Wellington, FL – March 2, 2016 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is proud to welcome the celebrated Palm Beach Dressage Derby back to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), as competitors will contest FEI CDI-W competition presented by weekly sponsor Everglades Dressage. Competition is set to commence on Wednesday, March 2, and continue through Sunday, March 6.
The well-attended FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition will be hosted under the lights and begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, instead of the usual Friday night event, just for this week’s competition.
The start of AGDF 8 began this afternoon and featured the FEI Junior Rider Team class and FEI Young Rider Team class in the Global International Ring, while tomorrow, Thursday, March 3, will include the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and the Derby Prix St. Georges beginning at 2:15 p.m.
The FEI Grand Prix, presented by Today’s Equestrian with Diane and George Fellows, will be the main event on Friday, March 4, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing through 5:50 p.m. The FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, will be hosted in the Van Kampen Covered Arena simultaneously, with an estimated start time of 10:00 a.m.
A number of FEI Young Rider, Junior Rider, and Amateur classes, along with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Peacock Ridge Farm, will precede the main event on Saturday. The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, a historic staple for the dressage community of southern Florida, will conclude with a true derby-style competition on Sunday, March 6. The Palm Beach Dressage Derby will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, and feature four top international riders who will compete aboard a selected group of Prix St. Georges horses in traditional derby format. The riders will include Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Chris Von Martels (CAN), Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), and reigning champion Adrienne Lyle (USA). Renowned judge Lilo Fore (USA) will commentate the competition.
The FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by Today’s Equestrian with Diane and George Fellows, is also on Sunday starting at 9:45 a.m.
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.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
Wellington, FL – February 28, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions LLC (ESP) looks forward to the eighth week of world-class competition at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Held at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, AGDF week eight runs February 28 – March 2, presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur and Maria Mendelsohn of Illustrated Properties. AGDF is proud to host the Palm Beach Dressage Derby for the first time ever, featuring World Cup qualifying competition and many of the sport’s top horses and riders.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, which has been held since 1983, is a mainstay on the international dressage calendar in the United States. It was previously held at Mary Anne McPhail’s farm at White Fences Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. McPhail and Evelyn O’Sullivan, director of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, will be event chairs of this year’s competition. The competition will be managed by ESP. New this year to the AGDF is The Mary Anne McPhail Cup, which will be awarded to the top riders of the circuit.
Week eight’s competition will have its Grand Prix Freestyles on Saturday night, March 1. The evening will also feature an exciting American Mustang exhibition as well as musical entertainment from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Talented young singer Kristin Sponica will perform with keyboard accompaniment from Danielle Wertz.
The FEI Grand Prix Freestyles will feature top partnerships such as Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Wizard, Ashley Holzer (CAN) and Breaking Dawn, Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady, Cesar Parra (USA) and Van the Man, and Kim Jesse (GER) and Charming 8, among many others.
Other top duos such as Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Don Auriello and Heather Blitz (USA) and Paragon will compete throughout the week. Young riding sensation Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) will return to the ring for another week of competition, and AGDF welcomes rising American star Caroline Roffman back to show. Many other talented horses and riders will round out the roster for another exciting week of world-class competition in Wellington.
General admission and parking are free for all three days of competition as well as Saturday night. For more information on 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 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.
Wellington, FL – November 15, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce that the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI W is scheduled to be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on February 27 to March 2, pending approval from the USEF. The event joins an incredible line-up of dressage competition in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival season.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, which has been held since 1983, is a mainstay on the international dressage calendar in the United States.
“We are extremely pleased that we can keep the Palm Beach Dressage Derby on the calendar and bring it to PBIEC,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo. “The event has a great tradition, and we want to maintain its legacy. The idea was brought to me three years ago by Ken Braddick, but it was not possible then, due to contractual obligations. After the decision was made earlier this year to cancel the event, we knew we had to help keep the Palm Beach Dressage Derby alive.”
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby was previously held at Mary Anne McPhail’s farm at White Fences Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. McPhail and Evelyn O’Sullivan, director of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, will be event chairs of this year’s competition. The competition will be managed by ESP.
New this year to the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is The Mary Anne McPhail Cup, which will be awarded to the best professional and amateur riders of the circuit. Bellissimo stated, “We want to honor the McPhails for everything that they have done for dressage with this prestigious award.”
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby will be one of eight CDI competitions held at PBIEC this season during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The full schedule includes:
January 9-12
AGDF 1 Dressage CDI W
Presented by MTICA Farm and Everglades Dressage
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 10)
January 16-19
AGDF 2 Dressage National and Gold Coast Dressage CDI
January 23-26
AGDF 3 Dressage CDI W
Presented by US P.R.E. Association and Chesapeake Dressage Institute
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 24)
February 1-2
AGDF 4 Dressage National
February 6-9
AGDF 5 Dressage CDI 4*
Presented by Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 7)
February 15-16
AGDF 6 Dressage National
February 19-23
AGDF 7 Dressage CDIO
Presented by Stillpoint Farm and Peacock Ridge Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 21)
February 27 – March 2
AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI W
(Grand Prix Freestyle Saturday, March 1)
March 8-9
AGDF 9 Dressage National 3
March 13-16
AGDF 10 Dressage CDI W and CPEDI 3*
Presented by Today’s Equestrian, GF Enterprise, LLC and Mike & Roz Collins
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 14)
March 19-20
AGDF 11 Dressage National
March 27-30
AGDF 12 Dressage CDI 5*
Presented by Diamante Farm and Wellington Equestrian Realty
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 28)
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.
Loxahatchee, FL – March 5, 2013 – Sunny skies, a convivial atmosphere and top-notch dressage performance highlighted the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W February 28 – March 3. Seasoned international competitors and young rising stars alike came out to vie for victory at the historic event.
An enthusiastic crowd came out to cheer riders on at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. While battling it out in the show ring, riders kept the mood light between tests, enjoying the support of the crowd and applauding their fellow competitors as they entered the ring. Entertaining interludes, including a Macarena tribute to retiring FEI Judge Axel Steiner and a stick horse appearance in the Grand Prix Freestyle awards ceremony, offset the fierce competition at the Derby.
Lars Petersen and Mariett distanced themselves from the field in the FEI Grand Prix classes, winning both Friday’s Grand Prix and Sunday’s Grand Prix Freestyle by convincing margins. They began the weekend by scoring 72.745% to take the Grand Prix, besting second-place finishers Shelly Francis and Doktor by three percentage points. David Marcus and Don Kontes took third in the competitive class of 15 entrants.
Lars Petersen and Mariett
The Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday featured standout musical performances by an elite group of riders, several of whom were coming off top finishes on the South Florida winter dressage circuit. Petersen and Mariett looked like they had the win wrapped up as they coasted through their circus-music themed routine, though their victory was briefly in question when they strayed from their set choreography in the middle of their ride. Petersen stayed cool under pressure and improvised a way to get back on track.
“I was very happy with the horse,” Petersen said after his ride. “I had a little mistake in my choreography, and I did a little bit of taking my own line in the middle of it. I thought about the jumping riders, but otherwise I was very happy with my horse today.”
Marcia Pepper, who co-owns Mariett with Petersen, explained that they are giving the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare the time she needs to mature and progress. “We’ll see how it develops,” she said. “There has never been a plan. Ever. We’re just taking it slowly.”
Shelly Francis and Doktor repeated their second-place effort in the Grand Prix to take the red ribbon in the Freestyle, while Mikala Gundersen and My Lady placed third.
Mette Rosencrantz and Finally put together a fluid, consistent test to lock up the title in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special, improving markedly after their 14th place in the Grand Prix. Evi Strasser rode Action Tyme to a second-place finish in the Special, while Cheryl Meisner and Tango took third.
“I think I did a helluva good job!” Rosencrantz exclaimed after her win. “The other day I had a problem from the warm-up to the ring, but today I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing to lose.’ I think there’s a lot of things I could do better, but it was a good test and I was really proud of him.”
Kim Herslow and Rosmarin
Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin established themselves over the course of the weekend as ones to watch in the small tour division. They posted three over-70 scores to rack up two wins and a second place against a tough field of accomplished riders. They scored 70.789% for the win in what was only their third Prix St. Georges to date and earned 71.650% to take home victory in Sunday’s Intermediaire I Freestyle, their debut freestyle in competition. Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O edged them out in Saturday’s Intermediaire I, scoring 71.211% to Herslow’s 70.868%.
Sunday’s program featured the presentation of The Dressage Foundation’s Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize to Sharon McCusker. Adrienne Lyle, the other recipient of the award, was competing in California and could not be present. Carol Lavell, husband Tom Lavell, Show Manager Noreen O’Sullivan, and The Dressage Foundation Board of Directors members Michael Poulin and Karin Reid Offield were on hand to congratulate McCusker on the Prize.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to go and train and compete in Europe and now that dream has come true,” McCusker commented. “I cannot thank the Foundation enough for this opportunity.”
Lavell noted that her own challenges during her competitive career, and the support she received that allowed her to train and compete at the highest level, inspired her to found the Prize. “The Award is a way for me to follow my philosophy, which is ‘What goes around should come back around,'” she explained.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby marked the last FEI show of Judge Axel Steiner’s illustrious career. Steiner received his first national judges’ license in 1968 and attained Official (FEI-O, now designated as FEI 5*) status in 1988. He has judged at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games and World Cup Finals, as well as other world-class competitions. Steiner is a faculty member of USDF’s “L” program, serves as a judge instructor and examiner, and is on the USEF Dressage Committee.
A group of competitors, owners and spectators staged a flash mob to celebrate Steiner’s retirement from FEI judging. They danced and sang to the Macarena, changing the lyrics to “Hey, Axel Steiner!” Steiner was initially surprised and then joined in with a smile, accepting congratulations for his long years of distinguished service.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby was a fitting stage for Steiner’s swan song as an FEI judge, as it played a crucial role in the development of his judging career. Over his decades of involvement with the Derby, he benefited from collaboration with other eminent international judges.
“It was my first exposure to judging with European judges,” Steiner recalled. “This year is very important for me. I have many, many memories.”
“The Derby was the premier show in Florida and even today it probably is still one of the most influential,” he added. “What Devon is in the fall, the Derby is in the spring.”
Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Loxahatchee, FL – March 3, 2013 – Lars Petersen of Denmark scored a personal best for the season aboard Mariett to win the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W against a field of tough competition on a chilly and windy South Florida day.
Petersen and Mariett earned a 76.400% with the judge at C, Axel Steiner, awarding them a 77.875%. The victory capped an impressive weekend for the pair at the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, set at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. They won the opening day Grand Prix with a score of 72.745%.
Lars Petersen and Mariett
Their freestyle success made it four wins in a row for Petersen and Mariett, who captured the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in their last outing at the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3* (Feb. 7-10). The duo performed today’s freestyle with gusto to a routine set to energetic circus music. Although they went slightly off the prescribed choreography, their poise and precision made up for any change of course.
“I was very happy with the horse,” Petersen said. “I had a little mistake in my choreography, and I did a little bit of taking my own line in the middle of it. I thought about the jumping riders, but otherwise I was very happy with my horse today.”
When asked if the wind had anything to do with the change of course, he replied that it was all him. “There is nobody else to blame but this one,” he laughed, tapping himself on the head.
USA’s Shelly Francis and Doktor came in second with a 73.625%, mirroring their No. 2 spot from Friday’s Grand Prix when they scored a 69.391%. An enthusiastic crowd of supporters cheered on Francis, a local favorite who lives in White Fences at a neighboring property and has had great success this season with the rapidly improving Doktor.
Shelly Francis and Doktor
“That was a lot of fun,” she said with a grin. “He was so good. He tries so hard. He’s awesome. I think I’ll keep him.”
Mikala Gundersen, also from Denmark, came away with the third place spot aboard My Lady with a 72.775%. They moved up the ranks from Friday’s fifth place finish in the Grand Prix with a freestyle featuring well-timed canter half-pass zig-zags to “Always on My Mind.”
“There’s some Elvis and some Bee Gees and some fun stuff in there,” Gundersen said. “I like my music to be fun and to sing along a little bit while I ride. It makes me more relaxed.”
Diane Creech from Canada rode to dramatic music that highlighted Devon L’s extensions. Their 70.950% placed them in fourth place, also moving them up from a ninth place finish on Friday in the Grand Prix.
“Devon was really good,” Creech said. “He really did his best. I was able to make sure he focused and stayed with me, and I was very happy.”
She added that the strong wind sometimes caught the music, changing the volume. “It makes it sound a little wild,” she explained. “That’s why he was a little distracted. Sometimes the wind would bring the music in, and then it would take it away and then bring it back again. But I am so happy that he dealt with it.”
Jaimey Irwin, also from Canada, placed fifth with a 70.725% riding Lindor’s Finest. The pair demonstrated well-timed passage to “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon, and “Happy Birthday” played over the loudspeakers as they exited the ring to celebrate Irwin’s birthday.
“It had a lot of very good parts,” Irwin said. “Some little mistakes, but I’m very happy with him in the things we’ve been working on.”
Fellow Canadian, Jacqueline Brooks, rode D Niro to music from Canadian artists including double pirouettes to “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell. They scored a 70.325% to take the sixth place spot. Brooks was pleased with her ride and kept repeating “You’re such a good boy” to D Niro on the way out of the arena. “It was a nice windy day,” she grinned. “He had lots of energy and I’m really proud of him.”
James Koford and Rhett’s ground-covering changes to American-Indian themed freestyle music scored a 69.950% to take the seventh place spot. “I’m riding to a new freestyle for me,” he said. “It’s the 40th anniversary of the Battle at Wounded Knee, so it’s fun to actually ride it on the anniversary of that.”
David Marcus and Don Kontes earned eighth place with 69.100%. Their freestyle choreography meshed seamlessly with the dramatic music. “Overall, I was happy with him,” Marcus said. “He always tries his hardest. We had some communication errors and he was a little bit tired today, but he keeps rising to the occasion every time. Each show he gets a little stronger and a little more confident. Now it’s just all fine-tuning.”
Jodie Stevens Kelly rounded out the Grand Prix Freestyle field in ninth place with 66.800%. Kelly, who lives in Destin, FL, adopted the Auburn University football music theme as her freestyle music. “That’s my music and I love it,” she said. “I have so much fun with it.”
Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin
Petersen was not the only rider to pick up two wins at the Dressage Derby. Kim Herslow and Rosmarin added to Friday’s Intermediaire I victory by collecting first place in Sunday’s Intermediaire I Freestyle with a 71.650%. Herslow and Rosmarin, who were each making their debut in freestyle competition, looked like seasoned professionals as they coasted to the win.
“Terry Gallo did my music and she did a super job,” Herslow said. “She came out to help me do the choreography and get the timing. We used ‘Moves Like Jagger’ for our trot music and ‘Alessandro’ for our walk music and ‘Faith’ by George Michael for our canter music. It was really fun and Reno felt like he was really into it when he was in the ring. He moves like Jagger, so it fits him really well.”
Herslow, of Stockton, NJ, plans to compete Rosmarin once more in Florida before heading home, where they will prepare for summer competitions. Herslow is hoping to qualify Rosmarin for August’s Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships, and she was encouraged by their Dressage Derby results.
“I’m thrilled that he went in there really trying hard and really doing it for the first time with me,” Herslow said. “The music fits him so well, so he brought that presence into the ring with us today.”
Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented by Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts
USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition – USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels; FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests
Where:
IHS Champions Park – Equestrian Estates
3700 Hanover Circle
Loxahatchee, FL
Directions: www.pbderby.com/directions.html
Loxahatchee, FL – March 2, 2013 – Mette Rosencrantz, of Topanga, CA, and Finally, a 12-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding, snared the win in the Grand Prix Special on a blustery Saturday at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W.
The pair placed 14th in the Grand Prix Friday afternoon, and Rosencrantz was pleased with today’s winning ride down centerline at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. She and Finally, owned by Finally Partners, LLC, scored a 67.875% for the win.
“I think I did a helluva good job!” she exclaimed. “Just one mistake in the ones. Otherwise, I could take anything else. The other day I had a problem from the warm-up to the ring, but today I thought ‘I’ve got nothing to lose.’ I think there’s a lot of things I could do better, but it was a good test and I was really proud of him.”
Evi Strasser, who came in second on Action Tyme with a 67.750%, exited the arena chuckling that she had trouble remembering the test but was pleased with her horse’s performance. “He was amazing, like always, and he gave it his all,” she said.
Strasser, from Ste-Adele, Quebec, and Action Tyme, a 13-year-old chestnut Oldenburg stallion, were seventh in Friday’s Grand Prix.
Cheryl Meisner, also from Canada, came in third with a 65.000% aboard Tango, a 13-year-old bay KWPN gelding. The pair placed eighth in the Grand Prix on Friday. “There were a couple little mistakes in there,” she said of today’s test. “He was a little bit tired but I was happy.”
Fellow countryman Lee Tubman of Dunnville, Ontario, was also happier with his ride on Delight. He placed fourth in the Special with a 64.313% after a disappointing 15th in Friday’s Grand Prix. “It went better than yesterday,” he said. “There were a couple small problems, but it definitely went better than yesterday.” When asked why he thought there was improvement he answered, “Motivation. Mine and his.”
USA’s Barbara Strawson finished fifth aboard Amicelli, a 17-year-old chestnut Holsteiner gelding, scoring a 61.875%. The pair placed eighth in Friday’s Grand Prix. Strawson smiled as she left the arena. “It’s getting better every day and every time,” she said.
Tanya Strasser-Shostak and Dancing Tyme, Mattie Zepernick and Wencenza, and Paula Matute and Gasper take their victory lap
In the FEI Young Rider Individual Test, Evi Strasser’s daughter Tanya Strasser-Shostak came out the winner on Dancing Tyme, a 10-year old black Oldenburg gelding, with a 65.447%.
“He was really trying hard,” she said. “He was better overall, I think, in the frame and in the rhythm. I think if we can keep going at this pace, I can hopefully get into the 67s and that would be nice to have as a result.”
Mattie Zepernick from the U.S. cinched first place in the FEI Junior Individual Rider Test with a 65.553% aboard Wencenza. She smiled as she arranged the cooler she won emblazoned with the words “Palm Beach Dressage Derby” before the presentation ceremony.
“We are slowly and surely getting better,” she explained. “I’m getting a better feel for having more expression in all my gaits and it comes from taking risks.”
Sunday features crowd-pleasing freestyle dressage to wrap up the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W. Classes include FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, Young Rider Freestyle, Junior Rider Freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle. As always, parking and admission are free at the beautiful showgrounds in Loxahatchee.
Results
FEI Grand Prix Special 1. Mette Rosencrantz (USA) – Finally – 67.875%
2. Evi Strasser (CAN) – Action Tyme – 67.750%
3. Cheryl Meisner (CAN) – Tango – 65.000%
4. William Lee Tubman (CAN) – Delight – 64.313%
5. Barbara Strawson (USA) – Amicelli – 61.875%
FEI Intermediaire I 1. Caroline V. Roffman (USA) – Her Highness O – 71.211
2. Kimberly Herslow (USA) – Rosmarin – 70.868%
3. Silva Martin (USA) – Rosa Cha W – 69.158%
4. Justin Hardin (USA) – Wyatt Star – 68.158%
5. William Lee Tubman (CAN) – De Las Rosa – 68.132%
6. Susan Dutta (USA) – Lumberjack – 67.579%
7. George Williams (USA) – Cleopatra – 66.053%
8. Evi Strasser (CAN) – Rigaudon Tyme – 65.737%
9. Melissa Taylor (USA) – Chicco Roslev – 65.026%
10. Pamela Goodrich (USA) – Wyvern – 64.447%
FEI Junior Rider Individual Test 1. Mattie Zepernick – Wencenza – 65.553%
2. Paula Matute (ESP) – Gasper – 64.974%
FEI Young Rider Grand Prix (16-25) 1. Ali Potasky (USA) – Lamborghini – 65.465%
2. Cassandra Hummert-Johnson (USA) – Plato Carlos – 63.628%
FEI Pony Individual Test 1. Hanna Benne (USA) – Helluva Dream Maker – 57.537%
2. Melanie Doughty (USA) – Command Performance – 55.122%
Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts
USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition – USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels; FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests
Where:
IHS Champions Park – Equestrian Estates
3700 Hanover Circle
Loxahatchee, FL
Directions: www.pbderby.com/directions.html
Loxahatchee, FL – March 1, 2013 – Lars Petersen of Denmark and Mariett captured the win in the Grand Prix on opening day of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. The pair scored a 72.745%, besting the second place rider by more than three percentage points.
Petersen and Mariett, owned by Marcia Pepper and Petersen, tallied up first place wins in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the February 7-10 Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3*. They also took on top riders from around the world at the World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach, earning fifth place in both the January 25 Grand Prix and the January 26 Grand Prix Freestyle.
Petersen has represented Denmark at the top levels of competitive dressage for more than 10 years including at the Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games, two World Cup Finals, and three Continental Championships. He was also named Danish National Champion five times. He was pleased with the outcome of the Grand Prix test.
“I was pretty happy,” he said. “Overall, I was happy with her.”
Pepper was thrilled with today’s win. She originally competed Mariett, a 15-year-old dark bay Danish Warmblood mare, but after Pepper broke her ankle, Petersen started training the horse. Pepper said plans for the horse are hatched day-to-day. “We’ll see how it develops,” she said. “There has never been a plan. Ever. We’re just taking it slowly.”
Shelly Francis and Doktor
Coming in second with a 69.391% was Shelly Francis of the United States, riding Doktor. The pair placed fifth in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Florida Classic Dressage CDI-W February 14-17 and they placed sixth in the Grand Prix and second in the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Classic CDI3* January 23-27.
Francis, a six-year resident of Loxahatchee, said she was very pleased with her ride and with Doktor, a 10-year-old gelding. “He’s getting better and better,” she said. “It’s his third time for this and his scores just keep getting higher and higher.”
Placing third was Olympian David Marcus from Canada riding Don Kontes with a 68.277%.The pair won the Grand Prix Freestyle and took second at the WCD Sunshine Classic CDI3* January 23-27. They placed sixth in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W February 14-17, and earned second place in the Grand Prix Special at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W January 17-20.
“It was a clean, mistake-free test,” Marcus said. “He was relaxed out here and I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Another Canadian, Jaimey Irwin aboard Lindor’s Finest, scored a 67.532% for the fourth place spot. The pair went from a win in the Grand Prix Freestyle and a fourth place in the Grand Prix at the WCD Spring Challenge CDI3* February 7-10 to drop to a 12th place finish in the Grand Prix and an eighth place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Florida Classic Dressage CDI-W the following weekend.
“I thought he was much better,” Irwin said. “He felt a lot more energetic and I was very happy. He was a super boy.”
Rounding out the top six finishers were Mikala Gundersen from Denmark and My Lady with a 67.489% to place fifth and another Canadian Olympic athlete, Jacqueline Brooks on D Niro, with a 67.128%.
Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin
Another big winner today in a field of tough competitors was Kim Herslow, who scored 70.789% in the FEI Prix St. Georges test. After riding her own Rosmarin, whom she calls Reno, she was thrilled with the results.
“This is our third Prix St. Georges ever,” she said. “We showed a couple weeks ago and he was a little tense, but now I think we’re finding our groove. He was with me today and I’m really proud of him.”
Before the Grand Prix competition, a flash mob was staged to honor Judge Axel Steiner. A group of competitors, owners and well-wishers encircled Steiner as they danced the “Macarena” all the while changing the words to “Hey, Axel Steiner.” This year marks the final year as an FEI judge for the legendary Steiner, who has judged the Palm Beach Dressage Derby for many years.
“It was my first exposure to judging with European judges,” Steiner said. “This year is very important for me.”
The dressage action continues all weekend with the Grand Prix Special on Saturday and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday as well as a host of FEI and USEF classes.
Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts
USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition – USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels; FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests
Where:
IHS Champions Park – Equestrian Estates
3700 Hanover Circle
Loxahatchee, FL
Directions: www.pbderby.com/directions.html
Wellington, FL – February 28, 2013 – The prestigious Palm Beach Dressage Derby consistently attracts top dressage riders from around the world, and its 2013 edition is no exception. The 30th year of the Dressage Derby, held Feb. 28 – Mar. 3 at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee as part of International Horse Sport Palm Beach’s winter series, has drawn an international cast of competitors, including many who have represented their countries in the Olympic Games.
The Dressage Derby’s Grand Prix CDI-W features six Olympians who have competed for four different countries over the past two decades. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén has represented Sweden an impressive six times at the Olympics, competing at every Games since 1992. In that time, she has had several top finishes, including 12th place individually at the 2008 Games and 11th individually in 2012.
Vilhelmson-Silfvén has racked up numerous wins in South Florida this winter. With Don Auriello, she rode to the championship at the Jan. 23-27 World Dressage Masters CDI5* and two wins at the Feb. 14-17 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W. She and Divertimento, whom she will ride in the Dressage Derby, have put together a stellar string of finishes, placing consistently in the top three at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W (Jan. 17-20), Wellington Dressage CDI3* (Jan. 31 – Feb. 3), and Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W.
David Marcus and Don Kontes
David Marcus of Canada made his Olympic debut in 2012 on Chrevi’s Capital. Marcus, a relative newcomer to the international dressage scene, has quickly established himself as a top contender. He and Chrevi’s Capital recently collected wins in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s Wellington Dressage CDI3*.
Don Kontes, Marcus’ mount for the Dressage Derby, has also had a successful start to his season, winning the Freestyle and taking second in the Grand Prix at the Jan. 23-27 Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge CDI3*.
Jacqueline Brooks, who rode with Marcus on Canada’s 2012 Olympic dressage team and also competed at the 2008 Games in Beijing, is bringing her London mount D Niro to the Dressage Derby. The pair has earned third place finishes in several Grand Prix competitions on the South Florida circuit this season, including the Grand Prix Special at the World Dressage Masters CDI5* and the Freestyles at the Wellington Dressage CDI3* and the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W.
A third Canadian Olympic team member, Evi Strasser, brings her extensive international experience to the Dressage Derby field. Along with her 1996 appearance at the Olympics, she has often represented Canada on the international stage and earned a team Silver Medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. Strasser will ride Action Tyme in the Dressage Derby.
Lars Petersen and Mariett
Denmark’s Lars Petersen also rode in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he earned an impressive 12th-place finish in the individual competition. He will ride Mariett in the Dressage Derby. Petersen and Mariett recently picked up wins in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Feb. 7-10 Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3*.
Cesar Parra, who now rides for the United States, rounds out the elite group of Olympians competing at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby. Parra rode for Colombia in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, but has since become a United States citizen. He and Van the Man won the Grand Prix Special at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W earlier this season.
With such a talented group of riders assembled, the Palm Beach Dressage Derby promises to be a highly competitive event. John Flanagan, the Advertising and Sponsorship Director of the Derby, is pleased with the high caliber of riders in the field.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the six-time Olympian, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén, back to the Dressage Derby,” Flanagan said.
Other upcoming International Horse Sport events include the March 21-24 International Horse Sport Champions Cup CDI-W and the March 28-31 Dressage at Equestrian Estates CDI3*.
Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts
USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition – USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels; FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests
Where:
IHS Champions Park – Equestrian Estates
3700 Hanover Circle
Loxahatchee, FL
Directions: www.pbderby.com/directions.html
Todd Flettrich and Otto at 2010 Palm Beach Dressage Derby. Photo by Lauren Fisher
Wellington, FL – February 27, 2013 – Some of the world’s leading dressage horses will be competing in this year’s International Horse Sport Palm Beach (IHSPB) show circuit and that includes equine superstars from one of Europe’s leading stud farms – Denmark’s Blue Hors.
Founded in 1992, Blue Hors has become synonymous with quality in the dressage-breeding world. Created with the goal of producing top athletes to give Denmark an edge in international competition, the stud farm’s talented get are now scattered around the world representing multiple nations in international competition.
IHSPB is proud to have Blue Hors Stud as the title sponsor for the 2013 International Horse Sport (IHS) Blue Hors Invitational Series, the Palm Beach Dressage Derby Feb. 28 – March 3, and the International Horse Sport Champions Cup CDI-W, March 21-24. The partnership between IHS and Blue Hors has been a good one.
“We are so pleased that Blue Hors Stud has once again chosen to be one of our sponsors,” said IHSPB Managing Partner and Sponsorship Coordinator John Flanagan. “They are experts in assessing and breeding quality horses and their contribution to the sport of dressage cannot be underestimated.”
Esben Møller, the manager of Blue Hors, has developed an eye for quality when it comes to sponsoring horse shows and buying horses. “We have clear goals and a long-term outlook,” he said. “We’ve been very pleased with all our Dutch horses. Of course, there may be a disappointment now and then, but there are so many factors which will determine whether a horse will meet expectations: it has to stay healthy, grow tall enough, and show a willing character. There’s also some luck involved.”
Blue Hors must be doing something right. In the past 21 years, their horses have risen to success in the highest ranks of international competition. This includes competing in the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games and Dressage World Cup. Blue Hors’ athletes have won the Danish Championships multiple times and Blue Hors’ stallion Don Schufro (by Donnerhall), a member of the 2008 Danish Olympic team who earned the Bronze Medal, has been rated Germany’s No. 1 dressage sire eight times.
Blue Hors successfully enlisted two of the world’s best riders to help represent the stud’s horses on the show circuit: Edward Gal and Lars Petersen. Blue Hors turned to Gal, who hails from the Netherlands, to ride the stallion Blue Hors Romanov (by Rohdiamant). Gal was an unusual choice as the stud has always favored Danish riders, but Blue Hors manager Möller said the stud has always sought to have its horses achieve international success. They felt that Gal and Petersen had the talent to help achieve that goal.
Petersen, who rides for Denmark but is based in Florida, is one of the leaders behind IHSPB and campaigns Blue Hors’ Gredstedgards Casmir (by Continue). Petersen, who operates Legacy Farms with his partner Melissa Taylor, rode for the stud from 1992 to 2002. He competed Blue Hors’ horses internationally, before he made the permanent move to Florida. Casmir is just one of many up-and-coming equine superstars that will be competing during the 2013 Florida season at the IHSPB beautiful show grounds.
International Horse Sport Palm Beach has been a driving force in South Florida dressage for many years. Their success in ensuring Florida is the place to be during the winter show season has enticed top riders and horses from throughout the world to flock to the Sunshine State every winter. And with the help of Blue Hors Stud, the 2013 season is no exception.
The IHS Champions Park consists of 10 rings suitable for national and international competition on over 50 acres, including 15 acres of parking, 150 horse stalls for international horses and another 200 temporary stalls available for the national shows. In 2011, IHS Palm Beach made major improvements in show facilities in order to provide competitors with superior show conditions. The most important upgrade was the installation of new footing in all of the rings at the IHS Champions Park at Equestrian Estates, a facility owned by Mary Ann and Walter McPhail that is the site of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and IHS Series Shows. The upgrade in footing consisted of stripping the rings to the base and replacing the old footing with new GGT Footing, a polyester fiber mixture blended with sand, which is considered to be the premier arena footing throughout the world.
With improvements in footing, as well as the facilities for the comfort of riders, horses and spectators, IHS Palm Beach is well set to host the world’s leading dressage equines, their riders and their fans in 2013.
Upcoming IHS events include the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W from Feb. 28 – March 3, the International Horse Sport Champions Cup CDI-W from March 21-24, and Dressage at Equestrian Estates CDI3* from March 28-31.
Palm Beach Dressage Derby Presented By Blue Hors of Denmark Fast Facts
USEF High Performance Qualifying Competition for the 2013 World Cup
Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes
2013 USEF National Grand Prix & Intermediaire I Championship
2013 Massy Ferguson/USEF North American Junior & Young Riders’ Championship
USEF National Pony Rider Championships, USEF Developing Horse Championships
Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Brentina Cup Championships
USEF Level 5 Competition – USDF Musical Freestyles; USEF First thru Fourth Levels; FEI PSG thru Grand Prix, including FEI Musical Freestyles, JY/YR, FEI Five & Six Year Old Tests
Where:
IHS Champions Park – Equestrian Estates
3700 Hanover Circle
Loxahatchee, FL
Directions: www.pbderby.com/directions.html
WELLINGTON, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2013) – The fifth annual Equestrian Aid Foundation “Inspection Reception” Fundraiser will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, 5-8 pm at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in Loxahatchee, Fla. The highlight of the evening will be the live bidding for a breeding to World and Olympic Champion Sandro Hit.
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, he won the USEF/Performance Horse Registry Leading Sire Award as best dressage sire in the USA. The influence of Sandro Hit is of epochal significance to dressage breeding worldwide. Thoroughbred-typed, modern, harmonious, strongly moving and gifted with a fascinating charisma, Sandro Hit’s progeny conquered the market and made his sire a line-founding stallion of modernity. His breeding record shines through unprecedented superlatives: Auction highlights from foals to riding horses, more than 180 licensed stallions including Champion Stallions, championship candidates, Grand Prix winner up to Olympians.
To register to bid by phone or text, please contact skursar@gmail.com, mary@horsesdaily.com or call 704.650.1604 to arrange a bidder’s assistant. Only those present to bid or those registered to bid offsite will be eligible to win this exciting opportunity.
Guests will enjoy dinner and drinks at the beautiful show grounds at the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates immediately following the FEI Jog. Auction items will be on display during the afternoon at the IHS Palm Beach Derby gathering place, “The Beer Garden,” to bid on items or make donations.
“We have a great selection of auction items we all use and need, and this year we are excited and honored to have a breeding to Sandro Hit, donated the breeding manager from Schockemöhle Stallion service station at Performance Horse Sales International, Germany,” said Mary Phelps, Equestrian Aid Foundation co-chairman to the board of governors and organizer of this annual event. “Our one-of-a-kind celebrity items, including a Super Bowl football signed by Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco, rock star signed items, as well as an array of product baskets and unique riding opportunities with Robert Dover, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Jan Eberling and Courtney King-Dye. See our Dressage Daily.com website for more information on the auction items.”
For more than 17 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has provided financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as food and housing – enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or @ride4hope.
