The FEI Grand Prix at the $50,000 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W, presented by the United States P.R.E. Association, was truly an international event as the top three places went to three different nations on Friday.
Sweden's Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven won the event at the Global Dressage Festival, Ashley Holzer of Canada was second and Todd Flettrich finished as highest placed American rider in third place.
Vilhelmson-Silfven scored a 72.681% on Don Auriello, which was impressive since this is his first show in Florida this season. The pair performed the test in a relaxed steady tempo, as if on air, with steadiness and ease.
“There is lots of atmosphere here. It's like a really, really big show,” said Vilhelmson-Silfven of the newly built Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC.) Ashley Holzer was pleased with her performance on Breaking Dawn scoring 70.596%. Holzer also spoke of the atmosphere at the show.
“It was a great test for him. He was so well behaved to go into such a big ring. His canter was so relaxed,” said Holzer.
“These horses have to focus and do their jobs. There has to be that trust. I think this is a great atmosphere to prepare them.”
Flettrich actually tied with Holzer also scoring 70.596% on Otto. Flettrich joked as he stood next to Ashley, “I guess they thought you were prettier.” Holzer shot back, “I guess you have to work on that.”
Flettrich continued, “Otto is such a worker, he has such a great heart. I am really looking forward to the Trials. This was such a great experience.”
Maribel Alonso, the president of the ground jury for the Grand Prix said of the Grand Prix Competition, “I think generally speaking there were good horses, some making little mistakes here and there and some just unlucky. The atmosphere is very nice. It's not so big so they feel lost, but big enough.”