Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man Kick Off Fall Show Season with Grand Prix Success

: Dr. Cesar Parra and Van the Man kicked off the fall season with a win in the Grand Prix CDI at the 2012 New England Dressage Festival Fall Festival. (Photo: Carole MacDonald)

Saugerties, NY – Dr. Cesar Parra and his team at Piaffe Performance continue to ride into the ribbons, kicking off the fall season with numerous titles during the 2012 New England Dressage Association Fall Festival which took place on September 13-15. Parra and his mount, Van the Man have begun the fall dressage schedule by finding success in the Grand Prix. “I was so happy with Van and his improvement,” states Parra about Van the Man’s performance. I was so happy when I finished the Grand Prix. The time we took with him this summer is paying off. I really believe he is going to be in top form very soon. It is so exciting to see the results of the training; he is doing great, but he is going to keep getting better!” adds Parra.

Van the Man is a ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Obelisk and owned by Michael and Sarah Davis. Van the Man and Parra won the CDI Grand Prix and was second in the CDI Grand Prix Special at NEDA. “The Grand Prix was our first CDI win with Van so it was very special,” Parra explains. “There was also a big jumping show going on, so the atmosphere could get overwhelming for the horses, but Van handled it super!” Van indeed showed like a super star on Friday pulling in a Grand Prix total of 69.745%. They did nearly as well on Sunday in the Olympic Grand Prix Special with a score of 68.844%.

In addition, The Piaffe Performance Team ventured out with some young horses: Lindner, Borett, and Fiderhit, also owned by the Davis family, as well as Kingston owned by Apex Stables International. According to Parra, they were showing what bright futures they have. “Lindner is really coming along,” Parra describes. “Even though he got a bit overwhelmed by the show grounds itself, once he got in the ring he performed very well.” Lindner won both of his tests, scoring a 69.103% in Third Level Test 3, and 66.842% in Third Level Test 1.

“NEDA is a really wonderful show, especially this weekend because we had perfect weather! The show management did a great job organizing such a big show,” he continues, “and the volunteers were fantastic and friendly – my students and I had a great time this weekend!” “I love to bring the horses to here, especially the young ones. The first couple of days here are a challenge for them because of the busy atmosphere, but they really grow up and realize that there is nothing to worry about.”

For more information on Parra or Piaffe-Performance visit their website at www.piaffe-performance.com.