Dressage riders such as Lisa Wilcox, Michelle Gibson, Mikala Gundersen, Dorothy Morkis, Christopher Hickey, Devon Kane, Marne Martin-Tucker, and Caroline Roffman prepared their horses for the big shows coming up at the beautiful 2013 Global Dressage Festival at this past weekend's national Holiday and Horses show, a precursor to the the 2013 Dressage in Florida show circuit.
Known for their coral footing, sweeping palm trees, and international atmosphere, the Wellington show grounds will host world-class competitions with $275,000 in prize money, impressive awards, and a five star experience throughout the upcoming season. The season begins at the end of January and features five CDI competitions and culminates with the International Team competition, Nations Cup, on April 11 - 14, 2103.
The Holiday and Horses show featured horses that riders are moving up in levels for the upcoming season, and ones needing a bit of confidence in the show ring.
Danish Grand Prix rider Mikala Gundersen and Janne Rumbough's 12-year old Danish warmblood mare My Lady (by Michellino x Ritterstern) delivered the top score in the Open Grand Prix Test with a 72.553%, a great pre-season warm-up for what will come. Gundersen said, "I am very excited about being back at the facility. I love the show here. Now we are warming up for the winter season."
Caroline Roffman and Sagacious HF competed in the Under 25 Grand Prix scoring a 73.060% on Saturday and had a small hiccup in the two tempi changes to score 71.163% on Sunday. She related how excited she is to be back at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds, "It's my favorite show to show at, with the best footing, and the best atmosphere. I look forward to showing here all during the season."
Michelle Gibson scored a 69.079% on Third Level Test 1 on the 9-year-old Chica H (by Chico's Boy x World Cup). "I am really happy with her. This is the first time I've actually taken her down centerline and it was perfect. She relaxed and handled the stress. A lot of that has to do with the surroundings and what goes on. The footing is so good, and the barns are so close to the arenas. It is quiet. We just wanted to get her out and see how she handled the stress."
Marne Martin-Tucker and her Oldenburg bred youngster Quarterflash (by Quaterback) scored 78.500% in the USDF Materiale Class for 4/5 Year Olds for Stallion/Geldings. "I was really happy with how my 4-year-old handled the atmosphere at the Holiday and Horses show. He is big and young, only turning four at the end of June, but has so much talent for the future and is really gorgeous. The show footing felt great, and it was a pleasure to be at the show. I also was hugely impressed with the stalls. It is by far the best show stabling I have seen anywhere in Europe or the U.S."
The Holiday and Horses Pre-Season Kickoff featured only a fraction of the international dressage talent to come. The 2013 will be packed with remarkable moments, elegant dining, and top-notch dressage competition.
Related Links
FEI Dressage Nations' Cup Created for 2013
Wellington Council Votes in Favour of 2013 Global Dressage Festival
