Tag Archives: Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Competitions, Dressage

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello Secure Win in FEI Grand Prix CDI-W at AGDF 7

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Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – February 25, 2016 – The FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, concluded today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), featuring 50 riders from a stunning array of countries at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and veteran partner Don Auriello, owned by Lövsta Stuteri, earned top honors in the competitive class and were the final pair to compete this afternoon, earning a 76.080%. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with FEI Junior, Young Rider, and Amateur divisions in the morning before hosting the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, and the highlight “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Following Vilhelmson-Silfven, Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet placed second, after maintaining their lead for majority of the class with a 74.500%. Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo finished with a 72.820%.

Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet (Diamond Hit x La Costa), owned by Diane Perry, seemed to have the test that could take the win in the AGDF FEI Grand Prix, right until the last rider hit the centerline. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (by Don Davidoff x Wey o mey) would ultimately lead the victory gallop. Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello demonstrated the maturity and technical skill that have earned them international recognition, signaling a strong return to the competition ring after a very successful European tour and first CDI competition at AGDF 1 in Wellington, FL. Earning a 76.080% from the judges, the duo’s test was a stunning example of a partnership that continues to impress with balletic athleticism combined with grace under pressure, even with a small error in the two-tempi changes.

WATCH Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello win the FEI Grand Prix here!

Vilhelmson-Silfven noted, “I had a really good feeling, even in the warm-up. It was really nice. He hasn’t competed in a while and then we had the wind today, (so) he was getting a little bit nervous about standing during the halts. I always have to balance that with how much power I can put into him because he won’t stand at all. I had a mistake in the two (tempis), which I don’t know why, but overall he’s such a great horse to ride. He just loves to be here. It’s almost a bit emotional. He’s such a cool horse to compete.”

When asked about Don Auriello’s program at home, Vilhelmson-Silfven discussed the importance of keeping him as happy and fit as possible, so that he does not become overwhelmed. She explained, “I work to keep him fit and soft and elastic at home. We want to keep him eager for work and happy to come into the ring, which he is. You want to keep them feeling young and fresh. That’s really what is important, keeping that energy and making sure that they love their work.”

Perry-Glass is also due great credit for her excellent performance in the third Large Tour CDI competition of her career with “Dublet”. Their performance on Wednesday held the lead well into competition today with an impressive 74.500%. Their test was harmonious and elegant, demonstrating a controlled power that commands respect, signaling an emergence of Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet as a world-class pair.

Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet
Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet

Glass rode during the build-up to yesterday afternoon’s storms, contending with a significant weather change right as she finished her warm-up preparations.

“I felt the wind pick up after a great warm-up,” she said. “But, as long as I can keep his focus, we’re good. He stayed right with me the entire time. There were a couple of spots in the corners that he was nervous about, but we’ve been working on our focus and our trust in each other. He went through it and was really good.

“Mentally he’s really good right now so we’re not going to really push anything. We’re just going to work on the basics and keep him fresh. We’re working on that softness and relaxation. It’s really important to continue with that to bring it to the next show,” she continued.

Katrina Wüst, judge at C, commented on the duo’s performance with enthusiasm when explaining what the judging panel thought of the rides over the course of the past two days.

Wüst said, “I saw this pair two weeks ago, and they’ve made such good improvements even since then. Judges can change their impressions, of course, but you made that change go in a good direction. Your centerline passage was absolutely straight; I gave it a 9. You made great changes since then.”

Shelly Francis earned third place with Patricia Stempel’s Danilo, the 2004 Hanoverian gelding (De Niro x Annabella), and fifth place with the 2003 Hanoverian gelding Doktor (Diamond Hit x Gurena), proving that she has two of the top quality Large Tour horses in contention for the United States. She noted that today’s change in weather, from hot and humid yesterday, to cooler and breezier, posed its own problems.

“The cooler, brisker air – and if things are rattling – it makes them just tighten a little,” she commented. “I work all of the time on making them more supple and soft. They’re both excitable horses, and they may look calm, but they can get lit so fast. I’m always trying to get them a little bit more supple so I can ask for more flow and expression. It’s coming in certain places, especially with Danilo, but we’re still not showing the piaffe as much as I’d like or know he can do. He’s my greener horse and even though he’s done a few years at the Grand Prix, we started him much later to begin with. Doktor just always tries. We had a few little bobbles and mistakes; it’s little things that happen that slip out of our control, but I feel like things are coming along very well with both of them.”

All three riders discussed the importance of having a clear plan of training and direction for such a long season. To ensure that the horses stay healthy, sound, and enthusiastic throughout the rigorous qualifying season, careful consideration is needed on behalf of the riders and trainers, and it is clear that Vilhelmson-Silfven, Perry-Glass, and Francis have put a great deal of thought into their programs moving into the rest of the season. Each of their efforts continue to pay off, as each pair looks to be peaking at the right time. Don Auriello and Danilo will continue on to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, on Friday night, while Goerklintgaards Dublet and Doktor will contest the FEI Grand Prix Special, also presented by The Axel Johnson Group, on Saturday, February 27.

Lisa Wilcox (USA) concluded a banner day in the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Engel & Völkers, taking first place aboard Catherina, owned by Anita Fialkow, with a 70.395%, and second place aboard Gallant Reflection HU, owned by Horses Unlimited, with a 69.868%. Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba finished in third place with a score of 69.211%.

Competition continues tomorrow at AGDF with the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, and the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Allison Kavey and Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Dressage, Jennifer Wood

Stage Set for Competitive Seventh Week of Adequan Global Dressage Festival

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The AGDF Lead Line class will be held on Friday, February 26, during the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition. ©MegBanks/ESP.

AGDF Lead Line Class on Friday Night

Wellington, FL – February 24, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began the seventh week of international competition today, Wednesday, February 24, commencing with the FEI CDI-W Grand Prix presented by The Axel Johnson Group, which will conclude tomorrow, Thursday, February 25, with the final portion of the class. The week’s competition, presented by sponsor The Axel Johnson Group, will host a full week of world-class dressage, including another installment of the successful “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26.

The FEI CDI-W Grand Prix boasts representation of 16 nations, making the AGDF 7 CDI-W one of the most diverse Large Tour classes in competition history at the facility. AGDF 7 will also highlight Small Tour entries, with classes presented by Engel & Völkers, including FEI Prix St. Georges (Thursday), FEI Intermediaire I (Friday), and FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle (Sunday), alongside a number of Junior, Young Rider, and Amateur divisions.

After the first day of competition, Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet hold the lead moving into tomorrow’s finale in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W with a 74.500%. Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique currently sit in second place after receiving a 68.500%, while Ashley Holzer (CAN) and Tiva Nana hold third place with a 67.260%.

The AGDF Lead Line class, an exciting new component of the 2016 circuit, will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, in the Global International Ring during the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition. Entries are still welcome to this fun class where prizes are given to competitors. The Series is held every CDI week, and the final during AGDF 12 will feature special awards.

The FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. The FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Engel & Völkers, begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be followed by FEI Consolation Grand Prix concluding competition on Sunday, February 28.

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Awards, Dressage, JRPR

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde Notch Another Grand Prix Win and Vita Flex Victory Pass Award

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Steffen Peters and Rosamunde (Photo courtesy of JRPR).

Wellington, FL (February 19, 2016) – Steffen Peters and Rosamunde, a nine-year-old Rhinelander mare (Rock Forever x First Lady, Fidermark) owned by Akiko Yamazaki’s Four Winds Farms, claimed another impressive victory with a 75.38 percent in the FEI Grand Prix CDI3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. Their performance earned them the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award, which is presented to winning horse and rider pairs six times throughout the 12-week show series.

“She felt great today,” Peters said as he collected his blue ribbon. “She came into this show with some huge results from shows in California. There’s always that bit of pressure there, but she felt great today and probably was just as good as she was in L.A. I thought we had a very clean test. I saw a bunch of 8.5 and 9.0s in the test, which is exciting, but there is always room for improvement.”

Not only did he earn another blue ribbon, but he also won the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award. Vita Flex, a leading producer of equine performance supplements, appreciates Peters’ careful development of his equine partner, and proudly presented the pair with the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award for exceeding the fine line between good and great by winning their class. They received a bucket filled with popular Vita Flex® performance products and an official Vita Flex Victory Pass ribbon.

Peters next plans to work on Rosie’s one-tempis, and hopes to improve her tempo as well as strengthen her fitness level. He knows that developing the young and talented mare requires thoughtful attention. “At the end of the day though, we have to appreciate that they even do the one-tempis,” he said. “This will take a little bit of time, but there’s nothing wrong with a 75 percent for a 9-year-old horse. I’m very proud of her and honored that I get to ride a horse like her.”

Vita Flex is proud to offer cutting-edge supplements and horse care products to aid top competitors like Rosamunde. The company is known for producing high quality products designed to meet customers’ goals. Vita Flex® products include performance products, antioxidants, electrolytes, topical solutions, vitamins, and minerals to help keep equine competitors in top performance shape. Peters is excited to try out the Vita Flex® performance products that he won at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

Vita Flex is happy to once again support its equestrian community by sponsoring both the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festival this year. As part of its sponsorship, the company will award a total of twelve Vita Flex Victory Pass Awards at both show grounds throughout the season.

For more information about Vita Flex®, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848–2359.

Contact: Katie Stevenson
kstevenson@central.com
www.vitaflex.com
(800) 848–2359

Dressage, JRPR

Chris Von Martels Named “Premier Equestrian” at Adequan Global Dressage Festival

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Chris Von Martels with Divertimento (Photo courtesy of JRPR).

Wellington, FL (February 19, 2016) – Canada’s 2015 Pan American Games team silver and individual bronze medalist Chris Von Martels is known not only for his exemplary skills in the saddle, but also for his professional conduct and humble attitude towards his achievements. Premier Equestrian, an innovative company known for providing advanced riding arena systems throughout the United States, recognized Von Martels for his many accomplishments this past year at the highest level of dressage and rewarded him with the title of “Premier Equestrian” at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Premier Equestrian presented Von Martels with a tri-colored ribbon, an engraved plaque, and the title of “Premier Equestrian” for his exemplary skills, sportsmanship, and achievements in the dressage world. Von Martels, of Ontario, Canada, is consistently a strong contender at the Grand Prix level in prestigious competitions. He is based in Wellington during the winter, where he trains with fellow Canadian Ashley Holzer.

“I absolutely think that good sportsmanship is essential,” Von Martels explained. “I think it is very important that everyone remembers that we are all here on an equal level.”

When asked how he maintains a positive attitude through the ups and downs of intense international competition, Von Martels said, “You can have good days and you can have difficult days. It’s nice when you have your peers and sports colleagues to be there for one another – of course when you’re winning, but also more importantly when you are having a difficult time. I think that support is very important.”

Von Martels has a few star equine partners at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival this season. Later this season, he plans to get his two-time Pan American Games medalist partner Zilverstar, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding, back into the show ring. He also plans to compete with his up-and-coming Grand Prix mount Bellissimo, a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding. Von Martels is now actively campaigning with Divertimento, a 14-year-old Westfalen gelding also known as ‘Divert,’ who previously competed on a Swedish Nations Cup team with Swedish Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén.

“Divert and I are a new combination since just around the holidays, and we are all very excited and hope to have some great results in the future,” Von Martels said.

The Premier Equestrian Award will be presented each CDI week during the twelve-week Adequan Global Dressage Festival to honor riders who are not only competitive, but also kind and gracious to other competitors and show staff, put their horses first, and contribute to a positive overall atmosphere on the show grounds. Premier Equestrian hopes that this award will let competitors know that their outstanding attitudes are noticed and appreciated, and will encourage all riders to enter the show ring in winning spirits.

Premier Equestrian is proud to offer continued support of the dressage community as an Official Partner and Sponsor of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival show series. The company offers high-quality and affordable products to dressage riders – including premier dressage arenas, world-class arena footing, revolutionized horse jumps, and accessories. For more information about the presenter of the Premier Equestrian Award, visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

For more information contact:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
www.PremierEquestrian.com

Dressage, JRPR

Jumper-Turned-Dressage Rider Honored by Piaffe Performance at Adequan Global Dressage Festival

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Charlene Moskowitz, with her trainer Denielle Gallagher-Legriffon (right), wins the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, presented by Dr. Cesar Parra (left) (Photo courtesy of JRPR).

Wellington, FL (February 18, 2016) – Throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Piaffe Performance Farm is recognizing successful adult amateur dressage riders for their efforts in the show ring. Dr. Cesar Parra, Pan American Games gold medalist and founder of Piaffe Performance Farms, believes that adult amateurs are the backbone of the sport, and proudly honors those riders who demonstrate excellent horsemanship and sportsmanship throughout the show.

This past week, it was Charlene Moskowitz who caught the attention of Piaffe Performance. Not only is she a mother of five children, but she also just started riding dressage a year ago, and is now already competing successfully in Third Level classes. Parra proudly presented Moskowitz with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award official tri-colored ribbon, medal, and an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of her award-winning ride.

After riding as a child in the jumper ring, and then having a brief stint with the Arabian Nights dinner theatre, Moskowitz left the saddle to raise her family.

“I then started riding dressage because I wanted something a bit more challenging than the jumper ring, and a little safer at the same time,” Moskowitz explained. “It is so much more challenging than the jumpers; you all make it look so easy,” she laughed.

Moskowitz now rides down centerline with her KWPN (Krack C) 16.1 hand bay gelding, Cannan. She bought Cannan through her trainer Denielle Gallagher-Legriffon only six short months ago, and the pair has been actively training ever since.

“When I sat on him for the first time I almost cried, because he reminded me of a horse I had when I was younger who I had a great connection with,” Moskowitz recalled.

Moskowitz was thrilled to be recognized by Parra and Piaffe Performance with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award. She plans to continue competing with Cannan in Third Level, and then hopefully move to Fourth Level by the end of the 2016 show season.

In addition to the Adult Amateur Achievement Award, Parra and Piaffe Performance sponsor the International Arena Rider Lounge and the Hospitality Tent by the National Arenas at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. 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 is based out of Jupiter, Florida and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and is an Official Partner and Sponsor of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Piaffe Performance specializes in selecting, training, and showing, and facilitates the sales of top dressage prospects for riders at every level. For more information on Piaffe Performance, visit www.piaffe-performance.com.

Contact: Dr. Cesar Parra
Piaffe-Performance Farm
(410) 977-8352
www.GKHorsesatPerformanceFarms.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Virginia Yarur Ready and Finn Win Intermediaire I Freestyle at AGDF 5

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Virginia Yarur Ready and Finn. Photo: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – February 14, 2016 – Virginia Yarur Ready (CHI) and her own Finn concluded the final day of week five of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) with a win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Kirk Arabians, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Yarur Ready and Finn scored a 71.550% for first place, while Michael Klimke (GER) and Royal Dancer 33 collected second place with a 70.975%. Tina Irwin (CAN) and Fancy That finished just behind Klimke with a 70.275% for third place. Competition at AGDF will begin again on Thursday, February 25, with CDI-W competition presented by Axel Johnson Group.

Yarur Ready and Finn finished just outside of the ribbons in the FEI Prix St. Georges class on Thursday, but found themselves in a competitive position in the FEI Intermediaire I class on Friday, where the duo took second place with a 70.237%.

“I feel very good about my test, and my horse felt very good. He rode very well and I made a few little mistakes, but I’m happy with it,” she said.

The pair has an established partnership and has performed well to this point in the season. Yarur Ready and Finn also represented their home nation of Chile at the 2015 Pan American Games hosted in Toronto this past summer. The duo finished in a combined 12th place, which included both Large and Small Tour scores.

“I’ve been riding him for seven years now, and I know him very well. He’s a very experienced horse and is complete,” she continued. “When we make mistakes it’s because of me, not him.”

The gentle 2005 Rheinlander gelding has a workman-like personality and always brings his best to the ring for Yarur Ready and through the course of the year, the pair has become much more confident in their Small Tour performances.

“My plan is to continue training while we’re here with my coach Yvonne Losos de Muñiz for the rest of circuit, and we have plans for the future. This year is a year that we’re going to try to go to the Grand Prix. I have to learn it,” she smiled. “With Finn, I’m doing the Prix St. Georges, but want to move to the Grand Prix in the next year. I have other horses too that will be able to reach that level also.”

Mette Rosencrantz (USA) and her own Marron placed first in the FEI Consolation Grand Prix at AGDF, winning with a score of 67.200%. Lauren Sprieser (USA) and Ellegria earned second place honors, receiving a 63.367%, while Kim Gentry (AUS) rode Leonardo to third, scoring a 62.333%.

Competition at AGDF will resume on Thursday, February 25, with the beginning of CDI-W competition presented by Axel Johnson Group. 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Graves and Verdades Go Two for Two in CDI 5* Competition at AGDF 5

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Laura Graves and Verdades. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde Top FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*

Wellington, FL – February 13, 2016 – The FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, concluded FEI CDI 5* competition today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades added another win to their week, as the duo scored a 74.667% to best the class. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Benetton Dream finished in second with a 72.412%, while Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton captured third place receiving a 71.431%. In the FEI Grand Prix Special 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde took home the victory. Competition for AGDF 5 concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians.

Graves and Verdades topped the FEI Grand Prix CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, on Thursday and chose to compete in today’s FEI Grand Prix Special class. While their test was not as exact or powerful as may be typically expected from the duo, it was an example of an established partnership that is continuing to grow with time. The judges recognized the maturity of their effort, awarding it a 74.667% for the win. Graves reflected on the experience of coming back to the ring after their last difficult competition.

“Today I really wanted to ride him down and let him have another good experience. Tonight I felt like it was far from being our highest score, the most precise, and certainly not our most powerful, but he was 100% himself tonight and that was a really good feeling,” she explained. “What we did in the Grand Prix on Thursday really paid off and it’s good to feel like I have him back knowing that I could have ridden better.”

The pair seemed back to their usual selves during the Special, which Graves has noted is a strong test for Verdades. The pair, instead of focusing on accuracy and precision, decided to reach towards a more relaxed and harmonious test to continue boosting their confidence in the ring.

WATCH Laura Graves and Verdades win FEI CDI 5* GP Special here!

“This was a big confidence builder for me as a rider and a trainer, having (had a) first kind of low point since we’ve been successful. It’s always hard and it makes you question things, like what do we do and how do we move on. But it’s really true – if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger and you learn,” she explained. “Now, I know this will happen again. It’s not the first time, and it’s not the last. This is life and this is the chance you take when you go into the arena with another living being. That’s the sport.”

Graves now plans to give Verdades some down time while she discusses his competition schedule with her team. He will enjoy a lighter work schedule for a few weeks, do some work in the fields, and continue his favorite part of their training regimen – a once a week bareback hack.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Benetton Dream, owned by Lövsta Stuteri, represented Sweden with excellent style, earning a 72.412% for a solid test that featured sweeping half-passes and a strong piaffe-passage tour. Vilhelmson-Silfven noted that this is only the second time that the 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion has done the Special and was pleased with his performance.

“I’ve very, very pleased with my horse tonight. I’ve never had such a good feeling in the ring on him actually as we did today. He got really on when [the crowd] applauded Laura coming around the arena. He had much more power than [we] had before and it was a nice feeling. It was a nice feeling and he was going together with me in a nice way. Just a great feeling,” she said. “It was the second time that we’ve done the Special and it was the highest score that we’ve gotten so I’m happy. He got a little bit difficult when we did the trot extensions, especially when he’s that hot. He stumbled a bit because he went for too much, but other than that it was a good feeling.”

She reflected on the time it has taken to establish a partnership with her stallion that came from an active breeding career in Germany and maintains a full studbook at Lövsta Stuteri in Sweden. She explained, “I had him here two years ago. He came from Germany and was a breeding stallion so he may seem a little bit further behind in his training for his age. He’s been breeding a lot in Sweden too, so he’s had double work. This year we’re going to decrease the breeding so that I can focus on showing him a little bit more.”

“He has a great feeling, but he’s a big horse and a stallion, so for sure he gets a little bit nervous and that can show in many ways, but that’s why I was happy with today because he wanted to go on my aids,” she commented. “We’ve been working with a lot of different things, but really most to get him stronger so that he can perform the movements but also getting him to want to work with me, not to have to put pressure on him to do it by himself. He’s really getting together with me and that’s the great feeling with him. That takes time and that’s what it takes to build confidence and get to know them.”

Belinda Trussell rode Anton, owned by Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell, to third place after an already successful campaign at AGDF so far this season. Trussell noted that Anton’s natural capacity for piaffe makes the Grand Prix Special a great test for him.

“Anton, his gift is his piaffe and it’s just a dream to ride it actually. I sit there and cluck and he piaffes. That’s his highlight, and he’s just so consistent. He loves to do it, so that is really nice and in the Special, going from walk to piaffe is not difficult for him. It’s a nice feeling. I feel confident with this test and I like it because it is so forward moving. It’s nice to ride.”

She was pleased that Anton settled down a bit from his anxiety during the Grand Prix. Unlike Vilhelmsom-Silfven’s mount Benetton Dream, who gains energy and enthusiasm from applause, Anton can become tense, which can negatively impact his performance.

“He was difficult this week and was pretty nervous from the Grand Prix. I really am happy that he went in there and was more relaxed tonight than he was earlier in the week,” she continued.

Judge at C, Lilo Fore (USA), recognized the exceptional quality and training represented by the athletes she saw this week, ranging in nationality and international competition experience.

“The horse quality we have nowadays is just amazing and it’s exciting of course. But I think what I like very much in the whole week really, and especially with the top riders, is that everything is so much more harmonious. It’s wonderful to see how the riders and horses work with each other. The suppleness is getting better and better,” elaborated Fore. “I think the confidence of the horses and their riders is very obvious. You’re going to see a mistake here and there, but none of those mistakes were from incorrect training or a lack of understanding of the basics because you can see all of the top riders we have here have amazingly good basics and solid training under their belts. It’s very obvious and it shows itself in the test and in the confidence of the combinations. It’s fun to watch.”

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde Top FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty

Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde continued their dominance in Large Tour competition at AGDF, earning top scores in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, to take the class with a 73.333%. Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet earned another top finish, adding a second place collection for the week, while young talent Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Quantico Ymas earned third place with a 69.059%.

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde
Steffen Peters and Rosamunde

Peters and Rosamunde have taken the dressage world by storm as he and the stunning 2007 Rhinelander mare, owned by Four Winds Farm, continue to make a strong statement with their efficiency in the ring.

“She’s clearly improving and the one-tempis were already straighter. The weak parts were better today and we just had silly little things. She anticipated the two-tempis a bit and then at the end, the final halt, she stepped a little bit back. Silly little things, but expensive things,” noted Peters. “The collected wasn’t quite as relaxed, but things that were very difficult for her are better. Those are minor little things and are easier to polish.”

Rosamunde has progressed quickly through the beginning of her young career and Peters plans to keep her feeling comfortable, but confident, through their training at home.

“The good thing with Rosie is that I don’t have to push her. She wants to go. There are so many situations, especially in the first few extended trots, where I’m holding her back a little bit. At home, it is just very comfortable and not stressful so she just offers so much,” he explained. “I don’t think it’s really about what you’re doing in the show arena, it’s more of what you’re doing in the warm-up and how much work you have to do at home. That’s the main thing. I always believe in keeping them mentally just as healthy as they are physically healthy.”

WATCH Steffen Peters and Rosamunde’s FEI CDI 3* GP Special ride here!

As the combination heads back to California to test the rest of the season before the pressure begins to rise with the qualifications and selections for the 2016 Olympic Games, Peters is confident that “Rosie” will continue to improve during the duration.

“Rosie needs to get stronger, and we have a nice fitness program laid out for her. We’re skipping the next CDI in California, but we’ll show her again in late March. It’s always easy to think about improving, but it’s also equally important to think about maintaining what we have. I believe in bubble-wrapping them when they’re good.”

Peters brought Legolas 92 and Rosamunde to PBIEC for the USEF Festival of Champions in December 2015 and for this week’s competition. He explained why traveling to Wellington during the winter season is not just important for his horses, but for the sport.

“This is the place to be from January to March,” he said. “Nowhere else in the world, even at the Grand Prix, do you have such a wonderful turnout. We had a great panel of judges for both the CDI 3* and CDI 5*. We have to support shows like this and on top of that, I’ve never seen anywhere in America a crowd like we had last night. When the audience is that generous, the riders need to play along and show up here.”

Perry-Glass has shot through the national rankings at the Grand Prix level with Goerklintgaards Dublet over the course of the past month and the combination continues to show improvements in their tests together with each outing.

“He felt really good in the warm up, probably the best I’ve ever felt him. He was really focused and relaxed, but hot at the same time. When I went into the ring, I felt he got a little bit hotter. There were a few mistakes in the test, but that was probably the most focused and in front of my leg that I’ve ever felt him,” commented Perry-Glass. “That was the positive thing for today. It’s just a matter of pilot errors on my end. It’s me getting used to him in the ring, and we’re going to continue working on that.”

With two horses competitive at the Grand Prix level, Perry-Glass has found herself learning more about her own riding and technique under the watchful eye of trainer Debbie McDonald. Gaining more experience in the international arena is a priority for Perry and “Dublet” who are still solidifying their partnership together at the Grand Prix.

“We are entered into the CDI-W at the end of the month and then possibly skip the Palm Beach Derby, but have put in our application for the CDIO Nations Cup and see where it goes from there,” explained Perry of her future plans with “Dublet”. “If Scarlett doesn’t get into the top eight for the traveling tour to Europe, we’re possible going to breed her because she’s such a good mare. That’s her plan and then we’re shooting for that top eight with Dublet.”

The young Juan Matute, Jr. found himself among some of the best in today’s FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, but that did not deter him from riding a beautiful test aboard Quantico Ymas for third place.

“It’s the details of the tests. I think we have all of the relaxation and the movements. I’ve been riding him now for three years. This was our first CDI Grand Prix so I was very happy with the results and really proud of our progress and our journey,” he explained. “It’s a horse that is very sensitive. He’s from a jumping line by Fighting Fit so he’s a horse that has really made me work every day and analyze my basic concepts of riding. He has a lot of talent. He’s ambitious in the ring, which helps, but today was very good.”

Ever so early in his career, Matute has found success in the inner workings of the basic movements, which has helped to increase scores and create a more secure partnership with Quantico Ymas.

“We always begin working on the passage and piaffe when they’re young, maybe five or six years old, to start developing that power from behind little by little. He’s always been a talented passage horse because he likes to sit a lot. We’ve been working little by little on our way up to Grand Prix, but really only over the past year did we start to consider moving him up to the Under 25 division and then to the Grand Prix.”

Competition at AGDF will conclude tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, beginning at 11:20 a.m. To see a full list of results and a weekly schedule, 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Allison Kavey and Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Gundersen and My Lady Near 80% Mark to Win FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*

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Mikala Gundersen and My Lady. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

 Marienau and Stefano 8 Capture CDI 3* Freestyle Win

Wellington, FL – February 12, 2016 – The stands were filled with eager spectators at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), as competitors from around the world took to the Global International Ring for the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms. Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady impressed the judging panel to earn a 79.075% for their first major win at AGDF this season. Fellow Dane Lars Petersen and Mariett followed in second place with a 76.600%, while Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 finished in third place with a 76.425%. Competition at AGDF on Saturday includes the conclusion of CDI 3*/5* competition, with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at 1 p.m. and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms at 4 p.m.

Gundersen and My Lady were one of the most winning combinations on the AGDF circuit in 2015 and their victory tonight marked their first CDI 5* win since 2013, when the duo took home first place in the CDI 5* Grand Prix Special at AGDF.

“Lady was really good. She was very good yesterday, but I planned to push a little bit more today and see if I could put her up a little bit higher in the neck,” Gundersen said. “I had that in the warm-up and then when I came in, when my music was supposed to start it didn’t, so I went to circle. Then the music started, and I tried to finish my circle, but Lady was like ‘No, no. Wrong way,’ and went for the centerline. Once I hit the centerline, she went into the passage, and I knew that we were good.”

The pair thrives in consistency, and they are usually expected to finish atop their respective classes. Gundersen noted that Lady is reliable in big atmospheres such as the freestyle, even though she is an incredibly sensitive horse, because she is so well-versed in their choreography and enjoys performing for a crowd.

CLICK HERE to watch Gundersen and My Lady’s winning ride!

“Every time I go down the centerline it’s a new feeling. This is a very sensitive horse, and it’s not like we push a button and then get to go to a Grand Prix,” she elaborated. “It’s always different, and we are always trying to make it better. Since she’s so sensitive, I don’t always know what I have, but I had a good feeling and she was on it tonight. She wanted to do well.”

The stands were overflowing at AGDF tonight, as the facility was filled with spectators who journeyed from around the state to watch the only FEI CDI 5* competition at AGDF this season.

“I heard the crowd at the end, and I really felt it on the way out. I thought to myself that that was the biggest applause we’ve ever had. I know the music is fun and it gets people out of their seats. I think that going last with that music was a little bit like, ‘Okay, let’s finish this party.'”

Fellow Danish teammate Lars Petersen and the veteran mare Mariett performed for the second time this season at AGDF and collected second place honors, as the 18-year-old mare looked poised and energized in the ring.

“I was pretty pleased with our test. We showed the last CDI and then this competition here, but other than that we haven’t shown since April of last year,” noted Petersen. “I’ve had a little bit of a hard time finding a rhythm I must admit. Our Grand Prix test was not so good, but today I felt like we had a bit better rhythm. To me we just felt a little rusty still.”

One of the top combinations, Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 battled through a few mistakes in their test to ultimately receive a score of 76.425%. While the test looked fluid, Peters felt the tension that ultimately detracted from their score.

“Today was very tough. I was sitting not on just one stick of dynamite tonight, but it was a whole case underneath of me,” said Peters of the 2002 Westphalian gelding. “That’s just the case with this horse. It can go absolutely brilliantly like he did two weeks ago when he is relaxed. I felt today in the warm-up that he was pretty keyed up. Of course, it’s disappointing, but we’ve dug ourselves out of this spot before and we’ll try to do the same in the future.”

He continued, “The crowd, the atmosphere, the music – he can react to that. We have had those situations many times before and this was not the last time that he’s going to act up before going in the ring. That’s just his nature.”

Judge at C, Thomas Lang (AUT), commented on the strong showing of the evening’s competition and referenced that AGDF has created a new epicenter for the sport of dressage during the winter months.

“I think that it is very marvelous for the riders to compete here and for the judges. It’s great because of the atmosphere here and the audience is really looking and hoping for these pairs. I think it’s very good for the sport to have a show like this,” he said. “There are so many people here and so many shows; it is that the whole world is looking to Wellington from January to March and really now this is the center of the dressage world for those three months.”

Devon Kane of Diamante Farms, a founding sponsor of the AGDF venue, has been thrilled with the growth of the competition and was overwhelmed by the number of spectators who came out to witness the CDI 5* Grand Prix Freestyle in real time.

“It’s really been amazing to me, as a participant, but also watching from the background. When Mark [Bellissimo] approached us with this idea and Ken [Braddick] also, we had a lot of dressage people who stepped in. We did it as a family and now you see the corporate sponsors stepping in and the town getting involved. You have all of these people from Wellington coming to dressage,” Kane expressed. “I think that’s amazing that we’ve made this a center point of dressage, but also a venue for everyone else. The vision of AGDF has really come to par and morphed into what we all had hoped it would be from the beginning.”

Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, has been thrilled with the number of entries and the exposure the sport has received using AGDF as a platform. He stated, “I think it’s been a great show so far this week. We had 133 horses jog on Tuesday and Wednesday. It went super well this week. I’m very happy and I also would like to thank the judges at this point. We have 10 CDI 5* judges in this week. This is a typically unusual situation. I think they’ve done a very good job overall so far, and we’ll be looking forward to two more days.”

Adequan® has played a major role in the success of the competition with their title sponsorship for several years. Allyn Mann of Adequan® voiced his opinions on the success of competition to this point in the season and what it means to see a stadium packed with spectators watching dressage on a Friday evening.

“The spectators were just amazing, and it’s wonderful to be on the journey here,” he said. “It’s on nights like this that you see it all come together and you’re just humbled to be a part of it. I feel very blessed to be here.”

Alongside their major contributions to the competition and facility, Adequan® has also taken a strong initiative to recognize the people who help make top sport possible, sponsoring each of the owner awards given throughout the night. Christopher Preston was awarded with the High Point National Show Owner Award, which was accepted on his behalf by rider Lauren Chumley for her performance aboard Hotstreak CF during AGDF 3. Lynda Hol accepted the High Point National Show Owner Award, as Karen Pavicic rode Beaujolais to a weekend high score during AGDF 4. Christina Vinios and Folkestone OLD dominated Small Tour competition so far at AGDF 5, and earned themselves the FEI Prix St Georges Owner Award for their win in the division on Thursday. Janne Rumbough, owner of My Lady, winner of the FEI CDI 5* Grand Prix Freestyle, was presented with the Grand Prix Freestyle Owner Award, while My Lady’s groom Julie Albrechtsen accepted the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, to reward her dedication and hard work as an integral member of the winning team.

Marienau and Stefano 8 Capture CDI 3* Freestyle Win

The second day of competition in the FEI CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, was graced with beautiful weather, as sunny skies and a pleasant breeze welcomed riders down the centerline of the Global International Ring at AGDF. Competitors in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* hailed from seven countries and demonstrated musicality and technical skill in their performances.

Beatrice Marienau and Stefano 8
Beatrice Marienau and Stefano 8

The class was won with a 74.300% by Beatrice Marienau (USA) riding Stefano 8, her own KWPN (Gribaldi x Gracia) gelding. She was stunned by their success in the freestyle, but has steadily worked on improving the pair’s marks in the arena throughout the year.

“It’s still unreal to me. I think it takes a little bit to understand what happened here; it’s amazing. He was really hot already in the warm-up today and I have to figure out how to channel that energy. He was very strong and the last couple of freestyles, I had a few problems in the beginning,” she explained. “I was able to just take his energy and really dance within that. Through the whole test I knew that he was very strong, but also knew that’s what makes him extremely special. That’s when he looks big and looks impressive. I tried to let him do his job and just stay out of his way.”

Traveling from California to compete at AGDF this season, Marienau appreciated the larger group of riders and the impressive audience attendance, which offered her and Stefano 8 the chance to compete under pressure while working on pushing their scores above the 70% mark. Stefano is a typically hot horse, and the freestyle offered Marienau a chance to improve on their Grand Prix performance with set choreography that helps to channel his energy. Their freestyle makes excellent use of major extensions into passage, making the best use of his natural enthusiasm in the ring. Marienau was very positive about the ways in which their freestyle helped her show off Stefano’s best qualities.

CLICK HERE to watch Beatrice Marienau and Stefano 8’s winning ride!

With an upbeat musical selection, Marienau finds herself getting excited before the pair begins to prepare for their routine and laughed that sometimes she may even be found practicing the routines in front of Stefano’s stall.

“When we were getting ready and before I went in, I stood in front of his stall and everyone was laughing because I danced through my freestyle myself! I just love the music. It’s just fun and I like to dance to it myself.

“Besides the fact that it really fits him well, what I like about it is that it has that snap and that’s how he is. He has that. I tried once a little bit more magical, floaty music, but it doesn’t fit him and he doesn’t stand out,” she commented.

As for the rest of the season, Marienau hopes to continue to increase her scores and looks forward to spending some of the summer in Europe getting her feet wet on the international circuit.

“My expectations really were to get more show experience, but obviously there are more riders here and the audience out there so it was important for me to get that different environment and see how I do with that kind of pressure,” said Marienau. “I wanted to try and increase our scores to high 60s and maybe scratch 70, and that’s why I was so excited with this score.”

Shelly Francis and Patricia Stempel’s Hanoverian (De Niro x Annabelle) gelding Danilo took second place in today’s competition with a technically excellent and musically compelling performance that earned a 74.175%.

Francis was pleased with Danilo’s test, which she views as part of his development to become a top Grand Prix horse. He is emerging as a solid competitor for Francis, who has brought him along through the levels herself.

She said, “I was quite happy with him because he was a bit more lively today and (had) a couple of little sticky spots in the beginning. He got a little less energetic in the last piaffes, but overall he really went nice with the music and it’s a progression upward. Every week we’re getting a little bit better and (we will) see how far we go.”

She took a risk with her musical choice, which is entirely a capella. She explained, “I chose that music for him with Marlene Whitaker because he is very sound sensitive, and this was the only music we could turn up really loud without bothering him.”

Arlene Page and her Danish Warmblood (Michellino x Alberte Lindebjerg) mare Alina took third place in today’s competition with a 71.150%. She was exceptionally proud of her mare, who gave her another great performance.

“Let’s face it, my mare is 18. Every time I go down the centerline is a highlight,” she said. “Every time she finishes that test ripping down the centerline it shows me that she still wants to be out here doing this. Every day I get to ride her is a great day as far as I’m concerned.”

Several weeks ago the pair had a super freestyle that included a piaffe-passage tour she considers among her career best, but several mistakes kept them from being in the top three. Today’s freestyle was technically consistent and demonstrated a mature partnership reflective of their experience together. Page explained that since Alina is an older horse, she uses an intermittent approach to warming her up, especially once the mare has done one class already in the week of competition.

“We had a couple of little mishaps in our changes last week and tonight I was happy that our changes came off the pirouettes really, really easily and right with the music. She was a little bit, maybe a click, off my music and a tiny bit ahead, but what can I say, I’m happy any day that mare wants to go like that and it’s a good day for me,” she continued.

Christina Vinios and Folkestone OLD captured their second victory of the week in the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, with a score of 72.316%. Virginia Yarur Ready (CHI) and Finn collected second place honors with a score of 70.237%, while Suzan Pape (GBR) and Samson 494 finished in third place with 69.816%.

Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at 1 p.m., followed by the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, starting at 4 p.m. For more information on AGDF and to see a full weekly schedule, 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Allison Kavey and Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Graves and Verdades Return to Fine Form in FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* at AGDF 5

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Laura Graves and Verdades. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – February 11, 2016 – Topping a talented field of seasoned international competitors, Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades returned to their winning ways in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Competition at AGDF 5 continues tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, at 8 a.m., the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at 2:50 p.m., followed by the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, for “Friday Night Stars” beginning at 7:00pm.

Graves and Verdades were the final ride in the class of 30 entries and received a 76.440%. Steffen Peters (USA) and Legolas 92 collected second place with a 74.100%, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady earned third with a 71.760%.

Graves and Verdades have been a force in Large Tour competition over the past two years and are one of the strongest combinations for the United States. An uncharacteristic performance at the last CDI competition at AGDF pushed Graves back to the drawing board and motivated a re-evaluation on behalf of her and her support team.

“Tonight’s performance was a big relief for us actually,” Graves said. “We’ve been pushing to a point in our training, adding power, and he’s developing so fast, I think faster than he probably was ready for. Picking up the pieces from our last show, we just wanted to give him a really good experience in here today.”

She continued, “We’re just hoping to come into the 5* this week and let him feel comfortable again. I could not be happier with how we got through today’s test and now (we are) moving on to the Special on Saturday, which is normally a good test for him. We’re hoping to just do the same so he feels really good going into the super big competitions we have later on this year.”

The pair’s test was fluid and relaxed, a reaction Graves was hoping to achieve from the notoriously hot 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda). As they have progressed in the depth and understanding of their training together, Graves found herself looking back to the basics to help “Diddy” regain confidence in the ring.

“Actually today, our goal was to really ride him down. We wanted him to feel like he could stretch the whole time and just stay relaxed. That’s what we were going for. He’s developed such an idea of what he’s supposed to do at these shows now. We take his boots off, and he gets excited. He hears the audience, and he gets excited. These things didn’t used to mean much to him, but now he knows what he gets to do,” she elaborated. “He’s getting almost over-excited now. We have to make him feel confident and level him out. Tonight it was a really good experience for him. He was great.”

Alongside Graves and Verdades, their Pan American Games teammates Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 had a strong showing in their first Grand Prix competition on the East Coast this year. The experienced pair dazzled the crowd, but Peters felt that they did leave points on the table with a costly mistake.

Steffen Peters and Legolas 92
Steffen Peters and Legolas 92

“He’s more supple now. There’s usually, especially today, less tension. The walk is more relaxed, but at the same time he does wonderful piaffe and passage work. Unfortunately today the one-tempi was expensive,” commented Peters. “He was at a 76% and it dropped us down to a 74%. I’m not sure if it would have been close enough to get to Laura, but what is exciting is that [the United States has] two horses that can do 76% and higher. Ideally, we need one more for Rio, where we average 76%, because then we have a chance at a medal. You know, it was a good show, not as good as two weeks ago, but they’re not machines. You always have the understanding that little mistakes are going to happen.”

Gundersen and My Lady were a dominating combination on the 2015 AGDF circuit last year and have returned to the Global International Ring for the CDI 5* this week in their second showing at AGDF this season.

“I don’t change much in our program with her. I keep riding every day and the treadmill is what is really keeping her super fit because she’s on the treadmill every day at an incline, and it keeps building her strength so I don’t have to ride her so hard. She goes in the cold water spa every day and this horse, she just has a really good life,” she laughed.

“We work on suppleness and through-ness every day and we work on a program where I start out riding her round and forward to help get some of her energy out and then we get to some collected work, then really collected work, but I really try to let her be,” she explained, detailing their weekly program with My Lady. “We spend a lot of time in the walk.”

Christina Vinios and Folkestone OLD served as the first American pair to take a win in Small Tour competition at AGDF this season, as the combination bested a class of 28 entries. Vinios and Folkestone OLD received a 72.842% for first place, while Leida Collins-Strijk, who has dominated the Small Tour so far this season, took home second and third place honors aboard Don Tignanello and Zantros respectively, with a 71.579% and 71.289%.

Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow morning with the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, at 8 a.m. followed by the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty at 2:50 p.m. The popular “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix CDI5* Freestyle, presented by Diamante Farms, will begin at 7 p.m. preceded by The Salute to the Olympians, presented by Diamante Farms, at 6:15pm. For more information on AGDF and to see a full weekly schedule, 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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.pbiec.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Community/Charity, Dressage, Products/Services

Ann Romney Book Signing – Friday, February 12, at AGDF

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Bestselling author and former First Lady of Massachusetts, Ann Romney, opens up for the first time detailing her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), her faith, and finding joy.

Within “IN THIS TOGETHER: My Story,” Romney discusses her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in the mid-1990s and how important equine therapy was to her recovery. Romney is well known in the equestrian community, largely in part to her ownership of Olympic dressage star Rafalca, who competed with rider Jan Ebeling for many years.

Mrs. Romney will host a book signing on the evening of Friday, February 12, from 6-7 p.m. in the Global Pavilion at The Stadium at PBIEC (AGDF show grounds).

“IN THIS TOGETHER: My Story” will be available for purchase at the WEF Boutique on the WEF and AGDF show grounds.

Please visit www.pbiec.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.