Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett won yet another “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the CDI 5* competition presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett scored a 79.175% for victory. Steffen Peters (USA) and Legolas 92 placed second with a 76.200% and Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady came in third scoring a 75.725%, all riding in front of a completely packed crowd, the biggest audience in history at an AGDF event.

CLICK HERE to watch the winning freestyle ride for Lars and Mariett!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Nearly a personal best for the duo, Petersen and Mariett produced a test that was flawless and fluid, a routine result for the pair’s performances so far in 2015. “Tonight was a very good feeling. I think Mariett actually liked that the atmosphere was so big and she knows when people are watching. I thought this was one of my best freestyles on her ever,” commented Petersen.

Legolas 92 was excited in the electric atmosphere and Peters commented on what it was like to try and keep the gelding relaxed, soft, and together. “Tonight his energy was a little bit more controlled than yesterday, which was the goal, and that is a good thing. This is good experience for him. If we qualify for the World Cup, that arena will be (even) bigger and more difficult than this one.”

The pair has a breadth of international experience, competing for the United States at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France, but the atmosphere was a factor for “Legolas” this weekend. “One thing with him being 13 is that there is certainly no lack of energy, and I doubt by the time he’s 18 that will change,” laughed Peters.

Gundersen, who has been hot on the heels of her Danish teammate Petersen this entire season, was pleased with her continued improvement on My Lady so far. “I love going down the centerline. It is my favorite part of the test. She gets so big and once she hears that music start to play, it just gets her going. The further we get down the centerline, the passage just continues to get bigger and bigger, and she’s always so on it when the music starts,” said Gundersen when describing how it feels to enter the ring on a Friday night.

Judge at C, Lilo Fore, was truly excited about the entire class of Grand Prix Freestyles tonight and was eager to express to the riders how impressed the judges were with the quality of performances displayed. “I think the horses in this class were absolutely top quality and also I think some of the music which these horses now have is very exciting,” she commented. “When you’re sitting in the judge’s stand and you’re tapping your foot and going with the music, you can only imagine what the audience is doing. I think that is a really good sign and the horses we saw tonight were absolutely exceptional. When you think about the entire class, nearly everyone was above a 70% and that is a wonderful step in the right direction for the sport here.”

Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann both joined the press conference as representatives of the Week 5 CDI 5* sponsors, Diamante Farms. “You couldn’t have asked for a better crowd, a better competitor list, a better venue. It really doesn’t get much better than this,” said Kane, who also competed in the class scoring a 70.700% aboard Destiny. “A few years ago this didn’t even exist; it was just a dream. To actually have it here and have the sponsorship money driving people to want to be here and the incredible quality of competition, it is an unbelievable dream come true. Kohmann mirrored Kane’s response, adding that nights like these will continue to draw more international presence at the show in the future and will only strengthen the sport here in the U.S.

Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, was thrilled with the turnout and the atmosphere of the Week 5 “Friday Night Stars” event. “You always dream and you always think that these things can be wonderful, but this event has really exceeded expectations. I thought two weeks ago was amazing and then you wonder how it could get any better, and it did,” he expressed.

As with the new tradition of each “Friday Night Stars” event at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, several awards were given throughout the night to top performing pairs and to the owners of these winners. The Best Horse Owner Award for the AGDF Week 3 National competition, presented by Jill Irving, was awarded to Sarah Schmidt. The Best Horse Owner Award in the Prix St. Georges class was awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Bechtolsheimer, owners of class winner, Unique, ridden by their daughter, Laura Tomlinson for Great Britain. The Best Horse Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty was awarded to Marcia Pepper for the third consecutive freestyle competition in a row. The Adequan® High Score Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle was also given to Petersen for his incredible 79.175% aboard Mariett.

Earlier in the day, Christoph Koschel (GER) and Rostropowitsch NRW finished first on a 75.100% in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The duo put together a lovely test during the horse’s first competition ever in the United States.

The horse arrived in Florida in mid-January and suffered an untimely spider-bite upon his arrival, which led to Koschel giving him a few more weeks off than previously planned. “When I came into the stable, it looked awful to be honest. It has healed great and we’ve been taking very good care of it, so he is good to go now,” Koschel explained.

As for their test, “Rusty” put together a lovely freestyle considering the pair hadn’t had much time to practice the routine. “He may have lacked a little bit of conditioning this week from being out for the spider bite, but I’m happy with the test,” said Koschel. “We had a few mistakes in the canter tour, a small mistake in our one-tempis, but he was very nice and in front of the leg the entire time. I really liked the ride.”

The delay to the start of their AGDF season will not affect the rest of their plans at circuit, and Koschel will bring “Rusty” back in two weeks for the FEI CDI 4*/3* at AGDF 7. The horse is a staple in Koschel’s string of competitive mounts, which he attests to the horse’s incredible personality. “He’s a very sweet horse, a bit like a big dog to be honest, which you wouldn’t normally expect from a Grand Prix horse. The kids play with him in the stall when he lies down. He is just so well-behaved,” he related.

Crowd favorite, the young Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), placed second in the class aboard his longtime mount Don Diego Ymas. The pair earned a 72.375% in their second CDI Grand Prix Freestyle of the 2015 season. “I really enjoyed it. It is always so much fun. This is our second freestyle, and I think we’ve done great. I have another routine in the works, but we’re going to stick with this one at the moment and improve on it,” he said.

At only 17 years old, Matute is gaining valuable experience this season competing at the Grand Prix level. The switch from Prix St. Georges to Grand Prix is a large jump for many riders, and Matute feels that he is beginning to feel confident at the new level. He explained, “It’s a bit intimidating sitting up here next to some of the best, like Mr. Koschel, but like I said, it’s a challenge and I enjoy it. It is always so fun. I have five CDI horses here, and we have a great season to look forward to.”

As for the partnership he has with Don Diego Ymas, Matute says the gelding has taught him everything he knows and they have an established relationship that gives him confidence in the ring. “I did my first CDI as a junior on him in 2012, and we’ve grown up together and gotten to where we have,” Matute said. “I feel like we’ve built this relationship that now when I go into the ring, I feel such a strong connection with him and I trust in him, and he trusts in me. We have a special magic that just helps to make everything flow.”

Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique were two for two this weekend in their first week at AGDF, taking home the win in the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, scoring a 74.632%. The pair, who has had a strong start to their 2015 season here in Florida, will only look to improve this year as Tomlinson begins to prep the mare for Olympic qualifications for Rio de Janeiro in 2016. “My goal is ultimately Rio and the other competitions between now and then are stepping stones to that point,” she explained. “When I have her at a point where I feel like she’s comfortable with the Grand Prix tests, I will say yes to being on a team, and if not and she needs more fine-tuning, then that’s fine too. Rio is the name of the game, and everything has to be done with that in mind.”

Diane Creech (CAN) and Robbie W continued their success today in the Small Tour classes as the pair placed third in the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* sponsored by Mission Control yesterday and capped off today with another top three finish, coming in second with a 73.368%. Creech had nothing but wonderful things to say about “Robbie” and his owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale. “This was a personal best for us today. Robbie is just such a great guy, and he’s so talented and has the biggest heart,” she expressed. “Doug and Louise bought him almost five years ago, and I’m so grateful for them to give me a chance to ride a horse like this. They’re the best people ever, and they really love the horses. It is incredible to have their support. It’s really like a big family.”

The fifth week of the AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special for the CDI 3* and CDI 5* divisions.

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.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

Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett were victorious again this season at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the first class of the highly anticipated FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett topped the large Grand Prix class with a score of 74.160%, followed by Danish teammate Mikala Gundersen (DEN) aboard My Lady finishing with a 72.960% and Kathleen Raine (USA) and Breanna coming in third on a 72.420%. AGDF 5 competition will continue tomorrow, February 6, with the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* presented by Mission Control and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty during the day, and the highlight class of the week, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms, beginning at 7pm with a special salute to Olympians from Diamante Farms prior to the class.

Petersen and Mariett are no strangers to the winner’s circle this season, as this is the duo’s fourth win in Large Tour classes at AGDF in 2015. In true form, the pair performed another nearly flawless test to bring home some of the highest marks they have received in a Grand Prix yet this season. “We’ve got it all wrong – she’s getting younger and younger and I’m just getting older and older, that’s how I think it really is,” joked Petersen when asked about the mare’s 17 years of age. “The thing now, at this stage, is what you do at home before you go to the show. I don’t practice that much. I just focus on keeping her loose, fit, and in good condition.”

Gundersen, who has also had a very successful beginning to the 2015 season on My Lady, had another great test under the lights with the mare as their scores continue to improve. “She loves this atmosphere, and I know she will be even better tomorrow,” she said. “I’m really happy with where I am. Looking at the starting list for this class, there are some very big names and I would have been happy to end up in the top five. Finishing where I did is really just a dream.”

Just back from a five-month trip in Europe, Kathleen Raine and Breanna had a strong showing for the first competition back on U.S. soil since June 2014. “I was thrilled with my ride tonight. We had a few little mistakes, but she was super consistent and she handled the atmosphere great,” she stated. “I’m really happy with how she’s doing. I think the experience in Europe really helped her. She’s much more mature.”

Tonight was Raine’s first experience competing at AGDF and she was impressed with not only the facility, but also the quality of footing, as both Petersen and Gundersen agreed. “I’m not only so impressed by this facility, but the way the footing held up today throughout all of the rain we got early in the day was truly amazing. I was just so impressed with how well it was taken care of today with the weather,” Raine said.

Steffen Peters (USA) aboard Rosamunde, the eight-year-old Rhinelander mare, won the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, in truly incredible form scoring a 71.300%. Arlene Page (USA) and Woodstock placed second with a 70.420%, followed by Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastels Nintendo in third receiving a 70.360%.

Peters was quick to give the young mare praise, as she is still very green at the Grand Prix level. “She amazed me the first day I sat on her. She’s just so focused. We had a few little rookie mistakes today, but there are a lot of wonderful things and the best thing is that she does it with so much lightness. There’s a lot of expression, and she feels so beautiful in the contact,” he said. The mare, who has only done one Grand Prix prior to competing today, has a bright future ahead of her with Peters in the irons.

Rosamunde, who contested Small Tour classes in Europe last year, stepped up to the plate when Peters began asking for Grand Prix movements. “We started playing with the movements at summer training camp, and I wouldn’t compete her in the Grand Prix if I felt like I was pushing the movements. But once we started to try, it worked out great,” he commented. “The test two weeks ago was better, but it is still not a test in any way, shape, or form, I could be negative about. It’s really just a great to have an eight-year-old Grand Prix horse.”

As to a comparison between his two most established partners and Rosamunde, the now retired Ravel and his other Grand Prix mount here at AGDF, Legolas 92, Peters said there are similarities between the three but she seems to be more like Ravel at this point in her training. “They are all very different horses and the main similarity is that they all have a wonderful attitude and it is an honor to work with them each and every day. I do feel like her canter and canter pirouettes and also her trot half passes feel quite like Ravel’s, so you know he taught me so well, and I think Rosie will benefit from that,” he related.

Arlene Page, coming off a strong start to her 2015 season at AGDF, was pleased with her test aboard Woodstock, as it exuded confidence and was much more relaxed than her last outing with the gelding two weeks ago. “It’s nice to just do a solid and clean test. There was a lot of nice, steady canter work and a lot of confidence,” she said when describing her ride. “I am really lucky that I was able to experience this environment because he was a lot more content around the things that grabbed his attention two weeks ago. He was much more secure in his own body today, and I like that feeling a lot.”

The partnership between Page and Woodstock is relatively new, as this is her second year with the gelding and their connection and trust has grown incredibly since she took over the ride. “At this stage in the game it’s about building him up carefully. I really believe he can be a top, top horse, but I don’t want to leave a hole anywhere in his training. He needs to continue developing and also building the trust in himself and in me,” she explained. Woodstock has consistently improved upon his scores throughout this half of the AGDF season and Page hopes to continue that improvement throughout the rest of the year.

Page, who is based in Wellington for majority of the year, feels so fortunate to live close to the AGDF grounds, as it gives her horses the experience they need to progress through the levels. “I just want to continue to give him these great opportunities with great venues. I have to say this venue is as fantastic as anywhere you could find in the world and for me to say that it’s in my backyard is really just terrific,” she expressed.

Charlotte Jorst brought an incredible energy to the press conference, and her excitement was palpable as her third place finish was a personal best in a Grand Prix class for her and partner Kastel’s Nintendo. “Just sitting next to these people right now. Last year, I read about them and this year I’m sitting here so it’s pretty exciting,” she smiled. “I didn’t have any expectations. I was just out there to try and learn as much as I could and my goal today was to just get a clean test and see if I could get that done.”

The duo will look to improve upon their scores in the next few weeks of the AGDF circuit and then Jorst will head back home to Reno, NV, to continue training and see what the pair can accomplish before next fall. “I would love to go ride in Europe. I’ve never trained there before or done any of the big shows. I would love to get on a team. I would go and do it if I ever got the chance,” she said.

Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique topped the large FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, scoring a 73.321% to take victory. This is the pair’s first competition back since 2013. Tomlinson took a leave of absence from competition as she was expecting her first child with husband, polo player Mark Tomlinson. After giving birth, Tomlinson hopped back in the saddle and started to prepare for the 2015 season, which started with her win today. “It’s great to get back in the ring. It was my mare’s first time out since 2013. We just needed to get back in the ring together, and I am very happy with the way she went,” she said.

As for their time in Florida, Tomlinson hopes to create enough confidence with Unique that it will allow the duo to make a smooth transition to Grand Prix in the coming weeks. “In an ideal world she’ll be on a championship team for Britain by the end of the year for European Championships but to be honest, I won’t know until we do a few Grands Prix and see where we are,” Tomlinson commented. “I know I’m going to have to ride very low-key and more for confidence. We can’t fuss too much over the details at this point, and that will give me the ability to get a real idea of where we are and see how far I can push the buttons to really make it good. She’s a proper diva. You have to make her feel comfortable or she won’t agree.”

Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing’s Lonoir followed in second scoring a 71.947%, the only U.S. pair placing in the top three. LaGoy-Weltz is looking forward to building upon the strong start with “Lono” and hopes to be in consideration for the team representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games being held in Toronto, Canada this July. “I know there is some stiff competition which is really a great thing for the program and the country that we have several very nice combinations vying for those spots,” she explained. As for her test on the big gelding, she was pleased with his performance. “The half-passes were very expressive and nice. He listened very well for the pirouettes. He really just took the leg and didn’t jump out from underneath the aids,” she continued. “He is a very big and powerful horse and trying to get all of that power where you want it can be difficult, but he was great.”

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.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

Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2015 – For the second time early in the 2015 season, Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett, a 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, rose to the top of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class presented this week by US P.R.E. Association. The duo scored a 75.325% to take the class, with Shelly Francis (USA) placing second on a 74.500% aboard Doktor, and fellow Danish rider Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady coming in third with a 73.850%. More than 1,400 people filled the stands, a record high this early in the season.

Petersen and Mariett are coming fresh off of a win in the FEI Grand Prix class on Thursday, giving them two major wins at Week 3 of AGDF competition. “I was very happy with her. She is feeling great and scored very well today,” stated Petersen. “I thought her changes were very good and her piaffes as well. For me, it is not so much about the movements, but the rideability and the basics. She is really starting to get better there.”

Watch the winning ride for Lars and Mariett!

My Lady also performed a lovely test, and Gundersen only hopes to see her scores improve as they aim for FEI World Cup qualifications. “She was very tense in the warm-up and was scared of everything. She was not very focused, but as soon as her music comes on she knows exactly what to do,” smiled Gundersen. “She has the music memorized, and I think it is very cool that she is so in tune with what is going on.”

Kim Boyer, President of the US P.R.E. Association, the Large Tour sponsor for Week 3 at AGDF, was delighted with the incredible turnout at the “Friday Night Stars” event. “Originally when we decided to sponsor we thought this would be a great way to really focus on a target audience and expose them to talents of the horses we breed,” explained Boyer. “But never have we dreamed that this event would bring along the rest of the world so quickly and give us such an opportunity to spotlight their talents. We had an incredible week and have appreciated the opportunity to hold our events here. It has been truly special.”

The atmosphere was electric, as nearly every seat was filled throughout the duration of the evening. Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, shared his excitement over the continued growth of the event, of which Adequan® is the title sponsor. “Here we are in the second large event of the season and it is amazing to see the response of the community and how dressage has really taken on a whole new meaning in this environment,” he commented. “We’re very proud to be a part of this event, and I would like to thank Mark Bellissimo for this wonderful venue and allowing our brand to be a part of it.”

Judge Hans-Christian Mattiesen also expressed his gratitude and excitement for being able to be a part of the growing AGDF circuit. “I would like to congratulate everyone behind this show; it is really great. We can certainly learn a lot from this show back in Europe, the way you create this wonderful atmosphere. It is great being able to judge such a high performing class,” he commented and continued to explain how a competition like AGDF will continue to positively impact the growth of the sport in the United States.

Earlier in the day, the FEI Prix St. Georges class sponsored by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute concluded, as it continued over two days due to the large number of entries. Sabine Schut-Kery (USA) topped the large class of 48 aboard 2006 Hanoverian stallion Sanceo, scoring a 71.184%. She was followed by Kasey Perry (USA) riding Goerklintgaards Dublet receiving a 70.947% and Tina Konyot (USA) taking third aboard Wyoming with a 70.921%.

Schut-Kery was thrilled that the pair finished atop the largest class this season at AGDF. “It feels amazing to come out on top in a competition like this. It makes it very exciting, but also helps to keep me focused and in my zone,” she said. “I am always trying to find the words to fit how proud I am of him. I love the consistency he gives me and that is what I always strive for in the partnerships with my horses.”

The environment, which gives riders many opportunities to expose their horses to new things, is an aspect of the competition that Schut-Kery finds very helpful with Sanceo. “The environment here is so grand and with so many quality riders it is truly a great experience,” she continued. “I just want to make sure that I am not doing too much and finding that perfect balance.”

AGDF 3 continues on Saturday with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by US P.R.E. Association. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.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

Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett, a 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, topped the FEI Grand Prix CDI W class sponsored by the U.S. P.R.E. Association on the first day of competition during Week 3 of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The duo scored a 73.220% to take the win, followed closely by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP) aboard the beautiful P.R.E. stallion Grandioso, scoring a 72.360%, and Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor coming in third on a 72.200%. Tomorrow’s competition will highlight the final group of the FEI Prix St. Georges class, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, as well as the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, beginning at 6:45pm.

Petersen and Mariett have formed an incredible partnership through the years and their efforts are paying off greatly in the beginning of the 2015 season, as this is the pair’s second win at AGDF. “She was very good today. There were a few bobbles, but I was still very pleased with the test overall,” said Petersen. “She was great last week during the ‘Friday Night Stars’ Freestyle, and I just want to keep her as fit and supple as possible and not do more with her than I need to.”

Click here to watch the video of Lars’ and Mariett’s winning ride!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Age has never been a concern with Mariett according to Petersen, as the mare will turn 18 next year. “She feels amazing, and I am confident that she will come back next year the same way. I don’t know what it is about her, but she continues to feel better with each ride,” he expressed.

The duo preformed a lovely test late in afternoon, as they were in the latter half of the class, which boasted 33 competitors. A crowd favorite, Petersen plans to take Mariett out a few more times this season at AGDF, aiming her towards the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas this April. “We will be doing a total of five shows throughout the season. I know what to do in between the shows. I don’t need to push her any harder just because she is competing. It actually works very well for her,” commented Petersen. “I will be doing the CDI 5* in a few weeks and a couple more after that. My ultimate goal is to aim her for the World Cup Finals.”

“Her rideability has been amazing recently. It is not so much the movements; she’s just gotten so through and supple. She has been moving so nicely, and it has not always been that way,” stated Petersen. “I am just so proud of her, a 17-year-old horse that is moving like this and is still so fresh and happy. I couldn’t ask anything more from her.”

Keeping the mare happy and healthy is the focus for Petersen as the season continues. “There is something my Dad told me that I’ve always thought about in my career and I really like: ‘The art is not only getting them to Grand Prix, but the art is also keeping them there,’ and for me as a horseman that is important,” he recalled. “It’s a great philosophy.”

The FEI Grand Prix class, filled with veteran pairs, had riders from seven different countries place in the top eight, a testament to the growing international presence at AGDF, as well as to the strength of competition. AGDF competition continues tomorrow with the final rides for the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, and the highlight class of the week, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by US P.R.E. Association, starting at 6:45 pm.

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.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. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL — January 9, 2015 — Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett took home the win in the first “Friday Night Stars” event of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) season. In the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by MTICA Farm, they scored an impressive 78.325% to secure the victory. Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady followed in second receiving a 74.075% with Caroline Darcourt (SWE) riding Paridon Magi to finish third with a 72.700%.

Petersen and Mariett, veterans to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, displayed their impressive form, a clear indication of the duo’s long-standing partnership. “I think I said this last year, but it seems like she’s actually getting younger,” he said smiling. “She’s 17 and, knock-on-wood, still so fresh. I don’t work the tests with her very much; it’s more about keeping her fit. She still has a few more great years left in her.”

The pair was followed closely by fellow Danish rider Munter Gundersen and My Lady, who have also enjoyed a successful start to the 2015 season. “My Lady feels stronger and better than ever, for sure. I’ve spent the last four months since WEG working on strength and conditioning,” commented Munter Gundersen. “She’s a hot horse and needs to go out a lot. I have a good feeling that we will continue to improve throughout the season. I’m extremely happy with what we have accomplished this week already.”

Caroline Darcourt also had a great ride aboard Paridon Maji in their first test under the lights. Darcourt, who has worked closely with Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven for nearly 12 years, was very pleased with the performance. “It was fantastic to ride in this ring under the lights. We’ve never done that before, and I’m happy he took it the way he did. It has been a great experience so far, especially to train. The facility is world-class,” she said.

The stands were full for the first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class of the season, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Sponsor Janne Rumbough, owner of MTICA Farm and My Lady and also a competitor aboard her own Junior in tonight’s class, was thrilled with the turnout and the results. “It was wonderful to be here and be the book-end. I was the first, and Mikala was the last. I had an incredible time. I’ve been (in Wellington) a long time, and it continues to grow and grow. It’s just a lot of fun,” she stated.

All of the competitors shared their gratitude with title sponsor Adequan® and Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, as the company’s continued sponsorship has helped to grow AGDF. “I’m very proud that we are able to support this wonderful discipline. I’m really falling in love with the dressage world,” commented Mann. “As a person, I am honored to be in their presence and our company is honored to do what we can to support their careers and this competition.”

Several awards were given throughout the night, highlighting the dedicated owners that continue make the sport possible. The “Best Horse Owner Award for Prix St. George”, presented by Jill Irving, was awarded to Michael Klimke (GER) for his outstanding first two days of performance aboard his own Freeliner 2. The duo took home the win in yesterday’s FEI Prix St. George class and also finished first in the FEI Intermediaire 1 class held earlier this morning. Irving will also present awards to owners with horses competing in the National divisions throughout the duration of AGDF.

Wellington Equestrian Realty’s Craig Martin and Courtney Varney also presented the “Best Horse Owner for FEI Grand Prix Freestyle” to Marcia Pepper, owner of Petersen’s mount, Mariett. Pepper’s dedication to ensuring the successful career of Mariett has been defined through the mare’s incredible success at the Grand Prix level for so many years.

Allyn Mann presented Lars Petersen and Mariett with the Adequan® Artistic High Score Award for their tremendous performance in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. “I was motivated to change my music as I had been using it for nearly three years. I felt like there was a need for something new. It is actually quite a lot of work to put something like that together, and I’m so lucky and thankful for my team,” said Petersen.

In the first week of FEI CDI classes held at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, 13 countries have been represented with 42 riders and 54 horses, truly impressive numbers for the beginning of the season with those numbers only expected to increase as the competition schedule continues forward.

Watch the winning ride for Lars Petersen and Mariett! Video provided by Campfield Videos.

Earlier in the day, Michael Klimke (GER) captured another win aboard Freeliner 2 in the FEI Intermediaire I class, presented by MTICA Farm, with a 72.053% followed by Megan Lane (CAN) aboard San D’Or receiving a 70.842% and Diane Creech (CAN) riding Robbie W to third with a 70.026%.

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.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