Lars Petersen and Mariett

Carly Weilminster for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett were victorious again this season at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the first class of the highly anticipated FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett topped the large Grand Prix class with a score of 74.160%, followed by Danish teammate Mikala Gundersen (DEN) aboard My Lady finishing with a 72.960% and Kathleen Raine (USA) and Breanna coming in third on a 72.420%. AGDF 5 competition will continue tomorrow, February 6, with the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* presented by Mission Control and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty during the day, and the highlight class of the week, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms, beginning at 7pm with a special salute to Olympians from Diamante Farms prior to the class.

Check the AGDF Facebook page tomorrow to see video of Lars’ and Mariett’s winning ride!

Petersen and Mariett are no strangers to the winner’s circle this season, as this is the duo’s fourth win in Large Tour classes at AGDF in 2015. In true form, the pair performed another nearly flawless test to bring home some of the highest marks they have received in a Grand Prix yet this season. “We’ve got it all wrong, she’s getting younger and younger and I’m just getting older and older, that’s how I think it really is,” joked Petersen when asked about the mare’s 17 years of age. “The thing now, at this stage, is what you do at home before you go to the show. I don’t practice that much. I just focus on keeping her loose, fit, and in good condition.”

Gundersen, who has also had a very successful beginning to the 2015 season on My Lady, had another great test under the lights with the mare as their scores continue to improve. “She loves this atmosphere, and I know she will be even better tomorrow,” she said. “I’m really happy with where I am. Looking at the starting list for this class, there are some very big names and I would have been happy to end up in the top five. Finishing where I did is really just a dream.”

Mikala Gundersen and My Lady

Just back from a five-month trip in Europe, Kathleen Raine and Breanna had a strong showing for the first competition back on U.S. soil since June 2014. “I was thrilled with my ride tonight. We had a few little mistakes, but she was super consistent and she handled the atmosphere great,” she stated. “I’m really happy with how she’s doing. I think the experience in Europe really helped her. She’s much more mature.”

Tonight was Raine’s first experience competing at AGDF and she was impressed with not only the facility, but also the quality of footing, as both Petersen and Gundersen agreed. “I’m not only so impressed by this facility, but the way the footing held up today throughout all of the rain we got early in the day was truly amazing. I was just so impressed with how well it was taken care of today with the weather,” Raine said.

Kathleen Raine and Breanna

Steffen Peters (USA) aboard Rosamunde, the eight-year-old Rhinelander mare, won the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, in truly incredible form scoring a 71.300%. Arlene Page (USA) and Woodstock placed second with a 70.420%, followed by Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastels Nintendo in third receiving a 70.360%.

Peters was quick to give the young mare praise, as she is still very green at the Grand Prix level. “She amazed me the first day I sat on her. She’s just so focused. We had a few little rookie mistakes today, but there are a lot of wonderful things and the best thing is that she does it with so much lightness. There’s a lot of expression, and she feels so beautiful in the contact,” he said. The mare, who has only done one Grand Prix prior to competing today, has a bright future ahead of her with Peters in the irons.

Click Here to watch the video of Steffen’s and Rosamunde’s winning ride!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Rosamunde, who contested Small Tour classes in Europe last year, stepped up to the plate when Peters began asking for Grand Prix movements. “We started playing with the movements at summer training camp, and I wouldn’t compete her in the Grand Prix if I felt like I was pushing the movements. But once we started to try, it worked out great,” he commented. “The test two weeks ago was better, but it is still not a test in any way, shape, or form, I could be negative about. It’s really just a great to have an eight-year-old Grand Prix horse.”

Steffen and Rosamunde in their winning presentation

As to a comparison between his two most established partners and Rosamunde, the now retired Ravel and his other Grand Prix mount here at AGDF, Legolas 92, Peters said there are similarities between the three but she seems to be more like Ravel at this point in her training. “They are all very different horses and the main similarity is that they all have a wonderful attitude and it is an honor to work with them each and every day. I do feel like her canter and canter pirouettes and also her trot half passes feel quite like Ravel’s, so you know he taught me so well, and I think Rosie will benefit from that,” he related.

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde

Arlene Page, coming off a strong start to her 2015 season at AGDF, was pleased with her test aboard Woodstock, as it exuded confidence and was much more relaxed than her last outing with the gelding two weeks ago. “It’s nice to just do a solid and clean test. There was a lot of nice, steady canter work and a lot of confidence,” she said when describing her ride. “I am really lucky that I was able to experience this environment because he was a lot more content around the things that grabbed his attention two weeks ago. He was much more secure in his own body today, and I like that feeling a lot.”

The partnership between Page and Woodstock is relatively new, as this is her second year with the gelding and their connection and trust has grown incredibly since she took over the ride. “At this stage in the game it’s about building him up carefully. I really believe he can be a top, top horse, but I don’t want to leave a hole anywhere in his training. He needs to continue developing and also building the trust in himself and in me,” she explained. Woodstock has consistently improved upon his scores throughout this half of the AGDF season and Page hopes to continue that improvement throughout the rest of the year.

Page, who is based in Wellington for majority of the year, feels so fortunate to live close to the AGDF grounds, as it gives her horses the experience they need to progress through the levels. “I just want to continue to give him these great opportunities with great venues. I have to say this venue is as fantastic as anywhere you could find in the world and for me to say that it’s in my backyard is really just terrific,” she expressed.

Charlotte Jorst brought an incredible energy to the press conference, and her excitement was palpable as her third place finish was a personal best in a Grand Prix class for her and partner Kastel’s Nintendo. “Just sitting next to these people right now. Last year, I read about them and this year I’m sitting here so it’s pretty exciting,” she smiled. “I didn’t have any expectations. I was just out there to try and learn as much as I could and my goal today was to just get a clean test and see if I could get that done.”

The duo will look to improve upon their scores in the next few weeks of the AGDF circuit and then Jorst will head back home to Reno, NV, to continue training and see what the pair can accomplish before next fall. “I would love to go ride in Europe. I’ve never trained there before or done any of the big shows. I would love to get on a team. I would go and do it if I ever got the chance,” she said.

Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique topped the large FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, scoring a 73.321% to take victory. This is the pair’s first competition back since 2013. Tomlinson took a leave of absence from competition as she was expecting her first child with husband, polo player Mark Tomlinson. After giving birth, Tomlinson hopped back in the saddle and started to prepare for the 2015 season, which started with her win today. “It’s great to get back in the ring. It was my mare’s first time out since 2013. We just needed to get back in the ring together, and I am very happy with the way she went,” she said.

Laura Tomlinson and Unique

As for their time in Florida, Tomlinson hopes to create enough confidence with Unique that it will allow the duo to make a smooth transition to Grand Prix in the coming weeks. “In an ideal world she’ll be on a championship team for Britain by the end of the year for European Championships but to be honest, I won’t know until we do a few Grands Prix and see where we are,” Tomlinson commented. “I know I’m going to have to ride very low-key and more for confidence. We can’t fuss too much over the details at this point, and that will give me the ability to get a real idea of where we are and see how far I can push the buttons to really make it good. She’s a proper diva. You have to make her feel comfortable or she won’t agree.”

Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing’s Lonoir followed in second scoring a 71.947%, the only U.S. pair placing in the top three. LaGoy-Weltz is looking forward to building upon the strong start with “Lono” and hopes to be in consideration for the team representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games being held in Toronto, Canada this July. “I know there is some stiff competition which is really a great thing for the program and the country that we have several very nice combinations vying for those spots,” she explained. As for her test on the big gelding, she was pleased with his performance. “The half-passes were very expressive and nice. He listened very well for the pirouettes. He really just took the leg and didn’t jump out from underneath the aids,” she continued. “He is a very big and powerful horse and trying to get all of that power where you want it can be difficult, but he was great.”

Laura Tomlinson and Unique in their winning presentation

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

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

Final Results FEI Grand Prix CDI5* presented by Diamante Farms

Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare, Come Back II x Zendi x Sidney: 73.400%, 75.300%, 72.900%, 74.300%, 74.900%, 74.160%

2. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare, Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern: 72.000%, 74.100%, 74.500%, 72.100%, 72.100%, 72.960%

3. Kathleen Raine (USA), Breanna, 2000 Hanoverian mare, Bretano ii x World Queen x Weltmeyer: 71.300%, 75.200%, 72.100%, 71.200%, 72.300%, 72.420%

4. Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor, 2003 Oldenburg gelding, Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I: 72.400%, 71.8000%, 73.100%, 73.100%, 68.200%, 71.720%

5. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx (ESP), Grandioso, 1999 P.R.E. stallion, Adelante x Grandiosa x Sevillano IX: 69.500%, 71.700%, 72.100%, 73.000%, 71.000%, 71.460%

6. Belinda Trussell (CAN), Anton, 2000 Sachsen gelding, Aneaus x Shirley x Melit: 70.600%, 71.100%, 73.300%, 70.500%, 70.700%, 71.240%

7. Steffen Peters (USA), Legolas 92, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Laomedon x Furstin x Florestan II: 67.300%, 71.100%, 70.700%, 73.500%, 73.500%, 71.220%

8. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Divertimento, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Di Versave x Fatima x Farragamo: 71.400%, 69.700%, 71.200%, 70.200%, 71.400%, 70.780%

Final Results FEI Grand Prix CDI3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Steffen Peters (USA), Rosamunde, 2007 Rheinlander mare, Rock Forever x First Lady x Fidermark: 71.100%, 72.100%, 71.500%, 70.700%, 71.100%, 71.300%

2. Arlene Page (USA), Woodstock, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Havel x Mirania x Contango: 70.400%, 70.400%, 69.300%, 70.600%, 71.400%, 70.420%

3. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Nintendo, 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion, Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco: 71.500%, 70.000%, 69.100%, 68.600%, 72.400%, 70.360%

4. Carrie Schopf (ARM), Sancisco OLD, 2001 Oldenburg gelding, Sandro Song x Rosenfee x Rohdiamant: 69.400%, 70.200%, 70.500%, 68.100%, 70.300%, 69.700%

5. Lisa Wilcox (USA), Pikko del Cerro HU, 2003 Hanoverian stallion, Pik L x Rohweena x Rohdiamont: 68.800%, 71.500%, 66.600%, 68.400%, 71.700%, 69.400%

6. Christoph Koschel (GER), Rostropowitsch NRW, 2002 Westphalian gelding, Rockwell x Windcandela x Coriograf B: 68.200%, 68.700%, 71.100%, 67.600%, 69.900%, 68.900%

7. Shelly Francis (USA), Danilo, 2004 Hanoverian gelding, De Niro x Annabella x Andiamo: 66.400%, 71.100%, 70.000%, 69.400%, 67.600%, 68.900%

8. Alice Tarjan (USA), Elfenfeuer, 2007 Oldenburg mare, Florencio x Elfensonne x Sion: 69.900%, 67.700%, 65.600%, 66.900%, 69.500%, 67.920%

Final Results FEI Prix St. Georges CDI1* presented by Mission Control
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%

1. Laura Tomlinson (GBR), Unique, 2004 Holsteiner mare, Carpaccio x Grana x Lord: 73.684%, 76.579%, 69.474%, 71.974%, 74.868%, 73.316%

2. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA), Rassing’s Lonoir, 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding, De Noir x Lorani x Loran: 75.789%, 69.737%, 69.474%, 73.553%, 71.184%, 71.947%,

3. Diane Creech (CAN), Robbie W, 2003 Oldenburg gelding, Rubin Royal x Rolling Home x Inschallah: 69.211%, 71.316%, 70.789%, 72.632%, 73.684%, 71.526%

4. Christina Vinios (USA), Folkestone, 2006 Oldenburg gelding, Fidertanz x El. Katullika x Rubinstein: 72.105%, 69.737%, 71.579%, 71.974%, 71.316%, 71.342%

5. Chris Von Martels (CAN), Zilverstar, 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Rosseau x Hutricia x Rossini: 73.684%, 68.553%, 70.921%, 70.526%, 71.711%, 71.079%

6. Michael Klimke (GER), Djamba Djokiba, 2007 Westphalian gelding, Damon Hill x Whoopy x Wessex: 70.132%, 69.737%, 69.868%, 69.605%, 69.211%, 69.711%

7. Diane Creech (CAN), Hallmark 3, 2004 Hanoverian gelding, His Highness x Lapislazuly x Laucier: 70.395%, 68.421%, 68.158%, 72.105%, 69.079%, 69.632%

8. Tina Irwin (CAN), Fancy That, 2006 Oldenburg gelding, Donerschwee x Freiherr x Falaise: 70.526%, 68.553%, 68.816%, 70.000%, 68.684%, 69.316%

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.

February 5th, 2015 (Lexington, KY) – During the 2015 USPC Annual Meeting and Equine Symposium held January 21-25 in Arlington, Virginia, four individuals were awarded the Founders’ Award, an honor reserved for Pony Club’s most worthy volunteers. This prestigious award is made each year to those who have made a significant contribution to Pony Club at the Local or Regional and National Levels over a period of 20 years or more. The recipients of the Founders Awards for 2014 are: Anna Clader, Ellen Fischer, Vicki Fox, and Barbara Germann.

Anna Clader. Anna has had a near-life-long affair with horses. She began her Pony Club involvement when her children joined the Mendon Pony Club in Western New York in the early 1990’s. She quickly became involved with the club and also volunteered to be both club and regional Games organizer from 1993-2004. The next year she was club treasurer and then Co-DC in 1996 and DC from 1997-2000. Her involvement at the national level began with service on the Games Committee in 1997. She served on that committee from 1997-2004, including as Chair from 2000-2004 and again in 2011. Her service on the Board of Governors began in 2005 and continued to 2010, and then she returned to the Board in 2012 and continues serving at the present. She has been the Vice President of Activities and Secretary, as well as serving as Chair of the vital committees of Safety and Strategic Planning.

Ellen Fischer. Growing up in New York State, Ellen Holdsworth Fischer’s familiarity with Pony Club began with a brief involvement with Golden’s Bridge Hounds PC. However, because she did not own a horse, she was unable to participate in club activities – common practice in those days. Disappointed but undaunted, the teenager happily discovered nearby Salem View Farm, run by the soon-to-be legendary George Morris.

Ellen became active in the Tri-State Region right after graduating from Bethany College, WV. An avid foxhunter, she was Whipper-In and later MFH for the Dutch Fork Hunt. In 1973, she became Jt. DC of Dutch Fork Hunt Pony Club. A Chief Horse Management Judge for over 15 years, she is approaching her 35th anniversary as a National Examiner, has sat on several national committees, and currently is on the D-1 to C-2 Curriculum Committee. She launched Peace Point Riding Center as a pilot group for the program, and it is now a thriving club based at her farm. Ellen is also a proud mom of graduate C-3 Brandon and she has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of Pony Club Members.

Vicki Fox. Vicki’s involvement in Pony Club began 22 years ago when her daughter Melissa joined Pony Club. Vicki spent nine of those years as Jt-DC of Loudoun Hunt Pony Club (2003-2011), and 12 years as secretary of the club’s two annual recognized horse trials. She was also involved in organizing many regional rallies for show jumping, dressage, and eventing.

In 2010 Vicki was recruited for regional service in the Virginia Region and for the next five years she was the Vice Regional Supervisor for Education, and the RIC. During her tenure she single-handedly provided excellent upper level education, both mounted and unmounted, to the Virginia Region. As a result of her hard work, the Virginia Region produced many successful national level members during her time in office, including several H-A’s, and four A’s, which includes Vicki’s daughter Melissa. Vicki also organized many, many H-B, C-3, B, and A national certifications, making them run smoothly for the candidates, the parents, and the national examiners.

Vicki held key positions for several years at USPC Eventing Championships, both in Virginia and Kentucky. In 2009 Vicki began serving on the Eventing Committee, acting as both secretary and organizer of Eventing Championships and from 2011-2014 Vicki served as chair of the Eventing Committee.

Barbara Germann. Barbara first became involved with Sangamon Valley PC in central Illinois in 1987 because of her then 12-year-old twin sons, Carl and Hans. As the boys grew, so did her contributions on both local and regional levels. Within five years she was DC of SVPC Barb then became the RS of the region from 1994-1997, and Vice RS in 1998. Barb was on the Board of Governors from 1996-2001. Her contributions to the board were highly significant. Past presidents Cindy Piper and Emsie Parker both laud her for her great work and help to them during their leadership tenure with USPC. Barb was active in the International Exchange, NYC/Academy of Achievement, Safety, Policy, Regional Administration, and Nominating Committees.

About Pony Club – The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (Pony Club) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. There are approximately 9,000 Pony Club members in over 600 clubs and riding centers throughout the country. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including several of our Olympic team members, business professionals, government leaders and career military officers, have roots in Pony Club. Youth members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25. Pony Club also offers educational opportunities to over 500 adult members in its Horsemasters Program. For more information, www.ponyclub.org.

Press Contact: Shelley Mann
Pony Club: website, 859-254-7669

Photo: Mikala Gundersen and My Lady receive the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award from Patti Hanco (right) at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (February 5, 2015)— Today, My Lady, a beautiful bay Danish Warmblood mare owned by Janne Rumbough and ridden by Mikala Gundersen, is teeming with strength and vitality. But it wasn’t always that way— which is why Gundersen is so honored that My Lady has been awarded the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award.

The Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award, sponsored by Omega Alpha Pharmaceutical, Inc., recognizes horses for their exceptional health and fitness. Throughout the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the award will be given to one individual horse that stands apart from the rest during each week of CDI competition. Winners will receive a Healthy Horse commemorative ribbon and prize bucket filled with Omega Alpha Products.

Among the largest group of horse and rider pairs the Adequan Global Dressage Festival has seen in its four-year run, My Lady was the horse who stood out during week three of the intense competition. Not only did My Lady and Gundersen wow the judges, earning notable scores during the FEI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle, but they also impressed Patti Hanco, Omega Alpha Director of Business Development for the equine division. Hanco presented Gundersen and My Lady with the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award.

For Gundersen, a Danish rider based out of Bell Tower Farm, the award is a much-welcomed sign that hard work pays off. “We got My Lady three years ago, and she wasn’t super fit when we got her to be honest,” explained Gundersen. “So, I’m really proud to get this prize now.”

To keep My Lady fit, Gundersen’s routine includes a careful training program, hard work, and consistency. “I have trained her with my riding program and with the Horse Gym Treadmill, which is a big part of my training program,” she said. “I’m very careful how I feed her with the best grain and hay I can get my hands on. I think nutrition is very important. I also make sure she gets the right amount of training every day, but not too much.”

Already a fan of Omega Alpha’s Chill — which is designed to calm horses’ nerves — and Gastra-FX — which helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract— Gundersen looks forward to implementing more Omega Alpha natural equine products into My Lady’s regimen.

After awarding Gundersen with the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award, Dr. Gordon Chang— CEO of Omega Alpha— and Patti Hanco continued to spread the secret of Omega Alpha health products around Wellington. Chang was a featured speaker at the 2015 Dressage Canada Florida Fortnight Performance Advantage Symposium, held in Wellington, Florida from January 25- February 3. Chang presented a discussion titled “Supplement Options for Increased Performance” on Wednesday, January 28. His very well-received presentation educated listeners on ideal horse care and the benefits of using Omega Alpha supplements.

The Omega Alpha natural supplement line of products is the number-one selling line in Canada, and is on the rise as the go-to for natural supplements in the United States, as well. 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.

Omega Alpha is happy to provide quality, natural health products to the equestrian world. To learn more about Omega Alpha’s unique range of equine products that can help horses achieve complete health and fitness, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca or call 1-800-651-3172.

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2015 – The fifth round of auditions for American Equestrians Got Talent features a star-studded lineup of celebrity judges from the sport of dressage. Carl Hester, Ashley Holzer and P.J. Rizvi will be on hand at The Grille Fashion Cuisine from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. tonight to provide commentary as contestants give it their all.

Hester, team gold medalist for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympic Games, was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his accomplishments representing his country on the world stage. He has earned numerous medals at the World Equestrian Games and European Championships and is the longtime coach and mentor of triple world record holder Charlotte Dujardin.

Holzer is a fixture of the Canadian dressage team and a four-time Olympian. She won team bronze at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, as well as multiple Pan American Games medals. The highly regarded trainer and athlete is getting an inside view of Hollywood as her teenaged children, Emma and Harry, have embarked on successful acting careers. Holzer also publishes an equestrian news magazine, Today’s Equestrian.

Carl Hester on Nip Tuck at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Rizvi’s own Breaking Dawn was Holzer’s mount for the 2012 London Olympic Games. An avid dressage competitor who is easily spotted with her trademark big smile, Rizvi is now campaigning Breaking Dawn at Grand Prix and rode in the inaugural Central Park Dressage Challenge. Breaking Dawn is named after one of the Twilight movies in a nod to Rizvi’s husband Suhail’s investments in Summit Entertainment, the film studio that produced the Twilight Saga.

The judges’ main role in AEGT auditions is to comment on each performance, leaving the audience to determine the evening’s winner through their applause. But the panel may have to step in to break a tie if it is too close to call.

Ki-Juan Minors is among the contestants who have earned a place in the March 15 AEGT final

Ashley Holzer on Tiva Nana

Thus far, the March 15 AEGT final is dominated by singers, as Ayden Uhlir, Ki-Juan Minors, Teaghan James and Taylor Hughes have all earned their tickets to compete. That may change this week as dancers and even a fire baton twirler take the stage. Each of the competitors in tonight’s auditions will be vying for the $500 PSdressage.com-sponsored prize as well as a place in the final, where a $5,000 grand prize sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams, is up for grabs.

Auditions are held Wednesdays every week through March 4. Sign up to audition by contacting Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com).

Several sponsors, led by Robert Ross, Kim and Fred Boyer, Equestrian Sport Productions, Tuny and David Page, and PSdressage.com, are supporting this exciting event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or sara.ike@uset.org) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com).

American Equestrians Got Talent Fast Facts

Spearheaded by U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, American Equestrians Got Talent is the third annual East Coast fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Dressage programs through the USET Foundation.

Contestants audition to earn their place in the season finale. Celebrity judges will be on hand at each audition to critique the performances, and the audience’s applause will determine who moves forward to the finale and who goes back to the barn.

P.J. Rizvi on Breaking Dawn

Auditions

When: 7:30-10:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening from Jan. 7 through March 4, 2015

Where: The Grille Fashion Cuisine, 12300 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: PSdressage.com is sponsoring prizes of $500 to be awarded to the top performer at each audition.

Participants: Auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline from dressage and hunter/jumpers to polo and Western. Please sign up in advance by contacting Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com). Walk-ins accepted if space is available.

Season Finale

When: March 15, 2015

Where: The Stadium at PBIEC (Global Dressage Festival show grounds), 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: The winner, who will be named America’s Most Talented Equestrian, will receive a grand prize of $5,000 sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams.

Contacts
Sponsorship:
Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or
sara.ike@uset.org) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com)

Media:
Phelps Media Group
Mary Adelaide Brakenridge (561-753-3389 or mab@phelpsmediagroup.com)

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

by: Equine Canada

Canadian Para-dressage rider Roberta Sheffield, based in Lincolnshire, ENG, will compete in the invitation-only Al Shaqab CPEDI3* Para-Dressage event from Mar. 5-7, 2015, being held in Education City, Doha, QAT.

Coming off an excellent performance at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, where Roberta narrowly missed a medal in the Freestyle test, Sheffield and Double Agent, her eight-year-old Anglo European mare sired by Donnersohn, are honoured to represent Canada in this prestigious event.

“I am so excited to have been given this amazing opportunity. What a way to start this exciting year,” said Sheffield. “We have been working hard over the winter to prepare for this coming season. I never dreamt it would start off in such a glamorous way. Thank you to the organizing committee for inviting me and making this opportunity possible.”

Accompanying the horse and rider team will be Mary Longden, Canadian Para-Equestrian National Team Coach, and Suzy Mainprice, Double Agent’s breeder, as Sheffield’s groom.

To follow the competition online, visit www.chialshaqab.com

Photo: Head trainer Devon Kane, along with her team at Diamante Farms, will host an Olympian Salute before the CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle Friday Night Under the Lights (Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini)

Wellington, FL (February 4, 2015)— Diamante Farms, a founding sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, has been an integral part of the show series’ success since its inception. Diamante Farms is excited to once again act as presenting sponsor for the CDI5* competition, held during week five of the festival. To kick off this year’s CDI5* events, Diamante Farms will host an Olympian Salute honoring each past Olympic competitor who is present.

The Olympian Salute, which is set to take place at 6:45 PM on February 6, will open the $200,000 CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle Friday Night Under the Lights. Young flag bearers from the non-profit organization Dressage4Kids will lead Olympian riders from each nation into The Stadium, and mother-daughter team Terri and Devon Kane of Diamante Farms will present the Olympains with flowers. More than twenty-five Olympians from at least eight nations will be present and invited to participate, including Olympian Team Gold Medalist Carl Hester of the UK; legendary dressage rider Robert Dover, who competed in six consecutive Olympic Games with the United States Equestrian Team; six-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén of Sweden; and Canada’s Christilot Boylen, who has also competed in six Games. Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt, Devon Kane’s trainer, will also take part in the salute.

At the end of the exciting Friday night of dressage, Terri Kane and Kevin Kohmann— co-trainer at Diamante Farms— will present the highest-scoring competitors from the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with their awards.

Having settled permanently in Wellington with the intent of helping to grow the United States’ dressage community, the owners of Diamante Farms— USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix trainer Devon Kane, along with her parents— are proud to be some of the longest supporting sponsors of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

“We feel it is very important to our sport to have a first-class facility in order to bring top competitors from all over the world,” says Terri Kane. “The only way we will be able to be truly competitive is to compete against the best. At one time, the only way our competitors could do that was to go to Europe. Now, with this facility we are seeing the Europeans come here. Diamante Farms is extremely proud to have been an inaugural part of the Global Dressage Festival, and plans to be a part of it for many years to come.”

The Kanes’ dedication to their dressage community is impressive. In addition to sponsoring the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, they also actively support the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, and the Challenge of the Americas fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Their beautiful ten-acre, twenty-stall estate— complete with one indoor and several outdoor arenas— currently houses twenty-seven horses, half of which are currently competing. Devon Kane, head trainer at Diamante Farms, is dedicated to achieving the best performance possible in her horses; often working up to twelve horses a day.

The ambitious, goal-driven Devon Kane has worked with some of the top professionals in the industry. She spends her summers training in Europe with Germany’s Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt, and has also trained with Olympic Bronze medalist and USEF Developing Coach Debbie McDonald. Her hard work has paid off with an impressive record of victories. Last November, Kane and her Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny took first place in the U.S. Dressage Finals Grand Prix Championship Open in Lexington, Kentucky. “Devon will be competing her self-trained Destiny in the Grand Prix ring and during the Friday Night Lights at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival,” shares Terri Kane. “We will also be showing several of our younger horses this year. This is very exciting for us— especially since it is basically in our backyard!”

For more information about Diamante Farms, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.

Lexington, KY (January 29, 2015) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and Great American Insurance Group are pleased to announce the prize money for the 2015 Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships Series, presented by SmartPak and supported by Merial. Prize money totaling over $160,000 will be awarded at the 2015 Great American/USDF Regional Championships, divided evenly among the nine regions and 35 divisions that are offered, allowing each region to present competitors with over $18,000 in prize money and awards . Champions in each region and division will receive $306 in prize money and an embroidered jacket and gift certificate provided by SmartPak, official supplement feeding system of USDF. Reserve champions in each region and division will receive $204 in prize money, along with a saddle pad provided by the Great American Insurance Group, title sponsor of the championships.

“It is with great pleasure that we continue to provide recognition to these outstanding competitors through our sponsorship of the regional championship program,” stated Kathy Sedlak, Great American Insurance Group Assistant Vice President of the Equine Division.

“We’re so pleased that through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to see this program continue to grow and be so well received by USDF members,” adds Stephan Hienzsch, USDF Executive Director.

For more information about the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, please visit the USDF website or contact the USDF office.