(Global Dressage Festival) – The international riders were showcased on the second day of competition in the Wellington Dressage CDI-W, presented by Magnolia Farm, at the inaugural 2012 Global Dressage Festival on Friday. Seven countries were represented in the FEI Grand Prix and the FEI Prix St. Georges classes at the newly constructed venue of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Mica Mabragana of Argentina was the first winner of the day in the Prix St Georges on her horse Cuatrero IV with a score of 64.526%. The panel of judges were Leif Torblad (DEN), Gustaf Svalling (SWE), Stephen Clarke (GBR), Gary Rockwell(USA) and Janet Foy(USA).

Ashley Holzer of Canada and Pop Art won the FEI Grand Prix with a personal best score of 73.596%. Holzer was pleased with their test.

“Pop Art is like a young horse again,” said Ashley Holzer of her 2008 Olympic Games mount. “The footing and the venue is great. I think it’s wonderful what Mark Bellissimo has done here. For dressage to grow, we need a facility like this. They have done a great job in a short amount of time.”

Shawna Harding of Aiken, SC, was second out of the fifteen entries in the FEI Grand Prix class riding Come On III and scoring 68.596%. James Koford and Rhett were third with 67.766%.

“My horse is getting stronger,” said Harding. “We had three unfortunate mistakes, a bobble in the one tempis, but I know we can improve on that. The passage and his confidence are getting better. The new venue overwhelmed him a bit because it is enclosed by the large row of bleachers, but he has to get used to it.”

International and national competition continues through Sunday, February 5. Start lists and results are available on the GDF website at www.globaldressagefestival.com under the link for dressage show information on the main homepage.

Photo Courtesy of Global Dressage Festival by Sue Stickle – Ashley Holzer and Pop Art