Photo: Dr. Cesar Parra (right) of Piaffe Performance presents Jill Irving (left) with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award

Wellington, FL (January 10, 2015)— “The heart of our sport is with our adult amateur riders,” says Dr. Cesar Parra, owner of Piaffe Performance Farms. “Every day I learn something from my students that makes me a better rider.” The Pan American Gold Medalist is known for his ability to coach his dressage students, as well as for his ability to perform beautifully in the show ring. Piaffe Performance Farms is excited to support its dressage community by returning as a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and awarding the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award during the show series.

The Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award will be presented throughout the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI series, recognizing exceptional adult amateurs for their success in the arena or their contribution to the sport through outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Each award-winning rider will receive a Piaffe Performance rosette commemorating their achievement, as well as an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of their ride and horse. “I have learned so much from my adult amateur riders about perseverance and commitment,” explains Parra, who has achieved several successes himself at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in previous years. “Through this award, I hope Piaffe Performance can play a role in encouraging such riders. They are the backbone of our sport.”

The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, held in Wellington, Florida, features ten weeks of world-class dressage competition. The show series runs from January 8, 2015 to March 29, 2015. Throughout this fourth annual AGDF, three national weeks and seven international weeks of competition take place. This includes eight CDIs (including five CDI-Ws, one 4*, and one 5*), the only non-championship CDIO Nations Cup in the Western Hemisphere, weekly U.S. National events, and a total of over $650,000 in prize money.

For the first time, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival presents a CDI Amateur international division, which will be offered throughout the season in every CDI. Riders in this division must be at least twenty-six years of age and will compete at the Small or Medium Tour level. Sponsors like Piaffe Performance and dedicated equestrians like those who will receive the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award make this 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival possible.

Dr. Cesar Parra operates Piaffe Performance in both Jupiter, Florida and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The dressage professional specializes in the selection, training, showing, and sales of top-quality dressage horses. Piaffe-Performance offers a wide selection of horses for sale, and training for all levels of riders. For more information on Parra and Piaffe Performance, visit www.piaffe-performance.com.

January 10, 2015

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL — January 9, 2015 — Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett took home the win in the first “Friday Night Stars” event of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) season. In the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by MTICA Farm, they scored an impressive 78.325% to secure the victory. Mikala Munter Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady followed in second receiving a 74.075% with Caroline Darcourt (SWE) riding Paridon Magi to finish third with a 72.700%.

Lars Petersen and Mariett

Petersen and Mariett, veterans to the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, displayed their impressive form, a clear indication of the duo’s long-standing partnership. “I think I said this last year, but it seems like she’s actually getting younger,” he said smiling. “She’s 17 and knock-on-wood, still so fresh. I don’t work the tests with her very much, it’s more about keeping her fit. She still has a few more great years left in her.”

The pair was followed closely by fellow Danish rider Munter Gundersen and My Lady, who have also enjoyed a successful start to the 2015 season. “My Lady feels stronger and better than ever, for sure. I’ve spent the last four months since WEG working on strength and conditioning,” commented Munter Gundersen. “She’s a hot horse and needs to go out a lot. I have a good feeling that we will continue to improve throughout the season. I’m extremely happy with what we have accomplished this week already.”

Mikala Munter Gundersen and My Lady

Caroline Darcourt also had a great ride aboard Paridon Maji in their first test under the lights. Darcourt, who has worked closely with Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven for nearly 12 years, was very pleased with the performance. “It was fantastic to ride in this ring under the lights. We’ve never done that before, and I’m happy he took it the way he did. It has been a great experience so far, especially to train. The facility is world-class,” she said.

The stands were full for the first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class of the season, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Sponsor Janne Rumbough, owner of MTICA Farm and My Lady and also a competitor aboard her own Junior in tonight’s class, was thrilled with the turnout and the results. “It was wonderful to be here and be the book-end. I was the first, and Mikala was the last. I had an incredible time. I’ve been (in Wellington) a long time, and it continues to grow and grow. It’s just a lot of fun,” she stated.

Caroline Darcourt and Paridon Magi

All of the competitors shared their gratitude with title sponsor Adequan® and Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, as the company’s continued sponsorship has helped to grow AGDF. “I’m very proud that we are able to support this wonderful discipline. I’m really falling in love with the dressage world,” commented Mann. “As a person, I am honored to be in their presence and our company is honored to do what we can to support their careers and this competition.”

Several awards were given throughout the night, highlighting the dedicated owners that continue make the sport possible. The “Best Horse Owner Award for Prix St. George” presented by Jill Irving, was awarded to Michael Klimke (GER) for his outstanding first two days of performance aboard his own Freeliner 2. The duo took home the win in yesterday’s FEI Prix St. George class and also finished first in the FEI Intermediare 1 class held earlier this morning. Irving will also present awards to owners with horses competing in the National divisions throughout the duration of AGDF.

Lars Petersen and Mariett in their winning presentation with Janne Rumbough of MTICA Farm, judge Eduard De Wolff (NED), and Allyn Mann of Adequan®.

Wellington Equestrian Realty’s Craig Martin and Courtney Varney also presented the “Best Horse Owner for FEI Grand Prix Freestyle” to Marcia Pepper, owner of Petersen’s mount, Mariett. Pepper’s dedication to ensuring the successful career of Mariett has been defined through the mare’s incredible success at the Grand Prix level for so many years.

Allyn Mann presented Lars Petersen and Mariett with the Adequan® Artistic High Score Award for their tremendous performance in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. “I was motivated to change my music as I had been using it for nearly three years. I felt like there was a need for something new. It is actually quite a lot of work to put something like that together, and I’m so lucky and thankful for my team,” said Petersen.

In the first week of FEI CDI classes held at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, 13 countries have been represented with 42 riders and 54 horses, truly impressive numbers for the beginning of the season with those numbers only expected to increase as the competition schedule continues forward.

Watch the winning ride for Lars Petersen and Mariett! Video provided by Campfield Videos

Click here to Watch!

Earlier in the day, Michael Klimke (GER) captured another win aboard Freeliner 2 in the FEI Intermediare I class, presented by MTICA Farm, with a 72.053% followed by Megan Lane (CAN) aboard San D’Or receiving a 70.842% and Diane Creech (CAN) riding Robbie W to third with a 70.026%.

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

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

1 Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 17-year-old Danish Warmblood mare owned by Marcia M. Pepper, Zendi x Comeback II: 76.875%, 79.125%, 76.875%, 79.375%, 79.375%, 78.325%

2 Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare owned by Janne Rumbough, Marion x Michellino: 73.875%, 75.500%, 74.000%, 73.500%, 73.500%, 74.075%

3 Caroline Darcourt (SWE), Paridon Magi, 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Don Primero 981 x Napoleon 625: 78.000%, 70.625%, 69.375%, 73.500%, 72.000%, 72.700%

4 Catherine Haddad-Staller (USA), Mane Stream Hotmail, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by rider, Rederna x Michellino: 72.000%, 73.000%, 70.375%, 71.875%, 73.155%, 72.081%

5 Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Don Cardinale x Rubinstein I: 72.875%, 71.250%, 71.875%, 69.875%, 72.500%, 71.675%

6 Lisa Wilcox (USA), Denzello, 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by De Niro x Rohdiamant: 71.375%, 71.625%, 72.125%, 72.000%, 70.625%, 71.550%

6 Kelly Layne (AUS), Udon P, 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Hierarch x Uniform: 69.625%, 74.750%, 71.375%, 73.375%, 68.625%, 71.550%

8 Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), Don Diego Ymas, 12-year-old gelding by Don Frederico: 73.125%, 69.000%, 71.000%, 70.500%, 70.250%, 70.775%

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

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
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

Wellington, FL – January 9, 2015 – The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* commenced with 13 horse and rider combinations showcasing the Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Test. Para-Dressage athletes from Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV, competed in the Van Kampen Arena at the Global Dressage show grounds. Equestrians from Canada and the United States faced off once again infront of FEI Ground Jury members Mr. Freddy Leyman (BEL), Mr. Kjell Myhre (NOR), and Ms. Kristi Wysocki (USA). Earning the highest score of the day, with a 73.284% was Rebecca Hart (USA) and Schroeter’s Romani in Grade II. Schroeter’s Romani is owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo’s, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. Also in Grade II Lauren Barwick (CAN) and her own Ferdonia 2 scored a 72.157%. USA Athlete Dale Dedrick and her new horse Mr. Bockman topped Grade Ib with a 69.333. Also garnering the blue ribbons was Angela Peavy (USA) and Ozzy Cooper in Grade III, Mary Jordan (USA) and Rubicon 75, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, in Grade IV, and Jody Schloss (CAN) and her own Inspector Rebus in Grade Ia. Not far in the horizon for these Para-Dressage riders is qualifying for the 2016 Paralympic Equestrian competition in Rio Di Janeiro, Brazil, September 7-18, 2016. This CPEDI3* is one of the qualifiers for the 2016 USEF 2016 Paralympic Equestrian Selection Trials.

U.S. Riders (Left to right ) Derrick Perkins, Dale Dedrick, Roxanne Trunnell, Elliie Brimmer, Angela Peavy, Rebecca Hart, Mary Jordan, and Sydney Collier Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

U.S. Riders Dominate Four out of the Five Para-Dressage Grades.

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 is on track for the 2016 Paralympic Selection Trials with Schroter’s Romani. One year ago, the pair had just started working together. Months later they qualified and were selected for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Team. Hart commented, “It has been a roller coaster of a process to get here. It’s been a whirlwind. We got her (Romani) a year ago before making the WEG team. We knew that was pushing the relationship and rushing it a little bit but she kept doing what she needed to do. We learned a lot from the World Equestrian Games experience. Romani has the talent and the presence for a good international horse. We learned where those relationship holes needed filled and that just takes time. So this year I am much more comfortable and she’s comfortable with me. Now we can enhance the performances and ask for a little more from her. We are now in that exciting stage where I can visualize what our partnership can be so it’s fun to work towards that.” Hart is working together with Missy Ransehousen of Blue Hill Farm and Todd Flettrich of Cherry Knoll Farm maximizing expertise for this partnership.

Two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012), two-time WEG athlete (2010, 2014) Rebecca Hart and Danish Warmblood Schroeter's Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolo's, and Will and Sandy Kimmel. Photo (c) Lindsay Y. McCall

Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Ferdonia 2. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Following in Grade II for the second place position in the Team Test was Paralympian, WEG athlete, and gold medal rider Lauren Barwick (CAN) and her own Oldenburg Ferdonia 2. Barwick and Ferdonia 2 have been working together to create a harmonious partnership.

Topping Grade Ia was Paralympian and WEG athlete Jody Schloss (CAN) and long time partner Inspector Rebus with a 68.333% Earning the second place finish was Roxanne Trunnell and her new partner Westphalian NTEC Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handt. In third place was Robyn Andrews (CAN) and her own Fancianna, followed by U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins and Hanoverian Gracias Juan, owned by Stephanie Dubicki.

Jody Schloss (CAN) and Inspector Rebus showing the Free Walk. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Roxanne Trunnell and NTEC Royal Dancer. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Robyn Andrews (CAN) and Fancianna. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins and Gracias Juan. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Since the 2012 London Paralympics, Grade Ib athlete Dale Dedrick purchased a new partner named Mr. Bockman, took some time off health reasons. and is now back in the Para-Dressage world at her best. Dedrick explained, “My ride on Mr. Bockman today was astonishing. I was really pleased with him. He was the same horse he is at home; he looks at stuff, you give him a thump with your calf and he goes, “ok.” We bought Mr. Bockman 18 months ago but I was quite ill so I didn’t ride for the first year. So in June we went to our first horse show together and now this CPEDI3* is only my 4th show with him. He’s a great horse, very straightforward to ride, and not complicated.” Dedrick had a solid test and had an exceptional free walk. Dedrick commented, “That free walk is my favorite part because it really relaxes him. Even if he gets tense, you just drop the reins and he gets comfortable. He lived out in a field as a pet on a big farm so to him that is natural. I am looking forward to the rest of this weekend and really improving each rider and having a good time.” Dedrick rides with Roz Kinstler in Michigan.

Dale Dedrick and Mr. Bockman. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Sydney Collier (USA) And Wentworth. Photo (c) Lindsay Y. McCall

Sydney Collier and NTEC Roulette. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Taking home both second and third place Grade Ib ribbons was 2014 WEG U.S. athlete Sydney Collier and her own Wentworth and NTEC Roulette, owned by Kai Handt. Collier was happy with each of her horses in the team test competition. Collier expressed, “I was really really happy with my tests and it’s always a great learning experience. This is my first time out with Wentworth at a CPEDI in two years because we decided to wait with him and not push him too hard. We really accomplished the consistency that we wanted to with Wentworth in the Team Test. I loved everything about each movement in that test. Roulette was great too. I was really happy with how he went today. I have only ridden him 7 times so it’s still a new partnership for both of us.”

As a WEG Team rider Collier flew back to the U.S. from France only to turn around and head to Baku, Azerbaijan to receive her Against All Odds award at the FEI Awards Gala 2014 presented by Longines. She then earned the 2014 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year accolade, came back to the U.S., flew to Texas to train with Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt and NTEC Roulette for a week, then Collier headed to New York to train with Wes Dunham and her horse Wentworth. Finally they headed south to prepare for this Florida CPEDI3*. Collier joked, “I am not sure what state I am in anymore, but this is all worth it and I am having fun doing it. I am especially enjoying training with both Wes and Kai. They have both been amazing working with me and adapting to me body’s needs. I love them as trainers and they make a good team.”

2014 Individual WEG athlete and young rider Angela Peavy, who trains with Heather Blitz, was showcasing her high performance partners Ozzy Cooper and Lancelot Warrior. Peavy topped Grade III with Ozzy Cooper earning a 68.070, followed by Lancelot Warrior with a 67.237. Ellie Brimmer and Hanoverian London Swing rounded out the Grade III’s with a third place finish. Brimmer trains with Roz Kinstler and Shelly Francis. Athlete Mary Jordan and Oldenburg Rubicon 75, owned by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center took home the blue in Grade IV. Jordan and Rubicon 75 began their partnership in Spring 2014 and since their first ride together they have been working with trainer Jim Koford to bring out the best Dressage combination.

Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Angela Peavy and Lancelot Warrior. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Ellie Brimmer (USA) and London Swing. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

The 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3* continues on Saturday, January 10, with the FEI Para-Dressage Individual Championship Test followed by the FEI Para-Dressage Freestyle Test on Sunday, January 11.

RESULTS:

Friday, January 8, 2014 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

Grade Ia at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Grade Ib at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Grade II at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Grade III at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

Grade IV at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

U.S. Riders and Supporters. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

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.

The Prize List is available here:

International Coordinator Thomas Baur 561-727-0229
Co-Manager and Secretary John Hoppman 612-799-6381
Co-Secretaries: Teresa Griner, Deb Landon, Peggy Warren, Angela Goodwin-Volpert
Veterinarian on grounds: Palm Beach Equine 561-793-1599
Farrier on grounds: Tony Bucci 561-798-8500
Competition Licensee: Equestrian Sport Productions LLC
Announcers: Nicho Meredith and Cyndi Kurth
Photographers: Susan Stickle at www.dressagephotos.com or susanjstickle.com

Location: The Stadium in Wellington, Florida

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.

Stephanie Brown Beamer (Laura Casey)

January 9, 2015
By: The Dressage Foundation

The Dressage Foundation’s Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund has awarded a $1,000 grant to instructor Stephanie Brown-Beamer (NY) to train her Friesian cross, Gryphon Z, with Pam Goodrich.

Stephanie’s long-term goal is to compete Gryphon Z at Grand Prix, and she hopes that the month-long training with Pam will help her and Gryphon Z to Intermediate Level this year. While she is in Florida, Stephanie will also be volunteering her time in Lendon Gray’s Dressage4Kids Winter Intensive Training Program.

“I am very excited to spend time with such an incredible horsewoman as Pam, and add to my knowledge and skill set,” said Stephanie. “The more efficient I can become in teaching, the better partnership I will have with my horses and my students.”

Grants are available for young riders and professionals through the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund. Since 2008, the Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund has provided nearly $40,000 in grants/scholarships to support the further education of the recipients. For more information about this Fund, visit here or contact Jenny Johnson at (402)434-8585 or jenny@dressagefoundation.org.

Don’t miss all the action! CLICK HERE to watch: or visit COTH!

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
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Photo: Sierra Keasler, a working student at Caroline Roffman’s Lionshare Dressage, made an impressive debut into the Grand Prix (Photo courtesy of Al Guden)

Wellington, FL (January 9, 2015) — During the Wellington Dressage Season Kickoff, held January 3-4, 2015, in Wellington, Florida, Caroline Roffman’s working student Sierra Keasler made her impressive debut into the Grand Prix. Keasler competed on Roffman’s own Lux Stensvang. Under the guidance of Roffman, Keasler’s performance earned a notable score of 72.791 percent. Keasler is thrilled with receiving such a high score for her first Grand Prix ride, and is thankful for the skills Roffman passed on to both her and Lux Stensvang.

It was no doubt a great day for Team Lionshare Dressage, a community of talented dressage riders led by international Grand Prix rider Roffman, the head trainer of Lionshare Dressage. “It was an amazing day,” smiles Keasler. “Sunday was the culmination of three years of being a working student with Caroline. One of my responsibilities as her student was to exercise Lux. Caroline recognized that he and I had a connection, and during our lessons she began to allow us to play with some of the Grand Prix movements.”

“I realize that riding Lux is an opportunity many young riders do not have, but what I learned from Caroline is that hard work, loyalty, and dedication pays off,” Keasler says. “It’s wonderful to have a mentor and friend like her who is willing to share her knowledge and her horse. Lux is the horse that Caroline also rode her very first Grand Prix on, and that made this ride even more special.”

Roffman is pleased to be a part of Keasler’s success. “I am so proud to be able to congratulate Lionshare Dressage working student Sierra Keasler on riding her first Grand Prix and scoring a 72.9 percent,” says Roffman. “Even though it was her first test above the Prix St. George level, she rode like an elegant and seasoned professional.”

Roffman has enjoyed fostering the partnership between her student Keasler and Lux — a horse she has owned for seven years. Watching the same horse that Roffman rode her first Grand Prix test on bring another rider through the levels is an exciting sight. Keasler’s success story is just one of many for Lionshare riders, who receive instruction from Roffman— a Nations Cup individual Bronze medalist and U.S. Team Gold medalist.

Roffman also coached students Rachael Hicks and Susan Posner to several championship titles at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 2 Dressage Championships, and Posner to several top-scoring rides at the 2014 U.S. Dressage Finals. Roffman looks forward to even more success for herself and her students in the show ring this year, following a successful year in 2014.

Roffman and her top-quality dressage training, lessons and sales business Lionshare Dressage is based out of Wellington, Florida. For more information about Roffman and Lionshare Dressage, visit www.lionsharedressage.com, email lionsharedressage@gmail.com, or call 617 – 633 – 1003.

Kassie Barteau and Beth Haist

Wellington, FL (January 9, 2015)— The popular tack shop The Horse of Course— known for being one of the busiest places on the show grounds— will return as an Official Partner and Sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The Horse of Course, based in Claremore, Oklahoma, looks forward to sponsoring and presenting its Horse of Course High Score Award throughout the show series. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, is one of the largest international and national dressage circuits.

The full-service tack company The Horse of Course is eager to be a part of another exciting winter season at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Presenting the High Score Award is The Horse of Course’s way of recognizing the highest-scoring rides of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI series. The Horse of Course High Score Award’s talented winners will receive ribbons and embroidered saddle pads courtesy of The Horse of Course.

“Watching our sport and its talent blossom each season and recognizing and encouraging such talent is our privilege,” says The Horse of Course’s CEO, Beth Haist. “We are always looking to give back and support our dressage community. Dressage riders from around the world have come to rely on finding our products, clothing, and saddles at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and we really have begun to feel like partners in many of their show careers.”

This year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival will host three national and seven international weeks of competition, running from January 8 through March 29, 2015. It features 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The total prize money of more than $650,000 makes it the richest dressage circuit in the world.

The Horse of Course will be on-scene throughout the ten-week series; supporting the dressage community through sponsoring, rewarding spectacular performances, and providing all equipment and apparel that competitors could need. The Horse of Course is a one-stop shop for leading equestrians; offering top quality, fairly-priced merchandise. Popular brands that The Horse of Course carries include Konig, Pikeur, Kentucky, Eskadron, Grand Prix, Vespucci, Cavallo, Passler, Redbarn, Schockemohle, Romfh, USG, Neue Schule, and Sommer. The company’s complete selection of sought-after items include full seat and knee patch breeches, bridles, horse care supplies, belts, and boots. Saddle-fitting services are also available.

To learn more about the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s sponsor The Horse of Course, visit www.thehorseofcourse.com or call 888-494-6773.