Wellington, FL (February 20, 2015)— For Jacqueline Brooks, who has been a dressage competitor, trainer, and coach for more than twenty years, show success starts at the stall. Brooks recently won The Tackeria Stabling Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival during the CDI 5* week for her eye-catching stabling arrangement on the show grounds.

The two-time Olympian has incorporated a vibrant array of her sponsors’ banners into her stabling design at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The stylish, attractive arrangement captured the attention of many show attendees, including The Tackeria— a Wellington based tack shop full of everything equestrians could need to succeed while also making their barn functional and aesthetic.

Just established this year by The Tackeria, located across the street from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds, The Tackeria Stabling Award recognizes equestrians who share the popular tack shop’s dedication to neat, practical, and well-designed stabling areas. The Tackeria Stabling Award is presented throughout the winter competition, running from January 8, 2015 to March 29, 2015.

Tastefully decked out with colorful curtains and banners, including a Canadian-red Brookhaven Dressage banner handmade by Brooks’s mother, the Brookhaven stabling set-up was inarguably one of the most attractive and efficient on the show grounds. On receiving the award, Brooks said she is pleased to add The Tackeria to her “great list of wonderful people” she has to thank in the dressage world.

The Tackeria, which has been supporting the Wellington equestrian community for over 40 years, is also a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “Now that dressage has come into prominence in Wellington, we want to be a part of it from across the street,” said Tony Coppola, owner of The Tackeria. The store is proud to support riders like Brooks, who competed her Swedish Warmblood D Niro (D Day x Alitalia) in the CDI 5*. Brooks and D Niro earned an impressive score of 72.875 percent in the 5* FEI Freestyle Grand Prix and 68.440 percent in the 5* FEI Grand Prix.

Brooks said she is excited about the great season she has been having with seventeen-year-old D Niro, affectionately known as “Goose.” D Niro was recently ranked among the top 100 horses in the FEI World Individual Dressage Ranking.

“He’s just really mature,” Brooks said about D Niro. “When we are out there, it’s just about him and I having a great time,” she enthused. “It’s funny, people give you the advice to ‘just have fun’ when you’re trying for the Olympics and everything, but of course in the back of your head you’re like ‘but I’m trying for the Olympics!’… now that I’m really not trying for the Olympics this year and am having a great time … I might accidently be trying for the Olympics!” She laughed.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival 2015 attendees who are inspired to spruce up their stabling set-ups by equestrians like Jacqueline Brooks will find an incredible selection of quality tack items and equestrian-themed gifts at The Tackeria. Located at 13501 South Shore Boulevard (Suite 107), the tack shop carries a complete selection of equestrian equipment imported from all over Europe, the Far East, and South America. Visiting the iconic Tackeria is an experience in itself — after all, if you haven’t been to the Tackeria, then you haven’t been to Wellington!

To learn more about The Tackeria, visit www.tackeria.com or call (561)793-2012.

Photo: Jacqueline Brooks, winner of The Tackeria Stabling Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, received a cooler from The Tackeria for D Niro

Gladstone, NJ – February 23, 2015 – There are only 36 days left for the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge for High Performance Para Dressage.

The Jonathan Wentz Memorial Challenge is an exciting fundraising initiative to honor the hard work, dedication, and dreams of Team USA’s Para Equestrian athlete, Jonathan Wentz.

Increasing the amount of funding for this country’s most inspiring athletes is critical to their success in international competition. This was the impetus for the Challenge led by Margaret H. Duprey and The Barnfield Foundation. Duprey and The Barnfield Foundation have each pledged up to $200,000, matching dollar for dollar, gift commitments of $4,000 and above, payable over a four-year period made by April 1, 2015. Just as an example, a gift of $5,000 will provide $15,000 in funding with the match. The Challenge has raised $729,000 in cash and pledges, but we need your support to hit the goal of $800,000.

“The opportunity that we have right now, to literally triple the amount of funding, is something that will have a tremendous impact for our Para Dressage athletes,” said Bonnie B. Jenkins, USET Foundation Executive Director.

The purpose of this Challenge is to establish a base of funding for each of the next four years, which will provide for a High Performance program that will include training sessions, coaching and international competition opportunities leading up to and including the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Jonathan was born with cerebral palsy and the cause of his death was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Jonathan passed away less than a month after fulfilling a lifelong dream to represent the United States of America at the 2012 Paralympics in London. He was 21. He was the highest placed American, finishing in 4th place.

Please join us and keep dreams alive by making on contribution to the Challenge, and you’ll be helping aspiring athletes turn their dreams into a reality.

Click here to make a pledge or call Sara Ike, Major Gifts Officer at 908-234-1251.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

By Yellow Horse Marketing (Jennifer M. Keeler) for California Dreaming Productions

Steffen Peters & Legolas 92 accept congratulations from the ground jury for their big win in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Mid-Winter Dressage CDI-W. Photo by Terri Miller.

Peters & Legolas 92 Score Another Personal Best

BURBANK, CA – The much-anticipated inaugural West Coast qualifying competition for this year’s Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final came to a resounding conclusion on the final day of California Dreaming Productions’ Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W/Y/J/U-25 in Burbank as U.S. Dressage Team veterans Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 earned an impressive score of 80.825% for their popular U-2 themed Grand Prix Freestyle. This remarkable score is not only a personal best for the pair, but it also firmly cements them as favorites to lead the American contingent to Las Vegas. Finishing in second was Peters’ 2012 Olympic team mate Jan Ebeling aboard Vantage Equestrian Group LLC’s impressive Hanoverian stallion FRH Rassolini (Rubioso N x Sweetheart by Silvano) with 75.050%.

“We had an exciting ride today and I’m so pleased,” said Peters, who explained that he specifically asked announcer Brian O’Connor to raise the volume in the Equidome, which almost created a problem mid-test. “When we did the sound check, I didn’t want to take it easy because that’s not going to be the reality in Las Vegas. So the music was definitely louder, and at the end of the arena just before the one tempi’s, Legolas reacted to it. But even though we had that bobble, he recovered and still did the line of one’s, and I’m particularly happy about that. This is his fifth test in a row where he hasn’t made a mistake in the changes, and that’s huge improvement for him.”

In both the CDI Grand Prix and the Freestyle, Peters and Four Winds Farm’s Westfalen gelding (Laomedon x Fuerstin by Florestan II) enjoyed a record-setting homecoming to California this weekend. Having gained fresh confidence in looking towards the World Cup in April, their big score in the freestyle rockets them to the top of the North American League standings. In addition, Peters hinted that a surprise may be in store for the World Cup audience. “We have one more qualifier in a few weeks in San Juan Capistrano, and then it looks pretty good for Las Vegas,” he said. “In general we’re sticking with our freestyle, but there’s a ‘super secret second version’ that we’ve never used because we were waiting for the right venue for it, and I think Vegas is it. We use the same music but a bit different choreography, and it has a good sense of humor to it and is very exciting. And that’s all I’m willing to give away right now,” he laughed.

See complete competition results here.

Garyn Heidemann & French Kiss won the Intermediaire I Freestyle at Mid-Winter Dressage CDI. Photo by Terri Miller.

Heidemann Wins I-1 Freestyle in CDI Debut

Watching the Intermediaire Freestyle, one would never suspect that this was the very first CDI experience for Washington State natives Garyn Heidemann and Sigrid Wolff’s Westfalen gelding French Kiss (Florestan I x Fabel by Fruhling). Their three-day journey to Burbank paid off as the the pair’s dramatic yet harmonious performance featuring music from “The Dark Knight Rises” earned them their first international and unanimous victory under all five FEI judges with a final score of 68.325% over Canada’s Roanne Tyson and Seiltanz (Sunny Boy x Valderia by Royal Dance) with 66.325%. “Up until this point I’ve only competed locally in Region 6, but we ended last season really well with regional and Northwest championships for both Intermediaire I and the freestyle, so I decided it was time to step it up and ride in a bigger pond,” explained Heidemann. “French Kiss and I have only been together since last May when his owner offered me the ride in order for me to gain experience in the international arena, and I’m so grateful to her. He can be complicated because he’s so intelligent and a little bit cocky, but he loves to show off and we feel like he’s finally coming into who he is. It’s a learning process, and I was very happy with him this weekend.

“This has been a wonderful experience coming here in California,” Heidemann continued. “The show was so well organized and the quality of horses down here is amazing. It was a big eye-opening experience. Now that we’ve done this and I realize what we need to do to have further success, we’re going to go home and train and then look to returning next year even better.”

See complete competition results here.

Ari Lopez & Corlander II topped a tough field in the Grand Prix 16-25 Test at Mid-Winter Dressage CDI. Photo by Terri Miller.

Lopez Earns Hard-Fought Victory in CDI Under-25 Grand Prix

In the CDI Under-25 division, four incredibly talented young adult riders returned to the Equidome to contest the challenging Grand Prix 16-25 Test, with all of the final placings separated by a total of just over a single point. Ultimately emerging victorious was California’s own Ari Lopez aboard her Rheinlander gelding Corlander II (Cordino x Riante by Ravallo) with a score of 67.636% over Canada’s Monica Houweling and Rifradin (Dutch Warmblood mare [Gribaldi x Atradin by Formateur] owned by Linda Houweling) with 66.977%. Finding success at the Grand Prix level is especially sweet for Lopez, who has risen through the dressage levels with her mount after they decided to make a career change from eventing eight years ago. They went on to compete at both the FEI Junior and Young Rider levels, earning an individual silver medal in 2008 and placing in the top five at the Festival of Champions before stepping up to the increasingly popular Under-25 division.

“He’s the kind of horse who tries really hard and has talent, and even though he’s not as naturally gifted in the gaits department as some other horses, he makes up for it with his work ethic. And surprisingly the Grand Prix work came relatively easy to him,” said Lopez. “I’m so lucky and thankful to have this horse. Since this year is my last year before aging out of this division, my goal is to try to qualify for a spot to go to Europe and possibly go to the Festival of Champions.”

Complete results from Mid-Winter Dressage are available on the California Dreaming Productions website, http://www.californiadreamingproductions.com. The next competitions will be the Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W/Y/J/U-25 on March 20 – 22 and the Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J/U-25 on March 26 – 28, both to be held at the beautiful Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 22, 2015 – Kimberly Herslow (USA) and Rosmarin swept the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Week 7 FEI CDI1* competition presented by Mission Control, handily winning all three classes in the Small Tour. The pair won the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI1* today with a 75.525%. Ayden Uhlir (USA) aboard Sjapoer finished in second with a 71.350%, and Tina Irwin (CAN) and Fancy That placed third receiving a 71.100%. Competition will resume at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, in two weeks, March 4, 2015, with AGDF 9/Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W 1*, presented by Everglades Dressage and Peacock Ridge.

Herslow and Rosmarin or “Reno” as he is known around the barn, had a spectacular week, ultimately championing the entire CDI1* with three wins. “I feel like we’re in a new place, and we’re getting consistent now. We used the last show to get back in the groove, and I feel like with this show we have made a good step in the training to get to where we need to be,” said Herslow.

The duo didn’t score below a 70.000% in any of the classes in the AGDF 7 Small Tour, receiving a 72.474% in the Prix St. Georges, a 73.789% in the Intermediaire 1, and an impressive 75.525% in the Intermediaire 1 Freestyle. Even with their incredibly consistent scores, Herslow still has a few movements she would like to fine-tune before the duo’s next outing at the AGDF 9.

Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin

“I would like to make his pirouettes have a bit more power, and I know they can. They’re certainly improving, and that’s something that comes with time. Now that we’ve tapped into the fifth gear it’s getting the strength to come along with that,” she explained. “That is something I know that I can work on, which will of course carry over some more expression in the changes too.”

“Reno”, a 2005 Hanoverian gelding, adds an incredible amount of power and suppleness to the movements and is a very quick learner, helping to progress their training to the next level in the past year. “His extended trot is really a highlight. He really lifts himself and uses his hind end, which is fun to ride. He understands his body and how to use it,” commented Herslow, when asked about a specific highlight in their tests. “He’s a big, long horse, and I really took my time to build that so he not only was correct, but felt confident too.”

Strength is always a key component in the success of an up-and-coming dressage star and Herslow has been very attentive to that, working on fitness and conditioning with “Reno” since arriving in Florida. “We have been tapping into over-drive now, which is where we have been trying to get to. It’s not hard for him, it just needs more time, but he’s already fitter than he was three weeks ago.”

Herslow bought “Reno” as a three-year-old in Germany and has been his only rider since, bringing him up through the levels herself. “He tries so hard for me, and we have an awesome trust in each other. He understands that trust, and I get 110% from him in the ring every single time. My brain has to be in right place and when I am, he’s right there with me,” she said.

The pair is familiar with the AGDF circuit, having trained in Wellington for the past few years. “We started at the Third and Fourth levels down here four years ago and have been building up since,” she explained. “It has always been about nailing down the basics because he is such a fast learner and tries so hard, and that is just what we will continue to do as we move up.”

Together for more than seven years now, Herslow feels the relationship the duo has built helps to bring out the very best in “Reno” when he enters the ring. “He’s such a willing horse, and he never says no to me. I’ve never had a horse that I’ve felt so connected too. He’s so special in a lot of ways. He gets that and appreciates it,” commented Herslow. “He’s an awesome horse, and he’s going to have a forever home with me.”

Kimberly and Rosmarin in their winning presentation.

As for the future, the pair plans to contest AGDF 9, AGDF 12 CDIO3*, and then hopefully earn a spot on the U.S. team for the 2015 Pan American Games to be held in Toronto, Canada this summer. “He’ll stay Small Tour until after the Pan American Games, and then we will go from there,” Herslow pointed out. “We’ve been working on the Grand Prix so he’ll most likely move up after that, but he’s only coming 10 now. He’s young, and I want him to have him last as long as I can.”

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival will continue March 4, 2015, with the highly anticipated AGDF 9 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W 1* competition. For more information on AGDF please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

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

Final Results for FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle 1 CDI 1* presented by Mission Control:
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Kimberly Herslow (USA), Rosmarin, 2005 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, Rosentanz x Hauptstutbuch Wolkentaenzerin x Weltmeyer: 74.500%, 76.375%, 76.250%, 74.750%, 75.750%, 75.525%

2. Ayden Uhlir (USA), Sjapoer, 1999 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by rider, Contango x Jenia x Wolfgang: 69.125%, 69.875%, 73.375%, 70.000%, 74.375%, 71.350%

3. Tina Irwin (CAN), Fancy That, 2006 Oldenburg gelding owned by Christine Faux, Donerschwee x Freiherr x Falaise: 68.750%, 73.125%, 71.875%, 68.875%, 72.875%, 71.000%

4. Silva Martin (USA), Rosa Cha W, 2006 Australian Warmblood mare, Redardez Moi x Jasmine W x Richmeed Medallion: 68.750%, 74.250%, 69.875%, 69.875%, 71.750%, 70.900%

5. Katharina Stumpf (AUT), For My Love, 2001 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, For Feeling x Escudine x Escudo I: 68.875%, 72.250%, 70.875%, 70.500%, 71.000%, 70.700%

6. Kasey Perry (USA), Goerklintgaards Dublet, 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Diane Perry, Diamond Hit x La Costa x Olympic Ferro: 68.500%, 71.125%, 71.625%, 69.750%, 69.500%, 70.300%

7. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Adventure, 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Kastel Denmark, Special D x Sunette S x Mondriaan: 70.000%, 72.750%, 68.500%, 69.375%, 69.375%, 70.200%

8. Hannah Michaels (USA), Abacus, 2005 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Carol Cohen, Tuchinski x Tiane x Mooiman: 67.125%, 70.500%, 69.375%, 67.750%, 66.875%, 68.325%

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.PBIEC.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

Lexington, Kentucky – February 22, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is seeking to appoint two Sport Program Assistants. These assistants will work with the Olympic Disciplines of Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping, as well as the Non Olympic Disciplines of Reining and Endurance. These positions work under the direction of the Managing Directors of Dressage and Eventing. The role of the Sport Program Assistant is to support the Sport Department with identifying talented athletes and horses and developing each discipline to win medals in international competition. Expected duties include logistics for riders/teams; collaborating with various organizations, departments, committees, and communities; ensuring effective communication among stakeholders; administering related programs; and assisting the Managing Directors with accounting and other related activities.

This is an exciting time for the Sport Department as it grows and restructures. These roles will develop and change presenting an ideal opportunity for self-motivated, dynamic, committed and driven people interested in working with Olympic and international sports.

The positions are based in Lexington (KY) and will involve travel and some weekend work.

For more information, please see http://usngbjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=77980

Or contact Christy Baxter, Project Director, High Performance Programs cbaxter@usef.org.

Many thanks for your assistance and good luck for 2014.

-From the desk of Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport
About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 21, 2015 – Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton smiled their way through the awards ceremony for the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4* presentation sponsored by The Dutta Corporation at Week 7 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. Trussell and Anton topped the competitive class on a 71.490% with Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor following in second receiving a 70.667%, and Megan Lane (CAN) and Caravella placing third with a 70.608%. AGDF 7 competition will continue tomorrow, highlighting the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI1* presented by Mission Control.

CLICK HERE to watch the winning test for Belinda and Anton!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Trussell and Anton finished third in the Grand Prix CDI4* and accumulated another top three finish this week today with the win. Trussell was beaming during the press conference and could not say enough great things about Anton’s performance. “This week he felt great. I feel like he’s in the best shape of his life; he just is fantastic. The training has been going very well and he just kind of clocks through everything. He’s a professional now.”

The pair’s relationship is evident in their string of consistent performances so far this year at the 2015 season of AGDF. “I honestly think he was better than me in the Grand Prix on Thursday. Today he was just spot on it felt like a really great Special and I’m excited for how he felt, to have him, and to be able to show him,” said Trussell.

Trussell has not only seen vast improvements in Anton’s physical fitness but also in his mental capabilities too. “As a younger horse he was so hot and I find that at this stage in his life, he’s much more relaxed and I can really ride to his potential now, where before I felt sometimes I had to ride below it because I didn’t want to scare him,” she explained. “I feel like we’re at a point where he’s letting me in and the overall picture is starting to come together.”

Belinda Trussell and Anton

Doktor, who performed his usual workman-like test, was a bit perkier today according to Francis, which allowed her to ask more of him during the test. “He was really good. We had a big spook after the extended canter and I thought it would hurt the pirouette afterwards, but he just went right back to work. I had a lot of horse behind me throughout the whole test. We sometimes have trouble holding the extended trot, but it’s getting a lot better and it was better in this test.”

The tumultuous weather in South Florida this week was a factor for many riders but Francis felt that Doktor handled it well and that it only brought out the energized side of the gelding she handles on a daily basis. “As long as I keep him in front of my leg and I can keep him where I want him,” she explained. “He can get tense, but today he felt so nice.”

Belinda and Anton in their winning presentation

Megan Lane and Caravella had a lovely return back to competition since their World Equestrian Games (WEG) performance last summer. “The piaffe and passage tour along with the one-tempis are her highlight, especially in comparison to the world stage. She definitely has something there, and it’s really exciting to have a horse like that,” said Lane. “I’m so lucky and so honored to ride her. I’m really happy with the scores too. To debut with a score above 70% here after WEG is something I was really happy with as well.”

Lane re-evaluated the pair’s performances after last season to pinpoint exactly where she wanted to put focus coming into the 2015 season. “Her piaffe was very hit or miss sometimes and she either feels very comfortable or the opposite, and we spent a lot of time working on that. We’re trying to get her to relax in the movement more, which we are seeing a big difference in,” explained Lane.

Lara Griffith (GBR) and Rubin Al Assad placed first in the Grand Prix Special on the last day of FEI CDI 3* competition at Week 7 of AGDF. The pair scored a 69.608% to take the win, narrowly edging out Sharon McCusker (USA) and Wrigley, who finished in second receiving a 69.098% for their efforts. Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Drentano rounded out the top three with a 67.392%.

WATCH the winning ride for Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Assad.
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Griffith had a great second week of competition here at AGDF, adding top three finishes in both the FEI CDI 3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, both sponsored by Havensafe Farm. “This was the second Grand Prix Special I’ve ever done with him and it went really well, but it’s still new to us,” she commented. “We had a few mistakes today in the test, but in general we’re on the up!”

The training opportunities available to Griffith in Florida have greatly increased her confidence in the partnership since arriving stateside only a few weeks ago. “This horse show [AGDF] has been very successful for me so far. He has improved dramatically in the Grand Prix from two weeks ago from the work we’ve put in since being here” said Griffith. “I really wanted to replicate the ride that I had in the Grand Prix on Thursday today in the Special. The general way of going is a lot better.”

Lara Griffth and Rubin Al Assad with Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm and judge Michael Osinski.

Griffith has produced Rubin Al Assad from Third Level and the pair looks to be a promising combination for Great Britain in the future. “He only had a single flying change when I first started riding him, and I always think its amazing that now we can get 15 in a row!” Griffith is excited for where the partnership will go and they will continue to contest and gain experience from the CDI competition at AGDF during the remainder of their stay in Florida.

Sharon McCusker and Wrigley finished right behind Griffith, barely missing out on the first place prize. McCusker and Wrigley have been steadily improving and their performance today showed the progress that has been made since their outings last season. “The Special is a really long test and I was really pleased at the end when I had that great extension and coming down the center line I felt like the passage was great. I still had power throughout the whole test coming up to the halt. It’s a great test to build from,” she remarked.

AGDF 7 was the pair’s first CDI competition of the 2015 season, and McCusker was pleased with the performances Wrigley put in this week. “We will do the next two CDI competitions here in March and then I am planning on using the Advanced Dressage Prize Grant I won two years ago to train with Klaus Balkenhol. I was able to connect with him this week, and he watched my test today which was great.”

Lara Griffith and Rubin Al Assad

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival will continue tomorrow with Junior and Young Rider classes in the morning followed by the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI1* presented by Mission Control. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information.

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

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 4* presented by The Dutta Corporation
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Belinda Trussell (CAN) Anton, 2000 Sachsen Warmblood gelding owned by Robyn Eames, Anteaus x Shirley x Melit: 70.392%, 71.176%, 73.627%, 69.804%, 72.451%, 71.490%

2.3 Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor: 2003 Oldenburg gelding owned by Patricia Stempel, Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I: 68.137%, 70.392%, 72.745%, 69.510%, 72.549%, 70.667%

3. Megan Lane (CAN), Caravella, 2001 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by rider, Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman: 70.588%, 70.000%, 70.294%, 70.000%, 72.157%, 70.608%

4. Kelly Lane (AUS), Udon P, 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Whistlejacket Farm LLC & April Harris, Hierarch x Maleida x Uniform: 71.275%, 67.353%, 69.608%, 69.314%, 70.000%, 69.510%

5. Arlene Page (USA), Alina, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare owned by rider, Michellino x Alberte Lindebjerg x Diamant: 66.471%,66.765%, 70.000%, 69.804%, 70.392%, 68.686%

6. Catherine Haddad- Staller (USA), Mane Stream Hotmail, 2002 Oldenburg gelding owned by Rowan O’Riley, Michellino x Rederna x Havel: 67.353%, 68.725%, 68.725%, 68.725%, 67.745%, 68.255%

7. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, De Niro x Rosana M x Regazonni: 66.471%,66.373%, 66.275%, 68.725%, 65.980%, 66.255%

8. Susan Dutta (USA), Currency DC, 2000 Oldenburg gelding owned by rider, Clintino x Cinderella x Classiker: 63.333%, 66.471%, 63.824%, 63.824%, 64.118%, 64.314%

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3* presented by Havensafe Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Lara Griffith (GRB), Rubin Al Asad, 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by Dr. & Mrs. Bechtolsheimer, Rubin Royal x Wandergirl: 69.804%, 69.804%, 68.725%, 73.333%, 66.373%, 69.608%

2. Sharon McCusker (USA), Wrigley, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Son De Niro x Pinomia x Rhodiamont: 72.157%, 71.275%, 67.745%, 66.765%, 67.549%, 69.098%

3.Christilot Boylen (CAN), Drentano, 2003 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, De Niro x Brenda Lee x Brentono II: 68.333%, 68.137%, 65.686%, 66.863%, 67.941%, 67.392%

4. Arlene Page (USA), Woodstock, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Havel x Mirania x Contango: 66.176%, 66.961%, 66.176%, 69.510%, 65.686%, 66.902%

5. Shelly Francis (USA), Danilo, 2004 Hanoverian gelding owned by Patricia Stempel, De Niro x Annabella x Andiamo: 66.569%, 67.451%, 66.078%, 67.647%, 66.275%, 66.804%

6. Elaine Cordia-van-Reesema (USA), Jewel’s Adelante, 2000 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Schufro x Tangent x Phaeton X: 65.490%, 67.157%, 65.490%, 67.549%, 67.647%, 66.667%

7. Alexandra Duncan (CAN), Vitall, 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Ferro x Jarelle x Aram: 64.118%, 63.627%, 65.000%, 63.627%, 62.549%, 63.784%

8. Adrienne Pot (USA), Something Special C, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Elizabeth Bramsen, Ferro x Gicara II x Beaujolais: 62.647%, 64.902%, 62.647%, 64.804%, 63.627%, 63.725%

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.PBIEC.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH) and the American Horse Protection Association (AHPA) today responded on behalf of their memberships to the decision of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Contender Farms, LLP v. USDA. The decision struck down regulatory changes implemented by the USDA in 2012 to improve enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). The 2012 regulation required that Horse Industry Organizations impose minimum penalties for violations of the HPA identified by the Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) that they license to inspect horses for soring violations. FOSH and AHPA, joined by two other organizations opposed to soring practices, filed an amicus brief in the case that supported the USDA regulation.

FOSH President Teresa Bippen and AHPA Executive Director Robin Lohnes stated:

“This decision emphasizes why the USDA’s decision to rely on horse industry self-regulatory efforts, rather than to implement a strong program of federal inspections and enforcement, has been a failure. The “big lick” elements of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry may claim that they want only sound horses in the show ring, but their celebration of this decision proves otherwise. We are concerned that these elements will use the decision not only to avoid punishing people who abuse horses, but to redouble their efforts to resist USDA’s efforts to end soring. In that sense, this decision is a travesty for the welfare of the horse and a major blow to the interests of all owners, breeders, trainers and exhibitors who have fought for so many years to ensure that show horse competition is both humane and fair.”

Bippen and Lohnes called on USDA to re-examine its regulatory approach in light of the decision. They said:

“Trying to enforce the HPA through the current DQP system is no longer an option for USDA. Marginal improvements of the DQP system are not enough to ensure that soring will be eradicated – even if those improvements were supported by all elements of the industry and implemented effectively. USDA must fulfill its 2010 commitment to replace the current system with inspectors that are licensed by and answerable to the agency, and must aggressively strengthen its civil enforcement actions against persons who have sored horses.”

Soring is the cruel and deliberate infliction of chemical or mechanical pain upon a horse’s hooves and limbs to create an unnatural, exaggerated, high stepping gait for the show ring. Soring is a major animal abuse issue that has been illegal for over forty years under the federal HPA, yet the practice is still widespread in some show rings.

AHPA is a national humane organization devoted exclusively to equine welfare, promoting the humane treatment of all horses, both wild and domestic. Since the late 1960s AHPA has opposed the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses and related breeds, and supported the vigorous enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and its regulations through legislative, legal and regulatory means.

FOSH is a national leader in the promotion of natural, sound gaited horses and actively fights against abuse and soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. For more information about FOSH, the only national organization that represents multiple gaited breeds, or to become a member, please visit www.fosh.info.

Contact Person: Teresa Bippen
tbippen1957@yahoo.com