Dr. Cesar Parra’s World Equestrian Games preparations got off to a strong start at the end of July with a third place finish in the Grand Prix at the Oldenburg Regional Championships in Rastede.
Dr. Parra rode Horses Unlimited’s stallion Galant du Serein and the pair earned a 69%. They followed this up with strong finishes at the prestigious Verden CDI, where they placed sixth in the Grand Prix Special against some of the top riders in the world.
“Showing in Europe definitely sharpens your competitive edge,” Dr. Parra said. “I feel very blessed to have been able to show in Germany every year for the past few years. It really takes your training and competing to a new level.” Dr. Parra and Galant du Serein showed at CHIO Aachen in 2004 and 2005, finishing in 8th place in the Grand Prix Freestyle in 2004.
In Europe , Dr. Cesar Parra is based in Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt’s barn. In the remaining days before the World Championships, he will work Galant du Serein to keep him sharp yet relaxed. “That is the key to successful performance,” Dr. Parra commented. “You don’t want to have your best riding at home before the big event.”
Also returning to Europe to dazzle the crowds was Parra's upcoming FEI star Furst Fabio. The Rhinelander gelding by Fidermark x Worldchamp won the 2002 Bundeschampionate for 3-year old riding horses under Katja Camp and the pair returned to the Bundeschampionate in 2004.
Dr. Cesar Parra was fortunate to get the opportunity to buy this exclusive, talented upcoming FEI star and to take him from Germany to the United States. At the CDI Verden, Parra was schooling the chestnut Prix St Georges level trained gelding on German turfagain and the horse became the talk of the show. With his extravagant gaits, Furst Fabio charmed all spectators standing on the Verden race track watching them school.
Parra's other German Young Horse Champion, Donavan (by Diamond Hit) was able to qualify himself for the 2006 Bundeschampionate under German Grand Prix rider Carola Koppelmann. Bred by Dr. Monika Mittermeyer, Donavan came into Parra's possession after the dark bay stallion won the 4-year old riding horse division at the 2005 Bundeschampionate in Warendorf. Donavan will move to the United States in September.
At the CDI Verden, Parra has proven that his continuous work at furthering his riding skills is clearly paying off. Not only did he beat American WEG short listed team riders there, but he is also able to maintain an upward line in his scores. Let the Games begin!
Photos copyrighted: Eurodressage.com
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