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News & Horses: "daniel martin dockx"

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Horses

Campanero HGF
Camaron IX x Quintera XII by Adelante

Campanero HGF is a 2013 bay PRE gelding by Camaron IX out of Quintera XII (Adelante). He is the definition of majesty. Campanero HGF is eye catching not only for his beauty, but for his multi-awarded bloodlines. The names of Adelante, Remache and Albero II say everything.  Ridden by José Daniel Martin Dockx, Campanero shone in the Spanish arenas. They ended up with the bronze medal in SICAB 2018. In 2020, Justine Boyer took the reins and is getting ready for her International Junior debut.

News Articles

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

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

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.

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 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.

Daniel Martin Dockx and Oxido: Reserve National Small Tour Champions of Spain

Last weekend in Madrid were held the National Dressage Championships for Spain. HGF had originally planned to enter Bolero CXLVIII in this competition, but the horse developed back soreness during the CDI the weekend before and was unable to compete. At the last minute, Oxido--9 year old stallion by Iberis, purchased by HGF in 2014--was entered into the Small Tour (known as Criterium) Finals, having qualified only the weekend before in the national classes during the CDI Madrid. Oxido is not unknown in the show circuit in Spain. He was competed successfully in the FEI 5 and 6 Year Old levels by Antonio Blanco, and last year with Dani was fourth overall in the Young Horse PSG (Developing Horse level), and first ranked PRE at the level. He is designated JRR (Young Recommended Breeding Stock) for Dressage Conformation by the PRE Studbook, LG-ANCCE. The Campeonato, however, fielded many better-known and experienced pairs at the Small Tour--over 25 horses, including the famous Dragao, Manchego, Mango Statesman and more. Going back into the ring just a few days following the last show, and with no prior experience doing a Kur, Oxido gave three technically solid and expressive tests--earning marks that surprised all. In a coming-of-age experience for Oxido, the horse seemed to gain courage and confidence with every test. Over the three days, Dani and Oxido scored 71.447, 69.342, and 71.225, finishing overall in Second Place to Jose Mena on Dragao. Dani again found himself on the podium of a Spanish National contest, but this time with a new partner, Oxido, who now takes his place among the up and coming important horses for Spain. Our thanks to Lily Forado for the show pictures.

HGF and WEG 2014: New Records, New Standards

The rain and wind of Normandy did not dampen the thrill of being part of the World Equestrian Games 2014. For our team, Spain, and for our horse and rider, Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso, the World Championships in France were a highly successful and unforgettable experience. The 2014 WEG hosted the strongest field of dressage horses in history. The top 15 horses scored a full 5 percentage points higher (in final individual score) than the top 15 in 2010. As our sport grows in popularity, our horses and riders are growing in skills and capability, and the 2014 WEG was a celebration of new levels of achievement. In the Team Competition, the top three teams were clearly defined prior to the games, and their final point tallies left them virtually untouchable. The only question was the order among themselves. The real drama—at least behind the scenes—was the placings for the next four positions: Spain, US, Denmark and Sweden were in a heated race. Predictions in the press put Spain and the United States behind the other two, and in most cases Spain coming in last, in spite of the results at Aachen where the Spanish took the bronze. When the first two days of team competition were done, 98 riders had entered the arena in Caen, representing the best pairs from 47 nations. In the end, it was Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands in the medals, with US taking fourth and close behind Spain in fifth, followed by Sweden and Denmark—with the fourth through sixth place teams scoring less than a point and a half apart. Strong rides from the three top riders for Spain boosted the team above many well-known combinations for the other countries, with a finish that seemed to take many by surprise. Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso finished13th in the Grand Prix with 74.23, setting a World Games record for the highest Grand Prix score by a PRE. A 75.1 for Morgan Barbancon and Painted Black, and 72.4 for Jose Antonio Garcia Mena and Norte ensured that all three would move on to the Individual finals in the Grand Prix Special. In the Individual competition, Dani and Grandioso achieved a personal best in the Special, breaking the 74% mark for the first time in their career (74.09). An excellent score, just missing the top 15 for the Kur, the cut-off for which was 74.9. Individually, Dani and Grandioso finished 18th among the best 100 dressage horses from all the nations in the world—an exhilarating feeling for all of us at HGF, the fulfillment of many years of dreams. By all accounts, 2014 WEG was quite different from 2010 in Kentucky. While there was no Fuego Moment at this World Games—no "underdog" who enchanted the audience, causing them to leap to their feet in thunderous applause—there was also no disagreement with the scoring or final placements, nor was there booing from the specatators this year, which must have been a relief for the FEI management. It was all very orderly, but with many high points and stellar performances by veterans and newcomers alike. For PRE horses, the elite results gave even more credibility to the benefit of having these horses make up part of an international team, and we predict that very few countries will turn away a horse based on breed if that horse is capable of scoring over 72%. Following the Games, Grandioso returned home to Malaga, Spain for rest and time off. Soon he and Dani will begin to start preparing for the next big thing…..winter in sunny Florida. Photo Credits: Susan Stickle and Bob Langrish

HGF’s Grandioso is Highest Scoring PRE in Aachen History

The newly renovated Deutsche Bank Stadium was the focus of the dressage world for the Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen 2014. Nine countries fielded teams consisting of their top riders in the 5* competition. With the exception of one or two pairs, the starting roster for the Grand Prix included the top 40 horses and riders in the world. One FEI official was quoted to say that this competition hosted the highest level of dressage sport in history (by scores). Spain overcame the withdrawal of their fourth team member and the re-inspection of one of their horses to rise to the top of the field—taking the Bronze Medal for the Nations Cup based on strong scores by Jose Mena and PRE Norte (72.7), Morgan Barbancon and Painted Black (73.2) and Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso (74.6). Topped only by Germany and the Netherlands, the Spanish riders placed higher than teams from England, Denmark, Sweden, United States, Austria, and Belgium. It was a historic day for the Spanish, one in which all good things came together in one amazing moment. For HGF’s Grandioso and Dani, it was another career high score in the Grand Prix Special, 73.7, a test that is not as familiar to the pair but which is becoming progressively more secure with every performance. They easily qualified for the Kur, which is traditionally televised nationally on Sunday afternoon of the CHIO. Grandioso’s freestyle performance was energetic and brilliant, but not without errors. They scored 76.9 in a dead tie with America’s Laura Graves and Adrienne Lyle. Final placement of 12th overall, in a test in which the top 8 all scored over 80%, was the laurel for a weekend of intense pressure and world-class performance. Over the four days of competition, the temperatures had risen to over 90 degrees, and this undoubtedly played a factor in the overall standings as evidenced in the shifting placements throughout the weekend. It was also a weekend highlighted by the comback of Totilas, the fallibility of Valegro, and the rise of Bella Rose, not to mention the dramas within each federation as riders vied for their names to be included in the upcoming announcements of WEG national teams. But for us, the ultimate honor was when we realized, as the Spanish sporting news reported, that Grandioso and Dani now hold the record for the highest scoring PRE in Aachen history, in all three tests—the GP, GP Special, and the Kur. Unlike some of the great and more flashy pairs in PRE history, Dani and Grandioso have made a quiet progression, continuing to improve the strengths of their test, focused on a technical accuracy and fluidity that appear to be the reason behind the rising scores. With the World Equestrian Games now in focus, Grandioso has returned to Spain for a few weeks of light work and rest, hoping to repeat a top performance in Normandy in August. All of us who are part of this horse’s support team are thrilled with what he has accomplished, and how his success gives credence to all the PREs that are on their way to High Performance. For us, and for the PRE world, the beautiful looming edifice of the Deutsche Bank stadium is not only the Cathedral of Dressage, but it is the place where the “glass ceiling” was shattered….once and for all. Following the Grand Prix on Thursday, the German news reported that PREs could no longer be considered a lesser breed for the sport—as two of them proved in the most high-profile show outside of a world championship that PREs were as or more competitive than all but a handful of the most elite horses of Northern Europe. Grandioso's career continues to prove that breed, size and conformation are not dictated by the warmblood industry for success in the sport. A PRE with special gaits and a mind for the work, ridden by a sensitive and skillful rider, can rise to the top of any nation’s roster. This is the lesson from Aachen 2014.

Grandioso III and Daniel Martin Dockx 2014 Champions of Spain

For the second time in their career, Grandioso and Daniel Martin Dockx have taken the National Title for Dressage in Spain. It’s been three years since the last time they’ve attended the National Championships for Dressage-- when they won the title in 2011, not long after Grandioso returned to Spain to be trained by Dani. This year, the Championship was required for all pairs aspiring for the Spanish Team for the World Equestrian Games, and the competition level was very high. As there was no clear favorite going into the show, the final results were a toss-up, only to be determined in the end by the sum of scores over three days. Everyone knew from the start that it would be a horse race between Dani with Grandioso, and his good friend Jose Mena with Norte, who has been enjoying a second career with Norte since his return last year to the show ring after a long period off. In the end, it was Dani and Grandioso that garnered slightly more points to win the Championship, but that’s not the whole story... In the Grand Prix, Grandioso was the clear favorite, topping the class with 73.9 and far in front of the other competitors. Dani rode a clean test with the expression, power, and confidence of a seasoned pair at this level. The Grand Prix Special was more of a challenge. Dani and Grandioso have only performed this test once before, in Herning last summer for the European Championships. (Prior to that, the Olympic GP Special was the official test.) Dani was very pleased with Grandioso who navigated the test with ease, with the exception of one miscommunication between horse and rider in which the horse cantered just before the trot half-pass. The score reflected their good ride—73.725—but was not enough to overtake last year's Champions, Jose and Norte, who dominated with a stronger, more confident ride, earning a spectacular 75.08%. In Spain, all three tests have equal weight toward the final point tally (unlike the US, where the Freestyle counts for only 15% of the overall totals), so the scores on the last day, and not necessarily the placement, would determine the outcome of the weekend. Jose and Norte had the ride of their career and posted a high score of 77.464. Dani and Grandioso, however, have achieved higher scores regularly in the international shows outside of Spain and so went into the Kur with confidence of a win. But it wasn’t their day. Grandioso was a little too fresh, cantering twice in the trot tour--errors that were very costly, and the pair took home the lowest score they’ve ever had with this Freestyle—75.179. A disappointing way to finish a weekend of top riding, but all part of the game. In the end, Dani and Grandioso’s totals edged out Jose and Norte by .05%--the strength of their Grand Prix carrying them to overall victory for the Championship. Jose and Norte took the Silver, with Morgan Barnbancon and her warmblood mare Vitana taking home the Bronze. Jose, displaying the very best of Spanish sportsmanship and graciousness, was the first to congratulate Dani and both friends rode the victory lap with smiles. Looking back on the weekend, one can only say that Spain has 2 National Champions this year—both high-level Spanish-bred PREs, ridden by riders who exemplify the top-quality horsemanship that Spain produces, with scores that will make them highly competitive on the world stage. Now that this is behind them, all of the Spanish riders and horses can focus on working together to represent Spain in the World Championship, coming up in two months. The next challenge for Dani and Jose is Aachen in July, one step further on the road to Normandy! Our thanks to the photographers: Ecuestreonline.com, TopIberian.com, Celeste Ribo

Grandioso in Wellington: The American Win

When you climb the Tower Giralda, the 340 foot Moorish minaret that is the symbol for the city of Sevilla, you learn a valuable life lesson. That is, that the views on the way up are far better, more rich with detail and lovelier, than the view from the top. Last week, during the CDI-W at the Global Dressage Festival sponsored by USPRE, Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso took second in a huge Grand Prix class and then went on to win the Grand Prix Special-- the first Grand Prix victory in America for a PRE horse in an international competition. This past weekend was more than a milestone for us at HGF. It wasn't our biggest show or our biggest win, but it was the fulfillment of a dream--to bring Grandioso back to the US and continue his successful competition career here for the benefit of the American dressage audience. The road with this horse has been long and winding, and like the walk up the stairs of the tower, filled with previews of success as well as long sections of dark, bricked walls. Some memories of the career of Grandioso are: --Discovering him in Spain at the Yeguada Marin Garcia as an unstarted four year old, with Pati and Peter Pierucci. --Inexplicable low scores and puzzled comments by judges at the national levels. --A placing of dead last in a Stallion Under Saddle class of 20 horses, at Dressage at Devon Breed Show, from a respected CA dressage judge. --Martin Schaudt's first ride and our first glimpse of the real potential of the horse. --Kathy Connelly's admonition not to sell him when he was first designated as a sale horse. --Robert Dover's early prediction "This horse could ride for any team!" --Courtney King Dye's first ride. --The first Freestyle, and the first international 74%. --USEF Inter 1 National Championships, finishing Fifth. --The darkest 10 months... --The audition in Wellington with Daniel Martin and Jan Bemelmans. --The tearful good-bye in Jan. 2011, with Courtney King-Dye and Jason. --10 Centerlines in Spain. --4th in Salzburg, Champion of Spain, first 70 at Aachen, London, Treffen, Herning, Champion of Spain again, Bronze in Aachen, Normandy and now Wellington... Grandioso is now 16, and we don't take for granted his continued soundness and willingness to work at the level he is competing. Coming back to Florida is one of the last few goals we had for him. We waited until he had nothing more to prove, but this horse seems to want to keep proving things--not least of all that breed, type and size are irrelevant in this sport. Last weekend's win was his gift to us who have labored so long to see this day. Next weekend's 5* is about fun and pageantry and being a part of it all-- a showcase of the best horses in all of North America plus many top horses from overseas. We are honored to have been invited and to take part in this wonderful event--which will be a brilliant spectacle for the general community, but for us, a hometown celebration of Grandioso's fairy-tale career.

Daniel Martin Dockx and Oxido Place Fourth in the Spanish Young Horse Championships

At the end of September in Toledo, Spain, HGF's Oxido and Daniel Martin Dockx competed in the Spanish National Young Horse Championships in the 7-9 Years Category, what is known in the US as the Developing Horse Prix St. George. The pair placed Third in the First Qualifier, Fourth in the PSG, and Third again in the Kur, with a final placing of Fourth overall. Additionally, they were Copa ANCCE Champions, highest placed PRE in the 7-9 years category where there were 22 horses, the top 3 positions filled by warmbloods. Oxido is a new horse for Hampton Green Farm, purchased in March 2014. The 2006 gray stallion is by Iberis (Camacho Benitez) and was bred by the Hermanos Mojarro Zamora studfarm. Oxido is designated Young Recommended Breeding Stock for Dressage Performance by the parent studbook, ANCCE, and with former rider Antonio Blanco Prieto was selected for the 2013 ANCCE Team, after obtaining the highest marks for a 6 Year Old in the PSJC series in 2012.

2013 in Review

It’s hard to believe that this is the 10th HGF Year in Review article that we’ve posted on our site. Those of you who are faithful readers of our annual reports, we hope we’ve kept your attention over the years, and that the story of our farm, its horses and people, will keep your interest for many more years to come. We thought it would be hard to outdo 2012, but 2013 surely had its highlights! Grandioso and Daniel Martin Dockx kicked off the year with a string of CDI wins that started with Sunshine Tour, went to Madrid, then on to a really big victory at the GP and GP Kur at the Glock Show in Treffen, Austria. At every show, the scores went higher, but the 79% in the Kur at Treffen put the pair on the map in Europe. Dani would later say, “In my career, there is now only ‘before Treffen’ and ‘after Treffen’. From there, Grandioso astonished the multi-national crowd at Aachen by finishing 8th in the GP Kur with over 78%, among only the most elite horses of America and Europe. Their performance at the European Championships was consistent with the trajectory of the year, scoring their personal best in both the Grand Prix and the Special and finishing 22nd overall. At the end of the outdoor season for 2013, Daniel and Grandioso were ranked 23rd in the world in the FEI rankings, and the pair returned to Malaga for a period of rest and to continue their work with trainer Jan Bemelmans. In the meantime, Daniel was preparing Michigan-born Vaquero HGF for the National Young Horse Championships. Throughout the year, Vaquero was ranked 6th overall in the RFHE (Spanish Federation) rankings for 6 year olds, and 1st in the Copa ANCCE (PRE Rankings). He maintained this position following the Championships in October, and has since been put on the developing list for Spain. A last minute decision to participate in the Breeders Cup at SICAB in December resulted in the pair taking 3rd and achieving something never done before in the history of SICAB—the first American-born, and possibly foreign-born, horse to medal at the highly competitive Spanish Breeders Finals in Sevilla. Daniel continues to work with several other HGF horses, including Bolero CXLVIII who has made considerable progress since returning to Spain in April this year. In their first national outing at PSG, they scored 70%, and have started to prepare for the Grand Prix, for which the horse shows special talent. On the homefront, HGF horses and riders have had their share of success. HGF-sponsored Rachel Chowanec, on Lendon Gray’s Embrujado XI, was again USEF Reserve National Champion, this time at the Young Rider division. Cuatrero IV and Kerrigan Gluch were invited to both NAJYRCs and the Festival of Champions, until an unfortunate injury sidelined their year. HGF-bred horses and their riders continue to make headlines: Cindy Ramirez Smith and Carina HGF received a Gold Medal from the United States Eventing Association; Nicholas Fyffe and Fiero HGF were added to the 2014 National Futures Squad for Australia; Decoroso HGF and Decente HGF were USDF All Breeds winners with their owners and riders; and all our owners had a great year learning and showing on their horses. This past summer, HGF in Michigan hosted over 15 charity events, impacting our community with support for various causes. Hampton Green Farm was named the 2013 “Agent of Change” by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, for its work for local charities. Additionally, HGF hosted perhaps our favorite event of the year for the 3rd time—the Dressage4Kids Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest. This year we had almost 50 riders, a very honest and meaningful dinner speech by Nicholas Fyffe and a fantastic lecture on training for soundness by Dr. Rob Van Wessum. The EDAP program (Emerging Dressage Athlete) and the various Dressage4Kids events are growing nationally and HGF is proud to offer this opportunity to our local youth riders. Many HGF horses found new homes this past year. One of our shining stars in the international Grand Prix circuit, HGF-bred Encanto XI, was sold to Wellington, Florida, shortly after taking second in the GPS at Sunshine Tour. Grandioso’s full brother, Grandioso VII (Adelante) was sold to a prominent breeder in Spain, and two very talented sons of Bolero were sold to an Adult Amateur and a young rider, respectively. Several foals have gone to professionals this year, as well. Nine foals were born at HGF in Michigan in 2013, coming at a time when we need to replenish our herds, especially with several of our older mares retiring. We had a strong crop of 2013 babies, from the performance bloodlines of Albero II and Remache, and we are excited to present them for sale when they are ready. And, not least, the Global Dressage Festival finally resolved all of its legal issues with the Village of Wellington in late 2013. In addition to restoring the property’s inherent rights to be used for equestrian commercial activities, the GDF show grounds is now able to be used year-round, as will the Van Kampen Arena, designated for non-profit use for 28 days per year. The GDF is a game-changer in American dressage, and now that the series has no less than 7 CDIs, including a Nations Cup (concurrent with the Florida Youth Dressage Championships), a 5 Star, and three CDIWs, the GDF will soon establish Wellington as the Winter Dressage Capital for the world. 2014 is now here and we have so much to look forward to! Dani and Grandioso start the road to Normandy, which we hope will lead to a position again on the Spanish team for the World Equestrian Games. The D4K Winter Intensive Training (WIT) program at HGF is kicking off with the Dover Horsemanship clinic this week and our students are gearing up for international level competition this winter. USPRE will host its annual celebration in Wellington on January 21-26. (For more information, see www.usprea.com.) The PRE horse continues to shine in the world, wherever it is given the opportunity. Young horses mature. Riders gain more skills. Magic sometimes happens. Stay tuned and we’ll see if we can do it again this year! All the best for 2014!

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