LDM Dramatik and Amy Smith (Anne Gittins Photography)

Wellington, FL - Amy Smith and her newly acquired mount, LDM Dramatik, topped the Low Adult 2'6" Hunter Section A division during week eight of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Smith and her fourteen-year-old Westphalian mare were fifth and fourth over fences on day one of competition for the division. The pair was second, fourth and first over fences on day two.

Reserve championship honors went to Elizabeth Reed and her own Serenade. Reed and Serenade were third over fences day one and earned a blue ribbon over fences on day two.

Smith bought LDM Dramatik from Lynn Berg only two weeks ago, who was competing the mare in Adult Amateur divisions at the FTI WEF. While their relationship may be new, the pair is clearly a winning match.

"She's been awesome. Last week, [during World Championship Hunter Rider Week], we were fifth in the classic out of 73 and ninth and eleventh out of 73 in the other two over fences classes," Smith recalled.

Smith has enjoyed getting to know her new mount as the two continue their success at the FTI WEF. "My horse that I had for six years was totally different from her-it's like night and day. She stays consistent, while he would change at every jump. If you saw a long one on him, he might go for it or you might chip. I'm adjusting to her well. She makes it easy," Smith described.

"She's such a good girl, she's really right there for you," Smith continued. "She helps you out and she never changes unless she needs to."

Smith also praised LDM Dramatik's way of going for making her so competitive at a high-caliber competition like the FTI WEF. "A lot of it is the way she goes across the ground. She's just so smooth and she jumps the same style from any distance. She doesn't stay in the air too long over jumps and she's got just the right amount of arc. She can cover up your mistakes, also. If you get a little too deep to a fence, she'll still jump it very well," Smith explained.

Smith has been competing at the FTI WEF since 1990. She looks forward to her annual trip south from Nashville for more than just the Florida sunshine. "The facilities are beautiful, first of all. The competition is the toughest in the country which makes me ride better. It makes me more competitive," Smith commented.

"And of course, who couldn't love being in Palm Beach in the winter?" Smith added with a smile.

Week eight of the FTI WEF, sponsored by G&C Farm, will continue Saturday, March 2, 2013, with the THIS National Children's Medal 15-17 class in Ring 8 of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The Hollow Creek Farm FEI Children's, Junior, and Young Rider Nations Cups will be held in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.