Everglades Dressage: Nurturing The Growth of Dressage in Wellington
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello continued to display incredible consistency at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as they made another huge statement with victory in the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello received a 79.775% for a commanding victory, while Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady collected second place with a 77.675%. Veteran pair Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett finished in third just behind their fellow Danish teammates with a 76.400% for a Scandinavian sweep.
Don Auriello, a 2002 Hanoverian gelding owned by Lövsta Stuteri, the training and breeding operation of Antonia Ax:on Johnson of The Axel Johnson Group, has a plethora of international competition experience, representing Sweden with Vilhelmson-Silfven at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Only improving with age, Don Auriello and Vilhelmson-Silfven have been nearly unbeatable
in Large Tour competition this year at AGDF.
“It was an amazing feeling tonight. He’s the kind of horse that always gives his best and is always on my side,” Vilhelmson-Silfven said. “He wants to please me the whole time and go into the arena with all of the people watching. He’s eager to go and that’s an absolutely stunning feeling to have as a rider, when your horse loves to perform.”
The judging panel was very consistent with tonight’s top three competitors and Anne Gribbons, judge at C, was impressed with the quality and presentation of the top three finishers.
“I thought My Lady was just amazing tonight. She was right in front of me when the sound malfunctioned and it was unbelievable how focused she was during the whole test. She knows her whole drill. I thought Mariett also really improved her act from when I saw her a few weeks ago,” she noted. “I think she looked incredibly secure and consistent. Almost back to where you are able to go all out during the tests.
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello Ride to Victory
Promoting the sport of dressage has always been a priority of the Peslars of Everglades Dressage, as seen in everything they do— from producing stunning horses to supporting world-class dressage competition. For USDF Gold Medalist Bethany Peslar of Everglades Dressage, encouraging fellow equestrians and helping the sport to grow is a way of life. Once again, Everglades Dressage is the proud title sponsor of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W and AGDF 8 at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) this year.
The Peslar family has had a tremendous influence on the growth of dressage in Wellington, Florida, that dates back to before the AGDF was even an idea. The Peslars were the original supporters of the Dressage Division at The National Horse Show when it was hosted in Wellington over a decade ago. Bethany and Rose Peslar never hesitated when Everglades Dressage was asked to
be one of founding sponsors of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, and since then they have carried on the tradition of being the title sponsor of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and presenting Dressage Rider Achievement Awards throughout the show series.
The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, affectionately known as “the Derby” by competitors and spectators alike, was the first CDI competition to ever be held in Florida and has long been a favorite event for riders. The prestigious Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W runs from March 3 to March 6 (Week 8 of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival). Known as one of the most beloved dressage shows in the world, the Palm Beach Dressage Derby is truly a remarkable event. The Peslars are eager to present the celebrated competition as a continuation of their contribution to the sport they love.
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By Lauren Fisher
In addition to sponsoring the Derby, Everglades Dressage supports competitors by presenting the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival to recognize and congratulate competitors’ talents and efforts. Winning riders are those who demonstrate excellent rides in the show ring, improvements in their riding, or strong efforts and dedication to working well with their horses. The team at Everglades Dressage hopes that the Achievement Awards will help competitors feel appreciated for their abilities and be encouraged to continue growing as successful equestrians.
The Everglades Dressage team is based in Grand Prix Village South. Along with Bethany Peslar, internationally successful dressage competitor and trainer Endel Ots and his students are also based out of the pristine Everglades Dressage facility.
Everglades Dressage wishes continued success to all riders at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, and of course invites everyone to come and enjoy the 2016 Palm Beach Dressage Derby. n
LUNCH & LEARN SERIESOn Thursday, March 3, the Lunch & Learn Series will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Wellington Club. This informational and educational series has a variety of subjects for horsemen and women to learn more for their horses. Admission is free for riders, trainers, and owners, while all others are $25. Register at the door for a chance to win exciting prizes. The season finale door prize includes a custom trunk provided by Clever Jumps & Trunks and TheraPlate. The subject for WEF 8 is “The Stuff of Legends – How Ice and Joint Therapy Support Top Athletes” by James A. Orsini DVM, Dipl ACVS, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, sponsored by Merial. Contact Laura Bostwick at 561-784-1130 or [email protected] for more information.
WEF SPORT HORSE AUCTIONEach year the WEF Sport Horse Auction offers an exclusive opportunity for individuals to acquire the next generation of top champions from VDL Stud. Riders, owners, and trainers have the ability to purchase their next star in an exciting live auction atmosphere. The 2016 edition of the WEF Sport Horse Auction is set to take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at The Stadium at PBIEC. General admission is free. For more information on the WEF Sport Horse Auction please visit www.WefSportHorseAuction.com or www.facebook.com/WEFSportHorseAuction.
WIN A TACK TRUNK FILLED WITH VITA FLEX PERFORMANCE
SUPPLEMENTSExhibitors at both the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival can look forward to the annual Key to Success Contests hosted by Vita Flex happening this Friday and Saturday. At the Key to Success Contests, everyone has a chance to claim the lucky key that fits the lock of a Vita Flex Tack Trunk. One key will fit a trunk at the Global Dressage Festival, and one will fit the lock of a trunk at the Winter Equestrian Festival. The person at each of these events who holds the winning key will receive a beautiful tack trunk filled to the brim with Vita Flex® products. Stop by the Global Pavilion Lobby at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival by the Tiki Hut for your chance to open the lock.
$150,000 NATIONS CUPTeams of riders compete for national honors to see who can raise their flag as the winning country of the 15th edition of the Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Competition is on Friday, March 4, with gates opening at 6 pm. Cheer on your favorite country – can the United States make it two years in a row?
“SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” - HOLLOW CREEK FARM
CHILDREN’S/JUNIOR/YOUNG RIDER NATIONS CUPS
A variety of countries from around the world will be fielding teams in the Hollow Creek Farm Children’s, Junior, and Young Rider Nations
Cups this week. This fantastic opportunity gives some of the best young talent an opportunity to participate in team competition. There are two rounds of competition on Saturday, with the second round highlighting the “Saturday Night Lights” series. Competition for the second rounds begins at 5 pm on Saturday, March 5.
AGDF FEI GRAND PRIX MUSICAL FREESTYLE
Dressage moves to Saturday night this week on Saturday, March 5, with gates opening at 6 p.m. The FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Everglades Dressage, will feature horses completing their freestyle choreography to entertaining music ensembles. Also on Saturday night during the break in competition is the Pony Leadline class – see the dressage stars of the future!
SAVE THE DATE FOR WEEKS 9 & 10 UPCOMING EVENTS
GIVE A BUCK PONY DERBY AND GALA
It will be an enchanted evening of dancing, dining, and live entertainment in celebration of the pony derby gala in The Gallery overlooking the International Arena on Friday, March 11, from 6-9:30 p.m. It will be a “A Night in Neverland”, presented by Baxter Hill to support Give a Buck for Special Equestrian’s mission of providing horsepower that heals. Tables and individual tickets are available. The Give A Buck Pony Derby will begin on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC (AGDF show grounds) on March 11 at 9 a.m. For more information please call Tara Bieling at 239-200-2230 or email [email protected]. See more at www.giveabuckeq.com.
ARTISAN FARMS UNDER 25 GRAND PRIX SERIES LEARNING SESSION
An educational session for riders competing in the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series will be held on Thursday, March 10, at 4 pm in The Wellington Club.
RIDE & LEARN WITH KEN SMITHThe Ride & Learn Series will take place each Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. during WEF. Each week will feature a mounted riding clinic instructed by highly esteemed industry professionals and will be held in various venues and arenas at PBIEC. Week 10 features top trainer Ken Smith teaching equitation at the PBIEC Ring 7 on Tuesday, March 15. The clinic is sponsored by NightWatch™. Participation to ride in the clinic is $100 per horse/rider per clinic, with a maximum of 12 horses, so sign up today! Auditing is Free. For more information or to sign up for a clinic, please contact Jessica Nichols at 561-784-4275 or [email protected].
AMERICAN EQUESTRIANS GOT TALENT FINALE
American Equestrians Got Talent brings together equestrians from all disciplines to show off their non-horse-related talents and compete for a $5,000 top prize. Contestants have earned their
spots in the Finale through a series of auditions over the past several months in Wellington. The finale is on Sunday, March 15, at 6 pm at The Stadium at PBIEC (AGDF show grounds). Their diverse talents range from singing and dancing to stand-up comedy and fire-baton twirling and the finale grand prize is $10,000. The AEGT benefits USEF High Performance programs through the USET Foundation.
YOUTH PARENTS TEA RECEPTIONOn Wednesday, March 16, at 4 pm is the Youth Parents Tea Reception at the AGDF Global Pavilion. The topic is “Meeting Expectations: Grants and Scholarships Available to the Youth Dressage Athlete” and speakers are Michael Davis, Lendon Gray, and Hannah Niebielski. Youth athletes and their parents are welcome.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Florida International Youth Dressage Championships are set to begin at the
Adequan® Global Dressage Festival grounds and will welcome riders of different ages and levels to compete in the International Ring. The competition will run throughout Week 10 on March 17-20. The Florida International Youth Dressage Championships are proudly presented this year by Dressage4Kids, PanaCavallo and Cavalleria Toscana, and Hampton Green Farm.The championships will host four separate FEI divisions for participants under the age of 25. There will be a Pony Division, Junior Division, Young Rider Division and a U-25 Grand Prix.
USEF WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION
On Tuesday, March 29, at 5 pm is a Wine and Cheese Reception at the AGDF Global Pavilion. The topic is “Rio Taking Shape,” and we will hear from speakers Will Connell of the USEF and U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover. High performance athletes and owners are welcome. n
The Stuff of Legends: How Ice and Joint Therapy Support Top Athletes by James A. Orsini, DVM, Dipl ACVS, New
Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Sponsored by Meria
THURSDAY, MARCH 3RD: 11:30AM THE WELLINGTON CLUB.
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Today’s Equestrian
Wishes the Competitors at theAdequan Global Dressage Festival
the Best of Luck!
ypphoto.com
ashley ad_Layout 1 2/26/16 7:41 AM Page 1
Performers From Opera Fusion Offer a New Approach to
A Traditional Art Form
Opera hits, musical theater classics, and American standards will be the entertainment at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) during the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle events on March 5, March 18, and April 1 when singers from Opera Fusion take the stage.
The talented South Florida vocalists’ selections will range from the serene “Flower Duet” (well known from the British Airways commercial) from “Lakme” to the rousing “Libiamo” drinking song from “La Traviata” to the love song “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot.”
The more contemporary songs Opera Fusion will showcase at the AGDF will include “The Prayer,” “All I Ask of You,” “Granada,” “Be My Love,” “Stranger in Paradise” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”
The fledging company, which is in its second season, has made it its mission to cultivate a new audience for opera in South Florida, offer educational outreach, and provide opportunities to local talent. The bottom line is making “the voice” accessible and affordable to a wider segment of the community, and combating perceptions that opera is stuffy and elitist.
The Opera Fusion singers coming to the AGDF include sopranos Robyn Marie Lamp, Kyaunnee Richardson and Birgit Fioravante; mezzo-soprano Christina Overton; tenor Lievens Castillo; and baritones Xavier Garcia and John Whittlesey. They will be accompanied by pianists Sergio Puig and Gordon Roberts. All live and work in South Florida.
“We really want this to be a company that supports the local artists,” said Garcia, a West Palm
Beach veterinarian and president of the board, “because the local artists will support us.”
The non-profit artist-driven company is based in West Palm Beach and mounts shows throughout South Florida. It opened its second season in December with its “Viva La Zarzuela” master classes and a finalists’ concert at Florida International University in Miami.
In June, the company will premiere “Not In My Town,” a musical drama by a Fort Lauderdale composer about the events surrounding the story of Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming college student murdered in a 1998 hate crime.
In its first season, Opera Fusion successfully put on two musical revues, “The Sopranos: An Opera You Can’t Refuse” and “Duelling Divas,” as well as two operas, the company’s debut with “Bluebeard’s Castle” and later “Cosi Fan Tutte/Die Fledermaus” in a summer “bootcamp” workshop.
Birgit Fioravante is executive director of Opera Fusion, Dean Peterson is artistic director, Robyn Lamp is company manager and Dr. Sally Brown is director of education.
The board of directors comprises West Palm Beach veterinarian and baritone Dr. Xavier Garcia, president; Lake Worth Playhouse board president Michael McKeich, treasurer; attorney Joseph R. Fields Jr., secretary; and members Renee Greenberg, Peter Ludescher, Elizabeth Giles, Emily Pantelides, Richard Gaff and Carol Carnevale.
For more about Opera Fusion and its leadership, visit OperaFusion.org. n
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PRESENTATION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016 AT 3:00 PM
AUCTION:THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 AT 7:00 PM
For the complete schedule of events go to www.WEFSPORTHORSEAUCTION.COM Contact: [email protected] or
Of course, our winner, the softness and presentation is really hard to beat for anyone in the world. You’re very dangerous, Tinne. You are so good as a rider. I feel that all three horses really turned on their best for us tonight.”
AGDF 7 Highlights: Thursday through Sunday
The FEI CDI-W Grand Prix, which had 50 entries last week, boasted representation of 16 nations, making the AGDF 7 CDI-W one of the most diverse Large Tour classes in competition history at the facility.
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and veteran partner Don Auriello, owned by Lövsta Stuteri, earned top honors in the competitive class and were the final pair to on Thursday afternoon, earning a 76.080%. Following Vilhelmson-Silfven, Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet placed second, after maintaining their lead for majority of the class with a 74.500%. Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo finished with a 72.820%.
Lisa Wilcox (USA) concluded a banner day in the FEI Prix St. Georges, presented by Engel & Völkers, taking first place aboard Catherina, owned by Anita Fialkow, with a 70.395%, and second place aboard Gallant Reflection HU, owned by Horses Unlimited, with a 69.868%. Michael Klimke (GER) and his own Djamba Djokiba finished in third place with a score of 69.211%.
Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba won the FEI Intermediaire I, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a 72.763%. Lindsay Kellock (CAN) and Royal Prinz, owned by Teresa Simmons, followed in second with a 70.263% while Virginia Yarur Ready (CHI) and her own Finn placed just behind Kellock with a score of 70.219%.
Karin Persson, owner and rider of
Giuliano, were recognized for their high point score of 79.565% in the AGDF 5 National competition. Melissa Fladland, rider of Mismarck J, accepted the high point score award for the AGDF 6 National show on behalf of owners Rocking Diamond S for the pair’s 78.128%. Anita Fialkow accepted the AGDF 7 FEI Prix St. Georges Owner Award presented by Adequan®, as the owner of Catherina, ridden by Lisa Wilcox, who won the class.
Antonia Ax:son Johnson of Lövsta Stuteri accepted the Owner Award for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Adequan®, while Don Auriello’s groom, Angelica Karlson, was awarded the Groom’s Initiative Award.
Shelly Francis (USA) and Doktor were victorious in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W, presented by The Axel Johnson Group. Francis and Doktor won the class with a 73.373%, narrowly edging fellow American Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet who finished in second place with a 73.137%. Kelly Layne (AUS) and Udon P earned a 70.157% for third place.
Christer Egerstrom (CRC) and Bello Oriente won the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle, presented by Engel & Völkers, topping the class with a score of 71.708%. Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo (ESP) and Elevado finished in second with a 69.792%, while Michelle Batalla, also representing Costa Rica, finished in third with a 64.792% aboard Hendrix.
Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo (ESP) and his own Sunny Boy finished the afternoon with a win in the FEI Consolation Grand Prix, earning a score of 66.000%. Joanne Vaughan (GEO) and her own Elmegarden’s Marquis received a 64.867%, while Evi Strasser (CAN) piloted her own Renaissance Tyme to third place with a 64.833%. n Carly Weilminster
FEI PROSPECT FOR SALEHERMES ISF
2012 16.2h KWPN gelding by Florianus IIGreat work ethic and quality gaits
A. I’ve been here since the very first CDI and have come down to Florida every year since.
Q. How have you seen the growth of AGDF impact the sport of dressage? A. I see a phenomenal and finally, (a) truly
international competition with growth in quality above quantity. Even though it’s grown huge, the quality of competition we have here is incredible.
Q. How many languages do you speak? A. My first language is Swedish, but
others that I can make myself understood in would be English, German, and French. I understand Spanish a little bit too.
Q. What is one of the biggest responsibilities in your job of being an FEI Steward and how long have you been stewarding?
A. The welfare of the horse is always paramount and the fairness of the competition. Everybody has to get the same, and we have to ensure that from the ground. I’ve been stewarding for the FEI since 1994 at shows across the United States.
Q. Where is home when the season ends? A. Technically home is in Horsham,
Pennsylvania. Until the season ends I’m only home consecutively for maybe ten days. I have a very understanding and wonderful husband!
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AGDF 7 SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS PHOTO GALLERY
1. The People’s Choice Award went to Kasey Perry-Glass and “Trostruplunds Scarlet” (USA), presented by Ann Cook.
2. Jacqueline M. Brooks and “D Niro”, shown with Jana Crimmins from Horse & Rider and groom Alison Famiglietti, won the Best Horse Turnout Award.
3. The Gumbits Happy Horse Award was presented to Diana Porsche with “Sion” by Dieter Laugks.
4. Tanya Strasser-Shostak with “Action Tyme” won the FarmVet Youth Sportsmanship Award. She is pictured with her mother and Action Tyme’s owner, Evi Strasser.
5. Kasey Perry-Glass (left) with “Goerklintgaards Dublet” (USA), also won the Best Seat Award, given by Charlotte Jorst of Kastel Denmark, pictured with her horse “Kastels Akeem Foldager” and presented by Walter Bagley, the FEI Steward at AGDF.
6. Bebe Davis with “Feivel Mousekewitz” (USA) won the N2 Saddlery High Point Junior/Young Rider Award, presented by Graham Newell.
7. Mette Rosencrantz with “Marron” was presented the Perfect Products Performance Weekly Award by Walter Bagley.
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1. Allegra Hohm and Guadalupano win the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award.
2. Melissa Fladland (left) wins The Horse of Course High Score Award, presented by Beth Haist.
3. Sonia Zugel (left) wins the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award at week seven of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, presented by Louisa-Marcelle Eadie of Piaffe Performance Farm.
4. Balance and Sallie Spenard win the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award.
5. Jennifer Marchand wins the Everglades Dressage Rider Achievement Award.
6. Premier Equestrian Award winner Karen Pavicic (right) with Heidi Zorn (left).
Tryon International Equestrian Center and Tryon Resort offers spectators, exhibitors, and competitors a wide variety of on-site lodging options, all located just steps away from facility stabling to ensure a convenient and stress-free stay. If interested in booking lodging for the 2016 Tryon Spring Show Series, please contact [email protected] for more information regarding weekly rates.
April 20-24 Tryon Spring Dressage 1 CDI 3*
June 18-19 Tryon Summer Dressage 1
Level 3
August 13-14 Tryon Summer Dressage 5
Level 3
September 7-11 Tryon Fall Dressage 2 CDI 3*
THE 2016
DRESSAGE SCHEDULE
Laura Graves and Verdades were victorious in the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms.
In the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle, Virginia Yarur Ready and Finn took home the win.
Beatrice Marienau and Stefano 8 won the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty.
My Lady’s groom Julie Albrechtsen accepted the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, to reward her dedication and hard work as an integral member of the winning team.
