Photo: Grand Prix Rider and #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag will be the featured speaker at ShowChic’s January Shop Talk (photo courtesy of Jan Cobb)

Wellington, FL (January 13, 2015)— Dressage competitors and supporters who have flooded Wellington, Florida, for the winter show season are invited to take a break from training and competing to celebrate with ShowChic on Tuesday, January 20. The fashionable dressage boutique ShowChic will be holding its monthly Shop Talk event; this month featuring Grand Prix Rider and #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag. The Shop Talk, held on Hoag’s birthday, will serve as a birthday party as well as an educational event and sneak-peak into Hoag’s newest book. As ShowChic is well-known for celebrating in style with the dressage community (through events like Shop Talks and Jog Soirées at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival), the gathering on January 20 is sure to be an evening to remember.

Tami Hoag, of Palm Beach County, Florida, is as dedicated to riding as she is to writing. The dressage competitor has had a love for both activities since she was a child, and wrote her first self-published book— Black Pony— at the age of nine. Since then, Hoag has enjoyed numerous rides in the Grand Prix ring as well as incredible success for her novels. Hoag has written over thirty-five books, including fifteen New York Times bestsellers. Her newest book, the much-anticipated Cold, Cold Heart, will be placed on the market this month.

At the January Shop Talk at ShowChic’s boutique in Wellington, Florida, Hoag will give attendees an insider’s look at this new book—with an entertaining twist. Shop Talk attendees are invited to bring gag-gifts for the birthday girl. The person who brings the most humorous gift will receive a free signed copy of Cold, Cold Heart. After the Shop Talk discussion with Hoag, the dressage rider/author will host a book signing. As usual, there will be plenty of time to socialize with fellow dressage riders and browse through ShowChic’s unique merchandise and popular riding apparel at the close of the event.

ShowChic’s Shop Talks have already been a big hit in Wellington this winter. The December Shop Talk, featuring the dressage judging duo Bill Warren and Bill McMullin, left standing-room only in the boutique. Shop Talks in the months following Tami Hoag’s will include notable guest speakers such as Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer and Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s founders Pat and Linda Parelli.

ShowChic hopes to see all dressage enthusiasts on January 20th at the ShowChic boutique. Anyone who can’t make the event can find ShowChic’s mobile boutique—full of top products from brands like Pikeur, Cavallo, Arista, Kentucky, Equiline, and Eurostar— at the show grounds at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. For more information about ShowChic and Shop Talks, visit visit www.showchicdressage.com or call 561-319-2121.

Grade II Rider Rebecca Hart and Schroeter's Romani Top Para-Equestrian Competition

Photos and Article by: Lindsay Y. McCall

Wellington, FL – January 11, 2015- Thirteen Para-Dressage horse and rider combinations made their way to Wellington, Florida, this January for the first CPEDI3* of the 2015 show season. Para-Equestrians from Canada and the United States in Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV, competed at the spectacular Global Dressage venue in the Van Kampen Arena. FEI Ground Jury members Mr. Freddy Leyman (BEL), Mr. Kjell Myhre (NOR), and Ms. Kristi Wysocki (USA) were on hand to offer their expertise for each Para-Dressage duo. This CPEDI3* is one of the qualifiers for the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, 2016 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, and 2016 Paralympic Equestrian Selection Trials. The 2016 Paralympic Equestrian competition takes place in Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled September 7-18, 2016.

The United States brought forward four out of the five 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG) athletes for this competition. Those riders included Grade II rider, Two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012), two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014), and six -time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion Rebecca Hart with Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolos, and Will and Sandy Kimmel; 2014 WEG U.S. athlete Sydney Collier riding her own Wentworth.This is the first time in two years that Wentworth has stepped into International competition. Collier also rode NTEC Roulette, owned by Kai Handt. Riding a new horse was 2014 WEG team member Roxanne Trunnell aboard Westphalian NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt; and individual WEG athlete Angela Peavy rode Ozzy Cooper in addition to Lancelot Warrior, both owned by Rebecca Reno.

USA Team (Left to right )Sydney Collier, Annie Peavy, Rebecca Hart, U.S. Chef D' Equipe Kai Handt, and Roxanne Trunnell. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

These United States riders, led by Chef d’equips Kai Handt, earned a top score of 415.438 to capture the team championship over Canada teammates Lauren Barwick and her own Ferdonia 2, Robyn Andrews and her own Fancianna, and Jody Schloss and her own Inspector Rebus. Canada was led by Chef d’equips Elizabeth Quigg. The team scores are calculated by combining each team athlete’s team test score and individual test score. Each of those tests took place on January 9 and 10.

U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt commented, “The team did excellent this weekend. The horses look a whole lot better this year compared to last year and the horses look fitter this year. We still have a really young team but they are a great group of riders that get along well. Their performances this weekend is a result of the showing paying off. We also have a great group of riders. Some with new horses, some new classified riders, and some new developing athletes. It’s early in the season for many of them but I hope they are all getting out there, getting their rides in, and earning their qualifying scores. We have new qualifying criteria this year for the national championships including two divisions. We hope having these two divisions will get more riders out showing, increasing our Para-Dressage program and helping the future of our discipline.”

Not only did Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani contribute to the top team ranking but she also earned the highest scores overall at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3*. Hart garnered the blue accolades on both the individual and team championships tests in addition to scoring a 77.917% on her freestyle test. “I was really happy with my tests,” said Hart. “Compared to the team test, the individual test is a harder test for me because it has the walk pirouettes in it. We tried to add a little more oomph to her trot in that test. We were going for a little more and it still came out in the same place. I was happy she let me push her a little bit. I was really happy with the entrance on my individual test and the turns for the first part of the test with the half circle.I was able to maintain her rhythm throughout those and keep her consistent though those circles. Usually on the first part of the test I kind of like to rush the turn because I am excited to get into the test it was nice to have the confidence in ourselves as a pair to relax and really flow through that first turn. With the freestyle I just love doing it. We are changing her freestyle and hope to bring out the new one next year. We have changed as a pair this year and really want to highlight all of those changes. But for this weekend we did our WEG freestyle which was a great freestyle.”

Less than one year ago, Hart was debuting her new partnership with Schroeters Romani. After multiple international competitions and a World Equestrian Games, Hart is on her way to competing at the 2016 Paralympic Selection Trials.

Hart added, ” I am really pleased with where we are going as a pair because I can push Romani in the ring now where as before I couldn’t really do that. I can now ask for more and she’ll let me push those buttons a little which is exciting to see. It’s been a wonderful collaboration between Blue Hill Farm and Cherry Knoll Farm to figure out what the new program needed to be and I am glad it’s working out so well.”

Canadian Grade II competitor Lauren Barwick also had top scores over the weekend with her past partner Ferdonia 2. Barwick expressed, ”
Im supposed to be on a break. The plan was to take 10 months off so I didn’t ride for 3 months and the horses were lightly schooled. I even retired Fergie in 2014. Then at the beginning of December I was offered a sponsorship to come to the show. Canada had 2 riders coming so to have a 3rd rider come whose only 4 hours away, required no thought. So I pulled Fergie out of the field, clipped her up, and did pretty well. This year was so intense with every point being so important. So this was a great opportunity to enjoy my horse and have some fun. I retired Fergie because the international travel was pretty hard on her. I was going to let her be a horse at home, maybe have a baby, and teach students. But she has come out so well, even at 17. If Canada has another rider they want to use for her, then absolutely. Paris is still my number one. She did six international shows last year and I didn’t think it was fair to bring her out at this point.

Barwick added, “I am excited to see the future of our team. We have some new riders that were recently classified, as a team we are in a regrouping position. We have a lot of riders whose horses are retiring so we have some new horses in the works. However with new partnerships comes learning. I am excited to see the future of our team and I am hopeful.”

Canada team member Robyn Andrews had a great show over the weekend capturing two blue ribbons in Grade Ia. Armed with new coach Amanda Kalvoda Andrews is looking forward to the 2015-2016 show season. Other riders in Grade Ia include Paralympian and WEG athlete Jody Schloss (CAN) and Inspector Rebus; Roxanne Trunnell and her new partner Westphalian NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt; and U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins and Hanoverian Gracias Juan, owned by Stephanie Dubicki.

Grade Ib athletes competing included 2014 WEG team member Sydney Collier and Wentworth, Collier and NTEC Roulette, owned by Kai Handt, and Mr. Bockman ridden and owned by Paralympian Dale Dedrick. Dedrick did not compete in the freestyle test.

U.S. Grade III athlete Annie Peavy captured multiple top placings this weekend with Ozzy Cooper. Peavy rode both Lancelot Warrior and Ozzy Cooper for the team and individual test. Peavy rode only Ozzy Cooper in the freestyle.

Peavy noted, “This show felt great. It was our first show in Wellington and both my horses have changed and improved so much this year. They listened to me very well and they did everything I asked of them. It was a great start and we still have room to grow this season. Overall I am very happy with it. In December 2014, I moved down to Wellington and since then we have been working on our young rider movements and practicing some of the para-dressage movements as well. Since showing at WEG I am not nearly as nervous now. WEG was such a learning experience and everyone was so helpful and supportive and Ozzy was amazing for me. I am proud of how far Ozzy has come. He has more muscle, strength, and confidence in himself. I can tell he’s gone from a 7 year-old to a 9 year-old since we bought him. My tests have been pretty good this weekend. On Saturday’s individual test, I enjoyed that he was very forward. Although he was excited he payed attention to me very well. I also enjoy noting the face that he goes well in a snaffle now. With Lancelot I have enjoyed his canter work. It is his stronger gate and because of that he felt very steady. He’s a great horse calm in mind and body.”

Peavy continued, “My horses have been so wonderful and I look forward to competing with them more this season. I would love to thank my parents, my trainer Heather Blitz, and my groom Krystal Johnstone for everything they did for me and my horses. I am enjoying every moment.”

In the Grade III freestyle test, Ellie Brimmer and London Swing earned the first place ribbon on Sunday, January 11.

Grade IV athlete and 2010 WEG rider Mary Jordan (USA) and Rubicon 75, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, completed their first U.S. CPEDI3* event together. Less than a year ago, Jordan and Rubicon 75 became a pair. The duo traveled to Europe and back before competing at the 2014 WEG Selection Trials and National Championships. Jordan explained,” This weekend has been really exciting for me and my coach Jim Koford. I have had many people who are in key positions tell me I am sitting on world class horse and because of that he is larger than life on a number of different levels. He is a developing horse, a young horse, and I think people forget that when they see his stature and his talent. He ‘s actually pretty green. I am very proud of him. in such a short amount of time we have gone to London, Europe, Kentucky, and Saugerties and we have had some good results and some results that our less than what I am hoping for. I know we are on the right track and we will absolutely get there this is a building block as much as anything else. When we get it right it’s like something we have never felt before. When you unlock it it’s magical. I feel the same partnership with him psychological that I did with Sebastian and Paxton. I am very grateful to Vinceremos and Catherine Haddad for sharing this gift with me. These types of horses don’t grow on trees. You want to be a custodian of the gift and represent your country and your organizations well.”

Following the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival riders will be continuing to put miles on their partnerships. From around the country to Europe, U.S. Para-Dressage athletes will be competing towards the exciting 2016 Paralympic Equestrian Selection Trials. For more information about the U.S. Para-Dressage calendar for 2015 please visit www.USPEA.org or the United States Equestrian Federation.

The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* is once again managed by Lloyd Landkamer. The FEI Ground Jury includes Mr. Freddy Leyman (BEL), Mr. Kjell Myhre (NOR), and Ms. Kristi Wysocki (USA). Global Dressage Festival I CDI W/1*/Y/J/P/U25 / CPEDI 3* January 7-11, 2015 is presented by Adequan. It features over $50,000 in prize money and is official qualifying competition for: The 2015 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North; the 2015 USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship; 2015 AGCO/USEF Junior and Young Rider Dressage National Championships; and the 2015 USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship. It’s also the official qualifying competition for the 2015 Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships, the Great American/USDF Regional Championships and USDF/Dover Adult Amateur Medal Program. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring 8 CDIs, including five CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National events.

TEAM RESULTS January 9-11, 2015
Name of rider and horse, Team Score, Individual Score, Total

1. USA
Rebecca Hart and Schroeters Romani 73.284, 72.857, 146.141
Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper 68.070,68.008, 136.078
Sydney Collier and Wentworth 66.667, 66.552, 133.219
Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer 66.304, 64.928, 131.232
415.438

2. CANADA
Lauren Barwick and Ferdonia 2 72,157, 70.048, 142.205
Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus 68.333, 60.072, 128.405
Robyn Andrews and Fancianna 65.145, 66.304, 131.449
402.059

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS:

Sunday, January 11, 2015 FREESTYLE TEST

Grade Ia
1. Robyn Andrews and Fancianna 67.917
2. Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus 65.250
3. Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer 65.000
4. Derrick Perkins and Gracias Juan 58.917

Grade Ib
1. Sydney Collier and Wentworth 66.417

Grade II
1. Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani 77.917
2. Lauren Barwick and Ferdonia 2 75

Grade III
1. Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing 65.250
2. Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper 63.750

Grade IV
1. Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 66.583

Saturday, January 10, 2015 INDIVIDUAL TEST CHAMPIONSHIP

Grade Ia
1. Robyn Andrews and Fancianna 66.304
2. Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer 64.928
3. Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus 60.072
4. Derrick Perkins and Gracias Juan 58.623

Grade Ib
1. Sydney Collier and Wentworth 66.552
2. Dale Dedrick and Mr. Bockman 66.379
3. Sydney Collier and NTEC Roulette 61.839

Grade II
1. Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani 72.857
2. Lauren Barwick and Ferdonia 2 70.048

Grade III
1. Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper 68.008
2. Angela PEavy and Lancelot Warrior 67.805
3. Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing 60.894

Grade IV
1. Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 61.349

Friday, January 9, 2015 TEAM TEST CHAMPIONSHIP

Grade Ia
1. Jody Schloss and Inspector Rebus 68.333
2. Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer 66.304
3. Robyn Andrews and Fancianna 65.145
4. Derrick Perkins and Gracias Juan 58.768

Grade Ib
1. Dale Dedrick and Mr. Bockman 69.333
2. Sydney Collier and Wentworth 66.667
3. Sydney Collier and NTEC Roulette 59.267

Grade II
1. Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani 73.284
2. Lauren Barwick and Ferdonia 2 72.157

Grade III
1. Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper 68.070
2. Angela PEavy and Lancelot Warrior 67.237
3. Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing 63.465

Grade IV
1. Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 63.730

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring 8 CDIs, including five CDI-Ws, one 4* and one 5*, the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, as well as weekly U.S. National eventsThe 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.

Gabriella Stumpf and Finally Love

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL — January 11, 2015 — Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Finally Love performed a lovely test to take the win with a score of 69.927% in the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle presented by MTICA Farm. Mary Bahniuk-Lauritsen (USA) and Wench De Jeu followed in second scoring a 68.675% and Jill Irving and Dio Mio finished in third with a total score of 68.625%.

Stumpf, who has been partnered with the eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding for four years, felt the test was very good considering Finally Love was a bit excited in the warm-up. “He was a bit tense at first because he was in a very good mood today when we first came out, I think due to the wind and the cooler weather,” she said. “But, I was able to get him focused and he concentrated nicely during the test, which is what I was looking for.”

The duo performed a very clean test, and Stumpf is only looking to improve in the coming weeks of the AGDF season. “It is really great here,” she commented. “I love coming because the weather is always fantastic and you are able to do a lot of tests in many different rings. The horses are really exposed to a lot during the season.”

Click here to watch the winning ride of Gabriela Stumpf and Finally Love!

Finally Love will compete again in two weeks at the Intermediare II level with Stumpf, and the pair will look to improve upon the scores they received in the first week of competition. “We started him at the lower levels, and we have slowly moved our way up. He is very easy and fun and has a super personality,” she smiled.

Gabriela topped her sister Katharina in the class, who rode For My Love to a score of 67.750%, taking fourth in the class. “I love competing against my sister, we always enjoy riding together,” said Gabriela. “It is always very nice to have her in the awards ceremony beside me.”

Mary Bahniuk-Lauritsen and Wench De Jeu

Mary Bahniuk-Lauritsen (USA) performed a great freestyle with Wench De Jeu to a creative combination of acoustic Rihanna songs. Bahniuk-Lauritsen and Wench De Jeu, a relatively new partnership, are now coming into their own at the Intermediare 1 level. “She felt very confident in the canter work. We had a few bobbles throughout the test, but it is her first freestyle at this level and my first with her, so I’m glad we performed so well,” she said. ” Next time, when we come out in two weeks, I would really like to push for more and have that extra edge I was looking for today.”

A native of Harvard, Massachusetts, Bahniuk-Lauritsen is looking forward to taking advantage of her time in South Florida. “We have our eyes on the Pan American Games and there is also the Nations Cup. A few pairs will be given grants to travel to Europe this summer so we’re hoping to be considered for all of those opportunities based on our performances here at AGDF,” she stated.

Jill Irving and Dio Mio

Today also concluded the first week of the competition for Para-Equestrian Dressage, as riders are looking to qualify for the coming 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The week was highlighted by some truly spectacular riding in the Van Kampen arena with some of the best Paralympic riders in North America competing. Sydney Collier (USA), winner of the 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year Award presented by the United States Equestrian Federation, was competing two horses, including a new mount she hopes to qualify for Rio with, NTEC Roulette. Riders from Canada and the United States were represented during competition this week.

Sydney Collier and Wentworth

For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Gabriela Stumpf and Finally Love in their winning presentation.

Final Scores for FEI Intermediare Freestyle presented by MTICA Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E, Judge H, Judge C, Judge M, Judge B, Total

1. Gabriela Stumpf (AUT), Finally Love, 2006 Oldenburg gelding owned by Gabriela Stumpf, Farewell III x Winzerin: 70.000%, 71.000%, 69.635%, 69.250%, 69.750%, 69.927%
2. Mary Bahniuk-Lauritsen (USA), Wench De Jeu, 2003 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Nicole Polaski, Jazz x Contango : 67.375%, 70.625%, 71.000%, 68.000%, 66.375%, 68.675%
3. Jill Irving (CAN), Dio Mio, 2003 Hanoverian gelding owned by Jill Irving, De Niro x Comtess: 66.375%, 69.375%, 65.875%, 69.500%, 72.000%, 68.625%
4. Katharina Stumpf (AUT), For My Love, 2001 Hanoverian gelding owned by Katharina Stumpf, For Feelibng x Escudine: 66.000%, 70.125%, 67.625%, 66.250%, 67.750%, 67.550%

Photo Credit: Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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%.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento

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.

Allison Brock and Rosevelt

The duo 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.”

Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU

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.

Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento with judge Gary Rockwell (USA), Janne Rumbough of MTICA Farm, and Allyn Mann of Adequan®.

For more information on the Adequan®Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Special CDI W, presented by MTICA Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E, Judge H, Judge C, Judge M, Judge B, Total

1. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, Di Versave x Fatima: 72.941%, 75.490%, 73.637%, 70.588%, 72.255%, 72.980%

2. Allison Brock (USA), Rosevelt, 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine & Fritz Kundrun, Rotspon x Lore: 72.647%, 70.686%, 71.471%, 71.078%, 72.647%, 71.706%

3. Lisa Wilcox (USA), Pikko del Cerro HU, 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Horses Unlimited, Pik L x Rohweena: 69.020%, 71.373%, 73.824%, 71.078%, 71.275%, 71.314%

4. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 14-year-old Oldenburg stallion owned by Elisabeth Manstermann, Sandro Song x Rosenfee: 67.157%, 66.863%, 67.353%, 66.863%, 67.941%, 67.235%

5. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jill Irving, De Niro x Rosana M: 64.020%, 64.314%, 63.235%, 65.196%, 64.216%, 64.196%

6. Adrienne Pot (USA), Something Special C, Dutch warmblood gelding owned by Elizabeth Bramsen, Ferro x Gicara II: 62.549%, 62.059%, 63.824%, 63.333%, 64.020%, 63.157%

Photo Credit: Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com. They may be used only in relation to this press release and with credit.

Photo: Laura King, certified hypnotist and performance coach, was a featured speaker at the fourth annual Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic

Wellington, FL (January 10, 2015)— Laura King has been called the “secret weapon of competitive dressage riders.” Her skill at guiding athletes, from golfers to high performance equestrians, to tap into their own subconscious power was a big bonus for the talented teenaged equestrians who participated January 3-7 in the fourth annual Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic, sponsored in part by Dressage4Kids, at the VanKampen Arena of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

“Thought equals outcome,” King told her audience. The Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic guided participants through riding and less-obvious skills integral to becoming – and maintaining – a place as a top professional in the horse industry. Joining King among its featured speakers were Charlie Tota of the Dressage Connection (Saddle Fitting), Beth Haist of The Horse of Course (Bridle Fitting), Janet Foy and Charlotte Bredhal (From the Judge’s Perspective), farrier Don Later (Shoeing for Performance), Lisa Slade of The Chronicle of the Horse (Handling Media), and Dr. Shana Chase, DVM (High Performance Concerns).

King is a seasoned speaker and teacher who describes her lifelong goal as sharing her training in hypnosis to create positive and lasting change. She credits hypnosis with saving her own life and instilling a deep passion to help others overcome their challenges.

“I grew up riding,” said King. “This has been a great group. I loved helping the students learn about their brain and how hypnotherapy can help performance. It’s so satisfying to see people enjoy riding more because they’re performing better. It’s about taking all that positive energy you feel for your horse and holding on to it when you ride.”

King has appeared on the Rachel Ray Show and has published four books on Hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), including The Power to Win. She has also produced a CD series called The Keys to Winning Dressage (“Gaining Concentration and Memory”, “Peak Performance”, and “Freestyle Relaxation to Dance”).

“The brain does not hear ‘don’t’ or ‘not,’” she encouraged her young audience. “Say it the way you want it.”

Now in its fourth year, the Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic proves that today’s dressage riders are seeking its insightful format of riding and professional coaching skills. Young Riders and Junior Riders who participated this year received jackets courtesy of The Horse of Course, while benefiting from lessons with US High Performance coach, Robert Dover; US Developing Rider coach, Debbie McDonald; 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games US squadmates Adrienne Lyle and Laura Graves; and international competitor George Williams. Morning lessons were followed by guest speakers and topics each afternoon, and Pilates and fitness trainers were on hand to explain and demonstrate the importance of strength training to equestrians.

The sixteen riders selected to participate were Kerrigan Gluch, Rachel Chowanec, Bronwyn Cordiak, Allie Cyprus, Mallory Kent, Hannah MacCabe, Claire McNulty, Molly Paris, Cassie Schmidt, Rosie Simoes, Regan Walsh, Bebe Davis, Kallie Beckers, Mattie Zepernick, Ashleigh Conroy-Zugel, and Ayden Uhlir. Julia Barton, Hanna Benne, Jennifer Foulon, Eliza Gardner, Madison Lacy, Alexa Perkins, and Emma Szegvari were invited to audit.

Learn more about certified hypnotist and performance coach Laura King at www.summitpress.net or call 561 841 7603.

Photo: Doug and Michele Hundt of ShowChic and Krystalann Shingler of ShowChic present Chase Hickok and Sagacious HF with the first ShowChic Turnout Award of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (pictured from left to right: Doug Hundt, Krystalann Shingler, Chase Hickok, and Michele Hundt)

Wellington, FL (January 10, 2015)– Before Chase Hickok officially entered the show ring for the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, she already began winning awards — starting with the ShowChic Best Turnout Award.

Throughout the Global Dressage Festival, ShowChic is partnering with companies such as Omega Alpha, Kastel, Cavallo, and Equiline at the CDI Jogs to provide various prizes for handlers and their horses who embody ShowChic’s passion for equestrian style and function.

According to ShowChic founder Michele Hundt, ShowChic looks for pairs who dress for success by incorporating fashion, flair, coordination, and uniqueness into their look. During the CDI Jog on January 7, 2015, Hickok and gold medal-winning United States team horse Sagacious HF, owned by Al Guden of Hyperion Farm, were worthy recipients of the prize. They entered the jog in style, and demonstrated exemplary fitness and fashion worthy of the award.

Hickok was excited to win the ShowChic Turnout Award and its prize, which included products from ShowChic, Omega Alpha (a Canadian-based company that produces natural formulas to enhance equine health and performance), and Custom Saddlery. Hickok is leasing Sagacious HF to compete in the U25 CDI Tour. The young equestrian explains that a lot of hard work is involved in keeping Sagacious looking great. “It’s a lot of work on the part of our amazing groom and myself,” she says. “We get him looking beautiful every day. He gets healthy feed and a lot of grass. I think he’s a happy horse, and that clearly shows.”

It certainly showed as far as ShowChic was concerned, and the fashionable equestrian boutique awarded Hickok for the pair’s impressive look. Hickok looks forward to further improving Sagacious’ health and appearance with her new prize products and says she is “excited to try out some new potions.”

As always, ShowChic is proud of their dedication to putting the rider in first place.

Sponsoring the Turnout Awards is just one way that ShowChic gives back to the dressage community. The dressage boutique also hosts the popular Jog Soirées, where everyone can gather for food and drink while socializing and watching the Jogs. The Wellington, Florida-based boutique also hosts Shop Talks throughout the show season, which are casual presentations for dressage riders held at the ShowChic boutique.

For more about ShowChic’s top-of-the-line products and involvement in the dressage community, please visit www.showchicdressage.com or call 561-319-2121.