Tag Archives: Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

AGDF Hosts Eighth Annual Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

The riders for the 2020 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships. © SusanStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 26, 2020 – The 2020 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC), presented by Sarah Davis Kessler, Terri Kane, USEF Dressage Owners Task Force, Hampton Green Farm, and Dressage4kids, takes place during week eight at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) on February 26 – March 1 at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

“We are excited to welcome back all of the competitors for this year’s Florida International Youth Dressage Championships,” said Kim Van Kampen of Hampton Green Farm. “This is a special event for us every year, and we can’t wait to see all of the new and returning riders.”

The week features competition for riders in the under-25, young rider, junior, children, and pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on a larger scale, with events throughout the week to increase camaraderie and sportsmanship. Young riders wishing to compete internationally are provided with an opportunity to showcase their talent at one of the largest dressage shows in the world.

Entry numbers continue to impress each year, and as the sport expands, the number of competing youth riders also increases. This year will be the eighth year that the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships will be hosted by AGDF, and the competition is organized by Equestrian Sport Productions. Promotion of the youth riders has stepped up and will include photography, videos, and information available on all of the competitors and shown on the jumbotron screen at AGDF, plus extended information and highlights on the FIYDC Facebook and Instagram pages.

At the FIYDC, there will be one rider in the FEI Pony Rider division, two riders in the FEI Children’s division, seven entries in the FEI Junior Rider division, 12 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, and 13 horse and rider pairs in the FEI U-25 division. There are riders from four different countries, including the United States, Canada, Colombia, Germany, and Spain.

Riders will compete in three tests through the Championships, including a team test that counts for 40%, an individual test for 40%, and a freestyle test for 20%. Along with championships in each division, an overall winner with the highest scores at the event will be crowned.

“It is very encouraging to see the growth in the FIYDC over the years,” said Lendon Gray of Dressage4Kids. “Our goals are to support and encourage young riders in dressage, and the FIYDC offers a fun, competitive, educational atmosphere for them to advance in the sport.”

This year, the FIYDC are once again working in partnership with JustWorld International, and winners will choose JustWorld Programs to receive a percentage of added prize money. Week eight of AGDF also plays host to an FEI CDI 4* senior competition.

Events throughout the week boost camaraderie and sportsmanship as well as foster friendships and learning. This includes “Tacos for a Cause” welcome party on Tuesday, February 26, in support of JustWorld International and hosted by Sarah Davis Kessler. Games, a taco bar, and drinks will be served at Belle Herbe Farm and welcome all FIYDC competitors and interested parents.

Riders continue with a meet and greet session with top international dressage riders and officials and group photos on Wednesday. This year, youth riders will receive advice, tips, and words of wisdom from Naima Moreira Laliberte of Canada, who previously competed in the FIYDC and is now aiming for a spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games; Katherine Bateson Chandler (USA), who was an international dressage groom for 16 years and is now a top grand prix rider who has competed at the FEI World Equestrian Games; and international FEI four-star judge Cesar Torrente of Colombia.

On Friday evening before the start of the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, at AGDF, youth riders will gather for their parade of nations prior to the singing of the national anthem. Colors from a variety of flags will be waving as laughter, camaraderie, and excitement continues for the riders. There will be flag bearers for each country competing in the FIYDC and they will be honored in front of the Friday night crowd. Immediately following the parade, Discover Dressage will host a FIYDC exhibitor party in the Special Events tent during “Friday Night Stars.”

“It is gratifying to see the youth riders of dressage honored at AGDF,” said Sarah Davis Kessler. “This is the future of our sport and we are so happy to see this program flourish each year as we aim to help them gain experience and learn from their time here this week.”

For more information on the AGDF and the 2020 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt Wins Second Consecutive Overall Champion Title at FIYDC

Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt and Dhannie Ymas. ©SusanStickle.com

Wellington, FL – March 3, 2019 – Competition on Sunday, March 3, at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) featured freestyle classes and the conclusion of the seventh annual Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC).

The 2019 FIYDC featured competition for riders in the Under 25, Young Rider, Junior Rider, Children and Pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on the big stage in the Global International Arena at AGDF and showcase their talent at one of the world’s largest and most high-profile dressage competitions.

This year there were 13 horse and rider pairs in the FEI U25 division, 11 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, six in the FEI Junior Rider Division, one in the FEI Children division, and three in the FEI Pony Rider division. The riders represented four countries, including Canada, Germany, Spain, and the United States.

Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP), a 17-year-old from Madrid, Spain, was the division winner in both the FEI Young Rider and FEI Junior Rider divisions. Bacariza Danguillecourt rode Dhannie Ymas, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Crusador owned by Yeguada de Ymas in the Young Rider division. The pair earned a score of 72.843% in the FEI Young Rider Team test on Friday, a score of 72.500% in the FEI Young Rider Individual test on Saturday, and a score of 74.742% in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle on Sunday.

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

AGDF Hosts Seventh Annual Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Photo © Lily Forado.

Wellington, FL – February 22, 2019 – The 2019 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC), presented by Sarah Davis, Terri Kane, USEF Dressage Owners Task Force, Hampton Green Farm, and Dressage4kids, will take place during week 8 at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) on February 27 – March 3 at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Kim Van Kampen of Hampton Green Farm noted, “We look forward to once again hosting these championships. Every year, more is added to the program to make it feel special, and we are encouraged by the great participation and the feedback that we get from the young riders.”

The week will feature competition for riders in the Under 25, Young Rider, Junior, Children, and Pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on a larger scale, with events throughout the week to increase camaraderie and sportsmanship. Young riders wishing to compete at the international level are provided with an opportunity to showcase their talent at one of the largest dressage competitions in the world.

Entry numbers continue to impress each year, and as the sport expands, the number of competing youth riders also increases. This year will be the seventh year that the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships will be hosted by AGDF, and the competition will be organized by Equestrian Sport Productions. Production in promoting the youth riders has stepped up and will include photography, videos, and biographies available on all of the competitors and shown on the jumbotron screen at AGDF.

At the FIYDC, there will be three riders in the FEI Pony Rider division, one rider in the FEI Children’s division, six entries in the FEI Junior Rider division, 11 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, and 13 horse and rider pairs in the FEI U-25 division. There are riders from four different countries, including the United States, Canada, Spain, and Germany.

“We are extremely encouraged by the numbers of riders participating in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships,” said Lendon Gray of Dressage4Kids. “We feel that this is a wonderful opportunity for youth riders to learn and grow.”

This year, the FIYDC are once again working in partnership with JustWorld International, and winners will choose JustWorld Programs that will receive a percentage of added prize money. Week 8 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) will also include FEI CDI-W competition.

Riders will start the week with a Meet and Greet session with top international dressage riders and will have various get-togethers during the week to foster friendships and learning. This includes “Tacos for a Cause” on Tuesday, February 26, at 6 pm, in support of Just World International and hosted by Sarah Davis. Games, a taco bar, and drinks will be served at Belle Herbe Farm and welcome all FIYDC competitors and interested parents.

“While the competition is a major component of the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, so is the chance for riders from different regions of the country and nations around the world to meet and spend time together,” said Sarah Davis. “The week of events and riding all play a part in producing well-rounded athletes.”

The riders will be welcomed into the Global International Arena on Friday evening prior to the “Friday Night Stars” freestyle competition for a Parade of Nations.

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and the 2019 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Youth Comes to the Fore and Baumert and Handsome Complete a Clean Sweep at AGDF

Natalia Bacariza riding Dhannie Ymas. Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL — March 18, 2018 — The sixth annual Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC) were the highlight of competition on the final day of week 10, Sunday, March 18, of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida.

The 2018 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships — presented by Terri Kane, Hampton Green Farm, Sarah Davis, USEF Owners’ Dressage Task Force and Dressage 4Kids — took place alongside senior competition in week 10 at the AGDF. It featured competition for riders in the Under-25, Young Rider, Junior, Children and Pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on the big stage and showcase their talent at one of the world’s largest and most high-profile dressage competitions.

There were five youth division winners, with 16-year-old Natalia Bacariza from Spain winning the overall trophy for the highest average score. She beat six other Junior riders, winning all three classes with over 71% on the Yeguada De Ymas’s 11-year-old Don Crusador gelding, Dhannie Ymas — former ride of her trainer Juan Matute Guimon and his kür gold medal-winning 2015 Junior European Championships partner.

“I am super happy about winning; I’ve wanted this for a very long time and I’m really happy that we finally did it,” said Bacariza, who is from Madrid and is the daughter of Cristina Danguillecourt and Javier Bacariza, owners of the Yeguada de Ymas. “I’ve been riding Dhannie for three months. He was ridden by Juan before, so he already knows his job, but you still have to ride him and not make any mistakes. Our best test was the individual [71.716%] and I’m very excited about our journey together.

“Our highlights were probably the changes and the trot work. We’re finished with the Wellington season now and then we’re going to be competing in Europe — first in Spain then Germany and maybe France,” added the teenager, who has big career aspirations. “I hope to improve my riding and continue my career in dressage and hopefully become another big champion.”

It was another win for Spain in the Under-25 division, with Rodrigo Encinas Fuentes and Van The Man leading the field of 10 entrants. The horse is owned by Cesar Parra, who rode the now 16-year-old gelding by Obelisk at grand prix at AGDF in 2013, 2014 and 2015 before handing the reins over to his young pupil.

Fuentes won only one of the three young rider tests, with Natalie Pai (USA) winning the other two on Unlimited, but his average score of 68.094% edged out Pai’s 67.746%.

“I was very happy with the horse; I felt he was truly with me and gave 100%,” said the 22-year-old Madrid native, who was competing at AGDF for the first time. “There are of course still some things I could improve, as always, but I’m truly happy with his attitude and he’s getting better test after test.

“This result means a lot. Just to compete at this level is great, but to win is better! I work really hard to get the opportunities to accomplish my goals, I’m really far from home and I sacrificed a lot,” added Fuentes, who left home at 18 looking for further riding opportunities in Europe before meeting Juan Matute, who invited him to the USA. “He really helped me, and the family opened the doors of their house for me. I learned a lot and its thanks to them, and also to Dr. Cesar Parra, who has treated me like his own son. He’s taught me not just about horses, but also how to be a better man.”

It was Canada’s Beatrice Boucher who came out on top of the 17 competitors in the Young Rider division. Riding Gilles Bergeron’s 15-year-old Del Piero gelding Delfiano, she averaged 69.415% across the three tests.

“The horse belongs to Camille Bergeron’s father and I wasn’t expecting to compete him at all, but I am so happy we can now do the young rider championships,” said the 20-year-old from Quebec, who picked up the ride when Camille no longer had enough time for Delfiano as well as her other horses. “I’ve only been riding him for a year but he’s such a puppy dog and always in your pocket — he’s so nice to be around. He’s never negative, he’s always your team mate and he’s so consistent. He’s a real pleasure and he gives his best all the time.”

The youngest division winner came in the form of 13-year-old Tori Belles from Pennsylvania riding PJ Rizvi’s pony Prince Z to an average score of 67.498%.

“I’ve been riding him for a month,” she said. “He’s been to the European Championships [he was a Dutch team medal winner under Febe van Zwambagt in 2011] and it’s a privilege from PJ Rizvi to show and compete him. He gives you the best feeling ever and supports you — even if you have a little mistake he tries to support you and help you out. I’m hoping to carry on showing him and also go to Lamplight festival of champions.”

The final winner was another to hail from Canada. Lily-Rose Lemaire, 14, rode the former broodmare World Lady, 18, to the Children’s title.

“My ride was very good this weekend and I’m so happy. My horse was with me and I think it’s my best ride with her,” said Lemaire, who only took up riding three years ago and began the partnership with World Lady six months ago. “This was my first CDI in Wellington as I had only done national shows before. This is my first season in Wellington and it is a beautiful place.”

Sponsor Terri Kane of Diamante Farms, who sponsors the under-25 division throughout AGDF and supports FIYDC, said: “This is the future of dressage and if these kids aren’t out there competing, then our sport will die. It’s very important for people in the dressage community to show that we support them and that we care.”

Of the entries from six different nations, she added: “It’s exciting. Just like for our national and international athletes, it’s very important for these athletes to compete against other countries to make themselves better. We had a huge junior group this year, so hopefully they continue riding and go into the u-25 and hopefully a lot of these riders will go on to become professionals and continue to compete after they age out of the u-25.”

Jennifer Baumert made it three wins from three starts on Handsome in week 10. PBIEC is a lucky venue for the American duo, who have won a staggering eight classes this season.

Baumert posted 75.2% on Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Juliano’s 13-year-old Hochadel gelding, with fellow American Jodie Kelly-Baxley on Caymus, by Sir Sinclair, slotting in to second (74.175%) and Canada’s Brittany Fraser filling third with Jill Irving’s Sir Donnerhall gelding, Soccer City (72.875%).

“He’s awesome,” grinned Baumert. “I was pumped in there because Debbie [McDonald] psyched me up to get him really in front of me and taking every opportunity I could between movements to push him up in front and come into every movement with a lot of power. And we did that!

“She was amping me up because I’m one of those people that wants everything to be really pretty and harmonious and nice, and she pushes me to shake it up and come out of my comfort zone. This is a great way to close, as it’s our last show at Global. We’re hoping to go to Tryon [for the test event CDI in April] and the national championships at small tour.”

Baumert, who was competing Handsome at the AGDF for the second successive year, usually returns to her Ohio base in April, but is staying on in Wellington this year.

“We’re going to stay until the team goes off to Europe to take advantage of Debbie’s help until then, so I’m looking forward to that,” she said. “That’ll probably be until June, when it’s really hot here in Florida, but Havensafe Farm has lots of trees and a covered ring and it always feels about 10 degrees cooler there, so I’m hoping that’ll work out for us.”

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

AGDF 10 Concludes with Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Diana Porsche and Di Sandro. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – March 19, 2017 – Week ten of the 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, FL concluded on Sunday, March 19 with the final competition day of the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC) at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

The 2017 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, presented by Sarah Davis, Terri Kane, Kim Van Kampen, The Van Kampen Boyer Molinari Foundation, Hampton Green Farm, and Dressage4kids, took place over the duration of week 10 at the AGDF. The week featured competition for riders in the Under 25, Young Rider, Junior, and Pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on a larger scale. Young riders wishing to compete at the international level are provided with an opportunity to showcase their talent at one of the largest dressage competitions in the world.

Within the FEI divisions offered to riders competing in this season’s FIYDC, there were five horse and rider pairs in the FEI U-25 division, 15 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, eight riders in the FEI Junior Rider division, and a rider in the FEI Pony Rider division.

This year, youth riders represented seven countries, including Austria, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. The overall scores were computed as Team Test 40%, Individual Test 40% and Freestyle 20%. Awards were presented to the top eight riders in each division, and prizes included a trophy donated by Kim Van Kampen, prize money donated by Dressage4kids, Sarah Davis, and Terri Kane, and the personal use of a stall at Hampton Green Farm for the 2018 season, donated by Kim Van Kampen, for each of the four overall division winners.

This year, the FIYDC also worked in partnership with JustWorld International, and winners chose JustWorld Programs to ride for, that will then receive a percentage of added prize money.

Ranked as the Number One rider on the FEI Youth Dressage World Ranking List- U25, 21-year-old Diana Porsche (AUT) and her own Di Sandro, a 2008 Oldenburg gelding (De Niro x Gentina x Sandro), rounded out the weekend with an Under 25 Division win, sponsored by Diamante Farms. The combination scored a 70.711% in the FEI Intermediaire II 16- 25 CDI U25, a 71.860% in the FEI Intermediaire I 16- 25 CDI U25, and a 73.875% in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 16-25 CDI U25.

“I’m really happy that I won this year,” said Porsche. “Sandro did a really great job. It’s perfect here, (and) it’s great preparation for Europe. This week, my freestyle was a little complicated because it’s really hot out, and we aren’t used to that because there is actually snow in Austria right now. I’m really happy with my test from yesterday. I think that we had a lot of highlights. The first day was also a really good test, especially the piaffe/ passage tour.”

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Creech-Terauds (CAN) and Fleur de Lis L, a 2009 Hanoverian mare (First Dance x EM De La Rosa x De Niro) owned by Louise Leatherdale, bested the FEI Young Rider Division, sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas. The duo scored a 70.500% in the FEI Young Rider Team Test CDI Y, a 69.167% in the FEI Young Rider Individual Test CDI Y, and a 74.725% in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle CDI Y.

Creech-Terauds commented, “This has been such a great experience. It’s so wonderful to be here competing against youth competitors and getting to meet people from different countries. It’s a really fun event, and you get a chance to ride under pressure. I was very proud of Fleur de Lis L this week. She was absolutely fantastic and very consistent in the ring. We tried to take some risks because I knew that it was a strong group of competitors, and I think that those risks really paid off.”

The FEI Junior Rider Division, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, was won by 18-year-old Jade Ellery (GBR) and Porsche’s Eloy, a 2004 Hanoverian gelding (Earl x Wadina) owned by Diana Porsche. The pair scored a 69.595% in the FEI Junior Rider Team CDI J, a 69.386% in the FEI Junior Rider Individual CDI J, and rounded out their weekend with a 73.375% in the FEI Junior Rider Freestyle CDI J.

Jade Ellery and Porsche’s Eloy

This is Ellery’s first year competing internationally and her first season in Wellington.

“I can’t believe how amazing it is here,” said Ellery. “With the wonderful facilities and the weather, it’s a great place to be this time of year. I’m very fortunate to be riding Eloy. He’s a fantastic Junior horse to learn on, always giving me so much confidence in the ring.”

Fifteen-year-old Lisa Widmayer (GER) and Paso Double, a NRPS mare (Bodo x Iris x Inselfurst) owned by Katja Widmayer, captured victory in the FEI Pony Rider Division, scoring 66.513% in the FEI Pony Team Test CDI P, a 65.650% in the FEI Pony Individual Team Test CDI P, and a 68.275% in the FEI Pony Rider Freestyle CDI P.

“This is my first season in Wellington as well,” said Widmayer, “and it’s been such a great experience. My weekend with Paso Double went well. I could feel her improving after every ride. This weekend was not our best weekend, but I feel very happy about our improvement and I feel very prepared for a season in Europe.”

For their victory, Widmayer and Paso Double were presented with the Poldy 10 Memorial Trophy.

This was the fifth year that the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships were hosted by AGDF, and the competition is organized by Equestrian Sport Productions. For more information and a full list of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Leida Collins-Strijk and Zantros Conclude AGDF 10 with Victory in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle

Leida Collins-Strijk and Zantros. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Irons, Hendricks, Matute Jr., and Molina Earn Divisional Honors Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Wellington, FL – March 20, 2016 – Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Zantros finished with a win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, on the final day of competition of week ten at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), scoring a 73.250%. Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz followed in second place with a 72.250%, while Christer Egerstrom (CRC) and Bello Oriente collected third place earning a 70.750%. AGDF will conclude with its final week of competition on March 30 – April 2.

Collins-Strijk has been a dominant force in Small Tour competition with both of her mounts, Zantros and Don Tignanello. Zantros, a 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Krack C x Hinde-Utopia), performed a solid test with Collins-Strijk in the irons today, even though Collins-Strijk noted he was a bit behind her leg during the test.

“Today was the first time that [Zantros and I have] done the freestyle this season. I was waiting to see if it was going to fit with him, but because I know the music really well I felt like it was good,” said Collins-Strijk. “I think he was a little bit tired today because of the weather this week and they’ve been here a lot, but that’s what I felt.”

Collins-Strijk has found incredible consistency with both of her mounts, and Don Tignanello has been a breakout star this season.

“He was very good this week too, just a little bit tired also. It’s the end of the season and they’ve been in the ring a lot at this point. They both really tried this week and I’m proud of them, even though that sparkle may have been off a little bit,” she continued.

Collins-Strijk praised Zantros for his quality trot, which always receives good marks from the judges during their test. She detailed, “He has a really nice trot. It’s very light and elegant, and you can get that swing in the half passes. It’s where he really scores well.”

This week also served as a special competition for Collins-Strijk, as Mike and Roz Collins, essential members of team Collins-Strijk, sponsored the entire Small Tour division, in which Collins-Strijk won all three classes.

“It was very cool I thought. It was great and it doesn’t always work out like that, but this time it did and I was very pleased,” she smiled.

Irons, Hendricks, Matute Jr., and Molina Earn Divisional Honors Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Four talented individual riders collected championship accolades today at AGDF for their performances in this week’s Florida International Youth Dressage Championships presented by Kim Boyer, the Davis family, the Kane family, and Dressage4Kids, highlighting international dressage riders under the age of 25.

Hannah Irons, 16, of Queenstown, MD, rode Bohdjan to capture top honors in the FEI Pony division, while Felicitas Hendricks, 15, of Hagen, Germany, and Faible AS won the FEI Junior division. Juan Matute Jr., 18, of Madrid, Spain, and Dhannie Ymas were recognized for their top performances in the FEI Young Rider division, while Pablo Gomez Molina, 21, of Valencia, Spain, and Tarpan Ymas earned the Under 25 championship.

Six different nations were represented in championships, while riders from around North America traveled to partake in one of the main CDI championships hosted for the next generation of dressage riders.

Juan Matute Jr. and Dhannie Ymas
Juan Matute Jr. and Dhannie Ymas

Juan Matute Jr. competes in a number of divisions on a typical CDI week at AGDF, but has found a new sense of consistency in his rides and brings a positive energy to the ring with each test. Earning the FEI Young Rider championship, Matute Jr. discussed his approach to the week.

“I’m very lucky to be able to ride many different kinds of horses that give you different feelings. Thank you to Yeguada Ymas, my sponsor, for allowing me to have these opportunities,” said Matute Jr. “I think our goal this week was to reach high scores, which are always the goal, but also to experience new feelings, like softer aids and a lighter contact, but it’s also about enjoying the championship. We’re all young and we’re supposed to have fun, which is our priority here.”

Matute Jr. competed with his gold medal-winning European Championship mount, Dhannie Ymas. The pair continues to earn big scores, and their partnership has only strengthened since last season.

“He’s a superstar. He’s a super talent. He’s very ambitious, which is where some of our mistakes came from this week, being a bit overly ambitious, which was mutual,” he laughed. “Little by little we’re making our steps to the higher levels together.”

Hendricks and Faible AS have been very competitive on the AGDF tour since last season, which was their first time ever competing in the United States. Hendricks, who rides with the Christoph Koschel, has formed a strong bond with Faible AS, consistently performing relaxed and fluid tests.

“I’ve been riding him for a little bit over a year now, and he can be very special. This is great experience for him here in this international ring,” said Hendricks. “He learns from show to show as do I. Every show is a new beginning for us, and he always gives his best. I try to do my best too for him.”

“Last year when we came, that was my first international show. This is my second year doing them, and I hope that we will be able to come back next year as well,” she continued.

Irons and Bohdjan competed together for the first time at the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships this week and the experience is something that Irons feels was very beneficial for the duo.

“Bohdjan was graciously donated to Dressage4Kids by Bebe Davis and the Davis family, so he has a lot of experience in the FEI Pony division. I started competing him last summer, so he has taught me a lot already,” said Irons. “This was our first CDI together, and it was a fun experience getting to know riders from all over the world and competing at such a big facility. It was a whole new level for me, and it was a great experience.”

“I’m very thankful to everyone that has given me the opportunity to be here, Dressage4Kids, who own Bobo, and my parents and friends for all of their support,” she added.

Gomez Molina and Tarpan Ymas, owned by Yeguada Ymas, is a relatively new pair, as Gomez only took over the ride on the stunning chestnut gelding earlier this season. Their performances in the Under 25 division at the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships served as their second CDI competition together and their first championship event at AGDF.

“Yeguada de Ymas gave me a really good horse to ride in the Under 25. We had some mistakes today, but I’m happy because he was good too,” said Gomez Molina. “We are very happy with our tests this week. We are just beginning together now.”

Gomez Molina is looking forward to forging a partnership with Tarpan Ymas and working with him more throughout this year to solidify their understanding and communication in the ring.

“I think right now, it’s about working every day outside of the shows, but also keeping showing and keep going. We’re going to continue learning,” he noted.

For more information on AGDF please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 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.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Carly Weilminster
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

AGDF Hosts CDI 4*/3*/1* alongside Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady, winners of the 2015 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4* at AGDF. Photos: ©SusanJStickle.

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) welcomes back international competition this week to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) as the facility prepares to host the AGDF 10 CDI 4* presented by Havensafe Farm, CDI 3* presented by The Dutta Corporation, and CDI 1* presented by Mike & Roz Collins. The 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, presented by the Davis family, Kim Boyer, Dressage 4 Kids, and the Kane Family, will run in conjunction with the CDI 4*/3*/1* competition throughout the week, allowing top young riders the opportunity to compete in a major international setting at AGDF. Competition will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16, and continue through Sunday, March 20. The AGDF 10 “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by Havensafe Farm, will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

The CDI 4* will begin Wednesday, March 16, as the FEI Grand Prix presented by Havensafe Farm will commence in The Stadium at PBIEC promptly at 3:00 p.m. The FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1*, presented by Mike & Roz Collins, will begin at 8:00 a.m. prior to Grand Prix competition on March 16. The FEI CDI 3* presented by The Dutta Corporation will begin on Thursday, March 17, at 1:25 p.m. with the FEI Grand Prix, preceded by the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Mike & Roz Collins.

Both FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*/3* classes are set to take place on Friday, March 18, with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* scheduled to finish just before the start of the popular “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights at 7:00 p.m. The FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4*/3* classes will highlight competition on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1* concluding competition on Sunday, March 20.

In one of the largest international competitions ever hosted outside of Europe, more than 140 FEI entries jogged before the judging panel on Tuesday afternoon. The 2016 season at AGDF has developed into one of the most competitive dressage destinations in the world. The event this week will focus not only on the accomplishments of professionals and amateur riders, but also young competitors excelling in the sport, as the largest group of entries was submitted for the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships.

Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas at the 2015 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships
Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) and Dhannie Ymas at the 2015 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Showcasing riders in the Under 25, Young Rider, Junior, and Pony divisions, the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships offer a growing platform for young riders wishing to compete at the international levels of the sport, bringing them to the forefront of one of the world’s largest dressage competitions. As the sport continues to expand as an equestrian discipline around the world and entry numbers for the competition continue to increase this year, a massive FEI Young Rider division will highlight the week, boasting 24 entries, the largest Young Rider division in the history of AGDF. Competitors from around the globe are set to take to The Stadium at PBIEC representing nations from North America, South America, and Europe.

“We’re very proud of the growth and expansion this show has seen over the past few years, and the representation this year in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships attests to that,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport for AGDF. “This is the first step for many of these riders pursuing the FEI Grand Prix level, especially the individuals we will see in the Young Rider division. We’re honored to host this championship and are thankful to our sponsors Kim Boyer, the Davis family, the Kane family, and Lendon Gray for their continued efforts each year.”

In the four FEI divisions offered to riders competing in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships this year, there are great numbers of competitors expected to compete, including: two competitors in the FEI Pony Rider division, eleven riders in the FEI Junior Rider division, 24 entries in the FEI Young Rider division, and eight combinations contesting the FEI Intermediaire II 16-25 division.

Top-ranked U.S. rider Barbara “Bebe” Davis, currently ranked 7th in the FEI Young Rider World Rankings list, will compete two mounts, Feivel Mousekewitz, owned by Michael Davis, in the FEI Young Rider division, and Equestricon’s Carrera, owned by Antonia Arl, in the FEI Intermediaire II 16-25 division. Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) who has dominated in both the Large Tour and Small Tour classes at AGDF this season, will compete Dhannie Ymas, owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., in the FEI Young Rider division as well, looking to add another win to his already successful campaign this season. Felicitas Hendrix (GER), currently ranked #3 in the world on the FEI Junior Rider list on Faible AS, will also compete, while Diana Porsche (AUT), ranked third on the Under 25 FEI World Rankings list, will compete in both the FEI Young Rider division and FEI Intermediaire 16-25 division aboard Porsche’s Eloy and Di Sandro.

This is the fourth year the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships will be hosted by AGDF and the competition is organized by Equestrian Sport Productions. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), the 2016 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, and competition this week, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 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.

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

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Tanya Strasser-Shostak Wins Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Tanya Strasser-Shostak and Action Tyme. Photos © SusanJStickle.com.

Sadis, Davis, and Montagano Earn Division Honors; Karin Pavicic Enjoys Another Blue Ribbon Ride in FEI Grand Prix Special; Lisa Wilcox and Galant Continue Winning Ways in FEI Intermediaire-1

Wellington, FL – February 22, 2014 – CDI 3* competition continued at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) on Saturday with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Stillpoint Farm, and the FEI Intermediaire-1, presented by Peacock Ridge. In addition to professional competition, the sport’s brightest young stars were recognized in the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, presented by Dressage4Kids, to wrap up the evening.

Competition for the AGDF 7 CDIO/CDI 3* concludes on Sunday with the FEI Intermediaire-1 Freestyle and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, beginning at approximately 10:15 a.m. at The Stadium at PBIEC.

Tanya Strasser-Shostak, 18, was crowned Overall Champion of the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, presented by Dressage4Kids, for her total high score of 136.403% in the FEI Young Rider division with her own Action Tyme, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding.

Of her victory, Strasser-Shostak said, “I’m very happy. Obviously, I had a really good weekend and my horse was always as the same page as me. He’s always trying, so it’s just great to have such a successful weekend.”

Action Tyme has been the perfect schoolmaster for Strasser-Shostak after spending plenty of time in the Grand Prix ring with Strasser-Shostak’s mother, Evi Strasser.

“[He’s taught me] so much. I’m so lucky that one day he can let me do the grand prix stuff, the next day we can go back to Young Riders, and the next day we can go hacking. Nothing fazes him, so he’s taught me everything,” Strasser-Shostak remarked.

Strasser-Shostak, who has competed at the AGDF since its inception in 2012, credited her experience at the show as a large part of her success. “There’s so many things that we can’t as young riders normally have, with the big rings, the atmosphere. It’s just nice that we can have this experience here. It’s very convenient, and the facility is great,” Strasser-Shostak commented.

She continued, “It’s prepared me. Last year, I showed here with a different horse in Young Riders and also with Action a bit. It’s definitely prepared me for the Young Rider Championships and the Canadian championships. I don’t know if I would have won the bronze medal if I hadn’t had the same experience. I may not have had the same success. It’s nice that everything can come into one place.”

Katrina Sadis, 15, was champion of the FEI Pony division, finishing with an overall score of 133.992% aboard Poldy 10, an 18-year-old German Riding Pony gelding owned by Kristen Verhey.

Katrina Sadis and Poldy 10
Katrina Sadis and Poldy 10

“[This win] means so much,” Sadis beamed. “I never thought I’d be here five months ago. Our tests were really good. He was really with me today. The first test, it was kind of the Poldy show, but he let me have a little piece of it today, and it really paid off in my scores. It was really fun.”

Sadis is currently enrolled in Dressage4Kids’ Winter Intensive Training (WIT) program with trainer Lendon Grey. “WIT is amazing. Lendon’s a really amazing instructor. It’s so great because we learn so much more than just riding. We have lectures from different people, and it’s such a great experience,” Sadis explained.

Champion of the FEI Junior division was Bebe Davis and her horse Fievel Mousekewitz for their score of 134.029%. Fievel Mouskewitz is a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Apex Stables International.

Davis, 16, had the ride on Sadis’ mount last year in the pony divisions and was happy to see him take another rider to the winner’s circle.

“It’s any rider’s dream to be able to see their horse going well with a new rider and still out there winning, being his usual wonderful self. It’s great to see him here in Florida. She’s having a great time with him and they’re getting great scores, and I couldn’t ask for anything better for him,” Davis smiled.
Davis’ winning mount is still relatively new to her, but she’s enjoying the process of getting to know the gelding. “It’s going really well. He won today and he was second on Thursday, so I couldn’t be happier. We’re just improving, and our partnership is getting better. He’s just such a fun horse. I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” she described.

Like her fellow young riders, Davis has figured out a way to continue her education while remaining competitive on the show circuit. She currently attends Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA), where she has enjoyed the unique experience of having all-equestrian classmates. Her teachers have started to get the equestrian bug as well.

“I’ve been with them for the past two years, and they’ve started to follow dressage now. My teachers are really interested in it, which is really cool. It’s a great experience. It’s a lot of fun,” Davis smiled.

Melanie Montagano took home the Brentina Trophy for her victory in the FEI Intermediaire B 16-25, presented by Diamante Farms. Montagano finished on a 116.06% aboard Ga Deva, her own 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.

Montagano recently earned her USDF Gold Medal with Ga Deva, which prompted her to reflect on their seven year journey together.

“I’ve gotten my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal on her now. I’ve trained her from First Level to Grand Prix,” Montagano detailed. “[Bringing her up through the levels has been] so special. I guess I didn’t really think about it until I finally got the Gold Medal, but in seven years to bring a horse from First Level to Grand Prix – and I was not an experienced rider – she’s just beared along with me and we’ve done it together. It’s a really special journey for me.”

Montagano currently trains with grand prix rider Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) and credited her trainer with much of their success, describing her program as doing “complete wonders” for her riding. Competing each weekend of the AGDF under Brooks’ tutelage has been an important ingredient to her progress.

“I’ve been here probably every weekend since January, just doing the National classes and doing the Under-25 to ride it as much as I can,” she described. “I’ve gotten to the point where my warm-up is really solid here. Sometimes I turn out a really good test and sometimes it’s not so good, but every time I come here and show it, it’s an improvement. I fixed something that I didn’t have last time and it’s never regressing.”

Montagano, 23, recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a pre-veterinary degree. While she has decided to delay applying to veterinary school for the time being, she strongly believes in the value of getting an education. “I’m a big believer in education. It’s a vital part of any successful rider. To be able to connect with people on a different level beyond horses [is really important],” Montagano expressed.

Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri
Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri

Karin Pavicic (CAN) and Don Daiquiri, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding co-owned by Jayne Essig and Pavicic, picked up their second win of the week in the FEI Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon. The pair topped the class with a score of 70.000%. American Laura Graves rode her own Verdades to second place, finishing with a score of 68.706%. Jill Irving (CAN) completed the top three with Degas 12 and a score of 68.667%.

Pavicic was hoping to reach 70% with Saturday’s test and was very excited to have achieved that benchmark. “That’s what I was hoping for and I met my goal. I’m so thrilled. I couldn’t be happier with my horse. I love my horse, he was fantastic,” Pavicic beamed.

Pavicic was pleased to see Don Daiquiri come out of the barn a little fresher than the previous day after carefully managing his warm-up time in the Florida heat. After an over-rotated canter pirouette on Friday, Pavicic was happy to improve on that portion of the test in particular.

“The pirouette to the one tempis to the pirouette is difficult, one of the more challenging parts of the test, and I feel we rode that quite well today. I over-rotated on my first canter pirouette yesterday, and that almost happened again today, but I caught it in time and was able to ride the one tempis out. I thought my second pirouette was especially good. In general, he was just super obedient and super rideable,” Pavicic commented.

Pavicic traveled to the AGDF all the way from Vancouver and was incredibly grateful to have her best friend, Carmen Barber, by her side in Wellington. Pavicic’s family has been following along via livestream, but she acknowledged it’s been difficult to be away from them. Her double victories this week have made the hardship worth it.

“It’s a dream come true!” Pavicic said of winning both FEI Grand Prix classes during AGDF 7. “Absolutely. It’s unbelievable.”

Saturday was the first time contesting the FEI Grand Prix Special for second place finisher Graves and her mount Verdades. She’s owned the gelding since he was just six months old and was thrilled with their performance.

“It’s been almost 12 years that I’ve had him. It’s been a really long road for us. Obviously, we really have a great partnership. I would even call it co-dependent! It’s nice to reach this point and to have success,” Graves explained.

Graves’ greatest priority in the test was simply to make sure she stayed on course, making her second place finish in good company even more meaningful. “I’m just glad that we got through it. I was really proud that we did our pirouettes to the one (tempis) clean and another pirouette. He’s an incredibly emotional horse, so to hit something difficult where things happen really fast for him and he kept his cool, I was really proud of him for that. That’s been a real ‘proud mommy’ moment for me,” Graves smiled.

Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Galant, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Jacqueline Shear, topped the FEI Intermediaire-1 on Saturday morning with a score of 69.649%. Second place went to Neve Myburgh (GER) and Lexington Star for their score of 68.421%. Catherine Malone (USA) rounded out the top three with Uno Don Diego and a score of 66.798%.

Wilcox was surprised to see that Galant was actually spookier during the daytime after competing under the lights of The Stadium earlier week for the FEI Prix St. Georges.

“Interestingly enough, he was more looky in the daylight,” she confirmed. “It was like all of a sudden he saw flowers that he didn’t see at night and so I had a few more things to work through when I was in there, but otherwise he was very confident in the movements besides the lookiness. Other than that, I’m very pleased. He’s very confident. It’s his first CDI, so very good!”

For Wilcox, the highlight of their test was their canter work. After a small bobble in the extended trot that Wilcox acknowledged was her fault, she was pleased with Galant’s solid canter zig-zags and pirouettes.

Like Wilcox, Myburgh acknowledged her horse was actually more lit up during the day time competition, but she was pleased that Lexington Star also held it together despite being relatively inexperienced.

“He’s only been doing Prix St. Georges and I-1 for the last three months and this is his second CDI, so I’m really happy with him. He’s a generally very spooky horse, so hats off to him for getting past the flowerpots!” Myburgh smiled.

Myburgh is still getting to know the gelding; she’s only had the ride for the last five months. She looks forward to getting his owner back on at some point in the future, but will also continue to compete him herself as their relationship continues to develop.

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

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 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.

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

Florida International Youth Dressage Championships to Be Featured at Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Kim Boyer, Lendon Gray, and Michael Davis present an award to one of last year’s YDC winners, Julie McKean. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 13, 2014 – Week seven of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) will feature the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (YDC), presented by Dressage4Kids. The Championships start on Friday morning, comprising four divisions – Pony, Junior, Young Rider, and Under 25 Grand Prix. Additional sponsors of the event include PanaCavallo/The Davis Family, Hampton Green Farm, and Dressage Today magazine. The event will take place during AGDF’s Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup and CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge, which runs February 19-23 at The Stadium at The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

The 2014 YDC are open to all nationalities and riders under 25. No matter what country they are from, all are encouraged to sign up and participate! In addition to the competition, there will be many fun events throughout the week.

2014 is the second year of the YDC, and the first year that the Championships will be held in the International Classes. Holding the YDC during the Nations Cup will expose American-based youth riders to the international flavor of a large European show.

Lendon Gray of Dressage4Kids stated, “We are excited to once again host this event at the AGDF. We look forward to opening the event up to young riders from around the world and believe that this competition will broaden the horizons of all of our competitors.”

Awards of $3,000 will be divided among the top riders in each division, and Hampton Green Farm will award the use of one stall at their facility in Wellington for the 2015 season to the overall highest placed rider in each division based on their combined scores of the two required tests.

All parents and owners of horses in the YDC are invited to a reception hosted by the Dressage Owners Task Force, Tuesday afternoon after the CDIO Nations Cup jog, in the Global Pavilion at The Stadium at PBIEC from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The Seminar for youth riders and their trainers will be held on Wednesday from 3:00-4:15 p.m. at The Wellington Club on the Main Grounds at PBIEC (FTI WEF show grounds) and is sponsored by Equestrian Sport Productions, Adequan, and Dr. Rob van Wessum. The speakers are Dr. Rob van Wessum and Dr. Torri Maxwell of Adequan. Dr. Maxwell will be lecturing on joint health, and Dr. van Wessum will be speaking about Training for Soundness.

Dr. van Wessum joined the practice of Don Ryker, DVM & Associates in 2009 as a specialist in equine lameness. In addition to 17 years of clinical experience as a sport horse lameness clinician, he has experience as an internationally known rider, trainer, and judge in the sport of dressage. A native of the Netherlands, he received his veterinary degree from Utrect University in 1991.

A special dinner is also scheduled for Thursday evening at Diamante Farms with support from Dressage Today magazine, hosted by Terri and Devon Kane and Michael and Sarah Davis, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. All area youth riders and their guests (trainers, parents) are invited.

For more information on the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 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.

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