Wellington, FL – March 20, 2012 – Alix Szepesi of Hamilton, MA captured the high score of the day at the Global Dressage Festival National Classic 2 on Tuesday. Riding William, owned by Margie Kelk, Szepesi scored 74.189% in the USEF First Level Test 2-Open at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival (GDF).
“William is a dream to ride in the ring. He gets really nice scores and he is fun to ride,” said Szepesi of the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood.
William was originally a show jumper, but he did not particularly like taking Liverpool fences, so his owner decided to try dressage.
“William was not happy as a jumper, but now he really likes dressage,” said Szepesi. “At first he was really nervous, but now he is completely relaxed. The GDF really helped because there were a bunch of shows, so it allowed us to show him consistently. It has been a really good experience for him. It was also nice because we were close, only five minutes away, so it was no stress for William.”
Szepesi also liked the convenience of the GDF show schedule. “I have ridden in every show at the GDF. I alternated the shows with the four horses that I brought to Florida and it was nice because it was really convenient with a lot of options. You could show during the week or on the weekend, to fit your schedule or your horse’s schedule.”
Szepesi is a dressage trainer based in Massachusetts and focuses on “letting horses be horses”. She has wintered in Florida for three seasons. “This is our last show because we are heading home,” said Szepesi. “But we will be back next year!”
In the Para-Equestrian classes, Ashley Gowanlock of Canada and Maile were the high point winners. The pair earned 75.750% in the FEI Para Freestyle Test of Choice.
The GDF National Classic 2 continues on Wednesday, March 21 at 8:30 am. Classes range from Training level up to Grand Prix. There are also Para-Equestrian classes that include Test of Choice and Freestyle.
For more information please visit the Global Dressage Festival website at www.globaldressagefestival.com under the link of dressage show information and ride times on the main homepage.
GDF Schooling
Schooling opportunities are available for those competitors that are interested in having a look at the GDF show grounds before participating in an event. Riders just need to fill out a non-compete form at the show office upon arrival.
About the Global Dressage Festival
The 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 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 GDF will feature four separate national shows to be held at the newly constructed venue that extends the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.
The GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes four outdoor arenas with world class footing. Future planned improvements include a covered arena, permanent covered spectator seating for the central outdoor arena and a permanent Patrons Club and 200 permanent stalls.
Please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.