Tag Archives: Juan Matute

AGDF Concludes Successful Season with Final Victories for Lyle and Matute

Adrienne Lyle and Salvino. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – March 25, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) concluded on Saturday, March 25, at the Equestrian Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL with victories for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Juan Matute Guimon (ESP) in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses, and the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Yellow Bird Farm.

Lyle and Salvino, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion (Sandro Hit x Donnerhall) owned by Salvino Partners LLC, ended their competitive winter circuit with a 73.510% in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses.

Salvino was purchased for Lyle two years ago, after the retirement of her WEG and 2012 Olympic mount Wizard.

“This idea was born to work on syndication to buy horses for high performance riders who were out of a horse to ride,” said Lyle, “and Salvino came about after five long trips to Europe to look at horses. We found him as an eight-year-old and he showed some talent, but that was by no means confirmed at the time. We stayed out of the ring last year, just spending the time that it takes to get to know a new horse. We spent the time training and strengthening, and I think that it paid off because he seems to be going in there happy and calm, and that is our main goal.”

The pair has been competing nationally throughout the winter, and made their 2017 debut in the international ring earlier in the week.

“I think he loves the international ring,” she continued. “He doesn’t seem fazed by the environment at all. He’s not really an anxious horse, and he really stepped up to the plate for me today. We are still working on some things, such as putting the piaffe more in one spot, as well as more power in the extensions. Bit by bit it’s coming along, and I’m really thrilled with him today. It was a great score and a great effort, and I think there is a lot more in him still.”

Second place in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3* was awarded to Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo, a 2004 Hanoverian gelding (De Niro x Annabella x Andiamo) owned by Patricia Stempel, scoring 71.353%. Third place went to Jill Irving (CAN) and her own Aurthur, a KWPN gelding (Jazz x Olympia W x Contango), earning 68.157%.

Juan Matute and Dhannie Ymas

Later in the afternoon, 19-year-old Matute and Dhannie Ymas, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Don Crusador x Welina) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., climbed to the top of the leaderboard in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Yellow Bird Farm, with an impressive score of 75.050%.

“I was very pleased to not only finish first in the last ride of the season,” said Matute, “but also with the feeling overall. It was quite good, and I’m trying to find a balance with how much power I should ask for without losing the softness and relaxation. I believe that today with Dhannie I approached that balance well, and I believe that this ride reflected that.”

Commenting on his winter season, Matute continued, “I have four horses that I competed at the FEI level, and they all had very valuable seasons, and I think that we all progressed a lot. I have to keep in mind that these are all horses I was riding in the Juniors not so long ago. For example, last night was only Quantico Ymas’ second freestyle under the lights and two years ago, I was doing Young Riders with him. The amount of progress that we have been able to make in such a short period of time is unbelievable. It gives me goosebumps, and I’m very proud of the work we are putting in, as well as the results we are getting back out.”

Diane Creech (CAN) and Robbie W, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (Rubin Royal x Rolling Home x Inschallah) owned by Louise Leatherdale, earned a 74.350%, landing them with the second-place spot. Third place went to Catherine Malone (USA) and Dilona, a 2008 KWPN mare (Lord Leatherdale x Vajda x Kennedy) owned by Iron Spring Farm, with 72.875%.

For more information on AGDF and for information regarding the 2018 season, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Adrienne Lyle Wins Gold in Individual Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup Competition at AGDF

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Matute Jr. and Konyot Take Silver and Bronze; Canada Sweeps FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*

Wellington, FL – February 21, 2014 – Individual medals for the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup were presented following the FEI I-1 Freestyle and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition, part of the week’s featured “Friday Night Stars” event. Both freestyles were judged as one class to crown the individual champions of the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Earlier in the day, riders from Canada took the top three places in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge.

The top three in the CDIO competition all scored within one percent of each other, with Adrienne Lyle and Wizard taking the top podium position for their score of 75.800%. Matute Jr. wasn’t far behind with Don Diego Ymas; the pair scored a 75.325%. Tina Konyot and Calecto V finished with a 75.200%.

Watch Adrienne Lyle and Wizard perform their winning freestyle test! Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Tuny Page of Stillpoint Farm was extremely pleased with how the class played out, using the format tested for next year’s Pan American Games for both the team and individual competition. The format may have been unusual, but Page believed it brought out the best in the sport. “It is an unusual situation to have I-1 and grand prix compete against each other, but in this instance I honestly think the cream rose to the top. My sense of it is that the judges are really satisfied with the results that they got,” Page commented.

Page was also very happy with the turn out of the crowd and their enthusiasm for the sport.

“It’s a really great synergy between the riders and the audience. These three riders elicited a huge response from the audience, and that speaks to the truth of what they had: tremendous harmony and huge risk – risk that they pulled off, so I say bravo!” Page remarked.

While sponsoring the entire circuit has been incredibly rewarding for Allyn Mann of Adequan, the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition was in a league of its own.

“The element of the Nations Cup just takes it to another level. I think of Robert Dover and his vision for us going down the road. The excitement of the competition for the individuals and for the teams. We are just thrilled to be a part of it, and I am just so overwhelmed by the gratitude that people have shown us for being just a little piece of the puzzle. I think it takes a community of people to make this work, and I’m just so humbled to be a part of it,” Mann commented.

Having two American riders medal individually on the heels of a USA victory during team competition was the perfect ending for United States Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover.

“I have been unbelievably proud of all of our riders throughout the Nations Cup,” Dover remarked. “Debbie MacDonald is the best person and the best coach a group of people can have and she and I together make a really strong team, with all the coaches and all the staff, everyone that has come here from the USEF. Debbie and I and the other coaches are determined, along with our federation, to move this country not just to a medal podium, but to the highest one.”

It’s been some time since Lyle and Wizard have attempted the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, but it was plain to see during their performance that both rider and horse were more than happy to be riding their test.

“I was thrilled with my freestyle,” Lyle beamed. “[Wizard] is very spicy. He is very hot-headed, especially in the freestyle, so we’ve actually been making a plan on how to build up to this. We got him out, walked him around, put him back, got him out again, trying to ease him into it. He actually felt super rideable, probably the most rideable he’s felt in a freestyle. I’m so thrilled with him. He felt powerful and expressive, but he still stayed with me.”

She continued, “I love my music. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it gets the crowd going. He’s got a lot of personality when he gets out there, and the crowd’s always into it; they’re whooping and hollering, and he builds on that and I do too, and I just think it’s fun to ride to!”

Lyle also expressed her gratitude to the Thomas family, her long-time supporters and owners of Wizard.

“Thank you to the Thomas family. They’ve been my sponsors for nine years, eight years with Wizard. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have any of the chances that I have had in my career. They have been incredible,” Lyle expressed.

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas
Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas

Matute Jr., who competed at the FEI Intermediaire-1 level, did not dwell on the fact that he was going up against riders capable of more complicated movements, instead focusing on the great feeling he got out of Don Diego Ymas.

See Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas perform their freestyle! Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

“Grand prix has a lot of harder movements, a little more risk. Overall harder to ride, a harder tour. I was super pleased with my score. The ride was phenomenal. I think I got pretty much all out of Don Diego. It was fantastic. I couldn’t ask for anything more. No complaints!” Matute Jr. grinned.

Friday evening’s class was only the third freestyle Don Diego Ymas and Matute Jr. have performed and the first time either had ever competed under the lights. Despite some initial nerves, Matute Jr. agreed that the increased atmosphere was a lot of fun for both of them.

“He actually likes it. I think he likes the people watching him and the pressure of everyone watching. I think we both like it actually,” Matute Jr. explained.

He continued, “This was our third freestyle. Our cleanest, our most pushed to the limit. I think it was our best freestyle so far, and I think the pirouettes with one hand was the highlight of the test today.”

Konyot admitted that she and Calecto V can have trouble accepting anything but first place, but she was very pleased to see her younger counterparts on the podium on Friday.

“I think it’s the first that I am so thrilled to be third actually,” Konyot laughed. “I mean I always want to win, but I am so excited and so happy. First of all, the young man, I am overwhelmed just watching him ride, the family, the overall feeling of it was so happy.”

Tina Konyot and Calecto V
Tina Konyot and Calecto V

The evening’s atmosphere was electric thanks to packed stands and a black tie dress code for the Global Pavilion. A South Florida native, Konyot was especially excited to see the surrounding community flocking to The Stadium.

“When we drove in here this evening to see all the people and excitement, all revolving around dressage, here in South Florida where I was born and raised. It’s just an amazing feeling,” Konyot remarked.

Matute Jr. concluded the evening by honoring his father, Juan Matute Sr., whom he credited with his success. After a touching speech expressing his gratitude, he removed his silver medal to place it around his father’s neck.

Addressing his father, Matute Jr. said, “I want to thank my dad. This medal… I know it was me in the ring, but he is the reason I am here. He is my number one coach. Everything I know and everything I have learned is because of him. So this medal is for you. It’s yours!”

Karin Pavicic and Don Daiquiri Are Best in FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge

Earlier on Friday, Canadian riders swept the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge, with Karin Pavicic winning the class aboard Don Daiquiri. Don Daiquiri, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Jayne Essig, and Pavicic earned a top score of 69.440%. Second place finishers Tom Dvorak and Viviva’s Salieri W finished on a score of 68.620%. The top three was rounded out by Jacqueline Brooks and D Niro; the pair finished in third place with a 67.120%.

For her win, Pavicic was also awarded the Champion Equine Insurance Dressage Style Award, presented by Laura Fetterman.

Pavicic has ridden Don Daiquiri for owner Essig for the last six years. Essig bought him as a five-year-old and handed him over to Pavicic upon realizing he needed the touch of a professional.

“It’s been a fantastic journey with him. He was a little bit challenging to start with, which is why I got the horse. It was a bit too much horse [for the owner] and we really hit off in the very beginning, and it’s just been getting better and better throughout the years,” Pavicic explained. “I think that’s the really great thing about this sport. As the partnership grows and develops, your results I think speak for themselves.”

Despite being a little bit tired going into the test, Pavicic thought Don Daiquiri still performed beautifully in the ring. “I was really happy with my horse today. He was a little bit tired when I brought him out, but overall super rideable and relaxed. My goal was to be mistake-free, and I accomplished that for the most part. I’m really happy about that,” Pavicic detailed.

Second place finisher Dvorak, of Ontario, was also thrilled with his horse, describing Friday’s test as a “breakthrough day” for Viva’s Salieri W.

“Today was a breakthrough day because up until now, he always had a lot of tension in the ring and that tension always went a little bit against me and not for me. Today, he had so much energy and he was so rideable and so true. There was so much there for the taking; I didn’t even know what to do with it when I was in there,” Dvorak smiled.

Viva’s Salieri W has only seriously campaigned the grand prix level since last fall, after taking Dvorak to team silver for Canada in the 2012 Pan American Games. An injury early on in his grand prix transition sidelined the gelding, but now that he’s healthy and back in the grand prix ring, Dvorak says he hasn’t looked back.

Dvorak and Pavicic were exceptionally pleased to have Canada take the top three spots in the class. Both riders have their sights set on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Following the AGDF, Dvorak and Pavicic will continue to contest various CDIs on the way to qualifying for Team Canada.

The FEI Intermediaire B 16-25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, wrapped up after the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*. Melanie Montagano (USA) and Ga Deva topped the class with a score of 57.548%.

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

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

USA-1 Leads after Day One of Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup Competition at AGDF

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2014 – Competition for the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began with the FEI Prix St. Georges in the International Arena at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Juan Matute, Jr., and Don Diego Ymas topped the class with a 71.58%, helping Spain to second place in the team standings with a current overall score of 206.895. Team USA-1 is in the lead after Adrienne Lyle’s winning test with Wizard in the FEI Grand Prix. USA-1 has an overall score of 212.802. Team USA-2 rounds out the top three just behind Team Spain, with an overall score of 206.853. Shelley Francis’ third place finish with Doktor in the FEI Grand Prix was the team’s high score of the day, a 69.860%.

At the seventh week of AGDF, the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition features nine teams, including two U.S. teams and two Canadian teams, as well as teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, and Spain. There are also individuals participating from Puerto Rico and Georgia. Team competition will conclude Thursday after the FEI Intermediaire-1 and FEI Grand Prix Special classes have been contested. Individual medals will be presented after Friday’s FEI I-1 Freestyle and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition, part of the week’s featured “Friday Night Stars” event. AGDF 7 will also host 3* competition, presented by Peacock Ridge, which begins Friday.

Lyle was happy to see Wizard “getting in the groove” of showing again after a year off due to a coffin bone injury. Leading up to his injury in 2013, she acknowledged he hadn’t had much time in the show ring, while this year she has built him up in preparation for the AGDF. She’s happy to see the 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding come back even stronger.

“A lot of it with him is just managing him, mentally and physically – giving him days off after the shows and touching briefly in and out with our schooling. We’re really trying to whittle down the amount of time I’m on him [in the warm-up]. Today, I was on 20 minutes before my ride, walked for five minutes, and had about a fifteen minute warm-up. He’s kind of starting to finally get the routine down so it’s less stressful for him and he just knows how to go through his paces,” Lyle commented.

While she acknowledged that there is extra pressure associated with competing in a team format, she welcomes the challenge and excitement of the CDIO Nations Cup week.

“It’s different, and it’s really fun I think. The camaraderie [is great], and the USEF is really supportive. Just to have everyone there at the ringside for your rides and know that they’re rooting for you. It’s obviously a little bit more pressure, but it’s a fun pressure and I enjoy it,” Lyle described.

Francis echoed Lyle’s sentiments, expressing that being part of a team is great experience for any rider and is also an excellent morale booster. Francis also enjoys the two-day format of the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup.

“It gives us another chance to get a little higher. Having a second shot at it is never a bad thing. You kind of come in the next day just a little more like, ‘Okay, I’m not going to make the same mistakes I did the day before.’ It’s fun doing these team things. It’s good. It makes everybody get together more than they would as individuals,” Francis pointed out.

Doktor has also been coming along nicely as he enters his second year at the grand prix level. Now that Francis has been able to ask for more from him, she has worked on harnessing his increased power with keeping him level-headed.

“I feel like now I can get a lot more power out of him, and now I have to work on getting that a little tiny bit smoother again. I started out the first season making him steady and quiet, and I have to go a little back and forth, but I’m getting a little more ‘oomph’ out of him, which is good. He’s starting to know his job more and more,” she commented.

Doktor is just turning 11, and Francis acknowledged he still has some growing up to do.

“Overall, I’ve been schooling him much more to be more professional about his tests. I’m trying to get rid of those little bobbles, but we still have a few. Overall, he tries really hard, and I feel like he’s got a lot of scope. I’ve got like ten different trots to try to manage. He’s honest. He’s good,” Francis smiled.

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas
Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas

Matute, Jr. described being on the team for Spain as a “dream come true.” Last year, both his father, Juan Matute, Sr., and sister Paula were on the team and in 2014 Paula joins her brother again. “It’s great. That was our dream since we were kids, to be on a team together,” Matute, Jr., beamed.

Matute, Jr. was very pleased to have brought home a top score for Team Spain, whose ringside team spirit has been contagious.

“We’re very passionate about our flag and about our team. I think it’s great because when you go in the ring and you hear that audience in the back, that team that supports you and that screams your name, it really puts you in the mood and it helps when you’re in the ring. It gives you more confidence,” Matute, Jr. described.

Matute, Jr. and the rest of Team Spain will aim to overtake the Americans. Going into the final day of team competition, Matute, Jr. jokingly warned Lyle and Francis not to sleep on Spain.

“We’re definitely going to try hard to push our boundaries and take the lead. We have a really strong competition, front and back with USA in first and third place, so we’re going to have to keep up the good work. Watch out!” he laughed.

At age 16, Matute, Jr. has continually outridden competitors many years his senior during the AGDF, which he says make his victories that much more meaningful. “It’s a lot of hard work. It’s a lot of passion and a lot of dreaming. Of course, keeping our feet on the ground, but there’s a lot of dreaming in this project of ours,” Matute, Jr. expressed. “So when you go in the ring and see that the hard work pays off, you’re getting the scores, the judges have nice comments, that the audience is happy and my dad is happy, it’s fantastic. I couldn’t ask for more. There’s always mistakes, there’s always stuff to work on and improve, but I think we’re in a good way.”

First-time AGDF competitor, Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) is one of those accomplished professionals Matute, Jr. has managed to edge out. She finished second in the FEI Prix St. Georges aboard West Side with a score of 70.237%, currently the high score for Team Netherlands. Collins-Strijk was happy with her horse’s performance in The Stadium, noting that the increased atmosphere is a good learning experience for the gelding.

“I think he went very good. I don’t know what it is with him here in this arena, but he gets excited here. It’s very good for him, and actually in the arena he was a very good boy. We had a very nice ride, and I was happy with him,” Collins-Strijk commented.

She looks forward to allowing West Side to mature with more show experience as the season continues. After enjoying the Florida sunshine, she joked she may never leave Wellington instead of returning to her home base in Holland.

The final portion of Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition begins Friday morning with the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, starting at 11:40 a.m. at The Stadium at PBIEC. Large tour competition will follow that evening, with the FEI Grand Prix Special beginning at 4:00 p.m. For full results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Juan Matute, Jr. Collects Third Win of the Weekend in the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle at AGDF 5 CDI 3*/4*

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2014 – The national anthem of Spain rang out for the third time in as many days for Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas on Sunday morning of the AGDF 5 CDI 3*/4*. Matute, Jr. picked up wins in the FEI Prix St. Georges on Friday, the Intermediaire-1 on Saturday, and capped off the weekend with a win in the Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, presented by Havensafe Farm, on Sunday morning.

Matute, Jr. topped the class with a score of 71.125%, followed by American Alix Szepesi (USA) and Majco Thunder’s Hattrick. The pair finished second with a score of 70.792%. Third place went to Canadian Tom Dvorak and Ribot, who finished on a 69.333%.

The FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle concluded competition for the fifth week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Competition resumes February 15 for the AGDF 6 Dressage National, managed by Wellington Classic Dressage, which will run an abbreviated schedule to finish on February 16. The Stadium at PBIEC will play host to show jumping for the second weekend this circuit on Friday, February 14. The $84,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Valentine’s Grand Prix will enjoy the wonderful International Arena at The Stadium for “Friday Night Stars” before dressage competition returns for the weekend.

Matute, Jr. began by saying what was on everyone’s mind; the sudden drop in humidity was a welcome relief on Sunday morning and created picture perfect competition weather.

The more tolerable temperatures may have lit Don Diego Ymas up a bit, however. Matute, Jr. admitted he was quite hot at the canter, but was still thrilled with how his horse performed.

“Don Diego was good. He was a little bit nervous. He tried his best. The mistakes were a little bit my fault. The trot was really good. I think the highlight today was his trot. In the canter, he was just hot. I couldn’t really do anything; I just drove! It was good and I’m happy. It was a good weekend,” Matute, Jr. smiled.

After a banner weekend of competition, Matute, Jr. decided to go all out for the I-1 Freestyle, a decision that clearly paid off with a win, but he admitted there were a few mistakes in some of the more difficult movements.

“We were very happy yesterday with the scores and we decided, well it’s a freestyle, so let’s push it to the limit and see what we could get. There was a lot of difficulty in my freestyle, and with difficulty there’s risk,” he noted.

Of the one-handed canter pirouette, Matute, Jr. commented, “If I had been able to pull it off, it would have been a fantastic movement. It’s hard because [Don Diego Ymas] is such a big horse. To be able to collect him so much from the most extension in the extended canter to the most collection, so that’s a lot of difficulty. He didn’t interpret what I wanted to do; I’m not sure what happened, but we weren’t able to pull it off today. But we tried. It’s okay; it happens.”

Second place finisher Szepesi was also quite satisfied with her test with Hattrick. Third time was the charm for the pair, with Sunday’s test being their best of the season.

“The first one I did at the national show, artistically I hit all my markers and it was great, but technically we had some things we needed to work on. The next one I did at the CDI, technically it was really great, but then I missed a lot of my markers and music. This time, I really feel like technically it was all good and everything was right on as far as hitting the music and being on the beat,” Szepesi remarked.

She continued, “The test today was just plain fun. Especially after the Prix St. Georges and I-1, trying to be very technically correct. Today I just wanted to enjoy the music and enjoy the test. He was great. He was easy to ride and a lot of fun.”

Szepesi particularly enjoys her music, which has also been a crowd favorite. Put together by Karen Robinson, her routine includes Maroon 5’s hit “One More Night” as well as “Into the Wild” by L.P. and “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons.

“My favorite part of the freestyle is in the trot work when we come around when the [music lyrics] go ‘1, 2, 3, 4, somebody left the gate open,’ and we do the extended trot. That’s a lot of fun and definitely just the canter music. When I’m listening to it off the horse, I just want to get up and dance. I get a lot of positive feedback from the audience. A lot of people watching, that I don’t even know, come up to me and tell me what a pleasure it was to watch the ride,” Szepesi smiled.

Hattrick has been a solid partner for Szepesi since he was imported as a five-year-old by part-owner Michelle Doucette. Now 13, Szepesi described the gelding as a solid and reliable partner.

“He’s just so consistent and reliable. If I stay focused, he’s just right there. There’s never anything. Even if he looks at something, he’s right there and he knows he’s got a job to do. I feel like he’s always right with me and always reliable. I’m never nervous, like ‘Oh this is coming up, I don’t think we’re going to pull it off,'” Szepesi detailed.

Their nearly ten year partnership has not been without bumps in the road. A week after he debuted at the Prix St. Georges and I-1 level, he foundered and was out of the ring for an entire year. It took Szepesi another two just to get him back to the level he was at previously. Now that they’re back in action and schooling grand prix, she hopes to show the gelding at I-1 or grand prix by the end of the season.

The FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle was followed by the FEI Young Rider Freestyle, which was topped by Canada’s Tanya Strasser-Shostak and Action Tyme. The pair earned a score of 69.958%.

For full 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 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard Are Best in FEI Grand Prix Special 4*

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Michael Barisone and Ellegria Top FEI Grand Prix Special 3*; Matute, Jr. Continues Small Tour Hot Streak with Don Diego Ymas

Wellington, FL – February 8, 2014 – The 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued with its fifth week of competition on Saturday at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) featuring CDI 4* and 3* competition presented by The Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm.

Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix Special 4*, presented by The Dutta Corp., saw a top finish for Adrienne Lyle (USA) aboard Wizard, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Weltmeyer, owned by Peggy Thomas. The pair scored a 70.353% for the win with Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella in second with a 69.922%. Eliane Cordia-van Reesema (USA) and Jewel’s Adelante finished third with a 66.569%.

“I was incredibly happy with him today,” Lyle said of Wizard. “It was the end of a long, hot weekend and he tried so hard. I thought his piaffe/passage was much stronger than it has been. I was super happy with that because that is what we have been focusing on, really trying to solidify that and getting active, relaxed, and confident in that. The rider totally blew the changes today, but I would much rather have me making an error than having some issue with him. The canter work normally we are very solid in, so that is something I just need to fix, but he was wonderful.”

Lyle thought that Saturday’s test was one of her best, noting that although there were small errors, he felt confident.

“I thought the piaffe/passage was the best,” she stated. “I thought the trot work was very solid. As far as the feeling I got from it, I thought that was one of the best. He just felt solid. He felt there for me. He felt relaxed; he wasn’t stressed about stuff. I think it definitely helps that we have been able to come back to this venue and I think it helps that I have been able to get here enough. It’s not like I show and then go home for six months and wonder if what stuff I was working on six months ago is still relevant.”

In addition to working on Wizard’s piaffe and passage work, Lyle has been trying to improve his fitness level with different exercise.

“I take him out twice a week and we go hacking for like an hour,” she explained. “I take him on the trails through the housing developments and things like that so he gets a little more physical fitness as well as working on the moves. I have added a little more cardio. There is a big, nice field across from us where we can take them out and trot and canter.”

Lyle has hopes of qualifying for the U.S. team for this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and also plans to compete in the World Cup qualifiers coming up in the AGDF season. She explained that she has rearranged her freestyle music a little bit and is trying to keep Wizard fit and healthy.

“I think I am on a good path with him,” she said. “I want to just keep it going, keeping him happy, trying to improve the little parts that we need, but not overdoing it. Today I was on 18 minutes before my ride. I did a very short warm-up because I did too much on Thursday. Hopefully I am getting to a place where I can trust him, just get on and do a little loosening and that is going to keep him physically and mentally much happier than having to be out there drilling.”

“I was really happy with today’s win and being in a 4*, that was huge,” Lyle acknowledged. “It was great competition. I am happy not just that he won, but that he was honest in the places that I needed him to be honest. That for me was the most important thing.”

Megan Lane had a great test with Caravella in Saturday’s class as well and praised her mare, a 13-year-old KWPN by Contango. “I think it went fantastic,” Lane smiled. “She is all the time better. We have not been doing the Grand Prix for very long, so every single ride I am happier than I was before and that is all that I can ask for.”

Lane has owned Caravella since the mare was eight years old and explained that she is very willing. “She is multi-talented,” Lane described. “(Her sire) Contango was a jumper. She is versatile in that sense. I bought her from a hunter/jumper barn and she did perfectly late hunter changes, but I was able to fix the changes within a week. She is super trainable.”

“She is so much fun,” she added. “She is everything you could ask for in a small package, which I think makes a rider’s life easy. The highlight of her I would say is her trainability. She loves learning new things and she loves being great.”

Michael Barisone and Ellegria
Michael Barisone and Ellegria

Veteran dressage competitor Michael Barisone topped the FEI Grand Prix Special 3*, sponsored by The Dutta Corp., earlier on Saturday evening. The American rider took Lauren Sprieser’s 13-year-old Westphalian mare Ellegria to the blue ribbon finish with a score of 68.873%.

The United States took the top three placings of the class, with second place going to Katherine Bateson Chandler and Wellnetta, who finished on a score of 67.588%. Shawna Harding and Come On III were third with a score of 66.000%.

Ellegria is a relatively new ride for Barisone, who has helped owner Sprieser with the mare for a while. Barisone only took over the reins recently, once Sprieser decided she wanted to sell her.

“I claim no credit for this horse. She belongs to Lauren Sprieser. Lauren has been a student of mine for five years and I helped her with this mare for a long time, but Lauren has done all the training. That mare is 100% trained by Lauren,” Barisone expressed.

Ellegria doesn’t have much in the way of experience in a competition setting, with Saturday’s win only being her fifth time out at the grand prix level, but Barisone sees something special in the chestnut mare.

“[Her] tests are really solid. One of the judges came to me and said, ‘I just love her; she’s so solid.’ There’s never going to be drama. There’s never going to be any kind of misbehavior. She’s a wonderful horse,” Barisone commented.

Ellegria remains for sale, but Barisone and United States Dressage Chef D’Equipe Robert Dover would both like to see her remain in the country, particularly with the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games looming.

“She is for sale, because that’s the way life is. If I’m lucky, maybe one of my [clients] will get together. Robert Dover keeps saying, ‘You have to try to get her for yourself.’ We’ll ride it out and see where it goes. You never know, we could get a call tonight or maybe not for six months,” Barisone acknowledged.

Ellegria is the ninth different horse Barisone has won a CDI grand prix on, and he admitted she is completely different than his mounts before her.

“She’s nothing like any other horse I’ve ridden. All the rest have generally been really hot athletes, really high-strung, big. She’s really a German horse. She looks like a stallion. She’s stout; she’s got a big neck. Every day I say, she’s not what I would pick when I choose horses. She kind of fell in my lap, but I love her,” Barisone smiled.

Another desirable trait Ellegria possesses is her age; Barisone believes she is at exactly the right point in her life to enjoy a long and successful grand prix career.

“The average international horse gets about five seasons. That’s what you get. One of my life mistakes I always say is no more eight-year-old grand prix horses. I’m going to stay at home until they’re nine or ten now. I just think I maybe rushed it too much in the beginning. With [Ellegria], I’m counting 13, 14, 15, 16; that’s a real nice time in their career. It’s when they’re settled, but young enough to be good. It seems like the ones that are doing their best, in my experience, are the 13- (to) 16-year-olds. They seem to be the solid ones,” Barisone noted.

What makes Ellegria so wonderful also means she will be an easy sell to whatever buyers surely come calling. Simple to warm up and eager to please, Ellegria is any rider’s dream come true.

“She’s one of those nice horses that you come out of the barn and she’s on the bit. She’s not stupid; you don’t have to work her down. She’s not spooky; she’s round right off the bat. You do posting trot for a couple of minutes, you sit, do a couple of half passes. A little big trot, a little small trot, little bit of passage, little bit of canter, and go. Which is a joy. She actually could be ridden by an amateur rider,” Barisone detailed.

Barisone has shown at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, but in his opinion, there’s no better place than the AGDF.

“I absolutely think is the coolest place in the entire world to go to a dressage show. Period. Incredible stabling. It must have rained five inches on jog day and you could ride an hour after. Incredible footing, a great atmosphere, the vet clinic is 400 yards away,” Barisone listed.

He continued, “The best of everybody in the world here at one time, and I sleep in my own bed at night. You can’t say that at Aachen. I rode five horses at home and saw 20 horses in my ring this morning before I came over and rode my test. That’s cool. The reality is what they’ve created here is unique to the world.”

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas
Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas

Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) has taken the small tour by storm this season with Don Diego Ymas. The pair picked up their second win of the weekend in Saturday’s FEI Intermediaire-1, sponsored by Havensafe Farm. Matute, Jr. also won the FEI Junior Individual class later in the day with Dhannie Ymas and a score of 72.149%. The FEI Young Rider Individual class went to Tanya Strasser-Shostak (CAN) and Action Tyme.

Matute, Jr. topped the class with a 74.553% on Don Diego Ymas, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by the Matute Family. Second place went to Canadian Brittany Fraser and her own All In, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. The pair scored a 69.921%. Silva Martin (USA) rounded out the top three with a score of 68.974% aboard Rosa Cha W, an eight-year-old Warmblood mare owned by the Osa Cha W Syndicate.

Matute, Jr. jokingly declared to his mother that Saturday would be the day he would hit a score of 74, but the top score still came as a surprise to the 16-year-old phenom.

“It feels kind of weird. It’s such a hard mark. It’s like, ‘Wow I really did a 74?’ It’s shocking, but I’ll take it!” Matute, Jr. beamed.

Of his test, Matute, Jr. said, “It was phenomenal. One of the best feelings I’ve had in the ring for a long time. It was the test. I couldn’t ask for more.”

After their auspicious debut on the small tour, Matute, Jr. plans to move up to the Under-25 division and attempt grand prix later this year. Don Diego Ymas is already well-schooled at the grand prix level, and Matute, Jr. is more than up to the challenge.

“My dad likes to start teaching passage-piaffes when they are very young. Of course, not all out, but a little bit here and there so they start to get the feeling of collection and using their haunches. He does completely grand prix. We started doing the one tempis two months ago and I can already say we are solid in thirteen, so we’re almost all the way there!” Matute, Jr. smiled.

Don Diego Ymas has been a member of the family for the last seven years, with Matute, Jr. having the ride for the last three. The road to the small tour hasn’t always been easy, but Matute, Jr. couldn’t ask for a better partner.

“He’s a big horse. He used to be very spooky. He didn’t have self-confidence; he was a little bit insecure all the time, but overall he has a great mind. His personality is the best. He’s goofy. We call him ‘Goofy’ in the barn, like Goofy from Disney. He’s a lovely horse,” Matute, Jr., described.

Second place finisher Brittany Fraser returned to the AGDF this year with her gelding, All In. Fraser was pleased to see her horse beginning to grow up, a trend she noticed later last year at Dressage at Devon (Pa.) and the Saugerties Fall Festival of Dressage (N.Y.).

“[This year] he’s fit; he’s strong. Last year was his first year at St. Georges and he is huge, and it takes a long time to develop a horse like that. I showed at Saugerties and Devon last year and I really noticed a huge difference then in him, and it’s kind of just carrying on. I think he’s growing up. He’s nine now, so he’s not a baby anymore,” Fraser explained.

As for Saturday’s test, Fraser was happy to see All In consistently stay relaxed, which is one of her biggest challenges with her horse. Keeping his large frame in check is the predominate focus of all of Fraser’s rides.

“He’s such a huge horse that you have to keep him on his hips and you have to make sure he doesn’t get too long, because he has a humongous trot and a huge front leg, so he gets too long. I have to keep him very much in a package throughout the test,” Fraser explained.

Like Matute, Jr. Fraser is also looking forward to moving up to grand prix later this year. Following the AGDF 7 Stillpoint Farm CDIO and CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge, Fraser will contest a few Intermediaire-2 classes before making the final leap.

Competition for the ADGF 5 CDI 3*/4* concludes Sunday with the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, beginning at 10:40 a.m. at The Stadium at PBIEC. For full 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 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Lars Petersen and Mariett Top FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 4*

Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Kelly Layne and Udon P Excel in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 3*; Juan Matute, Jr. Rides to Another Small Tour Victory in FEI Prix St. Georges

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2014 – The 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) hosted a full day of fantastic competition at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday featuring CDI 4* and 3* competition presented by The Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm. The feature class of the day was the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 4*, presented by The Dutta Corp., with a win for Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett. A FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 3* was held earlier in the day, also presented by the Dutta Corp., with a top ride for Kelly Layne (AUS) aboard Udon P. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Don Diego Ymas took another win in the FEI Prix St. Georges presented by Havensafe Farm.

AGDF 5 CDI 4*/3* competition, presented by The Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm, continues through February 9 at The Stadium at the PBIEC. Saturday’s competition will feature the FEI Intermediaire I, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, in the morning. The afternoon session will highlight the FEI Grand Prix Special 3* and 4* classes, each sponsored by The Dutta Corp.

Denmark’s Lars Petersen and Mariett, owned by Marcia M. Pepper, have been on quite a roll this week at AGDF. The pair topped Friday night’s $80,000 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 4* with a score of 76.400%. Tina Konyot (USA) and Calecto V placed second with an overall score of 75.500%, and Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) guided Janne Rumbough’s My Lady to a 72.825% to place third.

Mariett, a 16-year-old Danish Warmblood mare by Come Back II out of Zendi, was a bit hot for Petersen in Thursday’s Grand Prix class, but the rider noted that she was on her game tonight and felt great.

“I thought she was really good to ride tonight. I was very, very happy,” Petersen stated. “Yesterday she was maybe not so easy to ride, but tonight she was with me. She came down a bit.”

Petersen spoke about Mariett’s sweet demeanor and how she enjoys performing in the impressive atmosphere under the lights at AGDF. “In the stable, she’s like a dog,” he described. “She’s a really sweet horse, all the way around. She’s a little bit more ‘up’ here (than at home). Otherwise it’s the same. The lights, the music, the people. In some ways, that’s also what makes them good, when they come in and they get up a little bit.”

Tina Konyot was happy with her ride aboard Calecto V Friday night after a difficult day on Thursday with the 16-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion (Come Back II out of Bahera). She explained that the pair had many frustrating mistakes in the Grand Prix, but came back better after a little reevaluation and some words of advice from U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover.

“I had so many mistakes yesterday. I was a little bit frustrated with it,” Konyot admitted. “One of them I can definitely attribute to myself because I was frustrated with some of the other ones because I didn’t understand why they happened. You always have to concentrate on the moment, and I lost my moment. It was a bad day yesterday. I thank God that Robert is such a huge support behind us. He said to forget about it and concentrate on what the horse can do, and he was so much better than yesterday.”

“He’s not quite as fit as he could be,” Konyot noted. “I’m just getting back into the show program here for the winter. He needs a little bit more fitness level to him, to be a little bit sharper, but overall I was happy with him. It was a great evening. Thank you Tim Dutta for all of this wonderful support, and thank you to everyone.”

Third place finisher, Mikala Munter Gundersen, enjoyed her freestyle with My Lady, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood mare by Michellino out of Marion.

“She felt really good today as well,” Munter Gundersen stated. “I’m really impressed with the mare. When we got her two years ago, she was terrified. We had to feed her sugar to get her in the ring. We would go and practice during the week and feed her sugar from the tent just to get her over here. Now she walks in there by herself. She loves to go in there and present herself. I’m very thrilled. I think that’s the most important thing, that the horses have fun doing what they are doing. These tests are really hard, and it’s just amazing to have a horse who really wants to do it.”

Judge Lilo Fore spoke about the evening’s fantastic performances and the level of competition that the top three exhibited.

“I was very happy tonight because all three of these top horses showed themselves today really very well,” Fore stated. “Yesterday I was a tad worried there because all three had just a little mistake here and there. They were all a little hot under the collar, but I think tonight they were all really with the rider. When you look at these three horses, all three are amazingly talented. They have three wonderful gaits, they have really super minds. A really good grand prix horse has to be a bit hot because if they’re not, you’re not going to get through a grand prix test.”

“They have to have that special desire to be a little on the explosive side,” Fore continued. “If you can channel that kind of energy and you put it into the movement you need to do, put it under your seat and saddle and into your own riding, it’s an amazing horse to ride. That is the kind of horse which is only able to go to the international circuit. I think they are top horses. It doesn’t matter which country you’re talking about. I think all of us judges agreed totally.”

Tim Dutta, CEO of The Dutta Corp. was on hand for Friday night’s beautiful freestyle performances and spoke about the incredible growth of the AGDF.

“We dreamt about this three and a half years ago over dinner,” Dutta stated. “Dressage were stepchildren to show jumping at that time. (Equestrian Sport Productions CEO) Mark (Bellissimo) said, ‘If I can find commitment from you guys, we will build the finest facility in the world and we will create a circuit second to none.’ The next afternoon, we had raised the first round of funding, and seven months later, we opened.”

“This is incredible,” Dutta praised. “We have great sponsors. This is truly a state-of-the-art, world-class facility. I think it will truly be a global destination for dressage. I think next year we will entice the best of Europe to come for the richest prize money. I hope one day we have Spruce Meadows for dressage in Wellington, Florida. That’s my dream. You have a great corporate sponsor in Adequan who believes in us, who has put a lot of money in the sport. Tonight’s production was incredible.”

Allyn Mann, Director of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was also there for the wonderful night of freestyle performances on behalf of Adequan, and greatly enjoyed the competition.

“This evening was just unbelievable,” Mann acknowledged. “When you bring riders and horses of this caliber to this kind of a venue and look everywhere, the bleachers were full, people standing on the far side three or four deep. The VIP tent was packed. It has exceeded my expectations for what I was looking for. I can’t say enough about it. It is only going to get better, and we are just really blessed to be part of it.”

Kelly Layne and Udon P
Kelly Layne and Udon P

Kelly Layne and Udon P Excel in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 3*, Presented by The Dutta Corp.

The afternoon’s competition at AGDF featured a FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 3*, presented by The Dutta Corp., with a top finish for Kelly Layne (AUS) riding Whistlejacket Farm LLC’s Udon P, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding by Hierarch, out of Maleida. The pair earned their highest score ever with a 73.625%. Germany’s Kim Jesse and Dirk Haese’s Charming 8 finished second with a score of 70.200%. Susan Dutta (USA) and Currency DC placed third with a 69.925%.

Layne and Udon P finished second in Thursday’s FEI Grand Prix 3*, and the rider explained that her horse felt very relaxed for this afternoon’s freestyle. “He warmed up as calm as he ever has for a competition,” she stated. “He was very concentrated, very focused. He is starting to know his music cues and that is kind of cool. It makes the whole routine feel much smoother and then I can be more harmonious with the horse and really ride to my music. I think that just comes from more experience in the ring.”

Layne was very excited to get the freestyle win and earn her best score yet with Udon P. “It was awesome,” she smiled. “It was certainly exciting to win a CDI in Wellington. I could not be happier with the horse and also with the result. It was my best score absolutely in a grand prix and for the freestyle my best score again today. The horse is steadily improving all of the time. I think it will certainly help with our plans to go to Europe for the summer and campaign for a position on the Australian team (for the World Equestrian Games).”

Layne spoke about Udon’s strengths in his freestyle, noting that this was only his fourth freestyle ever. “For sure the piaffe/passage is very good for him,” she described. “With the choreography, we try to make it so that we can show that off to all of the judges from all of the views, which is important. I think that suits him very well. He is also very strong on the flying changes, and they were very good today.”

“He is 18.1 hands high and he is a bit of a scaredy cat,” Layne said of Udon’s personality. “He kind of clings to me, but he is not super affectionate. He is one of those horses that has to come to you; you can’t go to him. If you go to put your hand to him, he doesn’t know what to do, but if you stand there and he touches you first, then you can touch him anywhere. He has a real character, real personality.”

Second place finisher, Kim Jesse, is back in the ring after some time off from competing with her mount Charming 8, a 16-year-old Rheinlander stallion by Champus out of Lesley S, and was very happy with her ride on Friday.

“He is just two days out from quarantine, so we did not really have enough time for training, but he did a good job,” Jesse noted, going on to describe her horse’s strengths and personality as well. “For a stallion, he is pretty clear in the head and he likes his music. We change it sometimes and now it fits very good. He is always focused and always concentrated on what he is doing and what I want from him. He is a very supple horse. He is always using his body and always loose in the muscles. He has good strength behind. Pirouettes are absolutely his favorite; he loves to do pirouettes.”

“I was out for nearly half a year not riding because I was ill, and now we are just trying to get back together and do some competitions,” Jesse explained. “Today was the first day where we were together again in the ring and had a good feeling together.”

This is Jesse’s first year competing at AGDF and she has liked the stability of showing in one location for an extended period of time.

“I really enjoy it. It is super conditions for the horses,” she stated. “The footing is very good, and the weather is good. In Europe now it is pretty cold and the option to ride so many international competitions in one spot is great. It is a win-win situation. It is absolutely good to ride here with your horses, train them, and ride and compete in one place. It is absolutely amazing.”

Jesse also had the convenience of flying her horses to Florida for the competition through AGDF sponsor, The Dutta Corp. She thanked them for their great service.

“The traveling was great,” she acknowledged. “They picked us up from the airport, and we didn’t have to do anything. It was only one journey. In Europe you have to load the horse every second weekend, so thank you to them.”

Susan Dutta finished third with her horse, Currency DC, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Clintino, out of Cinderella. Dutta was happy with how her freestyle finished out after having to restart due to a musical problem.

“He was good,” Dutta stated. “We had an unfortunate mishap with the music, and you always wonder how they are going to feel when you have to start again. He is really sensitive, but he handled it so well.”

Dutta is no stranger to the AGDF competition and explained that the venue is very comfortable for her. “I feel really settled as a rider at this horse show and for him, I feel like we are in a rhythm,” Dutta said. “That is the really nice thing of having all of these shows here. You get in a rhythm and you get relaxed and then you start to ride better in the ring. It is so nice. Then you can improve and fix things and get better quality and new feelings.”

“We are so lucky,” she smiled. “This is quite a venue. I compete all over the world, and we have a lovely venue here. It has a lot of atmosphere. You can put it against anything in the world.”

Juan Matute, Jr. Rides to Another Small Tour Victory in FEI Prix St. Georges

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas
Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas

Juan Matute, Jr. has made the most of his 2014 debut on the small tour with Don Diego Ymas, picking up another first place prize on Friday morning in the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Havensafe Farm, during the AGDF 5 CDI 3*/4*.

Matute topped the class with a score of 71.184% aboard his family’s 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding. Second place went to American Christopher Hickey and Ronaldo, an eight-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Cecelia Stewart. Canadian Brittany Fraser rounded out the top three with a 69.296% with her own All In, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Matute was not expecting his first year of competing to start with such success. The 16-year-old, who rides for Spain but is based in Wellington, has collected four victories with Don Diego Ymas in three weeks of showing at the AGDF. Friday marked his second FEI Prix St. Georges win with the horse.

“I think Don Diego and I really work together great and fit together,” Matute noted. “He can do the movements perfectly. I don’t think the level was a problem for him, but at a CDI, [you have] big riders and great horses as well, so it was not expected to do so well.”

Matute felt the best part of his test with Don Diego Ymas was their trot work and was understandably pleased with how he and the horse are progressing.

“I thought [the test] was great. I think there’s always stuff to improve on. Show after show, I believe Don Diego and I are creating a strong bond with more confidence in each other. We’re completely partners,” he commented.

He continued, “The trot work was a bit more solid this morning. We had a little bit of mistakes in the canter with the contact. The pirouettes were maybe a little bit too small. The trot work was the highlight today.”

Don Diego Ymas has been in the Matute Family’s barn for years, and the two essentially grew up together. The Matutes purchased Don Diego Ymas when Matute was only nine years old. Now 16, he appreciates knowing the horse inside and out.

“When you build up a horse [from a young age], you get to know each other better. You have more knowledge about him. You know his highlights, his weaknesses, his personality. You know maybe he will spook here, and he might not spook there. It’s a little bit like brothers, when you grow up together,” Matute described.

The youthful Matute beat out veteran dressage competitor Christopher Hickey, but Hickey was happy to have competition from an up-and-coming rider.

“I think it’s super for us to have young riders coming along and riding so exquisitely. He’s a beautiful, elegant rider, and when you see riding like that in the warm up from one of the ‘kids,’ it makes us all proud, but it also makes a beautiful picture,” Hickey detailed.

He continued, “It makes the old guys be like ‘Oh my god, we have to be careful,’ because here are some young people coming along. There’s more than just [Juan] and his sister looking like that at horse shows. I think that’s a huge piece. We all talk about our country getting stronger and getting better. We need these people to come in and come through the ranks and be in the open classes with us and kick our [butt] for us to have to rise to the occasion.”

Hickey was pleased with how his young horse performed in The Stadium, noting the atmosphere was good exposure for Ronaldo. The gelding was quite impressed by the arena’s setting, but Hickey simply chalked it up to a young horse learning his way.

“My horse is not spooky, but today coming around in the first turn he was startled by the surroundings. That doesn’t bother me because he’s young, and he’s never been in this environment before,” Hickey explained.

He continued, “He’s such a big mover, and he has so much elasticity. I feel that those horses sometimes take a little bit longer to develop. He lost his balance and his rhythm in the extended trot which is an expensive mistake, and that will get better with strength and age.”

One of Hickey’s favorite moments of competition happened entirely by coincidence during the jog on Wednesday.

“He followed his mother (in the jog), who is here competing in the grand prix division. When I went into the jog and they announced her name, she jogged literally right before him, which was totally an accident. I thought that was pretty cool that at his first CDI, he jogged after his mother,” Hickey smiled.

Watching Ronaldo’s progress has been especially meaningful for Hickey, who brought the horse up through the ranks after owner Stewart bought him as a four-year-old. Hickey has trained several of his most successful horses from the time they were young, including Regent and Cabana Boy. It’s an experience he relishes.

Historically, he’s been more successful on horses he’s brought up himself. Hickey believes this is a result of the irreplaceable bond created between a horse and rider over such an extended period of time.

“When you purchase horses, you can buy great horses. It’s easy to pick out a lovely moving horse, but you don’t know their true temperament. And when you buy a young horse, it’s such a risk. You have the risk of [whether] this horse will take the work physically and mentally. When you buy a mature horse, you have proof. The horse will take the work. The horse is taking the work. But you don’t have the information you have when you bring them along yourself,” Hickey explained.

Hickey was especially grateful for the support of the sponsors that make the AGDF possible each year.

“The sponsorship here is great. I personally thank my owner every day and the sponsors that get together and help support this show. I hope everybody appreciates what all these people do for us,” Hickey concluded.

Earlier on Friday, Tanya-Strasser-Shostak (CAN) won the FEI Young Rider Team class aboard Action Tyme. The pair earned a 65.921%.

For full show results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Competition for the AGDF 5 CDI 3*/4* will continue Saturday morning with the Intermediaire-I, sponsored by Havensafe Farm at 8:30 a.m., followed by the FEI Grand Prix Special 3*, sponsored by The Dutta Corp., at 2:30 p.m. Saturday will wrap up with the FEI Grand Prix Special 4*, also sponsored by The Dutta Corp., at 4:10 p.m.

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 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas Finish on Top of FEI Intermediaire Freestyle at AGDF 3 CDI W

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – January 26, 2014 – Spain’s Juan Matute, Jr. collected another blue ribbon prize after winning the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle presented by Chespeake Dressage Institute on Sunday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Sixteen-year-old Matute, Jr. and the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Frederico finished on a score of 74.400% for victory.

Second place went to American Heather Mason and Zar for their score of 73.275%. Tom Dvorak (CAN) and Ribot scored 70.400% for third place.

The FEI Intermediaire Freestyle concluded competition for the third week of the AGDF, presented by the US P.R.E. Association and the Chesapeake Dressage Institute. The AGDF 4 National will run February 1-2.

Sunday was the first time Matute, Jr. had done this particular freestyle with Don Diego Ymas, but he couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the gelding.

“It was great. It was our first freestyle in the small tour, so I was a bit nervous, but it turned out perfectly! It was fun. I enjoyed it a lot,” Matute, Jr. beamed.

Matute, Jr. produced his freestyle music himself, scouring YouTube for the perfect soundtrack.

“I went through a lot of YouTube videos!” he laughed. “I went through a lot of searching, just for soundtrack. Sometimes, you choose a song just because you like it, but it doesn’t specifically fit the horse. It was a bit hard to find the right music that fits Don Diego, but we did it.”

He continued, “I think the major point in the freestyle is that both the horse and the rider like the music and like to ride to the music. The music makes the horse lighter; it makes him dance to the music.”

Don Diego Ymas’ greatest strength is his canter work, which is where Matute, Jr. incorporated the more difficult elements of their choreography.

“I think the most difficult movements I did today were the pirouettes with one hand. He’s a big horse with a big canter, so sometimes it’s hard to control that, especially with just one hand. I think we were able to pull it off. The twos and the serpentine and the threes were a bit tricky as well, but we did it!”
Don Diego Ymas has been with the Matute family for years, and Matute, Jr. has enjoyed how their relationship has progressed.

“We had our barn with the top horses and the young ones, and he was always the last one [to be worked with]. He was the ugly one, the big one, the naughty one! He was so naughty when he was young,” Matute, Jr. laughed. “But he was always nice. He’s super noble. We’ve known each other since I was eight or nine, so it’s funny how [our relationship has progressed]. From walking down the barn aisle and saying ‘Oh, hi buddy!’ to now being able to perform in these competitions and do well. I think it’s a great development.”

The AGDF continues for nine more weeks of world-class dressage competition, running through March 30. For full results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Lars Petersen and Mariett Lead the Competition in FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF 3 CDI W

Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Spain’s Juan Matute, Jr., Earns Second CDI Win with Don Diego Ymas in the FEI Prix St. Georges

Wellington, FL – January 24, 2014 – Danish rider Lars Petersen and his grand prix mount Mariett won the FEI World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix Freestyle presented by US P.R.E. Association during the third week of competition at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Petersen rode Marcia Pepper’s 16-year-old Danish Warmblood mare to first place with 77.450%.

Second place went to Canada’s Diane Creech and Devon L. The pair finished on a 73.175%. Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) rounded out the top three with My Lady after receiving a score of 72.075%.

The third week of the AGDF, sponsored by the US P.R.E. Association and Chesapeake Dressage Institute, runs through Sunday, January 26. The AGDF hosts nine more weeks of world-class dressage through March 30. The FEI World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix Freestyle was the feature event of the week, and chilly weather and a schedule adjustment didn’t detract from a phenomenal evening of dressage competition.

“Competition was stellar, the horses were beautiful, (and) the riding was exquisite,” commented Allyn Mann of Adequan.

Mann was excited to see the AGDF continuing to flourish, especially under new Sports Director Thomas Baur’s expertise. “As far as this year versus previous years, I think we’ve already exceeded expectations. Thomas is just continuing to do wonderful things to make each of these events a special evening. I would expect that it’s only going to get better and the competition more fierce because I think that’s what keeps each [rider] going, right? You want to get to the top rung on the ladder,” Mann remarked.

The rider at the top of that ladder has often been Petersen with Mariett, and after finishing second with the mare during AGDF 1, Petersen was pleased to see her getting back in the swing of things.

“That was the first show since [Dressage at] Devon [in September]. Now we have one show with a little bit to practice. When you’re on a roll it always gets a bit easier. I think that’s the biggest thing. Also for her, she was in [this ring] before and she was more tense the first show. I think it’s a combination of a lot of things, [but] the main thing is that we showed two weeks ago and now we do it again,” Petersen explained.

Of Mariett’s performance on Friday evening, Petersen said, “I thought she was really good today. I had a very difficult test: high difficulty with my changes and all my transitions from trot to passage. She was with me today.”

Diane Creech and Devon L
Diane Creech and Devon L

Second place finisher Creech debuted a new freestyle routine featuring Capital City’s hit song “Safe and Sound.” Creech’s music was produced by Karen Robinson, who Creech has worked with before.

“We’ve always liked working with each other. It’s not so easy to find the right music for your horse,” she acknowledged. “It needs to suit the temperament and the movement, and I need to like it and he needs to like it. Those are a lot of things to mix into it. It needs to be happy music, and I like it to be a little bit familiar to people.”

The most important thing to Creech is that Devon L takes to the music, which he appears to be doing.

“I just have ridden [the new freestyle] for the second time now, so we’re just getting into the routine, but he seems to like the routine and he seems to like the music,” she described.

Mikala Munter Gundersen and My Lady put on another good show, placing third for the second time in the FEI World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix Freestyle. Munter Gundersen was very happy with her horse’s performance, but admitted she committed a few errors that kept them from the top prize.

“She has had some nice consistency in her test. Tonight, she got a little bit hot for me and I got a little behind the music, so I was chasing to catch up with the music a bit, and I got some mistakes because of that. Those were all mine. She really paid attention to me even though she was hot,” Munter Gundersen recounted.

As for giving Petersen a run for his money, Munter Gundersen says it will all come together in a few weeks at the AGDF 5 Dressage CDI 4*.

“I think in two weeks, we’re going to get Lars. At least we’ll try!” she laughed.

Cesar Parra was the top American finisher for the class, riding Van the Man to a 71.975%. He too sees his routine coming along as the horse continues to mature.

“I’m very, very happy with him. He’s a very hot horse. A very special horse; he’s my special child,” he smiled.

Parra continued, “I think he’s a wonderful horse that is maturing a lot, and I really have big expectations for him. I think very soon everything will come together, and everyone will see his greatness in the ring. I’m very proud to be representing the United States with him.”

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas
Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas

Spain’s Juan Matute, Jr., Earns Second CDI Win with Don Diego Ymas in the FEI Prix St. Georges

In only his second CDI outing with Don Diego Ymas, 16-year-old Juan Matute, Jr., conquered the FEI Prix St. Georges presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Matute, Jr., and Don Diego Ymas won the class with a score of 71.421%.

Canadian Britney Fraser took second with All In with a final score of 70.684%, while Heather Mason (USA) and Zar were third with 70.421%.

Matute, Jr. won the Intermediaire-I during the first week of competition for the AGDF and was thrilled to pick up another small tour victory with Don Diego Ymas.

“It feels amazing. We were not expecting it!” Matute, Jr., grinned. “We were just expecting to perform well, and of course getting a good score is always part of that, but our first goal was just to be good and to enjoy [the test] and create a stronger bond with each other.

“We had some mistakes in the threes, so a few parts of the canter were a bit messy, but I think the overall picture was great,” he continued. “The contact was great; the frame was great.”

Matute, Jr. also picked up a blue ribbon earlier in the morning with Dhannie Ymas in the FEI Junior Team Class. Matute, Jr., admitted that both horses enjoy taking in the sights of the winner circle.

“They like it. They like to win! They like the people clapping and the whole atmosphere of victory,” Matute, Jr., commented.

With the season in Wellington off to an exciting start, Matute, Jr. now looks forward to the FEI Nations Cup during the AGDF 7 CDIO, presented by Stillpoint Farm and Peacock Ridge.

“My goal is to do well in the small tour this season in Wellington, and my goal by the end of the year is to move up to the Under 25 [classes]. We’re going to do the Nations Cup, so that’s one of the biggest goals for the small tour this season,” Matute, Jr. outlined.

Matute, Jr. spent two months in Germany training with Oliver Oelrich before returning home to Wellington to resume training with his father, Juan Matute, Sr. Matute, Jr. enjoys having a trainer-student relationship that runs deeper than most.

“I love it. I get to ask questions 24/7. My dad sometimes wants to kill me at the dinner table because I keep asking questions and asking questions,” Matute, Jr. laughed. “But I think it’s great because besides having that relationship as father and son, we keep that relationship in the ring.”

Competition for the AGDF 3 CDI W continues Saturday morning with the FEI Intermediaire-I at 11:00 a.m. followed by the FEI Grand Prix Special at 3:20 p.m. For full results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six 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 the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com