Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2015 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival is preparing once again to host the largest week in competition history. Week 7 of AGDF will offer FEI CDI4*/3*/1* divisions along with national competition. AGDF welcomes their supportive sponsors this week, including CDI 4* sponsor The Dutta Corp., CDI 3* sponsor Havensafe Farm, and CDI 1* sponsor Mission Control. Competition will run Wednesday-Sunday, February 18-22, with the highlight class, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle, presented by The Dutta Corp., on Friday, February 20. Gates open at 6 pm. The week features 240 international rides (a 56% increase from 2014) and 398 national rides (a 105% increase from 2014), further showing that AGDF is the ultimate competition for dressage worldwide in the winter.

The Dutta Corporation Continues to Support the Dressage Community at AGDF 7

Tim Dutta and The Dutta Corporation are proud to announce another year of leading sponsorship at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). The Dutta Corporation, longtime sponsors of the event, have continued to increase their presence each year at AGDF and will be the presenting sponsors of Week 7′s CDI 4* competition beginning February 19, 2015.

Committed to supporting success in the equine industry, longtime horseman and CEO Tim Dutta and The Dutta Corporation have become premier leaders in the equine transportation business, not only in the United States, but around the globe. “We always make a priority to give back to this industry in absolutely any way that we can. It is in the fabric of this company to support those who support this sport,” said Dutta. “We work very closely with our clients and are dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for each and every equine partner we have the honor to travel with.”

The Dutta Corporation has witnessed the incredible expansion of AGDF over the past four years and are looking forward to the future of dressage with a permanent winter home in Wellington, FL. “We will maintain and grow our support of the international classes and in general the sport of dressage at the highest levels,” commented Dutta. “AGDF has been able to create a venue and competition that attracts the best horse and rider combinations in the world. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor an event that gives us the ability to communicate with customers and see the best dressage the world has to offer.”

Tim Dutta of The Dutta Corp. (far left) in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4* presentation at the 2014 AGDF. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

“The growth at this competition has just been spectacular. It is so incredible for the sport and the equestrian industry as a whole,” said Dutta, whose wife, Susan Dutta, competes in the Large Tour classes at AGDF with their own Currency DC. “It has grown so quickly, and it is exceptionally organized and maintained. It is not just one of the best shows in North America, but a truly world-class event.”

As the scale of competition at AGDF continues to grow, The Dutta Corporation feels a responsibility to give back to those who have made the competition possible for riders across the world. “AGDF will continue to expand into one of the most world-renowned circuits in the world under the leadership of Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP). Our goals and beliefs fall perfectly in line with those at ESP,” explained Dutta. “We both support those who support us and always deliver a quality product that has no short-cuts, ensuring absolute attention to detail and a constant pursuit of excellence. We know that this show will continue to thrive with the vision and foundation set by Mark Bellissimo and his team.”

To learn more about The Dutta Corporation please visit www.timdutta.com for more information. AGDF 7 FEI CDI 4* presented by The Dutta Corp. will begin February 19 with the FEI Grand Prix and the highlight class, with the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle held the next day, February 20, beginning at 7 pm, and concluding with the FEI Grand Prix Special on Saturday, February 21.

Havensafe Farm Looks Forward to Supporting the CDI3* at AGDF 7

Havensafe Farm and owner Betsy Juliano are proud to support the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) through their sponsorship of the CDI 3* at Week 7, which runs February 19-22.

The 2015 season of AGDF is already considered an enormous success, but Juliano and Havensafe Farm are also excited for the continued opportunity to see dressage riders competing at the highest levels of the sport. “It has always been my practice to support as many events for dressage riders as possible. It became clear to me when Equestrian Sport Productions started this show that it would become a venue and circuit that would have national and international significance to our community,” said Juliano. “I’m dedicated to supporting the sport and the education of riders. These competitions allow dressage riders, both national and international, to come full circle and have the opportunity to showcase their training.”

Not only has Juliano been impressed with the expansion of the show, but its continued commitment to quality in every aspect. “Each year we come back to this circuit the systems are better. The management, the staff, the service, it all continues to excel and it allows people from Europe and other areas around the world to see that this is an elite, world-class show. It is always about growing, but it is growing with quality that really separates you from the rest, and that is exactly what we continue to see at AGDF.”

Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm (middle) presenting Juan Matute Jr. at last year’s AGDF.
Photo © SusanJStickle.com

“Mark Bellissimo and the leadership team at Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) continue to implement innovative ways to include everyone involved in this sport. The owners, riders, trainers, horses, and grooms; everyone is acknowledged and that is what makes this event so great. What ESP does so well, is not only their skill of organizing world-class competitions, but also their incredible ability to celebrate success, and that is what truly brings the community together,” explained Juliano.

Not only does Juliano commit to ensuring the success of AGDF each year, but she also is a generous sponsor of the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), an event hosted and organized by ESP, which raised another $1.5 million for Palm Beach County charities in 2015. The event took place last week at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. “For two years in a row I’ve been a sponsor of the GCC, and I am so proud to be affiliated with that cause,” Juliano expressed. “Mark Bellissimo and his daughter, Paige, continue to make efforts to give back to the local community, and I think it is a truly brilliant effort.”

Mission Control Sponsors CDI 1* Competition for Second Week in a Row

Mission Control, an award winning persuasive print firm with offices in Connecticut and Washington D.C., is proud to announce their sponsorship of the CDI1* at Week 7 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Mission Control, a first year sponsor of the event, is looking forward to helping grow the AGDF competition and provide an ever-expanding platform for dressage riders, both national and international, to compete in Wellington.

Laura Tomlinson was a winner at last week’s CDI 1* at AGDF, sponsored by Mission Control.
Photo © SusanJStickle.com

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival welcomes our wonderful sponsors for week 7 and wish all of the competitors the best of luck. Please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information.

New legislation calls for improved investments in National Forest Trail System

WASHINGTON (February 10, 2015) – Outdoor recreation and conservation groups including the Backcountry Horsemen of America, The Wilderness Society, the American Horse Council, motorized recreation groups, outfitters and guides expressed their support for congressional legislation that would improve access and public safety on national forests and better address the persistent, growing backlog for trail maintenance on public lands.

The National Forest Trails System Stewardship Act of 2015, introduced today by Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tim Walz (D-MN), would keep more trails open and accessible by expanding the use of volunteer and partner organizations and providing increased focus on a handful of priority areas around the country.

More than 50 diverse recreation and conservation groups requested the legislation after a 2013 Government Accountability Office study found the Forest Service trail system is being squeezed between the demands of growing public use and shrinking budgets. According to that report, the maintenance backlog for forest trails exceeds $314 million dollars and threatens to limit public access, harm natural resources, and increase future maintenance costs.

“Improving safety and access in our national forests provides a significant return on investment for America,” said Paul Spitler, Director of Wilderness Campaigns at The Wilderness Society. “These trails fuel a powerful outdoor economy and keep our public lands accessible for Americans. They are simply too important to lose. We applaud Representatives Lummis and Walz for their leadership on preserving and maintaining America’s trails.”

The United States National Forest System contains the largest network of trails in the world and receives roughly 165 million visitors a year. While more people than ever are heading into national forests in pursuit of exercise, relaxation, and adventure, only one quarter of all trails are maintained to standard. The trails backlog prevents public access, poses dangers to public safety, and degrades clean water.

The Back Country Horsemen of America says the effort to create a more robust and coordinated trails-focused volunteer program is essential to preserving American’s access to the great outdoors

“Congress recognizes that our national forest trail system is deteriorating,” said Jim McGarvey, Chairman of Back Country Horsemen of America. “This bill emphasizes greater collaboration with volunteers and partner organizations and seeks to leverage additional resources to augment the important role played by Forest Service trail crews.”

“The recreational horse industry contributes $32 billion a year to the economy and supports nearly 435,000 jobs nationwide,” said American Horse Council Vice President of Government Relations Ben Pendergrass. “However, it is dependent on access to public lands and well maintained trails. The current Forest Service trail maintenance backlog is a serious threat to its continued growth and health. This bill will help address the problem and ensure equestrians and all trail users continue to have access to, and are able to enjoy, trails on our national forests.”

In addition to expanding the use of volunteers the legislation also requires the Secretary of Agriculture to identify nine to fifteen priority areas throughout the country for increased trail maintenance.

Hiking groups also hailed the legislation. “We appreciate what the bill sets out to accomplish,” said Peter Olsen, Vice President at American Hiking Society. “The bill would significantly increase the role of partners and volunteers in maintaining trails throughout the national forests. During times of limited agency budgets, the role of volunteers is critical to ensuring Americans can continue to explore the great outdoors.”

Paul Spitler, The Wilderness Society (202) 360-1912
Jim McGarvey, Chairman of Back Country Horsemen of America (706) 669-1015
Ben Pendergrass, American Horse Council (202) 296-4031

Wellington, Florida (February 18, 2015)— Young competitor Barbara “Bebe” Davis took the dressage ring by storm at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI 5* and CDI 3* Week Five. The seventeen-year-old earned two first places, two second places, and a third place— all in one weekend. Competing in the FEI Junior Team, Young Riders Prix St Georges Team, Young Riders Individual, Junior Individual, and the Freestyle Test for Juniors, Davis proved that showing at a global level is the sort of challenge that she is ready for. Just as evident as Davis’s riding talents was her contagious positive attitude throughout the competition. Premier Equestrian, a top provider of high quality dressage arenas and revolutionary horse jumps, recognized Davis’s spirit with the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award.

Davis explained that her upbeat attitude at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival reflected her love for dressage. “Every day is a highlight for me. I’m so blessed and so lucky to be able to be here, be in this amazing weather, and have such amazing horses and amazing trainers and sponsors. It’s really just incredible,” beamed Davis. Her enthusiasm for the sport clearly showed as she glided across the ring on her mounts Feivel Mousekewitz and Rotano, both owned by her father Michael Davis.

As Premier Equestrian leads the market in providing innovative horse jumps and supreme dressage arenas, the company also takes time to recognize riders who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship in and out of the ring towards horses and humans. Winners of the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award add to the overall positive experience on the show grounds, and guide their fellow competitors in maintaining upbeat, friendly attitudes. Davis was awarded a tri-colored Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award ribbon, a copy of The Horse Angels (a novel by Premier Equestrian’s CEO, Mark Neihart), and a Premier Equestrian towel. When asked about her secret to staying positive even when it may not always be so easy, she advised without hesitation; “it’s important for all equestrians to remember how lucky and blessed we are just to be able to work with such amazing horses; they give their all to us every single day. I think if we just remember that, then it makes it really easy to stay positive.”

Davis, who trains with Cesar Parra and Katie Riley of Piaffe Performance, has already enjoyed great success in her equestrian life. In 2011, Davis was the U.S.A. FEI Pony Reserve National Champion. In 2012, she returned to the FEI Pony Championships where she took Champion on her pony Poldy 10, and Reserve Champion on Bohdjan. In 2013, Davis started riding her current mount, the Hanoverian gelding Rotano (Rotspon/Brentano), to win the Florida Youth Dressage Championships at the Junior and Pony division. Davis earned the prestigious title of Junior Dressage National Champion in 2013, and was Junior Dressage National Reserve Champion in 2014. Also in 2014, Davis began riding her other current mount, Hanoverian gelding Feivel Mousekewitz (Federweisser/Singular Joter). On Feivel Mousekewitz, or “Mouse”, Davis helped bring her team a win at the North American Championships in Lexington, KY. She plans to continue excelling in the show ring with her supporters and trainers at Piaffe Performance. “It’s such an amazing team,” Davis said. “We have a great team atmosphere and everyone is so positive, that it really makes showing and riding everyday a huge pleasure.”

Premier Equestrian was happy to congratulate Davis on her sportsmanship and show success. The company will continue to award great attitudes throughout the rest of the winter 2015 Global Dressage Festival, which it is a sponsor of. For more information about Premier Equestrian and the products they offer—including premier dressage arenas, horse arena footing, revolutionized horse jumps, and accessories— visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

Photo: Barbara “Bebe” Davis receives the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award with her trainer Katie Riley of Piaffe Performance at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (February 17, 2015) – Grand Prix dressage rider Devon Kane hit the ground galloping upon her return to Wellington, Florida, after a summer of training in Europe—and she doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon. Her life is a whirlwind of dressage activity, and she seems to handle her roles as competitor, trainer, philanthropist, and community activist with ease.

Directly after returning from Europe during the summer of 2014, Devon Kane earned the title of U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Champion on November 7 in Lexington, Kentucky. She then achieved first place and her personal best of 76.8 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the opening show of the 2015 winter show season in Wellington.

Friday the 13th of February marked another important date on energetic Devon’s calendar— as an active member of her community, she assisted with putting on the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Annual Auction and Dinner. Devon has served as the Chairperson of the Young Professional Committee for the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center— which serves children and adults with developmental, physical and psychological disabilities— for five years. As Chairperson, Devon has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit the riders at Vinceremos. This year marked the organization’s 28th Annual Auction and Dinner. Devon and the Young Professional Committee created a “Buck Off,” in which teams competed on a mechanical bull, and a “Poker Shoot Out” tournament to raise funds for the charity at the Vinceremos Auction and Dinner. Devon Kane’s mother Terri Kane is also dedicated to benefitting the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and is a member of the organization’s Host Committee.

The Kanes’ devotion to their community extends to other philanthropic areas, including The Challenge of the Americas, which benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play For P.I.N.K. The annual Wellington event features teams of high-performance riders facing off in quadrilles to raises funds for breast cancer research. Devon Kane has been a participating rider in the quadrilles for several years, and Terri Kane is a member of the host committee for the event.

Devon will also be a rider at the Fourth Annual Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Sport Horse Auction at 7 p.m. on February 17 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. The WEF Sport Horse Auction will feature the next generation of premium sport horses presented in a rare opportunity to view an array of exceptional horses in one setting.

At the end of February, Diamante Farms— along with Michael and Sarah Davis and Kim Boyer— will once again host the USEF Youth Dressage Program at Diamante’s beautiful ten-acre, over twenty-stall estate. The February 25-26 program will feature a ‘ride-a-test’ to help the young participants improve their riding skills. Devon was herself a young competitor, and, in 2007, became a NAJYRC Individual Gold Medalist and a Team Bronze Medalist.

In between supporting her dressage community at these events, Devon will continue her successful winter season in the show ring by competing in the Grand Prix at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival series with several horses, including her own Destiny, a twelve-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Diamond Hit-Midt-West Regina, Rubenstein). The Kanes are permanent Wellington residents, and proudly sponsor the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

As head trainer at Diamante Farms, Devon is busy helping others achieve success and working toward her own dressage goals. Diamante Farms boasts an indoor and outdoor arena with world-class footing and houses twenty-one horses, half of which are currently competing. The facility offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales, and Devon is dedicated to achieving the best performance possible in her horses. For more information about Diamante Farms, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Photo 2: From left to right— Terri Kane, Kim Boyer, Devon Kane, Michael Davis, Bebe Davis, and Sarah Davis at the 2014 Youth Dressage Championship dinner held at Diamante Farms. The group will also host the 2015 USEF Youth Dressage Program

Washington, D.C., February 17, 2015 –

The Time to Ride Challenge returns in 2015 as a grassroots campaign to grow the horse industry by introducing new enthusiasts to horse activities. The Challenge, taking place May 30 to September 30, 2015, offers a unique opportunity for horse professionals to grow their business while competing for $100,000 in cash and prizes. In 2014, its inaugural year, the Challenge provided more than 25,000 people with first-time horse experiences through 702 beginner-friendly Time to Ride Hosts in 49 states.

Registration for the Challenge will begin March 1 at www.timetoridechallenge.com and is open to stables, clubs, veterinarians, feed stores, businesses, and organizations dedicated to welcoming newcomers to horse activities. “Hosts” are organized into Small, Medium, and Large divisions and are encouraged to be creative in providing fun, safe, and educational horse events that encourage attendees to become further involved in horse activities. The Hosts who provide the greatest number of newcomers an introductory horse experience, as calculated by contact information collected, will win awards. A post-Challenge survey in 2014 found that 92% of the 25,281 newcomers who attended a Time to Ride event said they wanted to participate in more horse activities.

Industry statistics show that current horse owners are an aging population, and identified parents with children as a prime audience to help them discover horses. Many of the stables held events to introduce children to horses and to offer parents information on how to get their families involved with riding.

2014 Medium division winner Corvin Performance Horses, of Canyon, TX, partnered with homeschool groups, day cares, church groups, and other youth activities to bring horses to a new sector of the community. Their most successful event was a partnership with “I Heart Canyon,” hosted by the city, where more than 400 enthusiasts met a horse for the first time. Owner Melissa Corvin reported that the biggest reward was “giving people a positive first experience with horses and building their confidence. Kids were thrilled to touch and ride real horses.” Within one week of the event, six people called to sign up for lessons. Corvin Performance Horses reached 876 newcomers in 100 days and won $15,000 cash in the Medium division.

Updates for 2015 include more cash prizes, with grand prize winners receiving $10,000 and cash awards given through tenth place in each division. The Challenge will also feature a completely redesigned website and improved user experience launching March 1. Participating Hosts will receive free marketing resources including a toolkit, guide of event ideas, customizable ads and posters, media templates, and more.

Registration for the Challenge will be open March 1 to May 26, 2015. To learn more about the Challenge, please visit www.timetoridechallenge.com or email info@timetoride.com.

The American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance

Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s marketing alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC marketing alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, SmartPak, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, Morris Media Network Equine Group, the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.

About the American Horse Council

The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s marketing alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.

Christie Schulte – info@timetoride.com or 512-591-7811

Wellington, FL (February 17, 2015)— “A happy horse is an expressive horse, and Cerro is very happy about getting a package of GumBits. He gets GumBits daily,” a delighted Lisa Wilcox said while accepting the GumBits Happy Horse Harmony Award after placing in the top five in both the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle during Week Five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. GumBits, made by Gambit Atlanta, Inc., are horse-sized treats designed to encourage salivation and soften the mouth. Gambit Atlanta, Inc. is presenting the GumBits Happy Horse Harmony Award throughout the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival to the most harmonious horse-and-rider teams.

“What he’s done for me so far, I’m very pleased with,” said Wilcox about her equine teammate, Hanoverian stallion Pikko del Cerro HU (known as “Cerro”). “He had a year off, this was only his third CDI this season, and he’s getting stronger with each outing,” the Wellington-based Olympic Bronze and World Equestrian Games Silver team medalist said of the homebred son of the great German dressage sire, Pik L. “It’s been an incredible season. I would love to qualify him for the World Cup. That would be a fun goal, and we’re also working towards Rio for 2016.”

The dynamic duo earned their GumBits Happy Horse Harmony Award on the strength of two performances in The Stadium at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, during the festival’s largest week of competition. The placed fifth in Thursday’s FEI Grand Prix with an overall averaged score of 69.40 (which included two judges’ scores of over 71 percent) and third place in Friday’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle with a 71.650 percent.

“Harmony is everything,” Wilcox explained. “It’s the difference between good and bad transitions.” In addition to a new package of Cerro’s favorite GumBits and a Happy Horse Harmony Award, she won a GumBits/2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival wool-blend cooler.

Shereen Fuqua founded Gambit Atlanta, Inc. in 2005, and GumBits have become an essential part of many top equine athletes’ regimens since. GumBits are loved by horses for the palatability of their all-natural, FDA-approved ingredients, and by horse trainers for the way they encourage chewing and salivation. The treats help soften the mouth, relax the jaw, and discourage the teeth grinding that can occur during intense competition and training of high-performance equine athletes.

Among the top riders whose horses enjoy GumBits are 2014 USEA Lady Rider of the Year, Lauren Kieffer; Olympic riders Steffen Peters (US), David Marcus (CAN), and Jacqueline Brooks (CAN); US Pan American Team Gold medalist and international Grand Prix rider Susie Dutta; Australian Olympic Long Listed Nicholas Fyffe; World Equestrian Games German Team Bronze Medalist Christoph Koschel; 2010 USEF Dressage Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg; Australian Advanced International Eventer Kate Chadderton (vying for 2016 Rio Summer Olympics); and Dressage New Zealand Small Tour and ESNZ High Performance Accelerator squads rider, Britta Anna Pedersen.

GumBits are sold through retailers in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and just recently Singapore (in preparation for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games to be held in Singapore on June 5 through June 16, 2015.) Learn more and locate a retailer near you at www.gumbits.com.

Photo: Grand Prix dressage rider Lisa Wilcox on Pikko del Cerro HU earns the GumBits Happy Horse Harmony Award at the 2015 Adeuquan Global Dressage Festival

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 17, 2015 – The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival concluded another successful competition as the AGDF 6 National Show came to a close this past weekend. Adding another week of record-breaking entries to the 2015 season at AGDF, the circuit is poised to continue breaking records at both the national and international levels of competition for the remainder of the season. Competition at AGDF continues this week with CDI 4*/3*/1* international competition, sponsored by Dutta Corporation, Havensafe Farm, and Mission Control, respectively, beginning February 18 and concluding February 22, as well as the return of another national show.

Diane Creech (CAN) and Diana C were victorious in the first of two FEI Prix St. Georges Open classes, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, scoring a 70.132%. The first class boasted 26 entries, one of the biggest classes of the weekend. Creech, who is a familiar face on both the international and national levels of AGDF circuit, continues to add wins to her already successful 2015 campaign. Canadians swept the top three places in the class with Andrea Bresse and Diaz placing second with a 66.711% followed by Dominique Buckland and Rockwell scoring a 65.921% for third.

Diane Creech and Diana C

Creech and Diana C also won the FEI Intermediaire 1 Open class, sponsored by Stillpoint Farm, on a 76.316%. Diana C, a 2007 Hanoverian mare, exudes potential for the upper levels of the sport and will be a great addition to Creech’s string, as she already competes a number of horses in CDI level classes. Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastel’s Adventure finished in second with a 75.000%, and Andrea Bresee (CAN) and Carlucci closed out the top three with a 73.289%.

Sarah Daehnert (USA) and Uno Samantha, a 2006 Danish Warmblood mare, took home the win in the second FEI Prix St. Georges Open class, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, scoring an impressive 75.263%. Ilse Schwarz (AUS) and Don Joseph followed in second with a 71.974% with Dorie Addy-Crow (USA) and Conrad finishing in third, receiving a 71.447%.

Sarah Daehnert and Uno Samantha

As the AGDF grounds buzzed with both jumper and dressage competition, Ashley Holzer (CAN) and Dressed in Black were victorious in the FEI Grand Prix Open class, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, with a 74.600%. The Grand Prix divisions were also completely full, as multiple classes ran throughout the weekend. Tara Stegen (USA) and Laroche placed just behind Holzer with a 68.200%, and Vera Kessels-Barisone (NED) and Urbanus T came in third with a 67.200%.

Ashley Holzer and Dressed In Black

The second FEI Grand Prix Open class, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, was won by upcoming U.S. dressage star Kasey Perry (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet. The duo enjoyed numerous wins and top finishes in the CDI Small Tour classes at AGDF this season and are beginning to test the waters at the Grand Prix level. The pair scored a 69.300% to take the win. Micahel Pineo (USA) and Walkabout finished closely behind with a 68.200%, and Shannon Dueck (CAN) and Stepped In Luck received a 65.900% to take home third.

Dorie Addy-Crow (USA) and La Belladonna added another top place finish to their weekend, winning the USEF Fourth Level Open class, sponsored by Palm Beach Equine Clinic, with a 70.811%. Jessica Kissel (USA) and Beall Spring Savanna placed second with a 66.081%, and Jennifer Marchand (USA) and C’est Bien finished in third with a 62.568%.

Susanne Hassler of Hassler Dressage, based at Riveredge Farm in Chesapeake City, Maryland, had a wonderful weekend aboard Harmony’s Boitana in the USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges class, sponsored by Stud Gestüt Peterhof. The pair received a 75.294% to take the class. Harmony’s Boitana, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood mare, is excelling through the levels and is poised to be a talented mount for Hassler in the future.

Susanne Hassler and Harmony’s Boitana

The AGDF National shows offer competitors and trainers the opportunity to receive valuable show experience without having to compete in international CDI competitions also offered at the venue. So far the 2015 season has continued to accept record entry numbers for the national portion of AGDF, attesting to the competition’s growing popularity not only at the international levels, but at the national level as well.

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com. FEI CDI competition will begin February 18 with the FEI Prix St. Georges class, presented by Mission Control, and will continue through Sunday February 22. Week 7 will also highlight the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle presented by The Dutta Corp., this Friday, February 20, beginning at 7 pm.

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