Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven of Sweden captured her second victory on Don Auriello at the $50,000 Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W, presented by the United States P.R.E. Association, this time in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights on Saturday. The nighttime atmosphere at the Global Dressage Festival (GDF) was filled with excitement for the world cup event that featured twelve entries from five different nations.
The electric atmosphere was great for the crowd, but it made things a little more difficult for Vilhelmson-Silfven who scored 76.350%. “I am super pleased,” said Vilhelmson-Silfven. “He was a bit more tense here in the dark, but it was good practice for me. I had a better feeling with him today than yesterday. The facility has made a huge difference. It's very nice.”
James Koford of Wellington, FL rode Pharaoh to second place with a score of 73.450%. Koford was thrilled with his finish because he hopes to use the prize money from this competition and his victory in the freestyle at the first GDF to pay for World Cup Final expenses, should he receive an invitation.
“The prize money here and at the last show makes it possible to go to the World Cup in Holland. It's like it fell out of the sky,” said Koford. “My horse was not spooky, but I did feel him a little insecure in the ring, which is an unusual feeling. It was great practice because I haven't ridden him in conditions like this. I am really pleased with the ride.”
The International arena featured the FEI Intermediare I earlier in the day and Caroline Roffman took top honors scoring 69.158% with her horse Pie. Devon Kane was second on Destiny with a score of 68.947%. Roffman spoke of her strategy for the test.
“Today I rode with a little more pedal to the medal, which paid off I think in some ways and in other ways we had more mistakes,” said Roffman. “This shows me that I need to ride a little more bravely. He's ready and knows everything. He was a very good boy. He showed me that he wants to be a show horse.”