• Save

Heather Blitz and Semper Fidelis Kick Off AGDF Final Week with Win in FEI Grand Prix CDI3*

Heather Blitz and Semper Fidelis in their winning test. ©SusanStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – March 27, 2019 – The 12th week of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) started on Wednesday, March 27, with two three-star classes to qualify riders for competition later in the week.

Heather Blitz (USA) and Semper Fidelis won the FEI Grand Prix (for the Freestyle) CDI3* presented by Brooke USA. The pair rode to a score of 70.609%. “I was really happy with her in general, just her general focus,” said Blitz of the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare by Sir Donnerhall owned by Rowan O’Riley. “I think that all the horses at the show this whole day are high strung and reacting to the really windy conditions. I think that’s a wonderful attribute that she has that [the wind] doesn’t affect her.

“I think the highlight was the passage, which she does really well anyway. The rhythm was really good in it. Her trot half passes are always lovely, and her canter zig zags I got more distance from the centerline this time,” continued Blitz. “Her work ethic, her scope, and her elasticity and freedom of gaits is amazing.”

Blitz is looking forward to her freestyle ride on Friday night. “I love how the music matches her. When you hear the music and see the horse, they match so well. I think it’s really moving. I’m really looking forward to the piaffe-pirouettes and just riding to the music, which not only do I love but it just matches her so well,” concluded Blitz.

In the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI3* presented by Vita Flex, Betsy Steiner (USA) and Swiss W, a 12-year-old Wurttemburg mare owned by H. Whitney Bailey, was the only pair to break 70.000%. They rode to a score of 71.559% to win the class.

For more information and a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Leave a Reply