Devon, Pa. - Ashley Holzer and her bay mare, Tiva Nana, winner of Friday’s Grand Prix Qualifier, thrilled the crowd with their freestyle dressage performance that earned a score of 76.125. Their movements were challenging. For instance, they moved from canter to piaffe to passage without missing a beat of the epic, orchestral music. Apparently Ashley had made a last minute decision to enter the freestyle competition. She says that the electric atmosphere at Devon worried her mare a bit “but she is always willing to try anything as long as I set her up right. She is such a partner.”

Karen Pavicic and her gelding Don Daiquiri won second place with an energetic ride and a score of 73.375. She says, “Our experience at WEG gave us a lot of confidence.” Third place went to Catherine Haddad Staller and her chestnut gelding, Mane Stream Hotmail with a score of 72.5.

More From Saturday at Dressage at Devon

Alexandra Dvorak Follows in Her Father’s Footsteps

Alexandra Dvorak, from Hillsburgh, Ontario, rode to the top of Devon’s FEI Young  Rider Grand Prix on Fling, a Westfalen gelding. Her father and trainer, Olympian Tom Dvorak, purchased Fling in Germany, intending to resell him. When it was time for Alexandra to graduate from a pony to a horse, however, they decided to keep him. “I love his personality, and he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” says Alexandra.

Her dressage career rose quickly from Juniors in 2008 to Grand Prix level this year. Of her experience at Devon she says, “it’s been a wonderful. The people competing here are the best of the best.” While she has put many long days in to achieve her success, Alexandra is quick credit her father for his support. “He’s the greatest father and coach. No one wants me to succeed more.” And with that statement, Alexandra and her proud father come together for a big hug outside Fling’s stall.