Tuesday March 25, 2003

A New Leo In Her Life - Anne Gribbons and Leoliet

Enjoying the Ride

So far Anne’s strategy is paying off. At their first show together, the Zada Enterprises, LLC Southern Comfort show at Clarcona Park near Orlando, Florida, Leoliet was the High Point Champion of all FEI classes. Three weeks later, at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI***/Y in Loxahatchee, Florida, Leoliet placed third in the I-I with a score of 70.50%, and fourth in the Prix St. Georges. “He’s been very consistent with his scores,” said Anne. “So far, so good.”

At this point Anne has not set any goals for Leoliet while they get to know each other, but he does remind her of one of her international superstars. “I call him the same thing as the one stallion that I ever loved that I rode, and I’ll never forget him, Leonardo II,” said Anne. “I adored that horse and I’ll tell you, this one is also a ‘Leo’ – and I call him the same thing, ‘Leo’.” In the early 1990s, Anne successfully competed Leonardo II in Europe and the US, finishing fifth in the 1994 USET Grand Prix standings.

“I have a lot of respect for Shannon’s work and for her decision,” said
Anne. “She handled that very well, and Judy understands. And I, so far, am enjoying the ride!”

Mary Hilton for DressageDaily.com

Related Links
Who's Who: Anne Gribbons
Who's Who: Shannon Oldham-Dueck
Who's Who: Tom Noone