Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2015 – For the second time early in the 2015 season, Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett, a 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, rose to the top of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class presented this week by US P.R.E. Association. The duo scored a 75.325% to take the class, with Shelly Francis (USA) placing second on a 74.500% aboard Doktor, and fellow Danish rider Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady coming in third with a 73.850%. More than 1,400 people filled the stands, a record high this early in the season.

Petersen and Mariett are coming fresh off of a win in the FEI Grand Prix class on Thursday, giving them two major wins at Week 3 of AGDF competition. “I was very happy with her. She is feeling great and scored very well today,” stated Petersen. “I thought her changes were very good and her piaffes as well. For me, it is not so much about the movements, but the rideability and the basics. She is really starting to get better there.”

Click here to watch the video of Lars Petersen and Mariet’s Freestyle.

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady

My Lady also performed a lovely test, and Gundersen only hopes to see her scores improve as they aim for FEI World Cup qualifications. “She was very tense in the warm-up and was scared of everything. She was not very focused, but as soon as her music comes on she knows exactly what to do,” smiled Gundersen. “She has the music memorized, and I think it is very cool that she is so in-tune with what is going on.”

Kim Boyer, President of the US P.R.E. Association, the Large Tour sponsor for Week 3 at AGDF, was delighted with the incredible turnout at the “Friday Night Stars” event. “Originally when we decided to sponsor we thought this would be a great way to really focus on a target audience and expose them to talents of the horses we breed,” explained Boyer. “But never have we dreamed that this event would bring along the rest of the world so quickly and give us such an opportunity to spotlight their talents. We had an incredible week and have appreciated the opportunity to hold our events here. It has been truly special.”

Shelly Francis and Doktor

The atmosphere was electric, as nearly every seat was filled throughout the duration of the evening. Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, shared his excitement over the continued growth of the event, of which Adequan® is the title sponsor. “Here we are in the second large event of the season and it is amazing to see the response of the community and how dressage has really taken on a whole new meaning in this environment,” he commented. “We’re very proud to be apart of this event, and I would like to thank Mark Bellissimo for this wonderful venue and allowing our brand to be a part of it.”

Petersen and Mariett in their winning presentation.

Judge Hans-Christian Mattiesen also expressed his gratitude and excitement for being able to be a part of the growing AGDF circuit. “I would like to congratulate everyone behind this show, it is really great. We can certainly learn a lot from this show back in Europe, the way you create this wonderful atmosphere. It is great being able to judge such a high performing class,” he commented and continued to explain how a competition like AGDF will continue to positively impact the growth of the sport in the United States.

Earlier in the day, the FEI Prix St. Georges class sponsored by the Chesapeake Dressage Institute concluded, as it continued over two days due to the large number of entries. Sabine Schut-Kery (USA) topped the large class of 48 aboard 2006 Hanoverian stallion Sanceo, scoring a 71.184%. She was followed by Kasey Perry (USA) riding Goerklintgaards Dublet receiving a 70.947% and Tina Konyot (USA) taking third aboard Wyoming with a 70.921%.

Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo

Schut-Kery was thrilled that the pair finished atop the largest class this season at AGDF. “It feels amazing to come out on top in a competition like this. It makes it very exciting, but also helps to keep me focused and in my zone,” she said. “I am always trying to find the words to fit how proud I am of him. I love the consistency he gives me and that is what I always strive for in the partnerships with my horses.”

The environment, which gives riders many opportunities to expose their horses to new things, is an aspect of the competition that Schut-Kery finds very helpful with Sanceo, “The environment here is so grand and with so many quality riders it is truly a great experience,” she continued. “I just want to make sure that I am not doing too much and finding that perfect balance.”

Schut-Kery and Sanceo in their winning presentation

AGDF 3 continues on Saturday with the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by US P.R.E. Association. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Photo Credit: copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI W, presented by US P.R.E. Association

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

1. Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare: 76.125%, 75.00%, 75.750%, 75.500%, 74.250%, 75.325%
2. Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor, 2003 Oldenburg gelding: 73.375%, 76.125%, 74.375%, 74.000%, 74.625%, 74.500%
3. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare: 73.875%, 73.750%, 75.125%, 76.000%, 70.500%, 73.850%
4. Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 2002 Oldenburg gelding: 74.375%, 71.000%, 73.375%, 73.750%, 70.875%, 72.675%
5. Arlene Page (USA), Alina, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare: 70.750%, 72,875%, 73.375%, 73.125%, 71.750%, 72.375%
6. Jaqueline Brooks (CAN), DeNiro, 1999 Swedish Warmblood gelding: 73.875%, 71.875% 71.625%, 72.500%, 71.750%, 72.325%
7. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Benetton Dream, 2004 Hanoverian stallion: 69.875%, 70.875%, 69.250%, 72.250%, 68.750%, 70.200%
8. Kelly Lane (AUS), Udon P, 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding: 68.875%, 71.000%, 71.875%, 66.875%, 69.000%, 69.525%

Final Results: FEI Prix St. Georges CDI W, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute

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

1. Sabine Schut-Kery (USA), Sanceo, 2006 Hanoverian stallion: 68.553%, 74.211%, 72.105%, 70.000%, 71.0535%, 71.184%
2. Kasey Perry (USA), Goerklintgaards Dublet, 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding: 70.000%, 68.816%, 72.500%, 70.526%, 72.895%, 70.947%
3. Tina Konyot (USA), Wyoming, 2001 Hanoverian gelding: 73.816%, 71.579%, 69.474%, 68.289%, 71.447%, 70.921%
4. Michael Klimke (GER), Fineliner 2, 2006 Westphalian gelding: 69.079%, 73.158%, 69.605%, 69.342%, 71.316%, 70.500%
5. Kim Herslow (USA), Rosmarin, 2005 Hanoverian gelding: 70.395%, 71.974%, 69.605%, 67.895%, 67.763%, 69.526%
6.Christoph Koschel (GER), Leuchtfeurer DE, 2003 Hanoverian gelding: 68.158%, 69.605%, 68.026%, 69.342%, 71.316%, 69.289%
7. Megan Lane (CAN), San D’Or, 2006 Westphalian gelding: 70.132%, 67.763%, 70.000%, 65.658%, 66.316%, 67.974%
8. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA), Rassing’s Lonoir, 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding: 67.105%, 67.500%, 67.237%, 66.974%, 68.816%, 67.526%

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Dr. Juliet Getty never stops urging horse owners to “feed your horse like a horse,” for the simple reason that a horse, fed according to his physiology and instincts, will be healthier. Dr. Getty often speaks about free choice forage feeding as the first line of defense against ulcers, but there is more an owner can do to protect his horse from the pain and stress of this condition.

“For many reasons,” says the Ph.D. equine nutrition expert, “a steady, constant supply of forage keeps your horse’s digestive system healthy, but it’s especially important in ulcer prevention.” Some basic anatomy knowledge reveals why: Unlike in the human, the horse’s stomach secretes acid all the time, even when empty. Chewing creates saliva, a natural antacid. If left without food, horses will chew on whatever they can, even their own manure, to neutralize the acid that is causing them physical pain and mental discomfort. And if left with absolutely nothing to chew on, the horse will commonly develop ulcers.

Horses in the wild do not get ulcers. The diet and lifestyle we impose on our horses are to blame for this disabling condition. The good news is encouraging, according to Dr. Getty, who reminds horse owners, “We have the ability to prevent ulcers through proper feeding and stress reduction.”

In addition to offering forage, free-choice, Dr. Getty suggests horse owners consider these protective feeding guidelines:

· Avoid oats and other cereal grains (corn, barley, wheat, rice, etc.). Starchy feeds can lead to ulcers by stimulating stomach cells to produce more acid and encouraging acid production through bacterial fermentation. In addition, grains move through the stomach quickly, leaving an empty stomach that is vulnerable to acid.

· Feed beet pulp instead of cereal grains. It has as many calories as oats without the propensity for acid production found with starch.

· If you feed extra fat, choose the right type. Vegetable oils, such as soybean and corn oils, are the most popular fat sources but they promote inflammation due to their high omega 6 content. Instead, choose vegetable sources that are high in omega 3s such as flax (meal or oil) or chia seeds, to actually reduce the inflammation experienced with ulcers.

· Provide high-quality protein. Legumes such as alfalfa, soybean meal, and split peas will complement the rest of the diet, offering enough amino acids (building blocks of protein) to allow for proper maintenance and healing. Plus, alfalfa hay should be offered to any horse who is prone toward developing an ulcer (such as during stall confinement) because it is an excellent buffer.

· Feed the hindgut microbial population. Fermentation products and yeast feed the microbes living in the hindgut (cecum and large colon). This makes digestion more efficient and promotes B vitamin synthesis to heal the digestive tract.

· Offer additional B vitamins. Stress (from pain or difficult situation) uses up B vitamins at a rapid rate. Offer a B-complex preparation that includes all 8 B-vitamins but that does not have added iron (there is plenty of iron in forage and supplementation is rarely needed).

You know what stresses your horse

An unfamiliar environment, loss of a buddy, stalling, training, travel, and performance can result in more acid production. Did you know that a horse that is moved into a stall after being used to pasture turnout is likely to develop a gastric ulcer in less than a week? Make adjustments to your horse’s lifestyle that would reduce stress. Even a horse that appears calm can have an ulcer.

The best way to avoid an ulcer is to allow your horse to be a horse

And the best way to do that is to give him pasture turnout – the more time the better. It not only gives him a steady supply of forage, but it lets him walk around, have a chance to run and buck, and visit with other horses. I realize that it is not always feasible to give your horse all the turnout he wants, but keeping hay in front of him at all times while confined will go a long way toward protecting his digestive system.

Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. is an internationally respected, independent equine nutritionist who believes that optimizing horse health comes from understanding how the horse’s physiology and instincts determine the correct feeding and nutrition practices. She is available for private consultations and speaking engagements. Hear Dr. Getty address issues in horse nutrition at the Kirkland House Foundation in Delta, British Columbia, sponsored by “Hay…Girl!” on May 2, 2015. For more information, contact Pam Janssen at precioushaygirl@gmail.com or call 604-961-7265.

Dr. Getty’s comprehensive resource book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, is available at Dr. Getty’s website, as well as from Amazon and other online book retailers. The seven separate volumes in Dr. Getty’s topic-centered “Spotlight on Equine Nutrition” series are also available at her website (where Dr. Getty offers special package pricing) and from Amazon (in print and Kindle versions) and from other online retailers. Dr. Getty’s books make ideal gifts for horse-loving friends.

USEF Communications Department

Lexington, Ky.- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that Elisabeth Williams has been elected as the Chair of the High Performance Dressage Committee effective immediately. Williams replaces Janet Foy as Chair of the Committee, but who will remain on the committee, and will serve the remaining two years of the term.

“I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this position. In this extremely important year for U.S. High Performance Dressage, I will strive to do my utmost to, with the aid of everyone else involved, achieve our highest expectations,” said Williams.

“I very much enjoyed chairing this wonderful group of people so involved in the sport of dressage. During my time as Chair we saw a lot of forward progress for the elite programs,” remarked Foy. “However, as an FEI 4* Judge I am keen to pursue more judging opportunities and also other opportunities linked to my husband’s new role with the American Association of Orthodontists. I look forward to serving the dressage sport in many other areas, including in my new job as a Board Member for North America for the International Dressage Officials Club. A special thanks goes to Jenny Van Wieren-Page as Managing Director of Dressage and the key liaison to the Committee.”

U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover commended Foy for her work as Chair of the High Performance Dressage Committee and congratulated Williams on her new position.

“I want to congratulate Elisabeth Williams on being elected as the new Chair of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee. Elisabeth has a long and distinguished background in the sport and I know she will be an invaluable leader as was Janet Foy. Janet has done a wonderful job but needs to commit more time and energy toward her goals as an international judge; however, we are fortunate that she will remain as a member of the committee. I look forward to working closely with Elisabeth in our efforts to make America a medal leader in dressage,” said Dover.

Lars Petersen and Mariett

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett, a 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, topped the FEI Grand Prix CDI W class sponsored by the U.S. P.R.E. Association on the first day of competition during Week 3 of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The duo scored a 73.220% to take the win, followed closely by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP) aboard the beautiful P.R.E. stallion Grandioso, scoring a 72.360%, and Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor coming in third on a 72.200%. Tomorrow’s competition will highlight the final group of the FEI Prix St. Georges class, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, as well as the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by the U.S. P.R.E. Association, beginning at 6:45pm.

Petersen and Mariett have formed an incredible partnership through the years and their efforts are paying off greatly in the beginning of the 2015 season, as this is the pair’s second win at AGDF. “She was very good today. There were a few bobbles, but I was still very pleased with the test overall,” said Petersen. “She was great last week during the ‘Friday Night Stars’ Freestyle, and I just want to keep her as fit and supple as possible and not do more with her than I need to.”

Click Here to watch the video of Lars’ and Mariett’s winning ride! Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Age has never been a concern with Mariett according to Petersen, as the mare will turn 18 next year. “She feels amazing, and I am confident that she will come back next year the same way. I don’t know what it is about her, but she continues to feel better with each ride,” he expressed.

The duo preformed a lovely test late in afternoon, as they were in the latter half of the class, which boasted 33 competitors. A crowd favorite, Petersen plans to take Mariett out a few more times this season at AGDF, aiming her towards the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas this April. “We will be doing a total of five shows throughout the season. I know what to do in-between the shows. I don’t need to push her any harder just because she is competing. It actually works very well for her,” commented Petersen. “I will be doing the CDI 5* in a few weeks and a couple more after that. My ultimate goal is to aim her for the World Cup Finals.”

Lars Petersen and Mariett in their winning presentation with Kim Boyer and representatives from the US P.R.E. Association, judge Peter Holler (GER), and Allyn Mann of Adequan®.

“Her rideability has been amazing recently. It is not so much the movements; she’s just gotten so through and supple. She has been moving so nicely, and it has not always been that way,” stated Petersen. “I am just so proud of her, a 17-year-old horse that is moving like this and is still so fresh and happy. I couldn’t ask anything more from her.”

Keeping the mare happy and healthy are the focus for Petersen as the season continues. “There is something my Dad told me that I’ve always thought about in my career and I really like, ‘The art is not only getting them to Grand Prix, but the art is also keeping them there,’ and for me as a horseman that is important,” he recalled. “It’s a great philosophy.”

Second place finishers Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso

The FEI Grand Prix class, filled with veteran pairs, had riders from seven different countries place in the top eight, a testament to the growing international presence at AGDF, as well as to the strength of competition. AGDF competition continues tomorrow with the final rides for the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute, and the highlight class of the week, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by US P.R.E. Association, starting at 6:45 pm.

Third place finishers Shelly Francis and Doktor

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

Final Results: FEI Grand Prix CDI W, presented by U.S. P.R.E. Association

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

1. Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, Come Back II x Zendi x Sidney: 71.300%, 72.900%, 74.400%, 75.000%, 72.500%, 73.220%

2. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP), Grandioso, 1999 P.R.E. stallion, Adelante x Grandiosa x Sevillano IX: 69.700%, 75.800%, 74.500%, 70.800%, 71.000%, 72.360%

3. Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor, 2003 Oldenburg gelding, Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I: 69.300%, 71.100%, 73.300%, 75.900%, 71.400%, 72.200%

4. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare, Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern: 73.400%, 70.500%, 73.300%, 70.500%, 69.500%, 71.440%

5.Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Di Versace x Fatima x Farragamo: 69.700%, 70.600%, 71.000%, 71.700%, 70.600%, 70.720%

6. Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 2002 Oldenburg gelding, Don Cardinale x Nedstatte III x Rubinstein I: 69.200%, 70.000%, 71.600%, 68.000%, 69.800% 69.720%

7. Christoph Koschel (GER), Tiesto, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Gribaldi x Nadie x Ferro: 69.900%, 68.600%, 69.200%, 68.900%, 71.700%, 69.660%

8. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 2001 Oldenburg stallion, Sandro Song x Rosenfee x Rohdiamant: 69.500%, 67.800%, 66.300%, 68.900%, 68.800%, 68.260%

Photos: © SusanJStickle.com.

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.

The Wild Horse Dilemma: Conflicts and Controversies of the Atlantic Coast Herds

Introduction by Jay F. Kirkpatrick, PhD • The Science and Conservation Center • Author of Into the Wind Wild Horses of North America
Foreword by Don Höglund, MS, DVM • Author of Nobody’s Horses: The Dramatic Rescue of the Wild Herd of White Sands

Tirades and threats. Hyperbole and deception. Changing landscapes and immutable opinions. Living traditions and dead animals. The conflicts that rage around the wild horses of the Atlantic coast can be loud, confusing, and downright vicious. Wild horses have lived on these barrier islands for hundreds of years, and many people would like to see them remain. Horse advocates and horse detractors alike turn to research to support their claims, but often reach different conclusions from the same information.

Frustrated by the lack of solid information about the barrier-island herds of the East Coast, Bonnie Gruenberg, a healthcare professional and lifelong equestrian, set about to build a lively, readable text on a foundation of objectivity and scientific integrity. “My goal was to create a trusted resource that is useful to professionals yet intriguing to laypeople,” she said, “but my respect for and fascination with these horses shines though.” She has spent two decades in the field observing wild horses and human behavior toward them. She has devoted countless hours to examining historical records and genetic studies, dissecting folklore and journalism, and exposing unexamined assumptions. She has asked hard questions—Are these animals native or exotic? Wild or feral? What might we gain by saving wild horses from extinction, and what might we lose if they died out?

Along the way, the author has encountered a cast of memorable characters: The panhandling horses of Assateague Island, campers who treat them as pets, and hunters who take them for deer. Misty, the pony who made Chincoteague, Va., famous, and her human publicist. The Saltwater Cowboys, who tend horses, not cattle. The scientists who developed an equine pregnancy vaccine. The world’s first and last mounted Boy Scout troop. Bucky, lone survivor of a herd that roamed Cedar Island, N.C. Public-spirited multimillionaires and indifferent public servants. Horse-huggers, horse-haters, and many in the middle trying to make sense of it all.

Engaging the reader at every turn of the page, Bonnie Gruenberg frequently breaks new ground as she separates fact from myth and exposes the roots of issues for the reader to consider. She weaves a story of ancient origins and current events, hard science and fiery passion. She has included more than 250 of her own arresting images, as well as historical photographs and maps. The result is the most comprehensive and factual reference on the wild horses of the Atlantic coast.

The Wild Horse Dilemma: Conflicts and Controversies of the East Coast Herds is the result of Gruenberg’s journey to understanding. It is the only work in print in any language covering all the eastern herds and the forces driving them toward oblivion. Though meant to be read for pleasure, it was researched, documented, and vetted by textbook standards. Reception has been enthusiastic:

“I am mightily impressed . . . with your scholarship and thoroughness.” — Jay F. Kirkpatrick, director, Science and Conservation Center, ZooMontana

“To say I am impressed is an understatement. This is an in-depth read not to be missed by serious wild horse enthusiasts. While the collection of archival photos is a treat, Gruenberg’s own photos are second to none.” — Victoria Tollman • Executive Director, Equus Survival Trust

“It is the most impressive work about wild horses that I have ever read. I am in awe.” — Karen McCalpin, herd manager, Corolla Wild Horse Fund

“It is comprehensive, a stellar piece of research, and simply fascinating to read.”— Steve Edwards Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Isle of Wight Co., Va.; Chairman of the Board Gwaltney Frontier Farms Inc and Corolla Wild Horse Fund; wild horse rehabilitator.

Bonnie Gruenberg, MSN, CRNP, is a midwife and nurse practitioner practicing in rural Pennsylvania, a former riding instructor, and an award-winning writer. Her published works include Essentials of Prehospital Maternity Care (Prentice Hall, 2005) and Birth Emergency Skills Training (Birth Muse, 2008), and Hoofprints in the Sand: Wild Horses of the Atlantic Coast (Eclipse Press, 2002).

Quagga Press is an independent publishing company that focuses on equine and equestrian subjects, wildlife, and conservation.

The Wild Horse Dilemma: Conflicts and Controversies of the East Coast Herds
First edition (April 30, 2015) • Paperback • 598 pp. • English • ISBN 13: 978-0979002038 • ISBN 10: 0979002036 • Library of Congress Control Number: 2014952179 • 7 x 10 x 1.25 in./18 x 25 x 3 cm • US $36.00

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at Aachen in 2014. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photo.

Wellington, FL – January 22, 2015 – United States dressage competitor Adrienne Lyle has announced the retirement of Wizard, her Olympic and World Equestrian Games partner. The 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Weltmeyer-Pica, Classiker) is owned by Peggy Thomas.

From Phelps Media Group

Highlights of Lyle and Wizard’s long partnership include representing the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games as well as at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, where they contributed to a fourth place team finish. They were the 2008 Brentina Cup champions.

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at the 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

Lyle said: “Wizard enjoys being turned out and goes in turnout daily. One day this winter after coming in to be ridden, he just didn’t feel right. After having our vet here in Florida evaluate him, it looks to be a strain in a suspensory.

“Everyone involved in Wizard’s life wants his health and happiness to be our number one priority. The Thomas family, Debbie McDonald and I made a decision that we would not push Wizard’s rehab to be ready to try for the World Cup Final this year. Given Wizard’s age, we have made the decision to get him happy and comfortable and give him the retirement he deserves.

“My partnership with Wizard began in 2007, when I came to Debbie McDonald as a working student and was given the ride on Wizard shortly thereafter. As everybody knows, it takes an amazing team to get a horse and rider to the top level of our sport, and I have had the most incredible team you could think of!

“For the past eight years, I have had the amazing support of the Thomas family, who allowed me to ride Wizard and compete him around the country and around the world. I have had Debbie McDonald’s incredible coaching every step of the way as well as Bob McDonald running the farm and handling the logistics of Wizard’s jet-setting life. Wizard took me around the world to places I never thought I’d get to be.

“I am eternally grateful to all of those involved in Wizard’s career for allowing me to have this amazing journey with him. He will return with me to the Thomases’ River Grove Farm in Idaho and join Brentina in her retirement there.”

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at Aachen in 2014. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photo

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Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo by Rebecca Walton

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# # #
PhelpsMediaGroup.com
Media Contact: Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
Phelps Media Group, Inc. (PMG), based in Wellington, Florida, is a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world.

Photo Caption: Russia's Elena Sidneva, riding Romeo Star, won the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Central European League. (FEI/Katya Shtatnova)

Lausanne (SUI), 22 January 2015

Russian riders dominate in Central Europe while Canada’s Pavicic heads North American League and Australia’s Ryan leads Pacific series, by Louise Parkes

Russian riders were absolutely dominant when taking the top three, as well as five of the top six placings in the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Central European League which drew to a close at Kaposvar, Hungary last October. Elena Sidneva pipped last year’s winner Tatiana Dorofeeva for the title, while Inessa Merkulova clinched third place for the second year in a row. Only Estonia’s Dina Ellermann managed to prevent a complete Russian whitewash of the top six when slotting into fourth ahead of Marina Aframeeva and Vera Khalikova in fifth and sixth spots.

Sidneva sealed the series victory when finishing fourth at the final leg, and finished a full five points ahead of runner-up Dorofeeva.

The 10-leg North American League meanwhile will reach its halfway stage this week in Wellington, Florida with Canada’s Karen Pavicic out in front, while Australia’s Heath Ryan leads the Pacific series with just one last event to run.

Central Europe

Competition in the Central European series was strong, and 50-year-old Sidneva made a good start when finishing fourth at the opening leg at Lipica, Slovenia last May. Her score of 73.425 with Romeo Star left her close behind third-placed Uwe Schanz and Di Sandro whose German counterparts, brother and sister Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Benjamin Werndl, filled the top two places. Jessica went on to make another big impression in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League with her horse, Unee BB, in more recent months and the rider, who recently turned 29, is currently lying 10th in the world rankings list.

Austrian-based Sidneva did not line out at the second leg staged in Nizhnly Novgorod where Russian riders proved unbeatable on their home turf, with Inessa Merkulova and Mister X pipping Marina Aframeeva and Vosk while last season’s Central European champion, Dorofeeva, slotted into third with Kartsevo Upperville ahead of Vera Khalikova (Ucordo) in fourth. The first visitor to get into the Freestyle line-up here was Bulgaria’s Katsiaryna Varchenia who posted 67.025 with Daily Double for fifth place.

Secured her grip

When Sidneva returned to action in the third leg at Brno in the Czech Republic however she firmly secured her grip on the leaderboard with a big win ahead of Italy’s Leonardo Tiozzo. Sidneva produced the only score over 70 per cent when posting 75.100, while runner-up Tiozzo, who just over a year ago took up the ride on the FEI World Cup™ Dressage veteran gelding, Randon, which was formerly competed by Poland’s Michal Rapcewicz, earned a mark of 69.900. Estonia’s Dina Ellerman was back in the ribbons when third here on a score of 69.600 with Landy S Akvarel.

Sidneva did not attend the next three legs, at Moscow where home starters again stole the show as Regina Isachkina (Diaz) pipped Dorofeeva (Kartsevo Upperville), at Czosnow in Poland where Ukraine’s Inna Logutenkova (Don Gregorious) pinned Poland’s Anna Lukasik (Stella Pack Ganda) into second place and at Tailinn, Estonia where Merkulova produced her second win of the season. Merkulova’s big-moving Trekehner, Mister X, posted 76.875 to pin Logutenkova’s Don Gregorious into runner-up spot here, and the result left Merkulova just three points behind league leader Dorofeeva with just one last leg remaining.

But the leading pair didn’t feature at the final round in Kaposvar, so the 13 valuable points collected by Sidneva for her fourth-place finish were enough to clinch the Central European series title by a five-point margin.

North America

Canadian riders have enjoyed tremendous success over the first five rounds of the 10-leg North American League which is currently headed by Karen Pavicic from Surrey, British Columbia. Partnering Don Daiquiri, the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding with which she competed at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France, the 43-year-old rider heads America’s Catherine Haddad Staller and Mane Stream Hotmail by a narrow margin at the halfway stage of the series, while Pavicic’s fellow-countrywoman, Jacqueline Brooks from Cedar Valley, Ontario currently lies third.

The League began at Palgrave, Ontario last June where it was an all-Canadian affair at the top of the scoreboard as Diane Creech (Devon L) pipped Belinda Trussell (Anton) for pole position while Megan Lane (Caravella) slotted into third ahead of Brooks and her 2012 Olympic mount, D Niro.

The next two legs were staged at Saugerties, New York in August and September, with Toronto-born Ashley Holzer coming out on top at the first event with her stallion, Dressed in Black, before Brooks posted a win at the following fixture with D Niro.

Holzer then brought out the lovely mare Tiva Nana to top the line-up at Devon in Pennsylvania, USA in September with a big score of 76.125 while her Canadian colleague Pavicic pulled in second with Don Daiquiri on 73.575 ahead of Haddad Staller and Mane Stream Hotmail in third on 73.100.

And at the first of the two legs to be staged in Wellington, Florida this month, it was Denmark’s Lars Petersen who stole the limelight with a lovely performance from the evergreen 17-year-old mare, Mariette. A great score of 78.325 gave this sparkling pair more than four percentage points of an advantage over their Danish counterparts, Mikala Munter Gundersson and My Lady who earned a mark of 74.075 for second place. Both riders are eligible for points in the North American series, but those collected by Sweden’s Caroline Darcourt for third with Paridon Magic are accounted for in the Western European League.

Catherine Haddad Staller finished fourth with Mane Stream Hotmail, and although Pavicic and Don Daiquiri had to settle for fifth this time out they find themselves edging the American partnership by just 0.035 points at the top of the leaderboard going into the sixth leg of the series at the same venue this weekend.

The best two qualifying scores for each horse-and-rider combination are taken into account to decide the final North American League placings, so there is still some way to go in this series which will draw to a close at San Juan Capistrano, California in March.

Pacific

Meanwhile the Pacific League draws to a close this coming weekend when the last event in the four-leg series takes place at Boneo in Australia.

It all began in Brisbane last July with a win for Chantal Wigan and Ferero ahead of Katharine Farrell and Luxor in second and Sue Hearn with Remmington in third.

Then Heath Ryan won the next two legs at Sydney and Melbourne with the Oldenberg, Regardez Moi. London 2012 Olympic competitor, Mary Hanna, was runner-up in Sydney with Umbro ahead of Brett Parbery (DP Weltmeiser) in third, Caroline Wagner (Tango V) in fourth and Sue Hearn (Remmington) in fifth while Heath Ryan also steered Utopian Cardinal into sixth place for good measure.

Hearn and Remmington then rocketed back up to second place at Melbourne ahead of Katharine Farrell (Luxor) and Parbery (DP Weltmeiser). Hearn’s mark of 70.725 left her just over a single mark behind Ryan and well within the qualification criteria for the regional Final.

In order to be eligible for selection for the Pacific League Final, combinations must have competed at a CDI-W or CDI3* qualifying event on at least one occasion in the preceding 12 months, and must have gained a minimum of at least 64 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

The winner of the Grand Prix Freestyle at next weekend’s Final in Boneo, Victoria will qualify for the much-anticipated Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final in Las Vegas, USA in April, so it’s still all to play for over the coming days.

FEI World Cup ™ Dressage Central European League 2014/2015 – Final result :
1. Elena Sidneva RUS – 48
2. Tatiana Dorofeeva RUS – 43
3. Inessa Merkulova RUS – 40
4. Dina Ellerman EST – 35
5. Marina Aframeeva RUS – 28
6. Vera Khalikova RUS – 26
7. Anna Lukasik POL – 24
8. Aleksandra Szulc POL – 22

Full result here