Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Wellington, FL — January 10, 2015 — Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, received a 72.980% to take home the top prize in the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival’s (AGDF) FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by MTICA Farms. Allison Brock (USA) and Rosevelt followed in second with a 71.706% and Lisa Wilcox (USA) riding Pikko del Cerro HU finished third scoring a 71.275%.
Vilhelmson-Silfven was very pleased with the duo’s performance today, commenting that this week was their first competition back together in a year. “He felt really, really good today. I am very pleased with him. I managed to get the perfect amount of tension I was looking to have in the test, and that is always difficult to find,” she said. “I was a bit more daring today, and it ended up being a lovely test so I’m very happy.”
Divertimento, who can tend to be hot, settled nicely for Vilhelmson-Silfven and is beginning to come into his own at the Grand Prix level. “He’s really learning, opening up his mind and listening to me now. He’s much more with me now,” she stated. “With a horse like this, you must have 150% focus for your entire ride. It is a matter of being in the exact same moment as him because the tiniest change from me can lead to mistakes.”
Watch the winning ride of Tinne and Divertimento!
Perfecting technique has been a huge component in the formation of their partnership. Vilhelmson-Silfven took over riding the gelding seven years ago and has been competing him ever since. “He is truly a very exciting horse to ride and compete because he forces me to focus. He asks a lot of me in regards to technique. It’s a great challenge,” she smiled.
The two are regulars in Wellington during the winter season. Vilhelmson-Silfven has continued competing Divertimento here since his 8-year-old season where he debuted at the Intermediaire level. Their partnership continues to grow and Vilhelmson-Silfven now feels more consistent during Grand Prix tests. She explained, “Now that he’s older, I don’t feel like I need to ride as much, which is really a lovely feeling because he is so nice from the first step now. It is a great feeling and is something you really want to achieve, and we’re there now.”
Vilhelmson-Silfven will continue to compete Divertimento at the Grand Prix level throughout the duration of the AGDF season, aiming to improve upon the scores they received in the first week of competition. “I want more routine now. I have small things that I want to work on, but you will always have those things as a rider. The difference between yesterday and today was very nice though, and it will only continue to improve,” she said.
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 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.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.
Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414
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