Florida based Danish Olympian Lars Petersen experienced a weekend of major highs and lows as he won the national Grand Prix class at the 2012 CDI West Palm Beach on his show debut with Gredstedgårds Casmir, but at the same time Lars had to struggle with his grief for his father who had suddenly passed away on Friday night 10 February 2012.
Lars' father Neils Enjar was 71 year old. The American equestrian website Dressage-News reported that Lars and his partner Melissa Taylor wanted to withdraw from the show and fly to Denmark straight away but mom Ingrid told him not to and honour his father by competing. Neils Enjar was Lars' biggest fan and supporter and has always backed Lars' riding career.
Petersen and Blue Hors Stud's Hanoverian gelding Gredstedgårds (by Continue x Rastell) scored 68.582% in the national Grand Prix held in the covered indoor arena of the Jim Brandon Equestrian Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida. He won the class and beat himself on Marcia Pepper's 14-year old Danish mare Mariett (by Come Back II). With the talented grey Willano (by Willemoes), Petersen dominated the CDI Prix St Georges and CDI Intermediaire I.
"In honor of Neils Enjar Lars rose above and won all his classes today," said Melissa Taylor. "Far (father), you will be greatly missed!"
The U.S based couple will travel to Denmark on Sunday to attend the funeral which is scheduled for Wednesday.
The CDI Grand Prix in West Palm Beach was won by Swedish Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven on her third Grand Prix horse Divertimento (by Di Versace). The pair scored a promising 74.383% well ahead of Christopher Hickey on Douglas with 69.064%.
Photo © Ridehesten.com
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI West Palm Beach
Lars Petersen and Casmir Getting Ready for 2012 Show Season