Tag Archives: Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Team USA Collects Second CPEDI 3* Team Win

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Rebecca Hart Reigns as Overall High Point Champion

Wellington, FL – January 24, 2016 – Competition at the second CPEDI 3* of the season at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) concluded with Team USA maintaining their control of the leaderboard, winning their second consecutive team CPEDI 3* victory at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). This week’s CPEDI 3*, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena, hosted competitors from the United States and Canada as they prepare for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Team USA continued their dominance and earned their second team victory in CPEDI 3* competition at AGDF this week, as Roxanne Trunnell, Margaret McIntosh, Rebecca Hart and Annie Peavy each contributed to the superb overall performance by Team USA.

Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt, led Team USA in the FEI Para Dressage Grade 1a competition, scoring a 71.449% in team competition, followed by a score of 69.27% in individual competition hosted on Saturday. Margaret McIntosh and her own Rio Rio also represented Team USA in FEI Para-Dressage Grade 1a competition, receiving a 69.275% in team competition and a 68.478% for the individual portion of the week. Angela Peavy, the youngest member of Team USA, earned a 68.816% and 69.106% aboard Lancelot Warrior, owned by Heather Blitz and Rebecca Reno. Team leader Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani, who have showcased their incredible consistency through the two weeks of competition, earned a 72.108% on Friday morning, followed by a 73.048% in individual competition the following day.

Rebecca Hart earned her high point rider accolades for the second week in a row, as she added a score of 75.250% in the FEI Para Freestyle Grade II test to her weekend tally, making her a strong candidate for selection in the coming months to represent Team USA in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I was very happy with my freestyle today. It’s the second time we’ve gone through it, and we have new music for her. We hit all of the music points the way that I wanted to and for the entire weekend I just am thrilled with our relationship and how the trust has built from where we were two years ago to where we are now,” commented Hart. “It’s been a remarkable improvement just in our relationship. Todd Flettrich, my trainer, has really helped us create that.

“We’re going to look to get a little bit more power, harmony, and flow over the next few months, but also just keep doing what we’re doing. The motto that we have is ‘Same job, different sandbox,'” she continued. “We’re going to keep the change of no stirrups. It’s been huge for us. I had a huge leg spasm coming down the centerline and I felt like I couldn’t use my body at all, but she took over and had my back.”

Kai Handt, U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe, noted the positive feedback from the panel of judges throughout the week of competition that recognized the improvements seen across the board from each of the team riders.

“I think this week has shown that our team can show their horses under all circumstances. I think our top six horses that we have competing right now we’re really not fazed by anything this weekend,” noted Handt. “I think typically we’d like some of the scores a point or two higher, but with the circumstances, they each really rode all of the horses. The horses and athletes were consistent and I think the team comes together really well. They all work together and support each other.”

The week was full of unpredictable weather, which ultimately proved to benefit the team, according to a number of the riders and Handt, as it provided an opportunity for the combinations to experience adversity in the ring, a quality each team ride will need to be comfortable with before looking towards the Paralympic Games.

Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio
Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio

“The wild weather this weekend was definitely to Rio’s advantage,” noted McIntosh, whose mare Rio Rio can be a bit too settled in the ring. “She’s just so relaxed that sometimes she needs that atmosphere going on to take it to the next level for a really good test. I felt like today was a culmination of all of that. She felt great in the ring and she was awake, paying attention. Thanks to Missy and Jessica Ransehousen for all of their hard work with her.”

This is the second team competition for Hart, Peavy, and Trunnell this season, as each of the three represented Team USA in the first CPEDI 3* hosted at AGDF two weeks ago. Peavy, who has made steady progress with her mount Lancelot Warrior, will focus on maintaining and enhancing the partnership between the two over the course of the next few months before the tedious selection process begins.

“The freestyle is something we fixed since the last show. The movements went better with the music, and I was really happy about that,” commented Trunnell. “Just being able to ride Royal has solidified our relationship, and we’re going to keep working on that.”

“My horse and I have a much better connection now than what we had last summer in Europe and even at the end of the year in Texas. We’re growing together and he gives me confidence when I need it and I can now give him confidence when he needs it,” said Peavy. “I think what we need is to keep going down the centerline and improving on what the judges are critiquing and growing together.”

Sydney Collier, a staple for Team USA, finished a superb weekend collecting personal bests aboard her new mount Western Rose. Collier, who is preparing to make a run at the U.S. Para-Equestrian team with one of her three mounts, feels the development of Western Rose, owned by Wesley Dunham, is truly exciting.

“We haven’t had a whole lot of time yet to work together on our partnership, but every day that I get to work with her, I feel so lucky. I think she really enjoys being a Para horse,” said Collier. “I feel very lucky to be working with such a talented partner.”

“I have three horses that I’m riding every day now and of course I have different goals with each of them. I have a lot of things that I’d like to work on with Rosie since we’ve been together for the shortest period of time and I’m looking forward to building our partnership more and more. The differences that we’ve made in the past two weeks, I’ve been continually impressed with how she steps up to the plate,” elaborated Collier.

What was once a struggle for Team USA is no more, as the scores for each of the team representatives as well as Collier were incredibly consistent throughout the weekend. Handt noted that unofficially the U.S. Para-Dressage team is currently ranked fourth in the world and that should be a major confidence boost looking into the next few months.

“I think we have the consistency piece down. I think we’re getting consistently to the scores they should ride. The only thing we can improve at this point are the little things and riding from a seven to an eight or an eight to a nine are just minor adjustments,” noted Handt. “They’re riding correctly, performing the movements correctly, and are understanding what is being asked of the test. The key with para-dressage is precision, especially with the lower grades. I think we’ll work on the preparations to fine tune the rides now before selection trials.”

During the awards ceremony, Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of the Wellington Equestrian Partners, announced that the organization would give $10,000 to both Team USA and Team Canada in an effort to help them on their journey towards Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

“It is truly inspiring to watch these athletes continue to do what they love every day and witness firsthand their ability to overcome adversity. We are hopeful that our donation can provide some additional support to these great athletes from both the U.S. and Canadian Para-Equestrian teams as they pursue their passion and look to represent their respective countries in Paralympic competition later this summer,” noted Bellissimo. “We are looking forward to continuing and expanding our relationship with the Para-Equestrian community here at PBIEC and AGDF for years to come.”

“It will help us a lot. Money is obviously a big struggle in this business, and this will be a huge help. It will offset some of the financial burden of actually traveling to the Games,” noted Handt.

“The donation that we received today was completely out of the blue, but absolutely incredible for this program,” said Canadian Chef d’Equipe, Elizabeth Robinson. “We appreciate the fact that it was for both teams, and it just makes it so special. That $10,000 will help us tremendously. We have a lot of issues right now because we have to find a horse for Ashley, we have to fly around everywhere all over the world to compete. There’s no competition in Canada, and we have to come here. We will be spending the money very wisely, but it will also give our riders a chance to have help from the federation.”

Ashley Gowanlock was the highest placing Canadian rider throughout the competition, and commented on her three final rides aboard Ferdonia 2, owned by Lauren Barwick, who will now officially be retired from competition.

“This was Fergie’s last international competition. It was icing on the cake for us and really the final hurrah. Today she really put her dancing shoes on for the last time. She knew it and went in and did her best. It was so fun, and we had a great time,” noted Gowanlock. “She’s the most willing and sweetest horse in the world. She just always picked up the slack and it was always a ‘I have you, and you have me’ mentality which got us so far.”

Gowanlock will look for a new mount as the selection season heats up, and it will be important to find the right mount that can handle the competition atmosphere of an electric international ring.

“It will be solidifying the relationship with that new partner and getting down the centerline as many times as possible,” she explained. “When you’re in the big atmosphere of Rio, hopefully if I’m selected, you know who’s with you, what’s underneath of you and what you can switch on down the centerline. That’s your five minutes of glory that you work so hard for.”

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 therapeutic riding 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, walked away from the competition impressed with the determination and perseverance of the Para-Dressage riders this week.

“Our athletes are tough and don’t complain. They rode in the covered (arena), in the wind, in the rain and there was no complaining from a single rider. I know that everyone works so hard at home, but wow,” commented Reno. “That is a mental attitude. That is, ‘I’m going to get on and ride my horse and not let what’s going on impact the outcome,’ and 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.”

Sophie Ghedin (USA) concluded a banner week of competition in her first CPEDI 3* aboard her own Remy Martin G by winning the first two classes in the FEI Para-Dressage Grade IV division on Friday and Saturday. Ghedin, who has owned Remy for nearly 10 years, is looking forward to gaining more experience with the Para-Dressage tests and confirming the Intermediaire I movements, dispersed through the FEI Para Grade IV tests.

“I’m so thrilled with our performance today, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with the other riders. The weather and wind was a bit tricky as my horse already has nerves in the competition ring, but I thought we handled it beautifully and I couldn’t have asked for more from him,” said Ghedin. “I thought our extensions were great and were really a highlight for me today because we’ve been working on consistency. I felt like we are moving in the right direction.”

Competition at AGDF continues on Wednesday, January 27, with AGDF 3 CDI-W, presented by the U.S. PRE Association. To see a full list of results and complete seasonal 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

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Team USA Wins Another CPEDI3* in Wellington and Dominates Competition

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photos (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL – January 24, 2016 – Team USA and individuals once again dominated the competition at Week Two of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) $10,000 CPEDI3*. This week’s U.S. team, led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt, included riders Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer (Grade Ia), Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (Grade II), Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior (Grade III), and Margaret Mcintosh and Rio Rio (Grade Ia). Despite torrential downpour on Day 1, a ring change, a schedule change, and then extreme winds followed by cold weather on Day 2, the USA riders were unfazed and completed the task of qualifying the USA Team for the Rio Paralympics.

The $10,000 CPEDI3* is presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena runs through January 24, 2016. Sunday completes the competition with the Freestyle Tests held in the Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The two week Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour was the final opportunity in the United States to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Team Test day began with torrential rain that continued through the entire day. Riders and their horses moved from The Stadium to the Van Kampen Arena. As rain pelted the metal roof of the arena riders gave it their all in front of the FEI ground jury of Sarah Leitch (GBR), Marc Urban (BEL), and Dr Jan Holger Holtschmit (GER). The USA riders held the lead from Team Test day to Day Two Individual Test Day on Saturday. Day Two began with extreme winds that caused tents to blow, flags to wave, and gusts that pulled over parts of the arena. To add to the unique atmosphere a helicopter landed and took off just next to the ring as Rebecca Hart entered the ring and Kelly Boccia completed her test. The steadiness and focus of these international athletes and their horses showcased the talent these riders have.

Grade II Paralympian Rebecca Hart laughed about the noise the helicopter brought as it landed just outside The Stadium. “I was pretending it was not there. The only reason I knew it was time for me to enter the ring was because the gate opened.”

Hart and her horse Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel, have made small changes over two years to reveal an amazing equine and human partnership. Hart most recently began riding without stirrups to minimize the effect the spasms she was incurring while riding with stirrups. The duo has proven themselves around the world and are excited for the future.

Hart expressed, “The last two days have solidified how much I appreciate this horse. She has grown up immensely from when I started riding her two years ago. It was very special to have the things that would have been upsetting to her a while ago not affect her this weekend. To know that the trust is there between us now really makes going into the next year exciting. With the change of rings, wind, and helicopter, the fact that she handled all of that and did the job for me was fantastic. It just goes to show that the system and the foundation we have with Cherry Knoll Farm and Todd Flettrich is starting to come together very nicely and it’s coming together at key points. Today Romani truly helped me out. I went in, did our first halt, and I had a massive leg spasm. I can’t help her when that happens. She felt it and she just kept going. That’s showing we are coming together as a team. She was confident when that happened. I love this horse. That moment was very special to me because she carried me though when I needed her. I am so thankful to my wonderful support team with Todd Flettrich, Margaret Duprey and Fernando Ortega; this success wouldn’t happen without them.”

Hart added, “These last two weeks have been great. To be able to help the USA get into Rio and be together with my teammates has been wonderful. Everyone is doing a fantastic job under a lot of pressure and it’s been really special to be able to share this experience with them.”

Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt was proud of the USA riders over these last two weeks. Handt noted, “It was a very challenging weekend this week. The weather was not in our favor. The first day we had to change arenas, some of the horses got soaking wet and had to move from one arena to another and warm up twice. Luckily the facility has an indoor and we were lucky enough to use it and move the venue over there. All the horses performed very well under trying conditions. Today we had lots of wind, helicopter, sirens, and tents blowing. We can really see that our top riders and top horses are ready for the challenge. Even under all these trying circumstances they performed up to their best, got their scores up, and performed consistently. Together the US team worked to qualify for the Paralympics. Our athletes are showing a steady improvement from the last competitions to here and they are coming together as a team. We have trainers and riders that are up to the challenge and all of our current team horses are in very good position. We even have a couple other people that have stepped up this weekend. It looks like we have 6 or 7 riders that will be trying out at the selection trials for the team. It should be an exciting trial for the Paralympics.”

Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior
Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior

Grade III team rider and 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG) athlete Annie Peavy will be one to watch as the U.S. riders head to Selection Trials this summer. Peavy has enjoyed her partnership with her horse Lancelot Warrior over the weekend. Peavy noted, “We had a very strong ride on the first day which continued through the second day. I felt like he was really with me despite the bad weather. He felt both confident and powerful. Although today our warmup was a little scary, he went into the arena and focused on me the entire time. My tests felt great over both days and I really enjoyed his trot mediums in my individual test.”

Also a 2014 WEG athlete and USA Team rider this weekend Roxanne Trunnell had superb rides on Julia Handt’s NTEC Royal Dancer. Trunnell commented, “I was very pleased with how this show turned out. The first day when they moved us to indoor arena I wasn’t concerned how Royal was going to handle the change, since I’ve ridden in there a lot. However, when we got in there and I heard how loud the rain made it I wasn’t sure how he would handle it, but he stayed focused on me. Today since it was so windy and I have never ridden Royal in the wind, I was a little nervous. Touché (Trunnell’s WEG horse) freaks out at every little thing in the wind so I was kind of expecting that but I only had to remind Royal to pay attention to me once and he never spooked. I want to thank Julia Handt for loaning me her special boy.”

Also representing Team USA was fellow Grade Ia rider Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio. Macintosh commented, “The wild weather this weekend definitely contributed to the most energetic rides I have ever enjoyed on Rio. Various glitches on the centerline kept us from optimum scores but Rio’s connectivity improves every day, with Missy’s (Ransehousen) hard work after Carlos’ wise words, I am looking forward to a great freestyle.”

The USA riders didn’t just perform well as a team over both days but as individuals as well. Roxanne Trunnell topped Grade Ia with Margaret McIntosh in second, Jody Schloss of Canada in third and Robyn Andrews of Canada in fourth.

In Grade Ib Sydney Collier took home the blues both days with Wes Dunham’s Western Rose. In the team test Collier earned the second place with Amy McIlwham’s Wentworth but took home the third behind Canada’s Ashley Gowanlock and Ferdonia 2 in the Individual Test. Gowanlock earned the third place in the team test. Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) and Nickel fan Busenitz rounded out Grade Ib earning the fourth place rosette.

Collier was excited about each of her rides. “This weekend went great. I am so incredibly proud to have three amazing horses I am working with. It was an interesting show because normally at this type of show we hope the weather will cooperate with us a little. There were so many factors could have distracted me but I was impressed with my own ability to shut it all out and ride my test. Rosey and Wentworth both improved so much from day one to day two and I am so proud of each of them. I really enjoyed the mediums in each of their tests because they are my absolute favorite. It feels like you are floating. They were both super good and not distracted by the wind. There were times I thought I may blow off my horse but each horse was focused and ready to do their job.”

In Grade II Rebecca Hart held the lead with Gold Medal winning Paralympian of Canada Lauren Barwick and Onyx in second. Kelly Boccia (USA) and Donauwalzer CSF earned the third place both days and Charlotte Merle-Smith and her brand new mount Firewalker (USA) took home fourth. Deborah Stanitski and recently borrowed horse Pilikua Koa garnered fifth.

Grade III was dominated by Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior (USA) over both days with Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40 (USA) in second. Pamela Hardin and Quaterjack (USA) took home third on the team test day.

Grade IV saw a brand new para-dressage rider earn the first place accolades over both days. Sophie Ghedin and Remy Martin G (USA) took the lead over WEG rider Mary Jordan (USA) and Rubicon 75, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.

Ghedin, a former Montreal resident who became an American only four years ago, bought Remy Martin ten years ago before she was injured. One of the first competitions she did was Dressage at Devon where she won. Ghedin at the time rode with Scott Hassler and JJ Tate. After a bad surgery that severed a nerve in her leg she was unable to ride like she used to. Ghedin explained, “So JJ continued to ride Martin moving him to Prix St. George. When I started riding again I rode with Jessica Kissel and Claudio Olievera. My friend Rowan O’Riley pushed me to do the Para-Dressage and Hope Hand as well. After this last surgery happened I still wasn’t ready. I think I had to be ready and accept my injury. This was my first CDI, my first CPEDI, and my first big show in Para-Dressage. We’ve been working to Prix St. George and I1 movements so it’s been different to go to Grade IV. I just love this horse. He is amazing. He’s been through everything with me. In the ring he tends to get pretty strong but I just remind him that I am here and bring him back and then he relaxes. He can be amazing. My favorite movements are his extensions and canter extensions.”

Ghedin acknowledged, “This was a first for me as a CDI and I am so thankful to all of these girls. They are amazing. Just two weeks ago I did my first Para-Dressage test in a National show and here I am. I am so impressed with the riding abilities and horses that each of these riders has in the arena. I also wanted to thank all of the sponsors including Rowan O’Riley who pushed me into this, Mission Control, Adequan, and Nutrena. This was a wonderful show.”

Rebecca Hart agreed. “The workers and volunteers here at Global did an amazing job. With the fluctuation weather they had to be so flexible and they made sure we had a good show despite the wind and rain.”

Para-Dressage competition continues on Sunday, January 24, 2016, with the Freestyle Tests in The Stadium.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.

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AGDF Thanks Week 1 Title Sponsor AMCI Group to Benefit Brooke USA

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Through your support, this Senegalese youth will learn how to properly care for her young donkey thanks to local Brooke veterinarians.

Reining In Poverty
Horses, donkeys and mules are the engines that power the developing world.

Brooke USA is the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules who work in the poorest parts of the world and improving the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. Founded 80 years ago, the Brooke currently operates in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

How We Help

We deliver practical programs and provide support, advice, funding and infrastructure to our global network of employees, partners and supporters to make that vision a reality — all funded by our generous donors.

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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.

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

AGDF Welcomes Back Second Week of FEI CPEDI3* Competition

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photo: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) welcomed the second week of FEI CPEDI 3* competition, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena, back to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Competitors from the United States and Canada took to the Van Kampen Covered Arena in hopes of earning qualifying positions for the 2016 Paralympic Games to be hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this year. CPEDI 3* competition at AGDF will continue through Sunday, January 24.

The first day of competition showcased 18 combinations competing in six different divisions, including FEI Para Team Test – 1b, FEI Para Team Test – Grade II, FEI Para Team Test – Grade 1a, FEI Para Team Test – Grade III, and FEI Para Team Test – Grade IV.

Paralympian and President of the USPEA, Hope Hand, expressed, “I am so pleased how the sport has grown in just the last few years. The U.S. team is really raising the bar and showing some great rides during these CPEDI3* events. With talented athletes and their wonderful horses, these Para Dressage riders have earned the right to represent the United States on the world stage at the Rio Paralympics. These final two CPEDI3* qualifying events for Rio at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival are building momentum and excitement for the future.”

Roxanne Trunnell (USA) and NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt, rode to an early lead in the FEI Para Team Test – Grade 1a competition, earning a score of 71.499%. Sydney Collier (USA) and Western Rose, owned by Wesley Dunham, topped the Para Team Test – Grade 1b competition with a score of 67.267%, while veteran Rebecca Hart (USA) and her own Schroeter’s Romani continued their dominance in the Para Team Test Grade II competition with a score of 72.108%. Angela Peavy (USA) and Lancelot Warrior, owned by Heather Blitz and Rebecca Reno, rode a lovely test to receive a 68.816% in the Para Team Test – Grade III. Sophie Ghedin (USA) and her own Remy Martin G captured top honors in the Para Team Test – Grade IV class with a 64.206%.

Hand continued, “Our athletes have a great support team including USEF, USET Foundation, our USEF Discipline Director Laureen Johnson, our Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt, each rider’s family, grooms, trainers, and so much more. It takes a village to get each horse and rider combination to the international stage. I would also like to thank Mission Control, Rowan O’Riley of Mane Stream, Adequan®, Nutrena, show management and the staff and volunteers at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival for all of their hard work.”

Para-Dressage competition at AGDF continues tomorrow beginning at 10am and will see the conclusion of team competition for the weekend. To see a full list of scores and ride times, please visit http://gdf.coth.com/category/day-sheets.

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

Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Para-Dressage Riders Kick Off $10,000 CPEDI3* Paralympic Qualifier in Wellington

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Coach Wes Dunham jogs his horse Western Rose who is ridden by Sydney Collier (USA). Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

Wellington, FL- January 21, 2016 – Nineteen horse and rider combinations presented themselves on Thursday at the FEI Jog for the $10,000 CPEDI3* occurring January 22-24, 2016, at Week Two of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The $10,000 CPEDI3* is presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena. Para-Dressage riders from both Canada and the USA will step into The Stadium on Friday for their Team Test competition, followed by the Individual Test on Saturday, and the Freestyles on Sunday. Athletes in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV will be competing in front of FEI ground jury of Sarah Leitch (GBR), Marc Urban (BEL), and Dr Jan Holger Holtschmit (GER). This is the final part of the 2016 Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour and the last opportunity in the United States to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The USA dominated during the January 8-10 $10,000 CPEDI3* and a repeat performance would be crucial for the USA Team and individuals.

U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt noted, “It may be a little tougher than last week. Our riders just have to keep up the momentum. This is an important show for us. I see no problem in each rider cranking it up by three or four percent. Last time was the first time these athletes were all in the big arena and now they know what to do and what to expect. There should be no problem for each of them to perform well.”

United States Equestrian Federation Director of Sport Programs Will Connell said to the riders, “Your job is to go out there and be professional athletes – that is what you are. Go out and do your best.”

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

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring seven CDIs, including four CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events. 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. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com. The AGDF takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, from January 14 through April 2, 2016.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Leida Collins-Strijk Rides Don Tignanello to Victory in FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle at AGDF

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Leida Collins-Strijk and Don Tignanello. Photo: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 17, 2016 – After competition was postponed in the early morning due to continued inclement weather surrounding Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello made the most of their afternoon in the Global International Ring at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as competition resumed at 10 a.m. The pair received a 73.700% to take the win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle presented by The Axel Johnson Group. The competition concluded the first full week of competition at AGDF, which is named in memory of AGDF manager Lloyd Landkamer.

Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba earned second place with a score of 73.625%, while Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and For My Love finished in third place, receiving a 64.275%.

Collins-Strijk returned to AGDF for the first time since 2014 and was incredibly happy to be back in Wellington, FL for the winter circuit, performing exceedingly well in her first competition back with a new mount.

“I think today was a very good test for us. I think it was better than on Friday when he was a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere and today he felt more free and balanced. Overall I was really happy,” noted Collins-Strijk.

With a balanced and consistent effort throughout the week, the pair earned scores above the 70% mark in each of the three Small Tour classes this week, setting them up nicely for what Collins-Strijk hopes to be a move to Grand Prix before the end of the season.

“He has a really nice and cool temperament, and he’s only gotten better. He knows a lot of the Grand Prix and I think I would like to get him into that, but I would like to do a few more of these shows first to get to know him better,” she commented. “I’m hoping that it will happen this year. He can definitely do it, but I haven’t ridden in competitions since last time we were here so we’ll have to see where the season takes us.

“We always enjoy being here. We have family here and we can do everything, whether that be sports with the kids or things with the horses, everybody really likes it here. It is wonderful to spend our winters here,” she continued.

The freestyle choreography was composed by Collins-Strijk’s husband, Tim Collins, and has received good marks over the years. Collins-Strijk explained, “We used it for a stallion of ours, but it always does well and it has a great beat. It fits with any horse, and that’s why I love riding it.”

David Marcus (CAN) and Chrevi’s Capital, owned by Deborah Kinzinger-Miculinic, earned the win in the FEI Consolation Grand Prix with a score of 64.900%. Adrienne Pot (USA) and Something Special owned by James & Elizabeth Bramsen, followed in second with a score of 65.900%, while Jennifer Marchand (USA) and Cardeur collected third place honors, receiving a 62.167%.

Today concluded the first week CDI competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, as international dressage competition will continue at the venue through Saturday, April 2. The Para-Equestrian CPEDI, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena, runs January 22-24, while the AGDF 3 CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. PRE Association; FEI Grand Prix & Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas; FEI Small Tour, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute is on January 28-31.

For more information on AGDF and to see a full schedule and lists 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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello Earn 2nd Victory of the Week in CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF

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

Wilson Wilkins and Fabian JS Earn Top Honors in CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Special

Wellington, FL – January 16, 2016 – In a spectacular display of balance and precision, six-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and the famed Don Auriello captivated the crowd during their FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by AMCI Group to Benefit Brooke USA, routine on Saturday evening at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). They opened the AGDF Large Tour circuit with a bang, receiving a score of 80.450% to best the class. American star Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades fell just short of Vilhelmson-Silfven to collect second place with a score of 78.250%, while Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Nintendo received a 74.375% for third place. Competition for the first week at AGDF, the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial, concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group.

The seasoned duo of Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello made waves at AGDF on Thursday, as the pair captured their first win of 2016 in the FEI Grand Prix, with a score of 76.900%. They bested that tonight under the lights in front of a crowd of 2,000 spectators, while impressing the judges to earn the first 80% score of the 2016 season at AGDF.

“I’m so happy to have won both events and to have done it here, in this atmosphere and at this show. It’s just so fun. I love to ride this horse, and it’s a great time,” she smiled. “I think you’re always humbled when you show a horse because you never know what is going to happen, but of course you wish for something like this and I wished for this feeling and that was all I could wish for.”

Never missing a beat, the artistic style of the choreography accompanied the brilliance and regularity of the required movements. The pair was rewarded with impressive marks and received as high as an 82.125% from the judge at M. According to Vilhelmson-Silfven, the ride aboard Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (Don Davidoff x Wey o mey x White Star), is never the same, but that is what makes him so special in the ring.

“I think maybe you’re a bit more careful in the beginning when they’re hot, but he felt settled at that time we entered the ring,” she explained. “It was more at the beginning before coming in and in the warm-up with the music. It’s nice when they’re hot like that but you also have to handle it and decide how to ride. You have to decide how much power you can have and handle. That’s our problem, every time, our nice problem,” she said smiling at Graves sitting beside her in the press conference.

Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

Graves and Verdades nearly had the crowd on their feet as the final ride in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle as the duo performed a risky but powerful test, showcasing the raw talent and ability of the 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda x Goya).

“Every time I ride, I’m just reminded of how sharp of a learning curve I’m on. Tonight was a big step for us. I’m learning to ride such a hot horse in a hot atmosphere,” commented Graves. “Honestly it felt like one of our very best freestyles. I think we were more on with the music than we’ve been, which has been a struggle. I just like to go fast! That doesn’t go so well when you’re ahead of your music all the time. So I’m learning that. He was just really on fire again, mostly mistake-free, just a couple of missed footfalls. I could not be more pleased with my horse.”

As one of the favorite combinations for Team USA leading into an important Olympic year, Graves opened up about the struggles of riding such a sensitive horse, but how fast it has improved her riding and understanding of technique.

“I embrace every time this horse changes, and it’s just happening so rapidly that I really have to be brave in not letting go but staying a part of what’s going on underneath of me. That can be kind of overwhelming when what’s going on underneath of you feels like a bomb. Rather than defusing that bomb, I’m learning how to keep it lit the whole way through the test and not be afraid of it,” she said poignantly.

Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo also concluded a banner day, as Jorst, an incredibly successful adult amateur, was thrilled to finish within the top three in such a competitive class. She noted, “I just love his joy, his enjoyment of the test, of showing off. I look forward all day to getting into the ring and showing everyone what I’ve learned. I think I did that tonight, and it was wonderful.”

A successful businesswoman herself, Jorst noted how similarly riding and expanding her knowledge with Nintendo is to the experience of motivating and empowering people in the work place.

“I’m using what I learned in business for all of those years, that you have to focus on people’s strengths. I do the same thing here with the horses,” she elaborated. “You see a horse today that is just happy and doing what he’s supposed to do because he loves it. For me, today’s test ranked great because it confirmed everything I thought I already knew.”

Fritz Kundrun, a major supporter of the sport of dressage, as well as the representative member for AMCI Group for Brooke USA, sponsors of tonight’s CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, was pleased with the performances of the leading riders, and is proud to have brought awareness to Brooke USA and their mission.

“I have been associated with this beautiful sport of dressage for a long time. We were lucky with our horse Flim Flam. I see people like Tinne and Laura ride today and it was a wonderful performance by both of them,” stated Kundrun. “Once in a while I get discouraged with injuries and vet bills and I want to change my sport from riding to billiards or something, but tonight I’m an enthusiast again, and it’s wonderful to be the sponsor.”

Judge at C Natalie Lamping (USA) commented on the scoring of the rides throughout the evening, solidifying and supporting the notion that the three most deserving riders were awarded with correct placings. She stated, “I think that this competition in the very first week has grown a lot, especially with the grand prix horses. The quality and riding has improved tremendously. It was a lot of fun judging this freestyle this evening. The top horses and riders were like real teams, and they seemed to enjoy doing the freestyle and showing off. The horses came to life, and there was a lot of harmony tonight.”

Allyn Mann of Adequan®, who was present for his first freestyle competition of the 2016 calendar year, repeated the sentiment of honor and gratitude as he described the continued participation of title sponsor Adequan® each year.

“The facility has evolved into an amazing venue. I think it attracts people, and the expansion of the (new) pavilion made it a different feel. It seemed like a really intimate environment. To envision this tonight, we’re all blessed beyond our wildest dreams,” he explained. “These riders here are at the top of the sport. When you have an operation and a facility like this, with people dedicated to making it one of the most enjoyable experiences in the dressage world, it’s a dream come true. We’re very humbled that we can participate.”

After inclement weather forced the show management to reschedule the usual “Friday Night Stars” competition to Saturday night, the organizers were pleased with the turnout and overall success of competition under such circumstances. Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, noted the efficiency and dedication of the facility teams in helping to rearrange and reschedule the event.

“I would like to congratulate the riders. I think we have a great first night. I would like to thank the team here, which did an amazing job yesterday. We solved all the issues with the heavy rain. It was a team effort to reschedule everything tonight, and I can promise you in week three that the grand prix will be even bigger,” he said.

Several awards were distributed throughout the evening as the Best Horse Owner Award for Prix St. Georges was presented to Michael Klimke and Djamba Djokiba for their win in the FEI Prix St. Georges class on Friday, January 15. The Best Horse Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty was awarded to Lövsta Stuteri of Sweden; owners of Vilhelmson-Silfven’s ride Don Auriello. Vilhelmson-Silfven also collected the Adequan® High Score Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle for their respective score of 80.450%, and the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Perpetual Trophy for their victory.

Leah Wilson Wilkins and Fabian JS
Leah Wilson Wilkins and Fabian JS

Wilson Wilkins and Fabian JS Earn Top Honors in CDI-W FEI Grand Prix Special

Leah Wilson Wilkins (CAN) and Fabian JS, owned by Maria Simpson, had a successful first week at AGDF, collecting a top three finish in the FEI Grand Prix on Thursday afternoon and rising to the top of the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by MTICA Farm, with a score of 72.863%.

Wilson Wilkins and Fabian JS have looked impressive in their first international outing together since Dressage at Devon this past October and have pushed their name into the spotlight before Team Canada looks to qualify individuals for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later in 2016.

“Today felt really amazing in some spots and in others it felt like a few little bobbles. Obviously it was my best mark to date in this test. I don’t know if it was necessarily our cleanest test but everything that we’ve been working on was there and I was really pleased with that,” commented Wilson Wilkins. “Some of the things I take for granted, like the passage to canter transition, didn’t happen, but I think going forward now I can tune up those areas and bring together a very clean ride.”

Seven months pregnant, Wilson Wilkins is focusing on multiple aspects of life, as she is not only an expecting mother, but also an Olympic hopeful. The work that Wilson Wilkins and her team have put forth over the course of the past year with Fabian JS is recognizable as soon as the pair enters the ring.

“Having the last six months of really solid training has contributed immensely and the fact that now I’m also being watched every day. He’s staying in tune when I’m not here, and it’s really helpful. I think consistency is key.

“This weekend certainly surpassed all of my expectations and I would have honestly been happy with a top ten finish in the Grand Prix and a top three finish in this class, so I think that it’s been a bit of a whirlwind for us,” elaborated Wilson Wilkins. “It’s very exciting to see what this horse is actually capable of and you know, he’s a bit of a late bloomer. Hopefully in two weeks we can come back and pull off equally good marks and show our consistency.”

The seasoned pair of Lars Petersen and Mariett, who was second in the Special, entered the ring today after a long hiatus from competition following the duo’s performance at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV, in April of 2015. According to Petersen, Mariett had a very deserving vacation for most of the year, as Petersen’s wife, Melissa, took over the ride through the summer months.

“I think the passage and the lengthenings were great today and she was just great to ride,” he noted. “She had a very easy summer since we competed her a lot last year. We took it very easy with her. The last couple of months we started to build her back up again for season and she’s felt great.”

At 18 years old, Mariett has exhibited the longevity of a top-level sport horse and seems to just get better with age, as she exemplified the bit of fire that makes her so captivating to watch before entering the ring today. The pair collected a score of 72.098% from the judges.

“This season we will look to improve our world ranking, but I’m not aiming her at World Cup Finals again. I think this year will be the last year, but if she keeps acting this fresh who knows!” Petersen expressed.

Beatrice Marienau (USA) was delighted with the performance of her own Stefano 8, a 1999 Dutch Warmblood gelding, as the duo collected a third place finish on a score of 69.260%.

“Stefano was super on today and just completely on my seat today,” she noted. “The highlights were that I was really able to concentrate and ride the way that Lilo [Fore] wants me to. He’s just a passaging machine. He’s so awesome about it. We’ve been working on holding it and keeping more rhythm too. It’s always nice to know that there is room for improvement.”

“To get a score like this and know that there is still stuff that I can fix and get better at, those are the things that I am going to focus on for the next ride so that it gets more and more solid,” she continued. “Having Lilo there is very special for me. She’s really gotten me to where I am. She knows me, and she knows the horse. Besides the toolbox that she has developed over the years, she helps me to focus and calm down. Having her in my corner makes me feel like home.”

Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba won the FEI Prix St. Georges class, presented by The Axel Johnson Group yesterday at the AGDF facility with a score of 72.632% while Susan Pape (GBR) and Harmony’s Don Noblesse rose to the occasion in the FEI Intermediaire I class, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, with a score of 73.904%.

Competition at AGDF will conclude tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. For more information 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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello Impress in First Grand Prix Outing of 2016 at AGDF

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

Wellington, FL – January 14, 2016 – The experienced pair of Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello commanded attention in the Global International Ring on the first afternoon of CDI-W competition at the 2016 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The duo, in their first competition since the FEI European Championships in August 2015, received a score of 76.900% for the win in the FEI Grand Prix, presented by MTICA Farm. Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades finished in second with a score of 75.540% and Canada’s own Leah Wilson Wilkins collected third place honors aboard Fabian JS. Competition at AGDF will continue tomorrow with the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, during the day and the first “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle presented by AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, beginning at 7pm. The first week of AGDF competition is sponsored by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA.

Vilhelmson-Silfven and her experienced mount Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (Don Davidoff x Wey o mey) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, wowed in their first performance of 2016, showcasing only a bit of what is to come for the veteran pair, who are looking to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I felt very, very good with our ride today. He felt great in the warm-up as well as yesterday. He got a bit excited when he came into the ring, and I think it’s because he hasn’t shown since the European Championships and I could feel that,” noted Vilhelmson-Silfven. “He has like five gears more so I started off a bit careful, but then as we continued he began to settle. I’m pleased, and it was a good feeling to be in the ring again.”

The duo rode in the final group of the day, which saw many of the most seasoned competitors also take their first go at competition in the New Year. Today only offered a glimmer of what is to come for the rest of the AGDF circuit, which will host seven CDIs in total. Vilhelmson-Silfven felt that she and her horse knocked off a bit of rust today and will look to improve their overall performance in the coming weeks.

“I think the power is something that I’ll look for in the future. Just to have it a bit more there on top without losing control, but I’m still very pleased with today,” she noted.

Don Auriello has graced some of the largest stages in the sport of dressage in his career with Vilhelmson-Silfven, including European Championships, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals, and the Olympic Games. Bringing a wealth of experience to Wellington for AGDF this year, Don Auriello will be the main mount for Vilhelmson-Silfven, who is on the quest to qualify for her seventh Olympic Games for her home country of Sweden.

“It always makes you feel good to ride an experienced horse because you already know what you have, but still it changes and when you haven’t shown in a while you really don’t know where you are until you’re in the ring again,” she explained. “He has such an extremely nice character and he wants to do his best all of the time. He’s a nice horse to compete because he always tries and it’s rare that he ever puts me into a difficult position.”

Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

Laura Graves and Verdades took to the Global International Ring for the first time since they were crowned USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Champions at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, presented by The Dutta Corp., at the AGDF grounds nearly a month ago, but looked as though they haven’t missed a beat. Graves and Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda), have been dedicated to searching for “the next gear” which Graves commonly refers to, and seemed to have found it on the first day of Grand Prix competition.

“I’m really excited to seem to be finding that next gear. We’re getting past that 74% rut that we were stuck in for a lot of last year. That’s really exciting for us and especially what we were able to produce at the Festival of Champions last month carried over into this competition too,” elaborated Graves. “We had a couple of mistakes today that were mine and that’s always a nice thing to say. I’m very fortunate like Tinne to have a horse who tries so hard for me in the ring no matter what.”

Leah Wilson Wilkins (CAN) found herself “flabbergasted” at being seated next to Vilhelmson-Silfven and Graves, as she and Fabian JS earned their first top CDI Grand Prix finish at AGDF. Wilson Wilkins and the 1999 Hanoverian gelding (Feiner Graf x Daloa) led the large Grand Prix class of 38 entries, which included rider representation from 15 nations, for most of the day until the final group.

“Obviously he performed really well for me today since not having been in this ring since January or February of last year. I’m so pleasantly surprised with how it all turned out,” she noted. “I’m excited about our performance. He was just really on for me today and much more relaxed than I expected, which gave me a lot more rideability than I’m used to having. I’m hoping that we will be able to carry that forward.”

Earlier in the afternoon, the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival hosted a media Q&A session on the opening day of CDI competition at the facility. Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, Kim Boyer, a major sponsor for the competition, as well as a member of the Wellington Equestrian Partners, Kasey Perry, a United States Grand Prix dressage rider, and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, were each on hand to receive the media.

As the 2016 edition of AGDF competition is set to be the largest in circuit history, talks of expansion were addressed, as more riders, trainers, and owners are flocking to Wellington each winter to participate in the event.

“We are quite excited about this season because we see a true international competition here with fifteen flags already in week one, and we’re expecting that number to grow throughout the season,” said Baur. “This week we had 38 rides in the Grand Prix and in week three it is projected that we will have 55 entries. It’s the first time that we have seen a rider from Asia in the ring this morning and at the end of the month the first rider from Africa will come to join us.”

“We continue to be very excited and this venue has lived up to our expectations, but also exceeded them in terms of what we believed could occur here. The sponsorship is great, the prize money is great, and we’re attracting riders from all over the world,” commented Bellissimo. “I’m very confident that this competition will continue to get larger, and the bigger issue will become how do we expand in a way that is respectful to the people who are supporting it? We really appreciate the owners, sponsors, riders, and everyone who has made this possible. It really is a breath of fresh air for dressage in this country.”

Kim Boyer, who not only represents the Wellington Equestrian Partners, but is also a major sponsor of the event through the U.S. P.R.E. Association and Chairperson of the Dressage Owners Task Force, discussed the importance of High Performance ownership, as well as education of riders as they continue to advance their careers and businesses through their individual successes at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival.

“We have had four events approved by the Dressage Owners Task Force. There will be two High Performance Owner Receptions. We also will be hosting a Parents’ Reception for High Performance Youth Riders, where we will talk about expectations for moving riders from the national level to the international level,” explained Boyer. “We also will be hosting a Rider Workshop for riders on sponsorship and syndication practices. We’d like to widen their possibilities for sponsorship and support.”

A rising talent in the Grand Prix arena for the United States, Kasey Perry discussed her passion for the sport, and her reasons for returning to AGDF each winter, as she is originally from Northern California. She explained, “There is an atmosphere here that you don’t get at many other shows. When we traveled to Europe this summer, I thought the competition atmosphere here was harder than it was over there, for me. This show really prepares you for competing in Europe. We have wonderful people behind this show, and it’s a great opportunity to be here.”

Competition at AGDF will continue tomorrow with the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, during the day in the Global International Ring before the start of the first “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, beginning at 7pm. For more information 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

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

Dressage, JRPR

Grand Prix Rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler Champions Her First Dressage Show of 2016

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Photo courtesy of JRPR.

Wellington, Florida (January 13, 2016) — As the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is officially commencing, international Grand Prix dressage rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler got a head start to the season with her win at the Wellington Classic Dressage Season Kick Off show. The national competition, held on January 8-10 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds in Wellington, Florida, set the stage for a successful run for Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polin, Ferro) known as “Lonzie” and owned by Jane Forbes Clark. The pair competed in the FEI Test of Choice. Fresh off of their sixth place finish at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, they scored an impressive 73.50% in the FEI Grand Prix to claim first place in the hotly contended class.

“I’m really happy with Lonzie’s win this past weekend,” Bateson-Chandler said, praising her partner for their victory. “We competed him in this national show just to see what we need to be a bit sharper with. I’m thrilled with how he performed, and I know that there is still plenty more growing to do.”

Bateson-Chandler is grateful to her U.S. dressage coach Debbie McDonald for helping them achieve this success, and feels prepared and excited to go down centerline with Alcazar in the upcoming weeks in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI competitions.

Bateson-Chandler opened last year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival season with winning scores, and consistently impressed the judges during her and Alcazar’s first season in the Big Tour classes. Their exciting Grand Prix wins in the national and international arenas were proof that the duo is fierce competition in high performance dressage. The pair earned the 2015 Adequan USDF Dressage (Intermediate II) Horse of the Year title.

They then traveled to Europe for a summer of competition and training, wrapping up their summer European tour as the highest-placed American pair in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Comite Equestre De Saumur CDI3* in France.

The U.K. native and naturalized U.S. citizen Bateson-Chandler divides her competition seasons between Wellington and Europe, where she trains with 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Carl Hester. Bateson-Chandler originally took over Alcazar’s reins from U.S. Olympian Robert Dover, for whom she used to groom for.

Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services to horses and riders across the U.S. and Europe. Her experience at the international Grand Prix level gives students a competitive edge, whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. KBC Dressage offers training, lessons, clinics, and coaching, as well as scouting and prospect selection for clients. For more about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit www.kbcdressage.com.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
chandlercarlos@aol.com
908-391-9096

Dressage, Para-Equestrian

USA Para-Dressage Riders Dominate at Paralympic Qualifier

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Rebecca Hart and Romani. Photos (C) Lindsay Y. McCall.

Rebecca Hart Earns High Point Rider with Margaret McIntosh in Reserve

Wellington, FL – January 11, 2016 – The final day of competition at the $10,000 CPEDI3* in Wellington, Florida, took place on Sunday with the Para-Equestrian Dressage Freestyle Tests. Equestrians in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV completed a spectacular weekend at the first CPEDI3* of The 2016 Para Equestrian Dressage Tour. Riders from the USA and Canada competed in The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), for the first time since being a part of the Global Dressage show. The $10,000 in prize money was also an exciting reward for top performing riders. The $10,000 CPEDI3* was presented by Mission Control, Mane Stream, courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Adequan®, and Nutrena. After three days of intense competition Grade II Paralympian Rebecca Hart (USA) took home the High Point Rider Award with her mount Schroeter’s Romani. Following for Reserve Champion High Point Rider was Grade Ia equestrian Margaret McIntosh (USA) and her own Rio Rio. In Grade Ib Sydney Collier and Wes Dunham’s Western Rose took the overall percentage, while rider Annie Peavy and Lancelot Warrior dominated Grade III. Not only did the USA individuals have strong performances, but the USA Team riders achieved superior scores, aiming them for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt, the USA Team for the January 8-10 CPEDI3* included Grade II Paralympian Rebecca Hart from the United States and Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel; 2014 World Equestrian Games athlete Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior, owned by Rebecca Reno, in Grade III; Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40 in Grade III; and 2014 World Equestrian Games athlete Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer. From the final day of freestyle scores and the leading percentages over the weekend, the FEI ground jury, including President Kristi Wysocki (USA), Carlos Lopes (POR), and Marco Orsini (GER), agreed that the USA riders are putting their best foot forward in the ring.

FEI President of the Ground Jury Kristi Wysocki agreed. “I got involved in this sport four years ago and it’s been really exciting for me to watch each of these riders grow up in age and in their riding. They earned their place in the ring this week. They proved themselves this weekend and that was exciting to see. It is a world class arena and a very daunting arena and they all came in and owned their eight minutes in there; that was exciting to see. With a couple weeks to work on precision, size, geometry, and lines of travel, some 7s could move up to 8s and some of those low 70s could be even higher.”

With the Rio Paralympics approaching it is important for the athletes to not only produce their best tests but to produce them in the same atmosphere that they will experience at a Games. U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt stated, “This was a great opportunity for the riders to finally show in the big arena because it preps the riders for future competitions at this type of venue. The only thing missing is the large number of spectators that we will experience when we walk into the arena at the Paralympics.”

In January 2014, Kai Handt became the U.S. Para-Dressage Chef d’Equipe. Prior to his new title Handt coached talented Para-Dressage athlete Jonathan Wentz from teenager to highest scoring U.S. Paralympic athlete. Handt has been a part of the Para-Dressage program for many years and has watched the program grow exponentially. He was proud of the Team and the individuals that showed at the $10,000 CPEDI3*. Handt commented, “The horses and riders did extremely well. They were a little bit nervous the first day but our scores improved each day and by freestyle time everyone did their very best. Now we just want to keep the momentum.”

Handt continued, “The USA changed a lot since spring of last year. We changed our qualifying procedures, our rules and much more to get where we are now – producing better and more competitive athletes. It’s really panning out now and we are hoping we kind of crest by the time we go to the Paralympics. If everyone does the same performance they did this week in two weeks, and work on the little details, I think we are on the right path to where we want to go. We currently moved up on the world ranking list and if we keep going I hope we are in the top three by the end. Everyone knows what their homework is and they are self-critical enough that they are going to push hard and get even better in two weeks.”

Grade II USA Team rider and High Point Rider Rebecca Hart will be doing just that this next week. Hart noted, “Romani has a great walk and that is one of her strong points. We are now riding without stirrups and that has been an adjustment but it’s going very well. For next week we are going to work on keeping the energy but not slipping in any canter work in our walk trot test. To have the progression from when I bought Romani from our very first show at Global to where we are now feels really good. We have come full circle. I couldn’t have done this without Todd Flettrich, Margaret Duprey of Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel. I also want to thank Thomas Baur, Rebecca Reno of Mission Control, Rowan O’Riley of Mane Stream, and Global. Without these final two qualifying shows we would have been in a tight spot for the Paralympic Games. It was also a big honor to be able to ride in the limelight in the international ring. It’s a nice step forward for the whole sport of Para-Dressage.”

The support of sponsors like Mission Control and Mane Stream are helping to attract international Para-Dressage athletes to the United States. Rebecca Reno of Mission Control was happy to sponsor the CPEDI3* event. “If you asked me why I wanted to sponsor these events the easy answer would be to say that it’s because my daughter (Angela Peavy) rides, but that would not be the true reason,” laughed Reno. “Annie went as an individual to the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and while preparing for that I got to see the determination and desire from many other athletes that I see from my own daughter. When Equestrian Sport Productions allowed us to be a part of the Global Dressage Festival this year it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. We just want to provide the same experience you would have in Europe. Now riders can come to Florida and get that same experience here complete with prize money and additional shows in one place. You can come to Wellington and get more than one show and an international experience with world-class judges and a beautiful show facility. The athletes work hard, the horses work hard, and they all deserve to be rewarded for their efforts.”

Mane Stream’s representative, Rowan O’Riley of Mane Stream, a therapeutic and adaptive riding program in New Jersey for both children and adults, explained, “It’s important for Mane Stream to support Para-Dressage competitions because it’s an aspiration for all riders to see what hard work, skill, and quality training can produce in an international show arena.”

Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio
Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio

The top level competition venue provided Grade Ia, Margaret McIntosh and her horse Rio Rio, the framework for a paramount week. McIntosh was the Reserve High Point Rider overall. Macintosh noted, “Rio is typically a very relaxed horse both on the ground and in the show arena and I was really delighted today to have a little bit more zip going on. It’s a little unbelievable to be the high point rider this week. I had a really tough time at the National Championships a few months ago and my coach Missy Ransehousen, Jessica Ransehousen, with help from Clive Milkins created a powerhouse of knowledge and they picked us both up by the scruff of the neck and put us together and sent us out there.”

Teammates Roxanne Trunnell in Grade Ia, Kate Shoemaker in Grade III, and Annie Peavy also in Grade III agreed with the positive outcome from the unique venue over the weekend. Trunnell said, “I think it was good to be able to show like we were the big guys out there.” Shoemaker agreed, “I think it was a wonderful opportunity for our horses and significant in enabling us to get the experience we need so when we go to international competitions in Europe or the Paralympic Games, our horses are more prepared and as riders we are more prepared because we know better how our horses will react. I was really happy how my horses handled the trip and the environment here. They came 2700 miles from Idaho on Wednesday, got here, rode once, and went in the arena and showed. That’s how you go to big shows. That’s what you have to do and I was extraordinarily pleased with how he did.”

Annie Peavy concurred: “It’s always a great experience when you feel like you’re on a more even level with able-bodied riders. It felt like a European CPEDI. Competing in an environment like this always helps to conquer show nerves so you are ready when you go to competitions like this in Europe, WEG, or the Paralympic Games. It helps you to feel more confident.”

Although she wasn’t a team member during this CPEDI3*, Collier navigated two horses to superb scores in Grade Ib. Collier took home the overall in Grade Ib with Wes Dunham’s Western Rose. Collier was a member of the 2014 WEG team and is preparing three horses this year as her potential Paralympic partner.

Riders will have another chance to get the valuable feedback from FEI judges and their necessary qualification scores for Rio. The second Para-Dressage Tour $10,000 CPEDI3* is scheduled for January 21-24, 2016 in the Van Kampen Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring seven CDIs, including four CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events. 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. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

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.