Tag Archives: Heather Blitz

Heather Blitz and Semper Fidelis Kick Off AGDF Final Week with Win in FEI Grand Prix CDI3*

Heather Blitz and Semper Fidelis in their winning test. ©SusanStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – March 27, 2019 – The 12th week of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) started on Wednesday, March 27, with two three-star classes to qualify riders for competition later in the week.

Heather Blitz (USA) and Semper Fidelis won the FEI Grand Prix (for the Freestyle) CDI3* presented by Brooke USA. The pair rode to a score of 70.609%. “I was really happy with her in general, just her general focus,” said Blitz of the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare by Sir Donnerhall owned by Rowan O’Riley. “I think that all the horses at the show this whole day are high strung and reacting to the really windy conditions. I think that’s a wonderful attribute that she has that [the wind] doesn’t affect her.

“I think the highlight was the passage, which she does really well anyway. The rhythm was really good in it. Her trot half passes are always lovely, and her canter zig zags I got more distance from the centerline this time,” continued Blitz. “Her work ethic, her scope, and her elasticity and freedom of gaits is amazing.”

Blitz is looking forward to her freestyle ride on Friday night. “I love how the music matches her. When you hear the music and see the horse, they match so well. I think it’s really moving. I’m really looking forward to the piaffe-pirouettes and just riding to the music, which not only do I love but it just matches her so well,” concluded Blitz.

In the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI3* presented by Vita Flex, Betsy Steiner (USA) and Swiss W, a 12-year-old Wurttemburg mare owned by H. Whitney Bailey, was the only pair to break 70.000%. They rode to a score of 71.559% to win the class.

For more information and a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Charlotte Jorst and Heather Blitz Blaze to Wins at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions

Photo: Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo.

Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 23, 2018 – Competition at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions and the USEF/Markel Young and Developing Horse Championships at Lamplight Equestrian Center continued on Thursday with winners named in each of the day’s seven divisions.

Competition for the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions continued on Thursday afternoon, seeing Grand Prix and Intermediate I combinations compete for top scores. Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo claimed first place in the Grand Prix for the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship with a score of 70.217 percent. In the Intermediate I for the USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship, Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero rode away with the win on a score of 72.853 percent.

“Nintendo has just had three months off so he is very fresh and he was really excited to be back in the ring. I think my piaffe and passage were really balanced and nice. Because he was a little fresher than usual, I had some mistakes but overall, he was on fire. We had a lot of fun and it was a great day.” –Charlotte Jorst

Codi Harrison and Ellanor Boehning Claim Blue Ribbons on Second Day of 2018 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions

The USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship, presented by Dressage Today, had riders return to compete in their second class, the Grand Prix 16-25 Test. After a morning of tough competition, Codi Harrison and her own Katholt’s Bossco maintained their lead from Wednesday to walk away with the top score of 72.744 percent. In the Pony Rider Team Test for the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship, Ellanor Boehning and Kabam took first place with a score of 71.524 percent.

“I was so proud of him today and yesterday. I’m really happy with the overall feeling. He’s such a good boy. I hope he can continue this for Saturday. Today, the last piaffe took a little bit to get into it, but it was such a good feeling once I had it on the centerline.” –Codi Harrison

Emily Miles, Alice Tarjan, and Endel Ots Lead after Opening Day of Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

Competition for the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships began in the Dunham Ring with Emily Miles, Alice Tarjan, and Endel Ots topping the leaderboard in their respective young horse classes.

In the USEF 4-Year-Old Test, it was Miles riding Sole Mio, owned by Leslie Waterman, who impressed the judges to secure the victory with a total score of 8.42. Tarjan and Fairouz took the lead in the USEF 5-Year-Old Preliminary Test with a total score of 8.78, while Ots on Max Ots’ Lucky Strike won the Prix St. Georges for the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage National Championship with a 72.794 percent.

“I was super happy with him today. The trot work is usually his highlight and it definitely was today too. I think the judges liked how supple and fluid he can be. It’s super because he had enough energy going around but he was relaxed and focused on me so I was really proud of him.” – Emily Miles

For more information about the Lamplight Equestrian Center, click here.

US Dressage Festival of Champions Opens with Three Divisions at Lamplight Equestrian Center

Photo: Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero.

Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 22, 2018 – On the opening day of competition for the 2018 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, the USEF Dressage Medal Seat Finals and the USEF/Markel Young and Developing Horse Championships at Lamplight Equestrian Center, three divisions rode down centerline for their first test.

Competition on Wednesday morning kicked off with the FEI Prix St. Georges Test for the USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship at 8 a.m. with a full field of 15 competitors. Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero, her 9-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, topped the class with a score of 72.853 percent.

“It’s an honor to be invited as one of the top 15 in the country. This is something that I can’t miss and I do whatever I can to be here. It’s always run so well and Lamplight Equestrian Center has great footing. As a competitor, it’s always a great experience.” – Heather Blitz

Codi Harrison and Katholt’s Bossco started off the week on the right foot, taking a victory in the FEI Intermediate II Test for the USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship, presented by Dressage Today, with a 71.941 percent.

“I was really happy with Bossco today. He felt really good and really with me. I was happy with his piaffe and passage work in the ring. We haven’t shown since season so I’m thrilled that he felt so good.” – Codi Harrison

In the Young Rider Team Test for the USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship, Callie Jones rode an expressive test on her 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Don Philippo, to clinch the win with a 72.255 percent.

“My horse was really reliable as always. The trot work was excellent, so I was super happy with that. He did get a little fired up in the canter work so I had to remind myself to stay relaxed and calm so I could give him the confidence. I just hope that on Friday we put out another clean test. I want it to be a positive experience and no matter the outcome, I’ll be happy.” – Callie Jones

For more information about the Lamplight Equestrian Center, click here.

Week Three of AGDF Wraps Up with a New Small Tour Star Proving Unbeatable

Heather Blitz’s Praestemarkens Quatero impresses to finish the week with his third win, in the Intermediate I Freestyle with 73.6%. Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2018 – Local rider Heather Blitz made it three victories from three starts in week three of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), an annual 12-week dressage circuit at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida.

The smile on Heather Blitz’s face when talking about Praestemarkens Quatero is a clear indication of how highly she rates the nine-year-old, winner of the Intermediate I Freestyle CDI3* class, presented by Triple Crown Nutrition, with 73.6%. And it’s with good reason.

“I knew his dam by Rohdiamant while I was living in Denmark and suggested to his breeder, Inger Recht, that she use the stallion Quaterback on her,” she explained. “I moved back the US, but when ‘Q Ball’ was six, they asked if I’d like to try him. When I sat on him he felt like he was already my horse; like putting on a familiar pair of jeans.”

Their small tour freestyle began with halt to canter, and included extended canters down the center line into tight pirouettes, flying changes on tight, curving lines and shoulder-in performed on the center line. The only blip was a stride of canter in the trot half-pass right, but they were on the beat of the music throughout and it was more than enough to convince the judges to award victory to the pair.

Imported to the U.S. in early 2015, Praestemarkens Quatero has been in trying with Blitz in Florida and the two have been building a strong rapport. That bond appears rock solid as they have won eight of their nine CDI starts.

“Q Ball is extremely powerful with a big personality and always wants to give 120%. But the power works in his favor, and he now trusts that I know what I’m doing. His confidence is growing with each test,” added Blitz, 49, who credits work out of the saddle including yoga, Pilates, weight lifting and cardio, for her ability to “keep up with the youngsters in the sport”.

Their next stop, after a couple of rest weeks, is the CDI in Tryon, North Carolina in mid-April, where Blitz will also be coaching her pupil, Paralympian Annie Peavy, who will contest the CPEDI the same weekend.

Second-placed Eliane Cordia van Reesema (USA) was also riding a nine-year-old, her own Cristallo gelding, Codiak, who scored 71.725%. Canada’s Tom Dvorak finished in third on Ribot with 71.25%.

In the amateur division Intermediate I CDI class, Sonia Zügel and Hemingway (her own 14-year-old by His Highness) claimed the blue ribbon with 63.647% ahead of Amanda Lopez’s two rides, who both finished on 63.059%. She took second on Taranco and third on Quantum, split on collectives alone.

This concludes week three of the 12-week 2018 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) – an annual circuit at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Florida, that boasts seven CDI competitions. The next is the showcase contest, the CDI5*, which runs February 8-11, and features top names including Laura Graves and Adrienne Lyle.

For more information and results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero Win Small Tour to Conclude Tryon Spring FEI CDI 3*

Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero. Photo Credit ©SusanJStickle.

Mill Spring, NC – April 23, 2017 – Heather Blitz (USA) and Praestemarkens Quatero made an impressive FEI CDI debut in Small Tour competition at the Tryon Spring CDI 3* presented by Adequan® at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero received a 74.250% to secure the win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 3* presented by Adequan®. Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Rockylane took second place with a 72.600% while Ashley Holzer (USA) and Radondo finished in third place with a 71.775% on the final day of competition.

Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero, a 2009 Danish Warmblood gelding (Quarterback x Rohdiamant) owned by Blitz, made their first FEI CDI appearance this week, taking all three classes in the Small Tour including the FEI Prix St. Georges, FEI Intermediaire I, and FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle. Blitz has had the ride since 2015 and has taken her time solidifying their communication and understanding together before pursuing a competition schedule.

“I was a little funny getting started today and was a bit behind the music from the beginning, so I played a bit of catch up. I wasn’t sure how he would do in the rain, but quite frankly, we have such a great trust in each other now that if I tell him it’s going to be okay he goes with it,” commented Blitz. “There were a few little errors in the test, but for his first time in a CDI and to do the freestyle, which we only finished two weeks ago, is just amazing. I couldn’t be happier.”

Blitz has been working patiently and diligently, earning the trust of Praestemarkens Quatero, who she feels has an immense talent and strength that will make him a top mount in the future. While it’s taken time for Blitz to feel completely confident in bringing the gelding out, over the past month he proved that he was ready to be tested in a larger competition atmosphere.

“I got him two years ago and during that time we have gone through a lot. It’s been all about learning to trust each other from day one. Whatever he has in his mind is what he’s passionate about, so now that I’ve gained his trust he passionately wants to please me,” she elaborated. “His willingness to listen to me was phenomenal this week; especially knowing that deep down he was very nervous. He stuck with me and I thought the strength for us this week was his steadiness. He flows really well and he’s a powerful horse, which comes across quite impressively in the ring.”

It was an instant connection for Blitz when she tried the gelding in Europe and has really seen their relationship blossom over the past year. His steady and willing demeanor helped the pair pull together one of their best performances together to date.

“The first time I sat on him, I knew he was the one. We clicked right away. Our partnership and his stability has really shown this week. The strengths outweighed the glitches throughout the competition. I came in super positive about this show because of the way that he’s been going at home and how consistent he’s been.”

Having worked with renowned freestyle choreographer and composer Marlene Whitaker for over a decade, Blitz felt confident that the pair’s music selection would show off the quality of Praestemarkens Quatero’s movements and expression. Whitaker helped Blitz pull together the routine, which was only completed two weeks ago for the pair to begin practicing.

“Marlene Whitaker has been working with me for almost ten years and I completely trust her opinion and judgment when it comes to choosing music. She gave me three adaptions to look at and as soon as I heard this one, I knew that it was it. The choreography is very fitting for him and I couldn’t have been more pleased with how it went today.”

To see a full list of results from the Tryon Spring FEI CDI 3* and to learn more about TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Horse Radio Network Features Dressage/Para-Dressage Trainers Heather Blitz and Jim Koford

Heather Blitz. Photo courtesy of HeatherBlitz.info.

Wellington, FL – March 29, 2014 – Horse Radio Network’s once-a-month Para-Equestrian Show featured dressage and para-dressage trainer Heather Blitz and Jim Koford. Each trainer talked about their experience working with an international high-performance para-dressage athlete. They spoke of the parallel comparison between able-bodied dressage and para-dressage. Both had their athletes on the show including Angela Peavy (USA), a grade III, rider who trains with Blitz and 2010 World Equestrian Games athlete Mary Jordan (USA), Grade IV, who trains with Jim Koford. Episode #252 was hosted by Paralympian Hope Hand and dressage rider Regina Cristo.

To view and listen to episode #252, please visit: http://dressageradio.horseradionetwork.com/2014/03/27/dressage-radio-episode-252-para-dressage-coaches-and-students-with-heather-blitz-and-jim-koford/.

About Heather Blitz:

Heather Blitz of Wellington, FL is the 2012 U.S. Olympic Dressage Team reserve rider and 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold Medalist and Individual Silver Medalist. Blitz’s love for horses started in Kansas where she grew up on her parents’ farm. Blitz began competing in dressage competitions in 1994 and has won numerous regional and national titles on an array of horses. Her career-changing horse came in the form of Danish Warmblood stallion Rambo DVE 373, whom she began training as a 12-year-old. The pair showed at the CDI Grand Prix level throughout Florida and at the prestigious Dressage at Devon where they placed third. Blitz is currently working with Paragon, an 18-hand Danish Warmblood bred by Oak Hill Ranch.

Top Accolades:

–Blitz and Paragon claimed the Reserve Championship in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions.

–Represented the U.S. at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico winning Team Gold and Individual Silver medals.

–Blitz and Paragon finished second in both the Grand Prix CDI3* and the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI4* presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach.

–WEF Dressage Classic: Blitz and Paragon won the Grand Prix Freestyle and finished third in the Grand Prix Test.

–The 2012 year also saw Blitz and Paragon in Gladstone, New Jersey for the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S. Dressage Team in June. After four rounds of competition over two weekends, Blitz finished sixth overall with a combined total of 70.384%.

About Jim Koford: (excerpt from KofordDressage.com)
James has been immersed in the dressage community for the last 35 years. He was catapulted into the FEI dressage ring aboard the Pinto Dutch Warmblood stallion, Art Deco. James started showing Art Deco as a 4-year-old and advanced him to Grand Prix. This popular duo became one of the most recognizable FEI combinations on the East Coast.

As a competitor, James enjoys tremendous success on a wide variety of horses. He has competed in the Grand Prix on six different mounts and has guided over twenty horses to the FEI levels. James’s horses have won numerous regional and national awards from Training Level to Grand Prix. Some of his most successful horses include the stallions Donatelli II winning at Grand Prix with scores to 72% (2007) and Don Principe winning thirteen straight PSG and I1 classes in 2008.

James Koford. Photo courtesy of Jim Koford of koforddressage.com. Photo taken by Shelley Paulson Photography.
James Koford. Photo courtesy of Jim Koford of koforddressage.com. Photo by Shelley Paulson Photography.

James distinguishes himself as one of the very few riders in the world to compete at both Four Star eventing and Grand Prix dressage. James trained and competed the horses Bank On It and Max Motoring at Essex**, Bromont**, Fair Hill*** and Rolex****. James continues his commitment to the eventing community as a highly sought after dressage coach, for eventing riders at the national and international levels.

In 2009, Koford had success with a number of horses. Aboard Don Principe, Koford took home top honors in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the WEF Dressage Classic, the Grand Prix Test at the KDA Spring Warm-Up Show, and the Grand Prix Test and Freestyle at the KDA 23rd Annual Dressage Show. Koford, aboard Rhett, was awarded the Anne Barlow Ramsay grant from The Dressage Foundation to travel to Germany to train and compete. Koford and Rhett trained with Michael Klimke in Germany and competed in the small tour at national shows in Germany.

2010 led Rhett and Koford back to Germany where they successfully competed in Open Grand Prix classes at national shows. The pair also competed in the Medien Cup classes for young Grand Prix horses. The same year they secured two wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships.
Koford and Rhett made their debut at the CDI Grand Prix level in 2011. In Wellington, they capped off a great season with a win in the International Horse Sport Champions Cup Grand Prix. They had another win that year in the Grand Prix Test at Dressage at Devon. In addition, they finished out the year with two more Grand Prix wins at the USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships. Also in 2011, Koford also won two Grand Prix classes at Dressage at Lexington aboard Pharaoh.

2012 began with a win aboard Pharaoh in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Wellington Dressage show. Koford finished second with Rhett in the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Dressage show as well. Koford and Pharaoh finished second at the Florida Dressage Classic with an exceptional freestyle performance. In June of 2012, Koford and Rhett were selected to compete in the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S. Dressage Team. They finished 12th with an overall score of 67.858%. Rhett and Koford continued their success in 2013 with a second place finish the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters.

Susan is on the Board of Trustees of the US Driving for the Disabled and is on the PATH Driving subcommittee.

Once a month, the Dressage Radio Show becomes the Para-Equestrian Show Hosted by Lindsay McCall, of the United States Para-Equestrian Association, focusing on international FEI discipline Para-Dressage. Although Para-Dressage is the main event, listeners have the opportunity to learn more about the skillful U.S. Para-Driving Team, the Para-Reining discipline, Para-Vaulting, and the future of Para-Jumping. The para-equestrian dressage show will feature a line-up of guests including Olympians, Paralympians, trainers, coaches, professionals, amateur riders, young riders, and equine enthusiasts. The intention of the radio show is to educate, inform, and entertain listeners on the para-equestrian Dressage discipline.

To learn more about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or e-mail President Hope Hand at hope@uspea.org. You may also e-mail the host of the para-equestrian segment Lindsay McCall at Lindsay@uspea.org.

To learn more about the Horse Radio Network, visit www.horseradionetwork.com; to contact Glenn the Geek, go to http://www.horseradionetwork.com/contact/ or leave a voicemail at 270-803-0025.

About the Horse Radio Network:

The Horse Radio Network is the voice of the horse world with listeners in over 40 countries. Eight different entertaining shows cover all aspects of the horse world and you can listen any time on your computer, MP3 player or smart phone.

We believe that people own horses for fun and entertainment. Why else would you put up with the early morning feedings, stall cleaning, vet bills, long trips to shows, empty bank accounts and everything else that goes with being a horse owner?

Our goal with these shows is to help your chores go a little faster and to put a smile on your face!  Learn more at www.horseradionetwork.com.

HORSES IN THE MORNING live M-F at 9am Eastern at www.horsesinthemorning.com.

Fantastic weekly shows:

Driving Radio Show at www.drivingradioshow.com
Equestrian Legends at www.equestrianlegends.com
Stable Scoop Radio Show at www.stablescoop.com
Eventing Radio Show at www.eventingradio.com
Dressage Radio Show at www.Dressageradio.com
Horse Tip Daily at www.horsetipdaily.com
Western Radio Show at www.westernradioshow.com

To view an online version of this press release, 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: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Vilhelmson-Silfven 1st & 3rd in FEI Grand Prix in Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W at AGDF

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

Wellington, FL – February 14, 2013 – The Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W, presented by the USPRE Association, started today at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Competition at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W runs through February 17. With 18 entries in the $6,000 FEI Grand Prix, victory went to Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello, owned by Lövsta Stuteri and Antonia Ax:son Johnson. Today’s competition marked the first day of the second CDI competition in the AGDF, which runs through April 14.

Judges for today’s CDI class were Sandy Hotz (USA) at E, at H was Jennie Lorison-Clarke (GBR), at C was Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA), at M was Jacques Van Daele (BEL), and at B was Victoire Mandl (AUT).

Despite inclement weather and an hour-long delay, Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello rode a strong test for first place. The 11-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding by Don Davidoff x White Star and his rider received a score of 75.511%. Taking second place was Heather Blitz (USA) with her and Robert McKean’s Paragon (Don Schufro x Loran). Blitz and the 10-year-old chestnut Danish Warmblood gelding received a 71.128% from the judges. Vilhelmson-Silfven also received third place honors riding Divertimento (Di Versace x Ferragamo) owned by Antonia Ax:son Johnson. With a score of 70.574%, the 11-year-old bay Westfalen gelding and Vilhelmson-Silfven secured the yellow ribbon.

Continue reading Vilhelmson-Silfven 1st & 3rd in FEI Grand Prix in Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W at AGDF

Dressage National 2 Show at Adequan Global Dressage Festival Wrap-Up: February 5-6, 2013

Tuny Page and Woodstock. Photos © SusanJStickle.com

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2013 – The 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued this week with the Dressage National 2 Show on February 5-6, 2013. Dressage riders competed for top scores and more experience in front of judge Beverly Rogers. The AGDF continues next week with the Florida Dressage Classic, CDI-W, presented by US P.R.E. Association on February 14-17, 2013. The AGDF will host another three national shows as well as a CDI 3*, CDI 5*, and CDIO 3*, concluding on April 14.

Taking the win in Tuesday’s FEI Grand Prix – Open class was Tuny Page on Woodstock, her 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Havel x Contango. They scored a 70.213% for the win over Michael Barisone and HF Victor, who received a 66.277%. Third place went to Ryan Garza and Oleander, who scored 63.191%.

Woodstock, a ten-year-old KWPN gelding by Havel x Contango, is a new horse for Page since mid-December. He showed in a couple of national grand prix classes in France and is now having success under his new rider.

Continue reading Dressage National 2 Show at Adequan Global Dressage Festival Wrap-Up: February 5-6, 2013

2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach Resounding Success

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello win Grand Prix Freestyle. Photos © SusanJStickle.com

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2013 – Swedish Olympians Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Patrik Kittel were the big winners at the 2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach January 24-26. Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello took the championship in the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday while Kittel and Watermill Scandic H B C took second. The previous day, they swapped spots when Kittel placed first in the Grand Prix and Vilhelmson-Silfven took the second place honors.

In Saturday evening’s freestyle, Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello, an 11-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding owned by Lovsta Stuteri, rode the momentum from an enthusiastic crowd to claim the championship. Vilhelmson-Silfven collected a personal best score of 84.075% for her electrifying freestyle performance. She received a standing ovation from the crowd as she exited the ring.

“It’s just such an honor to ride a horse like Don Auriello,” she said. “He is so fun to ride. He was enjoying himself with me, enjoying the time, enjoying the energy. It was a great atmosphere.” She credits the Florida dressage circuit as a catalyst for the horse’s development. “Florida’s been very important for Don Auriello,” she said. “He has done a lot of his best starts here, I think.”

Continue reading 2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach Resounding Success

Heather Blitz and Paragon Electrify the $15,000 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI*** at GDF

Heather Blitz and Paragon

Wellington, FL – March 18, 2012 – The last rider to enter the ring, Heather Blitz, rode Paragon to a score of 75.350% to win the Grand Prix Freestyle at the $15,000 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI***, presented by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, held March 15-18 at the Global Dressage Festival (GDF)Stadium show grounds in Wellington, FL.

Blitz had a rough day leading up to her win. With her four year old, she memorized the 4 year old FEI test, not the USEF 4 year old test. Then she managed to give the wrong freestyle music to the announcer. The jury allowed her to correct the snafu and return last to complete her test, but even that was not without trauma. Blitz could not find the correct music. Fortunately she had it on her phone, so the announcer was able to access it that way. “Yeah, I guess I learned my lesson,” she said afterward.

Continue reading Heather Blitz and Paragon Electrify the $15,000 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI*** at GDF