Dr. Cesar Parra and Lori Washton’s 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Olympia proved that good things come in threes at the 2009 New England Dressage Association Fall Festival CDI-W/Y/J. The pair went three for three winning the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I, and the Intermediaire Freestyle.

Parra and Olympia finished the weekend with an exciting victory in the Intermediaire Freestyle with a score of 74.5%. The freestyle performance was fun, and the spectators showed their appreciation by clapping along with the music. “For the musical freestyle, we rode to music from Earth Wind and Fire, which is just great music,” Parra said. “The music really made me feel like I was dancing with Olympia. I was so happy to be competing, and the audience was great as they joined in and started to clap along with the music."

Parra, who owns and operates Piaffe-Performance with facilities in New Jersey and Florida, said he is always appreciative of his wins. “I am very excited about these successful rides with Olympia, he continues to gain strength and confidence and really enjoys the show ring,” said Parra of his partner, Olympia.

Parra grew up riding and competing in South America, but recently became a United States citizen. “I am so proud to be riding for this country,” he said. “This was my sixth test for the United States, second CDI and fifth win. The judges were very good and this show is so nicely organized; it is a great place to show.”

Parra and his team at Piaffe-Performance provide full-service training based on the Classical German Training Methods. While Parra’s personal life philosophies are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, sharing, and strength of character, he believes in order to be successful it takes a team. “It is all about teamwork. All of the key players on my team, from owners and grooms to beginner riders to international caliber riders, play a huge part.” Parra said. "I am grateful for the people and horses in my life. And of course I could not do any of this without the help of my wife. She allows us to lead a normal life even with the kids in college and me showing,” Parra said.

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