Ilse Schwarz and Don Joseph (Susan J. Stickle)

Wellington, FL - Transplanted Australian dressage rider Ilse Schwarz and Don Joseph, a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding, were the High Score Award winners on Tuesday, as they received a score of 72.591% in 1st Level Test 3 Open on the first day of the Global Dressage National 2 Horse Show at the at the Stadium show grounds of the Global Dressage Festival. (GDF).

Schwarz, based in Wellington, and Don Joseph (Don Kennedy x Calmera x Santander) have been an outstanding pair, with many wins in the past few years. Don Joseph is owned by Gaye and Joseph Scarpa of Magnolia Farm. He was bred by Mrs. Scarpa and named after Mr. Scarpa. They bred the horse in Germany and imported him as a three-year-old.

He has been trained from the start by Schwarz, who moved from Australia to the United States in 1998 and trains and competes several horses, including her own, up to Grand Prix. As a testament to their success, Don Joseph is currently leading the list for Horse Of The Year in First Level with the USDF.

"I am very, very happy with him today," said Schwarz. "His test was smooth and the most balanced he has ever been."

Jennifer Griger of Wellington, FL with Dehlia was Reserve High Score winner with 70.541% in 1st Level Test 2 Open.

Dressage competition at the Global Dressage Festival National 2 Show continues on Wednesday, April 4 at 8:00 am. For more information and ride times, please visit the Global Dressage Festival website at: www.globaldressagefestival.com under the link of dressage show information and ride times on the main homepage.