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

Christilot Boylen Sweeps Small Tour at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W

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Wellington, FL – February 17, 2013 – The Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W, presented by USPRE Association, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival finished today with the last class of the Small Tour. Christilot Boylen (CAN) captured the top spot again today winning the $6,000 FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, sponsored by Havensafe Farm.

Watch an interview with Christilot Boylen

Judges for this afternoon’s class were Jane Weatherwax (USA) at E, Victoire Mandl (AUT) at H, Jacques Van Daele (BEL) at C, Jennie Loriston-Clarke (GBR) at M, and Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA) at B.

It was a great weekend for Boylen, winning all her classes that she entered. Receiving a score of 73.375% atop Dio Mio (De Niro x Charmeur), she was overjoyed at his performance this afternoon. Of the 10-year-old black Hanoverian gelding, she commented, “Today was the first time we had done our Freestyle as I just got the music two days ago! He had some trouble in the lines, but overall I am pleased.”

Up next for the six-time Olympian is competing with her young horses. “They are all very talented. I believe that the older, more experienced riders should be on the young, green horses and vice versa. That’s a mixture that works well. I can offer these horses a lot more support, because I’ve done it so often. To support them in their first attempts gives a really great foundation. If they have good experiences in the ring, they will grow on that. Otherwise, they lose their confidence and will to perform in the arena,” reflected Boylen.

A special award was given today to the high point winners in the FEI Test of Choice. The Der Dau Dream Team Award was presented to Neve Myburgh (GER) riding Caroline Roffman’s Accent Aigu Frh (Amerigo Vespucci XX x Trapper) and Janne Rumbough (USA) riding her mount Afilado (Gaucho III x BW Maravilla).

The USPRE Assocation gave special awards as well to Janne Rumbough and Rachel Chowanec.

With the Florida Dressage Classic, CDI-W presented by USPRE Association in the books, competition resumes at The Stadium on March 14-17, 2013, with the WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows.

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

Final Results: $6,000 FEI Intermediaire Freestyle sponsored by Havensafe Farm

  1. Dio Mio, Christilot Boylen (CAN): E: 72.625%, H: 71.375%, C: 78.625%, M: 74.000%, B: 70.250%, Total: 73.375%
  2. Tolstoy, Nicholas Fyffe (AUS): E: 66.875%, H: 71.750%, C: 68.750%, M: 69.000%, B: 64.625%, Total: 68.200%
  3. Rigaudon Tyme, Evi Strasser (CAN): E: 66.875%, H: 70.000%, C: 66.875%, M: 68.875%, B: 66.125%, Total: 67.750%
  4. Nymphenburg’s Love, Katharina Stumpf (AUT): E: 62.625%, H: 68.125%, C: 60.125%, M: 61.625%, B: 64.375%, Total: 63.375%
  5. Ungaro, Sonia Zugel (IRL): E: 62.250%, H: 61.875%, C: 58.375%, M: 63.125%, B: 64.625%, Total: 62.050%

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, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Rose Hill Win Big in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala V

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OCALA, FL (February 18, 2013) – Jennifer Alfano got down to business at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, and won the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix this weekend. Alfano of Buffalo, New York and Sharon O’Neill’s Rose Hill rode to a sweet victory and a $2,800 winner’s check. Sweeter than usual, however, the win marked a storied return back to the competition ring for Rose Hill.

“She is only eight years old and underwent colic surgery last May,” said Alfano of the Warmblood mare that carried her to the blue. “She just started showing again and I am really excited to have her back.”

The scenery changed this week for hunter prix riders as they moved to the main hunter ring and showed over a course designed by Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida.

Alfano was second going into the final round after a score of 86, right behind Winn Alden of Bristow, Virginia aboard Barbara Sheffield’s Cameo Appearance with an 87. Alfano was tenth to return in a 12-horse second round and rode to an impressive 89, which was just enough to deliver the win. Alfano also piloted Rose Hill to a second and third-place finish in two HITS Ocala Devoucoux Hunter Prix earlier in the circuit.

Despite the chilly weather that rolled in and prompted some frisky antics from several horses during the class, Alfano admits that Rose Hill was focused and pretty unflappable throughout the day.

“She walked right into the new ring and got it done,” said Alfano of Rose Hill. “She is so easy and fun – she is the kind of horse that everyone wants in their barn.”

After an 86 in round two gave him a total score of 173, just two points below Alfano, Alden and Cameo Appearance finished second. Amanda Steege has already been in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix money several times this season and rode to third yesterday with Susan Darragh’s Zidane. They boasted an overall score of 167.5.

Another familiar face in the top five with two wins already pocketed, Shachine Belle of Farmington, Connecticut and Robin Swinderman’s INXS finished fourth with a score of 166.75. Paul Mathews of Somerset, Virginia fell just short of Belle and rounded out the top five with a 166.5 on Terry Morrison’s Carino.

With four more qualifying opportunities for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final during the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, Alfano is hopeful that Rose Hill is the horse to get her to HITS Championship Weekend this fall. “She’s a perfect horse for that class. She shows in the 3’6” Performance Division and was champion this week, so she is really getting back into form.  We definitely hope to qualify and ride in the $500,000 class in Saugerties,” she said.

$1,500 HITS Hunter Prix

Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia bested 52 to pilot her own Glad Rags to the top of the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix this weekend at HITS Ocala. After a second-place finish last week, Zettler is sitting near the top of the rider standings for September’s HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.

©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler rode to the win in the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix aboard Glad Rags
©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler rode to the win in the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix aboard Glad Rags

Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, New York was second aboard Serenity Farm’s Q and Lena Rae Reeb of Weston, Connecticut finished third with Jamie Ringel’s Private Ryan. After a win in last year’s HITS Children Hunter Pony Final, Reeb is looking forward to a triumphant return to Saugerties, New York this year and an appearance in the HITS Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend.

Lynn Seithel of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina rode Louse Petz’s Wellington to fourth and Marge Sidman of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts capped the top five with her own Robinlanta.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the third-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 7-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Take Advantage of Top Tips Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival

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The build-up to the Cheltenham Festival is a special time of year for horse racing fans.  The wet tracks of the winter are a thing of the past and the sport’s premier jumpers are gearing up for the biggest meeting of all.  To really get the most out of the four-day Cheltenham Festival, check out the form of some of the top runners.

The William Hill Champion Hurdle provides the first feature race of the meeting.  Last year Noel Fehily rode Rock on Ruby to victory and the horse will be back to retain his title.  However, Nicky Henderson will be hoping to put a spanner in the works with his two horses, Darlan and Grandouet.  However, keep an eye out for Don McCain’s horse Cinders and Ashes.  Although not widely fancied, there is plenty of potential in this horse, especially on the relatively good ground of Cheltenham.

Ladies’ Day is all about fashion, style, and of course some excellent Cheltenham betting at the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Most people think that Sprinter Sacre already has this one in the bag.  However, don’t be so sure.  Prestbury Park will provide a particularly difficult test of stamina and character and Rainbow and Sizing Europe will be poised to take advantage of any chink in Sprinter Sacre’s armour.

Of course, the festival ends with the crescendo of the Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.  Champion jockey AP McCoy rode Synchronised to victory last year, under the tutelage of trainer Jonjo O’Neill.  This year, the pundits have put Bob’s Worth in the driving seat.  However, the Hennessy Gold Cup winner will come under pressure from previous winner of this race Long Run and keep an eye out for Jewson winner Sir Des Champs.

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ Victorious in $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix

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Parkland and Lillie Keenan Are an Unstoppable Force in Small Junior 16-17 Hunters

Wellington, FL – February 16, 2013 – Two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ were victorious on Saturday night in the $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm, during week six of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in Wellington, FL. Madden beat out an impressive roster of top riders and finished in first place over Katie Dinan (USA) and Nougat du Vallet and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) aboard Amaretto d’Arco, who finished second and third respectively.

Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge set the track for 46 entries in Saturday night’s grand prix with nine jumping clear to advance to the jump-off. Four were able to complete the short course without fault, with the fastest time of 41.50 seconds belonging to Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ took top prize.

Watch an interview with Beezie Madden!

Margie Engle (USA) and Elm Rock, LLC’s Royce were first to clear the jump-off course in 45.69 seconds and eventually placed fourth. Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Amaretto d’Arco cleared the jump-off track in 42.56 seconds to place third. Up next, Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partners, LLC’s Nougat du Vallet upped the ante with their time of 41.84 seconds to place second. They were immediately followed by an even faster clear round from Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ in the winning 41.50 seconds. Week four grand prix winners Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Cella had the fastest time of the night in 40.46 seconds, but had one rail down in the short course to place fifth.

Spy Coast Farm owners Robert and Lisa Lourie were thrilled with the success of the evening and the great class along with a third place finish for their horse and rider. Lisa Lourie commented, “I think it was an extremely exciting grand prix. It was very competitive and you could not have asked for a better lineup for the jump-off. It was a world-class event and we were happy to be a part of that jump-off. As they say, anytime you lose to Beezie when she is riding at her best, that is not a bad thing. We are very pleased with how it went and very happy to do it.”

Madden’s winning mount for the evening, Cortes ‘C’, is an eleven-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Randel Z x Darco that Madden has now had for three years. Madden describes Cortes as a horse with fantastic ability. “He can jump the moon,” Madden stated. “He’s a bit of an internal worrier and I think he is just starting to come into his own. If he can relax like he did tonight under the lights in a big atmosphere I think he’s going to be fantastic.”

This was the first big grand prix of the year for Cortes and Madden was happy with his performance. “He felt fantastic,” she smiled. “Last year he was a little inexperienced under the lights and he was very tense when he came up here each time. This time he started out very relaxed and he felt terrific.”

“He felt very relaxed in the first round; very rideable and jumping well,” Madden continued. “I saw Katie go right before me. I was lucky to go right behind her so I could see how fast she went, so the strategy became try to pull out all the shots you can and it worked.”

In addition to the grand prix win, Madden was named the Leading Lady Jumper Rider, an award presented by Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

“I’d just like to thank Spy Coast and the Louries,” Madden said. “They are great enthusiasts of the sport and without people like them we wouldn’t be here.”

Second place finisher, nineteen-year-old Katie Dinan, has grown up with Beezie Madden as a riding idol and was excited to finish in the top of the class with her. Dinan’s horse, Nougat du Vallet, jumped two great rounds as well. “He felt great,” Dinan smiled. “He jumped so well in the first round and we had a good school before the jump-off. I knew he wasn’t going to try to touch any of the jumps. It was just up to me to go fast. He can do most things for me, but I have to tell him when we need to go fast. He felt really good.”

Shane Sweetnam was pleased to finish in the top three for Spy Coast Farm with their top stallion Amaretto d’Arco, and had a great night.

“I was very happy with my horse tonight,” Sweetnam stated. “Obviously, the Spy Coast Grand Prix, I would have liked to have won it, but I was very happy. It is his first grand prix of the year and I’m just happy to be here.”

“Guilherme did a good job with the course,” Sweetnam said. “I think nine is a good number for clear rounds. No one got hung up anywhere, so for the young riders it was good experience for them as well as a good class for the public.”

Also showing in the International Arena on Saturday, Jessica Springsteen and Stone Hill Farm’s Vindicat W won the $15,000 RCG Farm SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Lucas Porter and Mill’s Georgia, owned by John Roche, won in the Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumpers. Alvaro Tejada Arriola and Isabel Tejada’s Velinta Palo Blanco won in the Animo USA Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and Diederique Van Der Knaap and G&C Con Air won in the Griffis Residential High Junior Jumpers.

Parkland and Lillie Keenan Are an Unstoppable Force in Small Junior 16-17 Hunters

Parkland and Lillie Keenan continued their domination of the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division during week six of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The pair has taken home championship honors every week they have competed in the division, making this win their fourth tricolor victory.  Keenan and Parkland, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jennifer Gates, were a force to be reckoned with throughout the two days of competition for the division. They placed third and first over fences on day one and won both over fences rounds day two before wrapping up the division with a fourth place on the flat.

Lillie Keenan and Parkland. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Lillie Keenan and Parkland. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Reserve champion was Romance, ridden and owned by Spencer Smith. Smith and Romance were sixth over fences on day one and placed second in both over fences rounds day two. The pair edged out Keenan and Parkland under saddle, placing third in the final class of the division.

Romance and Smith were also honored with the Owner/Rider championship title for the division. The award recognizes riders in junior divisions competing on their own horses and is tallied separately from overall division championship awards. Reserve Owner/Rider champions were MTM U Call It and Cloe Hymowitz.

Keenan, of New York City, and Parkland began their partnership during week one of the FTI WEF, when the pair first took home the tricolor prize.  Since then, the two have proven that it wasn’t just beginner’s luck that earned them top honors.

“He’s a really special horse. He’s really fancy and it’s nice to have [a horse] in the division that you can trust to do his part. He’s a great mover and his strongest quality is how beautiful he is across the ground. His owner, Jennifer Gates, is so nice and comes to see him all the time, so it’s nice to have a lot of support behind you with a horse as special as Parkland,” Keenan stated.

“We’ve gotten closer as circuit has gone on,” Keenan continued. “He’s really part of the [Heritage Farm] family. When he first came, I’d never ridden him before he got to Florida but we’ve gotten to know each other very well. We can rely on each other in the ring.”

Keenan attributes much of her success with Parkland to the gelding’s incredible natural talent, but the bond the two shares is an undeniable factor.  “I know what he likes and I know what to expect. He’s a very reliable horse. The style I ride is very similar to the way he wants to go. It’s a lot easier to match up with a horse that goes the way you like to ride. We naturally have a connection and we’ve worked on it a lot,” Keenan described.

“He’s dead brave and he moves and jumps well, which is a great foundation to work from. I just have to hold him together and keep him in a solid rhythm. It’s really just monitoring his pace and that’s all it takes,” Keenan continued.

Keenan and Parkland will aim to continue their winning streak over the remaining six weeks of the FTI WEF. Keenan is eager to return for week seven of the FTI WEF for the World Championship Hunter Rider Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, hosted in the International Arena next week.

Week six of the FTI WEF concludes Sunday with the La Mundial Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Section B division, which will determine its champion in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena. The $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will conclude jumper competition in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

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

Langehanenberg Makes It Two-in-a-Row at Neumuenster

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Neumuenster (GER), 17 February 2013 – In a double of doubles, Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW today recorded a back-to-back victory in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League 2012/2013 series when heading the line-up on home turf at Neumuenster, Germany where the pair also reigned supreme last season.

The 30-year-old rider and her 13-year-old stallion produced a performance of such quality that the result was in no doubt once they posted their score of 87.800.  At Amsterdam in The Netherlands four weeks ago, they beat defending double-champions Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival in Freestyle for the very first time. And today the dynamic German duo showed even greater confidence and composure as they strutted to success in front of their home crowd.

Cornelissen’s grip on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title looks set to be seriously challenged when the series Final takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden at the end of April.  “When we go to the Final we will give our very, very best, and if we keep this form it will be really good sport and very interesting!” Langehanenberg said today.

Top Three Places

Of the 15 riders from eight nations, Germany fielded four today and captured all of the top three places. Kristina Sprehe, one of the new wave of exciting younger riders emerging into the sport for Germany and a member of the London 2012 Olympic team silver medal side, slotted into second with Desperados FRH while the veteran and former FEI World Cup Dressage champion, Isabell Werth, finished third with Don Johnson FRH.

Danish riders claimed fourth and fifth places, and once again Sidsel Johansen and Schianto won the hearts of the spectators with another joyous and pleasing performance. And, for the second time this season, the crowd expressed their disappointment at the score awarded to the Danish duo.  But judges Katrina Wuest (GER), Dr Evi Eisenhardt (GER), Ghislain Fouarge (NED), Leif Tornblad (DEN) and Marietta Almasy (FRA) were very much in agreement as Johansen’s 72.660 left them in fifth place.

Today’s result has rocketed Sprehe up to the top of the leaderboard, with, however, just a single-point advantage over long-time leader Valentina Truppa from Italy going into the last qualifying leg at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands in four weeks’ time. Langehanenberg lies third ahead of Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven in fourth and Dutchman Edward Gal in fifth place.

Today’s result also mirrored that of yesterday’s Grand Prix in which Damon Hill’s score of 83.310 left Langehanenberg almost five full marks ahead of Desperados and Sprehe while Don Johnson and Werth claimed third.

Freestyle

As today’s Freestyle got underway, it was Finland’s Terhi Stegars and the handsome Trakehner, Axis TSF, who were the first to score over 70 per cent when achieving 71.150, and then The Netherlands’ Marlie von Baalen and BMC Miciano raised the bar with a score of 73.850. However it was the latter’s Dutch counterpart, Patrick van der Meer, who held the clear lead before the judging break with a lovely performance from the 11-year-old Uzzo that included elegant piaffe and passage for a mark of 76.425 – a personal-best Freestyle score for this talented partnership.

Third to go of the final group however, Langehanenberg and Damon Hill were stunning from start to finish, the stallion’s big, clean and rhythmic passage, his boldness in canter and his stillness in piaffe, their steadiness, fluency and togetherness and their overall air of absolute confidence saw them rewarded with artistic marks of 94.000 per cent by Wuest, 92.000 from both Eisenhardt and Fouarge, 91.000 per cent from Almasy and 86.000 from Tornblad.  The crowd erupted with delight and appreciation as 87.800 went up on the scoreboard.

Now it was simply a matter of who could come closest, and multiple champion, 43-year-old Isabell Werth, steered Don Johnson to a score of 83.000 before 23-year-old Anna Kasprzak launched into her floor plan that began with canterwork and earned her a mark of 81.075 with Donnperignon.

The remaining Danish partnership of Johansen and Schianto were second-last to go, and the 14-year-old horse, who always looks as if he is thoroughly enjoying himself in the ring, showed tremendous elevation in passage and piaffe, power and courage in extended canter and a general joyousness that has proven particularly infectious this season. Their mark of 80.050 didn’t please the onlookers, but Johansen’s ear-to-ear grin showed that she knew they had once again produced a crowd-pleasing effort.

Sprehe was last into the ring, and the 26-year-old rider could have been forgiven for a little uneasiness as the crowd’s reaction to Johansen’s score seemed to disturb the concentration of her horse at the very start.  But the pure quality of his movement was sufficient to guarantee a strong result for Desperados who recovered to demonstrate strong piaffe and piaffe/pirouette on their way to clinching runner-up spot with 84.425 per cent.

Pivotal

For Langehanenberg, the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series has been pivotal.  “It’s true, I have grown up in this series; it has helped me to be better in every way!” said the rider who first came to real prominence during the 2010/2011 season. While well-known on the national circuit prior to that, she only really began to show her colossal potential at international level throughout the winter of 2010 and, over the two subsequent seasons, she has blossomed into a super-star of the sport. Runner-up behind Cornelissen at last year’s Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, she looks well set to oust her biggest rival this time around if all goes to plan.

But bragging and boasting is not her style. So when asked today if she thought she could leave Cornelissen in her wake when it comes to the Final in Gothenburg later in the spring, Langehanenberg said with some stoicism, “We all have so many hopes and so many dreams but they don’t always come true.  My dreams and my aims have always been clear, but I don’t let them put pressure on myself or on my horse.  You just never know how it will work out. We stay focused and we work hard to achieve our goals, I am just very happy that we are succeeding right now,” she pointed out.

That focus is on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 title. Today she was unsure if she would bring out her stallion at ‘s-Hertogenbosch next month. “We will now make a plan for how to use the time in between now and the Final.  I’m not sure yet exactly what we will do; we will make a decision next week,” she explained.  One way or another, she looks set to provide formidable opposition to the rest of the world-class line-up as the series Final begins to unfold….

For further information on the seventh leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 series in Neumunster (GER) check out website http://pst-marketing.de/index.php/home-vr-classics.html or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan Email andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, Tel +49 4307 827973, +49 3416 786 012. The next leg, and last qualifier in the Western European League, takes place at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands on Saturday 16 March 2013.  For details of the Dutch fixture go to website http://www.indoorbrabant.com/en/ or contact Press Officer Denise van der Net, Email denisene@xs4all.net, Tel +31 6270 31674.

Result: 1, Damon Hill NRW (Helen Langehanenberg) GER 87.800; 2, Desperados FRH (Kristina Sprehe) GER 84.425; 3, Don Johnson FRH (Isabell Werth) GER 83.000; 4, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 81.075; 5, Schianto (Sidsel Johansen) DEN 80.050; 6, Uzzo (Patrick van der Meer) NED 76.425; 7, Smeyers Molberg (Marcela Krinke-Susmelj) SUI 73.875; 8, BMC Miciano (Marlies van Baalen) NED 73.850; 9. Biggles (Kristian von Krusenstierna) SWE 73.850; 10, Rubins Royal (Anabel Balkenhol) GER 72.900; 11, Axis TSF (Terhi Stegars) FIN) 71.150; 12, Heimliche Liebe (Emma Kanerva) FIN 71.000; 13, HP Frontier (Sarah Millis) GBR 70.000; 14, Orion (Pia Fortmueller) CAN 69.500; 15, Charming Boy (Sofie Lexner) SWE 67.625.

Full results here.

Facts and Figures:

The penultimate qualifying leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League 2012/2013 series was staged today at the famous Holstenhalle in Neumuenster in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
The winners, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and the stallion Damon Hill NRW, also won the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier at the same venue last season.
15 riders from eight nations – Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Great Britain and Canada – competed in today’s Freestyle.
Runner-up spot went to Germany’s Kristina Sprehe who subsequently moved into pole position on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League leader board.
Sprehe holds a slender one-point advantage over long-time league leader Valentina Truppa from Italy.
The last qualifying leg in the Western European League series will take place at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands on 16 March 2013.
The series final takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden 24-28 April 2013.

Quotes:

Helen Langehanenberg – “He [Damon Hill NRW] really has settled everywhere – in the preparation, in the arena and, as I think I have said many times before, it is such a pleasure to ride him!”

Helen Langehanenberg, when asked about how difficult it was to ride in the Holstenhalle in Neumuenster in which the dressage arena is a very tight fit – “[The crowd] is very close to the arena and this makes it extra special.  The spectators are great, and they celebrate every rider even if their test is not so good.  We have lots of standing ovations here!”

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2012/2013 – Standings after Round 7 at Neumuenster (GER):

1.    Kristina Sprehe GER                –    68
2.    Valentina Truppa ITA                –    67
3.    Helen Langehanenberg GER            –    66
4.    Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven SWE            –    63
5.    Edward Gal NED                    –    55
6.    Patrick Kittel SWE                    –    50
6.    Marcela Krinke Susmelj SUI            –    50
8.    Minna Telde SWE)                    –    49
8.    Isabell Werth GER                    –    49
10.    Sidsel Johansen DEN                –    46
11.    Anna Kasprzak DEN                –    43
12.    Marlies van Baalen NED                –    36
13.    Imke Schellekens-Bartels NED            –    36
14.    Pia Fortmueller CAN                –    31
15.    Patrick van der Meer NED                –    30
16.    Anabel Balkenhol GER                –    29
17.    Kristian von Krusenstierna SWE            –    27
18.    Lyndal Oatley AUS                     –    23
18.    Silvia Rizzo ITA                    –    23
20.    Karin Kosak AUT                    –    22

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.

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and includes 133 National Federations. Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. In 2012 equestrian sport will celebrate its centenary as an Olympic sport. It is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms. It is also the only sport which involves two athletes – horse and rider. The FEI has relentlessly concerned itself with the welfare of the horse, which is paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/pf7Tsq53Bdg.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:
At Neumuenster
Press Officer: Andreas Kerstan
Email: andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de
Tel: +49 430 7827973/ 49 341 6786 012

At FEI
Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

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

Silvia Rizzo Wraps Up South Florida Success before Heading Home

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Wellington, FL – February 15, 2013 – As Italian dressage star Silvia Rizzo wraps up her impressive South Florida debut, the combination of high-level competitive opportunities and a friendly, supportive atmosphere at shows has her already looking forward to next year.

The proximity to the beach doesn’t hurt either, and Rizzo has been taking in the Florida attractions between shows and training sessions on the striking Oldenburg stallion Donnerbube 2. The balance of hard work and a little relaxation seems to be working, as Rizzo and “Bubi” have put in some of their best performances to date.

“I’ve broken three of my personal records here: Grand Prix score in a 5*, Grand Prix Special score in a 5*, and Kür score in a World Cup event,” Rizzo said.

“Bubi loves it here,” she added, explaining that he enjoys the quiet atmosphere where he is stalled at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Palm Beach County. Along with Rizzo, Bubi has become a fan favorite and regularly poses for photos with his admirers.

Rizzo has put together a series of steadily improving performances in Grand Prix competition. Most recently, she and Bubi took seventh in the Grand Prix on a sweltering hot day at the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3* (Feb. 8-10), and then put all the pieces together for a standout third-place effort in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Other season highlights include top scores and a fifth place finish in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach, along with seventh place finishes at the Wellington Dressage CDI-W and Gold Coast Opener CDI-W.

Rizzo’s success in Florida has helped her move up the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Standings. Her 23 points place her 15th in the competitive Western European League.

Rizzo gives the thumbs-up after her test on Donnerbube 2 at the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3*
Rizzo gives the thumbs-up after her test on Donnerbube 2 at the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3*

“I want to thank everybody for the hospitality and for the friendship here,” Rizzo said. “I want to thank the organizer and everybody that supported me, as well as the Americans, who were so friendly to me. I really enjoyed meeting new riders and establishing new connections.”

Michele Betti, Rizzo’s partner and the former chef d’equipe for the Italian eventing team, noted that the number and proximity of competitions in South Florida make it an appealing destination for European competitors, who often have to travel long distances between competitions.

“When you are here, all the competitions are close together, so you don’t have to travel a lot,” he said. “In Europe, we have a lot of competitions, but for example, when we have to go to Spain, we have to drive nearly 2,000 kilometers. The weather is another thing, honestly. I spoke with some people in Germany this morning and it was minus six (degrees Celsius). So it’s difficult.”

“It’s important to know other people, to open a little bit the mind, and try to understand,” Betti continued. “For example, here we can meet some people from Venezuela or Canada. We don’t have that opportunity when we are in Europe – they don’t come there.”

Rizzo and Betti credit the ample opportunities to compete as key to Rizzo’s improvement. “I think it’s a big help to compete one week after the other,” Betti explained. “You are all the time more focused. And if you learn that something is not so good, you have the opportunity to practice immediately, and you see how it’s working the week after. Every time you have to find something new to improve.”

“If you have one competition after two months, it’s much more difficult,” he pointed out. “You lose time, in one sense. You arrive in the next competition, you have forgotten which is your problem of the competition before.”

Spectators charmed by Rizzo’s bubbly personality, as well as those who haven’t yet seen the fashionable blonde in action, will be happy to hear that she plans to set up shop in South Florida for several months next year. She will bring several horses from Hof Marabunta, her base in Germany, to train and compete. Rizzo and Betti, an accomplished eventing and show jumping trainer, both look forward to taking on American students, who will benefit from the pair’s expertise and international experience.

To see an exclusive interview with Sidelines TV, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ47JJA6BOk.

To follow Rizzo on the road to August’s ECCO FEI European Dressage Championships in Denmark, follow Hof Marabunta on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/HOF-MARABUNTA/163706307019334?fref=ts.

For more information about Silvia Rizzo and Hof Marabunta, go to www.hofmarabunta.com.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Congratulates No Worries and Iceberg

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No Worries wins the Welcome and the $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby saw Iceberg rise to the top!

Gulfport, Mississippi (February 16, 2013) – The Gulf Coast Winter Classic’s National Week saw a field of 21 jumpers gallop onto the breathtaking grand prix arena for the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class, but this week it would be No Worries, owned by Barbara Rowland and ridden by Long Valley, New Jersey native Devin Ryan, who would end up in the winner’s circle.

Of the twenty one entries, the class saw ten of the horse and rider teams go clean in the first round.  But it was first-to-go No Worries and Ryan who would post the fastest second round time at 46.806 seconds, which would not be beat by any other team. Second to go was Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, and after posting a clean round in a time of 48.012 seconds, would finish in fifth place overall.  Palim Palim and Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio was the next clear round to give it a shot and their time of 52.756 would find them in sixth place overall.

Devin Ryan in the irons on his own Calissandro would find him with a fast second round time of 46.995 seconds, but with eight jump faults would not see him finish in the top eight positions.  Boysterous, owned and ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Minnesota, was the next clear round to tackle the second round and did so in a time of 47.354 seconds which would place her third overall.  Nepal, owned and ridden by Jay Land of Alpharetta, Georgia, posted a second round time of 47.780 seconds, but with eight faults, would finish in the seventh place position.

Wilhelm Genn, riding Ann Anastasio’s Quite Ruffy 840, posted a clean second round with a time of 47.295 seconds and while not quite fast enough to beat Ryan and No Worries’ time, would land the pair in second place overall.  Winchester, owned by Bridlebourne Stables, LLC and ridden by Theo Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, was the next clear round that challenged the leading ride, but with four faults and a second round time of 49.318 seconds, would see the duo finish in eighth.  Frances Land of Alpharetta, Georgia and her own Vieanne were the next clear round to tackle the second course and finished with four faults and a time of 53.041 seconds, which would push them out of the ribbons this time.  And last to go Devin Ryan, this time riding his own Roman Saluut, would post a second double clear round in a time of 47.484 seconds which would place the pair in fourth place overall.

“I am very fortunate to say that I am the only one who has shown No Worries,” said Ryan.  “I have known Barbara Rowland from years ago – I used to do Pony Club with her daughter and through a series of events, I ended up with the opportunity to get him started under saddle.  That was when he was three and now he’s 12.  He is a New Jersey bred Selle Francais and a very talented horse.  We’ve won many grand prix together over the years,” he added.

“The whole new field here is so nice.  It’s a little bit longer grass; it’s really thick and just beautifully lush. It’s like jumping on a carpet!” commented winner Devin Ryan. “My horses have been jumping great on it.  I haven’t been to Spruce, but folks I have spoken that says the footing here is even better,” he added.  “This is the sort of footing that you can jump on every day and your horses won’t be foot sore,” he said.

Ryan brought fifteen horses from New Jersey for all five weeks. “The grand prix field is level and flat and it’s a great venue to develop young horses. And, this show is so convenient to everything.  The restaurants, the beach, everything is brand new and just beautiful. And the show office staff is the nicest in the country,” he commented.  “If it’s rainy, you can use the covered arena and there’s so much room to ride.  I really support the show – it’s my fifth year coming here!”

Iceberg, piloted by Jordan Siegel over an oxer at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center
Iceberg, piloted by Jordan Siegel over an oxer at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center

Iceberg, owned by Kim Segal and ridden by Jordan Siegel of Flower Mound, Texas, led the pack of hunters and took the win yesterday in the $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby.  Second was Outspoken, owned by David Pellegrini and ridden by Emily Hertz of Eads, Tennessee.  In third place was The Red Villain, owned by Katherine Smith and ridden by Brittany Sommer Desalvo of St. Gabriel, Louisiana. Amarindo, owned and ridden by Dudley Macfarlane of Darien, Connecticut, received fourth, while Outsider, ridden by Katie Cooper of Owings Mill, Maryland and owned by Caves Farm, LLC, won the fifth place position. Sixth place was awarded to Playoff, owned by Lizabeth Fisher and ridden by Addison Howe of Cumming, Georgia, and seventh place went to Caracas, owned and ridden by Mary Claire Ray of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  Eighth position was awarded to Belvedere, owned and ridden by Ellen Herrington, also of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and ninth place went to Authentic, owned and ridden by Dudley MacFarlane.  Timothy Maddrix of Monkton, Maryland rode Sarah Digiorgio’s Cosmopolitan to a tenth place finish while Lillian Hahn of Tryon, North Carolina rode her own Paddington to an eleventh position.  Flamboyant, owned by Debbie Holland-Carriere and ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Minnesota, wrapped the class up with the twelfth place position.

Well known horsewoman Dudley MacFarlane of Darien, Connecticut and Charlottesville, Virginia is new to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics.  “The footing is magnificent and the grand prix field is amazing. And it’s really nice to have the covered arena to hack under if there’s a little rain.  This is probably the best kept secret in the horse show world,” she commented.  “I’m renting a little cottage one block off the beach which is about a twenty minute drive from the horse show and ten minutes to Biloxi – it’s really nice,” she added.

There is no doubt that everyone is having a great time in Gulfport as the good times rolled from the Premier week directly into the Gulf Coast Classic’s National Week!  Adequan arrived to celebrate Mardi Gras with the Classic team and hosted a Key Opinion Leaders Dinner Wednesday night at a popular Gulfport restaurant and last night’s Mardi Gras exhibitor party was one for the record books with complimentary catered food, drink and music!

Tomorrow’s feature event, the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix, will take place on the beautiful grand prix field not before 2 pm.  But, come out early and watch the $5,000 1.25m Low Jr./AO Classic and the $10,000 1.40m Jr./AO Class.  Local favorite, The Shack, is the featured VIP restaurant this week.  A huge success, the VIP Club offers tables of eight for only $275 as well as individual tickets. A delicious luncheon and complimentary champagne complement the best ringside action on the show grounds, so stop in the office today and reserve your table or seat!

The Gulf Coast Classic in Gulfport is where the fun will be this winter, so don’t miss it!  Remember, Mardi Gras in neighboring New Orleans goes on during the Gulfport shows and that festive atmosphere spills onto the show grounds. With its close proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches, class offerings, prize money, and social scene, the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Gulfport shows are a must on everyone’s show list.  The show will feature weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, the $10,000 International Hunter Derby Week V, and a weekly grand prix, to name a few highlights.  The grand prix schedule continues tomorrow with the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix, the $35,000 Nutrena Grand Prix on February 24, the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix on March 3 and the circuit grand finale, the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix, scheduled for March 10.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  And, this year the fun continues at the Gulfport show with complimentary exhibitor parties, breakfasts, luncheons and office snacks to make your showing experience the best ever.

Classic Company never charges a scratch or add fee for those last minute adds and scratches, so if you haven’t entered yet, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.

Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service.    The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport, and let the good times roll!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

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

Tina Konyot Wins $20,000 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W

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Wellington, FL – February 15, 2013 – The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued today with two top classes for the Small Tour and Large Tour in the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W presented by the USPRE Association. The $3,000 FEI Prix St. Georges, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, saw the top two spots going to Christilot Boylen (CAN) riding Hudson 18 and Dio Mio, both owned by Windhaven Farm and Jill Irving. Tina Konyot (USA) was the winner of the $20,000 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by USPRE Association, on Calecto V, with Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento second and Jacquline M. Brooks (CAN) on D Niro in third.

Today’s judges in both the FEI Prix St. Georges and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle were Jane Weatherwax (USA) at E, Victoire Mandl (AUT) at H, Gary Rockwell (USA) at C, Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA) at M, and Jacques Van Daele (BEL) at B.

This morning’s FEI Prix St. Georges had an outstanding 19 entries. Winning first and second place, with scores of 69.921% and 67.868% respectively, Boylen was content with the performance of the 9-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding, Hudson 18 (Hohenstein x Democraat) , and the 10-year-old black Hanoverian gelding, Dio Mio (De Niro x Charmeur). “Dio is usually a horse that makes few mistakes, if any at all, so today’s couple mistakes were flighty. He was a little nervous in the ring this morning. He should be getting better since he’s seen this arena before. Hudson is very green, but did a super job today and I’m very thrilled with him. That’s his third Prix St. Georges. He rode in the National in January and then went international at the CDI-W two weeks ago. He’s gone from a 66 to a 69 in such a short span of time that I can’t ask for anything more. I always knew it was in him. He’s a brilliant horse. Now we just have to continue to get him experience in the ring,” remarked Boylen.

Christilot Boylen and Hudson 18
Christilot Boylen and Hudson 18

Jill Irving, part owner of both horses, won both today’s Adult Amateur FEI Intermediaire I and FEI Grand Prix-Open in the Wellington Equestrian Realty Ring 1. Riding Delavaux in the Intermediaire I, she scored a 67.500% and in the Grand Prix-Open, she rode Degas 12 (De Niro x Regazzoni) to a score of 70.213%.

With 12 entries in tonight’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, Konyot won with a score of 76.775%. Under the lights, she and Calecto V (Come Back II x Rastell), owned by Konyot and John Byrialsen, danced to the music. In reflecting on her freestyle, she commented that the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion felt wonderful. “I was looking to improve from yesterday so it was just great. When you are on your own, doing your own thing with your horse, you feel personally responsible. He’s been feeling fantastic. Yesterday’s warm-up and today’s was fantastic. I rode just to be happy. Because of issues in my personal life, I almost scratched today, but my boyfriend convinced me to go in and just enjoy myself and do the best I can. My horse is a good boy. I love him so much!” Konyot said.

Vilhelmson-Silfven and Antonia Ax:son Johnson’s Divertimento (Di Versace x Ferragamo) rode a brand-new freestyle this evening. Receiving a score of 74.700%, no one could tell she had only one run through this morning. “I thought it was great fun. I really enjoyed the music and I think it fits him well. It was a challenge to ride a new test since I haven’t had it a long time to practice with, but it felt good,” observed Vilhelmson-Silfven. In thinking about the 11-year-old bay Westfalen gelding, she felt he was a bit tense, but better than the last CDI here two weeks ago. “I had a little mistake in the last piaffe due to camera flashes, but otherwise I’m happy. Some more practice is necessary, but overall I like my new freestyle. He was comfortable riding it,” she noted.

Brooks and D Niro (D-Day x Napoleon 625) were awarded third place with a score of 70.900%. The 14-year-old grey Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Mary Brooks is finally being able to really feel the test. “Last year was making him happy with and practicing the test at these shows for the Olympics, which he was amazing at. This year it is about adjusting how he goes. The first few shows there was some miscommunication between us as he was confused as to why I was changing things. But today he was full-on in. He was committed and it’s a great feeling to know that he is content while riding the test. You know they’re happy when they get those floppy ears and that makes me really happy,” praised Brooks.

Konyot said, “He’s completed my bucket list. But he’s a strong horse and that’s so important. He’s been feeling great training, so I needed to have a good feeling in the arena, to confirm my feeling. I am certainly aiming for another World Cup qualifier and then we’ll take it from there.” Brooks is focusing on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, but the World Cup Finals could be on the horizon if things fall into place. Vilhelmson-Silfven has already qualified for the World Cup Finals with her top mount Don Auriello, but is concentrating on taking everything one step at a time.

Other CDI-W classes took place today in the International Arena as well. The winner in the FEI Pony Team was Barbara Davis (USA) riding Poldy 10 (Platello), owned by Michael Davis, with a score of 66.885%. In the FEI Young Rider Team, the blue ribbon went to Mathilde Tetreault (CAN) with Michelangelo (Admiral) with a score of 65.526%. The FEI Junior Team saw Naima Moreira-Laliberte and Diamond (Donnerhall x Werther), owned by Moreira-Laliberte, as the winners with a score of 65.649%.

Dressage continues tomorrow with the $5,000 FEI Intermediaire I beginning at 8:30 a.m and the $10,000 FEI Grand Prix Special beginning at 2:40 p.m.

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

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, Diana de Rosa, Publications/Media, Teri's Editorials

Diana De Rosa to Be on Worst Cooks in America Premiering Feb. 17th

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Diana is one of HorsesintheSouth.com’s long time contributors for equine articles and events. This is a special highlight to her, so be sure to watch Worst Cooks in America on the Food Network this Sunday!

Bio of Diana De Rosa (Huntington, NY): Diana’s late parents wished their daughter would learn how to cook, and she is ready for culinary boot camp. She grew up in a family where dinner was waiting on the table when she got home, but she is now on her own and needs to take care of herself. Diana, a photographer and health fanatic, currently survives on nuts, dried fruit, Greek yogurt, protein shakes and leftovers from friends.  When she does attempt the kitchen basics, she burns food and can’t even work a blender without spilling the contents all over the kitchen.  She’s been a successful equine journalist covering events around the globe, but cooking is the one thing she still needs to master.

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