Matthias Alexander Rath: The Setting Can’t be Big Enough for Totilas

July 15, 2015

The currently most famous equestrian sport pair missed the last Championships. Just in time for the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 from August 11th-23rd, Matthias Alexander Rath and Totilas are in top form. The 30-year-old dressage rider revealed in an interview what competing in Aachen has to do with superstition, what he is expecting to happen in the duel between the top stars Totilas and Valegro and why competing in the Main Stadium could be an advantage for him.

 

 

 

 

One month before the FEI European Championships dressage competitions in Aachen…

Matthias Alexander Rath: …the anticipation is indescribable. On the one hand, it is super that Totilas and I are actually being able to compete at the European Championships, because we haven’t taken part in any Championships over the past few years. Of course, a European Championships in one’s own country is always special, but the fact that it is also being staged in Aachen is simply fantastic. Especially since Totilas has won every Grand Prix that he has competed in so far in Aachen – it couldn’t be a better omen for the coming August!

 

The dressage riders will be competing in the Main Stadium, does that provide additional motivation?

Rath: In 2006, I experienced the World Championships dressage competitions in the Main Stadium as a spectator – it was tremendous. Being able to ride at the CHIO in the Deutsche Bank Stadium is already an exceptional experience, there is no comparable arena anywhere else in the world for us. Riding in the Main Stadium myself in this magnificent setting is going to be super.

 

Is it possible that this setting will put too much pressure on the horses and riders?

 

 

Rath: For Totilas it can’t be big enough. The bigger the setting, the bigger and more alert Totilas is. And up until now, I have always succeeded in focusing very well during the competition and don’t actually take in much of what happens outside of the dressage arena. And I have practised a bit in the big stadium – during the Farewell of the Nations (laughing)

 

So you are not frightened about the duel between the two dressage giants, Totilas and Valegro?


Rath: The omens aren’t too bad there either. Totilas, succeeded in coming out on top at the hitherto only encounter between the two in 2014 in Aachen. But, of course, it will be incredibly difficult: Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin have won everything there is to win, and in the meantime have also managed to defend some of the titles. They are the crème de la crème. But Aachen proved that everything is possible a year ago. Kristina Bröring-Sprehe and Desperados are also in top-class form. It is going to be an exciting story.

 

 

 

 

 

What is your schedule up until the FEI European Championships?

Rath: The next few days will be a little quieter, before continuing with and intensifying the training in good time, which will approximately be at the end of next week. Of course, we will do a few test rounds to improve our routine at competitions. But last year showed that we are able to call up top performances quickly without competing much.

 

You have never been hectic, has the birth of your son made you even more laid-back?


Rath: Sure. When you come home in the evening, you know: There is more than just sport, there are more important things to win and lose. However, one thing is also clear: When I am sitting in the saddle, I am totally concentrated and want to win.

 

Experience Totilas, Valegro, Desperados and co. live? Tickets are available at www.aachen2015.de or from the hotline: +49-(0)241-917-1111

 

 

Photo shows Matthias Alexander Rath and Totilas after their victory in the MEGGLE Prize at the CHIO Aachen 2014.  (Photo: Aachen 2015/ Arnd Bronkhorst).

 

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NAJYRC Inaugural Para-Dressage Competition Begins With a Reflection on the Past

 

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

 

Jon Wentz and Sydney Collier. Tina Wentz noted, “What a wonderful friendship/mentorship that was formed and has remained. This picture of the two of them is one of my absolute favorites and may not have happened if there hadn’t been a scoring error placing him lower than he was that wasn’t caught & corrected till after the awards ceremony. I am so thankful for that error for it produced this wonderful picture that captured their friendship & joy.”

Lexington, KY – July 12, 2015 - Before he was a Paralympian and before she was a U.S. Team athlete Jonathan Wentz and Sydney Collier shipped their horses and themselves to Lexington, Kentucky for the 2011 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). The purpose was to showcase the para-dressage discipline and make a bid for the opportunity to be included in the NAJYRC. Four years later, para-dressage will make its inaugural debut at the NAJYRC. Sydney Collier will once again be at the Kentucky Horse Park grounds, this time as an experienced international athlete. Wentz, who passed away in 2012, was Collier’s mentor and friend and a large proponent of growing the young rider para-dressage sport. In his memoriam Jonathan Rides On was established for the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Trophy. They were created to continue the dream of Paralympian Jonathan Wentz; to advance High Performance Para-Dressage in the USA by supporting and encouraging USA Para Dressage Young Riders to set the goal of International competition. The NAJYR Para-Dressage Championship takes place July 14-19, 2015.

 

Jonathan worked closely with USPEA and USEF to create a demonstration/test event for Para-dressage in 2011. Wentz often campaigned around the United States with the goal of finding support for the para-dressage young rider program. He stated in 2011, “I have a tremendous desire to grow my sport and give younger para-dressage riders opportunities that I didn’t have. Para means parallel and it would be a tremendous step toward parallel levels of opportunity to have para-dressage added to NAJYRC.”

 

Wentz, a 2010 World Equestrian Games athlete, went on that year to top the ranks of the FEI Para-Dressage Rider List and then become a member of the 2012 Paralympic Equestrian Team that competed in London. Along the way Wentz continually made reference to his desire to find a place for young para-dressage riders to challenge themselves and connect with other young equestrians.

 

One of those young riders Wentz impacted along the way was Sydney Collier who landed in Lexington, KY in 2011 a wide-eyed girl with a dream. Although she was new to the sport that year she wanted more than anything to support her friend Wentz and the equestrian discipline she loved.

 

In the Chronicle of the Horse blog on July 8, 2015, she commented, “I wish beyond words that I would get off the trailer next week and find your stall card in the stables just like I did four years ago. I want you to know-you did it. You really really did it! The hard work you started many years ago-the path you blazed strong and true for riders like me, the endless hours in the saddle and countless sacrifices you made to live your dreams and develop it for others. You did it.”

 

She concluded, “Thank you for being a role model, a competitor, a teacher, a comedian and most importantly a friend. I am leaving for Kentucky soon, Jonathan Wentz, and you are coming with me. Ride on, my friend.”

 

Paralympian and USPEA President Hope Hand, responded, “I read Sydney’s blog dedicated to Jonathan this morning and realized it was four years ago when they performed their freestyle demo at the NAJYRC. It was the start of a loving friendship between Sydney and Jonathan. Jonathan was a great mentor and ambassador of our sport, Para Dressage. Jonathan blazed a path for the Para Dressage Young Rider Program. He was committed and fully invested in his roll as a mentor and leader of our youth today. He set the bar high and in doing so, has coached Sydney from afar to succeed at the highest level in her sport. Jonathan will lead us again at our inaugural debut of the NAJYRC. Ride on U.S. Para Dressage Team.”

 

In 2015, the number of young riders and total number of para-equestrians has increased exponentially. The horses are of higher quality, there are coaches around the United States that are experts in para-dressage, and the equestrian community is well versed in the para-equestrian discipline.

 

On July 14-19, U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage riders Sydney Collier, Cambry Kaylor, and  Kate Shoemaker will make their way to the Kentucky Horse Park for the history making 2015 North American Junior and Young Rider Para-Dressage Championships. A young riders dream being fulfilled.

 

 

View Sydney Collier’s blog here:

 

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/my-friend-jonathan-wentz

 

 

 

 

About the Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund:

 

The Jonathan Wentz Scholarship Fund was established to continue the dream of Paralympian Jonathan Wentz; to advance High Performance Para Dressage in the USA by supporting and encouraging Para Dressage Young Riders to set the goal of International competition.

 

At age 13, Jonathan set the goal of riding for the USA in the Paralympics. At age 16, he established a plan and budget to achieve his dream. At the age of 21, Jonathan was able to achieve his dream of riding for Team USA in the 2012 London Paralympics earning the highest placing of all USA equestrians that competed in London. Another goal of Jonathan’s was to develop a Para Dressage Young Rider program to help grow and improve Para Dressage in the USA. His scholarship fund will be used to offset the cost of YR Championships and International competition for Para Dressage Young Rider’s and to encourage their participation enabling them to excel in their sport.

 

Scholarship funds will go toward assisting Para Dressage High Performance Young Riders (ages 16-25 within the competition year), who are actively competing in 3* and above International Para Dressage competitions, and have qualified for the YR Para Championships. Funds shall be awarded to help offset competition expenses up to $1,000.00 per competition to help cover entry and other fees including stabling and/or shipping (must be greater than 500 miles one way) costs for competition.

 

Guidelines for Application of Jonathan Wentz Scholarship fund:

Athletes must submit a Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Application with expenses itemized, along with a copy of completed entry forms, invoices and/or receipts for consideration of scholarship funds, along with a list of their competition highlights, competition goals and competition plan/schedule for the current and future 2 years. (Example; 2013- 2014, 2015 -2016)

 

Scholarship funds are intended for direct payment of specific competition expenditures, entry fees, stabling, and/or shipping only. Checks made out to athlete or immediate family for reimbursement will require a completed W-9, and will be subject to approval. Scholarship funds may be awarded for a maximum of two CPEDI3* events per competition year or the YR Para Championships & one CPEDI3* with a maximum of $1,000.00 awarded per competition. Grants are subject to the approval of the USPEA board. Funds will be awarded based on “own horse” (according to FEI Para definition), distance to competition, number of competitions athlete is planning to attend in 2-year competition period, competition record, number of applicants and/or funds available.

 

 

Jonathan Wentz Memorial Perpetual Trophy

 

This trophy is being established in memory of Paralympian Jonathan Wentz, and will be to recognize excellence in Para Equestrian sport both as an athlete and as an ambassador for the sport.

 

Paralympian Jonathan Wentz, at the age of sixteen, established a plan to achieve his goal of representing his country at the Paralympics. Toward that goal he tirelessly trained and competed as a high performance Para Dressage athlete.  He tenaciously pursued his goal while working to improve his sport through serving on USEF committees, giving riding demonstrations, public speaking and mentoring new riders. Jonathan felt it was extremely important for the growth of the sport for Para Equestrian High Performance athletes, to be recognized as athletes without regard to their disability, to be viewed parallel to Olympians. To achieve this level a Para Equestrian must be committed to training & competing consistently at the highest level, like their Olympic counterparts. It also requires a commitment to improving the sport and educating the public on all Para Equestrian disciplines.

 

About the United States Para-Equestrian Association:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

To view an online version of this press release please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/

 

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Canadian Dressage Team Claims Silver Medal at Pan American Games

July 12, 2015 

 

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Following a hard fought battle with the United States, the Canadian Dressage Team claimed the silver medal on Sunday, July 12, at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. Dressage competition is taking place July 11, 12, and 14 at the OLG Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Caledon, ON. 

Brittany Fraser of New Glasgow, NS, Megan Lane of Collingwood, ON, Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON, and Chris von Martels of Ridgetown, ON, earned the team silver medal for Canada in front of a home crowd. With a final score of 460.506 points, the United States claimed the gold medal – and the only qualifying spot available for the 2016 Rio Olympics – over Canada with 454.938. Brazil (414.895), already pre-qualified for the Olympics as the home nation, narrowly edged out Mexico (412.467) for the team bronze.

Two days of competition held July 11 and 12 determined the team standings. Fraser and von Martels contested the small tour level for Canada while Lane and Trussell competed at grand prix, a new requirement for Olympic eligibility that was introduced at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. A total of 10 countries contested the team medals, with Argentina, Canada, Mexico and the United States eligible for Olympic qualification.

Fraser and von Martels both produced strong performances for Team Canada in the Intermediaire I test. Riding Zilverstar, an 11-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Rosseau, von Martels earned an impressive score of 76.210% from the judges, which ranked him third overall in Sunday’s competition.

“It was a very good test; it was personal best again,” said von Martels, 32, who is making his major games debut. “He’s going so well at the moment. We’ve focused a lot over the last month and a half to prepare for these Games. He’s peaking at the right point. We are thrilled.”

For the second day in a row, Fraser produced a world-class performance for Canada riding All In to place just behind von Martels with a score of 76.079%. Strong trot and canter work were highlights for Fraser and the 10-year-old liver chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tango x Damiro) that she owns in partnership with Marc-Andre Beaulieu.

“It was awesome, just like yesterday,” said Fraser, 26. “My horse did it again, and I’m really happy. We are so close with the U.S., and we all wanted to give really great performances.”

Of her successful Pan Am Games debut, Fraser said, “It was amazing! It was like a dream come true. There is so much work that is involved in getting here, and it really pays off in the end. It’s crazy! The amount of support I’ve been getting is really incredible. I’m so thankful for that.”

Lane and Trussell both contested the Grand Prix Special. The youngest member of the Canadian Dressage Team, Lane, 24, earned a score of 71.392% riding Caravella, a 14-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (Contango x Riverman) owned by the athlete and her mother, Cathy Lane.

“I think I have the best team that I could ask for,” said Lane, who is based 10 minutes from the OLG Caledon Equestrian Park at Deer Ridge Equestrian in Loretto, ON. “The dynamic, the energy, and the positivity are like nothing I’ve experienced. With that to lead up to a medal, I’m over the moon with this experience.”

Lane has been partnered with Caravella, a mare that was competing as a hunter before Lane purchased her, for the past six years. The pair has grown up together, moving through the levels from junior up to grand prix.

“Capping off our career with a medal – that was on the ‘to do’ list!” smiled Lane. “I’m so happy with her. We’re partners for life, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. It’s moments like this when you can sit back and reminisce about all the effort that goes into it, and the support you have received, whether it be from sponsors, grooms – everybody who is behind the horse and yourself. It’s an amazing experience!”

Riding in the anchor position for Canada was Belinda Trussell, who is an Olympian and three-time World Equestrian Games competitor. She was aboard her veteran partner Anton, a 15-year-old dark bay Sachsen-Anhaltiner gelding (Antaeus x Melit) owned by her mother, Robyn Eames, and her husband, Marc Trussell. The pair earned a score of 75.078% from the five-member judging panel.

“I think, for Canada, that this Games has pushed us to a new level,” said Trussell, who is competing in her first Pan American Games. “To be coming away with nothing below 70%, and highlights of 76%, has never been done. It’s really exciting for Canada. We are so pumped as a nation, and pumped to go forward to the next games. We are international contenders. There is huge excitement!”

Of her first Pan Am team experience, Trussell said, “We are extremely supportive of one another. There’s a lot of fun and camaraderie in the barn. We have a great group. I have to say thanks also to our International Support Team. They have done an absolutely phenomenal job for us and they have made our job so easy. It’s just been an absolute pleasure.”

The Canadian Dressage Team is supported by chef d’equipe Alison Martin, Team Manager Christine Peters, Special Advisor Desi Dillingham, Mental Coach Dirk Stroda, Veterinarian Dr. Geoff Vernon, and Therapist Usha Knabe.

With the team competition now complete, a total of 23 horse-rider combinations will move forward to the Individual Final on Tuesday, July 14. Athletes will perform their freestyles, a series of required movements choreographed to the music of their choice, making for spectator-friendly competition. Riders do not carry forward their scores from the first two days of competition, allowing everyone to start on equal footing in the individual freestyle competition. Individual medals will be awarded at the conclusion of Tuesday’s competition.

All four Canadian Dressage Team members finished in the top eight individually on both Saturday and Sunday, and all four earned scores of over 70% on both days. Due to a change to the qualifying criteria, all four Canadian athletes – Fraser, Lane, Trussell and von Martels – will move forward to the Individual Final.

For more information on equestrian events at the Pan American Games, please visit www.toronto2015.org.

The Canadian Dressage Team won the Silver Medal at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. From left to right: Chris von Martels, Brittany Fraser, Megan Lane and Belinda Trussell.

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Chris von Martels of Ridgetown, ON, and Zilverstar led Canada to the team silver medal.

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Brittany Fraser of New Glasgow, NS, rides All In in her major games debut.

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The youngest member of the Canadian Dressage Team, 24-year-old Megan Lane of Collingwood, ON, rode Caravella in her Pan Am Games debut.

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Local competitor Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON, and Anton in their Pan Am Games debut.

PHOTO CREDIT – © Cealy Tetley - www.tetleyphoto.com

By Jennifer Wood for Equine Canada

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British Dressage National Convention Plans Unveiled

July 12, 2015 10:30

BD National Convention plans unveiledAre you ready for the ‘Best of British’? Two days of world class learning from our home grown talent!

At British Dressage, we’ve got lots to celebrate… golden girl Charlotte Dujardin remains world number one with her Olympic, World and European medals still gleaming, Carl Hester is recognised world-wide as one of dressage’s leading lights, our talented riders, judges and officials are highly respected and in demand all over the world plus our membership continues to grow, meaning more and more people in Britain are enjoying dressage. So, we’re excited to announce that this year’s British Dressage National Convention will showcase the ‘Best of British’ featuring a never seen before line up. Held at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire over 21 – 22 November, the event is simply a must-attend for any dressage enthusiast; trainers, judges, riders, officials, fans, you’re all invited to celebrate with us.

Our first two names confirmed are none other than Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin! The dynamic duo will focus on very different ends of the training spectrum with Carl concentrating on grand prix while Charlotte will share her methods on producing young horses, with the help of Mount St John Stud. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into the approaches from two of the world’s biggest names.

Widely acknowledged as the leading dressage learning showcase, the National Convention has traditionally featured a single, high profile presenter but we’re taking a departure from that in 2015 and going for number of presenters in a packed programme which will cover a variety of topics across the levels. There’s so much talent to call on in Britain, so this year, it’ll be an assault on your senses, learning ability and memory bank! The days will be broken down into sessions where some presenters may ride or they may have demo riders to teach as well as question & answers sessions with some room for healthy debate.

British Dressage Training Director Paul Hayler commented; “When I was elected to the training role, revitalising the National Convention was one of my main ambitions. With the BD team, we’ve done exactly that and visitors this year will find a professional showcase with top British talent. While the entertainment level will be raised significantly, the essence of learning, thought-stimulation and questioning our methods will still play a vital part. I’d urge everyone with an interest in the sport to attend as it promises to be one of the greatest dressage gatherings ever witnessed. I’m very much looking forward to sharing our plans over the coming months!”

While the presenters will be the same all weekend, daily content will be different and with a two day ticket just £80 for BD paid members and £90 for non-members, you’ll be guaranteed not to miss a moment. Daily tickets are £50 for members and £55 for non-members. Tickets go on sale today, Friday 10 July.
Plans don’t stop there – we’re working to secure some other major names to add to the bill over the coming weeks but one thing is for certain, tickets will be in huge demand so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available through the BD website – via the shop or book over the phone with Claire Carter 02476 698833.

 

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FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 – Round 5

Falsterbo (SWE), 12 July 2015

 


Photo caption: The Swedish team celebrating on the podium after victory in the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series leg at Falsterbo, Sweden today: (L to R, standing) Patrik Kittel, Emilie Nyrerod, Tinne Vilmhelmson-Silfven and Minna Telde, with Chef d’Equipe, Bo Jenå, in front. (FEI/Lotta Gyllensten)

 

 

 

Swedes soar to home victory at Falsterbo

By Louise Parkes

Birthday-girl Tinne Vilmhelmson-Silfven led the Swedish team to victory as the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series drew to a close at Falsterbo, Sweden today. The Netherlands lined up second ahead of Germany in third while Denmark finished fourth. And the Spanish overtook Team USA for fifth place on this final afternoon.

Vilmhelmson-Silfven, riding Don Auriello, and team-mate Patrik Kittel with Deja, confirmed Swedish supremacy when producing the only two scores above 80 per cent in today’s Freestyle. But it was the contribution made by 27-year-old newcomer, Emilie Nyrerod that particularly impressed Bo Jenå.

“I’m so proud of my team!” the Swedish Chef d’Equipe said. “They’ve done a great job here at Falsterbo and above all, Emelie Nyreröd, who is new in the team at this level and the way that she did it in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special!”

 

Grand Prix

The action began with all team-members competing in Friday’s Grand Prix in which Nyrerod scored 71.460 with Miata. When added to the 77.500 produced by Kittel and 77.680 awarded to Vilmhelmson-Silfven, the home team was already in charge with a total of 226.640. Minna Telde’s 66.300 with Santana was the Swedish discard when only the best three scores for each side were taken into account.

The three-rider Dutch side of Mirelle Kemenade-Willox (Decor Vivaldo), Katja Gevers (Thriller) and Patrick van der Meer (Uzzo) filled second spot on a total of 210.700 while Germany’s Nadine Husenbeth (Florida 94), Matthias Bouten (Ehrengold MJ), Christoph Koschel (Tiesto) and Thomas Wagner (Amoricello) were close behind in third on 210.180.

Denmark’s Helene Melsen (Aston Martin), Lena Leschly Aaman (Goerklintgaards Fanero), Lisbet Selerskilde (Jonstrupgardens Raneur) and Andreas Helgstrand (Toerveslettens Stamina) filled fourth spot on 206.220. And Team USA’s Susan Dutta (Currency DC), Devon Kane (Destiny), Brian Hafner (Lombardo LHF) and Catherine Haddad Staller (Mane Stream Hotmail) posted 204.360 for fifth spot.

There were also only three on the Spanish team that brought up the rear with a combined mark of 203.800. But they are an exciting bunch of talented young riders, with Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez (NOHS Daijoubo) the oldest at just 26 years of age joined by sisters Morgan Barbancon Mestre (Vitana V) who is 22, and 19-year-old Alexandra Barbancon Mestre (Don Lorean) who has just moved up to Young Riders level.

Three classes

The result was decided over three classes, the a maximum of two riders per team taking part in Saturday’s Grand Prix Special and the remainder competing in today’s Freestyle. Nyrerod’s victory in the Special, scoring 72.314, was backed up by a third-place finish for Telde who posted 70.627. And when Kittel’s 81.250 was followed by 82.220 from Vilmhelmson-Silfven who topped the Freestyle today, the podium placings were confirmed.

The only change to the standings after the first day was at the bottom of the leaderboard. Jurado Lopez was the only one of the Spanish contingent to go in the Freestyle today, finishing tenth, and when that result was added to a second-place finish for Morgan Barbancon Mestre and twelfth for sister Alexandra in yesterday’s Special, the trio frog-leaped the Americans.

The winning Swedes were in buoyant mood after the prize-giving. “It’s fantastic to have two riders and their horses in the same team to score over 80 per cent here today at the Nations Cup here in Falsterbo!”, said a very happy Patrik Kittel. And Tinne Vilmhelmson, who celebrates her 48th birthday today, was also very pleased with the experience of the last few days of competition.

Perfect practice

“This Nations Cup was the perfect practice ahead of the Europeans next month (FEI European Championships 2015). To ride like a team and work like a team together, it puts more pressure on, and particularly in front of the home crowd because there is so much electricity and atmosphere! There are about seven or eight of us competing here this weekend who are all candidates for the team, but the official announcement will not be made until next Tuesday I think”, Vilhelmson-Silfven explained.

“I am extra happy today because everything went smoothly and we worked well to the music” she continued. “My horse and I have had a good summer so far, not too much competition but all successful. We went to Aachen and did very well there and we also went to Hagen. I’ve been balancing it out between training and showing to keep Anton (Don Auriello) fresh and happy. He will have a rest now and then start training again for the Europeans, but this has been a really nice event, and everyone has enjoyed the team competition very much!” she concluded.

For further information on the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 leg at Falsterbo, Sweden visit www.falsterbohorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Lisa Johansson, Email press@falsterbohorseshow.com. The final leg of the series will take place in Hickstead, Great Britain 15-19 July. For details go to www.dressageathickstead.com or contact Dane Rawlins, Email dane@dressageathickstead.com, Tel +44 144488 2150.

Result:

1.    Sweden 77.068: Miata (Emelie Nyrerod) 71.460/72.314, Santana (Minna Telde) 70.627/66.300, Don Auriello (Tinne Vilmhelmson-Silfven) 77.680/82.200, Deja (Patrik Kittel) 77.500/81.250.

 

2.    Netherlands 71.511: Decor Vivaldo (Mirelle Kemanade-Willox) 64.720/66.235, Thriller (Katja Gevers) 72.260/74.275, Uzzo (Patrick van der Meer) 73.720/77.825.

 

3.    Germany 71.268: Florida 94 (Nadine Husenbeth) 69.480/69.176, Ehrengold MJ (Matthias Bouten) 69.820/69.824, Tiesto (Christoph Koschel) 69.660/72.575, Amoricello (Thomas Wagner) 70.700/75.025.

 

4.    Denmark 69.227: Aston Martin (Helene Melsen) 66.960/67.216, Goerklintgaards Fanero (Lena Leschly Aaman) 64.700/65.569, Jonstrupgardens Raneur (Lisbet Selerskilde) 68.220/70.025, Toerveslettens Stamina (Andreas Helgstrand) 71.040/71.800.

 

5.    Spain 68.384: NOHS Daijoubo (Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez) 68.380/71.775, Don Lorean (Alexandra Barbancon Mestre) 67.720/63.431, Vitana V (Morgan Barbancon Mestre) 67.780/71.216.

 

6.    USA 68.217: Currency DC (Susan Dutta) 66.680/68.275, Destiny (Devon Kane) 65.200/65.490, Lombardo LHF (Brian Hafner) 67.760/59.300, Mane Stream Hotmail (Catherine Haddad Staller) 69.920/71.175.

 

Full results here

Facts and Figures:

 

Falsterbo in Sweden presented the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage 2015 pilot series.

The competition included results from the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle, and was won by the host nation team of Emelie Nyrerod (Miata), Minna Telde (Santana), Tinne Vilmhelmson-Silfven (Don Auriello) and Patrik Kittel (Deja).

The highest score in today’s deciding Freestyle was 82.200 produced by Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello.

6 nations competed, and The Netherlands lined up second ahead of Germany in third, Denmark in fourth, Spain in fifth and USA in sixth place.

2 teams – Netherlands and Spain – fielded just three riders.

The Ground Jury consisted of

The last leg of the series will take place in Hickstead, Great Britain 15-19 July.

 

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U.S. Dressage Teams Continue Strong Efforts at CDIO5* Falsterbo and CDIO5* Hagen

July 12, 2015

By Kathleen Landwehr

Lexington, Ky. – Combinations for two U.S. Dressage Teams performed the Grand Prix Special at both CDIO5* Falsterbo and CDIO5* Hagen on Saturday, giving solid performances. At CDIO5* Falsterbo, Susan Dutta (Wellington, Fla.) and Currency DC, Tim Dutta Inc.’s 15-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding, finished in sixth place with a score of 68.275%. Devon Kane (Wellington, Fla.) and Diamante Farms’ 12-year-old Danish warmblood gelding, Destiny, received a score of 65.490% to place 10th. At CDIO5* Hagen, Charlotte Jorst (Reno, Nev.) and Kastel’s Nintendo, Kastel Denmark’s 12-year-old KWPN stallion, scored 69.667% to finish in 15th place. Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Doktor, Patricia Stempel’s 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, weren’t far behind in 17th place with a score of 68.980%.

CDIO5* competition continues on Sunday with the remaining team members performing the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Additionally, individuals competed in the CDI4* and CDI-U25 at Hagen on Friday and Saturday. The CDI4* competitors rode the Grand Prix Test on Friday with Francis and Danilo, Patricia Stempel’s 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, finishing in 11th place on a score of 70.300%, and Arlene Page (Wellington, Fla.) and Alina, her own 17-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, finishing 17th with a score of 67.840%. On Saturday in the Grand Prix Freestyle, Francis and Danilo improved to sixth place with a score of 73.850% with Page and Alina in seventh on 72.500%.

On Friday in the CDI-U25 competition Genay Vaughn (Elk Grove, Calif.) and Starr Vaughn Equestrian, Inc.’s Donarweiss GGF, a 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion, were 18th in the Intermediaire II with a score of 65.579%. Chase Hickok and Hyperion Farm’s Sagacious HF, a 16-year-old KWPN gelding, were 19th with a score of 61.789%. Both combinations moved up the standings in Saturday’s Grand Prix, with Vaughn and Donnarweiss GGF finishing 16th with a score of 65.326%, and Chase Hickok and Hyperion Farm’s Sagacious HF, just one place behind in 17th with a score of 65.070%.

Find out more about CDIO5* Falsterbo and CDIO5* Hagen.

 

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U.S. Pan American Dressage Team Leads after Day One of Team Competition

July 11, 2015
USEF Communications Department

Caledon, Ont. – The U.S. Pan American Dressage Team took the lead today by a narrow margin over Canada in the first day of team competition at the 2015 Pan American Games. Ten teams entered the main arena at the Caledon Equestrian Park to perform the FEI Prix St. Georges test and FEI Grand Prix test before the ground jury of Elizabeth McMullen, Lilo Fore, Hans Christian Matthiesen, Maribel Alonso, and Stephen Clarke. Thirty-four competitors rode in the Prix St. Georges with the United States’ Kimberly Herslow and Sabine Schut-Kery placing third and seventh, respectively, overall. In the Grand Prix, nine combinations went down center line with the United States’ Steffen Peters topping the leaderboard and Laura Graves taking fourth place overall.  The U.S. leads the team standing on 230.504, just ahead of Canada in second on 226.071.

Anchoring the U.S. team and leading in individual standings is veteran Peters with Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92. The pair put in one of their best FEI Grand Prix tests to date, scoring 77.240% in a test that showcased the gelding’s brilliant piaffe and passage.

Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (StockImageServices.com)
Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (StockImageServices.com)

“He was very nervous coming in and I took every second I had to get him settled. I was very excited when he stood still for the first halt and then from there it was a flawless test,” said Peters of Legolas 92. “It was one of the best Grand Prix tests of his career. That I can deliver this for my team; it is exactly what I was hoping for.”

Herslow and Kiroli Enterprises LLC’s Rosmarin entered into their first Games arena with confidence and were rewarded with a personal best score in the FEI Prix St. Georges test, a 75.184%. Coming off a hugely successful summer tour in Europe, the pair held nothing back in the test highlighted by bold extensions.

“Overall I am really happy with my horse, we had a couple little mistakes, but I could not be more proud of him,” said Herslow of longtime partner Rosmarin. “He is always on his game, so it really comes down to me and having the right focus, and today we were really on. I have been aiming for these Pan American Games for two years now and to have him come in and be that amazing – what more could you ask for, he loves his job.”

Standing in fourth overall and placing second in the Grand Prix, Graves and her own Verdades put forth an energetic and consistent test to score 75.080%. Despite a bobble in the one-tempi changes, the pair excelled through the test.

“Today he was the most focused he has been in a really long time. We had a mistake in the one-tempi changes, which I take total fault for; overall he felt really nice in my hand and was really going – he did not put a foot wrong,” said Graves of Verdades, the gelding who she has owned and trained since he was a yearling.

Entering the main arena for the U.S. first this morning in the Small Tour was Schut-Kery and Alice Womble’s Sanceo. The nine-year-old gelding performed an expressive test and, despite a couple of bobbles, recovered well to score a 71.790%.

“We had a couple rider errors out there, but he was focused and energetic so I am very pleased with our test,” said Schut-Kery.

In the new format for the 2015 Pan American Games, in which teams are comprised of both Small and Big Tour combinations, the teams receive a 1.5% bonus for each Big Tour combination in the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special tests. There are four teams competing in the Pan American Games with Big Tour combinations: Argentina with two Big Tour combinations, Canada with two Big Tour combinations, Mexico with one Big Tour Combination, and the United States with two Big Tour combinations.

Team medals will be determined tomorrow as combinations return to the arena to perform the FEI Intermediaire I and FEI Grand Prix Special tests in the Small and Big Tour respectively. With Canada putting in excellent performances in day one, day two should prove to be a close and exciting contest for the Team Gold. The U.S. Team will go in the same order at the following times:
1. Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo, 11:34 a.m. ET
2. Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin, 2:39 p.m. ET
3. Laura Graves and Verdades, 4:20 p.m. ET
4. Steffen Peters and Legolas 92, 5:10 p.m. ET

Complete Results

Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Teams: USEF Sport Director Will Connell’s Blog

 

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