Saturday, January 20. 2006

2006 Gold Coast Opener Festival CDI***

Ashley Holzer and Imperioso Win First Grand Prix CDI of 2006

Starting off the morning with a win in the Grand Prix division of the CDI of the 2006 Gold Coast Opener Festival, at Equestrian Estates, Loxahatchee, Florida, was Ashley Holzer aboard her DWB stallion (x Cocktail) and 2004 Olympic partner, Imperioso. They danced their way to an easy victory with a 70.167%. The two have been a dynamic team for four years now and keep getting better and better. “The exciting thing about by horse,” commented Ashley, “is the older and more mature he gets, the better he gets.” Holzer who competed with Imperioso in the 2002 World Equestrian Games for Canada, and the 2004 Athens Olympics, are strong contenders for the Canadian 2006 FEI World Games at Aachen.

Sliding into the second place slot for the day was Columbian native Dr. Cesar Parra aboard the 12 year old Selles Francais stallion, Galant du Serein (x Apache D’Adriers) owned by Horses Unlimited. The pair’s ride was quite accurate and skillfully ridden, scoring a 68.750%.

Close behind them was Jan Brons aboard Fernando, his 18 year old Danish Warmblood gelding ( x Fruhling) and Ashley Holzer on her other Grand Prix mount, Diane Fellow’s Gambol, the 12 year old black Dutch Warmblood stallion ( x Gabor) who tied with 68.709%. Brons won the tie to take home third place for the day. With a barn full of loyal clients in his Wellington winter location, Brons owns his own two Grand Prix mounts, Fernando, Jourdan. Brons rode three Grand Tests on Friday, on Fernando, Jourdan, and Focus. Jan admits it is Fernando who holds a special place in his heart. “I have not showed Fernando since Kentucky (MSEDA September 2005). said Brons. “He was the first to go this morning at 7:55, and he was there for me. That’s my horse!”