The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced the six horses which are up for the 2015 USEF Horses of Year honours. Laura Graves' Grand Prix horse Verdades is one of three horses nominated as International Horse of Honour.
Verdades is a 2002 born Dutch warmblood gelding by Florett As out of Liwilarda (by Goya). He is owned by his rider Laura Graves.
In 2015, Verdades showed that he is a consistent and true contender for the United States. Laura Graves’ 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding moved up to the highest level of dressage competition only last year but swept many CDI competitions early this year. He posted six wins in CDI competition this spring at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), including a sweep of the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and Grand Prix Freestyle during CDIO3* Wellington, ensuring a U.S. Team Gold medal and collecting Individual Gold.
Verdades wowed the crowds in Las Vegas at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, placing fifth in the Grand Prix and fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle as the highest-placed U.S. participant. Over the summer, Verdades traveled to Toronto, where he was a member of the U.S. Gold medal-winning team at the Pan American Games, placing second in the Grand Prix and first in the Grand Prix Special and. He also placed second in the Grand Prix Freestyle, securing the Individual Silver medal. and. Verdades is currently ranked 15th on the FEI World Individual Dressage Rankings, moving up seven places from this time last year. To many, Verdades encompasses the heart of the sport in America. He showcases the dream of a horse and rider, working together from their youth, to prove their strength and partnership in the international ring.
Rider Laura Graves has also been nominated for the 2015 U.S Equestrian of the Year title.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Laura Graves Wins the 2015 U.S. Grand Prix Championship
Double Gold and Individual Silver for USA at 2015 Pan American Games