Tuesday, April 17, 2006

Lisa Wilcox Makes American Debut

Lisa Wilcox Settles In

Formerly a California resident, Wilcox will soon be an “official” Florida resident, with a move-in date of May 1 scheduled at Flying Low LLC in Wellington. Her decision and actual move back to the United States took place in a relatively short period of time. Though Dolomit’s owner and Wilcox’s long-time friend and manager, Cindy Snowden, had asked her if she wanted to move back to the States last year, Wilcox had declined. “I was exhausted after Athens,” said Wilcox, “and needed to find me again.” When Snowdon repeated the question this year, Wilcox agreed. She has been in Florida since March 1, after spending only a month getting ready for the move.

Mary Phelps and JJ. Hathaway of DressageDaily.com hosted a welcome reception for Wilcox during the 2006 “Inspection Reception,” which followed the Horse Inspection at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, sponsored by Markel Insurance and friends Cindy and John Snowden.“It was a pleasant surprise to have a welcoming committee,” said Wilcox, who was concerned American riders might not have open arms. “I am here to assist Americans,” said Wilcox, who is eager to share some of the knowledge she has been accumulating in Europe. “The seat. The effectiveness of the seat is key, plus the rider’s position,” said Wilcox about what she has been learning in Europe.

Wilcox came back to America with only one horse on her list, Dolomit, but has already accrued an additional six or seven mounts, including three from Rick Rockefeller-Silvia: Starlight, a Sandro Hit stallion; Lullaby, a Londonderry stallion who is also fifth in the country in young horses; and Relavant's Couture, a Relavant mare co-owned by B.G. Siegfried. “American are getting some good horses,” she said. “I see a lot of quality and very impressive horses here now.”

Wilcox will be showing some horses, concentrating on the young horses, as well as holding clinics and giving lessons. “I have some promising young horses and some good clients,” said Wilcox. You can keep track of Wilcox's travels and horses at lisa-wilcox.com.

By Shaneen Kohler, for DressageDaily.com

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