Ottawa, Ontario— The success of Canadian Dressage riders on the Florida winter circuit continued at the CDI-W/Y Zada WEF Dressage Classic, held March 22-25 in Wellington, FL.

Three Canadians earned consistent placings in the CDI Prix St Georges and CDI Intermediaire I divisions, coming up against a tough field of 42 competitors.

Ashley Holzer, a current resident of New York City, NY, rode her 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jornello to a second place finish in the CDI Intermediaire I Freestyle with a score of 71.400%.

“Jornello has been getting better and better which, given his pyhsical situation is truly incredible,” commented Holzer, who explained that in 2001 Jornello was diagnosed with a dangerous calcification on his spine. After an operation performed by Dr. Nickson at Cornell University, Jornello had some of his vertebrae plated with screws, and although the operation was successful, he contracted pneumonia and was said to be lucky to live, let alone ever perform again. “As far as his 71% in the freestyle, I was very proud of him. He should be able to clock off 70’s on a consistent basis given his movement and ability, but his lack of show experience in the last five years does show.”

Holzer also had success earlier in the week, with seventh place finishes in both the CDI Prix St Georges and CDI Intermediaire I, receiving scores of 66.417% and 66.917%, respectively. Holzer is aiming to gain a spot with Jornello on the 2007 Canadian Equestrian Dressage Team heading to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro this July.

“As far as the Pan Am Games go I would love to participate if Jornello is (in my opinion) good enough to go,” stated Holzer.

Canadian Shannon Dueck, who currently lives in Loxahatchee, FL received a fourth place finish in the CDI Intermediaire I Freestyle after scoring 67.800% aboard Control, a nine-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Evan Lindsay. With a pair of fourth place finishes, Dueck was also the top placing Canadian in both the CDI Intermediaire I  and CDI Prix St Georges, earning scores of 68% and 67.833%, respectively.

“Control’s tests to date have been incredibly consistent. I love riding Control, and I am so appreciative of his owner Evan Lindsay’s support,” stated Dueck. “The Small Tour classes were the biggest I’ve ever seen and the quality at this competition was great, so I am thrilled to have placed so high.”

Simone Williams of Navan, ON was also successful, coming in just behind Holzer in third place with a score of 69.400% in the CDI Intermediaire I Freestyle, paired with her up-and-coming mount, the nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Wunder Ein. Williams is also aiming to compete for Canada at the 2007 Pan American Games aboard Wunder Ein.

The international judging panel at the CDI-W/Y Zada WEF Dressage Classic included Bernard Maurel (FEI ‘O’ – FRA), Elizabeth McMullen (FEI ‘O’ – CAN), Gary Rockwell (FEI ‘O’ – USA), Peter Holler (FEI ‘I’ – GER), Joan Macartney (FEI ‘I’ – CAN), Jessica Ransehousen (FEI ‘I’ – USA),  Jane Weatherwax (FEI ‘I’ – USA),  and Joachim Orth Balschat (FEI ‘C’ – MEX).

“The shows down here are fabulous,” stated Holzer. “To be down here and able to show so much in one area is wonderful, and of course the weather is great.”

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