Wellington, FL – March 27, 2015 - U.S. Para-Dressage athlete Ellie Brimmer of

Wellington, FL, was recently selected for the Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award. Brimmer was chosen because of her contribution at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the amount of time she gives back to the Dressage Community. During the 2015 winter show season Brimmer managed the inventory for the ribbon awards. She kept track of the stock and made sure the office had the ribbons it needed for both the CDI and the national classes. Brimmer helped put in place an organizational system that will carry over to future seasons. She enjoyed working under Lloyd Landkamer who she has known for many years and she enjoyed giving back her time to the Dressage community. Brimmer also volunteers at White Fences Horse Shows in Loxahatchee, FL, Dressage Finals, NAJYRC, the 2010 Allltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, and many other local and national Dressage events.

Brimmer commented on the award, “I’m thrilled that Draper has given me this recognition. As a competitor, I’m always looking for new ways to keep myself and my horse in the best condition possible. I’m excited to get the chance to get to know Draper’s products, and see how they continue to help me and my horse as I work towards my goal of riding on a United States team for Para-Dressage.”

When Brimmer isn’t volunteering or working within the Dressage community she is advocating for the Para-Equestrian community. Brimmer rides her own International Para-Dressage Hanoverian London Swing.

About Draper Therapies Best Foot Forward Award from http://www.drapertherapies.com/:

Draper Therapies is a sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Each week during the event Draper Therapies will select on individual to receive the Best Foot Forward Award. The Best Foot Forward (BFF) award recognizes equestrians in a very unique way for simply bringing a positive spirit and attitude to the shows. “This award is something we felt responsible and honored to give out to people who possess a positive attitude,” says Becky Shipps, Product Manager of Draper Therapies. “We’re here to motivate people to smile more and what better way to do that than with useful products that help you feel your best?”  Shipps explains that this award is given to any horse/rider combination that is willing to go over and above to reach out and make others smile. “It can be grooms, trainers, owners, or riders, but they have to be on a horse or have a horse in hand,” she continues. “We’re looking to find someone whose smile touches their eyes.  It’s basically good vibes you feel radiating off a person, not just one little smile and you’re done, and definitely not just the smile you hope people are wearing throughout their tests. We are looking for someone who is generally enjoying their sport, both the ups and downs, and really showing off their positive attitude.”

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.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2015 – Team competition for the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* at AdequanÒ Global Dressage Festival concluded today, with Team USA 1 finishing atop the leaderboard with a total score of 452.599 after two days of competition in Small Tour and Large Tour classes. Today’s Small Tour combinations contested the FEI Intermediaire 1 test and Large Tour rode the FEI Grand Prix Special. Team USA 1, composed of Kimberly Herslow, Allison Brock, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Laura Graves, bested the rest of the competition with a combination of superb results. Team Canada 1 finished behind the U.S. in second with a combined 438.966, and Team Canada 2 came in third with a total of 424.774.

Team USA 1, Team Canada 1, and Team Canada 2 on the podium as team medalists at the 2015 Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3*.

Competition will continue tomorrow in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* with individual competition in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle as the final “Friday Night Stars” event of the season, for which gates open at 6 pm. The freestyles will be live streamed here: http://bit.ly/1H0wMEZ. The CDI 3* presented by Martha Jolicoeur and Maria Mendelsohn of Illustrated Properties will host the FEI Grand Prix and Regal Horse Products’ FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* class will also be held in The Stadium arena.

Team USA 1 put together a very strong team, as all four riders performed tests scored well above the 70% mark. U.S. team members Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin had the highest score in the Intermediaire 1 on a personal best of 76.158%, and Laura Graves and Verdades led the Grand Prix Special with 75.882%.

Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover was incredibly proud of the performances from both U.S. teams so far in competition. “These riders really stepped up to the plate today and for me, (it was) just glorious to watch. I love getting goose bumps when I watch rides, and I got them today from this team,” remarked Dover about the team’s overall performance. “We had our third rider and a fourth horse for Team USA be able to go above 74% and that was with some errors. I feel not only extremely confident moving towards the Pan American Games and the European tour we are about to go on, but also on our way to Rio with more and more depth in America in this sport than we have ever seen before.”

Allison Brock and Rosevelt rode to a personal best in the FEI Grand Prix Special with a 74.255%, which included some bobbles in the one-tempis, still the second highest placing test in the class behind fellow American Laura Graves. “It is an absolute honor to be on this team, and it was really fun. We supported each other and I’m a rookie at this, so is Olivia, and it is so different to be on a team. There’s a different kind of pressure to it, but you also find new support in that from your teammates,” said Brock.

Allison Brock and Rosevelt

She continued, “He was again really going for me the whole time, and I’m so proud of him. He’s maturing and he’s showing that he can come out and do a competition in this atmosphere and come out stronger the next day. That’s really important in a team type of horse. You need them to be consistent and carry through.”

LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir, who rode the Small Tour tests, have learned from their experience so far this week as “Lono” was very hot for LaGoy-Weltz both days and had some uncharacteristic moments in both tests. “Part of the challenge of having a Grand Prix horse in the Small Tour is that they don’t always think there’s enough to do,” joked LaGoy-Weltz about some of the ringside antics from the big bay gelding. “This has been a tremendous learning experience for us and we were able to harness that energy and move on in the test, which is about being composed and riding through it. You also get the opportunity to support your teammates and receive that support in return.”

Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir

With a stunning fault-free test that Herslow described as “possibly finding the fifth gear,” it was clear that Rosmarin was completely on his game in the arena tonight. “Robert and Debbie really revved me up the right way. We needed that expression in the ring and be able to carry it in there, and we really rocked it. It was a personal best for us in the I-1, and there were still a few places I felt like I could have asked for a bit more too,” explained Herslow. “I have to know how to ride that in the ring, and I’m thrilled with the result. He’s so consistent and honest. It is just on me now.”

Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin

The anchor again for Team USA 1, Laura Graves, in her first time riding the Grand Prix Special with Verdades since last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, posted a 75.882% to lead the class. Even though the duo will not need to perform the Special at the FEI World Cup Finals, Graves still feels she needs to prepare for it more.

“I’m looking forward to having this summer with Robert and Debbie to work on it and polish it up. Obviously tightening that up is a priority. There are places where we improved and places that still need work,” commented Graves. “It’s always great to be able to meet and become close with riders I may not have known as well before, and it makes you really excited for where we’re going on this team in this country. I hope that we can take this gold medal winning streak global very soon.”

Laura Graves and Verdades

Christopher Von Martels and Christilot Boylen, both riding for Canada, were the highest placed riders for their respective teams, Canada 1 and Canada 2. Von Martels was joined by Diane Creech on Robbie W, Megan Lane and Caravella, and Belinda Trussel riding Anton. Boylen’s teammates included Tina Irwin and Fancy That, Shannon Dueck on Cantaris, and Jill Irving riding Degas 12.

Von Martels and Zilverstar have had a truly impressive beginning to their 2015 season with top finishes in almost all of their classes. “Firstly, I’m very happy with our team result and my individual results over the past two days. I think that it was a very strong competition and when you look at the results in the Small Tour, the differences are very narrow. The level of competition is great,” said Von Martels about Canada Team 1′s second place finish. “I think it’s a very exciting time in our sport because there are some very strong combinations in several different countries. I was thrilled with my horse; he’s grown a lot and has become more confident and strong. The growing relationship is what I’m most proud of.”

Christilot Boylen and Donatella 79 can be marked as the definition of improvement this season, as the pair has increased their average marks by 6% in the Small Tour within the last month. “Donatella” who was out with an injury for most of last year, debuted at the Small Tour in January and has really hit her stride. “I’m so thankful to have a horse of her quality and her owner. You can’t walk around the ring by yourself, and they deserve so much credit,” smiled Boylen. “I really feel like Team Canada is finally pulling together and the future is looking very bright. Like Chris said, it is just a team game and its onwards and forward for this team.”

Christilot Boylen and Donnatella 79

All of the riders thanked their owners and teams for helping them, as well as AdequanÒ and Stillpoint Farm as sponsors of this special event.

With AGDF serving as the only host of an FEI Nations Cup Series leg in North America, it is important to recognize the significance of the event and what it means for presence of international competition in the United States. “This is a real pleasure to have this CDIO here in Wellington. It’s the only one that is outside of Europe, and we get to show our European friends that we can have a show like this successfully,” said Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF. “We have several great teams, including some from Central and South America, which was originally the idea too, to give them a chance to compete in the Nations Cup in an easily accessible location.”

Competition will continue at AGDF tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3*, presented by Martha Jolicoeur and Maria Mendelsohn of Illustrated Properties, the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1*, presented by Regal Horse Products, as well as the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO 3* FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle, FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, and the individual medals award ceremony. For more information and full results of AGDF 12, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

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

Final Team Results for Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3*:

1. Team USA 1: 452.599

2. Team Canada 1: 438.966

3. Team Canada 2: 424.774

4. Team USA 2: 424.221

5. Germany: 420.509

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Special CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E% (Torrente-COL), Judge H% (Zang-USA), Judge C% (Foy-USA), Judge M% (McMullen-CAN), Judge B% (Armando-ARG), Total%

1. Laura Graves (USA), Verdades, 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Florett As x Liwilarda x Goya: 78.431%, 74.510%, 72.255%, 77.549%, 76.667%, 75.882%

2. Allison Brock (USA), Rosevelt, 2002 Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine & Fritz Kundrun, Rotspon x Lore x Lauries Crusader xx: 76.275%, 77.059%, 72.843%, 73.922%, 71.176%, 74.255%

3. Belinda Trussell (CAN), Anton, 2000 Saschen Warmblood gelding owned by Robyn Eames, Anteaus x Shirley x Melit: 71.667%, 74.714%, 74.020%, 75.490%, 71.275%, 73.433%

4. Megan Lane (CAN), Caravella, 2001 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by rider, Contango x P. Riviera x Riverman: 71.078%, 72.059%, 71.078%, 71.471%, 72.255%, 71.588%

5. Christoph Koschel (GER) Tiesto, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Hof Beckerode GMBH, Gribaldi x Nadie x Ferro: 69.118%, 71.765%, 70.588%, 66.373%, 71.863%, 69.941%

6. Jill Irving (CAN), Degas 12, 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, De Niro x Rosana M x Regazonni; 72.059%, 70.000%, 67.059%, 69.020%, 69.020%, 69.431%

7. Catherine Haddad-Staller (USA), Mane Stream Hotmail, 2002 Oldenburg gelding owned by Rowan O’Riley, Michellino x Rederna x Havel: 66.863%, 69.804%, 69.412%, 71.078%, 69.706%, 69.373%

Final Results for FEI Intermediaire 1 CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E% (Torrente-COL), Judge H% (Zang-USA), Judge C% (Foy-USA), Judge M% (McMullen-CAN), Judge B% (Armando-ARG), Total%

1. Kimberly Herslow (USA), Rosmarin, 2005 Hanoverian gelding owned by rider, Rosentanz x Hauptstutbuch Wolkentaenzerin x Weltmeyer: 75.921%, 74.605%, 77.237%, 76.842%, 76.184%, 76.158%

2. Chris Von Martels (CAN), Zilverstar, 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Rosseau x Hutricia x Rossini: 73.421%, 77.368%, 75.536%, 72.500%, 75.658%, 74.895%

3. Christilot Boylen (CAN), Donatella 79, 2005 Oldenburg mare owned by Jill Irving, De Niro x Weidenkatatchen x Canastal: 72.632%, 73.684%, 74.079%, 75.395%, 72.105%, 73.579%

4. Diane Creech (CAN), Robbie W, 2003 Oldenburg gelding owned by Doug and Louise Leatherdale, Rubin Royal x Rolling Home x Inschallah: 70.395%, 75.000%, 72.105%, 72.368%, 72.500%, 72.474%

5. Christopher Hickey (USA), Ronaldo, 2006 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Cecelia Stewart, Blue Hors Romanov x Trostruplunds Scarlet x Blue Hors Don Schufro: 71.974%, 70.921%, 73.026%, 71.974%, 73.553%, 72.289%

6. Olivia La-Goy Weltz (USA), Rassing’s Lonoir, 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by rider, De Noir x Lorani x Loran: 71.184%, 71.579%, 71.316%, 67.895%, 74.868%, 71.368%

7. Kasey Perry (USA), Goerklintgaards Dublet, 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Diane Perry, Diamond Hit x La Costa x Olympic Ferro: 69.605%, 71.053%, 69.868%, 70.921%, 73.947%, 71.079%

8. Shannon Dueck (CAN), Cantaris, 2003 Hanoverian gelding owned by Elizabeth Ferber, Complement x Egida x Eiger I: 73.158%, 72.237%, 70.658%, 69.737%, 69.211%, 71.000%

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.