(USEF) – Beginning in 2013, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will provide the opportunity for a small group of riders, trainers, breeders and owners of Dressage Young Horses to participate in a tour of the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses. The 2013 Championship will take place in Verden, Germany on August 7-11, 2013. The tour will be led and organized by USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler and will include tickets to the dressage events as well as meetings with European experts. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to the Championships as well as meals and hotel. USEF will assist with obtaining hotel rooms.

The tour is open to anyone who has participated in the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships as a rider, trainer, owner or breeder.

Spaces in the tour will be reserved for but not limited to the winners of each age division (Four, Five and Six-Year-Old divisions) of the previous year’s National Championship. Priority will also be given to those individuals who have been a rider, trainer, owner or breeder of U.S. bred horses.

The application for the tour can be found here: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/national/VerdenTourInfoApp.pdf

Applications are due to Hallye Griffin, Director of Dressage National Programs, by March 29, 2013.

Any questions regarding the tour should be directed to Hallye Griffin at 859 225 6918 or hgriffin@usef.org

(Phelps Media Group by Sue Weakley) – Carol Lavell was on hand at the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W Sunday to award the Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize to Sharon McCusker of Ashley, MA.

McCusker was one of two winners of the prize and received $25,000 from The Dressage Foundation to further her dressage education. The other Award winner, Adrienne Lyle of Hailey, ID, was competing in California and not available to receive her prize in person.

Lavell awarded the Prize to McCusker before the start of the Grand Prix Freestyle class at the Dressage Derby set at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL.

“I’m in Ring One-the best dressage arena in the United States,” Lavell said. “At the nicest dressage show, the Palm Beach Derby, that lets us come here to give the Prize to Sharon.”

Joining Lavell in the ceremony were fellow Olympian Michael Poulin, Karin Reid Offield from The Dressage Foundation, Lavell’s husband Tom, and Noreen O’Sullivan, managing partner and show manager of International Horse Sport, the organizers of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby.
Lavell, a member of the 1992 US Olympic Team, understands the work, sacrifice and struggle necessary to make it to the top in the dressage world. Through the creation of the $25,000 annual Prize, she helps deserving riders achieve their goals.

“The Award is a way for me to follow my philosophy which is ‘What goes around should come back around’,” Lavell said. She noted that when she was riding her horse, Gifted, she could not afford to go to Europe to compete in order to be able to make it to the Olympics without help from her friends.

“There’s no way I could go on my own,” she said. “My friends all got together and had a silent auction and all kinds of things for me. Now I am in a situation where I can get continuous gifts given in a way that I can help riders, and that’s what this is all about.”

McCusker, the owner of Souhegan Farm, has been a dressage trainer and competitor for over 20 years. She hopes to use the funds to travel to Europe with her horse, Wrigley, to train with Hubertus Schmidt in Germany and to compete while there.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go and train and compete in Europe and now that dream has come true,” she said. “I cannot thank the Foundation enough for this opportunity.”

She has been on the USEF High Performance list with three self-trained FEI horses, as well as being long-listed for the World Equestrian Games with her previous mount, Juli Sherif. McCusker and Wrigley have been a part of USEF’s Developing Horse Program for two years and have won many championships and top placings in Developing Horse classes and Young Horse Grand Prix Qualifiers. With the help of the Prize money, she plans to take Wrigley to Germany with the goal of qualifying for the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2016 Olympic Games.

“I really do have the best horse of my career now and the timing couldn’t have been better to get the funds together to take Wrigley to Europe, hopefully to work with Hubertus Schmidt,” McCusker said.

Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Award recipients must be U.S. citizens and are selected by a distinguished national panel of dressage leaders. Selection is based on merit and need.

“You must be out there doing it and yet you don’t have enough money to do it,” Lavell said. “You must be out there trying to get into the limelight and you must also have an excellent application. It’s inherent to the selection process and inherent to being the winner.”

Lavell stressed that the winners met all the criteria for the prize, including a winning attitude. “You know you are getting into high-performance when you know about keeping on the game and staying on it,” she concluded. “High-performance is all about not giving up and never giving in. You have to get tough.”

To learn more about the Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize, go to www.dressagefoundation.org/The_Carol_Lavell_Advanced_Dressage_Prize.htm

(Global Dressage Festival) – Equestrian Sport Productions is pleased to announce that they will host the Florida Youth Dressage Championships presented by Dressage4kids at the Adequan Global Dresage Festival. The championships will be held during the WEF Dressage Classic, CDI 3* presented by Today’s Equestrian & Fellows, on March 14-17, 2013. The first-time event will provide an opportunity for dressage riders in pony, junior, young rider, and Brentina Cup Under 25 divisions and was created in partnership with Dressage4kids.

Lendon Gray, president of Dressage4kids, Inc. known for its educational programs for youth as well as the annual Youth Dressage Festival, said, “After 14 years of supporting and educating mostly the grass roots of youth dressage, D4K is pleased that it can now support a competitive experience for some of our youth reaching the high performance levels. However, in keeping with D4K’s emphasis on education, there will be educational activities offered during the show.”

Gray continued, “Our riders coming into the international levels of competition need opportunities to compete together in a championship setting. In the summer they have the NAJYRC and the Festival of Champions, but that is not enough for them to gain the skills of riding under pressure, testing themselves against their most skilled peers.”

Dressage4kids is excited to have the Florida Youth Dressage Championships at the AGDF and its outstanding facility. Gray noted, “AGDF is a facility that gives such a wonderful feel of a true championship venue. The competitors can count on excellent facilities, management, and especially superb footing and a championship atmosphere.”

Cash awards will be divided among the top riders in each division and Hampton Green Farm will award the use of one stall at their facility in Wellington for the 2014 season to the overall highest placed rider in each division based on their combined scores of the two required tests. Local international trainers have also donated lessons to be awarded to the competitors.

Wellington Equestrian Partner and Hampton Green Farm owner Kim Boyer stated, “We are very excited to host these first championships to help young riders reach their goals and learn more about the sport of high performance dressage. We believe this will be a popular event and want to see it grow.”

Information for rider entries:
Open to all youth riders of any nationality who receive qualifying scores or by organizer wildcards, riders will compete in two tests of their level. Riders may ride two horses at the same level or two horses, one in each of two levels as long as the horse/rider team is qualified.

All qualifying scores will be the total of the judges’ panel and a copy must be submitted with entry.

For FEI Juniors and FEI Young Riders, an average of 64% or better from either the team or the individual test with scores from at least two shows from March 1, 2012 to March 1, 2013.

For FEI Pony Riders and Brentina Cup, an average of 62% or better at least two shows from March 1, 2012 to March 1, 2013. The qualifying tests for the FEI Pony can be either the team or Individual. The qualifying test for the Brentina Cup division will be the USEF National Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ test or the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25.

The organizing committee retains one wild card for each division to invite a rider.

For the competition, riders in the FEI Juniors, FEI Young Riders, and the FEI Pony will ride both the FEI team and individual tests. For the Juniors, this will be class numbers 234 and 335. The Young Riders will ride class numbers 237 and 338. The FEI Pony division will ride classes 231 and 332.

Riders in the Brentina Cup division will ride both the USEF National Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ test and the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25, class numbers 515 and 516.

All classes will be held in the national division except Brentina Cup, which must be shown in the CDI division under FEI rules. All classes will be judged by at least two to three judges. The two tests of each division will count equally, 50% for each test, for final results and placing.

For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Great Britain’s Carl Hester earned the win in the Grand Prix Special with Dancers with Wolves at the Vidauban CDI3*. Right on his heels in second place was Spain’s Beatriz Ferrer-Salat with Delgado.

Sunday Results:

Int. Dressage Competition Grand Prix for 8/10 years old Horses
Pl. Horse Rider Points
1. WODAN FRANCOISE HOLOGNE-JOUX BEL 1606
2. LIN BIAO GASTON CHELIUS LUX 1486
3. ROBINSON DE LAFONT ARNAUD SERRE LUX 1436

Int. Dressage Competition Grand Prix Special
Pl. Horse Rider Points
1. DANCERS WITH WOLVES CARL HESTER GBR 1787,5
2. DELGADO BEATRIZ FERRER-SALAT SERRA DI MIGNI ESP 1780,5
3. DONNERFEE CLAUDIAFASSAERT BEL 1695
4. DON’T FORGET 2 HENRI RUOSTE FIN 1679
5. DARJELING 5 STEPHAN KÖBERLE GER 1656
6. RIVERDANCE 11 STEPHANIE COLLOMB FRA 1640
7. GLOCK’GRANDIOSO MARCEL SCHOENMAKERS NED 1639,5
8. WALKMAN BC LISA HOPKINS GBR 1614
9. SORAYAII STELLA HAGELSTAM FIN 1613,5
10. WARBEAU HANS STAUB SUI 1593,5

Int. Dressage Competition Grand Prix Consolation
Pl. Horse Rider Points
1. LUCKY DANCE JULIE DE DEKEN BEL 948
2. OCEANE DU DESERT STEPHANIE COLLOMB FRA 926
3. RIACHO LUCAS ELIAS LARA ESP 920
4. RIMBEAU ISABELLE COSTANTINI LUX 913,5
5. LUCY’S DAY KARIN KOSAK AUT 912,5

(Phelps Media Group by Sue Weakley and Mary Adelaide Brakenridge) – Lars Petersen of Denmark scored a personal best for the season aboard Mariett to win the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W against a field of tough competition on a chilly and windy South Florida day.

Petersen and Mariett earned a 76.400% with the judge at C, Axel Steiner, awarding them a 77.875%. The victory capped an impressive weekend for the pair at the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, set at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. They won the opening day Grand Prix with a score of 72.745%.

Their freestyle success made it four wins in a row for Petersen and Mariett, who captured the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special in their last outing at the Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3* (Feb. 7-10). The duo performed today’s freestyle with gusto to a routine set to energetic circus music. Although they went slightly off the prescribed choreography, their poise and precision made up for any change of course.

“I was very happy with the horse,” Petersen said. “I had a little mistake in my choreography, and I did a little bit of taking my own line in the middle of it. I thought about the jumping riders, but otherwise I was very happy with my horse today.”

When asked if the wind had anything to do with the change of course, he replied that it was all him. “There is nobody else to blame but this one,” he laughed, tapping himself on the head.

USA’s Shelly Francis and Doktor came in second with a 73.625%, mirroring their No. 2 spot from Friday’s Grand Prix when they scored a 69.391%. An enthusiastic crowd of supporters cheered on Francis, a local favorite who lives in White Fences at a neighboring property and has had great success this season with the rapidly improving Doktor.

“That was a lot of fun,” she said with a grin. “He was so good. He tries so hard. He’s awesome. I think I’ll keep him.”

Mikala Gundersen, also from Denmark, came away with the third place spot aboard My Lady with a 72.775%. They moved up the ranks from Friday’s fifth place finish in the Grand Prix with a freestyle featuring well-timed canter half-pass zig-zags to “Always On My Mind.”

“There’s some Elvis and some Bee Gees and some fun stuff in there,” Gundersen said. “I like my music to be fun and to sing along a little bit while I ride. It makes me more relaxed.”

Diane Creech from Canada rode to dramatic music that highlighted Devon L’s extensions. Their 70.950% placed them in fourth place, also moving them up from a ninth place finish on Friday in the Grand Prix.

“Devon was really good,” Creech said. “He really did his best. I was able to make sure he focused and stayed with me, and I was very happy.”

She added that the strong wind sometimes caught the music, changing the volume. “It makes it sound a little wild,” she explained. “That’s why he was a little distracted. Sometimes the wind would bring the music in, and then it would take it away and then bring it back again. But I am so happy that he dealt with it.”

Jaimey Irwin, also from Canada, placed fifth with a 70.725% riding Lindor’s Finest. The pair demonstrated well-timed passage to “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon, and “Happy Birthday” played over the loudspeakers as they exited the ring to celebrate Irwin’s birthday.

“It had a lot of very good parts,” Irwin said. “Some little mistakes, but I’m very happy with him in the things we’ve been working on.”

Fellow Canadian, Jacqueline Brooks, rode D Niro to music from Canadian artists including double pirouettes to “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell. They scored a 70.325% to take the sixth place spot. Brooks was pleased with her ride and kept repeating “You’re such a good boy” to D Niro on the way out of the arena. “It was a nice windy day,” she grinned. “He had lots of energy and I’m really proud of him.”

James Koford and Rhett’s ground-covering changes to American-Indian themed freestyle music scored a 69.950% to take the seventh place spot. “I’m riding to a new freestyle for me,” he said. “It’s the 40th anniversary of the Battle at Wounded Knee, so it’s fun to actually ride it on the anniversary of that.”

David Marcus and Don Kontes earned eighth place with 69.100%. Their freestyle choreography meshed seamlessly with the dramatic music. “Overall, I was happy with him,” Marcus said. “He always tries his hardest. We had some communication errors and he was a little bit tired today, but he keeps rising to the occasion every time. Each show he gets a little stronger and a little more confident. Now it’s just all fine-tuning.”

Jodie Stevens Kelly rounded out the Grand Prix Freestyle field in ninth place with 66.800%. Kelly, who lives in Destin, FL, adopted the Auburn University football music theme as her freestyle music. “That’s my music and I love it,” she said. “I have so much fun with it.”

Petersen was not the only rider to pick up two wins at the Dressage Derby. Kim Herslow and Rosmarin added to Friday’s Intermediaire I victory by collecting first place in Sunday’s Intermediaire I Freestyle with a 71.650%. Herslow and Rosmarin, who were each making their debut in freestyle competition, looked like seasoned professionals as they coasted to the win.

“Terry Gallo did my music and she did a super job,” Herslow said. “She came out to help me do the choreography and get the timing. We used ‘Moves Like Jagger’ for our trot music and ‘Alessandro’ for our walk music and ‘Faith’ by George Michael for our canter music. It was really fun and Reno felt like he was really into it when he was in the ring. He moves like Jagger, so it fits him really well.”

Herslow, of Stockton, NJ, plans to compete Rosmarin once more in Florida before heading home, where they will prepare for summer competitions. Herslow is hoping to qualify Rosmarin for August’s Markel/USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championships, and she was encouraged by their Dressage Derby results.

“I’m thrilled that he went in there really trying hard and really doing it for the first time with me,” Herslow said. “The music fits him so well, so he brought that presence into the ring with us today.”

RESULTS

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Lars Petersen (DEN) – Mariett – 76.400%
2. Shelly Francis (USA) – Doktor – 73.625%
3. Mikala Gundersen (DEN) – My Lady – 72.775%
4. Diane Creech (CAN) – Devon L – 70.950%
5. Jaimey Irwin (CAN) – Lindor’s Finest – 70.725%
6. Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) – D Niro – 70.325%
7. James Koford (USA) – Rhett – 69.950%
8. David Marcus (CAN) – Don Kontes – 69.100%
9. Jodie Stevens Kelly (USA) – Manhattan – 66.800%

FEI Junior Rider Freestyle
1. Mattie Zepernick (USA) – Wencenza – 66.475%

FEI Young Rider Freestyle
1. Tanya Strasser-Shostak (CAN) – Dancing Tyme – 65.725%

FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle
1. Kimberly Herslow (USA) – Rosmarin – 71.650%
2. Evi Strasser (CAN) – Rigaudon Tyme – 69.150%
3. Kristy Truebenbach Lund (USA) – Reel Adventure – 63.450%
4. Melissa Taylor (USA) – Chicco Roslev – 61.475%

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group

(Phelps Media Group by Sue Weakley and Mary Adelaide Brakenridge) – Mette Rosencrantz, of Topanga, CA, and Finally, a 12-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding, snared the win in the Grand Prix Special on a blustery Saturday at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W.

The pair placed 14th in the Grand Prix Friday afternoon, and Rosencrantz was pleased with today’s winning ride down centerline at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. She and Finally, owned by Finally Partners, LLC, scored a 67.875% for the win.

“I think I did a helluva good job!” she exclaimed. “Just one mistake in the ones. Otherwise, I could take anything else. The other day I had a problem from the warm-up to the ring, but today I thought ‘I’ve got nothing to lose.’ I think there’s a lot of things I could do better, but it was a good test and I was really proud of him.”

Evi Strasser, who came in second on Action Tyme with a 67.750%, exited the arena chuckling that she had trouble remembering the test but was pleased with her horse’s performance. “He was amazing, like always, and he gave it his all,” she said.

Strasser, from Ste-Adele, Quebec, and Action Tyme, a 13-year-old chestnut Oldenburg stallion, were seventh in Friday’s Grand Prix.

Cheryl Meisner, also from Canada, came in third with a 65.000% aboard Tango, a 13-year-old bay KWPN gelding. The pair placed eighth in the Grand Prix on Friday. “There were a couple little mistakes in there,” she said of today’s test. “He was a little bit tired but I was happy.”

Fellow countryman Lee Tubman of Dunnville, Ontario, was also happier with his ride on Delight. He placed fourth in the Special with a 64.313% after a disappointing 15th in Friday’s Grand Prix. “It went better than yesterday,” he said. “There were a couple small problems, but it definitely went better than yesterday.” When asked why he thought there was improvement he answered, “Motivation. Mine and his.”

USA’s Barbara Strawson finished fifth aboard Amicelli, a 17-year-old chestnut Holsteiner gelding, scoring a 61.875%. The pair placed eighth in Friday’s Grand Prix. Strawson smiled as she left the arena. “It’s getting better every day and every time,” she said.

In the FEI Young Rider Individual Test, Evi Strasser’s daughter Tanya Strasser-Shostak came out the winner on Dancing Tyme, a 10-year old black Oldenburg gelding, with a 65.447%.

“He was really trying hard,” she said. “He was better overall, I think, in the frame and in the rhythm. I think if we can keep going at this pace, I can hopefully get into the 67s and that would be nice to have as a result.”

Mattie Zepernick from the U.S. cinched first place in the FEI Junior Individual Rider Test with a 65.553% aboard Wencenza. She smiled as she arranged the cooler she won emblazoned with the words “Palm Beach Dressage Derby” before the presentation ceremony.

“We are slowly and surely getting better,” she explained. “I’m getting a better feel for having more expression in all my gaits and it comes from taking risks.”

Sunday features crowd-pleasing freestyle dressage to wrap up the 30th anniversary of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W. Classes include FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, Young Rider Freestyle, Junior Rider Freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle. As always, parking and admission are free at the beautiful showgrounds in Loxahatchee

Results

FEI Grand Prix Special
1. Mette Rosencrantz (USA)- Finally – 67.875%
2. Evi Strasser (CAN) – Action Tyme – 67.750%
3. Cheryl Meisner (CAN) – Tango – 65.000%
4. William Lee Tubman (CAN) – Delight – 64.313%
5. Barbara Strawson (USA) – Amicelli – 61.875%

FEI Intermediaire I
1. Caroline V. Roffman (USA)- Her Highness O- 71.211
2. Kimberly Herslow (USA)- Rosmarin – 70.868%
3. Silva Martin (USA) – Rosa Cha W – 69.158%
4. Justin Hardin (USA) -Wyatt Star – 68.158%
5. William Lee Tubman (CAN) – De Las Rosa – 68.132%
6. Susan Dutta (USA) – Lumberjack – 67.579%
7. George Williams (USA)- Cleopatra – 66.053%
8. Evi Strasser (CAN) – Rigaudon Tyme – 65.737%
9. Melissa Taylor -(USA) – Chicco Roslev – 65.026%
10. Pamela Goodrich (USA) -Wyvern – 64.447%

FEI Junior Rider Individual Test
1. Mattie Zepernick – Wencenza- 65.553%
2. Paula Matute (ESP) – Gasper – 64.974%

FEI Young Rider Individual Test
1. Tanya Strasser-Shostak (CAN) – Dancing Tyme – 65.447%
2. Ally Dunlop (CAN) – Danero – 62.283%

FEI Young Rider Grand Prix (16-25)
1. Ali Potasky (USA) – Lamborghini – 65.465%
2. Cassandra Hummert-Johnson (USA) – Plato Carlos – 63.628%

FEI Pony Individual Test
1. Hanna Benne (USA)- Helluva Dream Maker – 57.537%
2. Melanie Doughty (USA) – Command Performance – 55.122%

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group

(Phelps Media Group by Sue Weakley) – Lars Petersen of Denmark and Mariett captured the win in the Grand Prix on opening day of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W at the International Horse Sport (IHS) Champions Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. The pair scored a 72.745%, besting the second place rider by more than three percentage points.

Petersen and Mariett, owned by Marcia Pepper and Petersen, tallied up first place wins in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the February 7-10 Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge CDI3*. They also took on top riders from around the world at the World Dressage Masters CDI5* Palm Beach, earning fifth place in both the January 25 Grand Prix and the January 26 Grand Prix Freestyle.

Petersen has represented Denmark at the top levels of competitive dressage for more than 10 years including at the Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games, two World Cup Finals, and three Continental Championships. He was also named Danish National Champion five times. He was pleased with the outcome of the Grand Prix test.

“I was pretty happy,” he said. “Overall, I was happy with her.”

Pepper was thrilled with today’s win. She originally competed Mariett, a 15-year-old dark bay Danish Warmblood mare, but after Pepper broke her ankle, Petersen started training the horse. Pepper said plans for the horse are hatched day-to-day. “We’ll see how it develops,” she said. “There has never been a plan. Ever. We’re just taking it slowly.”

Coming in second with a 69.391% was Shelly Francis of the United States, riding Doktor. The pair placed fifth in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Florida Classic Dressage CDI-W February 14-17 and they placed sixth in the Grand Prix and second in the Grand Prix Special at the Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Classic CDI3* January 23-27.

Francis, a six-year resident of Loxahatchee, said she was very pleased with her ride and with Doktor, a 10-year-old gelding. “He’s getting better and better,” she said. “It’s his third time for this and his scores just keep getting higher and higher.”

Placing third was Olympian David Marcus from Canada riding Don Kontes with a 68.277%.The pair won the Grand Prix Freestyle and took second at the WCD Sunshine Classic CDI3* January 23-27. They placed sixth in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W February 14-17, and earned second place in the Grand Prix Special at the Gold Coast Opener CDI-W January 17-20.

“It was a clean, mistake-free test,” Marcus said. “He was relaxed out here and I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“He rode great,” added Marcus’ coach, six-time Olympic athlete Robert Dover.

Another Canadian, Jaimey Irwin aboard Lindor’s Finest, scored a 67.532% for the fourth place spot. The pair went from a win in the Grand Prix Freestyle and a fourth place in the Grand Prix at the WCD Spring Challenge CDI3* February 7-10 to drop to a 12th place finish in the Grand Prix and an eighth place in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Florida Classic Dressage CDI-W the following weekend.

“I thought he was much better,” Irwin said. “He felt a lot more energetic and I was very happy. He was a super boy.”

Rounding out the top six finishers were Mikala Gundersen from Denmark and My Lady with a 67.489% to place fifth and another Canadian Olympic athlete, Jacqueline Brooks on D Niro, with a 67.128%.

Another big winner today in a field of tough competitors was Kim Herslow, who scored 70.789% in the FEI Prix St. Georges test. After riding her own Rosmarin, whom she calls Reno, she was thrilled with the results.

“This is our third Prix St. Georges ever,” she said. “We showed a couple weeks ago and he was a little tense, but now I think we’re finding our groove. He was with me today and I’m really proud of him.”

Before the Grand Prix competition, a flash mob was staged to honor Judge Axel Steiner. A group of competitors, owners and well-wishers encircled Steiner as they danced the “Macarena” all the while changing the words to “Hey, Axel Steiner.” This year marks the final year as an FEI judge for the legendary Steiner, who has judged the Palm Beach Dressage Derby for many years.

“It was my first exposure to judging with European judges,” Steiner said. “This year is very important for me.”

The dressage action continues all weekend with the Grand Prix Special on Saturday and the Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday as well as a host of FEI and USEF classes.

For a copy of the day sheets, log onto www.pbderby.com/derby2013daysheets.pdf.

Results
FEI Grand Prix

1. Lars Petersen – Mariett – 72.745%
2. Shelly Francis – Doktor – 69.391%
3. David Marcus – Don Kontes – 68.277%
4. Jaimey Irwin – Lindor’s Finest – 67.532%
5. Mikala Gundersen – My Lady – 67.489%
6. Jacqueline Brooks – D Niro – 67.128%
7. Evi Strasser – Action Tyme – 66.447%
8. Cheryl Meisner – Tango – 66.085%
9. Diane Creech – Devon L – 65.617%
10. Jodie Stevens Kelly – Manhattan – 63.979%

FEI Prix St Georges O CDI1*

1. Kimberly Herslow – Rosmarin – 70.789%
2. Caroline V. Roffman – Her Highness O – 69.289%
3. George Williams – Cleopatra – 67.289%
4. Justin Hardin – Wyatt Star – 67.105%
5. W. Lee Tubman – De La Rosa – 66.947%
6. Silva Martin – Rose Cha W – 65.474%
7. Melissa Taylor – Chicco Roslev – 64.921%
8. Evi Strasser – Ridaudon Tyme – 64.447%
9. Susan Dutta – Lumberjack – 63.895%
10. Kristy Truebenbach Lund – Reel Adventure – 63.289%

FEI Intermediaire II (16-25)

1. Ally Potasky – Lamborghini – 65.158%
2. Cassandra Hummert-Johnson – Plato Carlos – 64.158

FEI Young Rider Team Test (PSG)

1. Ally Dunlop – Danero – 62.149%
2. Tanya Strasser-Shostak- Dancing Tyme – 61.096%

FEI Junior Rider Team Test

1. Paula Matute – Gasper – 66.937%
2. Mattie Zepernick -Wencenza – 64.865%
FEI Pony Team Rest (2012) USEF Qualifier
1. Hanna Benne – Helluva Dream Maker – 62.393%

Photo Courtesy of Phelps Media Group – Lars Petersen and Mariett