Tag Archives: Kim Herslow

Championships, Dressage, USEF, USEF

Peters, Herslow, Davis, and Redston Earn National Titles to Close Out US Dressage Festival of Champions

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Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp came to a conclusion on Saturday with the final four champions crowned. In The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, Steffen Peters claimed his seventh title in the division under the lights, while earlier in the day Kim Herslow and Rosmarin claimed their first National Title in The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship. Barbara “Bebe” Davis won the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship title in her first attempt at the annual competition, while Alison Redston and Tony 47 led the victory gallop in the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship

Grand Prix competition came to a conclusion under the lights of the Rolex Stadium as the eight competitors rode their Freestyle tests to earn the remaining 15% of their championship score.

Peters (San Diego, Calif.) scored a repeat victory with Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92, as he cruised to an unprecedented seventh National Title in the Grand Prix division. The Olympic veteran pulled out all the stops with the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding as he produced strong piaffe and passage, as well as improved one-time changes. The talented combination concluded their Freestyle with an impressive pirouette in piaffe directly into halt on the centerline as they scored 79.450%.

“This was the best freestyle for sure. He felt great in the warm-up and I just hoped I could do that in the ring,” said Peters of Legolas 92. “Right off from the first step he felt as supple as in the warm-up. He stayed right with the music. I couldn’t be happier.”

The pair finished on a championship total of 76.476%.

Looking toward the future and preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Peters will rely on advice from Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover in planning for the future months.

“I have not thought about it,” said Peters. “California, Florida, we’ll think about it and I’m sure Robert will weigh in on that.”

Earning second place in the Freestyle and Reserve Champion honors overall was Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, Calif.) and Coral Reef Wylea. Coral Reef Ranch’s 13-year-old Westphalian mare earned a 76.450% in the Freestyle to finish on a championship score of 72.404%.

Despite a mistake in the two-time changes, Seidel was extremely pleased with the mare and believes she improved from Friday night’s Grand Prix Special.

“I thought she was great; there was the obvious mistake in the twos but it worked out great. In general, I thought she was better than the night before. Definitely, she felt good.”

Earning third place in the championship was Kathleen Raine (Murrieta, Calif.) and her own, Jennifer Mason, and David Wightman’s 13-year-old Hanoverian mare Breanna. The pair finished the Freestyle with a score of 70.225% and earned a championship score of 71.213%.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship

Herslow (Stockton, N.J.) and Rosmarin narrowly missed sweeping the three tests of Intermediaire I Championship, placing second in Saturday’s Freestyle but scoring a decisive victory in the National Championship. Kiroli Enterpirse Inc.’s eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s score of 75.200% counted for the remaining 15% of the pair’s championship average of 75.701%.

Kim Herslow and Rosemarin (SusanJStickle.com)
Kim Herslow and Rosemarin (SusanJStickle.com)

“I went easy on my horse yesterday and just did a really basic ride,” Herslow noted. “Today I wanted to have more horse and I think I had a little more than I have had for a little while, but that’s okay. I also have to learn how to ride that tension and I felt like I had him a little more up in his shoulders and I had him in a little more expressive frame. But I was a little on edge because we haven’t really been going there. But I’m thrilled.”

Herslow expressed how proud she’s been of Rosmarin and how’s he’s dealt with the pressure of such difficult competition.

“I’m amazed that he came back to showing after having the whole summer off and stepped up to the plate even more than in Florida this past season. I’m really looking forward to the season in Florida this winter and we’ll be moving up to the Grand Prix as soon as he’s ready.”

Caroline Roffman (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Her Highness O finished first in Saturday’s Intermediaire I Freestyle test, earning 76.625% and finishing on an overall total of 73.504% as the Reserve Champion. Roffman and her 10-year-old Hanoverian mare performed a powerful test in the Rolex Arena.

“For me, today was the perfect ending to Intermediaire I,” Roffman said. “She (Her Highness O) showed she’s able to compete with the best in the country. She was a blast to ride and it was the perfect way to end, in my mind. Today was perfect.”

Emily Jucsher Wagner (La Cygne, Kan.) and Wakeup, her own eight-year-old AWR stallion, finished third in the championship on a score of 69.612%.

AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship

Bebe Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)
Bebe Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)

Davis (Bedminster, N.J.) had another top performance on Saturday morning to claim victory in the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship with her impressive mount Rotano. She and her parents’ (Michael and Sarah Davis) 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding had a lovely test with excellent trot extensions and half-passes to score a 69.000% in the FEI Junior Individual Test. The pair finished the championship with an overall score of 68.771%.

“My ride this morning was really amazing. I couldn’t be more thankful for my horse, and for my trainers and my parents for always being there for me,” stated Davis. “Moments like this make all of our training and all of our riding totally worth it. He was just such a good boy. He was really there for me and just really trying and listening to my aids.”

Davis credits riding at the Pony level with enabling to reach the level she has in her riding. Last year she won the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship and has moved up to Junior ranks this year finding much success. Davis believes she has learned a great deal about patience and perseverance while riding the intelligent little creatures.

“I showed two weekends ago at Devon and it was my last ride in the Pony division. I got a little bit emotional on centerline, but I am very happy to see how far ponies have come,” Davis said. “I did it the first year when there were only two and this year it is five times the size. It really makes me so happy to see that, that kids are really wanting to do it because I would never be where I am today if I didn’t do the ponies.”

Lindsey Holleger (Whigham, Ga.) had an improved test with Friedensfurst from Thursday, having beautiful trot extensions, strong canter half-passes, and a nice walk tour. She and the 11-year-old Trakehner gelding scored a 68.079% in Saturday’s test to finish with a 67.324% overall in the championship.

“I loved my ride today,” said Holleger. “He gave me everything and he was really relaxed, and that’s what I wanted to fix from the last ride. He did that and even more and I am really ready for Young Riders next year.”

Mallory Kent (Birmingham, Ala.) and Okiedokie slotted into third place in the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship with a solid effort, receiving a 66.842% in the FEI Junior Individual Test. She and her own 17-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding completed the championship with a 66.219%.

The girls thanked their families, trainers, and sponsors, as well as being appreciative of the show management and volunteers.

USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship

Redston (Needham, Mass.) swept the Pony division with her own Tony 47. She demonstrated a solid test with the 13-year-old German Riding Pony gelding to score 66.683% in the FEI Pony Individual Test. The pair won the National Championship with an overall score of 66.303%.

“I thought our test went pretty well,” said Redston. “Throughout the test he was more relaxed, especially compared to the awards ceremony the day before. I felt like it let out some of his energy and it also had a feeling that it was more like a regular show. He was much more relaxed and could be himself.”

Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)
Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)

Redston is thrilled with her results and has no regrets about getting into the discipline of dressage after this weekend.

“I got into dressage because whenever I would jump, I would fall on my face, which was never fun. I always like to watch it (dressage) and I would be like, ‘Wait, how did they do that?’ and I wanted to learn about it and learn how to do it like those people who do things that seem impossible.”

Finishing in second place in the division were Madelyn Guthrie and Jordy. Guthrie (Westmont, Ill.) and her own 15-year-old Welsh Pony gelding presented a solid ride to score 64.026%.

“Our ride had a lot more energy than yesterday,” Guthrie commented. “After our last test we knew we needed to improve the energy level a little bit to improve all the movements as well. I think some of our highlights today were the medium and extended trot as well as the canter and we just really upped our game and knew we wanted to strive to be better. Jordy did really well and was there for me.”

Savannah Rose Franklund (Boulder, Colo.) rode into third place with CF Godiva Chocolate. She and her own 13-year-old American Quarter Pony gelding finished with an overall score of 63.384%.

USEF Network will be streaming Friday and Saturday’s competition live at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013FestivalOfChampions/. Retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner will provide commentary during the broadcast.

Find out everything you need to know about the championships at http://www.usefconnect.com/festival/.

By Helen Murray, Kathleen Landwehr and Eileen Schnettler

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Dressage, USEF

Herslow Maintains Lead as Uhlir and Davis Surge to the Head of Their Fields at US Dressage Festival of Champions

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Kim Herslow and Rosmarin (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – Two divisions kicked off competition on Thursday at the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp, while Intermediaire I competitors completed their second tests of the weekend. Kim Herslow and Rosmarin continue to hold the lead in The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship following a solid effort in the afternoon. In the first test of the AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship, Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer powered to top honors. Earlier in the morning, Bebe Davis and Rotano began their National Title quest with a win in the first of two performances of the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship

The 12 Small Tour competitors returned to the Rolex Stadium on Thursday afternoon to complete the FEI Intermediaire I Test and earn a further 45% of their championships score.

Herslow (Stockton, N.J.) and Kiroli Enterprises Inc.’s Hanoverian gelding were the winners of Wednesday’s FEI Prix St. Georges and continued to impress in their second test of the weekend. Rosmarin once again demonstrated stunning ground-covering gaits to score 75.789% to win the FEI Intermediaire I test and continue to lead The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship.

“I’m thrilled with my horse. I had a couple bobbles, but overall I’m thrilled,” said Herslow of her performance on Thursday. “There is so much more horse there; we’re just scratching the surface.”

Despite only being eight years old, Rosmarin is already quite experienced in the competitive arena, including being part of the winning U.S. team at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm. Herslow believes the gelding continues to improve with each competition and thoroughly enjoys his job.

“I feel like he gets into the groove each show; he gets better and better. He studies his work,” said Herslow. “He lets you enjoy the ride. I’m lucky to have him.”

Caroline Roffman rode the 2012 USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship presented by The Dutta Corp and Performance Sales International winner, Her Highness O, to a second-place finish for the second consecutive day. The pair, which competed in Small Tour competition at the Aachen CDIO5* this summer, performed a solid test that was just marred by too many two-time changes to score 73.053%.

“Yesterday I had mistakes in the changes. Today I had great changes; I just did too many,” said a pragmatic Roffman of her test with her own 10-year-old Hanoverian mare. “There were a lot of highlights for me. I was really happy.”

Roffman and Her Highness O stand second in the championship with one test remaining.

Sarah Lockman (Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.) and Pamela Munson’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding Vinterpol have risen to third place in the championship after earning a 70.553% and third-place finish on Thursday.

The Intermediaire I Championships comes to a conclusion on Saturday as the Small Tour combinations perform their Freestyle Tests and earn the remaining 15% of the championship score.

AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship

Uhlir (Kirkland, Wash.) stormed into the top spot of the Young Rider Championship with Sjapoer, scoring 68.237% in the FEI Young Rider Team Test. She rode her own 14-year-old KWPN gelding to a 2.763-point lead heading into Friday’s FEI Young Rider Individual Test.

Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer (SusanJStickle.com)
Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer (SusanJStickle.com)

“Today, since it’s our first day of competition, I was trying to be more reserved in my riding,” Uhlir said. “I didn’t want to push him too hard. I was testing some of his buttons in the warm-up to see if he was listening to my aids and he seemed to be listening quite well. My test was very nice. I think I messed up on one of my tempis, but I recovered and I got the rest of them, so it wasn’t too big of a deal. Overall, it was a pretty solid test for the first day.  I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Uhlir won the USEF Junior Dressage National Championship last year. She and her trainer, Jeremy Steinberg, have been working on some specific details since winning the FEI North American Young Rider Individual and Freestyle Championships at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC).

“We’ve been working on getting some passage steps and he seems to be clicking into them more.  We’re just fully building him up to the next level. I would love to do “Brentina Cup” on him.”

Standing second in the division are Rachel Chowanec and Embrujado XI. Chowanec (Columbia, Conn.) utilized the 15-year-old PRE gelding’s impressive gaits to score 65.474%.

“Overall he felt pretty solid and we went for it with a lot of things,” said Chowanec. “With the tempis, we pushed them a little bit to get them all bigger and it felt very good.”

Chowanec competed in the 2012 USEF Young Rider National Championship and finished in fourth place. This year she is focusing on how to manage Embrujado XI when he is easily spooked.

“Over the years it’s kind of been what works with that day,” Chowanec explained. “Some days I really have to slow him down and get him thinking about me and rely on my aids. Other days, like today, he was really behind me so I had to push him forward and push him through the spookiness, not go around it.”

Kaitlin Blythe rode Daverden into third place. Blythe (Rougemon, N.C.) and the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding produced a solid effort scoring 65.053%.

The AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship competition continues Friday, with riders performing the FEI Young Rider Individual Test, which will count for the remaining 50% of the overall average.

AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship

Barbara Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)
Barbara Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)

Experience led the way in the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship as Davis (Bedminster, N.J.) and Rotano jumped out to an early lead after earning a 68.541%. Davis was the 2012 National Champion in the Pony division and looks to add another Championship title to her resume with the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Michael and Sarah Davis. The pair displayed an accurate and forward test highlighted by an accurate canter tour.

“I had a really super ride,” Davis said. “This is my first year in the Juniors, so I kind of came into this as it’s my first year just to learn, so I am really excited to be doing this. I was very, very pleased with my test. It had some really nice moments.”

Davis was able to utilize her experience from previous competitions to produce one of her best performances when it really mattered today.

“I would like to say my canter work was definitely a highlight. He was super, just really willing today. I could feel it that he was really with me and really paying attention.”

Cassie Schmidt rode Leslie Schmidt’s Velasquer into second position in the Team Test. The impressive 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding put forth an expressive performance to score 66.703%. Schmidt and Velasquer have bonded over the past year and are quickly building an affinity for each other.

“I was super happy with my test today,” Schmidt commented. “Everything felt really good. He was so easy, he was so willing; he just did such a good job. This is my first year to come to the Festival of Champions. I have been in the Juniors for four years now and I was just so happy with everything. He was just so super.”

Lindsey Holleger (Whigham, Ga.) trotted into third place riding her own Friedensfurst, an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding, to a score of 66.568%.

The AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship competition continues Saturday, with riders performing the FEI Junior Individual Test, which will count for the remaining 50% of the overall average.

The day concluded with all 11 entries in the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship being accepted at the Horse Inspection.

USEF Network will be streaming Friday and Saturday’s competition live at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013FestivalOfChampions/. Retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner will provide commentary during the broadcast.

Find out everything you need to know about the championships at http://www.usefconnect.com/festival/.

By Helen Murray and Eileen Schnettler

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, USEF

Peters, Herslow, and Wagner Take First Steps toward National Titles at 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions

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Lexington, Ky. – Three division of National Championship competition at the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp got underway Wednesday in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Rolex Stadium. In the Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix National Championship, Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 have seized a sizable lead following an impressive test in the afternoon session, while Kim Herslow and Rosmarin head the field in the Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship. In the first division of the day, the USEF Young Adult “Brentina Cup” Dressage National Championship presented by Dressage Today, Emily Wagner and Weltdorff hold a narrow lead in their quest for a National Title.

Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix National Championship

The competitors in the Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix National Championship were the final eight riders of the day to go down centerline in the Rolex Stadium. The first 45% of the championships scores were on the line as the elite U.S. competitors performed the FEI Grand Prix Test.

Peters (San Diego, Calif.) took his first step towards an unprecedented seventh National Title in the Grand Prix by scoring a 77% with Four Winds Farm’s 11-year-old Westphalian gelding. The reigning National Champions delivered a nearly flawless test that was once again highlighted by Legolas 92’s impressive piaffe and passage. In the past, the gelding has found difficulty with the flying changes but looked to be more confirmed in the movement on Wednesday afternoon.

“Legolas was great; I did a very short warm-up. The changes are always something I worry about but they felt good in the warm-up and just as good in the ring,” said Peters. “I felt it was a very clean test which is what you look for on the first day.”

The combination spent time this summer in Europe competing against the very best in the world, including anchoring the third place U.S. effort at the Aachen CDIO5*. They will spend their off day on Thursday preparing for Grand Prix Special where they will look to recreate some of the strong work produced overseas.

“You can’t practice the Special with him too much before the Grand Prix because he gets confused,” said Peters. “The plan again is a clean test.”

Wednesday’s second place finishers, Kathleen Raine (Murrieta, Calif.) and Breanna, also spent time in Europe culminating in a second place U.S. Team finish at the Hickstead CDIO3*. In the FEI Grand Prix Test, Jennifer Mason, Kathleen Raine, and David Wightman’s 13-year-old Hanoverian mare again showcased her top form to score 71.936%.

“I was really happy with Breanna, she was very consistent,” said Raine of the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program graduate. “She’s gotten much stronger since I was in Europe. I was very happy with her today.”

Finishing in third place was Raine’s Hickstead teammate, Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, Calif.) and Coral Reef Ranch’s Coral Reef Wylea. The pair scored 71.489% in spite of the 13-year-old Westphalian mare having her tongue over the bit for the first half of the test.

Grand Prix competition continues on Friday night, as riders will perform the FEI Grand Prix Special under the lights to earn another 40% of their overall total.

Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship

Twelve Small Tour combinations entered the Rolex Stadium on Wednesday before the lunch break to contest the FEI Prix St. Georges Test, which counted for the first 40% of the championship score.

Herslow (Stockton, N.J.) and Kiroli Enterprises Inc’s Hanoverian gelding have enjoyed an extremely successful 2013 campaign and maintained their form on Wednesday to score 75.789%. The talented pair prepared for the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp by sweeping all three Small Tour tests at the Dressage at Devon competition two weeks ago.

“I came here after leaving Devon with really nice rides and he really felt in his groove. I came here hoping to up that,” said Herslow of Rosmarin. “I’m thrilled it was my goal to ride a clean test and I’m hoping to improve on that tomorrow.”

The combination, which was part of the winning U.S. effort at the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm, has begun to work on the Grand Prix movements. However, Herslow will let the young horse guide her in making the decision of when to make their debut at the highest level.

“He’s still young but we are training the Grand Prix movements,” said Herslow. “I’m not going to move him up until he tells me he’s ready. I want to keep the positive harmony.”

Finishing in second place on Wednesday was last year’s Intermediaire I National Champion, Caroline Roffman and her own Her Highness O. Roffman (Wellington, Fla.) and the 10-year-old Hanoverian mare traveled to Europe over the summer to compete in Small Tour competition at some of the world’s most prestigious venues including CDIO Aachen. The pair demonstrated how much they had learned in their abroad as the scored 72.842% in the FEI Prix St. Georges Test.

The 2013 Championships are likely the last time the 2012 USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship presented by The Dutta Corp. and Performance Sales International winner will compete on the Small tour. And therefore Roffman is enjoying every moment of competition this weekend with the talented mare.

“I’m thrilled with the horse, I’m enjoying the ride; I want to have a good last I-1,” said Roffman. “She’s a good competition horse and I’m going to continue to develop her.”

Finishing in third place was Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Patricia Stempel’s nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Danilo. The pair scored 69.447% despite an error of course before the pirouette in the canter work.

Intermediaire I competition continues Thursday as riders will earn another 45% of their overall score when they perform the FEI Intermediaire I Test.

Following the completion of competition in the Rolex Stadium the Veterinary Inspection was held for the Junior and Young Riders. All 11 combinations in the AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship were accepted and 11 pairs will vie for the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship title.

USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship Presented by Dressage Today

Six competitors lined up in the Young Adult “Brentina Cup” competition on Wednesday morning to perform the USEF “Brentina Cup” Test. The USEF “Brentina Cup” was developed to assist and encourage U.S. Young Riders in making the transition to Senior Grand Prix competitor. All the competitors gain valuable experience this weekend, getting the chance to ride at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp and performing the movements required at the senior level.

Wagner, riding her own Weltdorff, claimed the top spot in the USEF “Brentina Cup” Test and the early lead in the championship. The 25-year-old from La Cygne, Kan., finished with a score 65.667% to hold a .026% lead.

“Weltdorff was good today, I was very happy with him,” said Wagner. “He got more relaxed as he went, so that was super. I think there was a lot of harmony there and I was really happy with that. It wasn’t as brilliant as maybe I could have pushed for, but at the same time, it just wasn’t the right feeling as we came around the ring; he was just a little too tense. But I was really happy for him, and everything went well.”

Wagner and the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding have been together for eight years and the pair is learning the ropes of the Grand Prix ranks together through the Young Adult “Brentina Cup” program. They received helpful advice from Robert Dover, Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor for the U.S. Dressage Team, while warming up yesterday.

“He told me the passage we have is very good, but it needs to be much, much quicker going into the piaffe so that we have the energy to make the hyper-active passage. It really worked in my second ride yesterday but I didn’t trust it in the ring enough. I’ve known his passage has to be quicker and it went well yesterday so I think I’m going to see if that works again. It’s always a learning process.”

Wednesday’s second-place finisher, Genay Vaughn of Elk Grove, Calif., rode Starr Vaughn Equestrian, Inc.’s 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion, Donarweiss GGF, to a score of 65.641% to finish just behind Wagner.

“I was really happy with him,” Vaughn said. “I just wanted to focus on having a relaxed, clean test. I think there’s always more in there that I can get out, but the first day I just wanted it to be clean. It was pretty clean and I’m very proud of him.”

Vaughn was thrilled with her results and grateful for the valuable experience of the USEF “Brentina Cup” program.

“I think it’s extremely important. It’s a big jump from Young Riders, but it’s definitely necessary because I know I’m not ready to compete against a Steffen Peters. You get to feel what it’s like; you’re still competing against great girls and guys with great horses. It’s like a stepping stone.”

Kristen Becker (Athens, Ga.) stands third with her own 15-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, Ramses, after scoring 65.538%.

The USEF Young Adult “Brentina Cup” Dressage National Championship competition continues Friday, with riders performing the FEI Young Adult U-25 Grand Prix Test, which will count for the remaining 50% of the overall average.

USEF Network will be streaming Friday and Saturday’s competition live at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013FestivalOfChampions/. Retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner will provide commentary during the broadcast.

Find out everything you need to know about the championships at http://www.usefconnect.com/festival/.

By Helen Murray and Eileen Schnettler

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Susan Dutta and Currency DC Victorious in FEI Grand Prix Special at WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3*

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Susan Dutta and Currency DC. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Herslow and Rosmarin Take Second Win in Small Tour

Wellington, FL – March 16, 2013 – The WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued today with classes for the Large Tour and Small Tour. Susan Dutta and Currency DC won the FEI Grand Prix Special, while Kim Herslow and Rosmarin won their second class in a row in the FEI Intermediaire-1. The CDI 3* and National competition wrap up with tomorrow’s classes. The next show for the AGDF is the Wellington CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms on April 4-7, 2013.

The judges for today’s FEI Grand Prix Special were: Carlos Lopes at E, Janet Foy at H, Sandy Phillips at C, Ulrike Nivelle at M, and Bo Ahman at B.

Dutta and Currency DC won the class with a score of 69.396%. Coming in second place was Susan Jaccoma (USA) on Wadamur with a score of 66.063%. Jill Irving (CAN) and Degas 12 were third after they received a score of 65.083%.

Dutta has ridden Currency DC, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Clintino x Classiker, since she bought him as a two and a half year old. The long journey has also been one of learning.

Dutta explained, “It’s getting much better. It’s not without effort; I’m always trying to ride better. I have fabulous trainers and we know we have a good horse. It’s just a matter of trying to ride it well. First we had to get him going well – this takes time – and then get us together in the ring, and me confident. I have to really believe. This horse has only been ridden by me. Now I’m starting to believe in myself. I think he really likes me now and likes the way I’m riding him. There’s more in there. This is a super horse. I just have not ridden him to his potential, but I’m getting there. That feels really good. To me, this is a huge step in the right direction.”

Dutta trains with Juergen and Christoph Koschel when she travels to Europe in the summer and when they can come to the U.S. She noted, “I knew I needed a grounds person in America. I’m working with Nicholas Fyffe. I owe him a big thank you.”

The pair started at the grand prix level three years ago, but there were a few bumps in the road with injuries since then. “This is the first season that he’s starting to look like a real grand prix horse,” Dutta said. “He doesn’t look green anymore. It takes time.”

Of her test today, Dutta described, “The beginning is so amazing with the passage, extended, passage, extended. I knew I got some points there. I knew I was going to need them. That’s my history is to get way ahead there. It’s a numbers game, so that if my walk wasn’t good or if I made a little canter mistake, I still was higher in the score. I knew in the beginning when he was so easy and on my aids that it was good. I knew he felt good. He was good out here (in the warm-up). I wasn’t nervous. I’m feeling more confident. I think that’s transferring to him.”

Speaking of her victory, she said, “For me, winning is great. More than anything though, just riding him well and getting the points was important to me. Confidence builds on confidence and I’m hoping I can layer myself with more confidence and ride really well.”

Kim Herslow and Rosamir. Photo © SusanJStickle.com
Kim Herslow and Rosamir. Photo © SusanJStickle.com

Two in a Row for Herslow and Rosmarin

At only eight years old, Rosmarin is proving that his talent is here to stay. The Hanoverian gelding by Rosentanz x Weltmeyer, ridden by Kim Herslow of Stockton, NJ, won the FEI Intermediaire-1 class with a score of 71.026%. Second place went to Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Dio Mio with a score of 70.974%, while Caroline Roffman (USA) and Her Highness O placed third on a score of 69.421%.

Herslow explained that from yesterday to today, her horse felt even better. “I felt like he was even more there for me today. Not that he wasn’t yesterday, but the through-ness was more solid today with him. He’s letting me really ride him in the ring and staying completely with me, which is a really nice feeling. I can push and he never worries about what I’m asking for. Even if it’s not the right thing. He still does it and then comes back and fixes it for me. This is his third I-1 ever, so I’m just thrilled that he’s coming out and that we can still make his canter so much better. We’re just starting and it’s really awesome,” she remarked.

Of her test, she said, “His trot tour is always pretty incredible. He’s so rideable in his trot and his fluidity is so nice to ride. His half passes are always a strong point. His walk felt really good to me today. We still have to get our canter stronger. He’s a really long horse so we have some strength to work on, and getting more jump in the canter, which will help the pirouettes and the changes. It’ll help the whole canter tour. There’s still a lot of room to improve, so it’s exciting to know that. He’s still just at the very beginning of his career here.”

Despite just starting to earn accolades, Herslow felt that Rosmarin had talent to start with. “He definitely had talent. It’s just been a very slow build-up from a young horse, in a sense that I didn’t do a lot of fancy work with him. I did a lot of basic gymnastic, body-building work with him. I take a lot of time to develop a relationship with him and get his trust. I think that’s what makes us so harmonious,” she explained. “It’s an investment in my time, but it’s so worth it because you see the difference in the ring. He comes out the same every day and he’s a super amazing horse. I’m lucky to own him and feel extremely grateful.”

Herslow is excited that they still have another class in which to compete tomorrow. It will be the pair’s second time ever in the I-1 Freestyle. “I need to get a little sharper in my preparations for certain things, so we still had a few little mistakes, but he was listening. He did exactly what I asked him for. I’m hoping to clean that up for the freestyle tomorrow, which is a really fun freestyle. I’m excited to ride that tomorrow,” she said.

Mary Jordan and Sebastian. Photo © Lindsay McCall
Mary Jordan and Sebastian. Photo © Lindsay McCall

The top United States Para-Equestrian today was Mary Jordan, who rode Sebastian to a score of 66.071% in the FEI Para-Equestrian Individual Champion Test Grade IV. The awards presentations for all of the grades’ team and individual winners will be held tomorrow.

Winning both yesterday’s and today’s FEI Junior classes was Paula Matute (ESP) on Escritor de Ymas II. They received a score of 64.595% in yesterday’s team class and a 64.026% in today’s Individual class.

The WEF Dressage Classic CDI 3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle along in the CDI competition. The Para-Equestrians will also perform their freestyles, while the Florida Youth Championships presented by Dressage4kids and sponsored by PanaCavallo have their final rounds in the main International Arena.

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

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events. The Adequan GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the Adequan GDF will feature six separate national shows to be held at the Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.  The Adequan GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The 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.

First Founding Sponsors: Matt Varney, Chris and Rob Desino, Wellington Equestrian Realty; Janet and William Richardson Pearson, Chesapeake Dressage Institute of Annapolis, MD; Devon and Terri Kane, Diamante Farm; Joe and Gaye Scarpa, Magnolia Farm; Tuny Page and Family, Stillpoint Farm; and Kimberly and Frederic Boyer, United States P.R.E. Association

Founding Sponsors: Ashley Holzer and Diane Fellows, Today’s Equestrian; Bethany Peslar, Everglades Dressage; Betsy Juliano, Havensafe Farm; Carol and Rebecca Cohen, Two Swans Farm LLC; Janne Rumbough, MTICA Farm; Mike & Roz Collins; Suhail and PJ Rizvi, Peacock Ridge; and Tim and Susie Dutta, The Dutta Corp.

Corporate Sponsors: Brown Distributing, Champion Equine Insurance, Charles Owen, Chronicle of the Horse, Custom Saddlery, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Equestrian Services International (ESI), Elite Equestrian Magazine, European Dressage Connection, Gold Coast Feed & Supply, Horse Of Course, Horseware Ireland, Interagro Lusitanos, Moet Hennessy USA, Nespresso USA, Paddock Cakes, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Pennfield, Piaffe Performance, Premier Equestrian, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Rolex, Sanctuary at PBIEC, Show Chic, Sidelines Magazine, World Equestrian Brands

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