Former Gestut Vorwerk head rider Lisa Wilcox is back in Europe on her first European training and competition tour since relocating to Florida in 2006. Aboard Anne Sparks' Hanoverian bred Pikko del Cerro she began her tour in style by winning the big tour classes at the 2013 CDN Ankum held at the Ankum Dressage Club, a venue known for the famous PSI and AOS Auction.
Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU (by Pik L x Rohdiamant) bested a small field of competitors, including international riders from six countries, in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special. In the Grand Prix she scored 70.035% to edge out Australian Briana Burgess on La Scala. In the Special she posted a winning score of 73.16%.
The 2013 CDN Ankum was the first time Wilcox has contested a Grand Prix on German soil in six years, and the very first time for the 10-year-old American-bred Hanoverian stallion. Based in Germany for twelve years, Wilcox had been looking forward to returning to her old stomping grounds for months now. "t is fantastic to be with old friends again," exclaims Wilcox. "To not only see them, but to be riding in their mist again, felt like I was home."
Winning both days aboard Pikko del Cerro HU was not the only accomplishment for Wilcox during her return to the German horse show scene. She also received excellent placings on her second mount Denzello (by De Niro x Rohdiamant). The freshman Grand Prix gelding, owned by Canadian Betty Wells, placed third in Saturday’s Grand Prix (68.723%) and fourth in the Grand Prix Special.
Wilcox, Cerro and Denzello traveled to Germany to train and compete during the first part of the indoor European World Cup qualifying circuit. Based at Britta and Klaus Thormählen’s facility near Hamburg, and coached by long-time trainer Ernst Hoyos, the group is determined to make the most of their time in Europe. Wilcox plans to compete in three CDI’s before returning stateside in December. Her next show will be the CDI-W Odense in Denmark.
The first, smaller competition in Ankum was selected for several reasons. “The arena is where the famous PSI Auction is held each year. I felt that experiencing that atmosphere would be good preparation for our first European CDI-W in Odense, Denmark” explained Wilcox. The indoor arena with its large, surround seating was a new experience for both horses. "As you ride, you ride straight at the crowd sitting behind the judges." Those types of circumstances can be challenging for even the most seasoned horse. Clearly Wilcox and her mounts were up to the task.
Denzello will accompany Pikko del Cerro HU to all three competitions in the coming months. "The “Rohdi Bros” are neighbors in the stable at home and it is ideal that they can hold each other’s hand on the road as we go from show to show. I call them the “Rohdi Bros on the Road," joked Wilcox.
Related Links
Lisa Wilcox to Return to the United States
Lisa Wilcox To Work At Stable Schatzmann
Lisa Wilcox Leaves Gestut Vorwerk to Work in Switzerland
Lisa Wilcox Back in the Spotlight with Pikko del Cerro HU
Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro Win 2012 U.S. Developing Grand Prix Horse Championship