Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the four athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the United States as a part of Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games hosted from July 26 – August 11, 2024. The dressage competition will begin on July 30, 2024, and continue through August 4, 2024, at the equestrian grounds of Versailles.
The U.S. Olympic Dressage Team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig alongside Team Leader Laura Roberts, and supported by team veterinarian Dr. Laura Faulkner, team human physiotherapist Jennifer Mitchell, and team farrier Chuck Jones.
“There has been a lot of anticipation around the selection of this team, and I am confident in and proud of each of the combinations we have representing the U.S. at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” said Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig. “Everyone has been hard at work here in Europe for the past six weeks, working to solidify and build confidence in their partnerships and producing stronger scores for the U.S. We want to be sure our horses are peaking at the right time over the next few weeks, and I know these athletes will give everything they have to make our country proud.”
The following combinations have been selected to the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team and are listed in alphabetical order.
Adrienne Lyle(Wellington, Fla.) and Helix, a 2012 Dutch Warmblood (Apache X Zeester T) gelding owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and cared for by Marina Lemay
Marcus Orlob(Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Jane, a 2014 Dutch Warmblood (Desperado x Zandra) mare owned by Alice Tarjan and cared for by Allison Nemeth
Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper, a 2008 KWPN (Spielberg x Upanoeska) gelding owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki and cared for by Eddie Garcia
The following combination has been selected as the traveling reserves.
Endel Ots (Wellington, Fla.) and Bohemian, a 2010 Westphalian (Bordeaux x Sunshine) gelding owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and cared for by Caroline Hoerdum
For media inquiries, please contact Carly Weilminster, Sr. Director of Sport Communications & Social Media at cweilminster@usef.org.
The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.
Wellington, FL – January 16, 2021 – Day three of Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued on Saturday, January 16, with a second victory for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Harmony’s Duval, this time in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses. The first week of AGDF concludes on Sunday, January 17, and the circuit hosts 10 weeks of international and national dressage competition until April 4. Free live streaming and on-demand of select classes are available to view at GlobalDressageFestival.com.
Lyle and the Duval Partners LLC’s 13-year-old KWPN gelding (by Rosseau) earned a 74.830% for their day’s performance. The pair landed three percentage points above second-place finisher Jennifer Williams, who earned a personal best score (72.192%) with Millione, an 18-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Milan owned by Millione Partners. Third place went to Susan Pape (GBR) on Harmony’s Eclectisch, Harmony Sporthorses’ 12-year-old KWPN stallion by Zenon, who received a 71.724% from judges.
“He felt much more comfortable in his own skin today,” said Lyle of the gelding. “I was really happy with him. He felt much softer in his back, and the connection through the ride was a lot better than in our test on Thursday. He was really able to show off some of his highlights today, and I’m thrilled with the overall performance.”
“He’s always had a lot of talent for the collected work,” she continued, “the piaffe, passage, pirouettes. When he’s nice and supple and happy like he was today, he really shows it off nicely. With him, we’re always trying to find ways to keep him relaxed mentally in his work. He tries very hard, and we always work to keep a very clear understanding between us about what I’m asking of him.”
After two successful competition weeks (AGDF 1 and competition at the AGDF venue in December) Lyle does not have a definitive plan as to when the pair will compete next, but intends to give Duval a chance to have a bit of fun. “He has done so well, and we won’t train super hard in between shows,” she said. “He gets to go home and have a little bit of fun!”
Earlier in the day, Anna Marek (USA) bested the FEI Intermediate I CDI1* riding Felissirana, Alise Carrico’s 11-year-old KWPN mare by Belissimo M. The duo rode to a score of 69.618%. Second place went to Luuk Mourits (NED) and Harmony’s Don’t Stop The Feeling, Harmony Sporthorses’ 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Primus, with a 68.324%. Jessica Howington (USA) closed out the top three aboard her own J’Adore, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Jazz, scoring a 67.029%.
Victory in the FEI Intermediate A CDI3* went to Mikala Münter (USA) and her own 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding Skyfall, receiving a 67.529%. In the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle CDI3*, Kevin Kohmann (GER) marked his third victory of the week aboard Equitas LLC’s 11-year-old KWPN stallion Five Star (by Amazing Star), ending the week with a 76.855%. Second place was awarded to Joanne Vaughan (GEO) and Forbes 7, her own 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Fidertanz, received a 66.450%.
Competition at AGDF will conclude tomorrow after a full schedule of classes, including the FEI Intermediare 2 CDI3*, the 2020 Summit Farms Future Challenge Prix St. Georges Series Final, and the 2020 Lövsta Future Challenge Young Horse Grand Prix Series Final before the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W, presented by Lövsta, beginning at 1:00 PM. For more information and to see a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses: E, Christof Umbach (LUX); H, Agnieszka Majewska (POL); C, Cesar Torrente (COL); M, Debbie Rodriguez (USA); B,Janet Foy (USA)
Adrienne Lyle (USA) on Harmony’s Duval, Duval Partners LLC’s 13yo KWPN gelding by Rosseau: 75.426, 75.426, 74.362, 74.574, 74.362; 74.830%
Jennifer Williams (USA) on Millione, Millione Partners’ 18yo Danish Warmblood gelding by Milan: 73.723, 72.979, 70.745, 70.532, 72.979; 72.192%
Susan Pape (GBR) on Harmony’s Eclectisch, Harmony Sporthorses’ 12yo KWPN stallion by Zenon: 71.915, 72.447, 71.383, 70.426, 72.447; 71.724%
Guenter Seidel (USA) on Equirelle W, Louise Leatherdale’s 12yo KWPN mare by Florett AS: 72.979, 69.149, 72.128, 70.957, 73.404; 71.723%
Jan Ebeling (USA) on Indeed, Vantage Equest Group II, LLC’s 13yo Danish Warmblood mare by Hofrat: 72.553, 70.745, 70.106, 70.319, 71.809; 71.106%
Katie Johnson (USA) on Quartett, Kylee Lourie’s 13yo German Warmblood gelding by Quarterback: 74.787, 67.234, 69.043, 70.319, 66.489; 69.574%
Karen Lipp (USA) on Whitney, Kathleen Oldford’s 16yo Hanoverian mare by White Star: 66.702, 66.596, 66.383, 68.511, 66.489; 66.702%
Krystalann Shingler (CAN) on Fidelio, Krystalann Shingler’s 13yo Oldenburg gelding by Fidertanz: 65.000, 62.660, 63.830, 66.277, 62.021; 63.958%
The Dressage Today team would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our Win-a-Day contest with U.S. Olympic dressage rider Adrienne Lyle, and to our sponsor, Vita Flex PRO, who made this opportunity possible for our fans.
We were overwhelmed by the number of entries and struggled to narrow down our choices. Ultimately, with the help of Adrienne, we selected Lexi Rohner, who entered the contest on behalf of her daughter Genevieve Rohner.
Genevieve is a 12-year-old grade IV para-equestrian from Park City, Utah, who stole our hearts with her big dreams and inspiring story. Scroll down to learn more about Genevieve.
Joy Conneally (https://www.joyconneallyphotography.com/)
I, Lexi Rohner, am the official entrant. I am entering on behalf of my daughter.
Hi Adrienne! My name is Genevieve. I’m 12 and I am a grade IV para-equestrian. I love to compete, and I want to be on a horse more than anything in the world. My parents started my brother and I in Hippotherapy when we were four because we have Cerebral Palsy. I loved it so much I decided riding horses was for me forever. When I was five, I told my mom I was going to the Olympics, even though I didn’t know there was a Paralympics. My current coach, Sydni Peterson, is amazing. She has taken me from Training 3 to working at Second level in one year. She knows how much I want this, and she supports my goal to make the 2024 Paralympic team and represent the U.S. I am very dedicated.
In my first recognized shows in 2018, I qualified for the USDF Region 7 Championships, the California Dressage Society Regional Championships and the California Junior Championships. At the shows, I earned scores between 62 and 68 percent in Training Level Tests 2 and 3 and placed fifth and sixth overall. I even got second in one of the qualifying rides. My goal wasn’t to win, but to see how I fit in for competition. I competed with 14 riders and I was the only para-equestrian. I was 10 and everyone else was over 12. Also, I trained on a quarter horse named Cody in Utah where I live and competed on a Morgan named Karamel in California. At one of the competitions, I was the youngest and the oldest competitor was Hilda Gurney. We got to take a picture together.
Now I ride a beautiful Arabian/Saddlebred mare named Star. She is the best horse ever and I love her so much. Last year we showed our first FEI test and scored 67 percent! My goals for the next two years are to learn more Grade IV FEI tests and compete them in Tryon in October and Wellington in the winter. I also want to earn scores toward my USDF bronze medal.
In Utah, I am the only American para-dressage rider. When I go to shows now, I am usually the only child and there are no other para-dressage riders. Right now, I am the youngest classified para-equestrian in the U.S. If I make the 2024 team, I will be the second youngest ever in the whole world to make it to the Paralympics. That’s my goal and I would be so excited if you came to my barn to help me in any way toward that!
The United States Elite and Pre-Elite squads have been updated by the U.S. Equestrian Federation heading into the Olympic year.
The squads–that will be updated throughout 2021–are:
ELITE
Katherine Bateson-Chandler, 45, of Wellington, Florida and Alcazar, 15-year-old KWPN gelding, owned by Jane Clark
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, 37, of Haymarket, Virginia and Lonoir, 16-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, owned by Olivia and Mary Anne McPhail
Adrienne Lyle, 35, of Wellington, Florida, and Salvino, 13-year-old Hanoverian stallion, owned by Betsy Juliano LLC
Adrienne Lyle and Harmony’s Duval, 12-year-old KWPN gelding, owned by Duval Partners LLC
Steffen Peters, 56, of San Diego, California, and Suppenkasper, 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Akiko Yamazaki, Four Winds Farm
Sabine Schut-Kery, 52, of Thousand Oaks, California, and Sanceo, 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion, owned by Alice Womble
PRE-ELITE
Charlotte Jorst, 56, of Reno, Nevada, and Kastel’s Nintendo, 17-year-old KWPN stallion, owned by Kastel Denmark
Jennifer Schrader-Williams, 40, of Roy, Washington, and Millione, 17-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, owned by Millione Partners LLC
Nick Wagman, 47, of San Diego, California, and Don John, 12-year-old KWPN gelding, owned byBeverly Gepfer
The lists are based on past performances to identify combinations eligible for assistance in training and support.
The dressage elite and development programs, the USEF said, aim to identify and support athletes who have the potential to represent the U.S. in international competition.
Early focus to select combinations for consideration for the American team for the Tokyo Olympics will be during winter at the Global Dressage Festival of seven international events in Wellington, Florida and one at Temecula, California followed by qualifiers in April in Sacramento, California; Ocala, Florida and Tryon, North Carolina.
There is uncertainty over competitions in Europe before the Games at the end of July. A European competition swing was planned prior to the pandemic to select the team of three combinations plus a reserve, but then canceled.
The 2021 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) kicked off its tenth season at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, on Thursday, January 14, with a victory for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Harmony’s Duval in the FEI Grand Prix CDI3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses. The first week of AGDF continues through Sunday, January 17, and the circuit hosts 10 weeks of international and national dressage competition until April 4. Free live streaming and on-demand of select classes are available to view at the link below.
Lyle and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding by Rosseau owned by Duval Partners LLC have been dominating in the Global Stadium at PBIEC lately, coming off of a double victory weekend in December.
“I was quite happy with him,” said Lyle of the day’s performance, which resulted in a score of 71.304%. “He’s a little more nervous than I was anticipating. I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather or what, but he was a little on edge, which is interesting because we’ve shown here plenty of times before. There was a bit of a different horse in there today. We lost a few points in our piaffe and passage, were lacking a bit of harmony and elastic energy, and that can be such a highlight for him. Now we take this, and we move on to the Grand Prix Special. That’s a test that really counts for us, but this was a good starting place.”
The gelding has now marked six wins in his last 13 starts, and Lyle hopes to continue on and refine their work this season. “With him,” she explained, “this is his second year at the Grand Prix. He knows his stuff now, but we’ve been trying to polish it all up. We’ve done a lot of halt rein-back, a lot of cantering and halting, [and] just a lot of work with halts because he’s not a huge fan of them, so we’ve worked on those moments where he could possibly get distracted and lose points.”
She continued, “We’re focusing on the Special with him this year. We’ve chosen not to focus on the Freestyle or World Cup Qualifiers in hopes of making the short list to go to Europe with him. We have a wonderful group of owners who are supporting us, and we’ll just keep on enjoying the season for now.”
Despite plenty of training time at home due to the global pandemic, Lyle is excited to have Duval back in competition, and admitted that the break wasn’t as beneficial for him as it was for others.
“We had time to train at home due to COVID, but it wasn’t a big advantage because he is a horse that needs to be exposed, out, and doing something,” she noted. “To sit at home all summer, it was a bit difficult to get his mind back into it, but his strength in the collection work is continuing to improve. His overall rideability has always been the biggest focus with him because he can get a little distracted.”
Second place in the class was captured by Susan Pape (GBR) on Harmony’s Eclectisch, Harmony Sporthorses’ 12-year-old KWPN stallion by Zenon, earning a 70.522%. Third place went to Jennifer Williams (USA) on Millione, Millione Partners’ 18-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Milan (70.456%).
“I thought it was great that the Harmony Sporthorses were one and two in the class today,” concluded Lyle. “Leslie Malone [of Harmony Sporthorses] was generous in allowing us to purchase Duval when he was young, making it possible for us to bring him along like this.”
The FEI Prix St. Georges CDI1* awarded first place to the USA’s Anna Marek and Felissirana, Alise Carrico’s 11-year-old KWPN mare by Belissimo. Marek and the mare were awarded a final score of 70.323%. Second place went to Raul Corchuelo (COL) aboard his own Maverick, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Millennium (69.412%). Karen Lipp (USA) rounded out the top three with her own Infinity, an eight-year-old KWPN gelding by Dream Boy, scoring a 68.353%.
In the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI3*, Kevin Kohmann (GER) took home the blue ribbon, earning a 71.118% with the 11-year-old Equitas LLC KWPN stallion Five Star, by Amazing Star. Second place went to Joanne Vaughan (GEO) and her own 10-year-old gelding Forbes, by Fidertanz.
Other Canadian results for Thursday include a win in the FEI PSG for Amateurs for Floratina and Chloe Gasiorowski (67.853%).
Competition at AGDF will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of classes, including the FEI Intermediare 1 CDI3*,presented by Diamante Farms, before the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W, presented by Lövsta, beginning at 11:50 AM. For more information and to see a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
FEI Grand Prix CDI3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses
2. Susan Pape (GBR) on Harmony’s Eclectisch, Harmony Sporthorses’ 12yo KWPN stallion by Zenon: 70.543, 69.783, 68.261, 72.500, 71.522; 70.522%
3. Jennifer Williams (USA) on Millione, Millione Partners’ 18yo Danish Warmblood gelding by Milan: 72.391%, 71.630%, 67.174%, 72.500%, 68.587%; 70.456%
4. Katie Johnson (USA) on Quartett, Kylee Lourie’s 13yo German Warmblood gelding by Quarterback: 66.739, 68.478, 68.152, 67.065, 69.565; 68.000%
5. Jan Ebeling (USA) on Indeed, Vantage Equest Group II, LLC’s 13yo Danish Warmblood mare by Hofrat: 70.543, 65.870, 67.500, 66.630, 69.348; 67.978%
6. Guenter Seidel (USA) on Equirelle W, Louise Leatherdale’s 12yo KWPN mare by Florett AS: 67.174, 69.130, 66.739, 67.391, 69.348; 67.956%
7. Karen Lipp (USA) on Whitney, Kathleen Oldford’s 16yo Hanoverian mare by White Star: 65.543, 66.304, 65.761,65.217, 66.413; 65.848%
8. Jessica Howington (USA) on Cavalia, Jessica Howington’s 14yo KWPN mare by Sir Donnerhall I: 62.065, 66.304, 64.891, 61.848, 65.652; 64.152%
9. Jill Irving (CAN) on Degas 12, Jill Irving’s 19yo Hanoverian gelding by De Niro: 63.587, 63.804, 61.848, 61.522, 61.087; 62.370%
10. Krystalann Shingler (CAN) on Fidelio, Krystalann Shingler’s 13yo Oldenburg gelding by Fidertanz: 68.587, 60.326, 62.935, 59.130, 58.913; 61.978%
“With him,” she explained, “this is his second year at the Grand Prix. He knows his stuff now, but we’ve been trying to polish it all up. We’ve done a lot of halt rein-back, a lot of cantering and halting, [and] just a lot of work with halts because he’s not a huge fan of them, so we’ve worked on those moments where he could possibly get distracted and lose points.”
Coming off back to back FEI wins in December, Lyle and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding again scored a double victory at the Palm Beach international Equestrian Center this week.
On Thursday, the pair kicked off the 2021 Adequan Global Dressage Festival with a win the FEI Grand Prix CDI3*.
“I was quite happy with him,” said Lyle, of their 71.304% score.
“He’s a little more nervous than I was anticipating. I don’t know if it’s the cooler weather or what, but he was a little on edge, which is interesting because we’ve shown here plenty of times before. There was a bit of a different horse in [the ring]. We lost a few points in our piaffe and passage, were lacking a bit of harmony and elastic energy, and that can be such a highlight for him.”
Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Harmony’s Duval. @Susan J. Stickle
In Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, the pair repeated their winning ways, scoring a 74.830% from the judges to take the victory by three percentage points.
“He felt much more comfortable in his own skin [on Saturday],” said Lyle. “I was really happy with him. He felt much softer in his back, and the connection through the ride was a lot better than in our test on Thursday. He was really able to show off some of his highlights today, and I’m thrilled with the overall performance.”
She continued, “He’s always had a lot of talent for the collected work—the piaffe, passage, pirouettes. When he’s nice and supple and happy like he was [on Saturday], he really shows it off nicely. With him, we’re always trying to find ways to keep him relaxed mentally in his work. He tries very hard, and we always work to keep a very clear understanding between us about what I’m asking of him.”
What she won’t be asking of the grey gelding this season is an appearance in the popular Friday Night Freestyle or the World Cup Qualifiers at AGDF.
“We’re focusing on the Special with him this year,” explained Lyle. “We’ve chosen not to focus on the Freestyle or World Cup Qualifiers in hopes of making the short list to go to Europe with him.”
For Immediate Release Kim Beaudoin for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Wellington, FL – March 19, 2021 – Week ten of the 2021 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued on Friday, March 19, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with a winning ride for Adrienne Lyle (USA) and Harmony’s Duval in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm. AGDF 10 continues through Sunday, March 21, and the circuit hosts 10 weeks of international and national dressage competition until April 4. Free live streaming and on-demand of select classes are available to view at globaldressagefestival.com.
Lyle and Harmony’s Duval, Duval Partners LLC’s 2008 KWPN gelding by Rousseau, conquered the freestyle under the lights, riding to a score of 80.020%. “It was worth staying up past my bedtime!” she joked.
“There’s really nothing that compares to riding at Global on a Friday Night Stars,” continued Lyle. “It’s one of my favorite experiences in the horse world. To do this on Duval, who we had from when he was unbroke, all the way up to becoming an individual gold medalist here, is just really special. I’ve got an unbelievable group of owners that have supported me along the way. ”
Lyle noted that her freestyle is from her previous mount Wizard in 2011 at Dressage at Devon, but thought it would fit well for her mount’s second ever freestyle.
“I wanted to go back to something I knew since Duval has done one freestyle in his life, so I could give him a good experience out there,” she explained.
Lyle and the gelding produced top performances all week, achieving the highest scores in both the grand prix and grand prix special before contesting the freestyle. “I started with the canter work with him [when planning the degree of difficulty]” she remarked. “I think he’s got some fun, powerful canter work. It’s not the most difficult freestyle out there nowadays. When I made it, they didn’t have the degree of difficulty score the way that they do now. But it still has double pirouettes [and] piaffe pirouettes, so it gets enough [degree of difficulty points]. I think it’s a really fun one; it doesn’t always have to be for him the most difficult every time he goes out.”
Judge at C Stephen Clarke (GBR) awarded Lyle with an 82.775%, and commented on her strong performance. “The reason why I gave Adrienne such a high mark,” he explained, “was an easy one – the hair on the back of my neck was standing up because the music and power and expression of the whole performance was outstanding.”
Second place went to the night’s youngest competitor, 21-year-old Benjamin Ebeling, who excelled in his first senior grand prix freestyle under the lights at AGDF with Illuster Van De Kampert, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Speilberg owned by Amy Roberts Ebeling and Sasha Cutter for Nuvolari Holdings LLC.
“I was talking with my teammates Adrienne [Lyle] and Katherine [Bateson Chandler] and Jennifer [Williams], [about the fact that] it’s so cool that I got to grow up watching Adrienne and Katherine and people like my dad [Jan Ebeling] all ride on a team together,” he said. “Finally I’m here, and it’s surreal.”
Ebeling had a successful career in the Under 25 division and worked his way up to the senior level with Illuster. “I would be remiss if I did not mention George Williams and Charlotte Bredahl,” he continued, “going through the pipeline of junior, young rider, U25, and now the international grand prix. The support I’ve had from them has really been amazing. Like Adrienne said, I don’t think there’s anything like riding under the lights here. I’ve always wanted to do it for the last four years that I’ve been in Wellington. To do this for the first time is really, really cool.”
The pair had never ridden this freestyle together, and Ebeling noted that the “Star Wars”-themed ride had just been finished the day before. “It was ready yesterday, and I ran through it on foot before I got here. That was the first time ever riding to it,” he stated. “This is his first time competing for three days in a row. In the warm-up he was a little tired, which is to be expected. But then as we got in that arena, he perked up. Let me tell you, I had so much fun riding that freestyle, because I’m also a ‘Star Wars’ fan!”
He concluded, “I need to mention the support of the two owners, my mom, Amy Ebeling, and Sasha Cutter. They’ve been behind me all of the way and have been a big part of our development along with my dad who’s my day-to-day coach, and Christoph Koschel who has really helped me fine tune the horse. I’m so proud of his development. At the beginning of last season we weren’t doing so well, but we finally managed to calm down his nerves and bring a presence into the show arena that I’m so proud of, and I’m so proud of the whole team.”
Third place was awarded to Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and All In, Brittany Fraser and Marc Andre Beaulieu’s 2005 KWPN gelding by Tango, who received a 77.065% for their test.
“All In had to have 10 days off because he had really bad allergies,” explained Fraser-Beaulieu. “That’s why I had to withdraw from the five star. Personally he wasn’t as fit as I would have liked him to be for the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special this week, but each day I felt him get better and better.
“Tonight he felt like his old self again,” she said. “That, for me, made me very happy, and it was a relief to say, ‘He’s back, and he has this.’ He’s so fun under the lights. He has so much power, so much scope. Last time we competed under the lights was a year ago at Nations Cup. It’s always such a fun time.”
Watch the press conference with the night’s big winners.
Germany’s Frederic Wandres Clinches Gold in FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm
Frederic Wandres (GER) and Quizmaster, Hof Kasselmann’s 2012 Hanoverian stallion by Quasar de Charry, captured another win this week, this time in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm.
“I jumped into cold water a little bit tonight,” admitted Wandres, who earned a 78.875% for the performance. “It was the first freestyle for the horse and for the both of us together. He’s still young. We did our first freestyle together here, and on top of that, it was under the lights, but he managed everything very well. When the music started I got a super powerful trot tour from him, and in the walk he’s always easy and relaxed, but when we started the canter I wished our music was a little lower, because I felt him come a little up, and I had to make sure he wasn’t very tense. Overall I am very happy. He had three days with this weather, super results all three days with a powerful and expressive horse, so I’m very happy.”
This is Wandres’ first season competing in Wellington, and he expressed his gratitude for being able to put show miles and experience on his up-and-coming mounts in the welcoming atmosphere.
“I think that I’m very privileged to be here this season,” he expressed. “At home in Germany there is nothing going on, and we will have to see when we can start to do more shows. To come here and to compete and see how the horses develop – it was time to bring them out – and to do it here in Wellington with this atmosphere, around those who support us even when it’s not so good, I feel super lucky to be here.”
Second place in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm was awarded to Kevin Kohmann (GER) and Five Star, Equitas LLC’s 2010 KWPN stallion by Amazing Star, earning a 77.040% for their efforts. Third place was presented to Australia’s Sally Lofting and Quinlan CF, Janet Rubino’s 2009 Oldenburg stallion by Quarterback, with 69.345%.
Carier Bergeron Ends Successful AGDF Season with Freestyle Victory
Canada’s Camille Carier Bergeron added a second gold medal to her week’s collection after riding to the top of the podium in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO-U25, presented by Diamante Farms.
The 20-year-old piloted Acoeur, Gilles Bergeron’s 2007 Württemberger gelding by Acordelli, to a score of 74.485%. “I’m over the moon,” she admitted. “I can’t really believe what a successful few weeks it’s been; it feels unreal. It makes me happy to see that our hard work has paid off and that we can be successful in the ring. I’m thrilled.”
The pair rode to a personal best in their freestyle created by Karen Robinson, and Carier Bergeron noted her horse’s strengths and her fondness for the music. “Acoeur is very strong in all of the movements from the canter tour,” she explained. “We usually get higher points there. When our test is clean and the canter tour is strong, we can end up in the 70s.”
She continued, “I first rode [my freestyle] here at the Nations Cup last year; it was my first time riding it and then everything shut down, and we went home. This is only my fourth time riding it, and we achieved a personal best, so it is really exciting. The inspiration for some of it comes from the advertisements for my uncle’s private game preserve in South Africa. When I saw the videos I loved it, and my uncle thought that it was a great idea. So now each time I ride it, I think of my family, my uncle, South Africa, so it also makes me travel.”
This week marked the last at AGDF 2021 for Carier Bergeron, and she concluded by thanking those that made her successful season possible: “When I first got down here, it took us a few shows before we really had our game face on. When we finally got that back, I had a personal best at the [Florida International Youth Dressage Championships] during AGDF 8, and now a personal best in the freestyle today, so I feel like this season was a success. I’m sad to leave and go home because I feel like we are on such an up. But that is life, and I am just thankful to the organizers here for hosting a show and competing here safely.”
Codi Harrison (USA) earned her third silver medal of the week, keeping things consistent aboard Katholt’s Bossco, her own 2007 Danish Warmblood stallion by Blue Hors Don Schufro, riding to a 74.030%. “My freestyle actually belongs to my trainer Lars (Petersen),” revealed Harrison. “Marlene Whitaker made it for him, and he didn’t end up using it. I needed a freestyle a few years ago, and he let me borrow it and it matched the horse quite well, so we’ve stuck with it.”
The 24-year-old has been partnered with her mount for seven years, and the pair has worked their way up together from the young rider levels of the sport. “I got him as a young rider horse,” said Harrison, “and we struggled through that, and then he ended up actually being a better grand prix horse. He’s been so fun to learn the grand prix with, and he’s so consistent. We’re finally able to take the performance we have at home and bring it into this ring. He’s a good boy with a good heart, and he’s a lot of fun.”
Third place went to the USA’s Hope Cooper and Hot Chocolate W, Mary Mansfield’s 2005 Hanoverian gelding by Hochadel, winners of yesterday’s FEI Grand Prix 16-25 CDIO-U25, presented by Diamante Farms, with 70.695%. “I’m really happy to be sitting here with these two amazing riders,” began Cooper. “We grew up together, and I can’t say I’m disappointed to be sitting here next to them.”
She continued, “I don’t think it was our best test today. I think he was a bit tired, and that made him a little less focused on me and a little more focused on the surroundings, which happens to the best of us. He really did try and is always amazing and tries to really be on it, so I couldn’t ask for more from him. Three days in a row at this level is hard, but he did his best, and I’m happy to be here.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Dongseon Kim (KOR) rode his own DSK Belstaff to victory in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center. Kim and the 2007 Hanoverian stallion by Brentano II rode to a score of 72.910%.
“In 2008, I was here [in Wellington] and getting 56% and always on the bottom,” explained Kim. “Thirteen years later, to win something like this is an amazing feeling. I want to repeat this experience on horses that I have trained myself. I’m competing one horse in the Grand Prix Special tomorrow that I’ve owned since two [years old] and trained since three [years old]. I want to repeat the winning experience on horses that I’ve trained myself. That would be a real goal for me.”
Kim has ridden DSK Belstaff for three years; the talented horse was previously trained by Hubertus Schmidt and competed at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon for Denmark.
“He has lots of experience,” said Kim. “He’s a little bit of a heavier type of horse, and my previous horses were much lighter, so he’s taught me to really sit and ride well and get a heavy horse sensitive.”
This is the 32-year-old’s third time competing at AGDF, and he spends the remainder of his year in Seoul, Korea. “I’d really like to thank Cho Won-Tae, the Chairman and CEO of Korean Air,” expressed Kim, “for sponsoring me to come here and flying my horses from Korea to here. It’s a great gesture for him to do that. It’s a big trip for them to come here [from South Korea], and if it wasn’t for Chairman Cho Won-Tae of Korean Air, it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Kim has his sights set on the Tokyo Olympics, and after a successful season in Wellington, he hopes to be chosen to represent his country when the time comes. He concluded, “Korea has qualified an individual for the Tokyo Olympics. I would really like to be the one who gets to go, but we don’t know until June.”
Second place in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center went to the USA’s Jan Ebeling riding Ann Romney’s 2010 Oldenburg gelding, Status Royal OLD (Statesman), to a score of 72.645%. Third went to Canada’s Evi Strasser on Déjà Vu Tyme, Erika Murphy and Evi Strasser’s 2007 Hanoverian gelding by Dauphin, with 68.045%.
In the FEI Intermediaire CDI3*, presented by Horseware Ireland, Dongseon Kim (KOR) rode his own 2012 Rheinlander stallion by Lord Loxley I, Lord Nunes, to a score of 69.029%, winning his second class of the day.
The FEI Prix St. Georges CDI1* was topped by the USA’s Dawn White-O’Connor and Hudson M, a 2012 KWPN gelding by Cadans M owned by Akiko Yamazaki and Four Winds Farm, earning a 73.118%. Second place went to the USA’s Ashley Holzer on Diane Fellows and Ashley Holzer’s 2012 Oldenburg mare by Bordeaux, Bliss, with a 70.824%. Third was rounded out by Luuk Mourits (NED) and Harmony Sporthorses’ Harmony’s Don’t Stop the Feeling, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding by Don Primus, riding to a 70.676%.
Competition at AGDF 10 will continue tomorrow with a full schedule of classes, including the FEI Intermediaire A CDI3* and FEI Intermediaire I CDI1*, followed by the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3*, presented by Iron Spring Farm beginning at 12:35 p.m. For more information and to see a full list of results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm:
2. Benjamin Ebeling (USA) on Illuster Van De Kampert, Amy Roberts Ebeling and Sasha Cutter for Nuvolari Holdings LLC’s 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Speilberg: 76.175, 78.425, 75.950, 79.475, 77.750; 77.555%
3. Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (CAN) on All In, Brittany Fraser and Marc Andre Beaulieu’s 2005 KWPN gelding by Tango: 72.800, 78.375, 77.550, 79.325, 77.275; 77.065%
4. Jennifer Williams (USA) on Millione, Millione Partners LLC’s 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding by Milan: 74.750, 75.675, 74.525, 76.700, 75.200; 75.370%
6. Kelly Layne (AUS) on Samhitas, Nori Maezawa and Kelly Layne’s 2009 Oldenburg gelding by Sir Donnerhall I: 74.350, 76.200, 75.175, 73.275, 72.725; 74.345%
7. Chris Von Martels (CAN) on Eclips, Barbara Soederhuizen and Chris Von Martels 2009 KWPN gelding by Apache: 73.625, 76.375, 72.350, 71.075, 74.250; 73.535%
8. Carlos Salguero Ocana (ESP) on Vagens Star-Light, Mary Hankey’s 2009 Danish Warmblood gelding by Skovens Rafael: 67.025, 69.725, 65.975, 67.850, 65.275; 67.170%
9. Katherine Bateson Chandler (USA) on Alcazar, Jane Forbes Clark’s 2005 KWPN gelding by Contango: 63.750, 66.275, 56.375, 67.550, 63.775; 63.545%
Final Results: FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm:
E, Christoph Umbach (LUX); H, Stephen Clarke (GBR); C, Carlos Lopes (POR); H, Christoph Umbach (LUX); C, Janet Foy (USA); M, Mariette Sanders van Gansewinkel (NED); B, Thomas Kessler (GER)
1. Frederic Wandres (GER) on Quizmaster, Hof Kasselmann’s 2012 Hanoverian stallion by Quasar de Charry: 80.250, 79.625, 76.125, 80.375, 78.000; 78.875%
2. Kevin Kohmann (GER) on Five Star, Equitas LLC’s 2010 KWPN stallion by Amazing Star: 74.625, 78.625, 78.575, 76.625, 76.750; 77.040%
3. Sally Lofting (AUS) on Quinlan CF, Janet Rubino’s 2009 Oldenburg stallion by Quarterback: 66.000, 71.750, 69.850, 68.250, 70.875; 69.345%
4. Hope Beerling (AUS) on Alpha HM, Melissa Gelatt’s 2004 Lusitano stallion by Portugal: 67.750, 67.750, 66.525, 66.250, 66.875; 67.030%
Final Results: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO-U25, presented by Diamante Farms:
2. Codi Harrison (USA) on Katholt’s Bossco, her own 2007 Danish Warmblood stallion by Blue Hors Don Schufro: 74.800, 75.225, 74.000, 73.250, 72.875; 74.030%
3. Hope Cooper (USA) on Hot Chocolate W, Mary Mansfield’s 2005 Hanoverian gelding by Hochadel: 71.600, 66.875, 69.350, 71.325, 74.325; 70.695%
4. Paula Matute Guimon (ESP) on Delagronge, Carolin Mallmann’s 2008 Oldenburg stallion by De Niro: 70.875, 70.275, 70.125, 70.225, 71.300; 70.560%
5. Vanessa Creech-Terauds (CAN) on Fleur De Lis L, Diane Creech and Louise Leatherdale’s 2009 Hanoverian mare by First Dance: 73.450, 71.275, 66.435, 69.500, 70.975; 70.325%
6. Beatrice Boucher (CAN) on Baldacci, Camille and Gilles Bergeron’s 2006 KWPN gelding by Havidoff: 68.500, 72.050, 73.000, 68.650, 69.375; 70.315%
7. Rosemary Julian-Simoes (USA) on Rankrado, Rankrado LLC’s 2004 ZfDP stallion by Ranko: 67.475, 71.050, 68.625, 67.200, 67.175; 68.305%
Steffen Peters has an Olympic medal older than the horse he’ll ride in dressage this summer at his fifth Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Peters, 56, and Suppenkasper, 13, form one of four athlete-and-horse combinations announced to the U.S. Olympic dressage team Thursday by US Equestrian. They’ll join Olympian Adrienne Lyle and Salvino, Sabine Schut-Kery and Sanceo, along with Nick Wagman and Don John as the traveling reserve. They’ll all be looking to get Team USA to the top of the Olympic dressage podium for the first time ever.
Lyle, 36, made her Olympic debut in 2012 aboard Wizard. She placed 37th competing in the individual event. With Salvino, a 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion, she competed at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and helped the U.S. win the team silver medal.
Peters is a native of Germany who moved to the U.S. in 1984 and became a citizen in 1992. He made his Olympic debut in 1996 aboard Udon, winning a bronze medal with the U.S. team. Peters has gone on to medal at three World Equestrian Games, most recently in 2018 aboard Suppenkasper. Peters won his second Olympic medal, a bronze, in Rio five years ago riding Legolas 92.
Schut-Kery, 52, also hails from Germany and came to the U.S. in 1998. She has been teamed with Sanceo since the 2015 Pan American Games when she won the gold medal on a team that included Peters. Schut-Kery and Sanceo were on the FEI Nations Cup-winning team in 2018.
Wagman, who will turn 48 during the Games, competed in the 2019 FEI Dressage Nations Cup in Geesteren, Netherlands, and also in France where the U.S. won bronze.
Additionally, two athlete-horse combinations were named as alternates: Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir along with Ben Ebeling and Illuster van de Kampert.
Sandy, Utah (June 25, 2021) — Premier Equestrian Ambassadors Adrienne Lyle,
Steffen Peters, and Sabine Schut-Kery have been named members of the U.S.
Dressage Team and will compete this summer in Tokyo.
“We’re proud of the achievements of our Premier Equestrian Ambassadors,” said Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian. “We would like to congratulate Adrienne, Steffen, and Sabine for making the U.S. Dressage Team. This is a power-house trio and we’re very optimistic that Team USA will be high on the podium in Tokyo.”
The trio were chosen for the U.S. Dressage Team following their stellar performances at this month’s Olympic Observation Event held at the International Arena at PBIEC. In 2019, Premier Equestrian updated the International Arena at PBIEC with Premier ProTex Footing Product and OTTO Sport Base Mats.
For the last decade, Premier Equestrian has been studying how equestrian arena surfaces interact with horse biomechanics. All Premier Equestrian arena footing products are formulated with biomechanics and injury prevention in mind.
