Tag Archives: Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven

Dressage, FEI, FEI

Two-in-a-Row for Tinne and Don Auriello at Reem Acra Qualifier in Stockholm

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Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello won the third leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League series. Photo: FEI/Roland Thunholm.

Stockholm (SWE), 1 December 2013 – It was smiles all round in Stockholm, Sweden today where Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven clinched victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier on home turf for the second year in a row. Riding the brilliant Don Auriello, the 46-year-old rider headed The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and the exciting Glock’s Voice, while the Dutch duo of Hans-Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Romanov slotted into third.

It was an important day for Vilhelmson-Silfven, underpinning the strength of her relationship with the 11-year-old gelding who continues his impressive upward curve of confidence and capability. It wasn’t all plain sailing, with a few stumbles interrupting an otherwise excellent performance, but such is the quality of this horse’s work, and of his belief in his rider, that they quickly recovered to come out on top.

Sweden fielded five of the 15 contenders in today’s class, but it was Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Millibar who finished fourth ahead of Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee B in fifth.

These two young riders are making a big impression this season, the former also finishing fourth on home ground at the opening leg of the 2013/2014 Western European League qualifying series at Odense in October, while von Bredow-Werndl has been making her presence felt in every leg so far.

Held the lead

It was Skodborg Merrald who held the lead at the halfway stage of the competition after posting 76.425 following a performance filled with life, and lightness of movement.  The Danish-bred Millibar wasn’t the only horse to be a little spooky in the atmospheric Ericsson Globe arena, and might have scored even higher if he hadn’t broken his stride on the final line.  But his talented 24-year-old rider clearly demonstrated the skill that has earned her six national titles and which saw her take a double of wins with this good horse in the Under-25 classes during this summer’s ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark.

Von Bredow-Werndl put in a strong challenge with a powerful and polished ride on the handsome Unee BB who lined up fifth in yesterday’s Grand Prix.  But their score of 76.325 left them trailing their Danish rivals with just four horse-and-rider combinations left to go.

The Netherlands’ Hans-Peter Minderhoud then set a new target with Glock’s Romanov who posted 78.750, only to be immediately overtaken by Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello who racked up a massive 81.950.  That was always going to be a big score to overtake, but the result was still far from assured as, last in, Edward Gal set off with Glock’s Voice.

The Dutchman has been riding this horse for some time, but the stallion missed 12 months of competition due to injury before returning this season to win both the Grand Prix and Freestyle at Rosendaal and at Arnhem in The Netherlands in the spring.  He was subsequently purchased to join Gal’s large string, and today the 11-year-old son of De Niro made his FEI World Cup Dressage debut an impressive one, scoring 79.275 to clinch runner-up position.

Clear-cut victory

For six-time Olympian Vilhelmson-Silfven however, it was a clear-cut victory and a most satisfactory result. “He felt so good before we went in, but then there was a stumble at the start and I wondered if maybe it might not be as good as I thought – and then it happened again!  Today we had good preparation and he felt even more secure so it was hard to say why he stumbled.  But I had a super feeling!” she said afterwards.

Gal said his ride on Glock’s Voice was “better than yesterday, still a bit tense but now you can choose your own line with him,” he explained. After finishing second yesterday he said his horse was “not paying attention to me; he was everywhere and nowhere but I had some really nice things as well as things that could be better. It’s his first time since summer in competition, and with stallions that’s always difficult,” he pointed out.

Minderhoud said this evening, “Like yesterday (in the Grand Prix in which he finished second) I am super happy!  He was really with me, and very good.  Unfortunately today I made two small mistakes in the changes – and I really wanted that car!” he said with a laugh.  Winning rider Vilhelmson-Silfven was presented with a brand new Volkswagen as part of her prize. “But,” said the Dutchman, “I have done my best two tests with him here at this show so I am very happy.”

When asked his opinion of the winning horse, Minderhoud paid Don Auriello and his rider the highest of compliments. “He’s super; he goes in such a nice frame and he’s a very happy athlete as we all can see.”  Vilhelmson-Silfven agreed. “He’s the perfect horse to compete on because he loves to be in the arena.  He loves attention. He’s at his happiest when everyone is looking at him and telling him he’s lovely and that he’s done a good job!”

In that case then, Don Auriello should be one of the happiest horses in the world tonight.

For further information on the third leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 Western European League series at Stockholm, Sweden on Sunday 1 December 2013, check out website www.stockholmhorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Lotta Amnestal, Email lotta.amnestal@ridsport.se, Tel +46 709 795 635.

The next leg of the series will take place at Olympia, London on Tuesday 17 December.  For details of the British fixture, go to www.olympiahorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Jo Peck, Email JoPeck@hpower.co.uk, Tel +44 1753 847 900.

Detailed result here.

Facts and Figures:

Today’s third leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League 2013/2014 series took place at the famous Ericsson Globe, the largest hemispherical building in the world.

Shaped like a large white ball, the Globe has a seating capacity for 16,000 spectators, and is a popular venue for shows, concerts and ice hockey.

Today’s winners, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello, also won the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier at the same venue during the 2012/2013 season.

It was a local win for the rider who lives near Stockholm.

A total of 15 competitors from eight nations – Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Russia – lined out in today’s competition.

The host nation of Sweden was represented by five horse-and-rider combinations.

The Ground Jury for today’s competition was: At C, Gustaf Svalling (SWE); At E, Annette Fransen Iacobaeus (SWE); At H, Susanne Baarup Christensen (DEN); At M, Peter Holler (GER); At B, Isabelle Judet (FRA).

Quotes:

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) (when asked if she will compete with Don Auriello in Florida, USA this winter, as she is now moving there for the winter months and is taking him with her): “I might as well while I am there!”

FEI Director of Dressage, Trond Asmyr: “We have allocated the World Cup qualifiers for the next two seasons; we are in a position to do that because we have the fantastic support of Reem Acra, so we can plan ahead.  There will be an addition to the calendar in 2015/2016 when Salzburg, Austria will be a new organiser.”

Hans-Peter Minderhoud (NED) (talking yesterday after finishing second with Glock’s Romanov in the Grand Prix): “Today was the best test I’ve had with him so far, and the highest score I’ve had with him. He’s in quite a good shape for a long time, but I have not been riding him for the last eight or nine months. (Edward Gal was competing the horse instead.) I can ask him a lot but still I have to know him better, but he’s getting more like my horse!  The last shows have been pretty good but with a few stupid mistakes. Today there were no mistakes, so I was very happy with him!”

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/IuhpB_M2RBc

Reem Acra FEI Hub http://fei.org/fei/sponsors/reem-acra-and-fei gives access to extensive information about the series.

FEI World Cup Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, has entered its 28th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

The complete rules, calendar, updated ranking and results are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Stockholm:

Press Officer
Lotta Amnestal
lotta.amnestal@ridsport.se
+46 709 795 635

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Jennifer Wood

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins FEI Grand Prix Special at Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W

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Wellington, FL – February 16, 2013 – With the sun making its first appearance since competition started, the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W presented by USPRE Association began to wind down today at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). In the Small Tour, Christilot Boylen (CAN) was triumphant, taking the top two spots in the $5,000 FEI Intermediaire I sponsored by Havensafe Farm. In the Large Tour, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) clinched the win in the $10,000 FEI Grand Prix Special sponsored by USPRE Association.

Judges today in both the FEI Intermediaire I and FEI Grand Prix Special were Gary Rockwell (USA) at E, Sandy Hotz (USA) at H, Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA) at C, Jacques Van Daele (BEL) at M, and Jennie Loriston-Clarke (GBR) at B.

While Boylen won first and second again today, the horses exchanged placings compared to yesterday’s results. Riding 9th of the 17 entries, she and Dio Mio (De Niro x Charmeur) held onto the lead with a score of 71.289%. Scoring a 69.395% with Hudson 18 (Hohenstein x Democraat), Boylen couldn’t be more pleased with Jill Irving’s 10-year-old black Hanoverian gelding, Dio Mio, and Hudson 18, the 9-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding. “The second day is always better for Dio Mio. He was a little unsettled yesterday so today the edge was just right. He was much more concentrated. He’s a year older than Hudson and therefore more experienced. He can lay down a clean test when he’s focused, which he showcased today,” she stated.

Christilot Boylen and Dio Mio
Christilot Boylen and Dio Mio

The Canadian Olympian continued, “Hudson is still quite green; this was only his third run through this test in a show condition. He’s still learning, so his lines weren’t perfect; he’s still learning this test. It’s definitely a step up from the Prix St. Georges, but he did his job very well. He listened to me and concentrated. The difficulty for him is he’s such a big moving horse so he needs to improve on tightening up the lines a bit. They were both well-behaved. Each are gifted horses; I count myself extremely lucky every day,” assessed Boylen.

According to Vilhelmson-Silfven, she won her 41st International Grand Prix level class today. She was aboard Don Auriello (Don Davidoff x White Star). The 11-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding, owned by Lövsta Stuteri and Antonia Ax:son Johnson, performed their test magnificently. That was evident in their score of 77.688%. The Swedish Olympian described today’s test by saying, “I hadn’t done it in a while and it felt really great. I felt like I could challenge myself to get more power from him and try to ride him a bit better. I had a plan today that I think I executed. I’m pleased with my horse. Today was a great opportunity to train him in this test. Usually we don’t get to do this test unless it’s in the Olympics or Championships. Here I was able to ride that test really well.”

Their score today was Vilhelmson-Silfven’s highest ever with Don Auriello in the Special. Although there was not a lot of atmosphere, she still was able to “get him moving just using my aids. He is just so nice to ride in the tests and that’s a great feeling,” she said.

The two started competing in Wellington in the Intermediaire II the winter after they bought him at age eight. Anton, as he is affectionately known, “won’t compete until April (at the Reem Acra World Cup). The next few weeks before leaving here to go home (to Sweden), he gets some time off from dressage. We will keep him fit and we will begin training again once we’re home,” explained Vilhelmson-Silfven.

The Florida Dressage Classic presented by USPRE Association draws to a close tomorrow, with the featured class being the $6,000 FEI Intermediaire Freestyle.

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

Final Results: $5,000 FEI Intermediaire I sponsored by Havensafe Farm

  1. Dio Mio, Christilot Boylen (CAN): E: 72.895%, H: 66.974%, C: 70.526%, M: 72.895%, B: 73.158%, Total: 71.289%
  2. Hudson 18, Christilot Boylen (CAN): E: 70.921%, H: 69.079%, C: 66.184%, M: 71.316%, B: 69.474%, Total: 69.395%
  3. Von Primaire, Kelly Layne (AUS): E: 68.158%, H: 67.500%, C: 69.605%, M: 66.316%, B: 68.289%, Total: 67.974%
  4. Rosmarin, Kimberly Herslow (USA): E: 66.711%, H: 65.395%, C: 70.658%, M: 66.184%, B: 64.342%, Total: 66.658%
  5. Mosegaards Rico, Mette Rosencrantz (USA): E: 66.053%, H: 66.184%, C: 66.579%, M: 67.237%, B: 67.105%, Total: 66.632%
  6. Hunter Douglas Rhapsody, Lindsay Kellock (CAN): E: 66.974%, H: 64.211%, C: 67.105%, M: 66.842%, B: 67.237%, Total: 66.474%

Final Results: $10,000 FEI Grand Prix Special sponsored by USPRE Association

  1. Don Auriello, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE): E: 76.771%, H: 76.146%, C: 80.000%, M: 78.021%, B: 77.500%, Total: 77.688%
  2. Finally, Mette Rosencrantz (USA): E: 66.354%, H: 66.146%, C: 63.125%, M: 64.167%, B: 67.604%, Total: 65.479%
  3. My Lady, Mikala Munter Gunderse (DEN): E: 64.583%, H: 66.354%, C: 64.375%, M: 64.792%, B: 65.104%, Total: 65.042%
  4. Jewel’s Adelante, Elaine Cordia-Van Reese (USA): E: 67.292%, H: 65.313%, C: 65.000%, M: 61.563%, B: 64.479%, Total: 64.729%

Jessica Parlon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Jennifer Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

2013 World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach Resounding Success

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

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

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, USEF

Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

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Peters Claims Third in WDM Freestyle, Koford Finishes Second in WDM Grand Prix Special

Jim Koford & Rhett (Shannon Brinkman)

Wellington, FL – The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by Wellington Classic Dressage concluded Saturday at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center with the WDM Grand Prix Special and the WDM Freestyle. Competition at the only North American stop in the World Dressage Masters Series presented by the Axel Johnson Group came to a close under the lights as the top seven combinations from Friday’s WDM Nürnberger Grand Prix performed their customized Freestyles. For a second time over the weekend, Steffen Peters led the U.S. effort, collecting third place, in the Freestyle scoring 80.175% with Legolas 92. However, the U.S. veteran was unable to best Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven who rode Don Auriello to victory with a score of 84.075%. The afternoon session hosted WDM Grand Prix Special competition, with Denmark’s Mikala Gundersen and My Lady topping the six horse field on a score of 69.479%. The sole American entry, Jim Koford and Rhett, finished in second place with a score of 67.167%.

WDM Freestyle

In her third attempt at claiming victory in the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, Vilhelmson-Silfven was victorious on the strength of a powerful Freestyle performance. A floor plan choreographed to The Who for the 2012 London Olympic Games perfectly highlighted Don Auriello’s gaits and attitude, helping them to achieve a career best score.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

Vilhelmson-Silfven Turns Tables on Kittel to Take Championship at WDM Palm Beach CDI5*

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

Wellington, FL – January 26, 2013 – Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello rode the momentum from an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday evening to claim the 2013 World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach championship. After finishing second to Swedish Olympic teammates Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic H B C in Friday’s Grand Prix CDI5* at WDM, Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello took it up a notch to seize victory in Saturday’s Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5*.

Vilhelmson-Silfven collected a personal best score of 84.075% for her electrifying freestyle performance. She received a standing ovation from the crowd as she exited the ring.

“It’s just such an honor to ride a horse like Don Auriello,” she said. “He is so fun to ride. He was enjoying himself with me, enjoying the time, enjoying the energy. It was a great atmosphere.”

Vilhelmson-Silfven has seen improvement in Don Auriello over the past months. “He’s getting stronger, more mature, developing, and it gets easier and easier to use his whole potential,” she explained.

Continue reading Vilhelmson-Silfven Turns Tables on Kittel to Take Championship at WDM Palm Beach CDI5* →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

Patrik Kittel Triumphs in Grand Prix at World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach

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Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandil H B C take the win in the Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – January 25, 2013 – Sweden’s No. 1 rider Patrik Kittel scored his personal best to win the FEI World Dressage Masters (WDM) Exquis Grand Prix CDI5* on Watermill Scandic H B C. The duo’s powerful and consistent ride featured buttery-smooth transitions, earning them a 77.681% against a field of 15 competitors at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Kittel broke into a wide grin at the completion of his test, and his confidence was rewarded when the scores flashed on the board. The judge at “H,” Isabelle Judet of France, awarded Kittel and Scandic, a 14-year-old chestnut KWPN stallion, an 80.745%. A member of the Swedish team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games as well as the 2010 World Equestrian Games, he rode Scandic to victories at Falsterbo CDI5*, Rotterdam CDIO3* and Lingen CDI4* last summer.

“It was my personal best score, and I’m very, very happy with that,” Kittel said. He emphasized his horse’s improvement, explaining that Scandic is “in much better shape” now after their hard work over the past months. “After the Olympics, I thought a bit, and I changed a bit, and I worked a bit more on getting my horse more uphill in the canter, and that was much better,” he added.

Continue reading Patrik Kittel Triumphs in Grand Prix at World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group, Wellington Classic Dressage

Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic Earn Second Win of the Weekend at Gold Coast Opener CDI-W

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Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic

Wellington, FL – January 19, 2013 – Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic added a brilliant victory in today’s Gold Coast Opener Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W to their win in Friday’s Grand Prix CDI-W, both at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The pair of strong showings establishes them as top contenders in the World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach at Jim Brandon, which will take place January 24-26.

WDM will be far from a walkover, however. Kittel and Watermill Scandic will go up against many of the top-placed pairs from today’s competition, as well as an array of new challengers that includes Steffen Peters, Edward Gal, and Hans Peter Minderhoud. But Kittel and Scandic impressed both the judges and the crowd with their stirring freestyle routine.

They performed to an assortment of upbeat rock tunes, displaying impeccable passage transitions to “Hot in the City.” “I think it’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in the piaffe/passage,” Kittel exclaimed. Although “Dancing with Myself” was also among the musical selections, Kittel and Scandic danced together in complete harmony through rhythmic one-tempis and a striking canter half-pass. The judges awarded them a score of 80.125%.

Continue reading Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic Earn Second Win of the Weekend at Gold Coast Opener CDI-W →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group, Wellington Classic Dressage

Gold Coast Opener Grand Prix CDI-W Provides Preview of World Dressage Masters Competitors

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Cesar Parra praises Van The Man

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2013 – Today’s Gold Coast Opener Grand Prix CDI-W showcased horses and riders preparing for next weekend’s World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach, and the WDM competitors certainly displayed their dominance. WDM entrants swept all six ribbons in the Grand Prix, with all but one riding the horses they will compete next weekend.

And if the results from today are a predictor, it seems that Sweden will be a force to be reckoned with. Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic posted 72.723% to steal the win at the last moment from fellow Swedish Olympic teammate Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven aboard Divertimento, whose 71.170% was the leading score until the final ride. At WDM, Kittel will try to duplicate today’s success on Watermill Scandic, while Vilhelmson-Silfven will switch to her Olympic mount, Don Auriello.

The chilly weather at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, site of both the Gold Coast Opener and WDM, had a few horses on edge in the warm-up, including Watermill Scandic. But most held it together once they entered the ring. Kittel was full of praise for the venue. “The whole place is lovely!” he exclaimed, adding that he would happily show there every weekend if it were “just a bit closer” to his home in Sweden.

Continue reading Gold Coast Opener Grand Prix CDI-W Provides Preview of World Dressage Masters Competitors →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Triumphs on Home Turf at Stockholm

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Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello being presented with the Reem Acra Cup by Reem Acra representative Heather Schmidt. Photo: FEI/Peter Zachrisson.

Stockholm (SWE), 2 December 2012 – Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven set the crowd alight when claiming victory with her 10-year-old gelding, Don Auriello, at the fourth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 series in her home town of Stockholm today.  And the host nation had further reason for celebration as Swedish riders clinched three of the top-five finishing spots.

Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and her handsome stallion, Desperados FRH, lined up second ahead of Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic HBC in third, while young Danish talent, Anna Kasprzak finished fourth with Donnperignon, pinning Sweden’s Minna Telde and Santana into fifth.

Today’s result is the perfect conclusion to a special week for Swedish equestrian sport. Last Thursday, the Swedish Equestrian Federation marked its centenary at a gala evening in Stockholm City Hall, with HM Queen Silvia as guest of honour.  And it was a particularly special occasion for dressage judge and honorary FEI Bureau Member Eric Lette who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Today Mr Lette announced that he is retiring from judging duties, but that he will remain in the sport in a supervisory capacity.  “I’m retiring because I want to give some younger judges a chance, and because I think it is better for the sport if we don’t have too many older judges still in place,” he pointed out.  And he was delighted to be in a position, for once, to express his pleasure at the success of riders from his own country.  “I was really happy to see two Swedish riders on the podium today!” he pointed out.

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