Wellington, FL – January 13, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) ended its second day of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL with the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by the AMCI Group, to benefit Brooke USA. Wowing the crowd with yet another show-stopping performance was the winning combination of Lisa Wilcox (USA) and mount Galant.
Lisa Wilcox and Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Escuro x Bellisima) owned by Jacqueline Shear, had another impressive day, topping the leader board in their second performance of 2017 and earning a score of 77.209% for their Justin Timberlake and “Trolls” movie soundtrack-themed freestyle in the Global Arena. Awards were also presented to the owner of Galant, Jacqueline Shear, and groom Bibi Diaz.
Commenting on her freestyle, Wilcox said, “I knew that he (Galant) liked it, so I was hoping that that would show up in the arena tonight. It brought a bit of confidence because he recognized the music, he was having fun, and he totally focused on me and what we were doing.”
Of Galant, she said, “I’m so proud of him. I’m just so proud of where we have come from last year to this year.”
Team Canada saw some strong performances for the night and rounded out the top three placings. The duo of Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella, a 2001 KWPN mare (Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman) owned by Lane, scored an impressive 75.967% putting them in second place.
Megan Lane and Caravella
Lane described her goals for the season with Caravella. “It’s been an amazing journey with this horse and at both stages of our lives. It’s still growing. I’m excited for the future; I have plans on going to the World Cup so I look forward to that.”
Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (CAN) and All In, a 2005 KWPN gelding (Tango x Leontine x Damiro) that Fraser-Beaulieu also owns, rounded out the top three with a score of 72.608%.
“I was really proud of All In tonight. You know, he is a hot horse and tonight he actually seemed like he was getting more relaxed and more calm the more I went through my pattern,” said Fraser-Beaulieu.
Judge Gary Rockwell commented on the tests and the new scoring system that has been put into place for the Freestyle judging. “It’s the first time that the riders have ever really had a catalogue of degree of difficulty,” he said.
AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur also expanded upon the new judging concept, stating, “The riders have to submit their floor plan beforehand, and they also have to follow the floor plan. The judges will judge movement by movement and they can choose if they accept the difficulty or not, and I think it’s a good step forward to make the subjective freestyle a bit more objective.”
Fritz Kundrun spoke on behalf of the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, and took some time to elaborate on how sponsorship promotes the mission of Brooke USA, highlighting the plight of working equines in third-world countries and how helping the animals also helps their owners.
Allyn Mann, Director of Adequan®, concluded the evening press conference by thanking the top three riders. He noted, “Your rides were received well by everybody. What a wonderful way to start off the season.
“I think that we are a family,” he continued. “It really is just a wonderful experience to have the owners, the riders, the fans, the grooms, and of course, the horses. I feel that if this was as good as it got, it would be wonderful. But we know that there is much more to come.”
Other classes of the day included the FEI Young Rider Team (PSG), sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas and won by Barbara Davis (USA) and Feivel Mousekewitz, a 2001 Hanoverian gelding (Federweisser x Saninni x Singular Joter) owned by Michael Davis, with a score of 67.000%. Victory in the FEI Intermediate II 16-25, sponsored by Diamante Farms, went to Juan Matute (ESP) and Quantico Ymas, a 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Fighting Fit x Hauptstutbuch) owned by Juan F Matute, with a score of 72.447%. The FEI Junior Rider Team class, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, awarded the win to Natalia Bacariza Danguillecourt (ESP) and Zoef Ymas, a 2004 KWPN gelding (Amsterdam x Mona x Walser) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 68.595%.
Wellington, FL – January 12, 2017 – The 2017 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began its first day of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL on Thursday with a win for Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Galant in the FEI Grand Prix sponsored by MTICA Farm. The first week at AGDF features CDI-W competition from January 12-15 and is presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA.
Week one of AGDF includes the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by the AMCI Group to benefit Brooke USA, on Friday, January 13. Gates open at 6 pm. General admission is free and parking is $10/car.
Lisa Wilcox and her mount Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Escuro x Bellisima) owned by Jacqueline Shear, came out strong in their first performance of 2017 and earned a score of 71.340% to place them at the top of the leaderboard in the Global Arena.
Wilcox described her test: “I really liked the piaffe and passage, the extended work, (and) all of the trot work was lovely. The canter work got a little squirrely; it was a little up, so I lost my two (tempis). He got a little sensitive to my leg, so I got a couple of one (tempis) in my two tempi line and then just missed aiding correctly in my one tempis.”
Wilcox spent the summer with Galant training and working toward the upcoming season.
“This past summer, we trained. I call it my ‘summer of a million and one transitions’,” she said. “He didn’t show; he didn’t do anything but body-building and strengthening for Grand Prix. So now I feel like I have a second year Grand Prix horse.”
The duo competed as the final Grand Prix ride of the day, earning positive scores from the judges to kick off their season.
“We are going to try to qualify for the World Cup, and we will see how it goes. We also have a very fun freestyle, I’m looking forward to riding that Friday night,” Wilcox said. “It will be brand new music for him (Galant). We’ve only had a chance to practice twice. We just got it. He likes the music, so I’ll be curious to see how he demonstrates that in the arena.”
Mikala Gundersen and My Lady
Coming in second to Wilcox in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, sponsored by MTICA Farm, was Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady, a 2000 Danish Warmblood mare (Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern) owned by Janne Rumbough, with a 71.220%. Third place was captured by Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella, a 2001 KWPN mare (Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman) owned by Megan Lane, with a score of 70.700%.
Earlier in the day, Christilot Boylen (CAN) and mount Rockeylane, a 2006 Westfalen mare (Rock Forever x Rica) owned by Christilot Boylen, captured a win in the FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 68.289%.
Lisa Wilcox and Gallant Reflection HU (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)
Wayne, IL (September 1, 2015) − When Lisa Wilcox and Gallant Reflection HU made their victory gallop in the Six-Year-Old Young Horse Finals at the 2015 Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, Wilcox once again demonstrated why she is part of the Vita Flex Victory Team. Leading performance horse supplement company Vita Flex is proud to congratulate Wilcox’s winning performance at the Championships.
The Six-Year-Old Test is demanding, but Gallant Reflection HU, known as “Reef,” took it in stride, scoring an 82.0 percent. The competition was held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center on August 19-23. The judges gave nods for Reef’s ground-covering trot and rhythmic walk, adding that he has the potential to excel in top-level dressage.
“He’s a Grand Prix horse, and I’m very confident saying that,” Wilcox said of the Zweibrucker stallion (Galant Du Serein x Rohmanie x Rohdiament), owned by Unlimited Horses Inc. “It’s about the things that he offers. I made a mistake asking for changes once, and I got three one-tempis. I just stopped moving, and he kept going.
“He’s ahead of himself,” she continued. “He’s already a little bored with this test. At home, I school more or less the Prix St. Georges, but with these young horses there’s a level of concentration you need, too. Yes, he’s very concentrated at home, but it’s a little more difficult with the show atmosphere. You’re happy to have a horse a little above and beyond in the atmosphere.”
Wilcox is a Vita Flex Victory Team rider and swears by a variety of Vita Flex® products to keep her horses happy, healthy, and fit. As she prepares for upcoming competitions in Saugerties, New York and at Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania, she ensures Reef is in tip-top health with the help of Vita Flex.
“VISION® Focusing & Calming Supplement for Horses is a great product,” she said. “I’ve been very impressed with the results we are getting. I also love the multi-vitamin and mineral supplement Accel®,” she added. “It’s been fantastic for my horses’ overall health. They also love the new flavor of the AccuLytes™ electrolytes that Vita Flex has come up with. I’m happy to see nothing left in the buckets. With the heat we have been having, they are sweating profusely. I need to make sure they are getting all those nutrients back in their bodies before we begin the next day of sweating!
“With Lactanase® supplement, as I am working and training this summer and preparing for the shows in the fall, I’m able to support the horses and the hard work they are doing,” she continued. “It also gives back to those muscles and nurtures them throughout the training program.”
Wilcox also knows that hoof health is vital to any horse. “I love the Master’s Hoof Blend™ formulation. That’s fabulous. Our horses have exceptionally good looking feet and I’m very, very happy with the quality of the hoof they’re growing.”
Vita Flex is thrilled to help top riders like Wilcox keep their horses in prime condition. Vita Flex provides a variety of top-quality equine products, including antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals, and topical solutions to help keep horses in peak health. Along with Lisa Wilcox, top equestrians like Todd Minikus, Caroline Roffman, Adrienne Lyle, Al Dunning, Jan Bynny, and Bob Avila ride on the Vita Flex Victory Team and use Vita Flex® products to cross the fine line between good and great. For more information about Vita Flex and its line of superior horse products, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848–2359.
Accel, AccuLytes, Lactanase, Master’s Hoof Blend, Vision and Vita Flex are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc.
Laura Graves and Verdades. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Lisa Wilcox and Galant Capture PSG CDI1* Win
Wellington, FL – March 25, 2015 – The first half of the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* competition began today at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) with Team 1 of the USA leading the way after their overall performance in the FEI Prix St. Georges and the FEI Grand Prix classes. The team composed of Allison Brock, Kimberly Herslow, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Laura Graves reached a total score of 223.304 for the first portion of the competition. The Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* will continue tomorrow with competition in the FEI Grand Prix Special for Large Tour pairs and the FEI Intermediaire-1 for Small Tour entries, after which the team medals will be awarded. Canada Team 1 currently sits in second place, while USA Team 2 is in third. The final week of AGDF, sponsored by Stillpoint Farm, Martha Jolicoeur and Maria Mendelsohn of Illustrated Properties, and Regal Horse Products, continues through Saturday, March 28.
USA Team 1 put in a dominant performance to handily take the lead in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* after the FEI Prix St. Georges and FEI Grand Prix classes. The team, which is composed of two Large Tour combinations and two Small Tour pairs, performed spectacularly. Not a single member of Team 1 scored below a 70.000% overall. Chef d’Equipe for Team 1, Robert Dover, was thrilled with the performance of the team as a unit and the statement they made about the resurgence of dressage in the United States. “First of all I’m so proud of all of our American riders. They have made everyone so proud,” he said. “The riders themselves came to this arena to do a job, and they will continue to go on doing that job until the end of the competition. They showed why we are ready to be ranked among the best nations in the world.”
Laura Graves and Verdades put in another solid performance, giving them another great prep test for their FEI World Cup Finals debut in April. Verdades is becoming incredibly consistent at the Grand Prix level. Graves, who went last in the class as the team’s anchor rider, felt that their late ride time was to their advantage. “I like going last, especially when it’s hot like this and the class is at this point in the day I think it’s an advantage for us,” she remarked. “I’m so lucky to be on a team with three other women who are equals and incredible competitors. I’m really very proud to be a part of this team.”
As the pair has major international plans ahead of them, Graves hopes to remove all of the kinks from their routine now so that they can get the most out their performances. “We’re still green at this. Hopefully by the end of this year, which will be our second full year riding Grand Prix, I think we will be able to ride a bit more confidently,” she noted.
Allison Brock and Rosevelt
Allison Brock and Rosevelt had the second-highest score, just behind Graves in the Grand Prix, with another very stellar test from the young stallion. Brock has taken her time with Rosevelt, as he is very sensitive and reactive. “He got a little hot in the warm-up with some of the commotion, but he came back to me and I was just trying to gauge with the heat how much time I needed. I wanted to take a horse in that still had gas, but wasn’t too reactive. I think we did a good job feeling that out,” said Brock. “My goal was to go and have a really clean test and for the most part he was very honest, and he went for it. He was with me, and I’m really pleased with him.”
The first to go for Team USA, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz felt some pressure before leading off, but said that “Lono” made some great improvements and it was the most extravagant test, movement-wise, he has shown so far this season. “We did have a few uncharacteristic bobbles in the test, but he was still fabulous and continued to settle as the test went on, which is great to know that he is progressing to where he can do that,” she remarked.
Kimberly Herslow, who continues to search for the perfect warm-up routine with Rosmarin when the weather is hot, felt that considering the time the pair had to warm-up today, their test went very well. “We both tend to lose a little bit of focus in the heat because it’s hard to push for the max in that, but I’m really happy with how he went considering last time it was this hot, I couldn’t create power,” she remarked. “I don’t feel like we’re maxed out at all, and I am really happy with where we are. I know he has a lot more to give still and we’ll keep building off that.”
Kasey Perry and Goerklintgaards Dublet, members of USA Team 2 in Perry’s debut international team competition, impressed in the Prix St. Georges class scoring a 73.816% to lead that class. “Dublet” came in very hot to the test, but Perry rode beautifully to keep the talented gelding composed. “It is so comforting to be on a team when something like that happens because there are so many people around you, and it really calms your nerves,” she said. “Right when I went down the centerline though, I felt him check in with me, and I knew that I had his attention and we were good to go. He never missed a beat, and he was with me the entire time.”
For LaGoy-Weltz, Brock, and Perry, this is their first international team competition, and all three felt that the team environment changed not only their attitudes about the competition, but their mentality and focus. “You feel the pressure. You’re learning the process and wanting to do well for everyone else; that’s what makes it a team thing,” said LaGoy-Weltz. Graves, who has participated in team competition before, was quick to express her pride in being named to this specific team with her fellow competitors. She expressed, “(It’s great) being with my teammates in the barn all day and feeling like we’re all in this for the same reason, and we love our horses. Having such a strong team has shown what everyone is working towards and that we are growing the depth in our sport.”
Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Galant, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding, topped the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* class, presented by Regal Horse Products, with a score of 69.868%. Diane Creech (CAN) and Diana C followed in second receiving a 69.368%, and Mary Rollins (USA) aboard Royal Prinz was third with 68.553%.
Lisa Wilcox and Galant
Wilcox, who has been steadily improving aboard the fiery chestnut gelding all season, was thrilled with their performance in the first class of Small Tour competition this week. They were the first to go in the large class, meaning they led from start to finish. “The early bird gets the worm, as they say. It’s cooler and when you feel the temperature now, during the day, there are advantages to going early. It was helpful for us this morning,” she remarked. “I was really happy with him. We’ve been going through a phase where he’s almost too light. He was wonderful, and we’re at a great point in our development.”
Wilcox and Galant have had success at AGDF before as they took home wins in the FEI Prix St. Georges and FEI Intermediaire-1 last year, but this was their first CDI win so far in 2015. “We’ve had him since he was four, and he’s nine now so it has been a real journey. The development between him and me and the amount of trust we have in our relationship is immense. He’s very horse shy, and things that we would find difficult in the past have greatly improved this season,” said Wilcox. “I’ve seen so much growth in him this year alone, and I have noticed that I can keep his focus and the relationship between the two of us has really been built upon.”
Galant, who is a typically nervous horse, has truly settled for Wilcox in the warm-up and as a result, in the ring, which is why she feels their improvement has been so consistent this season. “I always felt like I had to choreograph my warm-up to what other horses in the ring were doing because he would get nervous when he felt his space was being invaded,” she explained. “The best thing for him and for us was to get out and do it this season and constantly feel surrounded by it. He finally, at some point, just let go and even though it’s still there, it’s manageable and that’s been a huge turning point for us.”
Competition at AGDF continues through Saturday March 28. Team medals will be awarded on Thursday evening, and the finale of the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* will be individual medals following the freestyle classes on Friday evening. FEI CDI3* and CDI1* competition continue through the week for the conclusion of the 2015 AGDF circuit. For more information and full results from the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, 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.
Laura Graves and Verdades. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Wellington, FL – March 6, 2015 — Three American women were victorious at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival’s (AGDF) Week 9 “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage. Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades scored an incredible 78.875% to take the win, followed by Lisa Wilcox (USA) and Pikko del Cerro HU in second with a 76.325%, and Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor in third receiving a 75.950%.
The Stadium at AGDF housed another sell-out crowd under the lights with Carla Jablonski, a mezzosoprano from The Metropolitan Opera and a graduate of The Julliard School, performing the national anthem accompanied by a string quartet from the Frost School of Music. Competition at AGDF will continue throughout the weekend with a number of classes including the highly anticipated Derby class, which will begin at 11 am on Sunday.
Laura Graves and Verdades are in their first competition back from their outstanding finish at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) and are making a statement with their performances so far this weekend. Graves, who previously stated that yesterday’s Grand Prix was a difficult test for the two, said she felt much more comfortable with her ride in the Freestyle. “He was a little nervous going in, but every time we get into that box he does not ever fail to impress me and nine times out of ten will behave himself,” she said. “I’m glad to be here and it’s been a really long time, if ever, that I’ve led a victory lap and I’m honored to have had two American women behind me.”
Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU have been tested in the past year with their partnership and tonight was a breakthrough moment for the duo. “I am thrilled. For us, he was so fantastic before the year he had off and you never know what you’re going to have bringing them back, but I feel like he is better and stronger than ever,” she explained. “We’re gaining strength from show to show and we can be a little inconsistent still, but overall I am just so happy with where he is going and what he’s becoming.”
Francis and Doktor have been one of the most consistent pairs on the circuit this season, rarely ever out of the top five in any of their classes. The trust between the two is clear as Doktor continues to improve with Francis’ guidance and builds upon his scores each week. “We had a few little bobbles and he was a little bit tenser in the warm-up than usual, but I have been so proud of him that we continue to put in consistent performances. He’s so workman-like throughout each and every test,” said Francis.
Bethany Peslar and Endel Ots of Everglades Dressage, sponsors of the Large Tour classes for Week 9, continue to find ways to grow the sport, especially through their sponsorship of AGDF. “We’re really committed to giving back to the sport and sponsoring an event like this is very exciting for us. We are looking forward to the rest of circuit and to next year,” said Ots.
Allyn Mann of Adequan®, title sponsor for the entire season of AGDF, was on hand to share his thoughts of the night. He expressed, “We have an unbelievable group of women here with us tonight, and I am so proud to see all of them find this success. I’m honored to be sitting here with them and that I am able to see their incredible talent and their wonderful horses. This group of people is really great, and I am lucky to be a part of this opportunity.”
Linda Zang, Judge at C tonight, was impressed with the quality of the tests and the progress the United States is making to strengthen the sport of dressage. “The judges really worked tonight. The riders are progressing and this program continues to make moves towards the top of the dressage world,” she stated. “As a judge, and I speak for the entire panel, we had to work hard. It wasn’t just sitting and giving scores. All of the riders are getting so keen on their points and we’re looking at consistent (scores of) 7, 8, and 9.”
Several awards were given throughout the night, highlighting the hard work of competitors from all divisions of the show, both National and International. The “Best Horse Owner for Overall Highest Percentage”, presented by Jill Irving, was given to Carla Bahr (also the breeder) and Cyrus for their scores at AGDF 5. Cyrus, a 2009 gelding (Contuci x Corthena, Cor Noir), and rider Tom Dvorak (CAN) had a high score of 78.182% in Level Three. Anne Sparks, owner of Gallant Reflections HU, was given the award for her horse’s performances at AGDF 7.
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz received the “Winner of the Prix St. Georges Owner Award” also presented by Jill Irving. LaGoy-Weltz also took home the “Carol Lavell Award” presented by Carol Lavell and Dressage Foundation. Laura Graves was presented the “Best Horse Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle” presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, as well as the “Adequan® High Score Award” for the Grand Prix Freestyle.
A special presentation was made to present Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center with a check for $5,000, donated by Wellington Equestrian Realty on behalf of Janne Rumbough, who won the Best Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle at AGDF 7 as owner of My Lady, ridden by Mikala Gundersen.
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing’s Lonoir had a spectacular showing in the tremendously large FEI Prix St. Georges class of Week 9 presented by Peacock Ridge. The class, which boasted more than 50 entries, was competitive till the very end with five pairs scoring above a 71.000%. The duo scored an impressive 74.158% to take home the win.
LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir have had a very strong season so far at AGDF and continue to improve upon their scores from earlier in the season. “Everything came together in this class. It was one of the first rides where I could really trust him. He occasionally can throw in some hot behavior, which is good; it just takes a while to get that under control and harness it together in the right way,” she remarked. “He was so on last night. His confidence has really grown, and it’s clear that he’s starting to feel more comfortable with himself.”
LaGoy-Weltz has been working on controlling the tremendous power of “Lono”, and they nailed it in their test, which speaks volumes to the amount of work LaGoy-Weltz has dedicated to ensuring he is brought up correctly. She explained, “We finally were able to put that power where we wanted it and he wasn’t trying to take over, but we kept it throughout the test, which has been our main goal.”
Competition will continue at AGDF 9 Palm Beach Dressage Derby tomorrow with both the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI-W, presented by Peacock Ridge, and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, followed by highlight Derby class on Sunday morning and the FEI CDI-W Intermediaire 1 Freestyle. 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.
Aachen, Germany – The U.S. riders continued to show strong form in CDI4* competition on Friday at CHIO Aachen as both riders landed in the top seven. The United States was represented by Kathleen Raine and Lisa Wilcox in the Lindt-Prize where 10 entries from seven countries performed the FEI Grand Prix Special.
Raine (Murrietta, Calif.) and Jennifer Mason, Kathleen Raine, and David Wightman’s 14-year-old Hanoverian mare, Breanna, earned a score of 71.804% from the Ground Jury of Isabelle Judet, Magnus Ringmark, Stephen Clarke, Dietrich Plewa, and Francis Verbeek-van Rooy. The ninth-place finishers from the 2014 The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship and Selection Trial for the U.S. Dressage Team Short List for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games finished in fifth place.
Short List for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Dressage Team members Wilcox (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Betty Wells’ 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Denzello, earned a score of 69.922% to finish in seventh place.
Germany’s Isabell Werth and Don Johnson FRH were the winners of the Lindt-Prize with a score of 76.765%.
Dressage competition at CHIO Aachen continues Saturday with the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special and CDI4* Freestyle.
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. (Photos courtesy of JRPR)
Gladstone, NJ (June 25, 2014) – It was another 3 for 3 success for all of the dressage riders on the Vita Flex Victory Team at the US Festival of Champions. Riders Adrienne Lyle, Lisa Wilcox, and Caroline Roffman brought it full circle by all finishing in the top 8 and securing a spot to compete in Europe as final selections are made for the US Dressage Team for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy.
Held at the United States Equestrian Team Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey, the Festival of Champions served as the selection trials for the World Equestrian Games, where the top 2 horse and rider combinations would earn a spot on the team, and the top 8 would be sent to Europe to compete. The Grand Prix division featured 3 classes set over four days, with each constituting a different percentage of the overall score. The Grand Prix was Thursday, and accounted for 45% of the total. The Grand Prix Special was Friday for 40%, and the final day was the Freestyle, which made up the following 15%.
Vita Flex’s top finishing pair was 2012 Olympian Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, who finished fourth overall with a 73.543%. She and Peggy Thomas’s 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Weltmeyer put in accurate and expressive rides in both the Grand Prix and Special, followed by an impressive Freestyle set to blues rock. Wizard also displayed an exceptional piaffe and passage tour, along with bold extensions.
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O
Finishing sixth was Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O with a 72.760%. Hannah, as the mare is called, also displayed brilliance in her passage and extensions, along with neat, correct pirouettes and a freestyle set to upbeat pop music including Katy Perry’s Roar. Roffman could not have been more thrilled with the mare’s performance, saying, “The Festival was only Hannah’s fifth Grand Prix event, and I am so excited to be bringing her to Europe. Last summer we did the small tour with her in France and now we will be shooting for a spot on the team for the World Equestrian Games!”
Veteran Olympian Lisa Wilcox and Denzello rounded out Vita Flex’s top 8 finish with an overall score of 71.633%. The pair’s solid performance secured them a chance to compete in Europe and to contend for the additional two spots left on the US Dressage Team for Normandy.
“We were so thrilled that all three of our Victory Team dressage riders made it to the prestigious Festival of Champions, and now that excitement is doubled as all three will go to compete in Europe,” said Vita Flex Brand Manager Tanner Clark. “They’ve all worked very hard to get where they are, and Vita Flex is thrilled to be able to continue to support the horses as they travel overseas and hopefully make an appearance at the World Equestrian Games.”
Lisa Wilcox and Denzello
The Vita Flex Victory Team is comprised of many world-class riders from all disciplines. Members rely on Vita Flex® products and are proud to represent the company. Vita Flex Nutrition offers animal health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance products, topicals and vitamins and minerals. Vita Flex® products are researched and tested by equine nutritionists and veterinarians and have been relied upon for more than two decades by owners, trainers and top riders.
Vita Flex is a registered trademark of Farnam Companies, Inc.
Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU. PhelpsPhotos.com.
Ankum, Germany — Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU began their first European training and competition tour together in style last weekend at the CDN Hagen. Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU (by Pik L x Rohdiamant) bested the international field in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special, winning impressively with scores over 70%. The 2013 CDN Hagen was the first time Wilcox has contested a Grand Prix on German soil in six years, and the very first time for the 10-year-old American-bred Hanoverian stallion.
The S-level, German National show included riders from six countries, among them German stars such as Ellen Schulten-Baumer and Bianca Kasselmann. Based in Germany for twelve years, Wilcox had been looking forward to returning to her old stomping grounds for months now. “It is fantastic to be with old friends again,” exclaims Wilcox. “To not only see them, but to be riding in their mist again, felt like I was home.”
Winning both days aboard Horses Unlimited’s Pikko del Cerro HU was not the only accomplishment for Wilcox during her return to the German horse show scene. She also received excellent placings on her second mount Denzello (by DeNiro x Rohdiamant). The freshman Grand Prix gelding, owned by Canadian Betty Wells, placed third in Saturday’s Grand Prix and fourth in the Grand Prix Special.
Wilcox, Cerro and Denzello traveled to Germany to train and compete during the first part of the indoor European World Cup qualifying circuit. Based at Britta and Klaus Thormählen’s facility near Hamburg, and coached by long-time trainer Ernst Hoyos, the group is determined to make the most of their time in Europe. Wilcox plans to compete in three CDIs before returning stateside in December.
The first competition at the CDN Hagen was selected for several reasons. “The arena is where the famous PSI Auction is held each year. I felt that experiencing that atmosphere would be good preparation for our first European CDI-W in Odense, Denmark,” explained Wilcox. The indoor arena with its large, surround seating was a new experience for both horses. “As you ride, you ride straight at the crowd sitting behind the judges.” Those types of circumstances can be challenging for even the most seasoned horse. Clearly Wilcox and her mounts were up to the task.
During Saturday’s Grand Prix, Pikko del Cerro HU performed well but lacked concentration at times. On the second day, the stallion shined and was very professional. He won convincingly with a score of 73.16%. “Both days Cerro’s piaffe was good,” commented Wilcox. “Sunday was a power ride with beautiful, sweeping half passes.”
Anne Sparks, breeder and owner of Horses Unlimited, was unable to attend the show but that didn’t dampen her excitement upon receiving the results. “As a breeder, you dream of breeding a Grand Prix horse. Cerro has done everything that has been asked of him along the way and to win a Grand Prix in Germany is an honor,” pronounced Sparks. “Thanks to the generosity of the grants awarded to Lisa by The Dressage Foundation and the USEF, they have the opportunity to travel, train and compete in Europe.”
Denzello will accompany Pikko del Cerro HU to all three competitions in the coming months. “The ‘Rohdi Bros’ are neighbors in the stable at home and it is ideal that they can hold each other’s hand on the road as we go from show to show. I call them the ‘Rohdi Bros on the Road’,” joked Wilcox.
The “Rohdi Bros” and Wilcox make their next stop in Denmark on October 18, 2013.
Wellington, FL – February 2, 2013 – The 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) carried on today with the third day of competition of the Wellington Dressage CDI-W presented by The Dutta Corp. This morning’s classes featured the FEI Grand Prix Special and the FEI Intermediaire 1.
Judges for the FEI Grand Prix Special were Janet Foy (USA) at E, Lorraine MacDonald (CAN) at H, Sandy Phillips (GBR) at C, Wojek Markowski (POL) at M, and Jennie Loriston Clark (GBR) at B. Judges for the FEI Intermediaire 1 were Anne Gribbons (USA) at E, Wojek Markowski (POL) at H, Lorraine MacDonald (CAN) at C, Jennie Loriston Clark (GBR) at M, and Sandy Phillips (GBR) at B.
Winning the $10,000 FEI Grand Prix Special was Lisa Wilcox (USA) riding Horses Unlimited’s Pikko del Cerro HU (Pik L x Rohdiamant). The 10-year-old dark bay Hanoverian stallion and his rider received a score of 71.583%. Being the youngest amongst his competitors this morning, Wilcox was quite proud of Pikko. She conveyed, “He is a very fast learner. I’ve enjoyed developing him through the Prix St. Georges, then the Grand Prix and now the Internationals in what I like to call the ‘Adult Grand Prix’. He just amazes me, how quick he’s stepping up and catching on.”
Wellington, FL – January 24, 2013 – Lisa Wilcox and Pikko Del Cerro HU scored double wins at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge CDI3* with victories Friday in the Grand Prix Special and Thursday in the Grand Prix.
Pikko Del Cerro HU, a 16.2 dark bay Hanoverian stallion owned by Horses Unlimited and Anne Sparks, scored 68.854% in Friday’s FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* USEF HP $1,000 sponsored by Palm Beach Equine and Sports Complex. The pair won Thursday’s Grand Prix CDI3* with 69.574%. In both tests, Pikko Del Cerro showed off his expressive, high piaffe and smooth tempis.
Wilcox was pleased with the horse’s improvement and concentration on the second day of competition. “I’m very happy with that,” she said. “He was right where he needed to be. I absolutely enjoyed that ride.”
