Performance Division Off to a Running Start at Dressage at Devon

Guy McClean (Photo: StacyLynnePhoto.com)

Don't forget to watch Live video streaming of tonight's Freestyle at the USEF Network! Spectators at Dressage at Devon today had the chance to listen to step by step commentary provided by Dressage experts on Dressage at Devon Radio. This year’s event benefits from an expanded field of notable experts who are willing to share an insider’s perspective, adding engagement and enhancing interest for all levels of spectators. For the riders, experienced and novice alike, the educational opportunity is invaluable, as the listener gains real-time insight into the thought process of the judges.

“We call the ability to bring this type of event-based broadcast to individual spectators ‘edu-tainment’,” said Don Costanza, partner in the Fort Wayne, Indiana-based FLR Group. “It is well received by spectators because it brings an extra dimension to their experience.” The FLR Group provides the technology and the radios to make Dressage at Devon radio a reality.
 
Costanza was eager to express his appreciation for Dressage at Devon. "We work with venues all over the country, but Devon has a special place in our hearts. The people are personable, friendly, and professional. This is one of the coolest places to be! We are humbled and honored to be invited back every year.”
 
Guy McLean, a Special Attraction
During the day, and continuing on throughout Saturday and Sunday, spectators will enjoy the incredible performances of Guy McLean. Guy and his equine partners – Hope, Seuel, Pride, and Spinnaby – have performed all over the world, winning the hearts and minds of thousands of equestrian fans. Guy was first seated on a horse at the tender age of 16 months and began training horses seriously at age 15. When asked how he accomplishes amazing equestrian feats, he uses two words: devotion and dedication. He simply wants to be the best equestrian he can be.
 
In describing Dressage at Devon, McLean said, “Everyone here is so nice. And, it’s wonderful to see men and women competing on a level playing field.”

Young Horses
In the FEI Dressage Test for Five Year Old Horses, Ulla Parker rode to first place on Biscaya, an Oldenburg bay mare by Johnson out of St Pr St Audrey. Biscaya, owned by Nancy Holowesko, was champion mare on the GOV tour of North America for 2010. Parker, originally from Odense, Denmark, is now the head rider at Holowesko’s Crosiadore Farm in Trappe, Maryland where she trains Oldenburg and Hanoverian horses for dressage. 
 
Silva Martin, a local from West Grove, Pennsylvania, swept by the crowd on Aesthete in the FEI Dressage Test for Six Year Olds with a phenomenal score of 87.2. Aesthete, a KWPN bay gelding by Trento B out of Unusual by Gribaldi, was purchased sight unseen when Faye Wolfe received a call from Silva saying, "I have found the horse of a lifetime!” Though he’s been with Martin less than a year, “Stately” (his barn name) is living up to her faith in him. Martin said, “It’s the way he thinks…he’s a real competitor.”
 
Additional highlights include
• Alex Robertson of Coatesville, Pennsylvania who garnered the blue ribbon in the USEF 4 Year Old Test on Citation ISF, a dark bay KWPN gelding by Contango out of Saigon by Jazz.
• Heather Mason from Lebanon, New Jersey who rode away with the blue ribbon for the FEI Prix St. Georges on her horse Warstiner, a confident eight-year old Dutch warmblooded by Riverman out of Welona.
 
Young Riders and Juniors
In the FEI Young Rider Team Test (PSG), Ashlea Day from Cochranville, Pennsylvania floated to the top on C.P. Perolus, as a fourteen-year old gray gelding by Junior STV out of Lerola. Nicoloas Torres Rodriguez of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey clinched the FEI Junior Team Test on Silver Label, a fourteen year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Rambo out of Nicca. Michael Shondel of Boonton, New Jersey owns C. P. Perolus.
 
USEF Fourth Level Test of Choice Open
Silva Martin had her second victory of the day as she rode to first place in the USEF Fourth Level Test of Choice on Duvent, an eight-year old warmblood gelding. Duvant is owned by Melinda Watson of Philamont, Virginia. Duvent is by De Niro, who gave him powerful movement and a strong personality. His dam is Heidekind by Rubinstein. Rubenstein’s offspring are easy to ride and work with. Martin describes Duvent as being extremely strong minded. “He was not the easiest ride as a young horse, but he’s trusting me now.” Speaking of today’s ride, she said, “I’m so happy with how he peformed today – I really think he’s turned the corner.”

Adreinne Lyle and Wizard (Photo: StacyLynnePhoto.com)

Qualifiers
Rhett, by R Johnson out of Madette and ridden by James Koford took the honors in the Qualifier for the Grand Prix Special. Wizard, by Weltmeyer out of Pica, was the winner in the Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Providing an introduction to the evening’s activies was the Great Valley High School Drama Guild. Over the past 30 years, Mrs. Lisa Eaton, an English teacher at Great Valley High School, built up the program piece by piece to make it into one of the best high school theatre programs in the area, with a reputation of high quality, professional theatre and an extremely talented student body.

Grand Prix honors went to Wizard by Weltmeyer out of Pica who was ridden by Adrienne Lyle. Bred in the Netherlands, Wizard is a 12-year-old dark bay Oldernburg gelding. "It feels awesome!" said Lyle who is from Ketchum, Idaho.  "I've never been to this horse show before and the atmosphere is great. This is his first time under the lights -- he stayed relaxed and happy and that's all I want." 
 
The performance division continues Saturday, with upper-level tests and the much-anticipated Grand Prix.
 
Complete results are available at www.dressageatdevon.org. Dressage at Devon continues through Sunday, October 2.