More than 35,000 spectators enjoyed the equine entertainment and education provided by more than 700 horses (and their riders) at this year’s Dressage at Devon. The Sunday classes were characterized by great, high level riding. The Olympic Grand Prix Special was won by Jacqueline Brooks on D-Niro.
Brooks and D-Niro, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood by D-Day out of Alitalia scored of 67.222. The FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI-W, was won by Heather Mason on Warsteiner with a score of 72.850%. Patrick Tigchelaar and Supertimes won the CDI1* Intermediaire I with 66.316%.
Piaffes, passages, and pirouettes marked the performance division. In two great performances, Adrienne Lyle, who hails from Ketchum, Idaho, won both Friday’s Grand Prix and Saturday’s Grand Prix Freestyle on Wizard by Weltmeyer out of Pica. “It feels awesome,” said rider Adrienne Lyle who hails from Ketchum, Idaho. The excitement and enthusiasm of the Devon crowd were a surprise to both Adrienne and Wizard but they rode through it – and through the rain – like the professionals they are. They were not alone. Amazing performances by Catherine Haddad Staller (last year’s winner) on Winyamaro and James Koford on Pharaoh made the audience forget the rain.
Sunday featured a great combination of fun and exceptional dressage. The morning featured the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1*, Fourth Level tests, junior riders and young riders. And then, of course, there was the ever-popular Lead Line class, open to children who have not yet reached their 7th birthday – truly a class where everyone is a champion.
Spectators had the chance to listen to step by step commentary provided by dressage experts on Dressage at Devon Radio. This year’s listeners benefitted from an expanded field of notable experts who were willing to share an insider’s perspective, adding engagement and enhancing interest for all levels.
Those who attended Friday, Saturday and Sunday were also treated to the incredible performances of Guy McLean, Australian cowboy who enjoys a truly amazing relationship with his equine partners – Hope, Seuel, Pride, and Spinnaby. Together, they have performed all over the world, winning the hearts and minds of thousands of equestrian fans including those at Dressage at Devon.
As the afternoon closed, the crowd strolled out, in no hurry to leave the charged atmosphere of Dressage at Devon and, as we all are, looking forward to next year. So mark your calendars now for the 2012 Dressage at Devon, beginning Tuesday, September 24 through September 30, 2012.
Related Links
Scores 2011 CDI Devon
Wizard Conjures up His Second Grand Prix Win at 2011 Dressage at Devon
Lyle and Koford Win Grand Prix Classes at 2011 CDI Devon
Ripley, Somer Hit and Aesthete Win Young Horses Classes at 2011 CDI Devon