AGDF TIMESIssue 2, January 23-26, 2014

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Continues Success at

AGDF with Don Auriello

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival kicked off the “Friday Night Stars” series with an exciting FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition and full spectator stands at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Leading the way was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) on Don Auriello, who won with a score of 81.575%. Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett scored 76.925% for second place. Fellow Dane Mikala Munter Gundersen and My Lady placed third with a score of 74.825%.

Vilhelmson-Silfven started with a win in Thursday’s FEI Grand Prix class, but with the different atmosphere of the lights and spectators, she felt like Don Auriello handled the change well. “Today was a great atmosphere

here. I really had a lot of fun riding in there,” she said. “I think Don Auriello got a little bit impressed, but then he focused and was really nice to ride the whole way through. It was lovely with so many spectators, and the feeling in here is really great.”

The day before, the pair won the FEI Grand Prix with a score of 77.670%. Danish riders filled out the top three for the class again, with Lars Petersen and Mariett finishing second with a 72.880% and Mikala Munter Gundersen taking home third place with a score of 69.600% on My Lady.

Vilhelmson-Silfven was also presented with the Champion Equine

Last Friday night, The Stadium at PBIEC was filled with spectators for the first-ever “Wellington Wild West Show.” With spectators bursting from the bleachers and standing three deep along the ends of the ring, the crowd was treated to a fun show full of exciting exhibitions. The Wild West show provided family fun for the audience while also promoting the dressage and show jumping classes on Friday and Saturday evenings held at PBIEC during the winter season.

Being the first complete Wild West Show, it was a huge success. Some of the performers, such as Guy McLean, have performed at PBIEC before, but there had never been one night dedicated solely to the western style. The acts included gun slinging, roman riding, trick riding, extreme rope acts, barrel racing, whip acts, and rodeo clowns.

Brandon Perdue was in charge of producing the show and getting all of the acts together. Brandon explained that he had originally gotten involved in trick riding through fellow rider Gena Cox, but after a knee injury, he decided to move to the production side. Brandon said, “The Wild West Show was a great success. For the people of Wellington, it was probably the first Wild West show they have seen. We were really excited that such a big crowd came out to watch.”

Guy McLean came in with his team of Australian horses and excellent horsemanship and wowed the crowd. His final trick with his team was to have three horses stand above another horse while it was lying down. He furthered the excitement by standing on the backs of the horses and cracking his whips in the air.

Gena Cox brought some real thrill to the show with some extreme trick riding. Her and the other trick riders galloped around the ring while standing on the horses’ backs, hanging upside down and hopping on and off the horses.

Rusty McCray, better known as Rusty the Clown, was a huge hit among the children in the crowd. He performed trick riding, roman riding, and fancy shooting, all with a comedic twist. He was able to hang completely upside down on the side of his horse while it galloped around the ring.

Loop Rawlins turned up the heat with his lasso trick roping and Wild West gun slinging. One of his famous tricks that he performed was jumping in and out of his lasso while continuing to make it smaller. He proceeded to up the ante by lighting the rope on fire and continuing the tricks. The crowd went wild for the noises that Loop Rawlins made with his gun slinging toward the end of the show.

Overall, the Wild West Show was a big hit and brought in a lot of spectators. Brandon Perdue is looking forward to doing more Wild West shows in Wellington and said this was a great way to get people out to PBIEC. Plans are already in the works to provide another Wild West Show in the future. Q

Morgan Julo

The Wellington Wild West Show Is A Big Hit

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello captured the first FEI Grand Prix Freestyle victory during AGDF’s “Friday Night Stars.” © SusanJStickle.com

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Page 2 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) steps out in Spanish style this week, sponsored by the US P.R.E., a breed association representing the national horse of Spain.

Kimberly Boyer, President, Board of Directors of the United States P.R.E. Association comments, “The breed’s potential for success in international dressage competition is one of the reasons we were one of the First Founding Sponsors of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and this is our third year.”

The breed dates back to the 15th century as a prized Spanish war horse. Its striking beauty has made it Hollywood’s choice to star in its screen epics. As a sport horse, the P.R.E.’s strength and athleticism combined with its intelligence and sensitivity have suited it to be a top dressage horse.

The US P.R.E. has seen a membership growth of 75% since March of 2013. The 370 plus active members come from 44 states as well as Canada. Boyer states, “We have a lot of momentum right now. The breed is a very popular in many different communities in America, and there is a feeling among breeders of uniting and joining an association and coming together for the good of the horse.” The US P.R.E. has also engaged its members with a high point program including the National Level, FEI Level, and Youth Rider Level.

On Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 pm the US P.R.E. will host a special evening at AGDF featuring a Spanish dinner prepared by Chef Frederic Boyer including his famous paella (cost is only for cash bar.) Boyer says, “This is something we do for promotion of our horse, so we invite everyone in the Wellington community. It’s historically been a big success. This year we are honoring our own members who have had national distinctions with P.R.E. horses.”

The evening will also include a Medieval Times exhibition and a Morphology demonstration class. Boyer explains, “A big component of the P.R.E. industry is the morphology or confirmation competition which is judged not only on conformation but movement and functionality. We’ve invited a P.R.E. breeder from Spain, who now lives in the Miami area, to bring out several young horses and professional handlers to demonstrate the unique handling traditions of Spain.”

There will also be a number of activities for US P.R.E. breeders and members during the week, including a reception and member dinner, a seminar on registration issues, and a clinic on presentation to prepare for the Spanish judges who will be coming over later this year for a Qualified Tribunal for breeding stallions and mares.

For more information please visit www.usprea.com. Q

Heather Buchanan

Sponsor Janne Rumbough invited members of the prestigious CEO Organization to the event . For this accomplished group of CEO’s who have seen everything from soaring stock prices to hostile take overs, dressage was something new and captivating.

Horses performed ballet like choreography to everything from Jeff Buckley to Abba, Tommy the Musical, the new hot group Capital Cities and Cher.

Palm Beach City Chairman for the CEO Organization in Central Florida, Charley Housen, commented, “ I put together events for our members who come from all over the country to spend winters here. Janne did a great job putting this event together with us. We have about 30 members here. This is one of three

events this season we have including one at the Everglades Club and the Norton Museum. The organization is made up of members of the former YPO (Young Presidents Organization) who were presidents of large organizations before the age of 40. After they turn 49 the CEO Organization is by invitation only and there are 1600 of us.”

Housen noted that this is an opportunity to see long term valued colleagues and also meet others for the first time. “The reason so many came tonight is they’ve never experienced anything like this before to see the sport of dressage,” he said, “They are blown away.”

Charley’s wife Marge added, “Everyone is very, very excited. We are going to come back to see more!” Q

US P.R.E. Celebrates Spanish Style at the AGDF

AGDF Hosts Prestigious CEO Organization

The USPRE horse has become a popular choice for international dressage competition. Photo © Elena Lusenti.

Sponsor Janne Rumbough of MTICA Farm welcomed global leaders from the Chief Executives Organization, who experienced dressage during “Friday Night Stars.” © Lexey Hall.

Page 3 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

One of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival’s (AGDF) First Founding Sponsors, Chesapeake Dressage Institute (CDI), returns in 2014 as the sponsor of small tour competition during the AGDF 3 CDIW on January 23-26.

The CDI is a not-for-profit educational institution founded for serious dressage riders of all levels to improve and refine their skills and progress to the upper levels of the sport. CDI promotes classically correct dressage training, aiming for the highest standards of care for the horse, and striving for excellence on the part of the rider.

CDI Founder and President, Janet Richardson-Pearson, saw the potential for a world-class dressage circuit in Wellington and was one of the first sponsors to help make the dream of the Global Dressage Festival a reality.

“I have been coming to Wellington for 20 years, and when the opportunity came to have our own dressage facility, I thought it was wonderful,” Richardson-Pearson noted. “Wellington is one of the horse centers of the world, so to add the dressage element was just the perfect position. It was very exciting, and I wanted to support it from the start.”

Richardson-Pearson has seen the growth of the show in the past few years and looks forward to another fantastic season in 2014. “I think it is wonderful,” she said of the AGDF. “I think it is really nice how well Mark (Bellissimo) listens to all of the sponsors about ideas that we have. He has been very responsive, and that has been very rewarding.”

“I enjoy seeing the explosion of possibilities,” she added. “I am looking forward to the continual promotion of dressage. To be here and be able to hop in my car and drive five minutes to watch world-class riding is pretty inspirational.”

At home in Annapolis, MD, Richardson-Pearson is also very proud of the unique program at CDI, which was founded 11 years ago with an emphasis on education. CDI is proud to offer a roster of top clinicians throughout the year. In 2013, they hosted 14 clinics in total with educational topics ranging from Nutrition for Performance Horses, Pilates for Equestrians, and Bomb-Proofing Your Horse.

Uwe Steiner and Jan Brons teach at the farm every month. George Williams makes a yearly clinic appearance and is also on CDI’s consulting advisory board along with Debra Wiedmaier. Betsy Steiner is a former consulting advisor. Other tops names such as Julio Mendoza, Jane Savoie, Ilse Schwarz, and Steffen Peters have been featured clinicians.

CDI is a full training and boarding facility with its own in-house trainer, Lisa Gruen. Gruen teaches the farm’s riders, including Richardson-Pearson, who is an Adult Amateur rider and hopes to get back in the show ring with her new horse this winter.

For more information on Chesapeake Dressage Institute, please visit www.chesapeakedressage.com. Q

Lauren Fisher

Chesapeake Dressage Institute Looks Forward to a Fantastic Third Week of Competition

at the 2014 AGDF

Janet Richardson-Pearson of Chesapeake Dressage Institute, shown here in a presentation during the inaugural year of the AGDF, is a Founding Sponsor. © SusanJStickle.com

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Page 4 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

AGDF 1 Special Award Winners

Michele Sizemore won the Premier Sportsmanship Award.

Katarina Stumpf (left) was the ShowChic Turn Out winner at the FEI jog, shown here with ShowChic’s Michele Hundt and Kelly Molinari of Equiline.

Kevin Kohmann was given the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters award, with Robin Moore of WEB.

The 2kGrey Best Seat Award went to Paula Matute (left) with Randi Phillips of 2kGrey.

The Neue Schule Best Hands Award went to Anna Whit Watkins (mounted) with Chase Hickok of Neue Schule.

Michele Sizemore (left) won the Horse of Course High Score Award, with Beth Haist of The Horse of Course.

Page 5 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

AGDF 1 Photo Gallery

Heather Mason (right) won the Choice of Champions Performance Award with Allyn Maix of Choice of Champions.

The Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider was Mary Lauritsen (left) with Randi Phillips.

An AGDF competitor warms up for the first big competition of the season. © Lexey Hall

The Custom Saddlery Most Valuable Rider was Mary Lauritsen (left) with Randi Phillips.

Spectators filled the seats to watch the first “Friday Night Stars” of the season. © Lexey Hall.

Rick Steed gave a fun Western exhibition during “Friday Night Stars.” © Lexey Hall

Page 6 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

CDI W Competition © SusanJStickle.com

The FEI Intermediaire Freestyle winner was Zar, ridden by Heather Mason.

Caroline Roffman and Bon Chance won the FEI Prix St. Georges presented by Everglades Dressage.

Lars Petersen and Mariett had solid performances during the first AGDF CDI W.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven won the Vita Flex Victory Pass award during AGDF 1. Photo courtesy of Vita Flex.

Megan Lane and Caravella won the FEI Grand Prix Special presented by MTICA Farm.

David Ziegler and Peninsula Top Man were the FEI Young Rider winners.

Juan Matute Jr. and Don Diego Ymas were the best in the FEI Intermediaire 1presented by Everglades Dressage.

Page 7 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

Wild West Photo Gallery © Lexey HallTinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Continued from Page 1

Insurance Dressage Style Award for her ride with Don Auriello, who is owned by Lövsta Stuteri.

It was a win on home turf for Caroline Roffman (USA) and Bon Chance during the FEI Prix St. Georges. Fellow U.S. rider Heather Mason and Zar followed in second place with a score of 69.711%, and Spanish rider Juan Matute Jr. with Don Diego Ymas rounded out the top three at 68.9974%.

Bon Chance, imported from Germany, was broke by Roffman herself. With her, he competed in the four, five and six year old US championships, with great success. “He was reserve four year old champion, five year old champion, tied for six year old champion. So yeah, he has had a pretty successful career!” she said with a smile.

The gelding also offers somewhat of a challenge to Roffman. “He is a little bit of a handful, so you have to take it all in stride. It’s his first CDI ever, it’s his first international Intermediaire I, and I hope this year he continues to develop and get confident in the ring,” she said.

Two young riders made their mark in the show ring on the third day of CDI W competition. Sixteen-year-old Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP) rode Don Diego Ymas to the win in the FEI Intermediaire I presented by Chesapeake Dressage with a score of 70.579%. Megan Lane (CAN), at 22 years old, took the top placing in the FEI Grand Prix Special, presented by MTICA Farm, with Caravella and scored 68.980%.

Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Frederico, have been paired for three years, although the horse has been with Matute’s family since he was four years old. This was their first I-1 at a CDI. Second place in the FEI I-1 was Heather Mason (USA) on Zar, who scored a 69.789%. Jill Irving (CAN) and Dio Mio placed third after they scored 68.895%.

This week was also a learning experience for Matute, Jr. “It’s been a fantastic weekend. We learned a lot and it was great. He’s a bit nervous when it comes to showing and being alone in the ring,” he explained. “The first day he was a bit nervous, but on the second day he was much more confident and listened to me more. We rode more as a couple, more together.”

Megan Lane of Loretto, ON, Canada, and Caravella, a 16-year-old KWPN mare by Contango x Riverman, have made their way up to the Grand Prix level together. After successfully competing at the junior and young rider levels (they medaled six times at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior Young Rider Championships), they moved up to the Grand Prix last year.

“I have brought her along from the beginning. When I bought her, I bought her as a hunter,” Lane recalled. “She’s the first horse for my first Grand Prix and my first horse that I’ve brought along to this point. It’s very exciting.”

Heather Mason (USA) and Zar finished on top of the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle, presented by Everglades Dressage, with a winning score of 72.275% on the final day of competition. Second place went to Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and West Side for a score of 71.150% and Austria’s Katharina Stumpf rounded out the top three with a score of 67.000% on Nymphenburg’s Love.

Mason has developed a close relationship with Zar after riding him for seven years. She broke Zar as a three-year-old, even showing him in-hand, and the KWPN gelding recently turned 10.

“We get along really well. He’s a really easy horse to get along with. He’s very honest under saddle, as long as you don’t act too nervous. That’s the biggest thing with him—he’s a big chicken!” Mason laughed. Q

Page 8 ISSUE 2 January 23-26, 2014

2014 AGDF SCHEDULE OF EVENTS*

January 23-26 AGDF 3 Dressage CDI W

Presented by US P.R.E. Association and Chesapeake Dressage Institute

(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 24)

February 1-2 AGDF 4 Dressage National

February 6-9 AGDF 5 Dressage CDI 4*

Presented by Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm (AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 7)

February 15-16 AGDF 6 Dressage National

February 19-23 AGDF 7 Dressage CDIO

Presented by Stillpoint Farm and Peacock Ridge (AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 21)

Florida Youth Dressage Championships Presented by Dressage4Kids

February 28-March 2 AGDF 8 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI W

(Grand Prix Freestyle Saturday, March 1)

March 8-9 AGDF 9 Dressage National 3

March 13-16 AGDF 10 Dressage CDI W and CPEDI 3*

Presented by Today’s Equestrian, GF Enterprise, LLC and Mike & Roz Collins

(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 14)

March 19-20 AGDF 11 Dressage National

March 27-30 AGDF 12 Dressage CDI 5*

Presented by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty (AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 28)

*Schedule is subject to change.

Sandra Hotz is a renowned teacher and judge of all levels of dressage. As an FEI 3* Judge and USEF “S” Judge, she is adding more to her list of accomplishments. She sat down to talk about her new role as President of the Ground Jury during AGDF 1.

How did you get started in dressage?

I was riding and taking lessons here and there and doing a little jumping. Then I saw my first Prix St. Georges and thought it was beautiful and elegant. I knew then that I wanted to be involved in dressage.

Where are you from?I grew up in Colorado where I began

riding. In my 20s I took a job offer in New York and was traveling to Florida every winter and making several trips to Germany. Later I moved back to Colorado.

Did you always want to make a career out of dressage?

It started out as a hobby and became a profession. I discovered early on that I could teach and enjoyed it, and a profession evolved from there.

What are the responsibilities of the President of the Ground Jury?

The President of the Ground Jury deals with any incidents that occur during the show, anything from making sure horses are fit for show to making sure that riders follow the rules.

What types of things can get a rider disqualified?

A lot of things can get you disqualified, like saying you are someone you are not, or inappropriate behavior both in and out of the ring. Generally the riders just need to have good sportsmanship.

Why did you decide to become a judge?

I began judging when I was quite young. I wanted to have the opportunity to judge other competitors the way I would like to be judged. I started at the national level and continued up the ladder.

Where do you see the future of dressage going?

I see the future as very bright. I see improvement in the quality of the horse and the quality of the rider. The crowd is becoming more educated and there are more spectators. The CDI W is a wonderful experience, and I encourage everyone to come out and watch a freestyle.

What is your favorite moment of being a judge?

My favorite moments are being President of the Ground Jury and sitting at letter “C” for the Grand Prix.

Dressage is occasionally referred to as “horse ballet.” What do you think of the nickname?

I like it. I think it is pretty appropriate. Dressage done well looks effortless, and people say that about ballet. Q

Morgan Julo

Q&A with Sandra Hotz

Sandy Hotz (center) joined the presentation during the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle during AGDF 1. © SusanJStickle.com

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by US P.R.E. Association

Friday, January 24 - Competition Begins at 4 pm