Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2015 – Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady added another win at Week 7 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time taking home the prize in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*, presented by The Dutta Corporation. Gundersen and My Lady performed a nearly flawless test receiving a 75.625%, followed by Karen Pavicic (CAN) and Don Daiquiri in second with a 72.250% and Kasey Perry (USA) aboard Trostruplunds Scarlet in third with a score of 72.025%. The crowd braved the unseasonably cold temperatures to watch the spectacular evening of competition. Carla Jablonski of the Florida Grand Opera along with pianist Andrew Hamilton from the Frost School of Music performed the national anthem.

CLICK HERE to watch Mikala and My Lady in their winning performance.
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

The weather was crisp, but the wind has significantly decreased compared to yesterday making it more of a pleasant atmosphere for both horses and riders. “I had a very fresh horse tonight, but very focused in the warm-up. It was the best warm-ups I’ve had so far here overall. She can be a bit difficult in, and it didn’t feel like that tonight,” said Gundersen. “I think she was really good in the ring. She was still a little tense from yesterday in the big atmosphere, but she was able to do a lot of the movements really well. I felt some of my highlights would be the changes and the passage work, for sure.”

The pair, who has had a string of very consistent performances at AGDF this season, continue to strengthen the accuracy of their tests. “There were still a few bobbles, and those are things I need to work on removing so that we don’t lose points,” she commented.

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady

With the win in the CDI 4* Grand Prix Freestyle, Gundersen was awarded the Adequan® High Score Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle and Janne Rumbough, owner of My Lady, was presented with the “Best Horse Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle” sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty. Rumbough and Gundersen decided together that they would donate the $5,000 owner’s prize to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, a local therapeutic riding school located in Loxahatchee, FL.

Janne Rumbough receiving her “Best Horse Owner Award” from Wellington Equestrian Realty.

Pavicic and Don Daiquiri removed errors that hindered their Grand Prix test from the day prior and put in a lovely ride that ultimately placed them second in the class. “I was really happy with Don Daiquiri tonight. I had a few small mistakes in our Grand Prix test yesterday, specifically in our one-tempis, and tonight we didn’t miss a single one,” she stated. “Our canter pirouettes weren’t as strong as they usually are, but I’m very happy overall with the test.”

Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri

“Dono” and Pavicic have built a very strong partnership over the years, and it is clear through their results at international competition around the world. “We’re getting better and better and now we have our eyes set on the World Cup in April. He’s come a really long way. It’s all about the relationship you create, and that’s what you need to succeed at the top levels of this sport.”

Perry rounded out the top three with “Scarlet”, one of her two rides in CDI competition this week. “I’m lucky to be sitting here. I have two wonderful horses, and I’m very blessed to be where I am,” she smiled. “The past two weeks I’ve really bonded with Scarlet and my test tonight I just smiled through the whole thing. I was so happy with her performance and the way she’s really working with the training and she just did great. I love my music, and it just made the experience so much better.”

Kasey Perry and Scarlet

Tim Dutta, CEO of presenting sponsor for the Week 7 CDI 4*, The Dutta Corporation, congratulated both the CDI 3*/4* classes on their outstanding performances during the “Friday Night Stars” competition. “For us in the dressage community, to have a world-class show facility and a production that meets the same standards, between the quality of riders and the horses, it is a very rare opportunity to be a part of something like this,” continued Dutta. “From European riders, top judges visiting us from around the world, the sport is getting real; the money is real as compared to anywhere else in the world. The first year when we did this we wanted AGDF to be a destination and now I have to say that it is THE destination for the dressage community.”

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady in their winning CDI 4* presentation with Tim Dutta.

Judge at C, Susanna Baarup Christensen (DEN), returned to AGDF for the second year in a row and expressed her excitement in the quality of horses and growth of the show in just a single year. She remarked, “It’s fantastic to be here. There are so many high quality horses, which is exciting. It was a very strong class, and the riders were very close together. It was the small things that ended up making a difference.”

Mikala accepting her award from Allyn Mann of Adequan® with owner Janne Rumbough and ringmaster Gustavo Murcia for the High Score Award.

Allyn Mann of Adequan®, title sponsor for the entire AGDF circuit, continues to see growth not only in terms of entry numbers, but in the overwhelming sense of community from participants at the show. “This is a wonderful family to be a part of, and it is an incredible thing to experience. I’m so glad that I have had that opportunity to be here and share these moments with everyone,” he expressed.

Several separate awards were given throughout the night to competitors from both CDI and National competition. Carla Bahr and Cyrus were awarded the Best Horse Owner for Overall Highest Percentage at the National Show for their score of 78.18%. Kimberly Herslow was presented with the Winner of the Prix St. Georges Owner Award, for her ride aboard Rosmarin. Jill Irving (CAN), a dedicated rider and dressage enthusiast, presents both awards each week.

Kim Herslow (right) receiving the Jill Irving Owner Award

Anna Marek (USA) and Unico G used the atmosphere under the lights to their advantage and brought home the win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Havensafe Farm, with a 72.025%. Christoph Koschel (GER) and Tiesto followed in second scoring a 71.125%, and Lauren Sammis (USA) and Whitman finished in third receiving a 69.875%.

Anna Marek and Unico G

Marek was thrilled with the performance she was able to get out of “Nico” in front of the large crowd and with the below average temperatures. “Nico was great tonight. At first I was nervous about the atmosphere because I had only done one other Freestyle here under the lights last year, but it really seemed like the atmosphere actually made it better tonight. He was a really good boy, and there’s not much to complain about,” smiled Marek.

The pair recently started rehearsing their routine, re-evaluating their music from last year, and adding more technical movements to the test to make it more challenging. “We’re working on the more difficult movements in the Freestyle. I added the changes on a broken line, and he’s pretty good and reliable in the changes. He and I have been riding Grand Prix for quite a few years, but this is our first time at this level,” explained Marek. “We’re learning together and each time it gets easier. Now I feel like going down the centerline, whether it be in a Grand Prix or a Freestyle, I can trust him and he trusts me and we can ask for more.”

The duo has established an incredible bond on their journey through the levels as Marek first started riding “Nico” at Training Level and has been his only rider up to Grand Prix. “I started riding him right before he turned six. I took him to his first show at Training level, and I remember telling my dad I was nervous to go in the ring just at Training level! He was my first Prix St. Georges horse, the first horse I ever won a Regional on, and the first horse I rode at Grand Prix,” Marek reminisced. “Our partnership is really special, and he is really important to me.”

CLICK HERE to watch Anna’s and Unico’s winning ride!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Christoph Koschel and Tiesto continued to add experience to their resume this season and the horse continues to improve with each outing. “It was really nice to be able to do both routines in one night,” said Koschel, as he also had a ride in the CDI 4* Grand Prix Freestyle later in the night. “It was a good experience for my horse. He started really well and then got a little bit tense throughout the test. I’m really happy with how we did, and it was a really enjoyable evening.”

Lauren Sammis and Whitman rounded out the top three with a great test, even more impressive because it is still early in the pair’s career. “I was pretty nervous. I hadn’t ridden through the whole routine until recently. He has never gone out before under the lights, and I really tried to ride the technical pieces of the test. He’s a green horse, and I’m really pleased with how it all went.”

Whitman is a true “people-pleaser” and puts his head and heart into every day of work. “He has a lot of personality. He’s in your face all of the time, and he is all heart. He comes out everyday and starts to rev like the little engine that could. He throws it all out there, and he does things that he even surprises himself,” she smiled when describing the gelding’s immense personality.

The AGDF 7 FEI CDI 3* competition, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, has been a huge success so far in the early days this week’s competition. The CDI 3* has seen experienced pairs competing alongside partnerships new to the level and that is precisely the environment that makes AGDF so special.

Anna Marek and Unico G in their winning presentation with Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm, judge William Lee Tubman, and Allyn Mann of Adequan®

Betsy Juliano, owner of sponsor Havensafe Farm, is proud to be a part of a dressage circuit that offers so many opportunities to riders. “It is so gratifying to see Anna do well here. I met her at the USEF Pipeline Clinic, and it is always great to see young American riders perform so well in competition. I have known Lauren for a long time, and I know she can produce true winners. I’m genuinely so happy for her. Christoph and I have a special bond over the first horse I ever bought from Germany who he had trained,” continued Juliano. “It is thrilling to see him competing in the U.S. and bringing his talents to American soil here at AGDF.”

Kimberly Herslow (USA) and Rosmarin added another win to their collection this week, taking the first place prize in the FEI Intermediaire 1 class presented by Mission Control. Herslow and Rosmarin performed a lovely test receiving a 73.789%. Shelly Francis (USA) and Rubinio finished with an impressive second, as this is the horse’s first CDI competition ever, scoring a 70.632%. Megan Lane (CAN) and San D’Or rounded out the top three with a 70.395%.

Kim Herslow and Rosmarin

AGDF 7 competition continues tomorrow with the CDI 3*/4* Grand Prix Special classes followed by the CDI 1* Intermediaire 1 Freestyle on Sunday. For more information on the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Kim Herslow and Rosmarin in their winning presentation.

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

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4*, presented by The Dutta Corporation
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare owned by Janne Rumbough, Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern: 74.375%, 76.000%, 77.000%, 76.750%, 74.000%, 75.625%

2. Karen Pavicic (CAN), Don Daiquiri, 2002 Oldenburg gelding owned by Jayne Essig, Don Cardinale x Nedstatte III x Rubinstein I: 71.250%, 74.250%, 72.000%, 72.750%, 71.000%, 72.250%

3. Kasey Perry (USA), Trostuplunds Scarlet, 1999 Danish Warmblood mare owned by Diane Perry, Blue Hors Don Shufro x Ramona x Blue Hors Romancier: 71.625%, 71.500%, 71.750%, 75.500%, 69.750%, 72.025%

4. Christoph Koschel (GER), Rostropowitsch NRW, 2002 Westphalian gelding owned by Gabriela Koschel, Rockwell x Windcandela x Coriograf B: 71.875%, 72.625%, 71.750%, 71.875%, 69.500%, 71.525%

5. Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) Don Diego Ymas, 2003 Hanoverian gelding owned by Juan Matute, 2003 Hanoverian gelding, Don Frederico x Wie Plantine: 69.750%, 70.875%, 71.375%, 71.625%, 71.000%, 70.925%

6. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Nintendo, 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Kastel Denmark, Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco: 69.750%, 71.750%, 70.125%, 70.875%, 68.250%, 70.150%

7. Jacqueline Brooks (CAN), D Niro, 1999 Swedish Warmblood owned by Brookhaven Dressage Inc., D day x Alitalia x Napolean 625: 68.125%, 71.250%, 65.875%, 68.625%, 68.250%, 68.425%

Final Results for FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, presented by Havensafe Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Anna Marek (USA), Unico G, 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Anna Marek, Negro x Kleora x Animo: 72.500%, 72.375%, 73.375%, 72.125%, 69.750%, 72.025%

2. Christoph Koschel (GER), Tiesto, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Hof Beckerode GMBH, Gribaldi x Nadie x Ferro: 71.125%, 72.375%, 71.250%, 70.750%, 72.500%, 71.600%

3. Lauren Sammis (USA), Whitman, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jane Suwalsky, Rhodium x Camora x Saluut: 69.875%, 66.375%, 68.125%, 68.000%, 68.000%, 68.075%

4. Sylvia Gugler (USA), Baudolino, 1998 Hanoverian gelding owned by Sylvia Gugler, Convoi x Datina x Dux: 67.000%, 64.625%, 62.500%, 65.625%, 69.625%, 65.875%

5. Janne Rumbough (USA), Junior, 2003 PRE gelding owned by Janne Rumbough, Gaucho III x La Nin III x Brioso VI: 62.875%, 67.250%, 64.875%, 65.625%, 68.125%, 65.750%

6. Allison Brock (USA), Rosevelt, 2002 Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine & Fritz Kundrun, Rotspon x Lore x Lauries Crusader xx: 67.625%, 64.750%, 64.375%, 64.750%, 67.125%, 65.725%

7. Gary Vander Ploeg (CAN), Degas, 1999 Oldenburg gelding owned Jean & Gary Vander Ploeg, Donnerhall x Pretty Lady x Prinz Miro: 61.750%, 66.125%, 67.500%, 62.875%, 63.500%, 64.350%

Final Results for FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI1*, presented by Mission Control
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Kimberly Herslow (USA), Rosmarin, 2005 Hanoverian gelding owned by Kimberly Herslow, Rosentanz x Hauptstutbuch Wolkentaenzerin x Weltmeyer: 72.237%, 72.105%, 73.289%, 72.895%, 71.842%, 72.474%

2. Shelly Francis (USA), Rubinio, 2006 Westphalian gelding owned by Patricia Stempel, Roh Magic x Patrizia x Philipo: 69.605%, 70.921%, 72.895%, 70.132%, 69.605%, 70.632%

3. Megan Lane (CAN), San D’Or, 2006 Westphalian gelding owned by Deer Ridge Equestrian, Sandro Hit x Pavaroittie W x Cocktail: 71.579%, 68.289%, 69.737%, 72.237%, 70.132%, 70.395%

4. Michael Klimke (GER), Djamba Djokiba, 2007 Westphalian gelding owned by Michael Klimke, Damon Hill x Whoopy x Wessex: 71.842%, 69.079%, 68.553%, 69.605%, 71.579%, 70.132%

5. Belinda Trussell (CAN), Tattoo 15, 2003 Westphalian gelding owned by Belinda Trussell, Tuareg x Renaissance x Ramio’s Son: 69.605%, 68.684%, 68.421%, 69.605%, 74.079%, 70.079%

6. Tina Irwin (CAN), Fancy That, 2006 Oldenburg mare owned by Christine Faux, Donerschwee x Falaise x Frelherr: 70.658%, 69.211%, 70.658%, 67.105%, 70.395%, 69.605%

7. Kasey Perry (USA), Goerklintgaards Dublet, 2003 Danish Warmblood owned by Diane Perry, Diamond Hit x La Costa x Olympic Ferro: 70.132%, 70.263%, 69.737%, 66.974%, 70.658%, 69.553%

8. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Adventure, 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Kastel Denmark, Special D x Sunette S x Mondriaan: 68.289%, 69.868%, 67.105%, 69.474%, 68.684%, 68.684%

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

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

Wellington, FL (February 20, 2015)— When Dutch Warmblood stallion Abacus (Tuchinski x Tian, Mooiman) entered the ring for his first CDI during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, his exceptional health, fitness, and athletic ability were obvious to spectators.

Omega Alpha Director of Business Development Patti Hanco was drawn to Abacus’s handsome and healthy appearance. As a result, Abacus and his owner, Carol Cohen, were presented with the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award. The award recognizes horses for their exceptional health and fitness throughout the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Cohen and Abacus received a commemorative ribbon and prize basket filled to the brim with Omega Alpha supplements and equine health products.

When asked what her secret is to having such a healthy horse, Cohen points to rider Hannah Michaels and Abacus’s grooms. “I can’t take all the credit for his appearance and health,” Cohen said. “It really is Hannah’s wonderful care alongside our great grooms. We are big believers in ‘less is more’, so we really keep it simple. Right now, we are very excited about the Omega Alpha products and we really feel that they are going to have a great impact on him.”

In addition to keeping Abacus looking great, Michaels says she keeps him feeling great by incorporating variety into his work. “We work him six days a week, but not always in the ring,” she said. “We take him down the road. Sometimes we ride him twice a day. We’ll ride him in the ring in the morning and take him for nice long gallop or hack down the canal and I think that keeps his mind fresh and ready to work. He never says no and he’s always eager to please, which is the most fun about riding him.

His team’s hard work has paid off, with the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award as recognition. “I’m thrilled that they’ve won it,” said Hanco. “Abacus looks absolutely magnificent and I think they’ll find that our products fit very well into their supplement program.” The Omega Alpha natural supplement line of products is the number-one selling line in Canada, and is on its way to being the number one best-selling line in the U.S.

For twenty-two years, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals has been carefully developing natural equine products through research-based science. Omega Alpha produces more than 300 effective supplements in five product divisions — Consumer Health Products, Pet Health Products, Equine Health Products, Professional Naturopathic Health Products, and Professional Veterinarian Products. All of their products are designed to help maintain happy, healthy and fit horses — much like Abacus.

To learn more about Omega Alpha, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca or call 1-800-651-3172.

Photo: The Omega Alpha Healthy Horse, Abacus, stands (from left to right) with his owner Carol Cohen, his rider Hannah Michaels, and Patti Hanco of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Wellington, FL (February 20, 2015)— Danish dressage rider Maiken Englebrecht Thomsen is an adult amateur on the rise. To reward her success and hard work in the division, Piaffe Performance named her the winner of the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award during Week Five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Thomsen bested the competition during the biggest show in the series since its inception, which drew the largest number of competitors and spectators in the festival’s history.

Thomsen and her own Doolittle Junior, a twelve-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Dr. Doolittle, placed first in both FEI Intermediare II classes during Week Five. Thomsen, who currently resides in Sweden, has been taking advantage of the opportunity to compete in South Florida while being based out of a friend’s farm in Wellington. Thomsen and Doolittle Junior have gone down centerline at five different shows this season to gain as much experience in the ring as possible.

“He has done very well here,” Thomsen said of Doolittle Junior, whom she has owned for almost five years. “He’s a horse with a lot of nerve, and he’s a little bit tense sometimes— so this has been great him and for me.”

After leaving Florida, Thomsen is returning to Sweden to continue achieving her dressage goals. “I didn’t think I could ride Intermediare II but it’s been going so well,” she said. “My goal for this year is maybe the Grand Prix in Denmark or in Sweden. Maybe the Danish Championship!”

Piaffe Performance noticed that Thomsen’s placings in the Adult Amateur division were as strong as her enthusiasm to be showing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival was. “I think it’s amazing— I love it here and I don’t want to go home,” Thomsen said. “I’d like to come again next year!”

The Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award is presented throughout the CDI show series. The award recognizes exceptional adult amateurs for their success in the arena and their contribution to the sport through outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Each award-winning rider receives a Piaffe Performance rosette as well as an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of their ride and horse at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

“I have learned so much from my adult amateur riders about perseverance and commitment,” Dr. Cesar Parra, owner of Piaffe Performance, explains. “Through this award, I hope Piaffe Performance can play a role in encouraging such riders. They are the backbone of our sport.”

Parra is a Pan American Gold Medalist known for his ability to coach his dressage students, as well as for his success in the show ring. Piaffe Performance is also a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

For the first time, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is presenting a CDI Amateur international division, which will be offered throughout the season in every CDI. Riders in this division must be at least twenty-six years old and competing at the Small or Medium Tour level. Sponsors like Piaffe Performance and dedicated equestrians like the winners of the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award help make the Adequan Global Dressage Festival possible.

Dr. Cesar Parra operates Piaffe Performance in Jupiter, Florida, and in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The dressage professional specializes in the selection, training, showing, and sales of top-quality dressage horses. Piaffe Performance offers a wide selection of horses for sale, and training for all levels of riders. For more information on Parra and Piaffe Performance, visit www.piaffe-performance.com.

Photo: Maiken Englebrecht Thomsen (left) is awarded the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award by Katie Riley of Piaffe Performance (right) at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

By British Dressage

High profile dressage has been hosted at Cheshire’s Somerford Park Farm for over a decade but for 2015, it’s all change and the new team have huge plans for one of the North West’s premier equine fixtures. The British Dressage Premier League fixture was established in 2002 and grew into one of the area’s premier dressage events under the guidance of Julian Sebire. But the leadership has passed to co-organisers Jo Graham and Susie Farnon for this year and the duo are focused on making it a dressage spectacle for everyone, young and old, equine or not.

For 2015, they’ll run the existing Premier League show over 22 – 24 May with a range of classes, right up to the sport’s pinnacle, grand prix and as ever, the sport’s top riders are expected to compete. But this year’s event comes with a twist… Jo and Susie are devoted dressage lovers and they want to showcase the sport to a wider public. So, this year’s event will be a family-friendly affair with a ‘Kids’ Corner’ complete with bouncy castle, bungee trampolines and tea cup & saucer ride. Plus there’ll be sessions with some of our top riders where visitors can meet them and learn more about their careers and dressage.

Jo Graham commented; “As well as the dressage spectacle we love, this new venture is being geared towards being family-friendly and, above all else, fun! Many new ideas are being discussed and we want to explore new territory to be able to bring dressage to a wider audience. We want to offer the best facilities and organisation possible for the riders and horses but equally give spectators that little bit extra on this fantastic showground. We have an enthusiastic committee behind us and we’re all looking forward to welcoming everyone, old and new, to this new event.”

This year however is merely a dress rehearsal for what’s on the horizon in 2016. Next year, the fixture has been granted international status and will run a CDI3* alongside the Premier League fixture. So make sure 26 – 30 May 2016 is firmly in your diary! Crucially, Somerford will be one of the final fixtures in Europe for riders to secure their qualification for the Rio Olympics. With an eye on future Olympians, Jo and the team will also add a new feature class in 2016, the Future International Dressage Star. With sections for riders aged under 10 up to 21, there will be four sections and riders will be judged on their ability, position and effectiveness. Preliminary rounds will be hosted on Saturday 28 May with the top four in each section going forward to Sunday’s Championship before Olympic and European Team Gold Medallist Carl Hester has the tough job of selecting a supreme champion. So youngsters are encouraged to pay Somerford a visit this year to see the showground and get a feel of the event with a view to riding there in 2016!

The established Premier League kicks off the 2016 action over 26 – 27 May followed by the CDI over 28 – 90 May. The CDI will feature classes at the pinnacle of the sport including ‘small tour’ and ‘big tour’ and will also feature international competition for pony, junior and young rider levels. European and World Team medallist Gareth Hughes welcomed the news; “Somerford has built into one of the finest show facilities in the country. With the new team involved, which includes former international rider and now respected judge Jo Graham, I’m not only looking forward to competing there but also know what a huge success it will be.”

With early plans underway for next year, immediate thoughts are fixed on this year’s May date and the fixture has already received welcome news in the form of new sponsor support. British fine jewellers Boodles joins as headline sponsors. Originating in Liverpool and still a family business, Boodles is revered around the world for their design, craftsmanship and service and it’s well know that the dressage crowd love a bit of bling! One of the region’s favourite attractions, Knowsley Safari Park, will sponsor the live scoring which will give spectators an added treat, while Warrington-based Bents Home and Garden Centre will be taking on the decoration of the arenas and surrounding areas.

Visitors can add a touch of luxury to their trip with a table in the arena-view VIP marquee. The package includes show entry, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and all the dressage action you can drink in! Tables of ten are £550 on any of the three days, or if your party is just a friend or two, individual tickets are £60 per day.

Layout changes mean that the numbers of trade stands has been increased so there will be ample opportunity for a spot of shopping distraction as well as the new entertainments plus somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Entry to the show ground is £5 per person with a cap of £10 per car; children are free of charge. Groups bringing a coach or mini bus will be charged just £2 per head.

Pay a visit to the newly launched website at www.somerforddressage.com for more information plus all the latest news as the countdown begins towards the end of May.

Anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities or trade stands for 2015 or 2016, please email jo@somerforddressage.com or susie@somerforddressage.com. VIP ticket sales should go through jane@somerforddressage.com.

Devon, PA – Dressage at Devon (DaD), the premier Dressage show in the United States, has announced that the 2015 show will take place September 29 through October 4. This is one week later than it has been in the past.

“DaD was previously scheduled for the prior week but the Pope will be visiting Philadelphia. It’s exciting news for the area but the region’s hotels and venues expect to be quite full for the event. We wanted to make sure that our competitors, judges, volunteers and attendees can find a place to stay at a reasonable price,” said Lori Kaminski, President and CEO of DaD.

About Dressage at Devon
Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.org has been a premier North American Equestrian event since its founding in 1975. It combines world-class dressage competition and the world’s largest open breed show with the international Fall Festival show and special activities for the entire family. The six-day event attracts hundreds of riders from around the world and thousands of spectators. Dressage at Devon is a 501(c) (3) PA non-profit organization, benefitting equine education.

Dressageclinic.com has the unique privilege of bringing to you the world famous trainer and competitor, Micheal Klimke, son of the great Dr Reiner Klimke. Michael Klimke is one of Germany’s most in demand trainers and is well known for his amazing ability to develop top horses and riders and most noted for his enthusiastic clinics which he conducts all over the world.

Click here for details!

Wellington, FL (February 19, 2015)— Danish Grand Prix rider Lars Petersen seems to be repeating his successful 2014 winter season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival aboard Mariett, a seventeen-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Comeback II-Zendi, Sidney) owned by Petersen and Marcia Pepper. The horse and rider notch win after win in the 2015 series, including excelling against a star-studded line-up of formidable competitors at the festival’s CDI 5* during Week Five in Wellington, Florida.

As Petersen and Mariett execute the flawless dressage maneuvers that they are known for in the CDI ring, the duo is never without a Sommer saddle from The Horse of Course— a full-service tack and riding apparel shop. Petersen rides Mariett in a custom-made model called the “Sommer Lars”, an exclusive evolution of the Sommer FlextraEQ saddle. Designed by and named for Petersen, the saddle features a mono-flap design for closer contact with the horse, no thigh block, and special flaps that mold to the rider’s legs. Mariett’s Sommer saddle was fit for ideal comfort and performance by The Horse of Course’s master saddlefitter, Marty Haist. The Horse of Course carries an extensive selection of Sommer saddles, including the FlextraEQ Savoy, Lars Flextra, and Spezial dressage.

Joined by their Sommer saddle, Petersen and Mariett nailed the top prize in the FEI 5* Grand Prix with a 74.160 percent on Thursday during Week Five, and came back on Friday night under the lights to rock the FEI 5* Grand Prix Freestyle with an outstanding win of 79.175 percent. As Petersen made his victory gallops, Beth and Marty Haist of the Horse of Course, his long-time sponsor, were there to cheer him on.

The Haists have been cheering a lot this season. Petersen and Mariett also claimed victories in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI-W on January 22-25. They led the pack in the FEI Grand Prix on January 22, and danced their way to another win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle the following night. On January 9, they again claimed top honors in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle with a 78.325 percent. In 2014, the pair earned numerous wins throughout the season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, making it their best year ever at the series. The pair is currently ranked in the Top 30 in the FEI.

The Horse of Course, a full-service tack shop based out of Claremore, Oklahoma, is proud to sponsor top Grand Prix riders like Petersen and USA’s Shelly Francis. The company is an official partner and sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The Horse of Course mobile tack shop is one of the busiest places on the show grounds, featuring an extensive array of clothing, saddle pads, bridles, and saddles. The Horse of Course’s famous Sommer dressage saddle is Petersen’s first choice as he goes down centerline.

“Watching our sport and its talent blossom each season and recognizing and encouraging such talent is our privilege,” Beth Haist said. “We are always working to give back and support our dressage community. Dressage riders from around the world have come to rely on finding our products, clothing, and saddles at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and we really have begun to feel like partners in many of their show careers.”

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is one of the largest international and national dressage circuits. This year’s series hosts three national and seven international weeks of competition, running from January 8 through March 29. It features seven FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The total prize money of more than $650,000 makes it the richest dressage circuit in the world.

The Horse of Course is on-scene throughout the ten-week series, supporting the dressage community through sponsorship, rewarding spectacular performances, and providing all the equipment and apparel competitors and spectators could need. The Horse of Course is a one-stop shop for leading equestrians like Grand Prix champion Lars Petersen. The store offers top-quality brands, including Konig, Pikeur, Kentucky, Eskadron, Grand Prix, Vespucci, Cavallo, Passler, Redbarn, Schockemohle, Romfh, USG, Neue Schule, and Sommer. The company’s complete selection of sought-after items include full seat and knee patch breeches, bridles, horse care supplies, belts, and boots. Expert saddle-fitting services are also available.

To learn more about The Horse of Course, visit www.thehorseofcourse.com or call 888-494-6773.

Photo: FEI 5* Grand Prix champions Lars Petersen and Mariett ride to victory in a Sommer saddle from The Horse of Course (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)