(Phelps Media Group) – Lisa Wilcox and Pikko Del Cerro HU’s effortless test impressed judges and earned them the win at today’s Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge Grand Prix CDI3*. Pikko Del Cerro HU’s showy gaits and big extended canter were rewarded with a score of 69.574%. This was the pair’s first international competition, and Wilcox said she was “very, very pleased” with the results.

According to Wilcox, Pikko Del Cerru HU was “a little hesitant” in front of the crowd. “He’s a little bit looky, so I’m the last thing on his mind,” she said. “So I have to remind him that I’m up here!” But despite the distractions, he was “very good to ride.”

David Marcus and Don Kontes produced an expressive passage and floating one-tempis to take second place with 67.532%. Marcus noted that Don Kontes was a little tired after competing last weekend at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W, but the rider was delighted with his horse’s performance, saying, “I couldn’t ask for more.”

Two horses and riders qualified from the CDI3* to compete at World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach. Mikala Gundersen and My Lady, who finished third with 69.574%, and Cheryl Meisner and Tango, who placed seventh with 64.957%, earned places at WDM based on their performances today and qualifying scores from previous competitions.

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady glided through smooth trot half-passes to earn 67.234%, finishing just behind Marcus and Don Kontes. Gundersen, a native of Denmark, said she was “a little conservative,” but she was happy with the ride. “I was very pleased with my horse,” Gundersen said. “She was unbelievably brave.”

My Lady, who is owned by Janne Rumbough, is a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood mare by Michellino out of a mare by Ritterstern. In March 2012, Gundersen and My Lady scored 71.175% to take second in a Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* in West Palm Beach. They also earned a score of 70.525% earlier that month for their fifth-placed Grand Prix Freestyle performance at a CDI-W in Loxahatchee.

Cheryl Meisner, who opened the class with a 66.894% for her ride on Paganini, rode a fluid, consistent test later in the day with Tango. Graceful transitions and a very forward half pass highlighted their performance. Meisner described Tango as “really relaxed, very obedient, and happy to do his job.”

Tango, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Obelisk x Pollie), competed in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W Jan 18-20. At Dressage at Devon CDI-W in 2011, Tango took third in the Grand Prix and fourth in the Grand Prix Special.

Todd Flettrich and Danseur, owned by Margaret Duprey’s Cherry Knoll Farm, finished just behind Meisner and Paganini, taking fifth with 66.574%. Their placing today and previous results qualified them to move on to World Dressage Masters, but Flettrich opted not to compete the lightly campaigned Danseur. Today marked Danseur’s CDI debut and his third lifetime competition. Flettrich was encouraged by Danseur’s potential. “I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “We have lots of room for improvement, but I’m really delighted.”

After their placings today, Gundersen and Meisner join an accomplished group of riders competing at World Dressage Masters. “It was completely unexpected, and I’m really excited to be part of it!” said Meisner.

WCD Sunshine Challenge

FEI Grand Prix Open CDI3*/USDF HP GAIG/USDF Qualify $2000-Presented by International Polo Club

1. Lisa Wilcox – Pikko Del Cerro HU 69.574%

2. David Marcus – Don Kontes 67.532%

3. Mikala Gundersen – My Lady 67.234%

4. Cheryl Meisner – Paganini 66.894%

5. Todd Flettrich – Danseur 66.574%

6. Shelly Francis- Doktor 65.227%

7. Cheryl Meisner – Tango 64.957%

8. Todd Flettrich – Sopranos 64.936%

9. Mette Rosencrantz – Finally 64.596%

10. Bernd Schopf – De Value 64.447%

11. William Lee Tubman – Delight 62.064%

12. Marjo Van de Bunte – Valenzo 50.979%

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group by Sue Stickle – Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU

(Phelps Media Group) – After a few tense moments, including a second inspection of Hans Peter Minderhoud’s Withney van ‘t Genthof, all 14 horses entered in World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach were determined fit and ready to compete.

One horse, Sentimiento I, who was to be ridden by Australia’s Nicholas Fyffe, was scratched before the jog. The jury, which was comprised of the foreign judge, the FEI veterinarian, and the president of the ground jury, evaluated the horses at today’s 11 a.m. jog.

After Minderhoud’s initial presentation of Withney van ‘t Genthof, the jury chose to send the 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding to the holding area until the completion of the WDM jog. Minderhoud then presented Withney a second time, and upon this second inspection, the jury declared him fit to compete.

The horses were impeccably turned out and gleamed in the Florida sun. Donnerbube II, who will be ridden by Silvia Rizzo, sported sparkles in his mane and tail.

American riders are poised for a strong showing at WDM, with three of the four members of the 2012 Olympic team competing this weekend. Adrienne Lyle, on Wizard, and Tina Konyot, on Calecto V, will ride their Olympic partners, while Steffen Peters will ride Legolas 92. Heather Blitz and Paragon, who placed second in last year’s Grand Prix Special CDI4* at WDM, and James Koford and Rhett round out the American pairs.

They will face a formidable contingent of international competitors. Three pairs will represent Canada: Jacqueline Brooks and D-Niro, David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital, and Diane Creech and Devon L. The Netherlands will field a small, but powerful, team: Edward Gal and Inter Floor Next One along with Minderhoud and Withney.

Two Swedish riders, Patrik Kittel and Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven, warmed up for WDM with successful performances at the Gold Coast Opener CDI3* Jan. 18-20, where Kittel won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle with WDM mount Watermill Scandic. Vilhelmsson-Silfven, who was second in the Grand Prix and third in the Freestyle with Divertimento, will ride Don Auriello at WDM.

Italy’s Silvia Rizzo, riding Donnerbube II, and Denmark’s Lars Petersen, riding Mariett, complete the top-notch international field. World Dressage Masters kicks off with the Grand Prix CDI5* at 2 p.m. on Friday.

Tickets are still available to see the spectacular line-up in store for the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach January 24-26, 2013.

For more Wellington Classic Dressage/World Dressage Masters show information, log on to:

www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com

For more Gold Coast Dressage Show information, log on to:

http://www.gcdafl.org/shows-reslts.htm

World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* Fast Facts

What: North America’s only World Dressage Masters event, part of the richest dressage series in the world. Up to 20 of the world’s top dressage stars will compete for €100,000 EUR (about $130,000 USD) in prize money at the WDM Palm Beach.

When:

January 23-27, 2013

Where:

Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center

Okeeheelee Park South

7500 Forest Hill Blvd,
West Palm Beach, FL 33413

www.pbcgov.com/parks/equestrian/jimbrandon/

Official Show Organizer:

Wellington Classic Dressage

www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com

Noreen O’Sullivan 561-227-1570 or John Flanagan 561-714-9058

Social media links:

Website: www.worlddressagemasters.com and www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com/world_dressage_masters.htm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worlddressagemasterspalmbeach

Twitter: twitter.com/WldDrsgMstrPB

Ticket sales and information:

www.internationalpoloclub.com

Maria Feola: 561-282-5334 and 561-282-5301

mfeola@internationalpoloclub.com or Debbie@internationalpoloclub.com

http://wcd.ticketleap.com/2013/

Competition schedule:

*Gates open at 11:00 a.m. each day for WDM Palm Beach ticket holders only. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive for Saturday evening’s Grand Prix Freestyle at 5:30 p.m.

* Friday, Jan. 26:
2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – WDM Nürnberger Grand Prix

* Saturday, Jan. 27:
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.- WDM Grand Prix Special
7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – WDM Grand Prix Freestyle

WDM Presenting Partner:

Axel Johnson Group

WDM Official partners:

Team EXQUIS, Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe

WDM Official supplier:

Jerich International

WDM Global Media Partner:

Eurosport

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group by Sue Stickle – Adrienne Lyle and Wizard

(Phelps Media Group) – Dr. Mark Fitch and Dr. Richard Tully were named the 2012 recipients of the EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 19, 2013, during the Federation’s Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

The USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse roles of horses, the recipient of this award has devoted considerable personal time to making the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

“A record number of nominations were received this year, but two rose to the top”, said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President, who with John Long, USEF CEO, presented the award to Dr. Fitch and Dr. Tully.

In addition to the recognition of winning this prestigious award, the recipients receive a $5,000 grant from the EQUUS Foundation to be awarded to a horse-related charity of his or her choice. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center in Longmont, Colorado, and SMILES (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills) of Darien, Wisconsin, will each receive a $5,000 grant.

Dr. Mark Fitch
Boulder, Colorado
Founded in 1980 with three horses, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is the oldest and largest therapeutic riding center in Colorado and one of the largest centers in the nation. CTRC now serves over 600 children and adults with a broad range of physical, cognitive, developmental, psychological and emotional needs – with a herd of 40 – all healthy and thriving – both physically and psychologically – thanks to Dr. Fitch.

Since day one, Dr. Fitch volunteered his time because he believed passionately in the power of the human-animal bond. He fully believes that the relationship between a horse and a child or adult with a disability can be a compelling healing force in the individual’s life.

He always made time for the CTRC even as a struggling young veterinarian working hard to establish his practice. Dr. Fitch has helped literally thousands of volunteers, staff and riders learn to respect, appreciate and build effective, valuable and beneficial relationships with horses. Additionally, Dr. Fitch has served on CTRC’s Advisory Board for nearly three decades, providing vision and guidance in everything from farm management, to program development and arena construction.

The tens of thousands of hours he selflessly gives would not reveal the life changing benefits thousands of special needs members of the CTRC community have received from his extraordinary veterinarian and horsemanship skills and would not reveal how large a role he quietly plays in every rider’s accomplishments, every equine therapist’s steady step and every volunteer’s commitment.

Dr. Fitch is a progressive equine practitioner whose practice exudes a remarkably special sensitivity toward both the client and the patient. There is no practitioner in the area more revered and respected by his human clients or more accepted by and effective with his equine patients.

Without pretense and with genuine heart and soul, this awe inspiring, yet gentle and humble humanitarian, incorporates his principles of care and caring into everything he does.

Dr. Mark Fitch
Boulder, Colorado
Founded in 1980 with three horses, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is the oldest and largest therapeutic riding center in Colorado and one of the largest centers in the nation. CTRC now serves over 600 children and adults with a broad range of physical, cognitive, developmental, psychological and emotional needs – with a herd of 40 – all healthy and thriving – both physically and psychologically – thanks to Dr. Fitch.

Since day one, Dr. Fitch volunteered his time because he believed passionately in the power of the human-animal bond. He fully believes that the relationship between a horse and a child or adult with a disability can be a compelling healing force in the individual’s life.

He always made time for the CTRC even as a struggling young veterinarian working hard to establish his practice. Dr. Fitch has helped literally thousands of volunteers, staff and riders learn to respect, appreciate and build effective, valuable and beneficial relationships with horses. Additionally, Dr. Fitch has served on CTRC’s Advisory Board for nearly three decades, providing vision and guidance in everything from farm management, to program development and arena construction.

The tens of thousands of hours he selflessly gives would not reveal the life changing benefits thousands of special needs members of the CTRC community have received from his extraordinary veterinarian and horsemanship skills and would not reveal how large a role he quietly plays in every rider’s accomplishments, every equine therapist’s steady step and every volunteer’s commitment.

Dr. Fitch is a progressive equine practitioner whose practice exudes a remarkably special sensitivity toward both the client and the patient. There is no practitioner in the area more revered and respected by his human clients or more accepted by and effective with his equine patients.

Without pretense and with genuine heart and soul, this awe inspiring, yet gentle and humble humanitarian, incorporates his principles of care and caring into everything he does.

Dr. Richard Tully
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Dr. Richard Tully’s effect on the quality of life of our equine partners is exemplary, but he has also had a lasting impact on the special needs clients of the SMILES program, and on the equine industry through his role in the development of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at the University of Wisconsin.

As a young vet, just joining his father’s practice, he visited the personal residence of Sherry Monty, founder of SMILES, to care for her horses. There he learned of her dream to partner horses with individuals with disabilities and joined an effort that has become a lifelong commitment of donating all the needed care to the SMILES horses.

“We have precious memories of Rick and his stethoscope, center stage in the arena, demonstrating to our special need riders the horse’s breath and beating heart. How better to inspire us, and to equip us to move forward in life, than to bring us back to the message that we all share the same air”, said Monty.

A true humanitarian of horse and human alike, Dr. Tully is both an advocate for the SMILES mission and a champion for the needs and welfare of horses – helping to provide second chances to horses who can no longer continue in their previous careers and finding the perfect homes for those special horses who need to retire from therapeutic riding.

Building the SMILES program from four borrowed horses and four borrowed saddles was a long journey and the number of therapy horses that he and his practice have cared for cannot be counted.

Dr. Tully has dedicated extensive personal time for almost three decades to the SMILES organization and the clients they serve – as a Board member, and a fundraiser, and most of all, as the caregiver of their horses.

Photo Courtesy of Pheps Media Group

(Phelps Media Group) – The audience at the World Dressage Masters on Saturday evening Jan 26, 2013 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center will be in for something quite unexpected. Before commencing the popular Freestyle Competition at 7:00 pm, the newly released documentary movie trailer “Valiant: Life Is A Horse” will be premiered.

This is the true story of Jeanette Sassoon’s 26 year old blind horse Valiant who competed last season in the Prix St. George scoring 65.78% and placing 6th out of 15 horses here in Wellington, the horse capital of the US. Valiant and Jeanette will follow the trailer with a musical freestyle performance to the documentary’s title song “Follow Your Heart” accompanied live on piano by the acclaimed composer/musician Eric Bikales.

“Valiant: Life Is A Horse” is an undertaking of love to the legacy of Valiant. As life lessons unfolded, Jeanette and Valiant traveled from the highest levels of dressage to the wide open spaces of Wyoming touching the hearts and lives of many great horsemen such as John Lyons and Michael Poulin, as well as hundreds of other supporters.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to support such an event” comments John Flannigan of Wellington Classic Dressage, the World Dressage Masters sponsor.

“Valiant gave his sight, so others could see”. “He opened up a new world for me…understanding there are reasons for everything and opportunities to grow from them. I think the most important gift he’s given me is trust and believing in myself …finding that unwavering friend that lives within each of us. Valiant is just another way of how the universe works when you have faith.” Commented Jeanette about what she and others have learned from Valiant.

The movie trailer “Valiant – Life is a Horse” is the launch of campaign to raise awareness about our relationship with horses at a deeper level. We invite you to join us along with Adequan, Polo Gear, Verhan and many others and visit www.valiantdocumentary.com.

Cutler Farm Dressage, with support from Show Chic, presents a clinic with Heather Blitz, sponsored by Grand Meadows and Animo. The clinic will be held February 22-23 at Cutler Farm in Medfield, MA.

Heather is an FEI rider and trainer, won team gold and individual silver at the 2011 Pan Am Games, and was the U.S. Dressage Team alternate at the 2012 Olympic Games. Look for Heather at this year’s Master’s in Wellington, FL. This is Heather’s first clinic in New England, so join your friends for this unique educational event!

Here’s what you need to know:

Friday, February 22
10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 23
10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
lunch and discussion with Heather noon – 1:30 p.m.

Register to audit online at the Cutler Farm Dressage website. Auditors, watch and listen to the clinic from our heated observation room! Interested in riding? Email us.

For more information about Heather, the clinic and clinic sponsors, visit our website. And look for additional information about spring clinics with Johan Zagers and Endel Ots!

Contact Information
Cutler Farm Dressage
338 North Street
Medfield, MA 02052
(508) 359-2191

(NEDA) – In 2012, fifty-seven instructors participated and donated one to three lessons a piece for a total of 176 lessons. Much of the $4,385 proceeds went to the USDF Region 8 Junior/Young Rider Team and other NEDA educational programs. Google “NEDA Flextime” for some great feedback on how the news about this NEDA program has taken off.

For 2013, Flextime has some exciting new additions to the instructor list. We are currently able to offer NEDA members lessons with sixty seven different instructors located throughout New England and New York. We are very fortunate to have such generous instructors who are so kindly donating their time and expertise. I hope Flextime’s success in 2012 will be repeated this year.

The list of flextime instructors and biographies can be found on the NEDA website. Be sure to check out the newly updated instructor biographies. Many of the biographies now include links to the instructors’ websites, enabling potential students to learn more about the instructors before signing up for Flextime lessons. If you are an adult amateur or a JR/YR, don’t miss the chance to sign up. Flextime offers the incredible opportunity to ride with many of the area’s top professionals. Applications for 2013 and more information can be found on the NEDA website and in the January issue of Tip of the Hat.

Please contact Elizabeth at flextime@neda.org with any questions.

(NEDA by Kathy Hickerson) – The NEDA Stallion Auction comes again in 2013. This very exciting auction brings the top stallions and bloodlines in the world to our US dressage breeders. It enables our breeders to get these stallions at a super price to help them continue breeding at less cost.

The funds for this auction have enabled NEDA to provide top cash awards for our breeders, owners, and stallion owners. Over $11,500 was given out at the 2012 NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage. NEDA is unique thanks to our gracious stallion donors who support us.

Because of this auction and the New England Breed Show series, our breeders and owners are also able to showcase their horses. These shows provide early show training and handling, making these youngsters better equipped for their special future in dressage. We know this because the trainers are telling us!

Despite our economy, we have prevailed in New England with the biggest breed show series in the country. We have plans to add hopefully another show in Vermont this year as our current shows are fully subscribed. The NEDA Fall Breed Show and Championship in Saugerties, NY was the biggest ever this year!

The quality of the horses in our breed show series is receiving high praise from top judges as the best quality in the country. If you read the sport horse article in the last Tip and also on our NEDA sport horse pages, you’ll see that Region 8 is one of the biggest USDF year end prize winners. Our breeders and owners are among the top in the country, and it all starts here with the NEDA Stallion Auction.

Visit NEDA’s annual stallion auction between January 20- February 16 at nedastallionauction.org to bid on Florian, Schroeder, Werbellin, Dacaprio, Donnerkeil, Fabuleux, Guarantor, Liberty, and many more.