Tag Archives: Endel Ots

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage

Endel Ots and Adrienne Lyle Debut New Olympic Hopefuls and Dominate in Final CDI of AGDF 2024

Endel Ots & Bohemian © SusanJStickle.com

Much-anticipated appearances by new horse-and-rider combinations — spearheaded by Endel Ots and Zen Elite’s Bohemian — were the flavor of the day on Thursday, March 28. It marked the opening day of week 12 — the final CDI of the 2024 season of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, FL.

In the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by Beatrice Marienau Dressage, Zen Elite Equestrian’s team of three new top horses filled every podium step. Owner Heidi Humphries bought the high-profile horses Bohemian, Helix, and Lars Van De Hoenderheide for the U.S. riders Endel Ots and Olympic team silver medalist Adrienne Lyle at the end of 2023, and this was the first CDI appearance for all three.

Bohemian was fourth at the Tokyo Olympics and won freestyle silver in 2021 under Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, and under the saddle of Ots he once again graced the upper echelons of the scoreboard, topping the class of 24 starters with 72.761%. The pair picked up healthy helpings of eights — particularly for piaffe and passage — but the final score was suppressed by mistakes in the two-time changes, which earned twos and threes from the panel of five judges.

Lyle, who was first to go down the centerline with Lars Van De Hoenderheide, held on to third place with the 13-year-old Negro gelding, scoring 70.652% on the horse previously campaigned by Great Britain’s Lottie Fry. Lyle went one better with her second ride, the 12-year-old Apache son Helix, whom she has taken over from Sweden’s Marina Mattsson. They slotted into second with 71.065%. Ots and Lyle led a clean sweep for the home nation, with U.S. riders filling the top six places in the class, which was a qualifier for Saturday’s Grand Prix Special.

Remarkably, Ots was making his international grand prix debut with the 14-year-old by Bordeaux. Although a seasoned competitor nationally, this was the rider’s very first grand prix in a CDI. Bohemian is no stranger to AGDF, however, as his previous owner, Dong Seon Kim (KOR), campaigned him in Wellington in 2023, but this is the horse’s first win on the circuit. He was subsequently sent to Patrik Kittel to be shown in Europe and sold, before returning stateside at the beginning of the year for new owners Zen Elite Equestrian.

“It’s all very surreal,” admitted Ots, who has trained with Albrecht Heidemann since he was 18. “You always see all the famous people like Adrienne Lyle and Kasey Perry [who finished fourth with 70% on Heartbeat WP], and I am just thankful and happy to be in there with them and part of the group.”

For more information and results, visit https://gdf.coth.com.

Championships, Dressage, JRPR

Ots and Lucky Strike Win US National Intermediaire Championship at US Festival of Champions

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Endel Ots on Lucky Strike. (Susan J. Stickle photo credit)

Wayne, IL (August 26, 2019) – Endel Ots’ summer roller coaster ride with his horse Lucky Strike ended in glory this past weekend with the pair taking a well-deserved victory lap in the blue cooler that signified that they had indeed won the US National Intermediaire Championship title.  This is the pair’s third and most prestigious victory lap at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions which was again was hosted at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois.

Ots and Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie-Heidi X His Highness), the 9 year old Hanoverian gelding owned by Endel Ots and his father, Max Ots, were at the top of the rankings in the division this year, but in July they were selected for the US Dressage Team headed to represent the country at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru so they did not expect to compete in this year’s Festival of Champions, but fate had other plans.

While en route to the Miami airport with the other US Dressage Team horses, a malfunction in Lucky’s stall on the shipper’s van caused him to scramble and fall.  Lucky sustained cuts in several places that would make it impossible for him to travel to Lima. Instead of focusing on a dream lost, Ots swung into action. “It was hard realizing I wasn’t going to compete in Peru, but in that same week I was overcome with gratitude when I learned that Lucky was going to be 100% okay. I decided to focus on the Festival of Champions,” said Ots. A decision that proved to be a good one, as the pair was undefeated throughout the competition and rode away as the US National Intermediaire Champions.

Ots purchased Lucky Strike as a three year old and Lucky hit his stride on the world stage in 2015 when they represented the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Ermelo in The Netherlands and also competed in the World Breeding Championships in 2015. Lucky Strike is one out of the rare handful of U.S. horses to have ever qualified to compete at the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for two consecutive years.  In 2016, Ots and Lucky Strike won the Markel/USEF Six Year Old Dressage National Championship. Last year, the pair won the 2018 US Developing Horse Prix St. George US National Championship.   So with this year’s Championship, their US National Championship trophy room is nicely crowded.

This year’s Championship win was filled with special moments for Ots for a number of reasons. Ots was determined to overcome the disappointment of not being able to join the US Team in Peru for the Pan Am Games, but he hadn’t counted on the support from his Pan Am Game teammates at Lamplight.  Jennifer Baumert and Nora Batchelder were cheering Ots on from the side lines, while Sarah Lockman communicated encouragement from her from a hospital bed in California (where she was being treated for non-horse-related condition). “To be supported by my teammates here at the Festival brought me immense joy.  I am so grateful to each of them for their support; it made the competition even more meaningful to me. Thank you, Jenn, Nora, and Sarah,” said Ots with sincere gratitude.  In addition, Charlotte Bredahl, the U.S. Dressage Development Coach who has been helping Ots prepare for months, was on hand with last minute encouragement. “Having Charlotte at the Championships was such a bonus.  She’s amazing and I knew she would give me constructive feedback.  I am so lucky to have her help and support,” said Ots.

The support of his coach and teammates was accentuated by having his father Max Ots being on hand again this year for competition. Max joined Endel in the awards presentation helping to keep the enthusiastic gelding on the ground as he waited for his victory lap. “My Dad has always taught me to just keep moving forward when bad things happen. After the disappointment of the Pan Ams, he told me how proud he was of me for my hard work and my ability to rally for this Championship,” said Ots with emotion. “His support of me on this journey is one of the memories I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Ots and Lucky won all three classes in the small tour, starting with a 74.5% winning score in the Prix St. George, followed a 73.853% in the Intermediaire I and a 74.5% for their crowd-pleasing freestyle featuring music from the TV show ‘Mad Men’ as well as Frank Sinatra classics. Ots is a big fan of the Mad Men TV series and Lucky Strike was named after the show’s main character Don Draper’s ad account, Lucky Strike. “Having the Mad Man music in Lucky’s freestyle really reminds me to have a little fun in the freestyle,” explains Ots with quirky smile.

Originally from De Pere, Wisconsin, Ots now calls Wellington, Florida home. To learn more about Endel Ots and the 2019 Festival of Champions journey, follow him on Face Book or visit www.EndelOtsDressage.com.

Dressage, JRPR

Endel Ots and Lucky Strike Smokin’ at Global Dressage Festival

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Photo courtesy of Wilma Frentz, Custom Saddlery.

Wellington, FL (March 8, 2017) – Endel Ots and Lucky Strike enjoyed their 2018 debut at the Global Dressage Festival and proved that Ots’ slow and steady approach to the young star’s training is a formula for success.  Ots and the Hanoverian gelding Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie x His Highness) that ignited FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships arenas not once but twice as one of the few American horses ever to represent US Dressage there, posted a victorious 73.235% ride in the USEF Developing Prix St Georges and were third (68.088%) in the FEI Prix St George, launching a confident return to the show ring during week eight and the Palm Beach Dressage Derby at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

“I had to brush the cobwebs off a little,” joked a modest Ots, who has been on a competitive hiatus while focusing on developing a string of bright stars for Everglades Dressage LLC of Wellington. “This was his first test since the Developing Young Horse Championships and we won. It was a nice, clean test and he went very nicely in front of me. I was especially happy with his solid canter pirouettes. He’s come back stronger between the last championships and now.” Lucky Strike, owned by Endel and his father, neurosurgeon Dr. Max Ots, was the 2016 USEF 6-Year-Old Division Champion.

Ots hasn’t been in a hurry and the results speak for themselves: “A young horse is going to take as long as they take. I want to create a happy relationship, where they will be with me in the tests and let them have time to develop, enjoy the show ring and make US teams.

“As Lucky Strike develops, my sponsor, Custom Saddlery has been so helpful in fitting his saddle,” Ots added. “It sounds like a little thing, but comfort is so important to horses when we are asking them to give us more.  Lucky and I are, well, ‘lucky’ to have such a great support team.  I was also happy that the Custom team from Holland was on hand to see how nicely Lucky is progressing this weekend.”

In addition to Lucky Strike, he’s casting an optimistic eye on a Developing Grand Prix mare, Rosenschon, that he hopes to start on a “little show tour” in April, and a Developing 5-Year-Old, owned by Tonya Reed, that he hopes to take to Chicago and represents a second generation of dressage horses that he has campaigned: “I competed his sire in Developing Grand Prix.”

Ots is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist and 2011 Pan American Games US Team Alternate who has finished multiple horses to Grand Prix level. In 2017, he won the Reserve Champion title in the Developing Horse Prix St George at the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships, and coached both Chase Hickok (who campaigns Sagacious HF for Hyperion Farm) to become the top-scoring American rider on the FEI Nations Cup teams for Fasterbo, Sweden and Hickstead, England, and Bebe Davis and Fiderhit OLD, winners of the Individual Gold medal at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Dressage Championships.

“His notable track record is proof of his dressage expertise,” Young Rider Lauren Gorton has said about Ots, who has been industriously furthering his own skills with Robert Dover, Albrecht Hinneman, Debbie McDonald and Christine Traurig.

The only thing as important as developing a young horse is developing its rider. Ots likes to quote the American captain of industry and harnesser of horsepower, Henry Ford: “The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?” To contact Ots, call (920) 562-5714 or email endelots@gmail.com or visit www.EndelOtsDressage.com.

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, USEF

Ots and Karol Named Champions at Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

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Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (SusanJStickle.com)

Wayne, Ill. – The final two division titles of the 2016 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships were determined today as competition came to an end at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Endel Ots and Lucky Strike earned the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship title, their first national championship, following the FEI Six-Year-Old Final Test. Jane Karol and Sunshine Tour won the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship following the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test. Today’s tests counted 60% towards their overall score. The remaining 40% came from Friday’s preliminary tests.

Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship

The judges remained pleased with the growth of the young horses. However, they ultimately awarded Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and Lucky Strike the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old National Championship. They had a superb preliminary test on Friday for a score of 8.64. He and Max Ots’ Hanoverian gelding had a clean final test. Lucky Strike stayed present with Endel the entire test, and the judges saw the commitment of their partnership. However, they wanted more engagement, overall. They earned a score of 8.50 for an overall score of 8.60.

“I am so thankful for Christine Traurig’s help; it has been invaluable. I absolutely could not have done it without her. She has been above and beyond supportive. Coming to clinics in Florida and then helping me here. I showed here when I was 15 years-old, so there’s people I have known over 10 years so it’s really nice to come to Lamplight and be on these show grounds,” said Endel Ots.

Fresh off winning the Reserve National Championship on Saturday, Parra (White House Station, N.J.) earned the Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Reserve National Championship with Don Cesar on Sunday. His own Westphalian gelding had excellent walk work to earn a score of 8.28 in the preliminary test for second place in the division. They had nice pirouettes but lacked definition in the trot work during the final test. The judges gave them a score of 8.540 for an overall score of 8.436.

“I was happy with him today. It was a little hotter today, but I was happy with the scores. The comments were very encouraging. It is exciting; I am very honored to have two horses that are Reserve Champions. I think it is a testament to the whole team. I am in great company with two amazing riders [Michael Bragdell and Endel Ots] and their horses,” said Parra.

Michael Bragdell (Colora, Md.) and Sternlicht Hilltop, Hilltop Farm Inc.’s Hanoverian stallion, placed third with an overall score of 8.028. They had a consistent first round test for a score of 7.98. The Hanoverian stallion stepped up for Bragdell for a much more flowing final test to earn a score of 8.06.

Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship

Jane Karol (Concord, Mass.) and her own Sunshine Tour had a more relaxed, expressive test on Sunday for a score of 68.750%. With more power and balance in the movements, they earned the 2016 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix National Championship with an overall score of 66.917%. On Friday, tension got the best of the 2007 Oldenburg mare, but the combination held it together for a score of 64.167 in the first round test. This is the first National Championship for the combination, as they earned the 2013 Six-Year-Old Reserve National Championship title.

“This is surreal. There were wonderful horses and riders here, but I thought she could do this, and she was great today. She was with me; she was listening, and I got wonderful help right before from Scott Hassler and Margaret Freeman helping me on how to go into certain movements. Thankfully, I listened,” said Karol.

Holger Bechtloff (Wellington, Fla.) and Clapton JP earned the 2016 Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Reserve National Championship title with an overall score of 66.040%. He and Peggy Mills’ 2007 KWPN gelding lacked rhythm in Friday’s first round test but still had a pleasing performance for a score of 65.351%. On Sunday, the gelding came to the arena eager to please for an improvement in the final test for a score of 66.500%.

“We are kind of in a funny stage of underreacting or overreacting. His quickness could be detrimental. We are a little electric at moments and just a split second behind, but overall for where he is, I am very happy with him. He tries his heart out,” said Bechtloff.

Petra Warlimont (Evergreen, Colo.) placed third with an overall score of 63.749%. She and Highschool MCF, Susan Alvey’s 2006 Hanoverian gelding, placed fourth in the first round test with a score of 64.875%, improving in the final test for a score of 64.875.

More information about the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships can be found at USEF.org.

From the USEF Communications Department

Championships, Dressage, JRPR, USEF

Endel Ots and Lucky Strike Ready for the Markel/USEF Young Horse National Championships

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Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (Photo courtesy of Ken Braddick)

Wayne, Illinois (August 22, 2016) – As the top ranked combination in the Six-Year-Olds division, Endel Ots and Lucky Strike look to further their resume of high marks at the upcoming Markel/United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Young and Developing Dressage Horse National Championships. The pair’s impressive national and international performances have set them apart as the top challengers with an overall average of 8.640 heading into the hotly contested competition to be held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, on August 24-28.

Ots and his talented Hanoverian gelding Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie x His Highness) most recently represented the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Ermelo, The Netherlands. The pair earned international recognition with Lucky Strike being one of a rare handful of U.S. horses to have ever competed at the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships two consecutive years. Ots reflected on this year’s World Breeding Championships, saying, “Being exposed to the best young horses in the world inspires and motivates me to keep striving to the next level with Lucky Strike. I am very proud of my horse and I think his solid composure helps to prepare him for future international competition.”

Ots and Lucky Strike topped the qualification list by earning the gelding’s highest score to date: a 8.760 in the FEI 6-Year-Olds Final at the Global Dressage Festival CDIO 3* by Stillpoint Farm. Lucky Strike has been in the more than capable hands of Ots’ training. Ots has an impressive track record at this competition; in 2012 he won the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Reserve Championship and came back in 2014 to win the Developing Grand Prix Horse National Championship with Everglades Dressage’s Donatus.

With the pair now aiming to take on home-turf contenders at the Young Horse National Championships, Ots feels that his and Lucky Strike’s strength stems from their close partnership. “We know each other so well, as I have ridden and trained Lucky since he was 3 years old. He has my back when I am not at my best, and I know the kind of warm-up and training routine to bring out his best,” Ots states.

Ots has also sought out the expertise of a myriad of top-level mentors to fine tune Lucky Strike’s training. Ots credits Canadian Grand Prix rider Evi Strasser for her continued efforts and mentoring from the very beginning of Lucky Strike’s training. He has also had excellent guidance from U.S. Dressage Young Horse Coach Christine Traurig and the Developing Dressage Coach Debbie McDonald throughout the winter season. Ots and Lucky Strike also had the opportunity to ride with Canada’s Team trainer and German National Coach, Johann Hinnemann, in the Adequan USDF FEI Level Trainers Conference.

Not only is the gelding physically ready for the Young Horse National championships, but Ots also feels his mental training and focus is right on cue. “Lucky has matured so much in his mind. He can handle various delicate aids, and his concentration on me in the show ring is paramount,” he said.

The event will also be a retreat home for Ots, who worked in the Chicago area for 8 years before accepting a training opportunity with Hubertus Schmidt in Germany. “I grew up as a child showing at the Lamplight Equestrian Center,” Ots commented, “It will be a nice homecoming for me.”

Ots operates his training business Endel Ots Dressage out of the Bethany Peslar’s Everglades Dressage facility in Wellington, Florida. For more information on the numerous accomplishments and latest news for Ots and Lucky Strike, visit www.endelotsdressage.com.

Contact: Endel Ots
endelots@gmail.com
1-920-562-5714

Breeds, Championships, Dressage, FEI, JRPR

Endel Ots Heads to The Netherlands for World Breeding Dressage Championships

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Endel Ots and Lucky Strike. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Ermelo, The Netherlands (July 12, 2016) – After proudly representing the red, white, and blue at the 2015 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany, Endel Ots and his exceptional Hanoverian gelding Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie x His Highness) will now return to Europe to compete in this year’s hotly contested international championship. In Ots’ World Championship debut last year, he surpassed global expectations and was the first American to have ever qualified two horses for the competition. Ots will now return to the coveted competition held in Ermelo, The Netherlands on July 28-31.

“When I finished my first ride at Verden last year, I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my future,” Ots recounts. “I never had doubt before, but the feeling of riding in a World Championship representing my country was a feeling like no other.”

Lucky Strike is one of a rare handful of U.S. horses to have ever competed at the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships, placing 11th in the 5-year-old Final, and, even more extraordinarily, qualifying to return the consecutive year in the next division.

“I am very excited about returning. I had such a wonderful experience last year. I did not know 100% what I was getting into, or even grasp the size of the event last year. I feel very happy with my horse and his progression, and am so humbled to have this opportunity,” Ots says.

Since returning from Verden last year, Ots has focused on strengthening Lucky Strike’s training with the expertise of a myriad of mentors. Ots credits Canadian Grand Prix rider Evi Strasser for her continued efforts and mentoring from the very beginning of Lucky Strike’s training. He has also had excellent guidance from U.S. Dressage Young Horse Coach Christine Traurig and the Developing Dressage Coach Debbie McDonald throughout the winter season. Ots and Lucky Strike also had the opportunity to ride with Canada’s Team trainer and German National Coach, Johann Hinnemann, in the Adequan USDF FEI Level Trainers Conference.

“The collaboration of all this top-level help has been invaluable to me,” Ots states. “Lucky qualified with the two highest scores he has ever received (an 87.600 and 87.200 in the FEI 6-Year-Olds Final and Preliminary tests at the Global Dressage Festival CDIO 3* by Stillpoint Farm). I know that was through the caliber of trainers I had standing behind me.”

Ots intends to work with Hinnemann again before the World Championships, and is focusing his training sessions on transitions and keeping Lucky Strike flexible. Ots is passionate about developing young horses, and thrilled with his Lucky Strike’s presence as a formidable contender in the international competition.

“I love working with young horses because they are a clean slate. They keep you humble and accountable for your actions. You can never blame a previous rider for anything. I love how excited they are to learn when you get them on your side, and the intimate relationships that form when bringing them up the levels.”

Ots operates his training business Endel Ots Dressage out of the Everglades Dressage facility in Wellington, Florida. For more information on the numerous accomplishments and latest news for Ots and Lucky Strike, visit www.endelotsdressage.com.

Contact: Endel Ots
endelots@gmail.com
1-920-562-5714

Awards, Dressage, JRPR, Products/Services

Custom Saddlery Crowns Most Valuable Riders across the Sunshine State

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Endel Ots wins the Custom Saddlery MVR Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 14, 2016) – When dressage stars shine brightly across the state of Florida, Custom Saddlery takes note. The company rewarded Brian MacMahon and Endel Ots for their excellence by presenting them with the Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider (MVR) Award at recent Florida dressage shows. MacMahon was recognized for coaching students and horses to excellent scores – as well as excellent scores himself – at the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2 in Canterbury, Florida. Ots was recognized at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival for his international success with his young horses.

A dressage rider for more than 30 years, MacMahon is a jack-of-all-trades in the world of dressage. He competes, trains, breeds, conducts clinics, and is an “r” judge. Carlie Evans of Southeast Horse Shows, the management company for the Twice as Nice Dressage show, explained why MacMahon was chosen by the show committee as recipient of the Custom Saddlery MVR Award. “Brian was chosen because he is a great supporter of our shows,” she said. “He shows horses himself at all levels including freestyles, he brings students with him who show at all levels, and he has horses that he breeds and has sold competing at the same shows. He’s an all-around positive person in the world of dressage.”

MacMahon usually competes with as many as four horses and coaches five students at shows. At the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2, his proudest moment was watching his working student, Mickensey Johnson, win all of her classes in only her second recognized show aboard Kalahari, a 15-year-old Warmblood gelding (Beaujolais x Katmandu, Columbus) owned by Eugene Abello and bred by MacMahon.

“I took my first riding lesson 30 something years ago when I got out of college, and that was that,” MacMahon said. “I love the sport. I think that when a horse is truly correct and on your aids, there’s nothing like it.”

MacMahon is based out of his Sword from the Stone Farm in Wellborn, Florida and will be beginning his “R” judge program this summer. Now that the Twice as Nice Dressage Show 2 is over, his upcoming goals are to get his students qualified for regional championships and his young horses qualified for championships, as well.

Endel Ots received the Custom Saddlery MVR Award while competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. He was presented with the award because of his impressive achievements over the past year. Ots became only the second American ever to qualify both a five-year-old horse and a six-year-old horse for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany. Ots qualified Lucky Strike, a German-bred six-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Lord Laurie x Heidi, His Highness) owned by Endel Ots and his father Max Ots, and Samhitas, a German-bred seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Sir Donnerhall I x Heidebluete, Abanos), owned by Canadians Gary and Jeannie Vander Ploeg of Pine Ridge Farm. He is continuing his success this winter season in Wellington, Florida, and hopes to once again qualify the horses for the world Young Horse Championship.

Ots is a Custom Saddlery sponsored rider, and competes in the Custom Saddlery Icon Coda model. “I like Custom Saddlery for their customer service,” he said. “They always get things done on time. When you hear you are going to get the saddle, you get it. There are so many saddles to choose from – you can have whatever saddle you want designed however you want it.”

The Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider Award is presented at major horse shows to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in the sport. Custom Saddlery, the Official Saddle of the U.S. Dressage Team through the 2016 Olympic Games, gave both MacMahon and Ots an embroidered Custom Saddlery saddle pad, bag, towel, and ribbon as the newest MVR Award recipients.

Custom Saddlery’s MVR Award is all about quality riders, just as the company’s saddles are centered on top quality craftsmanship and materials. Custom Saddlery provides professional fitting services and manufactures accessories to compliment the saddles, including stirrup leathers, girths, and saddle pads.

For more information about Custom Saddlery, visit www.mysaddle.com or call 1-800-235-3865.

For more information, contact:
Custom Saddlery, Cary Wallace
www.mysaddle.com
cary@mysaddle.com
1-800-235-3865

Dressage, FEI, USEF

Ots Performs Commendably in FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses

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Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (Karl-Heinz Frieler)

Verden, Germany – Today, Endel Ots completed a successful showing at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses in the Five-Year-Old Final and Six-Year-Old Small Final. Competing against some of the best up-and-coming dressage talent in the world, Ots finished 11th in the Five-Year-Old Final with Lucky Strike and 11th in the Six-Year-Old Small Final with Samhitas.

USEF Young Horse Coach, Christine Traurig, was ecstatic with the week’s results, stating, “It was a big, long week, and overall a great success for Endel and his horses. [Lucky Strike] gave his all in every test, and because he is such a big horse, he was maybe a bit tired on this last day, but he was truly remarkable. The horse’s consistency over the three days was unbelievable and something to really be proud of. [Samhitas] was the best I have ever seen him today, both in the warm-up and in competition. All the owners and their support made a great contribution to the success of this week. Endel showed big talent and really represented the U.S. well.”

Aboard Lucky Strike, the impressive five-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Lord Laurie x Heidi/His Highness) owned by Max Ots, Ots went from strength-to-strength over three days of competition. In the preliminary test on Thursday, which served as the first qualifier for the Final, Ots and Lucky Strike scored an 8.600 to tie for 15th and moved forward to the Small Final on Friday. With incredible determination, the pair executed a beautiful test in the Small Final to place third on 8.680, landing them a coveted spot in today’s Final. Featuring 15 world-class five-year-olds, today’s Final showcased brilliant performances including that of Ots and Lucky Strike, who placed 11th on 8.100. The gelding continued to display his expressive trot work, earning an 8.300, and also collected high marks for his submission, an 8.500, and general impression, an 8.200.

“He tries his heart out – every day, every test,” said Ots of Lucky Strike. “When I wanted to change something, he was so adjustable and really stayed with me. He always gave me everything he could this week and I am super happy. We had a little bobble towards the end of our test today, but placing 11th in the world, it was incredible.”

The Five-Year-Old Champion was Fiontini ridden by Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez of Spain, who scored 9.180.

Endel Ots and Samhitas (Karl-Heinz Frieler)
Endel Ots and Samhitas (Karl-Heinz Frieler)

Also representing the U.S. in the Six-Year-Old division, Ots expertly guided his own and Gary Vander Ploeg’s Samhitas (Sir Donnerhall I x Heidebluete/Abanos), a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding, to respectable finishes in both the preliminary test and in the Small Final. In Friday’s first qualifier to the Final, the pair scored 7.540 to place 24th. The judges praised the gelding’s trot tour, scoring it an 8.800. In this morning’s Small Final, the graceful gelding continued to impress in his trot work, scoring an 8.400, but a low overall mark for the walk, 6.800, led to an overall score of 7.600 for an 11th-place finish.

“Today was a really fantastic test for [Samhitas],” said Ots. “This horse has super potential for international competition and this was only his fourth show here at the World Championships. We did have a little mistake in our test, but all our other tests were clean and it just makes me want to come back next year and ride that much better. I cannot thank my owners, coaches, and the USEF enough for the unbelievable support I have received this week.”

The Six-Year-Old Champion will be determined tomorrow in the Final.

Speaking to the importance of this international championship, Traurig noted, “In the U.S. we have a wonderful National Championships for young horses, and this World Championship is also incredibly important, as it is our first opportunity to showcase our horses on the international stage and see how they compare to the rest of the world. This World Championship is so vital for our breeders, owners, and riders to be able to represent the U.S. and see how the other countries are developing their young horses.”

Complete Results

From the USEF Communications Department

Championships, Competitions, Dressage

Endel Ots and Lucky Strike Capture Early Victory at 2015 Oldenburg Championships

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Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (Photo courtesy of the 2015 Oldenburger Landesturnier)

Oldenburg, Germany (July 23, 2015) – American Grand Prix dressage rider Endel Ots has shown how prepared he is for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses this August. Ots and Lucky Strike claimed the first win of the 2015 Oldenburger Landesturnier, or “Oldenburg Championships,” on Tuesday in the FEI Five-Year-Old Einlaufprüfung, or “opening competition.”

“Today’s competition was so much fun,” said Ots after winning his first-ever European competition. “It was a super atmosphere. This is a perfect lead up to the World Championships in Verden.”

Ots will be competing Lucky Strike and six-year-old Oldenburg gelding Samhitas in the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany in August. The 2015 Oldenburger Landesturnier is part of his final preparations for Verden. Only one other American has ever qualified both a five-year-old and a six-year-old for these renowned championships.

Endel Ots and his father, Max Ots, own Lucky Strike, a German-bred five-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Lord Laurie x His Highness). Ots originally discovered Lucky Strike in Belgium and has owned the impressive gelding for nearly two years. “He is the only qualified five-year-old in the U.S. for Verden,” Ots explained, proud of his young partner.

“I want to give a huge thank you to Evi Strasser for her help all season, and for organizing my stay here in Europe,” Ots said. “Evi Strasser has been helping me every step of the way.” Ots also noted his appreciation for Hans Heinrich and Kathrin Meyer Zu Strohen who have hosted Ots during his European stay and Viola Abrahams for coaching at this week’s competition.

Ots also credits United States Young Horse Coach Christine Traurig. Although the two have only been working together for about a month, Traurig’s coaching has been invaluable to Ots. “There will be great things in the future for the young horses in the USA under Christine’s guidance,” he said. Traurig was in Hagen, Germany serving as Chef d’equipe for the U.S. Nations Cup team when Ots arrived in Germany earlier this month to begin preparing for competition. “I changed my plane ticket around, and when Hagen was over I went to work with Endel,” Traurig explained. A video of Ots and Lucky Strike schooling in Germany with Traurig can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xCZphgsa_k&feature=youtu.be. “Since then, we have been in communication almost daily about how the horses are doing,” Traurig continued.

“When Endel called me and gave me the news that he and Lucky Strike had won the class at the Oldenburg Championships, I was of course super excited! He went to this prestigious show as an American, showed up, did his test, and won the class. I think that’s a remarkable accomplishment. I’m really excited for him,” Traurig said.

As Ots continues training for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Traurig’s advice for him is simple. “I said to him, just stay in the zone. He knows his horses and he knows what he can accomplish in the ring – he is a very good rider. My advice to him is to not think that he has to change something drastically to make another big difference in his performance. His performances were already super getting him to Verden – if they weren’t, he wouldn’t be going there!” she smiled. “He has done a very fine job getting his young horses to the point where they have the quality to go to Verden and compete well there. He has proven himself to be successful.”

Traurig will be at the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses to cheer on Ots as he represents his country.

Ots’s home base is in Wellington, Florida at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex. To learn more about Endel Ots Dressage, visit www.endelotsdressage.com, email EndelOts@gmail.com, or call (920) 562-5714.

Contact: Endel Ots
endelots@gmail.com
1-920-562-5714

Dressage, JRPR

Ots in the 80s and Undefeated All Season

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Endel Ots and Samhitas (Photo courtesy of Susan J. Stickle)

Wellington, FL (May 28, 2015) – Grand Prix dressage rider Endel Ots has achieved impressive results with a variety of young horses this year. Ots has shown a remarkable ability to turn young horses into champions – most notably five-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lucky Strike, six-year-old Oldenburg gelding Samhitas, and six-year-old Oldenburg mare Rosenschön. Last year, Ots won the Developing Grand Prix Championships with Donatus – and his new horses seem ready to ride down the same path.

Ots, passionate about working with young horses, noticed the potential in each of these and immediately got to work. Now, the 29-year-old Ots rides into the summer months with some of the highest scoring young horses in the U.S.

“These horses are confident, and love their work,” he commented. “They’re really centered in their minds, and all enjoy the show ring. It’s like they have been doing this forever.”

Considering Ots has had the ride on Samhitas – a German-bred Oldenburg (Sir Donnerhall I- Heidebluete, Abanos) – for little more than a year, he has achieved unprecedented success with the gelding. Samhitas, owned by Canadians Gary and Jeannie Vander Ploeg of Pine Ridge Farm, has earned the current highest qualifying score in the U.S for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden. Ots and the gelding notched an 85.600 percent in the FEI 6-year-old Young Horse Final Test on April 25 at the Shoofly Farm CDI3* and Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I and II in Katy, Texas.

“With a year of good solid work I thought it would be fun to set our sights on the 6-year-old World Championships in Verden,” Ots said. With the talent and hard work of both horse and rider, he is proving to be correct.

Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (Photo courtesy of Endel Ots)
Endel Ots and Lucky Strike (Photo courtesy of Endel Ots)

Ots has been riding Lucky Strike, a horse he discovered in Belgium, for about a year and a half. The pair scored 87.00 percent in the final test required to qualify for the FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses, making Lucky Strike the current highest qualified five-year-old in the United States for the World Young Horse Championships. The German-bred Hanoverian (Lord Laurie-Heidi, His Highness) is owned by Endel Ots and his father Max Ots.

Ots’s recent successes don’t stop there. At Oldenburg mare Rosenschön’s (Sir Donnerhall I-Rudelia, Pik Labionicas) very first show, she and Ots earned a whopping 86 percent in the FEI six-year-old test. This earned Rosenschön the title of the highest scoring six-year-old in the country. Ots has only been riding the mare for about six months.

Ots’s strategy for success for all his young horses is to keep showing fun for them. He does not burn them out by doing too many shows, but competes in just enough to keep them always gaining experience. “I focus on keeping everything at a level they can do,” he said. “I keep things easy and ride the test and make changes when I need to, but without making it stressful for them.”

He credits Canadian international Grand Prix rider Evi Strasser with much of his recent success with the young horses. “She’s been irreplaceable as a coach at shows, and has been passionate in her help and support,” he said gratefully.

Ots will soon be heading to Europe, planning for even more victories with the promising youngsters. His home base is in Wellington, Florida, at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex. To learn more about Endel Ots Dressage trainng, visit www.endelotsdressage.com, email EndelOts@gmail.com, or call (920) 562-5714.

Contact: Endel Ots
EndelOts@gmail.com
1-920-562-5714