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HGF & Kerrigan part ways after 15 years
Kerrigan Gluch is leaving Hampton Green Farm in Ocala, Florida after 15 years competing the stable’s P.R.E. horses. Kerrigan, aged 29 and originally from Michigan, has competed HGF horses on both sides of the Atlantic. Kimberly van Kampen, the owner of the stable, said Saturday: “Kerrigan is a wonderful person who has been a part of Hampton Green Farm for 15 years. She has treated my horses like they were her own, and she has always been a most trusted friend and accomplished rider. “We support her in any decision she makes for this next chapter in life and look forward to her successes. It’s been a real joy to have been her sponsor all these years.” Kerrigan became the first American to be selected on a pure Spanish horse, Mejorano, for an official USA team for Europe that paid off with a personal best score in the CDIO4* Nations Cup of the Netherlands Grand Prix Freestyle in 2024. She told DRESSAGE-NEWS.com: “The past 15 years with HGF have been truly special. I’ve had the opportunity to grow through the levels, developing not only as a rider but as a professional, while working with some incredible horses and people who have shaped me along the way. I am especially grateful for the unique experiences and travels this journey has given me. I will always value these opportunities. “I am deeply thankful for all the support Kim has given me and will always recognize the significant role she has played in my career. “As I look ahead, I’m excited to take some time to be with family and explore new opportunities. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.” Hampton Green hired Jose Daniel Martin Dockx of Spain as the in-house trainer, and he moved to Ocala. The rider competed Hampton Green’s Grandioso, the sire of Mejorano, at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as well as the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2013 and 2015 European Championships. Credit: Dressage News
Grandioso Turns 27 years Old
On March 3, 2026, Grandioso III celebrated his 27th birthday! Born on March 3, 1999, this exceptional horse has not only been a lifelong companion for José Daniel Martin Dockx but also one of the backbones of Dressage SPanish Team ( 2012-2016) ALong with José Daniel Martín Dockx, Grandioso III has traveled the world and achieved remarkable personal bests, representing Spain at the highest levels: Olympic Games 2012 – London, UK European Championships 2013 – Herning, Denmark World Equestrian Games 2014 – Caen, Normandy, France European Championships 2015 – Aachen, Germany Olympic Games 2016 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil At Hampton Green Farm, we are proud to celebrate not just his years, but his legacy with our offsprings.
Ten Years of Grandioso’s Legacy
Following the social media tren, this year marks a decade of the Grandioso era (2016–2026). In 2016, Grandioso III and José Daniel Martín Dockx competed at the CDIO5* Aachen and later represented Spain at the Olympic Games in Rio. Today, the story continues at Hampton Green Farm, where a new generation of riders; including Kerrigan Gluch and Antonio Crespin; are developing the stallion’s offspring, carrying his influence into the future of the breed such as Ferro HGF, Santiago HFG One of the most importants offsprings of Grandioso has been Mejorano HGF. This horse was trained by José Daniel Martin Dockx from 6 years old up to GP (2019) . Mejorano HGF represented Spain at the World Championships of Young horses in 2018 at the 7 years old class. In 2019, Kerrigan Took the reins of the horses and started her GP campaign in 2020. Fast Forward, in 2023, Kerrigan represented United States with our US-home bred PRE horse Mejorano HGF at the CDIO5* Nations Cup in Rotterdam. On the freestyle she scored: 75.350 ending up at 7th place.
Hampton Green Farm welcomes Antonio Crespín as new rider
With the 2026 season on the horizon, Hampton Green Farm (HGF) is taking a major step forward in its international sports project by welcoming Antonio Crespín as its newest team rider. Born in Córdoba, a region with a rich equestrian tradition, Antonio’s passion for the Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.), dressage, bloodlines, and horse breeding runs in his family. From an early age, his father nurtured his equestrian knowledge, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Since 2018, Antonio has been the main rider at Yeguada Torrehermosa, overseeing a full “360-degree” training program; from breaking young horses to preparing them for high-level competition. A career-defining moment came in 2022, when Antonio, riding Brandy YET, won the Final of the Young Horses Cycle, becoming the only rider to surpass 80% in the six-year-old category. That same year, he continued his golden streak by winning SICAB with Ágora YET in the Young Riders division. Season after season, he has developed the stud’s most promising horses, including Delicada YET, Desafío YET, and Farolillo YET. His most recent competition in Spain took place at the CDN2* in Palma del Río, in the four-year-old category with Legado Al Andalus. A New Chapter in America In September 2025, Olympic rider José Daniel Martín Dockx announced a new professional chapter as the technical and sports director of Hampton Green Farm in Ocala, Florida. Dockx leads a project dedicated to developing young P.R.E. horses up to Grand Prix level, with the goal of showcasing their talent on the international stage. Antonio Crespín’s arrival strengthens HGF’s competitive team, joining American riders Kerrigan Gluch and Justine Boyer. Dockx highlights: "Antonio’s addition to Hampton Green Farm is very important. He is a talented young rider in whom we have high expectations, and we hope he will achieve great successes while developing his career here." For Antonio: "This marks the start of an exciting new chapter full of challenges and learning. It motivates me to give my best and step outside my comfort zone," he says. Link : https://lilyforado.com/antonio-crespin-nuevo-fichaje-y-jinete-de-hampton-green-farm/
José Daniel Martin Dockx Will continue as the PRE Team Dressage Coach
ANCCE is pleased to announce that Daniel Martin Dockx will continue as the PRE Young Horse Dressage Team coach throughout the 2026 season. This fact reiterates our commitment to continue growing together and moving forward towards the highest possible international level. Since 2020, José Daniel Martín Dockx has been responsible for the coordination and training of riders within ANCCE’s Annual Dressage Sport Plan, working with both adult horses and young prospects to optimize their competitive performance. In addition, since 2021, he has served as Head Coach of the PRE Team for the World Championships for Young Horses, a role that has been instrumental in the growth of its international prestige. With the pathway that we have built together, we confirm that Martin Dockx will continue with us in 2026. The circumstance offers continuity for this solid and coherent project based on long-term efforts. Our sights on the Dressage World Breeding Championships for Young Horses, in Verden from the 4th to the 9th of August this year. This venue summons the world's best young horses competing in the 5, 6, and 7-year-old Dressage categories. The event has become key to showcase the projection of international Dressage talents. We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to breeder Kimberly Van Kampen for her steadfast commitment, constant support for PREs, and her trust in this joint project. Her involvement has been vital in enabling us to continue moving forward with enthusiasm and ambition in this line of work. Likewise, this announcement is also an invitation for breeders and riders to start preparing their 5 to 7-year-old horses as we continue to see future PRE Horses excel on the international stage once again this year. In due course, the specific regulations and key dates for the PRE Dressage Team clinics will be announced. These regulations will provide detailed information regarding how the program works and the steps to follow for this new season. Source ANCCE/USPRE LINK : https://www.usprea.com/en/news/daniel-martin-dockx-will-continue-as-the-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach Link: https://www.ancce.es/en/ver-noticia12/3163/daniel-martin-dockx-continua-como-seleccionador-del-equipo-pre-de-doma-clasica-2026/ Link : https://www.eurodressage.com/2026/01/16/jose-daniel-martin-dockx-continues-2026-pre-team-dressage-coach
José Daniel Martín Dockx Joins HGF
Hampton Green Farm is proud to announce the return of Olympic rider José Daniel Martín Dockx, who will join HGF as Head Trainer and Technical Director. Dockx will relocate to Ocala, where he will be based full-time in December to lead a new project focused on developing young horses through the Grand Prix level and expanding the international presence of HGF horses. “Our successes in Europe ten years ago and our collaboration with Dani and the Spanish team concluded naturally with the retirement of Grandioso,” said Kimberly Van Kampen, founder of Hampton Green Farm. “Since then, our focus has been on developing youth riders here at home, including my daughter, from early levels to successful U25 tours for Kerrigan and Sophia, who are now young Adult Grand Prix competitors. Meanwhile, we have continued to grow our breeding program in Ocala, producing competitive young horses and promising Grand Prix prospects. These horses will greatly benefit from Dani’s unique ability to develop them for international competition. We have high expectations for this next chapter and are thrilled to renew our partnership with him.” José Daniel Martín Dockx added, “I have reached an agreement with Hampton Green Farm, where I was previously involved, to start a new project—not as a rider, but as a trainer and technical director. I am very excited to return to this farm with which we achieved so many successes. It is a major change for my family and me as we relocate to Ocala, Florida, but it is a project I am passionate about and approach with great motivation. I hope it will bring successes beyond our borders and allow me to continue contributing my experience to the Spanish horse, achieving great accomplishments with this stable once again. The excitement and motivation have given us the strength for this change, which I am confident will bring many wonderful things in the future.” A new chapter begins — and we couldn’t be more excited! This new project represents the next step in Hampton Green Farm’s commitment to excellence, its breeding program, international growth, and the promotion of the PRE horse on U.S. soil. LINK PRESS : https://www.ecuestre.es/app/deporte/doma-clasica/el-sueno-americano-de-daniel-martin-dockx?fbclid=IwY2xjawQbxnFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEewSwScrKwGerGa1VCb0MOtT8xVc_9B9PxF8Lt5MYS2J6Rw8g2xMjQ9omtcWA_aem_UCFDH56PxYE5jFq65JUPtA LINK PRESS: https://eurodressage.com/2025/09/10/jose-daniel-martin-dockx-moves-usa-head-hampton-green-farm?fbclid=IwY2xjawQbxm1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEecT_CbWdHhYz1OTZS3XVIhWuKlD_ELTI387r3mT1Z6jRQx0OGG82bVCN8Dnc_aem_GlKNZv227dJByWDLjyZXvg
Hampton Green Farm Welcomes Back Olympic Rider José Daniel Martín Dockx as Head Trainer and Technical Director
Ocala, FL — September 2025 – Hampton Green Farm is proud to announce the return of Olympic rider José Daniel Martin Dockx, who will join HGF as Head Trainer and Technical Director. José Daniel Martin Dockx will be relocating to Ocala, where he will be based full-time to lead this new project focused on the development of young horses through Grand Prix level and to expand the international presence of HGF horses. “Our successes in Europe ten years ago and our collaboration with Dani and the Spanish team concluded naturally with the retirement of Grandioso,” said Kimberly Van Kampen, founder of Hampton Green Farm. “Since then, our focus has been on developing youth riders here at home, including my daughter, from early levels to successful U25 tours for Kerrigan and Sophia, who are now young Adult Grand Prix competitors. Meanwhile, we have continued to grow our breeding program in Ocala, producing competitive young horses and promising Grand Prix prospects. These horses will greatly benefit from Dani’s unique ability to develop them for international competition. We have high expectations for this next chapter and are thrilled to renew our partnership with him.” José Daniel Martín Dockx added, “I have reached an agreement with Hampton Green Farm, where I was previously involved, to start a new project—not as a rider, but as a trainer and technical director. I am very excited to return to this stable, with which we achieved so many successes. It is a major change for my family and me as we relocate to Ocala, Florida, but it is a project I am passionate about and approach with great motivation. I hope it will bring successes beyond our borders and allow me to continue contributing my experience to the Spanish horse, achieving great accomplishments with this stable once again. The excitement and motivation have given us the strength for this change, which I am confident will bring many wonderful things in the future.” Based in Ocala, Florida, this new project represents the next step in Hampton Green Farm’s commitment to excellence, its breeding program, international growth, and the promotion of the PRE horse on U.S. soil.
Kerrigan Gluch Travels to Spain
HGF rider Kerrigan Gluch traveled to Spain to gain experience with the PRE Team selection process for the World Championships for Young Horses. She went to Segovia, more precisely, Centro Ecuestre de Castilla y León and observed how horses are evaluated and selected. José Daniel Martin Dockx was on scene. During those days they had a CDIYH, the last selection towards the big championships.
Global Dressage Season in Wellington Kicks Off with Busy January
2018 started the year with numerous events at or involving Hampton Green Farm. During the first week of the year, the Robert Dover Horsemastership clinic took over the farm for one day utilizing all three arenas. Meanwhile, Lendon Gray and her WITees completed their move-in week and began the intensive training for which the program is named. Vanessa Voltman and Albert Gesierich's horses and clients started their winter season, having just arrived from Michigan. The final few horses arrived to the main barn, with every stall occupied on the property. Dani Martin and Charlotte Bredahl were on hand in January to work with all of the HGF pairs and prepare them for their warm-up classes in the national levels. Maria Lithander rode several Inter I classes with Barbara, and will now focus on the short Grand Prix with the assistance of Charlotte. Kerrigan Gluch showed all her horses at the national levels in the respective levels, Brio and Bolero at the U25 Grand Prix, and Vaquero at Inter I, followed by his first time at Inter A. Sarah Roda introduced Quintanillo to Fourth Level, in preparation for Young Riders. All pairs scored in the mid to upper 60s, and all horses demonstrated that they were prepared for new levels. Lily Forado, our marketing intern, arrived just in time to start the promotion for USPRE Week. This year's USPRE Party was the biggest ever in terms of turn-out. Over 1000 people came to a standing-room-only event filling both of the VIP tents of the Global Pavilion. One of the highlights of a very animated program was when four HGF geldings did a quadrille in costume with youth riders Kerrigan Gluch, Sarah Roda, Sophia Schults and Elena Schiefe--a performance which will be repeated at the Challenge of the Americas in March. Many VIPs from Spain and around the country attended USPRE week, and more than 30 PREs performed at the USPRE Party, from exhibitions to FEI freestyles. Later that week, Kerrigan rode Bolero in a master class with Andreas Helgstrand during the Friday night CDIW Freestyles, and later on Spanish Young Horse Champion Guillermo Ayala rode Diego (Didacus) in a seminar with Spanish team osteopath Antonio Valenzuela. The week concluded with a round table discussion featuring ANCCE officials and an FEI 4* judge discussing the PRE role in the upcoming World Championship of Young Horses. January closed with a quiet few days, for some well-needed rest before February's clinics and shows.
HGF US-Bred PREs Take Silver and Bronze at SICAB, World Championship of PRE Horses
Two of Hampton Green Farm's Michigan-bred young horses took home medals from SICAB 2018--the World Championship of PRE Horses--from the Finals of the Copa ANCCE. Competing against the highest ranking PRE horses in the country of Spain following a year of qualification, Mejorano HGF attained a Silver Medal and Campanero HGF the Bronze in the 7 Year Old and 5 Year Old Divisions respectively. Both horses represent the bloodlines that characterize the output of HGF, primarily the lines of Olympic stallion Grandioso III from Yeguada Marin Garcia. Trained and competed by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, Mejorano HGF is completing an outstanding year in which they formed part of the first all-PRE team to represent Spain in the World Championship of Young Horses in Ermelo, Netherlands, in August. Campanero HGF was long-listed for the same event, and has maintained his standing among a very competitive field of 5 year olds in Spain. For information about sales horses at HGF Michigan, please contact HGF at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com
From Michigan to the World Stage: HGF Horses in FEI Championships Summer 2018
Two Michigan-bred PRE horses from Hampton Green Farm will represent the USA and Spain this summer in FEI Championship shows. Mejorano HGF, a son of two-time Olympian Grandioso III, has been selected to represent Spain in the World Championships of Young Horses in the 7 Year Old Division. A rigourous qualifying agenda beginning in January of this year was established by ANCCE, the national PRE breed association which represents Spain in the Championships. Among the best horses from the best stud farms in Spain, American-bred Mejorano HGF, ridden by Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, topped the 7 Year Old ranking and was subsequently selected by team trainer Jurgen Koschel for his spot in the 2 horse quota for the division. On the other end of the spectrum, long-time schoolmaster Idolo Americano (Idilio x Escapada) has found a new career in the hands of Sophia Schults of Saint Joseph, Michigan. In two years, 17 year old Sophia has taken Idolo from FEI Junior to FEI Young Riders and has now qualified for the FEI North American Youth Championships for Region 3. Both Championships will be held the first week of August, in Ermelo, Netherlands and North Salem, New York respectively. HGF is a breeder of PRE horses for dressage and has consistently produced internationally relevant competitors. Our accomplishments include: 2 Olympics--London and Rio 1 World Equestrian Games--Normandy 7 Nations Cups in Aachen and Wellington, for both US teams and Spain 3 National Champions or Reserve (Spain and US) 3 FEI North American Championships, with Individual Medals 1 World Championships for Young Horses HGF has an exceptional line-up of young sale horses in training with international potential. For more information, contact Maria Lithander at hamptongreenfarm@aol.com.
HGF's Ataturc and Mejorano Bring Home the Medals at SICAB World PRE Championships 2017
Hampton Green's two entries in the Copa ANCCE Finals at SICAB 2017 topped their classes of world-class PRE young horses from the best breeders worldwide. For a second time, HGF competed a Michigan-bred PRE in the SICAB 6 year old finals, and for the second time brought home the Bronze Medal. Our last time to compete at the World Championship of PRE Horses was in 2013, when Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Vaquero HGF were bronze medalists in the 6 Year Old division. This year, Dani returned to the 6 Year Olds with Mejorano HGF, son of Grandioso III and Ibiza, bred in Michigan. A close scoring level, juried by 6 international judges over two days, finished with the HGF pair again taking the Bronze with scores of 77.8 and 75.2 in the Preliminary and Final tests respectively. Mejorano HGF was sent to Spain from the US in 2015 for training with Dani and we expect him to continue to improve and strengthen as he moves up the levels to the more technical tests. There was no question, however, who would bring home the Gold in the 7 Year Old Division. HGF's Ataturc was the clear favorite of the two days of competition. With scores of 74.79 and 76.41, Ata and Dani topped a class of high quality, well-trained 7 year olds PREs. Ata has only just begun his show career and has won each of the 6 classes he has entered to date. He was purchased in 2016 as a 6 year old from his breeder, Yeguada Ducal--a PRE breeder in Germany. The horse had been backed at the three gaits but little else, having been used for breeding prior to coming to Mijas. Ata quickly took to his new career in dressage, and Dani decided he was ready to go into the show ring for the first time just two months ago at the Dos Lunas CDN in September. Ataturc is from the bloodlines of ANCCE Elite Stallion Ermitano on his dam's side, and the son of Activo VII, known to riders from the days of the CAR-ANCCE program. One note on the Doma Clasica (Dressage) competition as a whole--the presence of high-quality and competitive mares! Mares are now the choice of many of the breeders and riders in Spain for dressage and are making their ascension to the top placings in each class, from 4 year old to Grand Prix. With changes to the selection process for the World Championship of Young Horses (Ermelo) planned for next year which will give preference to qualifed PREs in Spain, the path is now wide open for both mares and stallions to be recognized for their quality at the young horse levels. Hang on for the ride! Photos by Lily Forado
New Generation of HGF Young Horses Debut in Sotogrande
Daniel Martin Dockx brought three of his new horses to the CDN*** in Dos Lunas in September--Ataturc DUC, Mejorano HGF and Campanero HGF--to compete in the young horse classes among a large group of competitors from around the Andalucia region who are hoping to qualify for the finals of the Copa ANCCE at SICAB in November. It was the first time in the show ring for both 7 year old Ataturc and 4 year old Campanero, Mejorano having shown several times this year in the 6 year old division. The results were confirming of Daniel's young horse training program. Ata and Campanero won their respective classes both days, while Mejorano finished the weekend second in his division. Ataturc was purchased last year from Yeguada Ducal, a PRE breeder in Germany, and has quickly adapted from breeding stallion to his new role of dressage horse. Not knowing how he would do in a show setting, Dani was very pleased with the chestnut's focus and consistency. They were awarded stand-out scores of 72.21 and 73.68, topping a very small 7 year old class. Campanero HGF was born in Michigan, Camaron IX x Quintera XII. At just four years old, the young stallion showed expression and quality, earning scores of 78.4 and 77.8, coming first in a large class of excellent horses, juried by a panel that included a judge from Ermelo 2017. Mejorano HGF (Grandioso x Ibiza) rode two consistent 6 year old tests, but was received quite differently by the two panels, receiving 69.7 in the Preliminary and 75.4 in the Final. Mejorano is a son of Grandioso, and is capable of even greater expression and scope than his father, but is developing consistency as he grows and gets stronger. Mejorano is qualified for SICAB, and we hope to qualify Ata as well in October. The decision was made not to push Campanero for SICAB qualification, given his young age. Our thanks as always to Lily Forado, who traveled from Barcelona to Sotogrande to provide these beautiful photos for us. Press coverage from the show can be seen at: www.lilyforado.com http://www.ecuestre.es/deporte/doma/articulo/garcia-mena-y-martin-dockx-protagonistas-del-cdn3-de-dos-lunas-rienda-suelta
HGF Lendon Youth Festival 2017
Another great year for the LYDF Midwest at Hampton Green Farm. At the end of June, we held our annual youth festival--our favorite event of the summer (if not the whole year!). As in all prior years, the Festival begins with a 2 day clinic for riders under 21 who have met the criteria for the newly named TEAM (Training, Education and Mentoring) program, provided by Dressage4Kids and Lendon Gray. These riders were trained in a clinic format by Lendon, and provided seminars with Dr. Jeff Bunn of Equine Medical, on how to handle equine emergencies, Kylie Heitmann on testing supplements for effectiveness, and a Master Class by two-time Spanish Olympian Jose Daniel Martin Dockx. All TEAM riders then joined a large group of local children who competed in the Lendon Youth Festival show on Sunday. This competition consists of 3 divisions--a written test, a ridden dressage test, and an equitation class. Lots of food and fun for all the families who came out. Great rides and super young people! Our thanks to all who helped out--riders, trainers, judges, grooms, parents, sponsors, staff, and volunteers! Enjoy this video, made by Lily Forado, about the event!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcG5ZsCOSpI. Full Results: Lendon Youth Festival Midwest 2017 AWARD WINNERS High Point Champion Sophia Schults High Point Written Annie Klepper High Point Dressage Maya Ilada High Point Equitation Sophia Schults High Point Walk Trot Maya Illada High Point Training Justine Boyer High Point First Nicole Pelfresne Level High Point FEI Sophia Schultz Turnout Award Nicole Pelfresne Most Valuable VolunteerKate Esterline Youngest Rider AwardCedeye Nass Young Horse Started By RiderNicole Pelfresne Highest Scoring PRE Sophia Schults Individual Results in Gallery
Registration Now Open for 2017 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest at Hampton Green, featuring Daniel Martin Dockx and Nicholas Hanson
Registration is now open for the 2017 LYDF Midwest, and like in previous years, is bringing top international dressage athletes and personalities to the youth riders of the Midwest! This all-youth horse show is open to any rider under 21, and consists of 3 divisions: Written Test, Dressage Test, and Equitation Test. Modeled after the highly successful LYDF held every summer in New York, the Midwest version is a one-day event, preceded by a TEAM (formerly Emerging Dressage Athlete) clinic and a Saturday night Exhibitor's Dinner. Dates are: Friday and Saturday, June 23-24: TEAM Clinic with Lendon Gray and others. Saturday night, June 24: Exhibitors Party—Friends and Parents Invited Sunday, June 25: Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, 3-Part Competition Where: Hampton Green Farm, Fruitport, MI www.hamptongreenfarm.com The following speakers and commentators will be involved with this year’s event: Lendon Gray, Founder and President of Dressage4Kids: Two-time Olympian Lendon Gray believes dressage is for every horse and rider. Generous, outspoken, and pragmatic, Lendon has devoted her energies to the improvement of all riders (not just the privileged ones) and all horses (even the littlest ones). With the goal that all youths might learn how to become not just better riders, but all-around horsemen, Lendon established Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival (formerly known as the Northeast Junior/Young Rider Championships) in 1999. Lendon will be training and lecturing to the riders throughout the weekend, as well as overseeing all of the Divisions. Saturday Night: The resume of Jose Daniel Martin Dockx is one of the most extensive in the sport. Two Olympics, (London and Rio de Janeiro), World Equestrian Games, 5 years at CHIO Aachen, 2 European Championships, multiple National Championships of Spain at all FEI levels, winner or top three of more than 25 international Grand Prix classes. Dani will be providing a ridden demonstration for the TEAM clinic, and speak to all exhibitors and guests on Saturday evening about his experiences. Dressage Commentator and Sunday afternoon Lecturer:Nicholas Hansen,NAJYRC 2016 3-time Gold Medalist for Young Riders. Dressage Judge:Merrilyn Griffin, USEF “r” Dressage Judge Equitation Judge: Kristen Skinner-Boyd, Equine Canada “B” Dressage Judge and Gold Medalist LYDF Midwest Prizelist and Entry Form now available on the Home Page of this website. TEAM riders must apply through the Dressage4Kids website. Information and application available athttps://dressage4kidsorg.presencehost.net/programs/team-program.html All TEAM Riders MUST enter the LYDF on Sunday, June 25.
Grandioso III Formally Retired in Spain and US.
One of the dressage world's most beloved PREs was retired in grand style, in the two countries that claim a part of him as their own. In November, at SICAB--the annual PRE Horse convention in Sevilla, Spain--Grandioso's Farewell was a highlight of the Saturday evening Espectaculo. Six friends and colleagues of rider Jose Daniel Martin Dockx were part of the ceremony, mounted on PRE horses, including Jose Mena, Samuel Oliva, Antonio Blanco, and others. An emotional video presentation compiled by ANCCE highlighted the stunning 5 year international career of the horse for the Spanish Dressage Team, which included 2 Olympics, a World Games, 2 European Championships, 3 Aachen Nations Cups, and 2 National Championships. Martin Dockx and Grandioso's final ride in Spain was the new Kur designed by Marlene Whitaker for the Olympic year: The Impossible Dream with themes from Man of La Mancha. Following the ride, the tearful removal of the saddle was done in the presence of owner Kimberly Van Kampen, breeder Javier Marin Fidalgo, and Head Groom Mohamad Mahmoud. After this, rider, groom and horse, made a final pass around the arena to an ovation of gratitude from the Spanish audience. At the beginning of January, Grandioso said a final good-bye to the country of his birth, and traveled back to the United State, where he had competed for 7 years prior and where he will live out a pampered retirement. He was flown into Miami, and taken first to the quarantine stabling at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, to begin to prepare for his American farewell at the annual USPRE week at the end of January. This ceremony was equally moving and unforgettable. Grandioso's story includes a significant start to his career in the United States, where he was earmarked as an up-and-coming superstar in the hands of Courtney King Dye. The pair had finished Fifth in the USEF Festival of Champions in 2009 at the Small Tour, and were preparing for their first international Grand Prix in 2010 when a tragic accident sidelined the riding career of King Dye. Although the horse eventually returned to Spain to initiate his Grand Prix career, he was always followed and loved by the American dressage community, especially the PRE breeders and owners who felt that Grandioso was an inspiration for all that a well-bred, well-trained PRE sport horse could acheive. Grandioso's US Farewell happened during the USPRE-sponsored Friday Night Freestyles under the lights. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx performed the new Kur again, showing a horse in top form with outstanding piaffe, passage, extended trots, half-passes and pirouettes. Grandioso appeared thrilled to perform again for an electric audience that filled the VIP tents and stands at the International Arena. Following the ride, USPRE presented Grandioso with a most unique cooler, adorned with all of the titles and championships of his career. There was an audible gasp of "No" when the saddle was removed. Dr. Jane Bistline of the USPRE Board of Directors presented the cooler, and the horse made a final walk in hand to say good-bye to a second country that also loved him. Since January, Grandioso has completed the required 6 weeks of CEM Stallion Quarantine, and is now residing back at Hampton Green Farm in Wellington. He will travel at the end of the spring to the Michigan farm to begin a new career: as a Qualified improver stallion to the US PRE herd. Videos of the ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap718r5XfyE http://www.topiberian.com/index.php/2013-08-27-14-59-08/news/dressage/88955:video-de-la-despedida-de-grandioso-en-el-sicab-2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UttAVUtIy8 Related Articles: http://www.dressage-news.com/2017/01/28/grandioso-olympic-championship-mount-for-spain-farewelled-at-floridas-global-dressage-festival/ http://dressageheadlines.com/articles/dressage/grandioso-iii’s-prominence-daniel-martin-dockx-developing-spanish-horse http://horsesdaily.com/article/not-dry-eye-hampton-green-farms-grandioso-retires http://www.eqcompetitions.com/sicab-rendira-un-homenaje-de-despedida-a-grandioso/
Rio and the Last Grand Prix
Grandioso III with Jose Daniel Martin Dockx scored 70.8 in the final Grand Prix of their career together, at the 2016 Rio Olympics, for the country of Spain. Following an injury in February this year that threatened to end his career, Grandioso recovered and made a strong comeback at the final Olympic qualifier in Aachen. Shortly after, Grandioso and Dani were named to the Olympic Team for Spain and traveled to Brazil with teammates Beatrice Ferrar-Salat with Delgado, Severo Jurado with Lorenzo, Claudio Castillo with Alcaide, and Borja Carrascosa with Wonder. As a team, Spain was unable to advance to the Grand Prix Special, and so the Grand Prix in Rio became not only one of Grandioso's greatest achievements—his second Olympics—but also his final ride down the centerline. Earning a respectable score close to 71%, Grandioso was one of only 7 (out of 60) horses to compete at both London and Rio, and one of the oldest horses in the Games. Much has been written about our decision to retire Grandioso following the Rio Olympics. We reprint the Dressage-News article which came out during the week of the Olympic Games: GRANDIOSO, AMERICAN-OWNED SPANISH TEAM HORSE, TO RETIRE AFTER SECOND OLYMPICS By KENNETH J. BRADDICK RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10, 2016–Grandioso was ridden for the Spanish team in his second Olympic Games Wednesday, the final competition for the17-year-old PRE stallion owned byAmerica’s Kim Boyer. Grandioso with Jose Daniel Martin Dockx who has been his rider for more than five years competed for the Spanish team at the Olympics in London in 2012, the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy and the European Championships in 2013 and 2014. “Dani” and Grandioso scored 71.014 per cent for the team. The pair were selected forthe team after Grandioso recovered from an injury that was feared would knock them out of contention. Kimberly Boyer, who lives in Wellington, Florida on her Hampton Green Farm, was at these Olympics, as she was in London four years ago and at Grandioso’s other championships, to witness the final competition ride. “Four years ago when we were called up as the reserve to join the Spanish Olympic team in London many people thought Grandioso was just a little Andalusian, a pony with a limited future,” Kim told dressage-news.com. “Instead, his name defined his career: London Olympics, two European Championships, the World Equestrian Games , two Spanish national Grand Prix Champion titles, FEI rankings in the top 25 for two years and now the Rio Olympics. “At 17, Dani and I feel we have asked enough from him and what more can he accomplish. “Personally, this little horse has changed my life forever in ways I can’t describe.He has given me experiences I would never have had without him and I have learned so much about our sport, about the world and about myself from the privilege of being the ‘owner’ of Grandioso.” Grandioso (Adelante x Sevillano IX) was ridden by Courtney King-Dye to Intermediate 2 but after her career-ending injury Kim waited a year before giving the ride to “Dani.” He competed Grandioso in the horse’s first CDI Grand Prix more than five years ago. Dani and Grandioso was one of only seven combinations competing in Rio that had been in the London Games in 2012. Kim is a major supporter of American dressage youth programs, a partner in the group that owns and operates the Global Dressage Festival as well as the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington and heads up the U.S. Equestrian Federation Owners Task Force aimed at connecting riders and owners and has long been active in the U.S. PRE organization as well as a breeder of Pura Raza Española horses. Grandioso, she said, will be retired to the Hampton Green Farm in Fruitport, Michigan but will go to Florida with Kim “if he wants to make the trip with us.”
Grandioso III of Hampton Green Farm Named to Spanish Team for Rio Olympics
Last Monday, the RFHE announced the names of the horses and riders who will make up the Spanish Team for Rio. Grandioso and his rider Jose Daniel Martin Dockx were on the list, following their showing of current form at CHIO Aachen. Grandioso and Dani have been a constant pair for the Spanish National Dressage Team beginning in 2012 when they represented Spain at the London Olympics. Since then, they have competed in three Nations Cups, two European Championships, and the World Equestrian Games in Normandy. Grandioso is the only horse in Spain to have done all of these events and to remain a current team member for five years without interruption. Additionally, Grandioso is one of only seven horses (out of 60) scheduled to compete in Rio who are going down the centerline for their second Olympic Games. He will be in elite company —Valegro, Donnperignon, Don Aurelio, Parzival, Desperados, Sandro Boy, and our own Grandioso. At this time, the team is located in Aachen, Germany, for preparations prior to travel to Brazil on the 2nd of August. They will arrive in Rio with a week to acclimate and be ready for competition, commencing August 10 with the Grand Prix. For regular updates, follow us at the Hampton Green Forum on Facebook.
Grandioso Reappears Fit and Strong at Aachen CHIO
Following a four-month recovery and rehabilitation for a torn tendon sheath, Grandioso reappeared in the showring at CHIO Aachen with results to reassure all that the horse is still a team asset for Rio. In February, on the way to a CDI in Jerez, Grandioso suffered an injury in transit that required minor surgery in March, to repair a a small tear to the "manica"--the synovial membrane that surrounds the tendon structure. His prognosis for competing by summer was very good according to the surgeon, and each step taken along the way to recovery, including aqua-training at Dos Lunas Dressage facility and meticulous interval training under saddle, produced promising results. At the end of the rehabilitation period and back in full work in late May, Grandioso appeared stronger, fresher and even more elastic than before the injury. However, the horse needed to demonstrate his soundness and willingness to compete in one of the Olympic qualifiers designated by Spain. By the time Dani felt the horse was ready to go back in the ring, CHIO Aachen--the world's most prestigious horse show--was the only chance left to prove that Grandioso was ready to go to Rio. Luis Lucio, technical trainer of the Spanish Dressage Team, entered Dani and Grandioso in the 4* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, leaving the 5* Nations Cup team spots for those horses who had competed throughout the year. At CHIO 2016, Dani and Grandioso made a solid comeback--placing in the ribbons in both classes with outstanding results that trended upward from the first to second test --71.5 and 8th place in the Grand Prix; 72.1 and 5th place in the Grand Prix Special--easily demonstrating the horse's quality and fitness for an even bigger arena. Photos taken from the below articles covering the event. Our thanks to the photographers. http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=37175 http://www.topiberian.com/index.php/2013-08-27-14-59-08/news/dressage/88471:jornada-de-debut-de-los-binomios-espanoles-en-aachen-2016-grandioso-el-mejor http://www.topiberian.com/index.php/2013-08-27-14-59-08/news/dressage/88475:dani-martin-dockx-y-grandioso-hgf-y-claudio-castilla-y-alcaide-buenos-resultaods-en-el-gpe-del-cdi4
Grandioso Sweeps the Grand Prix at Madrid Horse Week
Grandioso and Jose Daniel Martin Dockx made a strong return to the showring at the Madrid Horse Week last weekend. The pair had not competed since the European Championships in August. Strong scores of 74.3 in the Grand Prix and 77.55 in the Kur demonstrate that Grandioso and Dani are looking forward to an exciting year in 2016. A highlight of the weekend was achieving the first score of "10" in a competition--received from one of the international panel for piaffe during the Freestyle, which means that Dani and Grandioso earned a perfect score on all 3 movements of piaffe in the Kur. Photo credits: Pedro Gidinho, Equinae and Ecuestre Online.