Laura Graves and Verdades (SusanJStickle.com)
Laura Graves and Verdades were in their first competition back from their outstanding finish at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).Graves, who previously stated that Friday's Grand Prix was a difficult test for the two, said she felt much more comfortable with her ride in the Freestyle. "He was a little nervous going in, but every time we get into that box he does not ever fail to impress me and nine times out of ten will behave himself," she said. "I'm glad to be here and it's been a really long time, if ever, that I've led a victory lap and I'm honored to have had two American women behind me.
Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU have been tested in the past year with their partnership and Friday night was a breakthrough moment for the duo. "I am thrilled. For us, he was so fantastic before the year he had off and you never know what you're going to have bringing them back, but I feel like he is better and stronger than ever," she explained. "We're gaining strength from show to show and we can be a little inconsistent still, but overall I am just so happy with where he is going and what he's becoming."
Francis and Doktor have been one of the most consistent pairs on the circuit this season, rarely ever out of the top five in any of their classes. The trust between the two is clear as Doktor continues to improve with Francis' guidance and builds upon his scores each week. "We had a few little bobbles and he was a little bit tenser in the warm-up than usual, but I have been so proud of him that we continue to put in consistent performances. He's so workman-like throughout each and every test," said Francis.
Bethany Peslar and Endel Ots of Everglades Dressage, sponsors of the Large Tour classes for Week 9, continue to find ways to grow the sport, especially through their sponsorship of AGDF. "We're really committed to giving back to the sport and sponsoring an event like this is very exciting for us. We are looking forward to the rest of circuit and to next year," said Ots.
Allyn Mann of Adequan®, title sponsor for the entire season of AGDF, was on hand to share his thoughts of the night. He expressed, "We have an unbelievable group of women here with us tonight, and I am so proud to see all of them find this success. I'm honored to be sitting here with them and that I am able to see their incredible talent and their wonderful horses. This group of people is really great, and I am lucky to be a part of this opportunity."
Linda Zang, Judge at C, was impressed with the quality of the tests and the progress the United States is making to strengthen the sport of dressage. "The judges really worked tonight. The riders are progressing and this program continues to make moves towards the top of the dressage world," she stated. "As a judge, and I speak for the entire panel, we had to work hard. It wasn't just sitting and giving scores. All of the riders are getting so keen on their points and we're looking at consistent (scores of) 7, 8, and 9."
Final Results for FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Everglades Dressage
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total%
1. Laura Graves (USA), Verdades 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by rider, Florett As x Liwilarda x Goya: 81.500%, 78.125%, 76.875%, 78.250%, 79.625%, 78.875%
2. Lisa Wilcox (USA), Pikko del Cerro HU, 2003 Hanoverian stallion owned by Horses Unlimited, Pik L x Rohweena x Rohdiamont: 78.500%, 75.625%, 75.375%, 75.750%, 76.375%, 76.325%
3. Shelly Francis (USA), Doktor, 2003 Oldenburg gelding owned by Patricia Stempel, Diamond Hit x Gurena x Renoir I: 76.375%, 74.750%, 74.750%, 76.875%, 77.000%, 75.950%
4. Lars Petersen (DEN), Mariett, 1998 Danish Warmblood mare owned by Marcia Pepper, Come Back II x Zendi x Sidney: 75.625%, 74.875%, 73.500%, 76.750%, 75.375%, 75.225%
5. Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE), Benetton Dream, 2004 Hanoverian stallion owned by Lövsta Stuteri, Bretano II x Rotkäppchen x Rotspon: 74.375%, 72.625%, 73.250%, 75.625%, 72.125%, 73.600%
6. Charlotte Jorst (USA), Kastels Nintendo, 2003 Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Kastel Denmark, Negro x Rodieni R x Monaco: 70.750%, 73.500%, 75.125%, 72.875%, 72.250%, 72.900%
7. Ashley Holzer (CAN), Dressed in Black, 2005 Danish Warmblood stallion, owned by rider, Dresemann x Sweetheart x Silvano: 69.375%, 73.375%, 70.375%, 75.375%, 73.250%, 72.350%
8. Christoph Koschel (GER), Tiesto, 2000 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Hof Beckerode GMBH, Gribaldi x Nadie x Ferro: 73.125%, 72.375%, 70.375%, 73.625%, 72.250%, 72.350%