Sunday February 22, 2004

Canadians Win Big at Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Classic

Canadian dressage riders continue their winning streak in Florida, this time winning big at the Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic held February 19-22, 2004 in Wellington, Florida.

Shannon Dueck and her 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Korona started the competition off by winning the Intermediaire II class with a score of 69.837%. They were followed by Canadian rider Ashley Holzer and Imperioso, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion, with 67.154%. Competing in only their second show at this level, Jacqueline M. Brooks and her 2003 Pan Am Team Silver Medal mount Gran Gesto were awarded 63.577% for 7th place honours in the field of 18.

In Friday's classes, Dueck improved upon her score but narrowly missed the first place ribbon with 70.000% in the Grand Prix. Holzer & Imperioso also dropped two placings to fourth with 67.222%. Teammate Jacqueline M. Brooks was in the ring this time with Finnegan to finish 7th with 64.514%.

In the second Grand Prix division, Julia Vysniauskas & Syntax were the winners with 64.514%. Other Canadian riders taking part included Jacqueline M. Brooks riding Gran Gesto, an nine-year-old Oldenburg owned by Brinc Ltd. and Anne Welch, with 62.083% (6th), Vysniauskas & Freuden Tanzer with 61.111% (9th) and 2003 Pan Am Team Silver Medal duo  Evi Strasser & nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding Quantum Tyme 60.000% (10th).

Friday also saw Ashley Holzer and her 2003 Pan Am Team Silver Medal mount Gambol, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion, win the Prix St. Georges with 69.875% as well as Krystalann Shingler & Skor win the Young Rider Team test with 62.222%.