CDIO3*, which runs in conjunction with the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, March 29 – April 2, 2016, in Wellington, Fla. The U.S. team consists of four Big Tour combinations and Robert Dover will serve as the Chef d’Equipe.
The following combinations will make up the U.S. team (in alphabetical order):
Shelly Francis (Loxahatcee, Fla.) and Patricia Stempel’s Doktor, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding
Laura Graves (Geneva, Fla.) and her own Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding
Arlene “Tuny” Page (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Woodstock, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding
Kasey Perry-Glass (Orangevale, Calif.) and Goerklintgaards Dublet, a 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding
Wellington, Florida (March 7, 2016) – International Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her partner, 11-year-old KWPN gelding Alcazar, owned by Jane F. Clark, have had a notable campaign so far this year in the Grand Prix division throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Their efforts came to fruition this past week during the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W, sponsored by Everglades Dressage. The pair emerged as the highest placing American duo in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a 73.45 percent.
After performing an energetic and striking freestyle test, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar sat in the third place spot behind Danish riders Lars Petersen with Mariett and Mikala Gundersen with My Lady. Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar have been steadily improving throughout the 2016 winter competition series held in Wellington, Florida, and Bateson-Chandler was very pleased with her mount’s progress.
“He was quite nervous in the warm-up, and he’s been pretty solid the past couple of times that I’ve gone under the lights,” said Bateson-Chandler after her impressive ride e in front of a packed house at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “It threw me a little bit in the warm-up, but he came into the ring and actually is learning that it is his safe place, and he settles,” she said. “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.”
At last year’s Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar took first place, which marked the horse’s breakthrough performance in the Grand Prix level. That 2015 CDI class was their first, after competing successfully in the national Grand Prix classes throughout that winter series.
Bateson-Chandler plans to compete with Alcazar in the remaining two CDIs at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which will occur during Week 10 and Week 12.
“It’s a long season here, and you can get greedy with so many international shows. I have taken a couple of CDIs off, so he’s going to do the last two that are here because they’re spread out a bit more,” Bateson-Chandler noted.
After the completion of the 2016 winter competition series, the pair plans to return to England for the summer, where they will train with coach and mentor Carl Hester.
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.
Von Martels and Leuchtfeuer DE Take Trophy in Second Annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby Exhibition
Wellington, FL – March 6, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton secured another victory at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), continuing their consistent showing on the winter circuit this season and solidifying themselves as one of Canada’s strongest Large Tour combinations. The pair earned a personal best score in the Palm Beach Dressage Derby FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, on a score of 75.529%. Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) finished in second place aboard Woodstock with a 73.431%, while Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Rosalie B captured third place with a 72.078%.
Trussell and Anton have demonstrated the value of experience and tenured partnership this season, which has been reflective in their scores, achieving a personal best score in the FEI Grand Prix Special of 75.529% today.
“His highlight is his piaffe and his passage is really good too. His transitions in and out are very easy for him,” commented Trussell. “I have to say: his consistency (is a strength). He’s a really solid competitor, and it’s such a great feeling as a rider. You have that confidence going into the ring that your horse knows his job well.”
“He also was so relaxed and with me. That was a great feeling,” she continued.
After their performance at the FEI CDI 5* at AGDF a few weeks ago, Trussell found assurance in the pair’s ability to overcome adversity. Anton looked as poised as ever in the Global International Ring this afternoon and seemed to grow even more poised in the arena after their preparations at home.
“Those are part of the challenges of the sport. It’s why we all love it. It’s not easy, and you have to keep thinking about solutions. These are animals, and they’re unpredictable. They have their own personalities, and Anton became afraid of the whole atmosphere and the applause,” she explained. “I had to sit back and think to myself, ‘How can I help him feel confident in the ring?’ My feeling is, when you have a confident horse, you have everything you need.
“I tried to think of different things to help him with his sound sensitivity. It’s going to be an ongoing challenge, but he was great this weekend and I didn’t do the freestyle because I wanted him to be confident in the ring again,” said Trussell. “I want to do the freestyle again, so that will be another challenge for us in the near future.”
Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock, one of her two talented Grand Prix mounts, performed another accurate Grand Prix Special test which secured them a second place finish in the competitive class. Woodstock, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Havel x Mirania) looked soft and relaxed, which Tuny said has been a steady progression throughout each of their tests this season.
“The fact is, this horse is incredibly expressive and is blessed with a tremendous amount of scope and elasticity. He has so much power. It’s always a challenge to figure out how to channel that power but not take it away,” said Page. “Believe me, the chicken in me occasionally says, ‘You just have to tone everything down,’ but then of course, you lose the extravagance that has him on a 78% before the canter.
“I’m learning how to balance out the expression that he has with a little bit more zen, if you will, in the canter, which is where he carries more tension and can be more mistake-prone,” she continued. “Last year in Europe, I didn’t find this kind of tension, like what I have here. For him, whatever reason, this venue is a little bit more challenging and it’s been great to have him remain solid in these scores even though for him it can be a little bit more exciting for him.”
Woodstock and Page are forging a strong relationship, which is improving the quality of their tests from beginning to end according to Page. With the trot work now fluid and expressive, the final piece they will look to improve will be the canter work.
“The highlight for me today, just like Belinda was saying, is consistency through the ride. The quality in the trot is almost matched by the overall quality of the canter and the horse has such talent for pirouettes, it’s amazing. You want the whole thing to be on about the same score if you possibly can,” she explained. “I was really pleased with that today, because he let me ride the half-passes and the flying changes much better than he did on Friday.”
Tomlinson, who winters abroad in Wellington, FL from her typical home base in the U.K., rode Rosalie B in their second competition together to earn a 72.078%. Tomlinson commented on the progress the new pair has made in just two shows together.
“I was very happy with her. It was her second show ever at the Grand Prix level and her second show with me ever. I’m thrilled with how much she’s come together just since the last show,” said Tomlinson. “She’s much more confident in the ring, and easier to ride. I feel very happy with the way she’s going and the way she’s improving. We didn’t actually have any mistakes today.”
“She’s still lacking the strength a little bit, but she’s obedient with it. We had a great ride together and I’m thrilled,” she noted.
Chris Von Martels and Leuchtfeuer DE
Chris Von Martels (CAN) won the second annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby Exhibition at AGDF, besting fellow international riders Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Adrienne Lyle (USA), and Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP). Von Martels and Tomlinson went head-to-head in the final round of competition aboard Patricia Koschel’s Leuchtfeuer DE. Each rider had a five-minute familiarization period with each of their rides, prior to riding an FEI Prix St. Georges test before a panel of three judges.
Von Martels started the competition off aboard Legacy’s Ambicioso, a 2005 P.R.E. gelding owned by Deborah Berger, and would earn a 64.605% from the judges. Paired with last year’s champion, Adrienne Lyle, Von Martels made the most of the pair’s time in the arena to advance to the final round of competition. Lyle received a 64.254% in a close competition, earning an overall fourth place.
Tomlinson advanced in front of Juan Matute, Jr. in the first round of knockout competition aboard Zazou, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (00 Seven x Kimbel) owned by Dana Dion, with a score of 66.535%. Matute, Jr. scored a 64.825% and would ultimately finish in third place.
“You certainly couldn’t have had two more different rides in one day. I don’t have much experience riding Spanish horses at all and it was my first time riding one in a competition setting,” explained Von Martels. “He was very sweet and had my back a few times when I didn’t give him any extra confidence. Patricia’s [Koschel] horse I thought was actually very fun to ride and is certainly a powerful, strong horse, but when you find that connection with him you could ride a very accurate test.”
Tomlinson drew the short card and rode back-to-back rounds, after already riding the FEI Grand Prix Special aboard Rosalie B and was admittedly tired. Tomlinson and Leuchtfeuer DE scored a 67.719% and would await Von Martels score.
Jokingly, Tomlinson admitted that she probably got Leuchtfeuer DE very warmed up for Von Martels, who performed a lovely test to score a 70.008% for the win.
“The first ride was very fun; it was a very powerful horse. The canter was trickier to ride because it got very big in front. It was a good challenging ride though. I was expecting Leuchtfeuer DE to be a bit lazy and then he actually got very hot with me during the test,” commented Tomlinson. “He just got a bit too strong, but unlike Chris, I don’t think I had collection the entire time during my test. I was definitely not lacking impulsion during the test, but probably lacking a bit of connection.
“It’s fun to have nice horses in a class like that and it was a lot of fun for us,” continued Tomlinson.
“I thought the derby was very fun. It was my first time doing a class like this and I was definitely excited. The horse I rode, like Laura said, was very powerful. The trot tour was very exciting, but the canter was a bit more challenging to ride,” noted Matute, Jr. “These classes are something I always look forward to and it adds another aspect to your riding.”
Former champion, Adrienne Lyle, is always excited to compete in the class, which offers riders a way to test their skills in an enjoyable, yet educational atmosphere.
“I think these classes are very entertaining and we were commenting on the sidelines that it’s the only time you see everyone get a bit light-hearted and are able to laugh at themselves. If they have a mistake, everyone smiles, and the crowd cheers when you finally get your lead change,” laughed Lyle. “It was fun and it’s always a good time with good camaraderie.”
Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, thinks the inclusion of a true derby class is essential during the circuit and fits in perfectly with the Palm Beach Dressage Derby competition during week eight.
“Definitely we will see this in the future. This has potential for more than a Sunday afternoon I think. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do that this year with Nations’ Cup across the street, but I will try to make this an evening event next year,” noted Baur. “I’d like to thank all of the owners and riders who donated their horses and to these riders.”
Competition at AGDF continues again Wednesday, March 16, with the FEI CDI 4*/3*/1* presented by Havensafe Farm and will continue through Sunday, March 20. 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 5, 2016 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and long-time mount Mariett proved they have hit their stride at the right point during the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) circuit, taking a commanding win in the Palm Beach Dressage Derby FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, with a score of 78.025%. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, along with the second annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby class beginning at 1 p.m.
Fellow Danish rider Mikala Gundersen and My Lady finished in second with a 75.700%, while Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar represented the United States in third place, receiving a 73.450%.
Petersen and Mariett have been working towards their big score all season long, as Petersen has discussed getting back into a rhythm with the 1998 Danish Warmblood mare (Comeback II x Zendi). After enjoying most of the 2015 season off after AGDF competition concluded, Petersen and Mariett seem to be peaking at the right point in time as Danish riders are still looking to fill their four-member squad for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The pair performed a balanced and energetic test, which judge at C, Gary Rockwell (USA), commented may have been the best freestyle routine he’s ever seen the pair perform. Petersen was quick to praise the seemingly ageless mare on her efforts in the ring, which earned them a score near the 80% mark.
“It always feels good to win. This was two weeks in a row for her to show and it’s, I think on all of the horses, a lot, but she was really fresh,” said Petersen. “It was a fun night.”
“For Mariett, it’s very important that she stays fresh. That is my main goal with her. She’s not the easiest horse in the world, but tonight, you know, I’ve had some good tests this season and more not so good. I was just determined,” continued Petersen.
It is always a question of how Petersen keeps Mariett in such fine shape to compete and his plan is very simple: keep her loose and keep her happy. Detailing his preparation this week, it is clear that the more relaxed Mariett stays throughout the week, the better she performs.
“Last Saturday she had off. Sunday she hacked out. Monday and Tuesday we rode her in the field. Wednesday we jogged and then on Thursday, Melissa, my wife, and I did a little bit of test riding on her before and that was it since the last week. She’s just been kept loose and happy. There’s not too much more I can teach her, I don’t think,” he explained.
Gundersen and My Lady have dominated the circuit again this season, but their test tonight could not match the fellow Danish combination of Petersen and Mariett. Gundersen opened up about a moment of distraction, which led her to forget the first moments of her test.
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
“The pilot didn’t remember where to go tonight. I started going the wrong way, and I lost my focus a little bit. I was not riding the way I normally ride the test and I will say that,” commented Gundersen. “On the other hand, I’m so proud of this second place. I’m really happy that Lars won tonight. It was so important that he got a really good score tonight, as we’re still trying to get the fourth spot for the Olympics. I’m very happy for my second place tonight.”
Originally vying for a position in the FEI World Cup Finals competition to be hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden in April, Gundersen announced that she and My Lady will forego the opportunity to compete in the competition, and instead turn their sights to Rio de Janeiro.
“I had a long talk with my trainer last night and we’ve decided that, while originally we were trying to qualify for the FEI World Cup Finals, we will not go. We’re going to try to focus on earning a spot on the Danish team for the Olympics,” expressed Gundersen, when asked about her upcoming plans with My Lady. “We want to save Lady for that. Now that we’ve changed our plans for that, I may come back to ride the last CDI here for the Grand Prix Special, because we have not done one yet this season.”
The only American pair to sit in the top three in the freestyle, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar have also been steadily improving throughout the season. Typically based in England during the remainder of the year, Bateson-Chandler finds importance in basing in Wellington, FL for the winter months.
“He was quite nervous in the warm-up, and he’s been pretty solid the past couple of times I’ve gone under the lights. It threw me a little bit in the warm-up, but he came into the ring and actually is learning that’s his safe place and he settles,” she said. “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 light’ situations. He keeps stepping up to the plate, and I’m really proud of him.”
Bateson-Chandler has been careful to not overwhelm Alcazar this season with CDI competition, but feels that the more spaced out competitions give the pair a strong opportunity to improve and gain experience.
“It’s a long season here and you can get greedy with so many international shows. I have taken a couple of CDIs off, so he’s going to do the last two that are here because they’re spread out a bit more,” she noted.
Judge at C, Gary Rockwell (USA), who will also sit on the panel for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, noted the several combinations that seemed to struggle in the nighttime atmosphere, but praised Petersen for his accurate and forward ride.
“I was a little surprised that a lot of horses were electric tonight and it’s pretty far into the season. It seemed to have been a really electric atmosphere tonight,” commented Rockwell. “I was very pleased though with Lars’ ride. I thought it may be one of the best tests I’ve ever seen him do with this horse. He made so many wonderful transitions, which we love to reward when we see them. He pulled them off tonight very well, and to me, it was a very quality win.”
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is a staple for the dressage community each season, and has been a part of the winter circuit in south Florida for nearly three decades. Everglades Dressage is a key sponsor in the success of the AGDF circuit. Representative Endel Ots sat on the press conference panel to discuss the importance of dressage in Wellington.
“Everglades Dressage, with Bethany and Rose Peslar, has sponsored dressage here in Florida for two decades and to sponsor the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is super important to them. They want to continue to support the sport and the riders here every year,” noted Ots.
Title sponsor Adequan® has brought the competition to new heights in 2016 and continues to play a major role in the overall success and growth of the largest dressage circuit in the western hemisphere.
“I really enjoyed the fans (in the grandstand). As the riders were going down and acknowledging the applause, and it really was like a wave of applause. How cool is that to see? We are just thrilled that we can have a little piece in making this a special place for dressage in this country and the world,” noted Allyn Mann, representative for title sponsor Adequan®.
In what has become a tradition at AGDF, a number of owner awards were distributed throughout the night, recognizing performances at both the national and international levels of competition, each sponsored by Adequan®. Rocking Diamond S, owners of Bismark J, were awarded with the AGDF 7 National Show High Score Award, as Bismark J and rider Melissa Fladland earned 78.409%. Joanne Troat accepted the Prix St. Georges Owner Award for the performance of Belissima 23, ridden by Neve Myburgh (GER), where the duo earned a 71.474% for the win. Marcia Pepper accepted the Grand Prix Freestyle Owner Award for Petersen’s win aboard Mariett. Petersen’s groom, Mallory Brown, accepted the Groom’s Initiative Award, presented by Thomas Baur on behalf of Mark Bellissimo and Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC.
Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas, owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., took top honors in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, with a score of 74.917%. Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and her own For My Love, earned second place with a personal best score of 71.583%. Christer Egerstrom (CRC) and his own Bello Oriente finished in third place, scoring a 69.833%.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, at 9:45 a.m., followed by the Palm Beach Dressage Derby Exhibition at 1 p.m. 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 4, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton, who have performed with impressive consistency this season, rose to the occasion once again at the AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby. They won the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane & George Fellows, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Competition at the 2016 Palm Beach Dressage Derby continues through Sunday, March 6, and the highlight will be a special Saturday night FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Everglades Dressage, beginning at 7 p.m.
Trussell and Anton received a 73.700% to secure first place in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane & George Fellows, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady fell just short of the win with a 72.980%. Lars Petersen (DEN) and veteran mount Mariett rounded out the top three with a 71.080%.
Trussell and Anton have been a force this season on the winter circuit, collecting two consecutive wins in week three at AGDF in both the FEI Grand Prix and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.
The pair, who encountered some difficulties in their outing at the FEI CDI 5* only a few weeks ago, buckled down on relieving the tension Anton can carry into the ring with large crowds and applause.
“Since the last show I had with him here, I felt like I had some tension issues, so I went home and did some sound training with him,” noted Trussell. “I downloaded the sound of applause onto my phone and we got some Bose speakers to play it for him. He didn’t really seem concerned, but my focus was on trying to get him to relax.”
“He was relaxed today and he’s so steady and secure in his movements that it’s a nice place to be with him. When I have that relaxation, I can have a better walk and a softer frame. All of that was the difference in jumping back from the last show to this show,” she continued.
Gundersen and My Lady, who are currently ranked first for earned prize money at AGDF this season, only improve with each outing. The pair, who scores consistently above the 70% mark in the Grand Prix, performed another nearly faultless test and Gundersen was pleased with their performance.
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
“I think I had so many good movements in the test today. I don’t know where I could improve, but some of the judges said to me after the class something about her mouth, but I need to look at it on the video,” she explained. “She felt just very nice in the connection, and I had a very good frame.
“She’s 16, and looking around we have a group of older horses up here, seniors! Two 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old, but Lady just keeps getting stronger and better in the ring and this was probably the best walk tour I’ve ever had. Her extended walk to the collected walk and the transitions were amazing. I’m very pleased with that,” Gundersen said.
Competing in the Palm Beach Dressage Derby week at AGDF is a bit sentimental for Gundersen, whose owner and friend, Janne Rumbough, was one of the first dressage riders in south Florida and was an integral member in starting the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby years ago.
“It means so much to my owner, Janne Rumbough, to do this show and it’s one of the reasons that we decided to do it. It’s very close to Janne, and she was part of the whole beginning of this show,” commented Gundersen.
Fellow Danish rider Lars Petersen and Mariett also continued their impressive ways in the Grand Prix, notching another top three finish this season. Petersen, who commented a few weeks ago that he felt was still trying to find his rhythm with Mariett, said that he was pleased with their performance.
“I was happy with her today. Maybe when I grow up and can figure out how to make a canter depart from passage, then I’ll do better, but hey, I’m still young,” laughed Petersen. “To be honest though, she was fresh and that was one of my worries competing two weeks in a row with an older horse. She felt great though, and I thought it was a good test for us.”
The FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, was held today in the Van Kampen Covered Arena. Neve Myburgh (GER) and Belissima 23, who won yesterday’s FEI Prix St. Georges, also presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, took the class with a 72.675%. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas earned an additional second place with a score of 71.009%, while Jaimey Irwin (CAN) and Donegal V finished in third place with a 70.482%.
Yesterday’s competition at AGDF highlighted the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI-W, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm. Myburgh (GER) and Bellissima 23 won with a score of 71.474%. Juan Matute, Jr. and Dhannie Ymas finished in second place with a 69.763%, while Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Zantros collected third receiving a 69.711%.
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, as well as the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, beginning at 7 p.m. 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 2, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is proud to welcome the celebrated Palm Beach Dressage Derby back to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), as competitors will contest FEI CDI-W competition presented by weekly sponsor Everglades Dressage. Competition is set to commence on Wednesday, March 2, and continue through Sunday, March 6.
The well-attended FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition will be hosted under the lights and begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, instead of the usual Friday night event, just for this week’s competition.
The start of AGDF 8 began this afternoon and featured the FEI Junior Rider Team class and FEI Young Rider Team class in the Global International Ring, while tomorrow, Thursday, March 3, will include the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and the Derby Prix St. Georges beginning at 2:15 p.m.
The FEI Grand Prix, presented by Today’s Equestrian with Diane and George Fellows, will be the main event on Friday, March 4, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing through 5:50 p.m. The FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, will be hosted in the Van Kampen Covered Arena simultaneously, with an estimated start time of 10:00 a.m.
A number of FEI Young Rider, Junior Rider, and Amateur classes, along with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, will precede the main event on Saturday. The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, a historic staple for the dressage community of southern Florida, will conclude with a true derby-style competition on Sunday, March 6. The Palm Beach Dressage Derby will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, and feature four top international riders who will compete aboard a selected group of Prix St. Georges horses in traditional derby format. The riders will include Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Chris Von Martels (CAN), Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), and reigning champion Adrienne Lyle (USA). Renowned judge Lilo Fore (USA) will commentate the competition.
The FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Today’s Equestrian with Diane and George Fellows, is also on Sunday starting at 9:45 a.m.
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 – February 28, 2016 – Christer Egerstrom (CRC) and Bello Oriente won the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Engel & Völkers, topping the class with a score of 71.708%. This earned Costa Rica their first FEI win at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) this season. Competition at AGDF will resume on Wednesday, March 2, with the start of the AGDF 8 CDI-W Palm Beach Dressage Derby, presented by Everglades Dressage, and conclude on Sunday, March 6.
Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo (ESP) and Elevado finished in second with a 69.792%, while Michelle Batalla, also representing Costa Rica, finished in third with a 64.792% aboard Hendrix.
Egerstrom and Bello Oriente performed a lovely and accurate test to cap their week-long campaign in Small Tour competition at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Bello Oriente, a 2004 Oldenburg gelding (Belissimo M x Maradonna) owned by Egerstrom, is beginning to show consistent strength in expression and self-carriage, which is a main focus for Egerstrom as he will look to move the gelding to Large Tour competition next season.
“I actually rode exactly to the music, which is always a good thing,” said Egerstrom. “I was quite happy with that, and he was very energetic. I bought him in Mexico as a three-year-old and have had him ever since.”
“He’s a good horse; I really like him. I think right now since we have a little bit of time with Rio out of the question, my idea would be to prepare him to try to head to Tokyo, Japan, for the 2020 Olympics. We have a very generous new sponsor, Denise Garnier, and she’s been incredibly supportive,” Egerstrom continued.
It’s a family affair for Egerstrom, whose wife, Michelle Batalla, finished in third place in the class, also representing the nation of Costa Rica. The duo has big plans to secure a spot for the small nation of Costa Rica in dressage at the next Olympic Games.
“The idea is to try to get Costa Rica to the Olympics for Tokyo between to the two of us. That’s the objective. We have a little bit of time, and I think maybe next season we’ll come out at the Grand Prix level here,” he continued.
Egerstrom is building a strong string of horses he could take as possible contenders, and Bello Oriente is only improving with experience in the ring. For Egerstrom, competing at AGDF has given both the necessary tools to feel secure in a move to Large Tour next season.
“I have another candidate that could also do the Grand Prix, so between the two of them I’m very hopeful. We’ll do the next few CDIs here because you have to get down the centerline and experience it. That’s the only way that you can see what you need to do. It’s about getting the experience and that’s what we’re here for,” noted Egerstrom.
Bello Oriente, a flashy bay gelding, seems to have all of the makings of a talented Grand Prix prospect for Egerstrom as his natural balance has been a major influence in his training progression over the past year.
“Actually he has four great gaits and the trot, as his self-carriage continues to get better, is pretty spectacular. It’s getting much better, but the canter is good in and of itself. It’s there for the Grand Prix right now, but I don’t want to rush him into it. He’s doing everything, but I’m going to take my time and get it there correctly,” he continued.
Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo (ESP) and his own Sunny Boy finished the afternoon with a win in the FEI Consolation Grand Prix, earning a score of 66.000%. Joanne Vaughan (GEO) and her own Elmegarden’s Marquis received a 64.867%, while Evi Strasser (CAN) piloted her own Renaissance Tyme to third place with a 64.833%.
Competition at AGDF resumes on Wednesday, March 2, with the AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage. 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 – February 27, 2016 – The fourth day of competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) concluded today with a win for Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. Competition at AGDF 7 concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Engel & Völkers.
Francis and Doktor won the class with a 73.373%, narrowly edging fellow American Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet who finished in second place with a 73.137%. Kelly Layne (AUS) and Udon P earned a 70.157% for third place.
Shelly Francis and Doktor, owned by Patricia Stempel, have consistently placed amongst the top three for the past two seasons at AGDF and have always seemed to fall just short of the victory gallop, but today, the duo wowed the judging panel as the final ride in the class, just nudging Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet to second place.
“In a funny way I’m not always sure what feels good. I kept thinking about what Robert [Dover] said to me before I went in about the half halts. When he got a little bit strong I was trying to just really sit in there,” said Francis. “He really put out effort for me today and he felt like he was going nice and steady. There were no real hiccups in the rhythm anywhere, from what I felt.”
The duo finished one of their most fluid and harmonious tests, as Francis rode with a bit more contact in the bridle than she typically asks for from the 2003 Hanoverian gelding (Diamond Hit x Gurena).
She described, “I was really concentrating every step. For me, there was a little bit of sweat dripping off my head, but he was very there with me trying to do everything. It was a little bit more contact than I usually ride him in, but it also shows me that I’m trying to be a little too light sometimes. It made him stay a bit steadier and the passages felt really steady. Sometimes he can get a little hoppy there, but today he just felt in my hand and very nice.”
“I’m still a little bit surprised that Kasey [Perry-Glass] didn’t whoop my butt to be honest,” laughed Francis. “It feels good. It’s kind of a little reward here and there and I’m happy for the rest of the year now.”
With a talented string of Large Tour horses moving up through the ranks, Francis has been pleased with the steady progress of each of her mounts, but incredibly impressed with the consistent improvement of Doktor, her most experienced partner.
“It felt better than some of my other rides. I have to realize what they feel like versus what’s easier for me to sit on. Sometimes it’s not so easy to make a nice ride,” she explained.
Perry-Glass and “Dublet” continue to add top place finishes to their incredibly successful campaign in Large Tour competition this season.
Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet
“I was pleased with the last center line with the passage to piaffe to passage,” said Perry-Glass. “I think he was a little bit tired through the test today. He didn’t have as much energy as I was planning on having, but that’s a learning experience for both of us in our first year at this level, just learning how much to school him during the show and everything.”
As the pair still continues to learn and understand what their best preparations are during competition weeks at the Grand Prix level, Perry-Glass had nothing but praise for “Dublet” on the gelding’s growth in both confidence and stature, as the pair capped off just their third Large Tour CDI competition together with another top three finish.
“With our warm-ups, we do a little bit of light stretching in the trot and a little bit of lateral work. Then we’ll go straight into practicing each movement. Typically I just warm up for like twenty minutes and that’s plenty for him. I’ll get into the warm-up thirty minutes ahead of time just to walk him too,” explained Perry-Glass.
Kelly Layne and Udon P produced one of their best tests of the winter circuit, receiving a 70.157%, which thrilled Layne. She has been working on their balance and fluidness throughout this past year, which is evident in their increase in scores this afternoon for their first top three finish this season.
“We’ve been working a lot on the smoothness and the harmony. He’s a big horse, nearly 18 hands, so keeping that balance and uphill feeling has been key, but today I had super self-carriage and he was just so obedient,” noted Layne. “I was very happy and even though there were tiny little things, he was so obedient and so easy in the contact. Those are the things that we’ve worked on and you can see them now.”
“I will probably do one more CDI with him here this season and see if we put ourselves in that top eight position to go to Europe, which would be two more shows there and see if it’s possible to finish in the top four for Australia,” she elaborated.
Competition at AGDF concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Engel & Völkers, beginning at 9:00 a.m. 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 – February 26, 2016 – Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello continue to display incredible consistency at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as they made another huge statement in their second appearance this week, earning the win in the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W presented by The Axel Johnson Group beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello received a 79.775% for a commanding victory, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady collected second place with a 77.675%. Veteran pair Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett finished in third just behind their fellow Danish teammates with a 76.400% for a Scandinavian sweep.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello made the most of their first outing this week, winning the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group on Thursday and improved upon their results in front of a large crowd at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on a crisp Friday evening.
Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, the training and breeding operation of Antonia Ax:son Johnson of The Axel Johnson Group, has a plethora of international competition experience, representing Sweden with Vilhelmson-Silfven at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Only improving with age, Don Auriello and Vilhelmson-Silfven have been nearly unbeatable in Large Tour competition this year at AGDF.
“It was an amazing feeling tonight. When you don’t have any problems in your test, you can just let go and ride. You can go with the flow and I think that’s the feeling today, and I was very, very happy,” commented Vilhelmson-Silfven, who has represented her home nation of Sweden at every Olympic Games since 1992 in Barcelona, Spain.
She continued, “We’re actually changing the routine the whole time and changing the choreography a bit. We’ve been going back and forth for a while. It’s an ever-changing process.
“I think when you ride a freestyle to the music, the highlight becomes when everything works out and you can follow it along the way it should be. I had that nice feeling today, and it was just right. I was happy with him overall, with the feeling he gave me and the balance we had together. I could move forward easily, and the only thing that I would be a little upset with was the first halt. He’s so on that he has no time to stop. Otherwise, it was great.”
“He’s the kind of horse that always gives his best and is always on my side,” she said. “He wants to please me the whole time and go into the arena with all of the people watching. He’s eager to go and that’s an absolutely stunning feeling to have as a rider, when your horse loves to perform.”
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady, owned by Janne Rumbough, are coming off of their major win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* just two weeks ago at AGDF and also have found themselves consistently atop the leaderboard so far this season.
“I’m really happy with my test tonight. My goal was to have a similar test that I had two weeks ago, and I feel that I did. I was pleased with Lady, and she was very focused. She felt good throughout,” noted Gundersen. A sound malfunction during the pair’s test was a cause for concern, but the pair rode through the rest of their choreography with ease.
Even though Petersen and Mariett have been performed well this season, Petersen noted that tonight’s class felt like the first time the duo found the rhythm that makes them difficult to beat in the Grand Prix Freestyle class. Mariett, who is now 18 years old, was given off for a number of months after the FEI Reem Acra World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV, last April, and it has taken some time for the pair to get back into the swing of things so far this season.
“I’ve had a little bit of a hard time finding that rhythm with her again, so it’s getting better and better. Tonight I was really happy, and I think she was great. I think I could have been a little bit sharper at some points, and I don’t want to blame her because I’m so happy with her,” he said. “She’s 18 and is still fresh and going well.”
Antonia Ax:son Johnson of The Axel Johnson Group explained the organization’s deep ties with AGDF and the influence the winter circuit has had on dressage in European countries.
“This is our sixth season here. Some of us sitting here, as Scandinavians, move here and stay here, while some of us come here and stay for months because it’s absolutely wonderful for our horses. They become so athletic, soft, and supple. I spoke with Tinne just after she arrived here with the horses and she said to me, ‘They’re different’,” said Johnson. “I’ve seen this horse since he came into our barn, and tonight I thought that he just made a beautiful dance for us. It was pure magic tonight, I truly think so.”
The judging panel was very consistent with tonight’s top three competitors and Anne Gribbons, judge at C, was impressed with the quality and presentation of the top three finishers.
“I thought My Lady was just amazing tonight. She was right in front of me when the sound malfunctioned and it was unbelievable how focused she was during the whole test. She knows her whole drill. I thought Mariett also really improved her act from when I saw her a few weeks ago,” she noted. “I think she looked incredibly secure and consistent. Almost back to where you are able to go all out during the tests. Of course, our winner, the softness and presentation is really hard to beat for anyone in the world. You’re very dangerous, Tinne. You are so good as a rider. I feel that all three horses really turned on their best for us tonight.”
This week’s CDI-W competition at AGDF has been one of the most internationally diverse in the facility’s history, with countries from South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, represented alongside North American competitors.
“It has turned into a real international competition here now,” commented Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF. “It’s the first time that we have more non-North American riders in a CDI (than North Americans), and I think it’s good progress from last year. I want to apologize to Mikala for the music malfunction. We will work on it and we will make sure that it is better for next week and improve.”
A number of special awards were given throughout the evening, specifically in recognition of the owners who continue to serve as the backbone of the sport through their continued support and passion for dressage. Karin Persson, owner and rider of Giuliano, were recognized for their high point score of 79.565% in the AGDF 5 National competition. Melissa Fladland, rider of Mismarck J, accepted the high point score award for the AGDF 6 National show on behalf of owners Rocking Diamond S for the pair’s 78.128%. Anita Fialkow accepted the AGDF 7 FEI Prix St. Georges Owner Award presented by Adequan®, as the owner of Catherina, ridden by Lisa Wilcox, who won the class.
Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Lövsta Stuteri accepted the Owner Award for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Adequan®, while Don Auriello’s groom, Angelica Karlson, was awarded the Groom’s Initiative Award by Mark Bellissimo and the Wellington Equestrian Partners for providing diligent and continued care for the winning horse and rider combination.
Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba dominated the Small Tour competition once again this season, taking another win in the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a 72.763%. Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz, owned by Teresa Simmons, followed in second with a 70.263% while Virginia Yarur Ready (CHI) and her own Finn placed just behind Kellock with a score of 70.219%.
Competition at AGDF continues Saturday, February 27, with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, beginning at 1:45 p.m. 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
