The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF)has named the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Verdades, owned and ridden by Laura Graves of Geneva, Florida, the 2018 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year, for the second consecutive year.
Verdades' median score of 80.584 percent made him the top horse in the United States competing at this level and the recipient of USDF's highest honor.
Verdades was recognized at the 2018 USDF Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet with a commemorative personalized plaque, an embroidered cooler, and a gift certificate provided by Dressage Extensions.
Also, Verdades is the recipient of the Colonel Thackeray Award and will have his name engraved on a silver trophy to be on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame housed at the USDF National Education Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“USDF is thrilled to be able to recognize this extraordinary horse for his many accomplishments during the 2018 competition season. We also congratulate his owner and rider Laura Graves and the entire Verdades team,” stated USDF Executive Director Stephan Hienzsch.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
KWPN and Verdades Top 2018 WBFSH Dressage Ranking
Graves and Verdades Work to their Strengths and Win 5* Grand Prix at 2018 CDIO Aachen
Graves Notches Two, Beats Werth in 2018 World Cup Finals’ Grand Prix
Verdades' Breeder, the Crum Family, Honoured at 2017 KWPN Stallion Licensing
Previous Recipients
Verdades Named 2017 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Legolas Named 2016 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Legolas, 2015 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Legolas, 2014 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Legolas, 2013 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Ravel Named 2010 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Ravel Named 2009 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year
Kingston, 2005 USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year