The 2017 Global Dressage Festival concluded on Saturday 25 March 2017 in Wellington, FL, with victories for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Juan Matute Guimon (ESP), in the Grand Prix Special 3* and the Intermediaire I Freestyle 3*. The 2017 Wellington winter show season hosted seven CDI events from January through March 25.
Lyle and Salvino, a 2007 Hanoverian stallion (by Sandro Hit x Donnerhall) owned by Salvino Partners LLC, made their CDI debut on the final week of competition and ended their competitive winter circuit with a third place in the Grand Prix (69.600%) and a victory in the Grand Prix Special (73.510%).
Salvino was purchased for Lyle two years ago, after the retirement of her WEG and 2012 Olympic mount Wizard. A syndicate of American dressage aficionados, including Akiko Yamazaki, Betsy Juliano, Jim and Elma Garcia-Cannavino, and Brune and Jen Hlavacek, acquired the Hanoverian stallion in Spain in May 2015. There he was competed by Susana Vazquez Mostaza and Antonio Diaz Porras under the name Sandronnerhall. In the U.S. he was renamed Salvino.
“This idea was born to work on syndication to buy horses for high performance riders who were out of a horse to ride,” said Lyle, “and Salvino came about after five long trips to Europe to look at horses. We found him as an eight-year-old and he showed some talent, but that was by no means confirmed at the time. We stayed out of the ring last year, just spending the time that it takes to get to know a new horse. We spent the time training and strengthening, and I think that it paid off because he seems to be going in there happy and calm, and that is our main goal.”
The pair has been competing nationally throughout the winter, and made their 2017 debut in the international ring earlier in the week.
“I think he loves the international ring,” she continued. “He doesn’t seem fazed by the environment at all. He’s not really an anxious horse, and he really stepped up to the plate for me today. We are still working on some things, such as putting the piaffe more in one spot, as well as more power in the extensions. Bit by bit it’s coming along, and I’m really thrilled with him today. It was a great score and a great effort, and I think there is a lot more in him still.”
Second place in the Grand Prix Special 3* was awarded to Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo, a 2004 Hanoverian gelding (by De Niro x Andiamo) owned by Patricia Stempel, scoring 71.353%. Third place went to Jill Irving (CAN) and her own Aurthur, a KWPN gelding (by Jazz x Contango), earning 68.157%.
Later in the afternoon, 19-year-old Matute and Dhannie, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (by Don Crusador) owned by Yeguada de Ymas S.L., climbed to the top of the leaderboard in the Intermediaire I Freestyle 3* with an impressive score of 75.050%.
“I was very pleased to not only finish first in the last ride of the season,” said Matute, “but also with the feeling overall. It was quite good, and I’m trying to find a balance with how much power I should ask for without losing the softness and relaxation. I believe that today with Dhannie I approached that balance well, and I believe that this ride reflected that.”
Commenting on his winter season, Matute continued, “I have four horses that I competed at the FEI level, and they all had very valuable seasons, and I think that we all progressed a lot. I have to keep in mind that these are all horses I was riding in the Juniors not so long ago. For example, last night was only Quantico Ymas’ second freestyle under the lights and two years ago, I was doing Young Riders with him. The amount of progress that we have been able to make in such a short period of time is unbelievable. It gives me goosebumps, and I’m very proud of the work we are putting in, as well as the results we are getting back out.”
Diane Creech (CAN) and Robbie W, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (Rubin Royal x Inschallah) owned by Louise Leatherdale, earned a 74.350%, landing them with the second-place spot. Third place went to Catherine Malone (USA) and Dilona, a 2008 KWPN mare (by Lord Leatherdale x Kennedy) owned by Iron Spring Farm, with 72.875%.
by Carly Weilminster, edited by Eurodressage - Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
Scores 2017 CDIO Wellington
American Syndicate Acquires Sandronnerhall for Adrienne Lyle
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USA A-Team Wins Under 25 Nations' Cup at 2017 CDIO Wellington