Schleese Saddlery and ThinLine Products will be hosting sponsors for the two VIP receptions at the Global Dressage Forum North America to be held in West Palm Beach Florida on January 28, 29 2013 at the Jim Brandon Center immediately following the World Dressage Masters CDI5*.  Twenty two of the world’s most regognized and respected dressage educators will be presented in a two day intense program featuring arena demonstrations, lecturers, panel debates with interaction with the audience.  The first reception will be an official welcome gathering on the first dayhosted by Schleese Saddlery and the second reception, on the second day, will be “Meet the Clinicians, Lectures and Panelists” hosted by ThinLine Products.  Both ceremonies will be open to VIP ticket holders and officials who will be travelling from Europe, all over the U.S. and Canada and from South America.

Steffen Peters will be presenting the Life Time Dressage Achievement Award to Germany’s Klaus Balkenhol and USDF President George Williams will be presenting an important update speech on the state of dressage in the U.S.  Dressage Canada, the official governing body for dressage in Canada will be sending Canadian international rider Gina Smith to present an update speech on the state of dressage in Canada. 

“This is truly the largest and most significant educational gathering for dressage anywhere in the world.  We are proud to present this important happening to dressage followers in North America. ”This is going to be a yearly event and is regarded as the world’s climax for dressage education”. ” said founder and creator Andreas Stano.

For more information about the Global Dressage Forum North America visit www.GlobalDressageForumNA.com

(FEI) – Justin Llewelyn, an FEI Steward and the familiar and distinguished voice of horse trials in Great Britain, passed away at the weekend after a year of ill health. His health deteriorated on Saturday night (8 December) and he died at his home in Lincolnshire. He was 59.

Born in London to Celtic parents – his father was Welsh and his mother Irish – Justin was an FEI Steward, and was also Steward General for all disciplines in Great Britain for many years. In his role as FEI Steward, he was in charge of the mixed zone – where athletes are interviewed by the media post-competition – at the last three Olympic Games in Athens, Hong Kong and London. He was already seriously ill when he was working in Greenwich, but was determined not to miss the chance of officiating at his home Games.

Justin’s day job was as brand ambassador at the champagne house, Taittinger, and he was the British Consul General for the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, the official fraternity of the champenoise. He was well known as a knowledgeable and authoritative commentator at all the major British horse trials, including Badminton, Burghley, Bramham, Blenheim, Gatcombe and Chatsworth, and was never happier than when he was in the commentary box with his regular colleagues Mike Tucker, Giles Rowsell and Richard Clapham.

Justin’s father was the much-loved actor, Desmond Llewelyn, who played Q in the James Bond films for more than 30 years. Justin went to the same school – Radley College – as his famous father, and was a leading light in the school’s stage productions, but in later life he often said that commentating was the nearest he got to realising his theatrical ambitions.

“We have to stay calm and reasoned and not get over-excited, which can be quite a skill,” he said in a media interview in 2008. “But my father was an actor and commentating is the nearest I get to my own theatrical career. I think I’ve taken all the acting knack from my father and transferred it to the commentary box.”

He was a generous sponsor of equestrian sport through his contacts in the champagne industry. His last major appearance on the international competition scene was at Burghley last September.

“Justin was a larger than life character in every way,” FEI Eventing & Olympic Director Catrin Norinder said. “He was such a familiar face, and a familiar voice, on the Eventing circuit and was incredibly generous, both with his time and with sponsorship. The Eventing scene in Britain and internationally won’t be the same without him, and nor will the mixed zones at future Olympic Games. He will be much missed.”

Justin Llewelyn is survived by his wife Claire, and daughters Charlotte and Rosamund. Claire shares Justin’s love of Eventing, and gave a home to the retired top event horses Shear H20, Shear L’Eau and Ringwood Cockatoo and rode them in Dressage competitions.

His funeral will be held this week and a memorial service is planned for early 2013.

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Justin Llewelyn’s family and his many friends in the equestrian world.

Photo Courtesy of FEI by Kit Houghton

(The Dressage Foundation) – Susan Hancock of La Vernia, Texas, received the fourth annual “USDF Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award” at the Great American/USDF Region 9 Championships held in Katy, TX, November 1-4, 2012. She received a $5,000 award for demonstrating adherence to sound dressage principles and the ability to communicate these principles so that students develop themselves and their horses in a logical, progressive and humane way up through the levels.

“The methods that Susan used to weave dressage theory into her lessons, along with guidance on the rider’s position, was one of the main reasons that Susan’s application was selected [by the National Selection Committee],” said Meg Flemming (TX), originator of the award.

The Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award was established at The Dressage Foundation in 2009. The purpose of the award is to showcase and honor excellence in dressage teachers. Dressage instructors are nominated by students or peers, and then submit an application that is reviewed by a prominent Selection Committee. In addition to being a USDF Region 9 member in good standing and a Region 9 resident, the recipient must also demonstrate adherence to sound dressage principles and have the ability to communicate these principles of training so that students develop themselves and their horses in a logical, progressive, and humane way up through the levels. The recipient should also have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and community service.

“The ongoing support of our donors makes the Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award possible! Without the dedication of our donors in Region 9, this Award would simply not exist,” said Melissa Filipi, Development Director for The Dressage Foundation. “This Award not only showcases excellence in dressage teaching, it also highlights the vision and commitment of dressage enthusiasts in Region 9.”

The Dressage Foundation provides stewardship services for this award. Filipi went on to say, “Everything that we do at the Foundation is possible because of our donors, and for that we are very grateful. We wish to say thank you to each and every one of them!” For more information about the Region 9 Teaching Excellence Award or The Dressage Foundation, please contact the Foundation at (402) 434-8585 or visit www.dressagefoundation.org.

Photo Courtesy of The Dressage Foundation

Austria’s Victoria Max-Theurer took the win with Eichendorff in Grand Prix competition on her home turf at the Salzburg CDI5*. Coming in second was another Austrian rider, Renate Voglsang riding Fabriano.

Results:
Dressage Competition Grand Prix CDI5*
Pl. Horse Rider Points
1. Eichendorff Max-Theurer, Victoria AUT 1723.0
2. Fabriano Voglsang, Renate AUT 1705.0
3. Toy Story Kittel, Patrik SWE 1667.5
4. Don Androsso Birkenholz, Katharina GER 1649.5
5. Romeo Star Sidneva, Elena RUS 1597.0
6. Cinco de Mayo Brühe, Christian PLE 1555.5
7. Lydianus Haid Bondergaard, Charlotte SWE 1553.0
8. Auheim’s Picardo Schumach, Christian AUT 1534.5

(USEF) – The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits. It features five FEI events, including a CDI5*, a CDIO3* Nations Cup (Pan American format test event), two CDI-W 3* and seven U.S. national events.

Equestrian Sport Productions has made a limited number of tickets available in the Global Pavilion for tables at the international dressage competitions. Watch world-class dressage at your private table in the VIP Global Pavilion where guests are treated to a breakfast buffet and lunch with an open bar. The Pavilion will also be open for the evening classes that include Grand Prix Freestyles. Seasonal Stabling packages are available in twelve, six and four week increments. For ticketing, stabling and general information, please contact: Aliza Korasz at 561-784-4278 or aliza@equestriansport.com.

(USDF) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Certified Instructors. The exam was held November 7-11, 2012, at Southerly Winds Farm, in Harrah, OK. The examiners were Debbie Bowman and Sarah Geikie, and this exam was the inaugural exam for the new Training-First Level Certification. The USDF Instructor Certification program is designed to set a standard of excellence in dressage training and instruction in the United States and to educate dressage riders, instructors, and aspiring instructors.
New USDF Certified Instructor/Trainers at Training through First Level include; Ashley Hammill of San Antonio, TX, Heather McCullough of Davidson, NC, Eileen Ostlund of Boone, IA, Sherry Guess of Porter, OK, Erin Jackson of Vallejo, CA, Becky Brown of Dallas, TX, and Deanna Myers of Ormond Beach, FL. New USDF Certified Instructors/Trainers at Second Level include Jennifer Hogan of Chapel Hill, TN, and Ashley Hammill of San Antonio, TX.
“It is our pleasure to recognize these accomplished individuals and we are proud to have them as representatives of the USDF Instructor Certification Program,” stated Kathie Robertson, USDF Senior Education Programs Coordinator.
For more information on the USDF Instructor Certification Program, to view a calendar of workshop or testing dates, or to obtain details on hosting a workshop or testing session, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF education programs department at instructorcertification@usdf.org.

(FEI by Louise Parkes) – Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven set the crowd alight when claiming victory with her 10-year-old gelding, Don Auriello, at the fourth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 series in her home town of Stockholm today. And the host nation had further reason for celebration as Swedish riders clinched three of the top-five finishing spots.

Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and her handsome stallion, Desperados FRH, lined up second ahead of Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic HBC in third, while young Danish talent, Anna Kasprzak finished fourth with Donnperignon, pinning Sweden’s Minna Telde and Santana into fifth.

Today’s result is the perfect conclusion to a special week for Swedish equestrian sport. Last Thursday, the Swedish Equestrian Federation marked its centenary at a gala evening in Stockholm City Hall, with HM Queen Silvia as guest of honour. And it was a particularly special occasion for dressage judge and honorary FEI Bureau Member Eric Lette who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Today Mr Lette announced that he is retiring from judging duties, but that he will remain in the sport in a supervisory capacity. “I’m retiring because I want to give some younger judges a chance, and because I think it is better for the sport if we don’t have too many older judges still in place” he pointed out. And he was delighted to be in a position, for once, to express his pleasure at the success of riders from his own country. “I was really happy to see two Swedish riders on the podium today!” he pointed out.

Whip Hand

Sweden already had the whip hand at the halfway stage with Sofie Lexner’s nice test from the gelding, Charming Boy, leading the way with a score of 71.375. Last into the ring before the halfway break however, compatriot Charlotte Haid Bondergaard had a much less comfortable time when Triviant, who was longlisted for the London 2012 Olympic Games, was too bold and strong leading to his rider’s decision to retire towards the closing stages of their test.

Minna Telde opened the second half of the competition with an even better score of 74.825 from the 11 year old stallion Santana whose light movement and bouncy canter created a pleasant picture. And this pair remained in front despite a crowd-pleasing performance from Norway’s Lilann jebsen and Pro-Set who were next to take their turn. This 15 year old stallion, formerly competed by British star Carl Hester, showed power and a real sense of purpose as he put 74.000 on the board.

Fifth-last to go however, Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Watermill Scandic HBC just blew that away with a fabulous performance that oozed quiet confidence and a clear understanding between horse and rider. Seamless transitions, crisp delivery of each movement and a superb sense of rhythm combined for a new target-score of 82.175 that would not be easy to beat.

Stallion Son

Local man, 35 year old Kristian von Krusentiema who runs the family-owned Agesta Gard Riding Centre just outside Stockholm and who is also Chairman of the Swedish Dressage Trainers Club, steered the stallion son of the legendary Briar – Biggles – to a mark of 71.975 before Anna Kasprzak produced her challenge. And the young Dane, who will turn 23 next week, continued her impressive run of form with Donnperignon who, despite some difficulty in piaffe, demonstrated enormous ease with a series of transitions from one to two-time canter and great smoothness throughout his test to slot temporarily into second behind Kittel when putting 80.125 on the board.

Vilhelmson-Silfven however had stamped her authority in yesterday’s Grand Prix with a winning mark of 79.149, and Don Auriello simply sparkled once again today as he flung out his forelegs in flashy extended trot during a show-stealing performance. The 45 year old rider, who has six Olympic Games and seven European Championships under her belt, produced lovely pirouettes from her 10 year old gelding whose expression suggests he enjoys every moment of his time in the ring, and with a score of 84.700 they really put it up to the final competitor.

And Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH had to settle for runner-up spot for the second day in row despite a very strong test that earned a mark of 82.175. “I had a good feeling today”, Sprehe said, “the canter was better and I really like my musical arrangement which I have been working on with my coach”.

Satisfaction

For winning rider Vilhelmson-Silfven however there was a great sense of satisfaction that Don Auriello had coped so well with the intense atmosphere of the Ericsson Globe Arena. “He (Don Auriello) is getting so much more confident. He has always had a lot of “go” power and sometimes that can be a problem but I’m so delighted with him today – it is our first time to get over 80 percent and I didn’t dare to believe we could do it, but we did!” she pointed out. She realised the home crowd was very much behind her, “and that was very nice” she said, but her plan now is to pack her horse’s and her own bags and fly with them to Wellington in Florida, USA where she will compete between January and March.

“It is minus 10 degrees here with snow, so we are going to escape!” she said. “To be able to compete in Florida during our European winter is fantastic. Wellington is made for horses with wonderful warm weather and an ideal environment – and it’s not too bad for people either! But I will be back well in time for the Reem Acra Final in Gothenburg” she added with a laugh.

Today’s result has moved her up to third on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 leaderboard which continues to be headed by Italy’s Valentina Truppa, while Germany’s Kristina Sprehe lies second going into the next leg at Olympia in London on 18 December.

For further information on the fourth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 series at Stockholm, Sweden go to website www.stockholmhorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Lotta Amnestal, Email Lotta.Amnestal@ridsport.se, Tel +46 709 7956 35. The next leg takes place at London’s Olympia Horse Show on Tuesday, 18 December. For all information on the British fixture check out website www.olympiahorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Jo Peck, Email jopeck@hpower.co.uk or Tel +44 1753 847 900.

Result: 1, Don Auriello (Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven) SWE 84.700; 2, Desperados FRH (Kristina Sprehe) GER 82.775; 3, Watermill Scandic HBC (Patrik Kittel) SWE 82.175; 4, Donnperignon (Anna Kasprzak) DEN 80.125; 5, Santana (Minna Telde) SWE 74.825; 6, Pro-Set (Lillann Jebsen) NOR 74.000; 7, Biggles (Kristian von Krusentierna) SWE 71.975; 8, Charming Boy (Sofie Lexner) SWE 71.375; 9, Hexagon’s Truman (Thamar Zweistra) NED 70.150; 10, Randon (Michal Rapcewicz) POL 69.350; 11, Soraya II (Stella Hagelstam) FIN 68.025; 12, Le Beau (Philippe Jorissen) BEL 67.950; 13, Donnerbube (Silvia Rizzo) ITA 66.025; 14, Triviant (Charlotte Haid Bondergaard) SWE Retired.

Full results at www.stockholmhorseshow.com

Facts and Figures:

Stockholm presented the fourth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 Western European League.
The Ground Jury for today’s competition was: At E, Gustaf Svalling; At H, Stephen Clarke; At C, Eric Lette; At M, Wojtek Markowski and At B, Susanne Baarup.
14 riders from 9 nations – Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Poland, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium and Finland – competed.
6 of the 14 starters were from the host nation of Sweden.
The competition was staged at the Ericsson Globe, the largest hemispherical building in the world.
The oldest horse in today’s competition was the 18 year old stallion Donnerbube, ridden by Italy’s Silvia Rizzo. This partnership finished in 13th place.
The youngest horses were winning rider Tinne Vilhemson-Silfven’s gelding Don Auriello (SWE) and Finnish rider Stella Hagelstam’s mare Soraya II. Both horses are 10 years old.
7 geldings, 6 stallions and 1 mare competed in today’s competition.
Last Thursday, 29 November, the Swedish Equestrian Federation celebrated its centenary with HM Queen Silvia as guest of honour at a gala evening.

Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2012/2013 – Standings after Round 4 at Stockholm (SWE):
1. Valentina Truppa ITA - 52
2. Kristina Sprehe GER - 51
3. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven SWE - 46
4. Marcela Krinke Susmelj SUI - 44
5. Edward Gal NED - 33
6. Anna Kasprzak DEN - 30
6. Patrik Kittel SWE - 30
8. Pia Fortmuller CAN - 28
9. Helen Langehanenberg GER - 26
10. Minna Telde SWE - 24
11. Sidsel Johansen DEN - 23
12. Karin Kosak AUT - 22
12. Anabel Balkenhol GER - 22
14. Stefan Peter AUT - 20
14. Marlies van Baalen NED - 20
14. Lyndal Oatley AUS - 20
17. Lillann Jebsen NOR - 11
18. Kristian von Krusentierna SWE - 10
19. Sofie Lexner SWE - 9
20. Silvia Rizzo ITA - 8
20. Thamer Zweistra NED - 8

Photo Courtesy of FEI by Peter Zachrisson