Photo: Charlotte Jorst wins the Tackeria Stabling Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (February 9, 2015)— Charlotte Jorst is known for her contemporary equestrian style. What people might not know, however, is that Jorst’s passion for style goes well beyond her apparel. Jorst also pays close attention to the style of her stabling area, and has decorated her stalls at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival with curtains and colors to match her overall dedication to beautiful design.

This attention to detail earned Jorst the Tackeria Stabling Award during week three of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. New this year, the award recognizes equestrians who emulate the commitment of a leading Wellington tack shop— the Tackeria—to practical, neat, well-designed stabling areas.

Jorst explained that she keeps her stabling area neat and classy because it serves as her temporary Wellington home that will play host to her and her equine team for eight weeks during the dressage circuit. “I love the colors, and I love to make my stabling area pretty because I’m going to be here for a long time!” she explained.

As everyone’s go-to complete equestrian shop, The Tackeria is proud to have a long-standing history—forty years, in fact— of supporting the Wellington equestrian community. The tack shop is conveniently located across from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds.

Tony Coppola, owner of The Tackeria, is also proud to sponsor 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,” he said.

That means supporting riders like the recent Tackeria Stabling Award winner Jorst, who is a successful Adult Amateur. During this winter’s dressage circuit, Jorst looks forward to competing four horses in the Grand Prix, Prix St. George, and Intermediare I.

If Jorst’s style inspires you to add some class to your barn or stabling area, be sure to stop by The Tackeria for an incredible selection of tack items and equestrian-themed gifts. The Tackeria is located at 13501 South Shore Boulevard (Suite 107). The Tackeria carries a complete selection of equestrian equipment imported from Europe, the Far East, and South America. Visiting The Tackeria is something you do not want to miss. After all, if you haven’t been to the Tackeria, then you haven’t been to Wellington!

For more information about the Tackeria, visit www.tackeria.com or call (516) 793 – 2012.

Kathleen Raine and Breanna

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2015 – Kathleen Raine (USA) and the lovely mare Breanna scored a 73.667% to win the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms at Week 5 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento followed in second with a 72.000% and Jill Irving (CAN) and Degas 12 rounded out the top three with a 69.078%. Week 5 AGDF continues tomorrow with a schedule of junior and amateur classes and the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mission Control highlighting the last day of competition.

Raine and Breanne have been partners for more than 10 years, as she began working with the mare when she was four years old. The duo’s performances this week at AGDF are a testament to the time Raine has dedicated to creating a strong partnership with the mare. “It has been so fun to have had her for so long. We know each other really well, and I enjoy starting them from the beginning and training them up,” said Raine.

The duo’s extended stay in Europe this past season has really helped Breanna cope with large atmosphere venues. “Being in Europe really helped her suppleness and her whole way of going. I can see it in her reaction, her consistency, and the atmospheres we were able to experience there, which we don’t really have here. It helped to boost her confidence,” said Raine.

Vilhelmson-Silfven performed a very correct test on her partner Divertimento. “Tim”, who is known to get excited in electric environments, settled nicely for Vilhelmson-Silfven during the test. “This is our third week showing, and he keeps going and holding up very well. The weather earlier in the week made him a bit more excited than I wanted, but we cope with it and have figured out how to handle it,” she explained.

Divertimento’s large size can be intimidating to some but he is the sweetest horse in the barn according to Vilhelmson-Silfven, which is what makes him so fun to work with. “He’s the sweetest one. Absolutely anyone could hack him, but once he hears applause he starts to get worked up,” she commented. “He tries really hard and all he wants to do is his best for you.”

Jill Irving and Degas 12 had a lovely test to place them third in the class. “I am so thrilled with our performance. He has finally become a man!” she exclaimed. “He was very good and I feel like now we’re covering ground in the canter, especially in the two-tempis. We landed right on the letter.”

Irving is the presenter of the Jill Irving Owner’s Award at each “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle event of the 2015 season, highlighting owners of winning combinations in both the CDI Prix St. Georges tests and the AGDF National Shows. “I think this city, Wellington, has grown so much and is so international now. Just right now we have Sweden, Canada, and the U.S. represented here and I thought that it was time we started recognizing the owners who are such great stakeholders,” said Irving.

She hopes the award will continue to draw the spotlight to many of the owners who make this sport possible. “I just felt like this was something really dear to my heart, and I’m so passionate about this sport. I think the owners deserve to get a trophy and have some time in the limelight,” she continued.

Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, the spectacular mare who has wowed crowds this week at AGDF, took home another win, this time in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The duo received a 73.745% to win the class followed closely by Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Nintendo scoring a 69.608% and Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo in third on a 69.137%.

Peters said the pair made further strides building their relationship today, as “Rosie” really impressed him in her ability to carry herself. “The beautiful thing about today was that I found I can really trust her in the piaffe. I didn’t trust her enough in the first piaffe in the Grand Prix on Thursday, and she got a little bit quick,” he explained. “I rode it today just like I do in training and that is quite unusual to be able to do with a horse in the show arena. Her one-tempis also worked beautifully and they were a bit straighter already than the first day.”

The mare looks to be the next big star of dressage in the U.S. and continues to impress Peters with her trainability and willingness. “She is a horse you can really count on. Never since I have had her has she taken a wrong step or said no. She just has that type of attitude that reminds me an awful lot of Ravel. She has the power and this beautiful soft connection,” he smiled. “When we retired Ravel I didn’t think I would ever get that feeling again in the show arena, and it is a true honor to ride a horse like that not just in the show ring, but every single day.”

Peters will look to continue educating the mare at the Grand Prix level but will be very careful not to push too hard because of her young age. “When I get home I would like to work on the transition from piaffe to passage and the straightness of the changes. Otherwise I am perfectly happy, and it is just sensational for an eight-year-old horse to be at this level. I would be silly to criticize her.”

Charlotte Jorst has another fantastic ride aboard her stallion, Kastel’s Nintendo. The duo has only been together for a year, but you would never be able to tell from their consistent performances in the ring. “He always feels great. I’m still learning how long to warm him up and today I think I may have warmed him up a bit too much because if he comes out soft, he only needs ten minutes to feel great,” she said commenting on her test today.

The pair will compete again in the two CDIs in March at AGDF and will look forward to a strong summer circuit in California. “I don’t know what I’m going to do after California, but I’m going to continue competing because I have so much fun.” Jorst will be adding a new mount to her growing string, as she recently purchased Akeem Foldager from Andreas Helgstrand in Denmark and the horse will arrive on U.S. soil next week. “I’m just over the moon, and we will see how I can ride him. Maybe he will be a Pan American Games contender, but I’m just going to see if I can ride him first and get the one and two tempis because they’re the hardest for me, but if we can get them, I would love to go for it.”

Shelly Francis and Danilo had a strong showing in the class, and Francis feels like she is starting to get a hold of Danilo’s nerves in the ring. “If you overwhelm him he just gets hotter and hotter, so I am being really careful to make sure we don’t fry him mentally and do it the right way. He is so talented physically, he just has a little bit of catching up to do mentally,” she said.

The pair enjoys relaxing work sessions during the week to help keep the gelding calm and continue building on their already solid relationship. “He’s learning to trust me more, and he’s staying much calmer. He really internalizes everything and starts to get nervous. We do a lot of work in the field several days a week and give him a chance to look at things. It’s good for him. He’s a very stimulated horse.”

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

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 CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Kathleen Raine (USA), Breanna, 2000 Hanoverian mare, Bretano ii x World Queen x Weltmeyer: 72.157%, 72.255%, 72.255%, 72.745%, 73.922%, 72.667%

2. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Di Versave x Fatima x Farragamo: 71.765%, 73.333%, 70.196%, 70.980%, 73.725%, 72.000%

3. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 2002 Hanoverian gelding, De Niro x Rosana M x Regazonni: 69.216%, 70.098%, 67.941%, 68.725%, 69.412%, 69.078%

4. Susan Dutta (USA), Currency DC, 2000 Oldenburg gelding, Clintino x Cinderella x Classiker: 67.451%, 69.216%, 65.490%, 67.157%, 65.686%, 67.000%

5. Michael Barisone (USA), HF Victor, 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Gribaldi x Miana x Burggraaf: 65.392%, 63.235%, 63.431%, 65.000%, 66.373%, 64.686%

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Steffen Peters (USA), Rosamunde, 2007 Rhinelander mare, Rock Forever x First Lady x Fidermark: 76.863%, 72.451%, 73.235%, 71.078%, 75.098%, 73.745%

2. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Nintendo, 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion, Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco: 67.451%, 70.490%, 68.627%, 70.196%, 71.275%, 69.608%

3. Shelly Francis (USA), Danilo, 2004 Hanoverian gelding, De Niro x Annabella x Andiamo: 69.510% 69.706%, 70.490%, 67.647%, 68.333%, 69.137%

4. Arlene Page (USA), Woodstock, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Havel x Mirania x Contango: 69.412%, 67.451% 70.980%, 68.235%, 68.725%, 68.961%

5. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 2001 Oldenburg gelding, Sandro Song x Rosenfee x Rohdiamant: 71.078%, 68.529%, 65.980%, 67.745%, 67.549%, 67.824%

6. Lara Griffith (GBR), Rubin Al Asad, 2002 Hanoverian gelding, Rubin Royal x Wandergirl: 66.373%, 67.059%, 70.392%, 67.745%, 67.549%, 67.824%

7. Alice Tarjan (USA), Elfenfeuer, 2007 Oldenburg mare, Florencio x Elfensonne x Sion: 65.980%, 66.961%, 65.490%, 69.216%, 66.569%, 66.843%

8. Yvonne Losos de Muniz (DOM), Foco Loco W, 2005 Belgian Warmblood gelding, V Sierappel x M. Weingraefin: 65.784%, 64.412%, 64.804%, 67.745%, 65.196%, 65.588%

Kathleen Raine and Breanna

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood, Media Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2015 – Kathleen Raine (USA) and the lovely mare Breanna scored a 73.667% to win the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farm at Week 5 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento followed in second with a 72.000% and Jill Irving (CAN) and Degas 12 rounded out the top three with a 69.078%. Week 5 AGDF continues tomorrow with a schedule of junior and amateur classes and the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mission Control highlighting the last day of competition.

CLICK to watch the winning ride for Kathleen and Breanna!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Raine and Breanne have been partners for more than 10 years, as she began working with the mare when she was four years old. The duo’s performances this week at AGDF are a testament to the time Raine has dedicated to creating a strong partnership with the mare. “It has been so fun to have had her for so long. We know each other really well, and I enjoy starting them from the beginning and training them up,” said Raine.

The duo’s extended stay in Europe this past season has really helped Breanna cope with large atmosphere venues. “Being in Europe really helped her suppleness and her whole way of going. I can see it in her reaction, her consistency, and the atmospheres we were able to experience there, which we don’t really have here. It helped to boost her confidence,” said Raine.

Kathleen Raine and Breanna in their winning presentation with Terri Kane of Diamante Farms

.

Vilhelmson-Silfven performed a very correct test on her partner Divertimento. “Tim”, who is known to get excited in electric environments, settled nicely for Vilhelmson-Silfven during the test. “This is our third week showing, and he keeps going and holding up very well. The weather earlier in the week made him a bit more excited than I wanted, but we cope with it and have figured out how to handle it,” she explained.

Divertimento’s large size can be intimidating to some, but he is the sweetest horse in the barn according to Vilhelmson-Silfven, which is what makes him so fun to work with. “He’s the sweetest one. Absolutely anyone could hack him, but once he hears applause he starts to get worked up,” she commented. “He tries really hard and all he wants to do is his best for you.”

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Divertimento

Jill Irving and Degas 12 had a lovely test to place them third in the class. “I am so thrilled with our performance. He has finally become a man!” she exclaimed. “He was very good and I feel like now we’re covering ground in the canter, especially in the two-tempis. We landed right on the letter.”

Irving is the presenter of the Jill Irving Owner’s Award at each “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle event of the 2015 season, highlighting owners of winning combinations in both the CDI Prix St. Georges tests and the AGDF National Shows. “I think this city, Wellington, has grown so much and is so international now. Just right now we have Sweden, Canada, and the U.S. represented here and I thought that it was time we started recognizing the owners who are such great stakeholders,” said Irving.

Jill Irving and Degas 12

She hopes the award will continue to draw the spotlight to many of the owners who make this sport possible. “I just felt like this was something really dear to my heart, and I’m so passionate about this sport. I think the owners deserve to get a trophy and have some time in the limelight,” she continued.

Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, the spectacular mare who has wowed crowds this week at AGDF, took home another win, this time in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The duo received a 73.745% to win the class followed closely by Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo scoring a 69.608% and Shelly Francis and Danilo in third on a 69.137%.

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde

Peters said the pair made further strides building their relationship today, as “Rosie” really impressed him in her ability to carry herself. “The beautiful thing about today was that I found I can really trust her in the piaffe. I didn’t trust her enough in the first piaffe in the Grand Prix on Thursday, and she got a little bit quick,” he explained. “I rode it today just like I do in training and that is quite unusual to be able to do with a horse in the show arena. Her one-tempis also worked beautifully and they were a bit straighter already than the first day.”

Watch the test for Steffen and Rosamunde, CLICK here!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

The mare looks to be the next big star of dressage in the U.S. and continues to impress Peters with her trainability and willingness. “She is a horse you can really count on. Never since I have had her has she taken a wrong step or said no. She just has that type of attitude that reminds me an awful lot of Ravel. She has the power and this beautiful soft connection,” he smiled. “When we retired Ravel I didn’t think I would ever get that feeling again in the show arena, and it is a true honor to ride a horse like that not just in the show ring, but every single day.”

Peters will look to continue educating the mare at the Grand Prix level but will be very careful not to push too hard because of her young age. “When I get home I would like to work on the transition from piaffe to passage and the straightness of the changes. Otherwise I am perfectly happy, and it is just sensational for an eight-year-old horse to be at this level. I would be silly to criticize her.”

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde in their winning presentation.

Charlotte Jorst has another fantastic ride aboard her stallion, Kastel’s Nintendo. The duo has only been together for a year, but you would never be able to tell from their consistent performances in the ring. “He always feels great. I’m still learning how long to warm him up and today I think I may have warmed him up a bit too much because if he comes out soft, he only needs ten minutes to feel great,” she said commenting on her test today.

The pair will compete again in two CDIs in March at AGDF and will look forward to a strong summer circuit in California. “I don’t know what I’m going to do after California, but I’m going to continue competing because I have so much fun.” Jorst will be adding a new mount to her growing string, as she recently purchased Akeem Foldager from Andreas Helgstrand in Denmark and the horse will arrive on U.S. soil next week. “I’m just over the moon, and we will see how I can ride him. Maybe he will be a Pan American Games contender, but I’m just going to see if I can ride him first and get the one and two tempis because they’re the hardest for me, but if we can get them, I would love to go for it.”

Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo had a strong showing in the class, and Francis feels like she is starting to get a hold of Danilo’s nerves in the ring. “If you overwhelm him he just gets hotter and hotter, so I am being really careful to make sure we don’t fry him mentally and do it the right way. He is so talented physically, he just has a little bit of catching up to do mentally,” she said.

The pair enjoys relaxing work sessions during the week to help keep the gelding calm and continue to build on their already solid relationship. “He’s learning to trust me more, and he’s staying much calmer. He really internalizes everything and starts to get nervous. We do a lot of work in the field several days a week and give him a chance to look at things. It’s good for him. He’s a very stimulated horse.”

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

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 CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Kathleen Raine (USA), Breanna, 2000 Hanoverian mare, Bretano ii x World Queen x Weltmeyer: 72.157%, 72.255%, 72.255%, 72.745%, 73.922%, 72.667%

2. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Di Versave x Fatima x Farragamo: 71.765%, 73.333%, 70.196%, 70.980%, 73.725%, 72.000%

3. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 2002 Hanoverian gelding, De Niro x Rosana M x Regazonni: 69.216%, 70.098%, 67.941%, 68.725%, 69.412%, 69.078%

4. Susan Dutta (USA), Currency DC, 2000 Oldenburg gelding, Clintino x Cinderella x Classiker: 67.451%, 69.216%, 65.490%, 67.157%, 65.686%, 67.000%

5. Michael Barisone (USA), HF Victor, 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Gribaldi x Miana x Burggraaf: 65.392%, 63.235%, 63.431%, 65.000%, 66.373%, 64.686%

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Steffen Peters (USA), Rosamunde, 2007 Rhinelander mare, Rock Forever x First Lady x Fidermark: 76.863%, 72.451%, 73.235%, 71.078%, 75.098%, 73.745%

2. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Nintendo, 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion, Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco: 67.451%, 70.490%, 68.627%, 70.196%, 71.275%, 69.608%

3. Shelly Francis (USA), Danilo, 2004 Hanoverian gelding, De Niro x Annabella x Andiamo: 69.510% 69.706%, 70.490%, 67.647%, 68.333%, 69.137%

4. Arlene Page (USA), Woodstock, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Havel x Mirania x Contango: 69.412%, 67.451% 70.980%, 68.235%, 68.725%, 68.961%

5. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 2001 Oldenburg gelding, Sandro Song x Rosenfee x Rohdiamant: 71.078%, 68.529%, 65.980%, 67.745%, 67.549%, 67.824%

6. Lara Griffith (GBR), Rubin Al Asad, 2002 Hanoverian gelding, Rubin Royal x Wandergirl: 66.373%, 67.059%, 70.392%, 67.745%, 67.549%, 67.824%

7. Alice Tarjan (USA), Elfenfeuer, 2007 Oldenburg mare, Florencio x Elfensonne x Sion: 65.980%, 66.961%, 65.490%, 69.216%, 66.569%, 66.843%

8. Yvonne Losos de Muniz (DOM), Foco Loco W, 2005 Belgian Warmblood gelding, V Sierappel x M. Weingraefin: 65.784%, 64.412%, 64.804%, 67.745%, 65.196%, 65.588%

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

Laura Milner

From British Dressage

AASE chance for 16 – 19 year olds

Top riders can get the support they need to be the best of the best with a unique ‘apprenticeship’ at Hartpury.
The Equine Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is provided by British Dressage and British Evening and run exclusively at Hartpury. The apprenticeship in dressage and eventing is putting talented young riders based all over the country on the right path to succeed at the very highest level with the support of mentors who have played a starring role in the equestrian world – as competitors and coaches.

AASE apprenticeships – which cover 20 sports nationally – were developed by National Sporting Governing Bodies to improve the performance of elite young athletes. The programme has had great success since it launched at Hartpury in summer 2013.
Riders are supported to apply what they learn on 11 ‘centre’ days at Hartpury and as part of a virtual learning programme to improve and evaluate both their own performance and that of their horse. Modules are focused on improving riding, horse management, tactical skills and fitness and nutrition as well as helping riders to manage their lifestyle and their career so that they are physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of top level competition.
The programme is extremely flexible and is designed to fit in around students’ existing academic commitments or jobs. Many of the current AASE riders are studying for A-levels in their home town or working full-time as well as taking part in top level competitions.

Phil de Glanville, Hartpury’s head of elite sport, said: “The four AASE mentors concentrate on riding and tactical elements when they come to visit students in their own yards or when they are training with their coaches, working with those home coaches to ensure that the riders get the most out of their training.

“We’re very proud of the success of our young riding stars on the unique AASE programme. As we’ve seen, these apprenticeships can be a stepping stone to prepare the best young riders for the world class performance programmes, teaching them the theory they need to succeed and accelerating their progress so they are ready to meet the challenges of competing at an elite level.”

20 year old Laura Milner is one of four dressage graduates from the first intake of students and she can’t talk highly enough of her experience on the AASE programme. Particular plus points she found as part of the course were:

- having access to high quality mentors – mine were Nick Burton and Claire Moir. They helped us along the way, as well as coming out to see us train with our home coaches and offer helpful pieces of information for the training of our horses.

- the high standards of Hartpury – being able to view and use the facilities there, such as the equine rehabilitation centre, was fascinating and really gave us a fantastic and of course realistic, view on things that we needed to write about. Along with this, being able to go to the gym and train with Owen Satterley, who infact worked with Charlotte Dujardin for 2012, was great as it showed how much they knew for the background of our riding. This really helped as we then had a programme to work on when we got home!

- We were able to go on visits such as the National Championships and to Carl Hester’s yard. It was different to any other time as we had to analyse different riders tests which meant that rather than thinking ‘wow that looks great’, we were able to develop it to know why. At Carl’s yard, we discussed management of the horses which was great to see how the horses are managed there and see the facilities.

Laura summed her experience up in saying; “I was able to complete the AASE course not only alongside running a yard of 24 horses and competing, but also running my own Equine Rug washing business which has been extremely busy! It helped that we were able to do a lot of the work at home as this meant that we didn’t have to be traveling every week to complete it! Nick (Burton) was always on the end of the phone to offer advice and help with any issues I had. Also being able to have him to come up here to see where I train from really helped as he was very understanding and he helped me to plan everything for the horses (competing and training) and also for me!

“I think it is an absolutely fantastic opportunity – not only does it get you to be more known in the dressage ‘world’, but you also learn a heck of a lot, and I use the things I learnt every day! Chances to gain a qualification doing something you love don’t come around often – jump while you can!”

Who is eligible?

You must
• Have 5 GCSE’s A* to C, including Maths and English.
• Be aged 16 and over by August 31st 2015, and under 19 years of age by the same date.
• Be resident in England

Dressage

Riders should be competing consistently at Medium level and above and achieving 65% or more. (Applicants should have a minimum of four results at the level required in the 12 months prior to application).

Riders will also be considered on younger horses (up to 7 years of age) who demonstrate the potential to compete successfully at International level and are already competing consistently at Elementary or above and achieving 70% or more. Please note freestyle scores do not count towards minimum criteria.

Para Equestrian Dressage

Riders must have a current classification and should be consistently and currently scoring 62% in their relevant grade at BD Para Dressage Competitions. Please note freestyle scores cannot be counted.

On top of this, applicants, aged 16-19, will need to display a willingness to learn and the desire and commitment to succeed.

Applications for the 20 places available for this year’s programme, which starts in September 2015, open today and close on 29 Ma, 2015. Riders meeting the entry criteria published on the website can also attend an exclusive Open Day at Hartpury on 9 April 2015. Successful applicants will be notified in June. You can find out more and how to apply on the Hartpury College website

Picture: Laura Milner receives her certificate from her AASE course mentor Nick Burton (photo from Laura’s Facebook page with thanks)

Katherine Bateson-Chandler (left) accepts the HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award from HORSE GYM USA®’s founder and president Henrik Gundersen

Wellington, FL (February 6, 2015)— It was even more than first-place in the Open FEI Grand Prix for Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Jane Clark’s Alcazar during week three of the largest CDI series in the world. The dressage duo also rode away with the first-ever HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award presented by HORSE GYM USA®’s founder and president, Henrik Gundersen.

HORSE GYM USA® has been a trusted named in equine treadmills and therapeutic equipment for a decade. To celebrate that landmark anniversary, Gundersen will be presenting HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Awards throughout the CDI series of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Bateson-Chandler, the first rider to accept the HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award, told Gundersen, “It’s exciting being in the Grand Prix. Alcazar is a young, green horse. I think he’s ready to step up to international competition and CDI’s, but there’s no rush. He’ll do it when he’s ready, so we’ll see what he says.”

“I have to say this award is shared with Alcazar’s owner, Jane Clark, who has so kindly brought us along. She’s been an amazing supporter.” Bateson-Chandler, who took over the ride on the nine year-old dark bay KWPN (Contango x Polina/Ferro) gelding from Robert Dover after he retired from competition, recently piloted the horse to the 2015 Adequan USDF Dressage (Intermediate II) Horse of the Year Award. The United Kingdom-born rider divides her seasons between Wellington and summers ‘across The Pond’ with mentor and dressage Olympian, Carl Hester, with whom she delivered a series of educational events throughout England last October.

The secret to Alcazar’s fitness success, Bateson-Chandler told Gundersen, is in variety: “He’s in an arena only three days a week. I’m blessed with a big Grand Prix jumper field, flat track, and plenty of hacking trails so we can get out of the arena. We’ve also used Horse Gym quite a bit. It was a lifesaver for a horse we had that was difficult to walk in-hand. We put him on a Horse Gym treadmill every day and it really helped bring him back for another season.”

“The HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award is meant to go to the horse and rider pair whose animal exemplifies prime body condition and athletic ability, from the strong top line indicative of fitness, to the strength and endurance for the job at hand. Alcazar looks more than ready for more CDI’s,” Gundersen complimented her. The award included a commemorative ribbon and navy blue embroidered riding jacket from HORSE GYM USA®.

Among the exciting expanding product line to be showcased in Wellington, Florida at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center at the Winter Equestrian Festival by ring 6 are a dry treadmill model— the HORSE GYM USA® | WALK— that offers a generous trade-in for older model treadmills; the all-in-one HORSE GYM USA® | WATER, which can fill with water from just a few inches to a horse’s shoulder or be used dry; HORSE GYM USA® | SPA, a cold, saltwater solution to soaking, icing and bandaging legs whose bubbles create therapeutic, wave-like action; and a programmable vibration plate— the HORSE GYM USA® | RELAX— with separate solarium, SUN 15, to warm up, cool out, and offer zero-impact conditioning.

The Adequan ® Global Dressage Festival hosts three national and seven international weeks of competition through March 29, and features seven FEI Dressage events— including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. Total prize money of more than $650,000 makes the 2015 show series the richest dressage circuit in the world.

Learn more about the trusted quality and reputation behind HORSE GYM USA® products by visiting www.horsegym.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/horsegym.

Photo: Ilse Schwartz wins the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (February 6, 2015)— As any competitor knows, a good attitude can go a long way toward creating a positive experience. This is especially true at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which recently hosted the biggest CDI competition in Adequan Global Dressage Festival history. The high spirits and friendliness of competitors like Ilse Schwartz helped contribute to an overall positive atmosphere, despite the high stakes of the international competition. Premier Equestrian, an official sponsor and partner of the show series, presented the company’s Sportsmanship Award to Australian competitor Schwartz to reward her positive energy.

Schwartz’s award included a tri-colored Sportsmanship Award ribbon, an embroidered Premier Equestrian towel, and a copy of “The Horse Angels” (a novel by Premier Equestrian’s CEO Mark Neihart). Premier Equestrian hopes that presenting the Sportsmanship Award will let competitors like Schwartz know that their outstanding attitudes are noticed and appreciated, and will encourage all riders to enter the show ring in winning spirits.

Premier Equestrian noticed that, even during the stress of competition, Schwartz was unfailingly kind, patient, and friendly to other competitors and her horses. “If people are nice to me it changes my day, and I figure I can help people that way too. I was born an optimist. I just find it keeps me happy in this industry,” Schwartz explained. The successful rider and trainer is based out of her own twelve-stall dressage farm, Magnolia Farm, in Wellington, Florida.

Schwartz remained modest about her achievements during week three of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. She competed the Oldenburg gelding Don Joseph (Don Kennedy x Calmera), a young horse with whom she has already achieved impressive accomplishments in the show ring. “It went very well,” she said. “It was my horse’s first time doing the Prix St. Georges, and we did a nice conservative test, and he finished up in the ribbons.” Schwartz and Don Joseph placed second in the Prix St. Georges with a score of 67.237 percent.

Schwartz, who says she prescribes to the Steffan Peters training system, takes pride in training horses from lower levels to Grand Prix. She is known to be a regular “shopper” in Europe for young sales horses and accomplished horses for clients. She has been giving regular clinics in Australia since 2006, and in Florida since 2010. Her students have been successful at both State and National Championships, as well as the World Young Riders Finals in Frankfurt, Germany. Schwartz has also achieved her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals.

Her plans for the upcoming season include advancing Don Joseph, and competing a young mare she bought as a three-year-old. “She finally got her one-tempi, so hopefully there’s a Grand Prix starting in there for her because she does everything else,” said Schwartz. “And then there’s a super special five-year-old who hopefully will show up fairly soon with the five-year-old class. His name is First Count, but we call him Nemo at times because he’s sort of got a goldfish brain!” She laughs.

“I’ve also just leased my Grand Prix horse (that I bred) to a client of mine whose horse had a bad accident,” said Schwartz. “We’re hoping that she can get some of her medals this season— that’s the other big goal for the barn this year.” Yet another example of Schwartz’s exemplary sportsmanship and generosity, though lending her Grand Prix mount wasn’t something she even thought twice about. “I kind of had to do it,” she explained. “It just felt right.”

Premier Equestrian offers high-quality and affordable products to dressage riders— including premier dressage arenas, horse arena footing, revolutionized horse jumps, and accessories. For more information about the presenter of the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award and the products it offers, visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

Kathleen Raine and Breanna at the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. (SusanJStickle.com)

By Helen Murray

Wellington, Fla. – The Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms got underway Thursday evening with 20 combinations from five nations completing the FEI Grand Prix Test. Kathleen Raine and her veteran, Breanna, were the top performers of the 10 U.S. entries, slotting into third-place.

“I was so happy with her, it was a really fun ride in a great atmosphere,” reflected Raine. “I’m so lucky to have such a special horse.”

Denmark claimed the top two spots Thursday evening as Lars Petersen and Mariett earned top honors on a score of 74.160% and Mikala Gundersen and My Lady finished second with a 72.960%.

Find full results from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms Grand Prix here.

Earlier in the day, Americans swept the top three spots in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix as Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Four Winds Farm’s eight-year-old Rheinlander mare, Rosamunde, led the way with a score of 71.300%. Arlene Page (Wellington, Fla.) and her own 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Woodstock, earned second-place honors on a score of 70.420%, while Charlotte Jorst (Reno, Nev.) and Kastel Denmark’s 12-year-old KWPN stallion, Kastel’s Nintendo, rounded out the top three with a score of 70.360%.

Find full results from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix here.

In Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty Small Tour competition, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (Middleburg, Va.) and her own 10-year-old Rassing’s Lonior finished second in the field of 46 on a score of 71.947% in the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. Great Britain’s Laura Tomlinson and Unique proved victorious after scoring 73.316%.

Find full results from the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty Prix St. Georges here.

Learn more about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival here.

Follow the U.S Dressage Team!