International Dressage Returns to Canadian Pacific Northwest Coast with 2023 CDI Langley

Shows

2023 CDI Langley

-- Text by Heather O'Hara, edited by Eurodressage

Over 100+ Canadian riders have declared to qualify for the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile later this fall. Perseverance pays off with strong results for several proud horse and rider combinations from British Columbia.

Spirits were alive this weekend following the inaugural FEI CDI3* A Touch of Class Dressage competition, presented by Bonnie Brae Farm and Casia Cavalla, marking the growth and expansion of FEI competition across Western Canada. Thunderbird Show Park, a “world class venue” as described by FEI Judges Cesar Torrente and Kari McClain, “provided exceptional facilities, footing and friendly Canadian hospitality and will surely draw future competitors from across Canada, USA and beyond.”

Perseverance and Preparation

Erin Silo (CAN) and the 9-year old Dutch warmblood Jett (by Johnson) claimed victory in both the Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I. In less than 3 years, the dynamic pair has propelled their success with perseverance and preparation. Silo a humble dressage competitor is “excited by the process” and what it takes to reach their FEI International dressage potential.

No stranger to international dressage competition, Leslie Reid, Canadian Olympic Team Rider and one half of the coaching team to Erin Silo among many other competitors noted, “these CDI events hosted in British Columbia are greatly appreciated by many riders and owners, to make their goals of participating in the International dressage scene an exciting and affordable reality.”

A Balance Act

Shelley Lawder (CAN) and her 9-year old Westfalian ballerina, aptly named Balancée (by Bordeaux), danced and delighted their way to the podium in the Intermediate 1 Freestyle choreographed to the music of Tchaikovsky and The Nutcracker.

“Balancée's CDI career has only just begun and my goal was giving the horses some mileage and experience in this kind of environment, with these great FEI judges and for this overall CDI atmosphere and experience”, said Lawder. As the final pair to close the weekend CDI competition, spectators were treated to a graceful, light footed and beautiful performance leaving many inspired with their own dressage dreams of sugar plum fairies.

Williams Commands Big Tour

In back to back Grand Prix CDI3* and Grand Prix Special competitions, Jennifer Williams (USA) headed due north to Canada with the talented 9-year old chestnut KWPN gelding Joppe K (by Rousseau) and claimed victory with two consecutive personal best scores.

“He’s a horse that I really believe in for the future. So whether he’s ready this year [for the Pan American Games] or not, we’re just going to keep doing our thing and keep him confident and happy and healthy. If things work out, great. And if not, we just keep going,” said Williams.

Pia Fortmuller along with her 12-year old Hanoverian mare Frieda (by Furstenball) claimed second place in the Grand Prix divisions. Dressage enthusiasts and Frieda fans were delighted to see their evolution since a dazzling young horse performance at the 2018 Carl Hester Masterclass to the TBird CDI Grand Prix show ring! Fortmuller is originally from BC and now based in the Alberta foothills. She came straight off a double victory at the inaugural CDI Sherwood in Oregon, USA.

Jennifer and Joppe K along with Pia and Frieda are undoubtedly ones to watch for the future.

Second CDI in July

The second and final show of the 2023 CDI series, Thunderbird Dressage, will be held on July 26^th to 30^th, 2023 at Thunderbird Show Park.