Wellington, FL – February 10, 2016 – Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, owned by Four Winds Farm, made an impressive jump to the top of the standings with a score of 75.380% in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The CDI 3* Grand Prix competition started off the fifth week of AGDF, which is sponsored by Diamante Farms, at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The CDI 5* competition will begin tomorrow at 1 p.m. with the FEI Grand Prix, presented by Diamante Farms, preceded by the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians at 8 a.m.
Peters and the impressive 2007 Rhinelander mare maintained their consistency with their performance at AGDF, as they have only competed on the West Coast so far this season. Today’s competition had only the top three combinations break the 70% mark, with Peters and Rosamunde receiving a 75.380%. Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo finished in second place with a 72.240%, while Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet collected third place honors with a 71.020%.
“She felt great today,” said Peters. “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.”
While elaborating on the small improvements Peters would like to make with Rosamunde over the next few months, a few specific movements will be the main focus, including the one-tempis. He explained, “I think it’s clearly in the one-tempis. She still is swinging quite a bit. It’s interesting because when you watch the scoreboard, you can watch what the leader got as you’re watching other tests and she was at an 81% after the trot work and there again right before the one-tempis. Those are still expensive and you know, with her finding that perfect tempo for them. If it’s too forward, she’ll swing, and if it’s too collected, she does the same. It’s a bit tricky.”
“At the end of the day though, we have to appreciate that they even do the one-tempis,” laughed Peters. “This will take a little bit of time, but there’s nothing wrong with a 75% for a nine-year-old horse. I’m very proud of her and honored that I get to ride a horse like her.”
Shelly Francis and Danilo
Shelly Francis and Danilo performed another beautiful test in the Grand Prix, riding late in the order and securing second place with a 72.240%. She said, “Overall, from the last show to this show because I’m going show by show, he’s more in front of my leg in certain places. There are a few moments where I think he could be a bit more, but he’s trying really hard to keep up with me.”
“Now that I’m making him more sensitive, I have to make sure that I’m making less mistakes myself,” noted Francis, who has seen consistent improvement from Danilo over the course of the past year and a half at the Large Tour.
“He feels really good. I had to squeeze a little bit in a few places, but he’s just improving, which is what I want him to continue doing,” she continued.
The 2004 Hanoverian gelding was a solid mount for Francis last year, but has come into his own in the Grand Prix over the past year, setting her up nicely for a strong winter campaign alongside Francis’ top mount Doktor.
“It’s constantly about getting him fitter without overdoing it too much. I just steadily, two days a week, do a bit harder days with a day in between of lighter work. We do it week after week and he gets fitter, stronger, even more willing, and responsive,” said Francis. “You put the pressure on once or twice a week and then he just gets better and better.”
Perry-Glass has also admittedly come leaps and bounds since taking the 2015 AGDF circuit by storm in Small Tour competition with “Dublet”. The pair has been extremely competitive in Large Tour competition so far this season, in just their first few international competitions so far this year.
“We really worked on that connection and through-ness in the off season. Today we had a bit of an issue in the extensions. It started off a bit rough, but he came back to me so nicely and that’s also what we’ve been working on with Debbie [McDonald],” she explained. “It’s about getting his attention in a positive way and even if we make a mistake here and there, he always seems to come right back to me. We’re getting him stronger and more comfortable in the Grand Prix.”
Perry-Glass has been working with U.S. legend Debbie McDonald since her recent permanent relocation from her original hometown of Orangeville, CA to Wellington, FL. She and Dublet continue to display poise and control in the ring, and Perry has learned to continue riding through the mistakes that may arise during their tests, which has helped their scores tremendously.
“Specifically right now we’re keeping him really happy. I feel like if he’s doing everything in training in a positive way. We are working it day by day on that through-ness and connection. It’s about the balance. I’m riding with Debbie four days a week and having that consistency is really important for us,” she noted. “It’s more now about getting him focused in the arena and keeping him really connected with me in the ring.”
Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow at 8 a.m. with the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, followed by the FEI Grand Prix CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Global International Arena. 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 9, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is set to host the prestigious CDI 5*, the highest international dressage rating, during the fifth week of the circuit on Wednesday, February 10, through Sunday, February 14, at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Competition will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday with the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. Small Tour competition, presented by Kirk Arabians, will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, with the FEI Prix St. Georges, while the FEI CDI 5* competition presented by Diamante Farms will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday with the FEI Grand Prix.
This week’s CDI 5* will be one of the most competitive in the history at AGDF, as 14 riders ranked within the FEI Top 100 are set to compete. U.S. dressage stars Steffen Peters and Laura Graves will compete with mounts Legolas 92 and Verdades respectively, alongside a number of top international riders representing 10 nations.
“The CDI 5* this week will be one of the most competitive shows that we have had at this venue to date,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. “We will host a number of the world’s top riders, many of which are ranked highly in international standings, and we are pleased with the continued growth and expansion of this circuit.”
In conjunction with the CDI 5*, AGDF will also host CDI 3*/1* competition with a strong amount of entries in each division. Small Tour classes continue on Friday morning at 7:45 a.m. with the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Kirk Arabians, and conclude on Sunday at 11:10 a.m. with the FEI I1 Freestyle, presented by Kirk Arabians.
The popular “Friday Night Stars” series will return on Friday, February 12, with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, at 7 p.m. The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, is also on Friday beginning at 2:50 p.m.
Before the start of “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition, presenting sponsor Diamante Farms will host a “Salute to the Olympians”. The tribute will start 6:15 p.m. in the Global International Ring and will honor the international dressage Olympians who also compete on the AGDF circuit during the winter months.
Alongside the entertainment of Friday night, former First Lady of Massachusetts Ann Romney will be available for a book signing at AGDF from 6-7 p.m. in the Global Pavilion, as she discusses her book “In This Together.” “In This Together” will be available for purchase at the WEF Boutique on WEF and AGDF grounds.
International competition will resume on Saturday, February 13, 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.
The FEI Jog for CDI 3* riders will begin on Tuesday at 4 p.m. while all other FEI combinations will jog for the panel on Wednesday at 3 p.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 8, 2016) – Attendees at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week Three National Horse Show would be hard pressed to find a more deserving recipient of the Premier Equestrian Award than Ann Romney. The wife of former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Ann Romney balances a hectic schedule and her equestrian life with grace and enthusiasm – despite also dealing with multiple sclerosis.
This past week, Romney’s zealous attitude, seemingly boundless energy, and sincere love for her horses and the sport of dressage were recognized by Premier Equestrian, a leading provider of dressage arenas and world-class footing. The company presented Romney with a tri-colored Premier Equestrian Award ribbon, an engraved plaque, and the title of “Premier Equestrian.” Awarded each week of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the Premier Equestrian Award honors competitors who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship and admirable qualities.
Despite Romney’s upbeat spirit, she has experienced difficulties that many equestrians cannot imagine. Romney turned to equine therapy after being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 1998. She became involved with dressage after finding that the subtle motions of the sport, such as leg squeezes and weight shifts, helped her to gain lasting muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Since then, she has owned and worked with a number of horses, and is currently competing in the Prix St. Georges and Intermediate II classes with her horses Donatello and Darling. This past week at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Romney placed first with Donatello in the FEI Intermediate II.
“This was the second time I’ve gone down the centerline with Donatello in an Intermediate II class, and he was really, really good,” Romney explained. “I was really pleased. He had great changes and pirouettes. He was a little tense with the passage and piaffe, so he wasn’t as good as usual, but he was still pretty great!”
She added, “Darling is new to me and I am just learning to ride him. Yet he is terrific, and he is my next up and coming horse that I’ll be riding.”
Getting to know her horses can be a bit of a challenge, Romney explained, because her intense schedule means that she is not able to consistently spend time with them. Her political and medical endeavors, including the Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which she launched in 2014, keep her traveling across the U.S. multiple times a week. After receiving the Premier Equestrian Award Friday, Romney said she would be flying to Washington, D.C. for lunch and dinner appointments the following day, then flying to Boston on Sunday for a meeting about her research center’s new partnership with Google.
“We’re rolling out the fact that Google is going to help us with research, and they are going to attach me with all of these instruments and watches that I will wear for months and they will track,” she explained. “We’ll do this with 2,000 MS patients.” The Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases uses a collaborative approach to accelerate treatments, prevention, and cures for five of the world’s most complex neurologic diseases, affecting about 50 million people in the U.S.: multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors.
“Tuesday, I fly back to D.C., where we are hosting an event for the hospital center, and Wednesday I come back here and I have a show the next day. That’s my schedule,” she laughed. “So the fact that I can even do any of this is amazing. I am always like that, in and out – I’m never consistently with my horses, and when I finally get going with them and get connected, then I have to go again. But I love it!”
As an official sponsor of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Premier Equestrian is excited for the opportunity to show its support for the world of dressage. 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
Lee Burton (left) wins the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, presented by Dr. Cesar Parra (center) and her trainer Patricia Sanchez (right) (Photo courtesy of JRPR).
Wellington, FL (February 8, 2016) – When Lee Burton of Saint Simmons, Georgia traded in her life as an avid golfer to get in back the saddle, she set out on a path toward success. Burton rode western as a child, then dabbled in a little eventing before finding her true passion for dressage. She has risen through the levels and now competes at Grand Prix level dressage.
Burton rides down centerline with Enebro XIV, her 12-year-old PRE gelding. Burton and Enebro recently traveled to the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival specifically for the much-anticipated USPRE week. Amidst the celebration of the Spanish PRE breed, Burton and Enebro successfully competed in the FEI Grand Prix national classes, where they earned the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award. The award recognizes exceptional adult amateurs for their successes in the arena and their contributions to dressage through outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Dr. Cesar Parra, owner and head trainer at Piaffe Performance, presented Burton with a Piaffe Performance neck medal, a tri-color ribbon, and an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of her award-winning ride.
Burton was overjoyed to receive the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement award, and thanked Parra and her trainer Patricia Sanchez of Spain. Burton described her start in dressage and the difficulties she experienced. “It was quite an adventure learning. I evented for a couple years and thought, ‘I am going to die,’” laughed Burton. Shortly after switching into the dressage sector, Burton purchased her first PRE stallion in Spain and competed in every level all the way to Grand Prix. She won her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals all on her PRE stallion and has since had many successes on Enebro.
Parra was happy to present Burton with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award, and commended her on her many accomplishments in the sport of dressage. “I have learned so much from my adult amateur riders about perseverance and commitment,” explained Parra, who has achieved successes himself at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in previous years, and is a Pan American Games Gold Medalist. “Through this award, I hope Piaffe Performance can play a role in encouraging Adult Amateur riders. They are the backbone of our sport.”
In addition to the Adult Amateur 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.
Wellington, FL – January 31, 2016 – Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello took a clean sweep of Small Tour competition at the third week of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), earning wins in all three classes presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute. Collins-Strijk and Don Tignanello completed their dominating week this afternoon, earning a 75.792% in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle to take top honors. Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba followed in second place with 73.333%, while Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and For My Love were third with 71.417%. Competition at AGDF will continue with the AGDF 5 CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, and CDI 1*, presented by Kirk Arabians, on February 10-14.
Collins-Strijk showcased the fluidity and suppleness of the 2005 Hanoverian gelding (Don Vino x Atlantica) in all three classes this week, which included the FEI Prix St. Georges, FEI Intermediaire I, and FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle all presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute.
“I’ve been working a lot on the canter work. He’s such a big horse and the balance for him is really hard. I think it will be the focus again for the next few weeks too,” explained Collins-Strijk, when asked what she believes the pair has improved on over the course of the week. “In the freestyle, I was definitely better with the music. Last week I wasn’t really sure where I was going because we had not done it together many times, but I practiced it this morning and was much better on track.”
The pair, who has started to work on the basics of the Grand Prix movements, will continue their course at the Small Tour level over the next few weeks, as Collins-Strijk believes they will gain valuable experience for their anticipated transition to Grand Prix at some point during the year.
“We won’t move up until I’m confident that we can do really well. We’re not 100% there and even when I feel like we are ready to move up, we will do some of the National shows first to get more experience there too,” she noted.
Zantros (Krack C x Hinde-Utopia), another mount for Collins-Strijk, made his debut at AGDF this week in the Small Tour alongside his stablemate. The pair also earned top finishes including a fourth place in the FEI Prix St Georges and a third in the FEI Intermediaire I, but with only one horse allowed to compete in the freestyle per rider, Collins-Strijk chose Don Tignanello for the class.
“I love Zantros. He’s by Krack C and you can just sit there and look pretty because he does it and knows his job. I quite like that, but you can’t take two horses in the freestyle, (so) I’m hoping to also do the freestyle with him at some point as well,” commented Collins-Strijk.
“We’ll definitely focus on getting that bigger step, but he’ll get off this week with hacking and taking it easy before we begin to prepare again. After the next CDI there is a bit of a long break for him and that’s when we’ll start to working on that,” she continued.
The Consolation Grand Prix concluded the final day of FEI competition at AGDF 3 presented by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, as Evi Strasser (CAN) and Renaissance Tyme took the win with a 65.767%. Joanne Vaughan (GEO) and Elmegarden’s Marquis followed in second with a 64.033%, while Maria Florencia Manfredi (ARG) and Bandurria Kacero earned third place with a 63.633%.
Competition at AGDF will begin on Wednesday, February 10, with the highly anticipated FEI CDI5* competition, presented by Diamante Farms. The venue will also prepare to host the Asheville Regional Airport Wellington Eventing Showcase, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, on Friday, February 5, and continuing through Saturday, February 6, and the AGDF 4 National Show on February 6-7. For more information, 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 – January 30, 2016 – The final day of Grand Prix competition at the AGDF 3 CDI-W presented by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, and the third week of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), concluded with the Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas. Today’s competition was held in the Global International Ring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), and showcased a clean sweep by the Americans for the top three placings. Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) rode her own Woodstock to the top of the class, winning with a score of 73.059%.
The FEI Grand Prix Special is the most demanding test in the dressage world, requiring more passage, one-tempis changes, and variations in the transitions into and out of piaffe and passage. Page and Woodstock, her KWPN gelding, showed excellent consistency throughout the test and impressed both his rider and the judges with his professionalism.
Page said, however, that she knows they have the potential to earn even higher scores as the season progresses. “I need to keep improving my riding to accommodate his energy and I felt like I got closer today. There are so many points still there, and my goal is to improve his confidence that he can move like that and I can ride like that show by show.”
She attributes their recent successes to her new approach of not riding how he might react but instead “trying to be in the moment with this horse and allowing me to ride with very close focus; he loves it!”
Page and Woodstock will join the other members of the top three in the CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms, at the next week of competition at the AGDF on February 11-14.
Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) continued her superbly successful first CDI at the Grand Prix level with Goerklintgaards Dublet, the 13-year-old Danish gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa) owned by Diane Perry. The pair was very close to Page and Woodstock, earning a 72.902%.
Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet
Perry-Glass, when asked how it felt to be new to the level and sitting between established dressage competitors such as Page and Francis, responded, “I’m lucky to have two awesome women next to me. They’re strong competitors and good friends.”
She and Dublet have worked to build their relationship to develop the power, skills, and confidence to move up to the big tour, and she thanked Debbie MacDonald for helping her to reaffirm and re-establish their partnership.
Third place went to Shelly Francis (USA) riding Patricia Stempel’s Danilo, the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (De Niro x Annabelle). The pair earned a 71.900%, capping a very successful weekend for Francis, who also placed sixth in the FEI Grand Prix and third in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle with Stempel’s Doktor.
Francis noted that one of the challenges Danilo poses is his extraordinary energy and power. She said, “If I ride full out all the time, he’ll go over the edge, so I do a lot of interval training to keep him sane and happy.”
She and Page also discussed the challenge of preparing horses who spent the summer and early fall competing in Europe to come home and peak for the winter season. Both riders are fitting up their horses as they progress through the shows with the goal of steadily improving their performances and earning spots on the squad that will travel to Europe. Perry-Glass would also like to make that squad, but she, like Page and Francis, is approaching the season one show at a time.
Judge Janet Foy expressed great enthusiasm over the quality of today’s rides. “The panel was very excited about these horses, and we could have been closer to 78% with all three of these ladies had there been no mistakes. Judges hate mistakes! We’re really rooting for all of them, but it is still early and they’re still getting stronger and used to the venue. I think in a couple of weeks we’ll see scores closer to 80% and we love that.”
The third week of AGDF concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute. For full results and more information, 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 – January 29, 2016 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton impressed the judging panel again today in the AGDF 3 “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, as the pair took their second win of the week in Large Tour competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Trussell and Anton earned a 75.025% to take a commanding lead in the class of 15 entries. Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt concluded an outstanding performance for the pair earning a score of 73.900% while fellow American Shelly Francis and Doktor collected a 73.400% for third place. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow, Saturday, January 30, with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, beginning at 2:15 p.m.
Trussell and Anton, a 2002 Saschen Warmblood gelding (Antaeus x Shirley) owned by Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell, have showcased their consistency in their first competition back since the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto this past November.
“Anton was really hot tonight and I was hoping to keep everything in control and keep our harmony together. He was great. It really felt like I was riding a rocket. He’s such a good boy, and he loves his job,” noted Trussell. “I’m so thrilled for these two wins and am sitting here in utter shock to be sitting in this company. It’s wonderful to be here, and I’m so thankful to my owners and my family at home.”
All smiles during their test, Trussell feels that she has truly hit the right stride with her veteran partner who has come back to competition in top form after overcoming a serious injury a few years ago. Trussell has hopes of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this summer.
“Post-injury, he has never felt better. It’s incredible because we never thought that he would come back better and continue to get personal bests. Winning a medal for Canada last year (at the Pan American Games) was huge and hopefully (we are) going to Rio. It feels incredible,” she elaborated. “I just want to enjoy each ride, and you don’t know what tomorrow has to bring. You want to set goals and you think about them, but you always have to enjoy each moment and enjoy each ride. I always think about that. I get to ride him again in this atmosphere and in this stadium and I want to enjoy that, our team work, with the ultimate goal of being brilliant.”
Allison Brock (USA) and the impressive 2002 Hanoverian stallion (Rotspon x Lauries Crusader xx) Rosevelt, owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, continue to captivate audiences from around the globe, as the pair displays such power and presence in each of their tests. Rosevelt, who has been known to be sensitive in large environments, performed the test with tremendous ease, which Brock hopes is the next stage in their partnership.
Allison Brock and Rosevelt
“He was so good. I personally have been very nervous to do freestyles here because we had a bad experience last year under the lights where he was incredibly scared,” she explained. “I decided to do the exhibition at Washington International (Horse Show) this past year, and he was really good. I couldn’t believe how he handled that environment. I thought to myself, ‘I really need to bite the bullet and do it.’ So we decided to do it.
“Tonight maybe he got a little happy doing the changes, but now I can drop the reins and that horse will walk. He stands in the award ceremony. All of these things he’s feeling comfortable with. I want him to trust the situation I’m putting him in, and I feel like I got that.”
Francis and Doktor, another U.S. Olympic hopeful combination, performed their first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the 2016 season and Francis spoke positively about the outcome in this important qualifying year.
“My little Doktor was a bit nervous tonight, but he tried really hard. He’s getting to the point where he’s getting dependable for me in the arena. I just have to get my act together now and maybe start squeezing more a bit,” said Francis, who finished in third place. “We haven’t shown that much this season. Right now we’re trying to get through smooth and ride the choreography a bit better. He felt awesome. He does what I want, and he’s really cool with what’s going on.”
Judge at C Linda Zang commented on the rides she judged throughout the night and expressed her optimism and anticipation of what is to come for the sport of dressage in North America over the course of the next few years. She explained, “I think it’s absolutely wonderful that we have this entire circuit in Florida because it’s made our sport grow so much in the United States and in Canada. I’m sitting here just thinking what an international group of riders we have here. There were five nations represented in just tonight’s freestyle alone. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
The U.S. P.R.E. Association took the lead on major sponsorship for AGDF 3, presenting the second “Friday Night Stars” event of the season, which has continued to expand in popularity.
“We had the opportunity to get involved from the very first year and we thought there’s no better way to promote a breed for dressage than push our brand to a target audience,” explained Kim Boyer, President of the U.S. P.R.E. Association. “Of course, nobody back then would have thought that it would have grown to the size that it is today. Now it’s a destination for our members and visitors and we’ve brought in a number of Spanish dignitaries. It’s almost become a mini-convention here. It’s educational for us and a great opportunity to showcase our horses.”
Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), stated his gratitude for the team working behind the scenes who helped to successfully coordinate several ring and scheduling changes to accommodate riders after South Florida saw days of torrential downpours and inclement weather.
“It was a great effort from everyone to make our changes work. I would like to especially thank our judges and e-scribes this week as this was the first CDI we’ve done here with electronic recording of scores. It worked quite well and we’ll continue to do better, but I’m very proud of the team here this week,” he said.
Allyn Mann of Adequan® discussed the company’s presence around the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) venue, not only as the title sponsor of the entire circuit, but now the main contributor to the prestigious owner awards that are given during each “Friday Night Freestyle” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle event.
“First off, I think we all need to thank Kim for her vision and financial contribution to build the covered arena, or else we wouldn’t be sitting here tonight,” he explained. “Without owners, none of us are sitting here. Thank you to all of the owners. These awards are just another way that we can show our appreciation to the people who are truly the foundation of everything we have here. Without them, none of this would be.”
Adequan® presented several owner awards throughout the evening, including the High Point National Owner Award, which was presented to Shaween Jacobs, owner of Ebony, which was accepted on her behalf by rider Janine Little. Michael Collins accepted the award for Winner of the Prix St. Georges, as the owner of Don Tignanello ridden by Leida Collins-Strijk. Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell were awarded with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Owner Award, as their Anton took top honors.
Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) also collected her second win of the week aboard Don Tignanello in the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with a score of 73.991%. Suzan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse finished in second with a score of 72.763%, while Collins-Strijk also earned third place honors aboard Zantros with a score of 71.009%. Small Tour competition will continue on Sunday, February 1, with the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute.
Competition at AGDF continues with Large Tour competition tomorrow as the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, will begin at 2:15 p.m. Several Young Rider, Junior, and Amateur classes will also be hosted throughout the day. For a full list of results and 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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – January 28, 2016 – The extraordinarily full FEI Grand Prix class, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, concluded today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Held over two days with 49 pairs competing in the Van Kampen Covered Arena due to inclement weather, the competition was strong and impressively consistent, with the top four riders scoring within tenths of points of each other. Belinda Trussell (CAN) won the test with a 72.860% aboard Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell’s Anton. The third week and second CDI competition of the 2016 AGDF, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, continues through Sunday, January 31, with the highlight class, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, on Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m.
With the 2016 Olympic Games qualification race heating up, Grand Prix pairs from around the world have descended upon Wellington in hopes of gaining scores to represent their respective nations on the largest international sporting stage in August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Riders from 15 nations competed for top honors in the FEI Grand Prix presented by Yeguada de Ymas, including 24 U.S. combinations. AGDF 3 will also see individuals representing Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Sweden.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these riders to AGDF for the second week of CDI competition for the 2016 circuit,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. “The numbers for this competition are tremendous, and we are expecting to see them continue to build as we move further into the season. We look forward to an incredible week of competition.”
In a new addition to the 2016 AGDF circuit, the AGDF Lead-Line Series for children will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29, in the Global International Ring prior to the second “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the season. World-renowned U.S. Olympians Debbie McDonald and Christine Traurig will join Christoph Hess as judges for the class. Several special awards will be given to contestants, as the next generation of riders will compete on a world-class stage at AGDF.
First Grand Prix Victory of the Season for Canada’s Trussell
Trussell remarked that she was surprised with her win on Anton, a 16-year-old Sachsen gelding (Antaeus x Shirley) bred by Mirko Glotz. “This was a huge class with good competition! Anton is a professional, and we went out and had a good time together,” she said. “To come out with the blue ribbon was lovely.”
She attributed their success today to their long partnership and her willingness to take more risks in the test and allow Anton to be more expressive, especially in the extended trot. This was their first outing since their second place finish at Dressage at Devon in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle and the Royal Winter Fair in November in Toronto, where they won the Grand Prix.
She thinks there is even more room for improvement. “He has a very good piaffe and passage, and it is my goal to keep riding the test up to his potential,” she said.
Arlene “Tuny” Page and Woodstock
Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) closely followed Trussell with Woodstock, coming in with a 72.760% for second place. Page was pleased to note, “Overall this was a very solid test; there was nothing that was a glaring mistake or a big highlight. It felt like everything was steady. I look forward to seeing the judges’ scores and comments, of course, but it felt like 7, 7.5, 8. From a trainer’s point of view, I’m very satisfied with that.”
She and her own Woodstock, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Havel x Mirania), have been working to improve their consistency in different venues. She was pleased to note that he was a consistent partner for her here, as he was over the summer in Rotterdam, despite some of the weather-related stressors. She was also quick to praise the show management for their calm and organized handling of the decisions to move the jog and the Grand Prix into the Van Kampen Covered Arena, noting the consistency of the footing in all of the AGDF arenas.
Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) held on to her top score from competing yesterday in the start of the FEI Grand Prix with Goerklintgaards Doublet, a 13-year-old Danish gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa) owned by Diane Perry and bred by Jorgen Ravn. They finished third with a score of 72.320%. Perry-Glass also finished 11th with Trostruplunds Scarlet, the 17-year-old Danish mare (Don Schufro x Ramona) owned by Diane Perry.
She said she is having a terrific time right now, elaborating that she has “great horses, a great husband, and a great coach.” She was especially happy with the efforts of both horses, particularly praising Scarlet’s one-tempis changes, which were larger and more consistent than they have been. “Both horses were really relaxed,” she said.
The top six finishers were all very close together, all scoring within .8 of a point of each other. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) earned fourth place with Benneton Dream, the 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Brentano II x Rotkappchen) bred by Axel Windeler and owned by Lövsta Stuteri, with a score of 72.240%. Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt put in a lovely consistent test to finish fifth with a 72.220%. The 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Rotspon x Lauries Crusador xx) is owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun. Shelly Francis and Doktor earned a 72.100% and a big round of applause from their fans. The 13-year-old Oldenburg (Diamond Hit x Gurena) gelding is owned by Patricia Stempel.
Competition continued in the FEI Prix St Georges, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, with 21 entries representing nine countries. Victory went to Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello, who scored 72.456%. Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba finished second with a score of 71.316%. Klimke also took third place on Harmony’s Depardieu on 71.140%.
The highly anticipated “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association, begins at 7pm on Friday, January 29, featuring 15 entries, including Trussell and Anton who will try to repeat today’s success under the lights.
The FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas, will begin at 2:15pm on Saturday, January 30. AGDF 3 will conclude with the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, on Sunday, January 31, alongside FEI Young Rider, FEI Junior, FEI Amateur Freestyle competition and a Consolation Grand Prix beginning at 1:45pm on Sunday.
For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and to see a full schedule of competition, 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 – January 27, 2016 – The U.S. P.R.E Association, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to promoting and expanding the global reach of the Pure Spanish horse (P.R.E.) will return to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as the title sponsor of AGDF 3 FEI CDI-W competition and the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle this week at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), beginning Wednesday, January 27, and concluding Sunday, January 31, showcasing international Large and Small Tour competition.
The U.S. P.R.E. Association, a long-time sponsor of the AGDF circuit, has seen tremendous growth through the increased presence of the Spanish horse on both national and international dressage circuits around the world. Through the course of their five-year sponsorship with AGDF, the competition has provided an unmatched platform, which has allowed a variety of riders, trainers, and owners from around the world access to this one-of-a-kind breed.
“The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is a world-class organization and event that is hosted at an absolutely elite venue. We knew that partnering with AGDF would be essential to our global brand,” noted Joan Mack, Executive Director of the U.S. P.R.E. Association. “How could you not be involved with the biggest and most important competition venue in the country and quite possibly the world? There was no question that we knew we had to be involved.”
“We are so appreciative of the continued generosity from the members of our Board of Directors who completely underwrote our sponsorship for the season. This allows us to direct money raised back to our members and breeders. U.S. P.R.E. Association’s sponsorship of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival has always been underwritten for us and we are grateful for that support,” she continued.
The success of the Spanish horse breed as a choice for both professional and amateur dressage competitors has been immense. The breed has exploded in popularity throughout North America, with the U.S. P.R.E. Association recording a healthy expansion of breed registrations and increased participation each year.
“It wasn’t enough to just remind people about the Olympics and the World Games performances. We wanted to make sure that people know and our breeders knew the endless possibilities for the P.R.E.,” said Mack. “We wanted to offer the ability and possibility for our breeders to witness the reach of the Spanish horse and really open up this world to them. We’re seeing more and more people breed this horse today as a sport horse and they’re winning ribbons in a number of different disciplines.”
Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett won the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle during AGDF 3 in 2015.
Kim Boyer, President of the U.S. P.R.E. Association, has been a major influencer for the breed, maximizing opportunities and educating members on ways to market their horses, as well as increase awareness and reach for their businesses, according to Mack. She explained, “Kim is truly the strategic head of the organization. She’s taught the board how to put the P.R.E. out in front of the world-class competitors and that’s what we’ve done. It’s been a massive success for the breed, and it wouldn’t have been possible without her knowledge and expertise.”
As the venue continues to develop new opportunities for riders and their mounts, the established presence of the Spanish horse is notable on both ends of the competition spectrum, in the international arena as well as throughout the national shows also hosted at the facility. The growth of the P.R.E in the United States mirrors the development of the AGDF venue and is a prime example of the influence the world’s largest dressage competition offers to emerging sport horse breeds.
“We know that expansion is a major part of the vision and there is no way that this breed would be where it is today in the United States if it weren’t for this vision. We knew we had something going when we became involved with this competition, but nobody ever thought that it was going to become as big as it has,” she elaborated. “We’re amazed at what we’ve been able to accomplish through the success of the show and I don’t think that any of us thought that it would be this big. In our wildest dreams we absolutely hoped, but I don’t think that anyone really realized where we would be. It’s beyond our wildest dreams.”
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
Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photos by Lindsay Y. McCall.
Wellington, FL – January 26, 2016 – Para-Dressage riders from the USA and Canada concluded the 2016 Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour on Sunday, January 24, with the breathtaking Freestyle Test competition held in the Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Beautiful Florida, known for its temperate climate during the winter, threw all it had at the Para-Dressage riders. Over three days riders were drenched with rain, blown by gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, shaken by 39 degree mornings, and had the pleasure of a helicopter landing beside the ring. When the equestrian competitions were cancelled around Wellington, the Para-Dressage riders kept going thanks to the quick and thought out process of show management and volunteers at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. These athletes never complained, they never whimpered – they are used to giving it their all no matter the set-backs. These riders showed how professional they were not only by their response to inclement weather but by their consistent outstanding scores over the weekend. The FEI ground jury this weekend included Sarah Leitch (GBR), Marc Urban (BEL), and Dr Jan Holger Holtschmit (GER). The $10,000 CPEDI3* was presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena. The two week Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour (January 8-10 and January 22-24) was the final opportunity in the United States to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Earning the High Point Overall championship for a second week was Rebecca Hart (USA) and Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel. Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt, garnered Reserve Champion High Point Rider. The overall grade winners were: Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer (USA) in Grade Ia; Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2 (CAN), owned by Lauren Massey in Grade Ib; Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (USA) in Grade II; Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior (USA), owned by Rebecca Reno, in Grade III; and Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, in Grade IV.
From the results of the $10,000 CPEDI3* in Wellington, the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Equestrian Team Selection Trials in just 6 months will feature superb horse and rider combinations.
U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt commented, “Our team really showed us that they can compete on their horses under any circumstances. Our top six horses that we have right now competed really well. They were unfazed by everything including helicopters, winds, and tents flopping. We would like to see some scores a point or two higher but under the circumstances these athletes rode every bit of what they could get out of their horses. They rode their best scores and performed well. The horses were consistent, the athletes were consistent, and I think the team has come together very well. I think we have the consistency down now. Before we would have a good ride one day or one show and I think now we have consistent rides and the scores are showing that. The only thing they can improve at this point are little. From a 7 to an 8 or an 8 to a 9 are very minor adjustments. It’s always precision with Para-Dressage. You can improve precision with better preparation. Fine tune, look at the videos, look at tests. They are all capable of pulling up 4 or 5 more points out of their scores. They ride exceptional horses. Now they just have to ride the daylight out of the test.”
Handt continued, “Not only were the riders great but this whole venue was fantastic. It was really good prep for Rio. We have a very young team, new horses, lots of changes, and it all worked out really well this weekend. The plan is there, there is a support team, we have excellent sponsors, the grooms are there, and there is no drama. They all help each other out and everyone supports each other. Everything runs as a well-oiled machine. Which it should be at this point in time and I couldn’t be any happier than the results we have right now. By the time they get to selection trials they will all perform really well.”
As the High Point Champion, Grade II Overall winner over both weeks Rebecca Hart has showcased her amazing talent in the ring. “I was very happy with my tests this weekend including my freestyle,” said Hart. “That was the second time we went through the freestyle and we hit all the music points the way I wanted it. Over the entire weekend I was thrilled with how Romani’s and my relationship and trust has grown from where we were two years ago to where we are now. It’s been a remarkable improvement. The relationship with Todd Flettrich, Margaret Duprey, and Fernando Ortega at Cherry Knoll Farm has been wonderful with helping us to create that. To be able to handle a helicopter landing next to us made me have more confidence and trust with Romani to know she trusts me that much.”
Hart continued, “As the selection trials approach we are going to keep working on the same things with Todd, Margaret, and Fernando. We will build form that same plan since it seems to be working. We need to work on a little more power, a little more harmony, more flow but really just keep doing the same things we are doing. It’s the same job different sandbox.”
Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer
Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Royal Dancer took home the High Point Reserve Championship and the Grade Ia overall accolade. Trunnell commented, “Everything went better this week especially since we fixed the freestyle from the last show. The movements went better with the music and I was happy about that. My plan over the next few months is to keep on riding and solidifying our relationship.”
Margaret McIntosh (USA) and Rio Rio had top performances in Grade Ia and were part of the U.S. Team over the weekend. Macintosh enjoyed the positive influence the fluctuating weather provided. Macintosh expressed, “The wild weather this weekend was definitely to Rio’s advantage. She’s so relaxed that sometimes she needs a little bit of this atmosphere going on to put in a really good test. I think our final freestyle test was the culmination of that. She felt great in the ring; she was awake and paying attention. All that time that Missy (Ransehousen) spent out in the wind and the rain certainly paid off. When we bought Rio Rio she was a young horse and not trained to the FEI level. It’s been a lot of fun over the past two years to see her step up to the plate every time the ante has gotten higher and higher. It’s been so nice for me to have the experts of Jessica Ransehousen, Missy Ransehousen, and Clive Milkins and Kai Handt to develop this horse. I just hope it continues over the next six months to increase the connection, energy, and flow, and we will be ready.”
In Grade Ib Canadian Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2 earned the Grade Ib overall with a top Freestyle test on the final day of competition. “This was Fergie’s last international completion,” expressed Gowanlock. “I sang on the cake; it was our final hurrah and on Sunday she put her dancing shoes on for the last time and she knew it. She went in and did her best. She is the sweetest most willing partner. Whether she’s in the rain or a fly is biting her as we go down centerline, she still goes. She knows when I’m not feeling well and she picks up the slack.”
Equine Canada’s Para-Dressage Chef d’Equipe Elizabeth Robinson added, “Every time Ashley has needed a horse this one has been pulled out of the stable or the field. She has been retired multiple times. Ashley lives in Canada and Fergie lived in Florida with owner Lauren Barwick, so Ashley would get on a plane, give Fergie a few tries and takes her into the ring. It’s more than special to us that Ashley is able to do that with that horse. We are very grateful to the owners which was Lauren Barwick and now Lauren Massey. She is hoping to breed Fergie. It’s a nice ending to a horse that has done such a great international job for our team.”
Team Canada showed multiple new horses with their veteran athletes over the two weeks of the Para-Dressage Tour in Wellington. Chef d’equipe Elizabeth Robinson commented, “Having two shows back to back made this very worthwhile to our team to come down. We put all of our resources into the month of January, which we wouldn’t have otherwise. We are looking forward to the future. We have an incredible core, great people, and great riders. Our riders and support staff have all been working together for quite some time and have done a few games together. We hope to strengthen that and support our riders and put ourselves on a good path for Rio.”
Ashley Gowanlock of Canada had top scores in Grade Ib however USA Rider Sydney Collier took home a few blue ribbons of her own in Grade Ib. Sydney Collier rode two horses this weekend including Western Rose, owned by Wes Dunham and Wentworth, owned by Amy McIlwham.
Collier commented, “This was only my second show with Rosie. We haven’t had a whole lot of time to work together as a partnership. Every day that we get to work together I feel so lucky and I feel like she really enjoys being a para-dressage horse. I feel so lucky to be working with such a talented partner. I have three wonderful horses I am currently riding including Scampano 2, owned by KCR Dressage LLC. I have different goals for each one. Rosie I’ve been with for the least amount of time and I am really looking forward to building our partnership more and more. Even the difference we made from last show to this show, I am impressed how she has stepped up to the plate.”
Team rider and Grade III Overall Champion Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior (USA) dominated Grade III over both weeks. Peavy noted, “I was very happy with Lance. With all of the cold and wet weather conditions, we pulled through and he was great. My horse and I had a much better connection at these CPEDI3* events, even more so than in Europe or Texas. We just keep growing together. He gives me confidence when I need it and I give him confidence when he needs it. We work well together. I just have to keep going down the centerline and keep doing it.”
Grade IV overall rider was Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75. Jordan noted, “Our weekend at the Global Paralympic qualifier was an incredible growth experience and finished off on a real high note winning the freestyle and the overall Grade 4 championship. My coach George Williams and our team were outstanding and the positive feedback on Rubicon from the judges moving forward was encouraging and truly helpful. We are on a great upswing and look forward to the U.S. Selection Trials which will count for 50 percent of our score moving toward Rio.”
The two $10,000 CPEDI3* shows were presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Mane Stream, located in Oldwick, New Jersey, is designated as a Premier Accredited Center of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International, (PATH). Mane Stream provides education, accreditation and resources for the equine assisted activities industry.
Linda Dietz, President of the Board of Directors for Mane Stream, said, “It’s important to us to support this show because this is what we do. We offer equine-assisted physical, occupational and speech therapy. We’re one of the oldest PATH accredited centers in the country, and we’ve been around for nearly 42 years. We think that it is inspirational for our riders, and we would love to see some of our riders on this team as well. We couldn’t have done this without the help of Rowan O’Riley.”
Rebecca Reno, representative for Mission Control, added, “Being a sponsor at these shows was incredible. Our athletes are tough and don’t complain. They rode in the covered arena, in the wind, in the rain and there was no whining from a single rider. I know that everyone works so hard at home, and there have been things that they all have overcome, but wow.”
Reno concluded, “That is a mental attitude. These riders don’t complain they get on and ride. I think that’s why they’re so successful. We’ve been so pleased and even though the weather wasn’t the best, this solidified for us why this has been so amazing. It’s been an honor to help sponsor the show.”
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.
