Wellington, FL – January 15, 2022 – The seven-time Swedish Olympic rider Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén took home the winner’s blanket and sash in the Grand Prix Special CDI4*, presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Riding Lövsta Stuteri’s 13-year-old Devanto, Vilhelmson-Silfvén logged a new record score for the Holsteiner gelding at the level – 73.425% – despite a blip in the first set of one-time changes. Overall, they were rewarded with a smattering of eights in the test and a nine for extended canter. Runner-up spot went to Susan Dutta (USA) on her own and her husband Tim’s 13-year-old gelding Figeac DC with 68.596%.
Devanto was formerly campaigned at Grand Prix by Germany’s Juliane Brunkhorst. Vilhelmson-Silfvén did her first CDI on him at AGDF exactly a year ago, and this was their eighth CDI test.
“It’s a gift to get a ready-made horse,” said the 54-year-old Vilhelmson-Silfvén. “But that’s not to say it’s easier, because you really have to make them your own. You have to learn how they work, and they have to learn how you work. You have to give them time to understand you. I get to understand how a horse like Devanto – with all this power – how he reacts, if he reacts, if he’s too tense, or if he’s over ambitious. He’s very sensitive, and I like that.”
Unanimous Victory for Britain’s Susan Pape at Small Tour
It was the final competitor in the Intermediate I CDI1*, Susan Pape, who swept the class with a unanimous first place from the five judges. The British rider, 58, rode Harmony Sporthorses’s 11-year-old Jazz x Flemmingh mare to 72.265% at only the pair’s second international show together. They had more than 2.6 percentage points in hand over second-placed Shannon Dueck (CAN) on As You Wish.
Christina Vinios rode Deauville in the pair’s first international show to a winning 66.265% in the FEI Intermediate A CDI2*. Five Rings Farm’s 18-year-old Oldenburg gelding is by the De Niro son Del Gado and out of a Gervantus I mare.
Wellington, FL – February 22, 2019 – The top three in the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Helgstrand Dressage at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), all earned scores above eighty percent, holding up the record set by riders in Week 5.
Leading a day full of FEI dressage competition on Friday, February 22, were Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet, who performed a strong test to win the freestyle.
Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet, a 16-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Diamond Hit owned by Diane Perry, earned a score of 83.425% for the win. Their freestyle music from “Lord of the Rings” was composed by Tom Hunt, and the choreography was arranged by fellow FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 teammate, Adrienne Lyle.
“I can kind of tell already in the stables how he is going to be. I can feel his vibes. He was just as fussy and neurotic [today] as he was in Aachen,” said Perry-Glass of her partner. Together they placed second in the Freestyle CDIO5* at the 2018 World Equestrian Festival in Aachen. “I kind of already felt that vibe from him, that he was going to perform really well tonight. From beginning in the warm-up, he felt amazing, right with me, and he tends to do that towards the end of shows.
“I was really proud of him,” continued Perry-Glass. “I had him a little more put together than I did in the Grand Prix and I just tried to show off his highlights. His piaffe and passage felt really good tonight; his changes felt really good.”
Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Davidoff owned by Lovsta Stuteri, came in second place with a score of 80.950% with their “Good Vibrations” music and choreography by Cees Slings.
“My goal this winter has been to go to Gothenburg for the [FEI Dressage World Cup™] Final,” said Vilhelmson Silfven. “He felt really, really good tonight; he’s felt good all week. He’s been eager already in the stable, like, ‘I want to go! Hurry up!’ He’s really been on his toes. Coming out tonight with this atmosphere, already in the warm-up, he was like, ‘I’m ready! Can we go?’
“He [Don Auriello] knows exactly when it is, and he just loves it. It’s really fun to ride him in the test,” continued Vilhelmson Silfven. “This freestyle is so difficult. It comes so fast. You really have to be exactly on the spot that you should be with the music. When that comes together, it’s such a great feeling to ride because it’s like telling a story. You go through all this music, you know exactly what to do, and he does too. You have to hang on and try and enjoy it on the way.”
Third place went to Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo, a 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding by DeNiro owned by Patricia Stempel, who earned a score of 80.050%. The crowd especially loves Francis’s freestyle, and she had a strong round of applause following her test, which has a capella music and was created by Marlene Whitaker.
“I think it’s just very entertaining with the music for the audience, and I make the movements just click one right after the other,” said Francis of her freestyle test. “I knew that I was off of my music just a little bit here and there, but overall he felt quite good. I was trying to keep him just a little softer looking, not quite so active and sharp. I think we did smooth things a little bit, but then I was having to be careful to keep up with my music. The horse likes it, so I think he steps up to the plate. It’s fun and I enjoy it.”
Clive Halsall, the Judge at C, commented that, “I think we saw three very professional, skillful riders who were very good under pressure. They’re chasing the qualification for the World Cup and in a very atmospheric arena. They all proved themselves in this environment. They ride difficult tests and they make it look easy, and that is a great skill. It was wonderful to judge.”
Thomas Baur, Director of Sport of AGDF, concluded, “I think we will have another great night next Friday [at AGDF 8]. We have 14 entries, so it will really be a full night. A brief outlook to the CDIO in Week 10, we are expecting six countries to participate in the Nations Cup, which is quite a high number. I’m looking forward to that.”
Wellington, FL – January 12, 2018 – The second day of action at the 2018 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) culminated in another show-stopping performance by Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén (SWE) on Lövsta Stuteri’s Paridon Magi at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida.
The Swedish warmblood Paridon Magi had never scored over 79% before, so his winning 81.15% represented a huge new record for the 15-year-old gelding by Don Primero.
“It’s really nice to be back here again,” said Vilhelmson Silfvén, who rode to a Queen medley by Cees Slings. “I like to start the season like this – and then keep going like this; that would be nice.
“I’m extremely happy,” added the seven-time Olympian, who is enjoying her eighth consecutive winter season in Wellington. “This is the perfect place to compete, with all the different details for the horses worked out.”
Paridon Magi’s groom, Johanna Jendland, was presented with a $500 check by sponsors Adequan®, who have signed on for another three years as title sponsor.
Allyn Mann of Adequan® said: “It’s really become a family here: owners, organizers, riders, press, everyone. We look forward to another exciting season, especially as the riders look forward to the bigger picture in Tryon this year.”
Shelly Francis (USA) filled the runner-up spot on Patricia Stempel’s 14yo Hanoverian gelding Danilo, posting 77.725%. It was the first time the pair had performed under lights.
“He was a bit edgy as it was at night and he got hot, so there were little mistakes, but it was really fun and I could actually smile while riding. He keeps getting better; he’s nice and fit, a little more tuned up,” added Francis, who rode to a compilation of music put together by Marlene Whitaker.
The 20-year-old Spaniard Juan Matute Guimon filled third after a rousing performance on his father’s 12-year-old Quantico Ymas, whom he has been riding since the horse was seven. His expressive test included one-handed pirouettes that earned whistles from the appreciative crowd, and 75.275% from the judges.
“I felt like a gladiator out there! It was a challenging ride, but I earned all my points,” said Matute, who rode to music made by his mother and a floorplan designed by his father.
Earlier in the day Matute bolstered his prize-money further, topping both the FEI under-25 Grand Prix presented by Diamante Farms, as well as the FEI Young Rider Team test, sponsored by his family’s stud farm, Yeguada de Ymas.
His smooth 71.643% U25 grand prix win came aboard the 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding Don Diego Ymas, taking the horse’s tally to two wins in two days. His young rider horse Copernico Ymas – an eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding by San Amour x Don Gregory – scored 71.235% to win the small class convincingly.
Another rider recording back-to-back victories was America’s Jennifer Baumert. She topped the FEI Intermediate I CDI1* with 71.471% – improving on her winning Prix St. Georges score – with Elizabeth Juliano’s Handsome, a 13-year-old Hochadel x Weltmeyer Hanoverian gelding.
Canadian rider Diane Creech steered her own and Louise Leatherdale’s Robbie W to FEI Intermediate I CDI3* honors. The 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Rubin Royal x Inschallah posted 69.706%. The class, presented by Triple Crown Nutrition, was a nail-biter, with Creech finishing just 0.03% ahead of second-placed Melissa Taylor (USA) and Ansgar.
Four riders contested the amateur FEI Prix St. Georges class, sponsored by Rowan O’Riley. It was topped by Janne Rumbough on Armas Zumbel, a Spanish-bred PRE by Escarzo x Relampago II. The 15-year-old grey gelding scored 68.441% for the win. Rumbough will celebrate her 74th birthday next month.
Wellington, FL – January 11, 2018 – The 2018 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) opened the winter season at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida with Swedish competitor Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and the 15-year-old Paridon Magi posting a new personal best of 75.87% in the FEI Grand Prix CDIW, presented by Adequan® AGDF, which hosts seven weeks of CDI competition through March 31.
“It was the best ride I’ve had on him and I was happy that he was open minded and really working with me,” said Vilhelmson Silfvén of her 2017 European Championships partner.
She first came to Wellington for the AGDF in 2011 and was so impressed that she has come back every year since.
“It’s such a super preparation for my horses and the best way to keep them in the winter,” added Vilhelmson Silfvén, who was second in this class last year. “I gain so much to have them train over here. To have the opportunity to compete again and again, as much as you like, is fantastic.”
It was seven months ago when Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor last set foot in a competition arena, but the pair was on form to win the MTICA Farm-presented FEI Grand Prix CDI3* with 72.543%, earning over 71% from all five judges. The duo, who is ranked 54th in the world, was last to go, and took over the lead from the penultimate competitor, Susan Pape (GBR) on Harmony’s Don Noblesse.
“Doktor was a bit tight to begin with, chewing and clanking his teeth, so I had trouble finding the rhythm in the early trot work, but I was pleased with him,” said the 59-year-old of her 15-year-old Oldenburg by Diamond Hit. “He’s been a bit of a project; I didn’t do the award ceremony with him because I usually put ear plugs in, but as I was last to go I didn’t have time. Some people might think I’m a chicken but I’d like to live a bit longer; he runs flat out in there.”
The pair has been together since Francis found the horse at Michael Klimke’s barn in Germany. They now progress to the grand prix special on Saturday, where Francis plans to “press for a little more”.
The FEI Prix St Georges CDI3*, presented by Triple Crown Nutrition – the day’s opening class – was clinched by Heather Blitz (USA) on her own nine-year-old Danish warmblood Praestemarkens Quatero (by Quaterback x Rohdiamant). At only his second FEI show, the chestnut gelding logged 71.961%, and was the unanimous winner across the three judges.
Spain’s young talent Juan Matute Guimon stormed the under-25 CDI FEI Intermediate II class with 72.599%, winning by over 6% from first draw. Sponsor Diamante Farms presented the prize to Matute and the long-legged Don Diego Ymas, a 15-year-old black Hanoverian gelding by Don Frederico x Wolkenstein II.
Jennifer Baumert (USA) on Elizabeth Juliano’s Handsome was the only rider to crack the 70% barrier in the day’s second Prix St Georges class – the ProElite-sponsored CDI1* – finishing on 70.637%. The 13-year-old Hanoverian son of Hochadel (out of a mare by Weltmeyer) beat Lemony’s Nicket – ridden by Michael Klimke – who sold to the US for the then record price of €900,000 in Verden, Germany in 2011 – in to second place.
Wellington, FL – March 5, 2017 – Competition concluded for week eight of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) on Sunday, March 5, with a win for Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Esperance in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and Esperance, a 2009 KWPN gelding (Sorento x Volita x Rousseau) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, finished their week on a high note with a victory today in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. The pair also took the top spot in Saturday’s FEI Intermediaire I and were awarded second place in Friday’s FEI Prix St. Georges.
“Looking at the whole week, I’m so pleased with my horse,” said Vilhelmson-Silfven. “He went over the expectations, as I haven’t shown him before. I’ve only had him for eight or nine months, and he’s so intelligent and nice to ride. He has a super mind; he really wants to do his best. He still feels quite green because he is only eight, you can feel that in the ring. Still, he just tries and tries, and he’s so honest and ambitious. It’s going to be a lot of fun to continue with this horse.”
The pair bested a competitive class made up of 14 talented horse-and-rider combinations with a winning score of 76.292%.
Commenting on her music choices, Vilhelmson-Silfven continued, “I wanted to have music that was not too powerful, because I didn’t know how he would react. I chose music that was more calm and even, to try and make it easier for him. It is too early to do a big spectacle right now. I figured he should just have a good round and have a good experience from it.”
Second place in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1* was awarded to Jessica Rhinelander (CAN) and Dimanche, a 2008 KWPN gelding (Spielberg x Zayonah x San Remo) owned by Rhinelander, scoring 74.417%. Third place went Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Harmony’s Duval, a 2008 KWPN gelding (Rousseau x Uptown Girl x Riverman) owned by Kylee Lourie, with a score of 73.375%.
Competition at AGDF will resume with a full schedule of CPEDI 1*/2*/3* Para Dressage classes on March 10-12, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena®. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
Wellington, FL – February 26, 2016 – Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello continue to display incredible consistency at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as they made another huge statement in their second appearance this week, earning the win in the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W presented by The Axel Johnson Group beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello received a 79.775% for a commanding victory, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady collected second place with a 77.675%. Veteran pair Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett finished in third just behind their fellow Danish teammates with a 76.400% for a Scandinavian sweep.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello made the most of their first outing this week, winning the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group on Thursday and improved upon their results in front of a large crowd at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on a crisp Friday evening.
Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, the training and breeding operation of Antonia Ax:son Johnson of The Axel Johnson Group, has a plethora of international competition experience, representing Sweden with Vilhelmson-Silfven at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Only improving with age, Don Auriello and Vilhelmson-Silfven have been nearly unbeatable in Large Tour competition this year at AGDF.
“It was an amazing feeling tonight. When you don’t have any problems in your test, you can just let go and ride. You can go with the flow and I think that’s the feeling today, and I was very, very happy,” commented Vilhelmson-Silfven, who has represented her home nation of Sweden at every Olympic Games since 1992 in Barcelona, Spain.
She continued, “We’re actually changing the routine the whole time and changing the choreography a bit. We’ve been going back and forth for a while. It’s an ever-changing process.
“I think when you ride a freestyle to the music, the highlight becomes when everything works out and you can follow it along the way it should be. I had that nice feeling today, and it was just right. I was happy with him overall, with the feeling he gave me and the balance we had together. I could move forward easily, and the only thing that I would be a little upset with was the first halt. He’s so on that he has no time to stop. Otherwise, it was great.”
“He’s the kind of horse that always gives his best and is always on my side,” she said. “He wants to please me the whole time and go into the arena with all of the people watching. He’s eager to go and that’s an absolutely stunning feeling to have as a rider, when your horse loves to perform.”
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady, owned by Janne Rumbough, are coming off of their major win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* just two weeks ago at AGDF and also have found themselves consistently atop the leaderboard so far this season.
“I’m really happy with my test tonight. My goal was to have a similar test that I had two weeks ago, and I feel that I did. I was pleased with Lady, and she was very focused. She felt good throughout,” noted Gundersen. A sound malfunction during the pair’s test was a cause for concern, but the pair rode through the rest of their choreography with ease.
Even though Petersen and Mariett have been performed well this season, Petersen noted that tonight’s class felt like the first time the duo found the rhythm that makes them difficult to beat in the Grand Prix Freestyle class. Mariett, who is now 18 years old, was given off for a number of months after the FEI Reem Acra World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV, last April, and it has taken some time for the pair to get back into the swing of things so far this season.
“I’ve had a little bit of a hard time finding that rhythm with her again, so it’s getting better and better. Tonight I was really happy, and I think she was great. I think I could have been a little bit sharper at some points, and I don’t want to blame her because I’m so happy with her,” he said. “She’s 18 and is still fresh and going well.”
Antonia Ax:son Johnson of The Axel Johnson Group explained the organization’s deep ties with AGDF and the influence the winter circuit has had on dressage in European countries.
“This is our sixth season here. Some of us sitting here, as Scandinavians, move here and stay here, while some of us come here and stay for months because it’s absolutely wonderful for our horses. They become so athletic, soft, and supple. I spoke with Tinne just after she arrived here with the horses and she said to me, ‘They’re different’,” said Johnson. “I’ve seen this horse since he came into our barn, and tonight I thought that he just made a beautiful dance for us. It was pure magic tonight, I truly think so.”
The judging panel was very consistent with tonight’s top three competitors and Anne Gribbons, judge at C, was impressed with the quality and presentation of the top three finishers.
“I thought My Lady was just amazing tonight. She was right in front of me when the sound malfunctioned and it was unbelievable how focused she was during the whole test. She knows her whole drill. I thought Mariett also really improved her act from when I saw her a few weeks ago,” she noted. “I think she looked incredibly secure and consistent. Almost back to where you are able to go all out during the tests. Of course, our winner, the softness and presentation is really hard to beat for anyone in the world. You’re very dangerous, Tinne. You are so good as a rider. I feel that all three horses really turned on their best for us tonight.”
This week’s CDI-W competition at AGDF has been one of the most internationally diverse in the facility’s history, with countries from South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, represented alongside North American competitors.
“It has turned into a real international competition here now,” commented Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF. “It’s the first time that we have more non-North American riders in a CDI (than North Americans), and I think it’s good progress from last year. I want to apologize to Mikala for the music malfunction. We will work on it and we will make sure that it is better for next week and improve.”
A number of special awards were given throughout the evening, specifically in recognition of the owners who continue to serve as the backbone of the sport through their continued support and passion for dressage. Karin Persson, owner and rider of Giuliano, were recognized for their high point score of 79.565% in the AGDF 5 National competition. Melissa Fladland, rider of Mismarck J, accepted the high point score award for the AGDF 6 National show on behalf of owners Rocking Diamond S for the pair’s 78.128%. Anita Fialkow accepted the AGDF 7 FEI Prix St. Georges Owner Award presented by Adequan®, as the owner of Catherina, ridden by Lisa Wilcox, who won the class.
Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Lövsta Stuteri accepted the Owner Award for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Adequan®, while Don Auriello’s groom, Angelica Karlson, was awarded the Groom’s Initiative Award by Mark Bellissimo and the Wellington Equestrian Partners for providing diligent and continued care for the winning horse and rider combination.
Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba dominated the Small Tour competition once again this season, taking another win in the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a 72.763%. Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz, owned by Teresa Simmons, followed in second with a 70.263% while Virginia Yarur Ready (CHI) and her own Finn placed just behind Kellock with a score of 70.219%.
Competition at AGDF continues Saturday, February 27, with the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, beginning at 1:45 p.m. For more information on AGDF and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – February 25, 2016 – The FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, concluded today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), featuring 50 riders from a stunning array of countries at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and veteran partner Don Auriello, owned by Lövsta Stuteri, earned top honors in the competitive class and were the final pair to compete this afternoon, earning a 76.080%. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with FEI Junior, Young Rider, and Amateur divisions in the morning before hosting the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, and the highlight “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Following Vilhelmson-Silfven, Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet placed second, after maintaining their lead for majority of the class with a 74.500%. Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo finished with a 72.820%.
Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet (Diamond Hit x La Costa), owned by Diane Perry, seemed to have the test that could take the win in the AGDF FEI Grand Prix, right until the last rider hit the centerline. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (by Don Davidoff x Wey o mey) would ultimately lead the victory gallop. Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello demonstrated the maturity and technical skill that have earned them international recognition, signaling a strong return to the competition ring after a very successful European tour and first CDI competition at AGDF 1 in Wellington, FL. Earning a 76.080% from the judges, the duo’s test was a stunning example of a partnership that continues to impress with balletic athleticism combined with grace under pressure, even with a small error in the two-tempi changes.
Vilhelmson-Silfven noted, “I had a really good feeling, even in the warm-up. It was really nice. He hasn’t competed in a while and then we had the wind today, (so) he was getting a little bit nervous about standing during the halts. I always have to balance that with how much power I can put into him because he won’t stand at all. I had a mistake in the two (tempis), which I don’t know why, but overall he’s such a great horse to ride. He just loves to be here. It’s almost a bit emotional. He’s such a cool horse to compete.”
When asked about Don Auriello’s program at home, Vilhelmson-Silfven discussed the importance of keeping him as happy and fit as possible, so that he does not become overwhelmed. She explained, “I work to keep him fit and soft and elastic at home. We want to keep him eager for work and happy to come into the ring, which he is. You want to keep them feeling young and fresh. That’s really what is important, keeping that energy and making sure that they love their work.”
Perry-Glass is also due great credit for her excellent performance in the third Large Tour CDI competition of her career with “Dublet”. Their performance on Wednesday held the lead well into competition today with an impressive 74.500%. Their test was harmonious and elegant, demonstrating a controlled power that commands respect, signaling an emergence of Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet as a world-class pair.
Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet
Glass rode during the build-up to yesterday afternoon’s storms, contending with a significant weather change right as she finished her warm-up preparations.
“I felt the wind pick up after a great warm-up,” she said. “But, as long as I can keep his focus, we’re good. He stayed right with me the entire time. There were a couple of spots in the corners that he was nervous about, but we’ve been working on our focus and our trust in each other. He went through it and was really good.
“Mentally he’s really good right now so we’re not going to really push anything. We’re just going to work on the basics and keep him fresh. We’re working on that softness and relaxation. It’s really important to continue with that to bring it to the next show,” she continued.
Katrina Wüst, judge at C, commented on the duo’s performance with enthusiasm when explaining what the judging panel thought of the rides over the course of the past two days.
Wüst said, “I saw this pair two weeks ago, and they’ve made such good improvements even since then. Judges can change their impressions, of course, but you made that change go in a good direction. Your centerline passage was absolutely straight; I gave it a 9. You made great changes since then.”
Shelly Francis earned third place with Patricia Stempel’s Danilo, the 2004 Hanoverian gelding (De Niro x Annabella), and fifth place with the 2003 Hanoverian gelding Doktor (Diamond Hit x Gurena), proving that she has two of the top quality Large Tour horses in contention for the United States. She noted that today’s change in weather, from hot and humid yesterday, to cooler and breezier, posed its own problems.
“The cooler, brisker air – and if things are rattling – it makes them just tighten a little,” she commented. “I work all of the time on making them more supple and soft. They’re both excitable horses, and they may look calm, but they can get lit so fast. I’m always trying to get them a little bit more supple so I can ask for more flow and expression. It’s coming in certain places, especially with Danilo, but we’re still not showing the piaffe as much as I’d like or know he can do. He’s my greener horse and even though he’s done a few years at the Grand Prix, we started him much later to begin with. Doktor just always tries. We had a few little bobbles and mistakes; it’s little things that happen that slip out of our control, but I feel like things are coming along very well with both of them.”
All three riders discussed the importance of having a clear plan of training and direction for such a long season. To ensure that the horses stay healthy, sound, and enthusiastic throughout the rigorous qualifying season, careful consideration is needed on behalf of the riders and trainers, and it is clear that Vilhelmson-Silfven, Perry-Glass, and Francis have put a great deal of thought into their programs moving into the rest of the season. Each of their efforts continue to pay off, as each pair looks to be peaking at the right time. Don Auriello and Danilo will continue on to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, on Friday night, while Goerklintgaards Dublet and Doktor will contest the FEI Grand Prix Special, also presented by The Axel Johnson Group, on Saturday, February 27.
Lisa Wilcox (USA) concluded a banner day in the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Engel & Völkers, taking first place aboard Catherina, owned by Anita Fialkow, with a 70.395%, and second place aboard Gallant Reflection HU, owned by Horses Unlimited, with a 69.868%. Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba finished in third place with a score of 69.211%.
Competition continues tomorrow at AGDF with the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, and the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. For more information on AGDF and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – January 14, 2016 – The experienced pair of Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello commanded attention in the Global International Ring on the first afternoon of CDI-W competition at the 2016 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The duo, in their first competition since the FEI European Championships in August 2015, received a score of 76.900% for the win in the FEI Grand Prix, presented by MTICA Farm. Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades finished in second with a score of 75.540% and Canada’s own Leah Wilson Wilkins collected third place honors aboard Fabian JS. Competition at AGDF will continue tomorrow with the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, during the day and the first “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle presented by AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, beginning at 7pm. The first week of AGDF competition is sponsored by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and her experienced mount Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding (Don Davidoff x Wey o mey) owned by Lövsta Stuteri, wowed in their first performance of 2016, showcasing only a bit of what is to come for the veteran pair, who are looking to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“I felt very, very good with our ride today. He felt great in the warm-up as well as yesterday. He got a bit excited when he came into the ring, and I think it’s because he hasn’t shown since the European Championships and I could feel that,” noted Vilhelmson-Silfven. “He has like five gears more so I started off a bit careful, but then as we continued he began to settle. I’m pleased, and it was a good feeling to be in the ring again.”
The duo rode in the final group of the day, which saw many of the most seasoned competitors also take their first go at competition in the New Year. Today only offered a glimmer of what is to come for the rest of the AGDF circuit, which will host seven CDIs in total. Vilhelmson-Silfven felt that she and her horse knocked off a bit of rust today and will look to improve their overall performance in the coming weeks.
“I think the power is something that I’ll look for in the future. Just to have it a bit more there on top without losing control, but I’m still very pleased with today,” she noted.
Don Auriello has graced some of the largest stages in the sport of dressage in his career with Vilhelmson-Silfven, including European Championships, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals, and the Olympic Games. Bringing a wealth of experience to Wellington for AGDF this year, Don Auriello will be the main mount for Vilhelmson-Silfven, who is on the quest to qualify for her seventh Olympic Games for her home country of Sweden.
“It always makes you feel good to ride an experienced horse because you already know what you have, but still it changes and when you haven’t shown in a while you really don’t know where you are until you’re in the ring again,” she explained. “He has such an extremely nice character and he wants to do his best all of the time. He’s a nice horse to compete because he always tries and it’s rare that he ever puts me into a difficult position.”
Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades took to the Global International Ring for the first time since they were crowned USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Champions at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, presented by The Dutta Corp., at the AGDF grounds nearly a month ago, but looked as though they haven’t missed a beat. Graves and Verdades, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda), have been dedicated to searching for “the next gear” which Graves commonly refers to, and seemed to have found it on the first day of Grand Prix competition.
“I’m really excited to seem to be finding that next gear. We’re getting past that 74% rut that we were stuck in for a lot of last year. That’s really exciting for us and especially what we were able to produce at the Festival of Champions last month carried over into this competition too,” elaborated Graves. “We had a couple of mistakes today that were mine and that’s always a nice thing to say. I’m very fortunate like Tinne to have a horse who tries so hard for me in the ring no matter what.”
Leah Wilson Wilkins (CAN) found herself “flabbergasted” at being seated next to Vilhelmson-Silfven and Graves, as she and Fabian JS earned their first top CDI Grand Prix finish at AGDF. Wilson Wilkins and the 1999 Hanoverian gelding (Feiner Graf x Daloa) led the large Grand Prix class of 38 entries, which included rider representation from 15 nations, for most of the day until the final group.
“Obviously he performed really well for me today since not having been in this ring since January or February of last year. I’m so pleasantly surprised with how it all turned out,” she noted. “I’m excited about our performance. He was just really on for me today and much more relaxed than I expected, which gave me a lot more rideability than I’m used to having. I’m hoping that we will be able to carry that forward.”
Earlier in the afternoon, the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival hosted a media Q&A session on the opening day of CDI competition at the facility. Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, Kim Boyer, a major sponsor for the competition, as well as a member of the Wellington Equestrian Partners, Kasey Perry, a United States Grand Prix dressage rider, and Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, were each on hand to receive the media.
As the 2016 edition of AGDF competition is set to be the largest in circuit history, talks of expansion were addressed, as more riders, trainers, and owners are flocking to Wellington each winter to participate in the event.
“We are quite excited about this season because we see a true international competition here with fifteen flags already in week one, and we’re expecting that number to grow throughout the season,” said Baur. “This week we had 38 rides in the Grand Prix and in week three it is projected that we will have 55 entries. It’s the first time that we have seen a rider from Asia in the ring this morning and at the end of the month the first rider from Africa will come to join us.”
“We continue to be very excited and this venue has lived up to our expectations, but also exceeded them in terms of what we believed could occur here. The sponsorship is great, the prize money is great, and we’re attracting riders from all over the world,” commented Bellissimo. “I’m very confident that this competition will continue to get larger, and the bigger issue will become how do we expand in a way that is respectful to the people who are supporting it? We really appreciate the owners, sponsors, riders, and everyone who has made this possible. It really is a breath of fresh air for dressage in this country.”
Kim Boyer, who not only represents the Wellington Equestrian Partners, but is also a major sponsor of the event through the U.S. P.R.E. Association and Chairperson of the Dressage Owners Task Force, discussed the importance of High Performance ownership, as well as education of riders as they continue to advance their careers and businesses through their individual successes at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival.
“We have had four events approved by the Dressage Owners Task Force. There will be two High Performance Owner Receptions. We also will be hosting a Parents’ Reception for High Performance Youth Riders, where we will talk about expectations for moving riders from the national level to the international level,” explained Boyer. “We also will be hosting a Rider Workshop for riders on sponsorship and syndication practices. We’d like to widen their possibilities for sponsorship and support.”
A rising talent in the Grand Prix arena for the United States, Kasey Perry discussed her passion for the sport, and her reasons for returning to AGDF each winter, as she is originally from Northern California. She explained, “There is an atmosphere here that you don’t get at many other shows. When we traveled to Europe this summer, I thought the competition atmosphere here was harder than it was over there, for me. This show really prepares you for competing in Europe. We have wonderful people behind this show, and it’s a great opportunity to be here.”
Competition at AGDF will continue tomorrow with the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, during the day in the Global International Ring before the start of the first “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, beginning at 7pm. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
New York, NY – The second annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show is proud to announce the final list of international dressage riders who will take to Wollman Rink in the first annual U.S. Open Dressage Grand Prix, presented by Breyer, on Friday, September 25, at 1pm, and the U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson Group, on Saturday, September 26, at 7pm.
The final U.S. Open Dressage riders, representing six nations, include:
Catherine Haddad Staller (USA)
Charlotte Jorst (USA)
Karen Pavicic (CAN)
Lauren Sammis (USA)
Isabell Werth (GER)
Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven (SWE)
Juan Matute Jr. (ESP)
Charlotte Dujardin – Freestyle Only (GBR)
Competing under the lights in one of the world’s most iconic locations, dressage will take the spotlight in Central Park, as returning champion Isabell Werth will look to defend her title, while first-time competitor and six-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén will ride in New York City for the first time.
“I looked on at the show from a distance last year and I think it’s very exciting to be able to be a part of this competition,” said Vilhelmson Silfvén. “It is important for equestrian sport to have a show like this that promotes and engages an incredible audience with the versatility of horses.”
Riding Paridon Magi owned by Lövsta Stuteri, Vilhelmson Silfvén will embrace the incredible experience of riding in the heart of the city that never sleeps. She added, “The atmosphere will be a challenge, but as all of the bigger shows have grown in size and scale, many of the horses competing at this level are used to it. They have to learn to cope with it and it will be exciting and quite the challenge.”
In addition to competing inside Wollman Rink, Charlotte Dujardin, one of the most celebrated dressage riders in history, will also present a Dressage Master’s Class on Sunday at 1:30pm. Dressage fans will have the opportunity for a personal look into Dujardin’s riding, training and some of the secrets to her success.
The U.S. Open Dressage events will be streamed live at www.centralparkhorseshow.com. Tickets for all events at the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show, including the Dressage Master’s Class, can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.
Georgina Bloomberg, Mark & Katherine Bellissimo, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Alicia Kershaw.
New York, NY – Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group (IEG), LLC, commenced the second-annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show in the foreground of New York City’s beloved Wollman Rink on Tuesday. Alongside inaugural Rolex Central Park Grand Prix winner and hometown hero Georgina Bloomberg, Olympic dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, and GallopNYC Executive Director Alicia Kershaw, Bellissimo christened Central Park as the host site for the inaugural U.S. Open competitions with a welcome press conference. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show runs Sept. 23-27 with Arabian, Hunter, Dressage, and Show Jumping disciplines being showcased.
Competition at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show begins Wednesday, September 23, with the U.S. Open Arabians, presented by Aljassimya Farm. Action continues throughout the week, highlighted by the U.S. Open $212,000 FEI 3* Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Friday, and the U.S. Open Hunters $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family and U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson Group on Saturday.
“Last year, the inaugural event was an incredible success,” stated Bellissimo. “We really would like to use this event to create a world stage for equestrian sport – there is a great opportunity for us to raise the awareness in this country and there is no better place to do that than in New York City. I think this will continue to grow as one of the top events in the sport over time.”
New York City native and last year’s grand prix winner at the first-ever Rolex Central Park Horse Show, Georgina Bloomberg, was eager to greet local, international, and equestrian media in her hometown while preparing to defend her title.
“As a rider, I’m really excited about this event. It’s a fantastic week not only for Show Jumping, but now also for Hunters, Dressage and Arabians and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” said Bloomberg. “As a New Yorker, I look at the skyline and really appreciate both the surroundings and being able to ride in such an incredible venue.”
Decorated dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén of Sweden will compete at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show for the first time this year, and like Bloomberg, she is eager to participate in the second horse show held in Central Park since 1981.
“I’m incredibly excited to be here. As a kid I always loved New York City and enjoyed coming here, but I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to ride here,” she said.
While Silfvén admits she is in awe of the city, she maintains that the horses should handle the location with ease. “The atmosphere is exciting, but as all of the bigger shows have grown in size and scale many of the horses competing at this level are used to it,” she added.
The mounts of Bloomberg and Silfvén, who will arrive in New York City in the coming days, are in good company with the horses that call New York City home. Members of the NYPD Mounted Unit were on hand at Tuesday’s press conference to showcase a different kind of equine presence at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. The NYPD Mounted Unit is one of six charity beneficiaries of the event alongside the Central Park Conservancy, City Parks Foundation, GallopNYC, NYC Parks Enforcement Mounted Auxiliary Unit and The Police Athletic League.
Bellissimo has found success at his Florida-based horse show with an event called the Great Charity Challenge, which has raised more than $8 million in the past six years for charities within Palm Beach County. He has continued the charitable endeavors of IEG at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, giving a minimum of $30,000 in donations this year.
Alicia Kershaw, who is the Executive Director of Gallop NYC, a therapeutic riding program based in New York City, spoke to the presence of equestrian-based programs within the city and how pivotal donations are to organizations like GallopNYC.
“We help people with disabilities walk, talk, and learn so that they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible,” she said. “Two-thirds of our riders cannot afford to pay our fees. Disability can be a impoverishing circumstance for a family and so we very much welcome the financial support, but we also feel that we have a mission to show New Yorkers that horses are good for people. We are thrilled to be a part of an event that showcases horses in New York.”
As the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show gets underway this week, Bellissimo is already confident that the event has a bright future in New York City. “It costs several million dollars to host this event and it’s a long-term opportunity to make it a success,” he said. “We’re committed to doing just that over the next seven or eight years.”
Tickets for all events at the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.
About Rolex Central Park Horse Show
Launched in September 2014, Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world as they vie for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues. As the event founder, Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and International Equestrian Group LLC; Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEF), Tryon Equestrian Partners and Colorado Equestrian Partners; and Publisher of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine. In its second year, Rolex Central Park Horse Show will make its triumphant return from September 23 to 27, 2015 and will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers, and Arabians. For more information, visit http://centralparkhorseshow.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CPhorseshow, and follow @cphorseshow on Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Shin-Jung Hong
Nicholas & Lence Communications ShinJung@nicholaslence.com
Tel: 212.938.0005
