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News & Horses: "wellington"

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HGF Culminates Wellington 2023 season with an international victory

Eight years later, history repeats itself: March 18th will be remembered the the day that Mejorano HGF followed the steps of his father Grandioso ,  winning a CDI Grand Prix level in Wellington, Florida. With a lot of emotions  to process, Kerrigan and Mejorano HGF were the first ones to go into the arena for the GPS of the CDI 3* on Saturday. The judges rewarded the piaffe and the passage with multiple 8s and even 9s  With a final score of 68.872%, Kerrigan and Mejorano HGF cantered with joy in their lap of honor (GRAND PRIX SPECIAL)  This first win of Kerrigan is the result of her hard work and perseverance.  We are extremely happy of this combination and what the future will bring. Show by show, this duo keep improving and winning more experience at the senior level. Stride by stride they are working through adjustments to improve their results HGF culminates Wellington 2023 season with the best icing on the cake, a victory and the PRE breed on top of the leaderboard.  “He’s an extraordinary horse, super talented in all aspects of the grand prix,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve really been focused on the flow of everything – in and out of transitions – so everything had a lot of harmony and that was the main goal for this weekend, and I think I accomplished that. My piaffe/passage tour was quite smooth and I was happy with how the changes felt in the ring. It’s a very long test, but I was able to settle in and enjoy it. “Mejarano is a product of the breeding in the States that we strive for. It’s special to be able to do it with him knowing that he was born here and show that off. He tries his heart out for me every time,” added the Ocala-based Gluch, who has recently started training with fellow Ocala rider, Shelly Francis, after years training with Charlotte Bredahl. “Mejorano has always had a talent for piaffe/passage,” she added. “It’s taken me a few years to tune that all up so it shows in the ring, where his rhythm and cadence and activity come together. He has a very expressive front end to be able to show off the half-passes along with the changes is very fun to do.” This wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of Maria Lithander and her endless support. Next stop for us is the CDI 3* in WEC Ocala in a month. We are ready for it 

Leaving Wellington….and Finding Home in Ocala

It’s been three years since I moved to Ocala to start a new marriage and build a life in a new community. Leaving Wellington was ultimately a decision that took place in increments, and which surprised me as it was happening. I wasn’t leaving the horse world, but I was leaving the familiarity and safety of my beloved bubble (as my friend Ken Braddock likes to refer to it).  I’ve often referred to the Global Dressage Festival as a “13 week cruise with 700 of your closest friends”—hard to imagine unless you’ve lived it as I did. The dressage world in Wellington is easy to mis-categorize—privileged people living an artificial existence in a contrived world where there is always a new season, or a new competition cycle, or a new “pair” to raise the collective heart rate and suspend the unreality for another year. Some aspects of this stereotype are true on the fringe, but not at its heart. The dressage world in Wellington as I knew it for more than 20 years is highly inter-connected and passionately supportive, a fabric consisting of all the roles that make up a community based on sport—from owners, trainers and athletes to credentialed professionals such as the vets and farriers, to the essential grooms, sports therapists and massage miracle-workers, to the men or women who built your barn, to the person who clothes you and your horse, or who supplies the feed and shavings that you rely on, Mosquito Guy and Carrot Man, old and young, saints and scoundrels. All come together into one friendly community where there is no hierarchy—as exhibited by the tables in the tent where a mix of all these groups can be seen enjoying meals together. When one of us does well, the whole family cheers. Leaving Wellington also meant leaving another very important community to me—the PRE (Spanish Horse) lovers who were sprinkled throughout this world that is generally defined by the Northern European sport horse. We, the faithful converts, even have our own week during the season—USPRE Week or Week 3—where the Baroque Horse takes its deserved place in the spot light. I will never forget the finale of the last USPRE party prior to the Covid shutdowns —when more than 30 volunteer riders flooded the International Arena on their beautiful horses,r riding to Cassie Ortiz’ version of “This is Me.” For me, that was my personal Grand Prix Freestyle win! But now, my life is Ocala. Ocala—it even sounds like the beautiful place it is. Rolling pastures and grand oak trees that used to be the playground of the Seminole, and which are now home to thousands of acres of young thoroughbreds. A genteel Southern aesthetic prevails here: rural and old vs. urban and new (per much of coastal Florida); here more native, more authentic, more raw, definitely outside the bubble. County after county of horse and cattle farms, historic cracker architecture and land grant neighborhoods. The stunning new World Equestrian Center and the ambitious generosity of its owners don’t change the landscape, only accentuate it. And to my surprise, Ocala is also home to lots of PREs and Lusitanos! From the first show at WEC, we were amazed at the number of Iberians and knew that there would be a positive response to us and our horses here. When Jim Wolf and I planned the Hampton Green Farm sponsorship of the show series, we made sure to carve out our own week of emphasis on the Iberian or Andalusian horse (expanded now to include all baroque horses originating from the Iberian peninsula). Our first Iberian Young Horse Challenge in March brought out close to 20 competitors in the Prix St. George, won by a Dutch professional with scores over 70% on a young Lusitano. Our opening reception brought together another wonderful group of people and the excitement for the potential that the WEC facility offers for our horses is over the top. Several professionals in this area work with and compete Iberian horses alongside their other breeds, and I’ve recognized many brands on horses in the ring here, some originating from elite breeding farms in Spain. Several American PRE breeders that I’ve known from my USPRE days have relocated here for the benefit of the temperate climate as well as year-round (nonseasonal) equestrian activity. One new relationship is quite special to us. For years I had heard of Tina Veder and her Baroque Games Institute, but had little understanding of the nature of her work with Bruno Gonzalez. Hearing that they had also relocated here from New York, I was anxious to meet them and their group of enthusiastic fans who have formed what might be described as a new discipline, a movement and growing trend for a certain demographic of the equestrian community. Stemming from their combined years of experience in the baroque horse world and the riding traditions of Europe, Tina and Bruno have devised a program of training and showing that emphasizes the classical training scale without demanding the high level of athleticism that is necessary to be competitive in the sport. As a longtime PRE breeder, Tina has seen many riders of baroque horses be left out of the enjoyment of the full potential of their horse for a variety of reasons, mostly that their own riding skills or their horse’s gaits limit them to the lowest levels of dressage. Year after year, they fail to move beyond the basic levels and never have the chance to enjoy the technique of classical riding. The Baroque Institute offers a series of training patterns and tests that take the horse and rider from walk/trot to collection to high school movements in ways that are safe for both horse and rider, and which reflect the classical program but are still accessible to a wider range of riders and horses. A competition, the Baroque Games, gives these riders a chance to compete and be judged, successfully staged in New York, Virginia, and soon hopefully in Ocala. They recently held a clinic at Hampton Green Farm at our Goldmark location, and we were delighted with the exercises and challenges that Bruno presented for each horse and rider. He has a deep understanding of the conformation and mechanics of the Iberian horse and how to develop its strengths to do the work that it was historically bred to do. Hampton Green wholeheartedly supports their philosophy and are happy to have another riding discipline for our clients and friends. HGF Head Trainer Maria Lithander summarized our weekend: ”Bruno’s system is great for riders of any level—the exercises are straightforward and kind to the horse as well as fun to ride.” Watching young riders and young horses develop into internationally relevant competitors has been a great joy in my life, and those memories are rooted in my love for Wellington. But now, I find that I have great expectations for the verdant dressage community in Ocala, and am honored to be a part as it does the same.

Wellington Season 2019

Highlights of Wellington 2019: Maria Lithander debuts Barbara HGF at Grand Prix in the national classes, with scores to over 70%. Kerrigan Gluch and Bolero are selected for the United States U25 Nations Cup Team, and finish Second in the Freestyle during Friday Night Lights. Kerrigan Gluch and HGF Brio win the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 16-25 with career high scores for the pair. Kerrian Gluch and Vaquero HGF top the USEF U25 rankings with national Grand Prix scores. Justine Boyer wins the FEI Childrens Division ofthe Floria International Youth Dressage Championships, albeit uncontested. Sophia Schults completes a successful season with Conocido HGF at Third Level. Nina Boyer and Quinn Hunter both achieve multiple first placings in Hunter/Jumper at WEF. Our thanks to our trainers: Maria Lithander, Charlotte Bredahl, Robert Dover, Daniel Martin Dockx, Two Goals Farms, George Williams

HGF Riders Move Horses to New Levels with Success in Winter 2018 Season

The Wellington Season with its 8 CDIs and 13 national shows provided lots of opportunities for Hampton Green Farm to introduce young horses to new levels, from first-time shows at Training Level to the U25 Grand Prix. And for the confirmed horses, Wellington 2018 was another season of international competition and great results. Maria Lithander began the year with some final scores at the Small Tour with her 9 year old HGF-bred mare, Barbara, and then introduced her to the Inter II, with the help of Charlotte Bredahl, with consistent scores in the high 60s. Maria also took our young prospects, five year old Diego and Ebanisto to their first shows at Training and First Levels, winning the PRE High Point Award at the Palm Beach Derby with Ebanisto with a high score of 73.8. Daniel Martin Dockx traveled to Wellington multiple times this fall and winter to work with Kerrigan Gluch and her horses and the effort paid off. Kerrigan and HGF Brio returned to the international show ring at the U25 Grand Prix following some time off last year. The pair took two 2ndplaces in the CDI at the Palm Beach Derby and received their qualifying scores for the Festival of Champions over the course of the season. With the help of Dani, Kerrigan has discovered a new and exciting partner in Bolero for the future. After a big Freestyle win in Week 7, Bolero and Kerrigan were selected for the US Team at the CDIO Nations Cup and finished the weekend with a spectacular 2ndplace finish in the freestyle, breaking the 70% mark for the first time. Following the end of the circuit, USEF announced that Kerrian and Bolero would travel with the US team to compete in Europe this summer, starting in Rotterdam in June. Additionally, Vaquero HGF did his first Inter II and U25 Grand Prix tests in the national levels, making the leap this year to the big tour with promising results for the eleven year old stallion. 17 year old Working Student Sophia Schults has patiently moved Idolo Americano up from Juniors to Young Riders this year, making their debut in the international arena at a test which is a strong suit for both of them. With continually improving scores, Sophia and Idolo have gone on to top several qualifying classes in the Midwest and hope to represent Region 2 at the North American Championships and the Festival of Champions later this summer. She also rode her young gelding Conocido HGF in his first classes this winter. Last but not least, 19 year old Working Student Sarah Roda introdued her Quintanillo JJ to the Fourth Level in preparation for Young Riders next year. Trained by Maria Lithander, the pair posted scores in the mid 60s and continued to show their ability to manage the new challenges that will be met in the bigger ring next season. Our team of Working Students, with the addition of Elena Schiefele, were also busy forming the HGF Quadrille, which featured all HGF owned or bred horses, and which performed at several charity events, including the warm-up act for the Challenge of the Americas! In other news, HGF is getting ready to host the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest this year with brand new arenas and a new special Trainer’s incentive—a sponsorship of a week of lessons with National Team Trainer Robert Dover to the trainer of the Grand Championship for the show! This year’s program will feature Janne Rumbough as our speaker and dressage commentator—one of the founders of the Florida circuit and easiy the most famous Adult Amateur Grand Prix rider in the world! More details to come….! Photos by Lily Forado

Winter Competition 2016

HGF horses were active participants in the Global Dressage Festival circuit this past winter in Wellington. The past four years have seen growth in all of the international levels in dressage in Florida, but none more than the youth divisions. With the exception of Pony, all of the youth divisions in the Wellington shows have more than doubled in class size, and have brought out top riders from as many as 7 countries. Scores have risen to world-class levels and the same can be said of the quality of the horses of the top competitors. The PREs of HGF continue to place among the top scorers in these divisions, attracting more young people to consider a PRE for their competition horse of choice. 19-year old Kerrigan Gluch competed nine year old Vaquero HGF at the Young Rider division throughout the season, achieving consistently good scores from the best judges in the sport. She finished the season with several distinctions: Fourth Overall (and Second American) in the Young Rider Division at the Florida International Youth Dressage Championship; multi-time USPRE High Point winner; and as of 1 April, 27th in the FEI Individual World Dressage Rankings. Kerrigan also debuted HGF Brio at the U25. Brio is a 12 year old black stallion, imported from Spain, with some special abilities for the Grand Prix. Both Kerrigan and Brio are learning this level and becoming more experienced in the ring together, learning to ride clean tests and balance expression with accuracy. This past winter, as their first year at the Grand Prix, they posted scores as high as 69% in the national classes, and 66% in the CDIs. They are hoping their scores are good enough to qualify for the Festival of Champions in August. Kerrigan trains both horses with Wellington-based trainer Oded Shimoni, who has been the significant factor in the development of this young rider and her two horses. Additionally, working students Sarah Roda and Katja Creswick, under the training of Maria Lithander and Lendon Gray, showed HGF schoolmasters Lentisco and Idolo Americano, gaining experience and learning many lessons about competing in the large, high-profile shows. Sarah moved up from the national classes to her first CDIs at the Junior level with Lentisco, and Katja was selected to ride for the Charlotte Bredahl USEF clinic with Idolo. Both Katja and Sarah were part of the 2016 Winter Intensive Training program run by Lendon Gray for Dressage4Kids, held annually at Hampton Green. Marketing Intern Lily Forado from Barcelona provided an unforgettable photo diary of the entire Global Festival. Meanwhile in Spain, Daniel Martin competed Bolero CXLVIII at the Grand Prix in two CDIs—Jerez and Valencia. These were only the third and fourth time Bolero has competed at Grand Prix, and he has shown consistently in the 66-68 range in the GP tests, and over 70% in the Freestyles. Dani is very pleased with the progress of Bolero, who at 12, is becoming more confirmed at the level with much more to offer as he matures. In February, in transit to the Jerez show, Grandioso sustained an injury to the synovial membrane (or sheath) of the left hind tendon. The decision was made in March to do surgery. The minimally invasive procedure removes the torn tissue and any adhesions, and allows the tendon to move freely again. The surgery was done on March 22. As there was no injury to the tendon itself, we predict the horse will be back under saddle in mid-May, with hopes of returning to competition in the summer prior to Rio.

Wellington Show Season Wrap-Up 2015

The Global Dressage Festival 2015 is now a memory. It’s been one month since the Nation’s Cup ended—the final of 7 International Shows in Wellington, highlighted by 3 CDI-Ws, a 4*, 5* and the CDIO. This season exceeded all expectations for participation by both riders and spectators. The VIP Pavilion was sold out in September and word has it that there are more than 40 names on a waiting list for tables for 2016. Friday night freestyles were performed to a packed house, week after week, regardless of weather. The Grand Prix and Small Tour classes were filled to capacity, with show management needing to move the start earlier in the week to accommodate all the rides during the last month of the Festival. Numbers of national rides also increased, and the shows held in between the CDIs were as full as the big weeks. The Youth Festival, held in mid-March, was a highlight as four top youth riders from Europe flew in with their horses to bring a taste of European competition to our Junior and Young Rider classes. The international classes for the youth were the biggest on record for the Festival, bringing riders from many other countries including Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. In addition to having Dani in Wellington with Grandioso and Bolero, HGF sponsored three riders in the youth divisions this past winter. A quick summary of our season is below: Daniel Martin Dockx and Bolero—Bolero traveled with Grandioso to begin his Grand Prix career in Wellington. They started out strong with a score of close to 71% in a large national class judged by international judges, but were disqualified as our rider was wearing a top hat instead of a helmet. The new rule (since 2014) requiring helmets in the national Grand Prix is unique to America, but the mistake was ours in failing to be aware of the change. They went on, however, in the CDI 3* the following week, to do a green and somewhat insecure first international Grand Prix, finishing in the middle of the class, but placing fourth in a more confident Freestyle the next day. Bolero benefitted from the pressure of the electric Wellington environment and we are confident that with more experience, he will be the next PRE to watch. Chelsea Reed and Faralay II—Chelsea is a longtime HGF working student who has spent most of her time working with our young horses, however she got the chance to compete at higher levels this winter with one of the United States’ most well-known PRE breeding stallions, Faralay II owned by Betsy Ketcham of Ketcham Ranch. Faralay was sent to HGF to expose him to more challenging competition venues and with Chelsea he proved that he could handle the additional distractions and pressure, bringing home scores in the mid-60s at Prix St. George and Young Riders Tests in the national classes. Faralay will return to Ketcham Ranch this Spring to fulfill his busy breeding schedule. Ayden Uhlir—We also had the pleasure of hosting Ayden Uhlir and her wonderful Sjaepoor for the winter. Sjaepoor is a Dutch warmblood and together they have several national youth championships under their belt. This winter they showed in both the CDI Small Tour and later in the CDI Young Riders, where they were often the highest scoring American pair. Ayden's other talents include singing, and she was a finalist in Robert Dover’s American Equestrian’s Got Talent. Ayden’s immediate plans are to qualify for the USEF European Tour this summer. Kerrigan Gluch with Vaquero HGF and HGF Brio—Kerrigan and Vaquero made big strides this winter, a season of growth for both of them. Now 18, Kerrigan has moved up from Juniors to Young Riders, with the help of trainers Robert Dover and Daniel Martin. Vaquero HGF (Cuatrero x Encina/Idilio), newly returned from Spain last fall, is also new to this level. He had just begun to compete in the Small Tour with Dani in Spain, after a successful Young Horse career in that country. At 7 ½ years old, Vaquero was the youngest horse in the Young Rider classes this winter, often by 7 or 8 years. Yet the pair made a name for themselves this first season together—maintaining an international average of 66-67% and swapping places several times with Ayden and Sjaepoor. Kerrigan and Vaquerowere regulars in the ribbon ceremonies and hope to continue to grow together into an even stronger team for summer competitions. Kerrigan also received the ride on HGF Brio—a 10 year old black Spanish stallion who is new to HGF. Brio has been introduced to all the Grand Prix exercises by his first owner in Spain, and now Kerrigan is taking her time figuring out this dynamic and talented prospect for an eventual go at U25 in the next year or so. This winter they competed twice at national Prix St. George scoring close to 67%. The next competition in Europe for Grandioso and Bolero will be the CDI in Madrid in May, which kicks off the summer schedule that we hope will lead to the European Championships in August. Both horses have been named to the A Team long list for Spain, and we will keep you posted on their results. Kerrigan plans to stay in Florida to train with her two horses. She hopes to qualify for the North Americans in July and the Festival of Champions in August.

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.

Spring Schedule 2014

It’s the middle of April, a time of transition at Hampton Green Farm. The Wellington season is over, with satisfying results for both of our working students, Kerrigan Gluch and Rachel Chowanec. With their competitive scores in the CDIs this winter, both young women are hoping for an invitation to the Festival of Champions at Gladstone in June, and for Kerrigan, a spot on the Region 2 Team for the North American Junior Young Rider Championships in Kentucky in July. The Michigan farm is finally thawed out after one of the harshest winters on record. This year we are not expecting any foals, as we gave our mares a rest over the winter. We will be rebreeding a select group of mares for next year’s foaling crop—utilizing sires Grandioso III and Qualified stallion Faralay II (Ebanisto x Lebrijano III), owned by Ketcham Ranch in Paicines, CA. In Spain, Daniel Martin Dockx has begun competing the horses again after a winter of training new levels. He presented three of our younger stallions in national shows, with scores ranging from 65-68% at Prix St. George, the first time at the level for two of the three. This spring we purchased several new horses and have integrated them into our program at the Hippodromo in Mijas. Grandioso’s upcoming schedule includes: May 15-18 CDI 4* Glock Show in Treffen, Austria June 11-14 Spanish National Championships in Barcelona We will report show results, photos and videos when available on our Facebook page at Hampton Green Forum.

News from Wellington and Spain, February 2014

The Wellington show season is in full swing. Lendon Gray and her Winter Intensive Training students (WITees as they are now known) are hard at work in the HGF arenas or around the barns. Working students Rachel Chowanec and Kerrigan Gluch divide their time between the barn chores for HGF horses, WIT lectures and teaching, training with Maria Lithander, giving lessons, helping out at the USPRE exhibition, competing at Global and, not least, school work! Here is a quick update on what’s been happening so far: USPRE Week: A great success again this year, bringing out more than 600 people for the USPRE Party and exhibition, and hosting a number of events for members and friends. Special performances by Medieval Times and El Portal Andaluz made the evening shine! USEF/USDF Pipeline Clinic: Rachel Chowanec and Embrujado (owned by Lendon Gray) were invited to participate in the first ever USEF/USDF Pipeline Clinic—the brainchild of Robert Dover to bring together the top developing riders at each level to work with the USEF training staff. Rachel is currently schooling Embrujado for the U25, and found the two days of working with Robert Dover, Scott Hassler and Jeremy Steinberg very helpful. She hopes to begin to show at the new level later this season. Florida International Youth Dressage Championhips: This new Championship, started in 2013, brought out 17 riders this year in four divisions with very respectable results. WITee Katrina Sadis (who trains also with HGF blogger Andrea Landis) won the Pony Division on Poldy, a D4K horse. HGF –sponsored Kerrigan Gluch took 3rd place in the Junior Division with Lentisco XVIII. The Championship was held in the CDI classes and all tests were ridden in the International Arena at Global Dressage. Grandioso Update: Grandioso and Dani are preparing for the spring shows, with hopes to attain a place on the Spanish Team for Normandy. This month, a health emergency in Dani’s family prevented them from going to Vidauban as planned, and so they will look to do a local national show in March as warm-up before beginning to compete outside of Spain in April. We will keep you posted on their schedule. Dani reports that all the HGF horses in his care are progressing well in their training.

Fall News 2013

Winter is not far away in Michigan, and the staff is busy closing up the farm for the cold weather. In 2013, our mares gave birth to nine healthy foals by sires Camaron IX and Cuatrero IV—five colts and four fillies. All foals are now weaned and have been moved to their new pastures, and the mares are enjoying a year of rest. We will rebreed again in 2014. Meanwhile, in Wellington we are getting ready for our busiest time of year. Working Students Kerrigan Gluch and Rachel Chowanec each have two horses in training. Kerrigan is preparing Lentisco for international competition at Junior level, and has already competed him this fall with scores in the high 60s. She is also riding Infanta HGF this winter for the D4K program. Rachel is preparing Idolo Americano for the Small Tour, and continuing to school the Grand Prix movements with Embrujado. Both girls were invited to ride for Anne Gribbons this past week, thanks to a scholarship from Renee Isler. They rode their tests for Anne, who then provided valuable suggestions for improvements and exercises helpful for horses with baroque conformation. Rachel and Kerrigan are in training this fall with Maria Lithander, a long-time friend of HGF and a rider who achieved excellent results on Idilio at the Small Tour and others of our young horses. Jim and Luis have the rental barns ready for our winter boarders. Canadian Olympian Jacquie Brooks is returning with her clients, as is Lendon Gray with her Dressage4Kids WIT Program, which is bigger than last year. Now that the issues with the Village have been resolved favorably for the Global Dressage Festival, there is much excitement for the upcoming season of 7 CDI competitions and twice as many national shows, all in one location, and all a short hack from Hampton Green. SICAB, the annual international PRE horse fair in Sevilla, Spain, is just a few weeks away. USPRE, the national PRE Horse association, will be there and will host the International Breeders Reception on Thursday evening. Vaquero HGF will defend his national ranking at the Copa ANCCE against the other 6 Year Old PREs vying for the Copa title. Many HGF friends and clients are planning to attend this year. Finally, we want to congratulate the Schiefele family on their recent purchase of Baroco HGF. This outstanding four year old shows great promise and, paired with their Junior Level daughter, should be a top prospect for all levels as grow together. Elena is an EDAP rider who trains regularly with Maria Lithander, and will be part of the WIT program this winter with Lendon Gray. Upcoming Events for Winter 2014: Daniel Martin Dockx Clinic, January in Wellington, TBA USPRE Week, January 20-26 USPRE Party, Wednesday, January 22, at Global Dressage The Great Charity Challenge, PBIEC , Saturday, February 1 Florida Youth Dressage Championships, February 18-23 The Nations Cup at Global Dressage, February 18-23

Autumn News at HGF

The leaves are gone at the Michigan farm, Martin and Luis have just reset 60 new fence posts, and the foals are scheduled to be weaned next month by Mare Barn Manager Sandy Talbot. The "other Sandy" has just passed through Florida bringing moderate winds and rain, but is bearing down now on the East Coast, at the least delaying the departure of several of our friends who were planning to head south next week. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all of our friends who find themselves in the path of this impending storm... In Wellington, all the horses have settled in and are in regular work again. Wellington Trainer Allyn Schiavone is currently working with two of our EDAP Working Students, Chelsea Reed and Kerrigan Gluch, helping them prepare for monthly visits by Lendon Gray. Rachel Chowanec is due to arrive in the next week with Embrujado, who will join a barn full of PREs this season. We plan to have 13 PREs, from newly started 3 year olds through Grand Prix, in training with various riders this winter at HGF. In addition to our regular team, Bolero CXLVIII and Idolo Americano have returned to HGF and will be in Wellington this winter, and you will see two lovely-moving PRE mares in training in our arena as well. We are looking forward to hosting the first year of Lendon Gray's WIT program at HGF in January--Winter Intensive Training for youth riders under 21. HGF Working Students will participate in this program along with 10 other motivated youth riders. The season will kick off with the Robert Dover Horse Mastership Week January 6-12, and culminate in a new Florida Youth Championship, held at the Global Dressage Festival's Wellington Dressage Classic CDI 3*, March 14-17. Check back often for more details about all of these programs and events. Finally, it wouldn't be Halloween without the Palms Stable Riding Academy's Halloween Horse Show, at which two of our own "emerging athletes" cleaned up with 4 Blue Ribbons!

Dressage4Kids' Emerging Dressage Athlete Program and Hampton Green Farm Announce Inaugural Winter Training Program

Dressage4Kids’ Emerging Dressage Athlete Program and Hampton Green Farm are pleased to announce their inaugural winter training opportunity for youth riders. It will be held in Wellington, Florida, during the months of January through March, 2013. The program will be overseen by Lendon Gray who will be doing the majority of the riding instruction. Guest instructors and lecturers will also participate. Riders of any age (21 and under) and any riding level will be considered for participation. “Since I gave up having my own stable three years ago I have been frustrated that I could not give the opportunities to learn that I was able to provide for many working students over the years, “Lendon stated. “This is a different program but something I have dreamed about for a long time – a truly intensive training camp for serious dressage riders who are willing to put in the efforts that we see from the young Olympians from other sports now competing in London.” Lendon who was voted into eth USDF Hall of Fame, was the long time teacher for international riders Courtney King-Dye, Chris Hickey, Mica Mabragana, Meagan Davis, Jocelyn Wiese, Rachel Chowanec, and Isabelle Liebler at the beginning of their dressage careers. Participants during a lecture The goal of this program is to give an opportunity for youth riders to participate in consistent and extensive training not only in riding, but in all areas of horse care, riding and training theory, and competition skills. The program will include instruction in fitness of horse and rider, sports psychology, equestrian business management, and other pertinent subjects. There will be guest speakers, trips to watch top riders teach and train, auditing of clinics, viewing of riding at horse shows, discussions with judges, farriers, vets, etc.According to Lendon, “This will not be a program for the casual rider, but for young riders determined to be the best they can be. The age and level of the rider is not important; the determination, discipline, and drive are. The high standards that will be taken for granted of the riders while on their horses will also be expected in the care of their horses and their presentation of themselves at all times.” Team spirit The program will run from January 4 to March 28. Riders may come for the entire three months, or for shorter periods if stabling permits. There are a few horses and ponies available for riders who cannot bring their own. The fee for the program, will cover lessons, lectures, stall with hay, grain, and bedding, coaching at shows, and stable management supervision. The fee will not cover rider housing, meals, transportation, horse supplements, show fees, farrier, vet, etc. There will be time each day for riders who are homeschooled or being tutored.“I couldn't be more excited to have Dressage4Kids host their winter training camp at Hampton Green Farm in Wellington,” said Hampton Green Farm’s owner Kimberley Boyer from London where she is watching her PRE stallion Grandioso represent Spain in the Olympics. “This program corresponds so much to what HGF is involved with: the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival, the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program, and the Global Dressage Festival. A number of the riders have been working students in the past at HGF and they, and the others, are an important generation for the future of dressage in the US.” Endel Ots coaching participant Renee Isler, a long time supporter of youth in Dressage is spearheading a sponsorship program to provide scholarships for the program. Renee said that she, too, has felt a need for this type of program, as this group could very well be our future riders, trainers, judges, and even owners/sponsors. Her willingness to work for this effort is, as she states, “because, I believe in this program; it’s an amazing opportunity, and could only happen because of the generosity of someone like Lendon.” She added, “Florida is the ideal location because of the concentration of talent that will only enhance the education of this group of young people.”Anyone interested should contact Lendon Gray – lendongray@gmail.com 914-234-4158 Posted on 08/13/2012 atDressagedaily.com

Mica Mabragana Takes First FEI Win of 2012 with Cuatrero

At last weekend's Gold Coast Opener in Wellington, HGF Rider Mica Mabragan debuted 11 year old Cuatrero in the National PSG and Intermediare I. Cuatrero (Cuatrera x Adelante) is the younger brother to Grandioso (Cuatrera is the dam of Grandiosa), 2011 Champion of Spain. He was last competed in early 2008 at 2nd level. Shortly after he went to Courtney King Dye who was preparing him for the small tour at the time of her injury. Cuatrero returned to HGF, but developed a hoof condition that took many months to correct. Thanks to the patience and skills of Dr. Steele and HGF farrier Mike Phillips, Cuatrero returned to work with Mica last summer. On Friday, In his first class in four years and first time at FEI-level, the pair placed in the PSG but were still a bit rusty with a 62%. On Saturday, Cuatrero was more on his game and Mica rode a beautiful Inter-1 to win the close-scoring class with 65.6. A spontaneous round of applause after the ride from the attending Judges' forum topped off the morning. Mica is very pleased with her stallion and we are all looking forward to more good news from this pair. Cuatrero is the sire of Vaquero HGF, trained by Daniel Martin, who placed in the top 5 PREs at the National Young Horse Championships in Spain as a four year old last fall. Cuatrero is also the sire to Diva HGF and Bohemia HGF.

HGF at Global Dressage Florida Classic

HGF at Global Dressage Florida Classic This second CDI of the series of 5 was the official Opening for the new Global Dressage Festival. Not until the very last minute on Wednesday night were all permits issued for occupancy on the shiny new buildings and grounds. 200 horses moved in the next morning for a three day show with close to 400 rides. The international Grand Prix fielded over 30 horses from 5 countries, with several of the judges making their first visit to South Florida. Over 600 people attended a sparkling evening of freestyles and 5 additional show sponsors from the Wellington dressage community signed on to be part of what appears to be a game-changing venue and series for our sport.Wednesday evening was the USPRE kick-off party. Normally held on move-in day, this year people had to make a special trip to come out the night before the show for the event--but the response was overwhelming. The Patron's Club was set for 350 people, and there was overflow of at least another 50 outside of the tent--never before has USPRE seen so much support and enthusiasm! A line-up of promising young PREs with top riders--from established US Team riders to Lendon Gray's hand-picked Emerging Dressage Athlete (EDAP) youth riders--rode to music or to the instruction of their trainers. This year's riders were: Endel Ott, Mica Mabragana, Rachel Chowanec, Emily Copeland, Lily Zilo, Chelsea Reed, Maddy Guthrie, Sophie Hoffman and Kerrigan Gluch. Tina Konyot and Lendon Gray taught demonstration riders and gave testimonials of their experiences and endorsements of PRE Horses.The show commenced on Thursday morning, and our attention turned to our HGF riders and their horses. As is our tradition, HGF horses were beautifully ridden and received top scores in their classes--Rachel Chowanec continued to gain experience in this first year of riding the Young Riders tests, improving her marks as she and Embrujado become more experienced at what is essentially the Prix St. George level. They took first and second in the national Team and Individual tests respectively with scores of 68.28 and 67.1. 15 year old Kerrigan Gluch of Michigan traveled down to Wellington with her parents Tina and Brent to represent the EDAP riders in the USPRE exhibit, and to do her first Wellington show as a bonus. Having only ridden Camaron three times in the EDAP clinic in December, Kerrigan proved what her trainer Laurie Moore says are her particular strengths--showmanship and test-riding! They showed third level all weekend and received three of Camaron's best scores at this level: 67.69, 67.94 and 68.415, just edging out Rachel for the Youth Rider High Point Award for USPRE.Mica Mabragana is continuing to live up to her press with exceptionally high marks on the young mare Infanta HGF (Candela x Idilio). Owner Mary Magee of Chicago was on hand to see the pair as they easily topped their Training Level classes with scores of 71.42, 72.00, and 77.85! The judges praised the mare's three excellent gaits and made special mention of the harmony between horse and rider (for which they received a 9 in collective marks from one judge). Mica and Infanta's score of 77.85 was not only the Open High Point score for USPRE, but was the High Score for the entire Florida Dressage Classic show--a fitting conclusion to a weekend sponsored by the United States PRE Association!

HGF Spring Show Schedule

March 15-18 Wellington Dressage Classic CDI3* - Global Dressage Festival, Wellington March 29- April 1 5 Star West Palm Beach CDI5* - Global Dressage Festival, Wellington April 12-15 WEF Wellington Dressage Nations' Cup - Global Dressage Festival, Wellington April 26-29 CDI3* Saumur, France Notes: Mica Mabragana to compete Cuatrero in the National Small Tour classes at the 5* and the International classes at the Nations Cup in Wellington. Daniel Martin Dockx to compete Grandioso in the International Grand Prix in Saumur. March 26-31-- Daniel Martin Dockx in Wellington.

HGF-bred Young Horses Compete in Wellington 2012

Two HGF-bred young horses were actively competed in Wellington this past season, and both with stand-out results. Mary Magee's Infanta HGF (Idilio x Candela), ridden by Mica Mabragana, was a multiple First Place winner of her Training Level classes, USPRE High Point winner at the Florida Classic Dressage Show (she was also the High Point winner for the show) and the Palm Beach Derby, and Reserve Champion Training Level High Point for the Global Dressage Festival National Circuit (9 shows). Robert Dover's HGF Fiero (Grandioso x Ibiza), ridden by Nicholas Fyffe, was the USPRE High Point winner for the national show at the Nation's Cup, with a 71.6% and First Place at Training Level. He was also the overall High Point winner for that show. Fiero turns 4 in July. Congratulations to riders and owners!

Spring News at HGF

The Wellington Season has officially ended, and all the horses here will have the month of May off to rest and enjoy the breezy warm days. Our young riders posted another winning season: Kerrigan Gluch won 6 of her 9 Junior classes with Cuatrero, establishing strong averages toward the Region 2 NAJYRC classification. She also placed 4th in the Florida Youth Championships with Lentisco. Rachel Chowanec and Embrujado received scores to 67.8 in both Young Riders and Prix St. George at the big shows with many firsts, and re-introduced Idolo Americano to the showring with a high score of 71.9 at Third Level. Congratulations and nice work to both young women who worked very hard this season in the barn as well as the arena. In Michigan, Sandie Talbot and her staff are getting ready for the mares to foal and the stallions to return. HGF is expecting a large group of foals this year, by stallions Cuatrero IV and Camaron IX out of our Marin Garcia brood mares along with those of our other featured performance lines. With new ANCCE Revision guidelines stipulating that all presented stock be past their 3rd birthday, all remaining 2010 stock will be presented for Revision in the fall. Spring cleaning is finally starting, and the farm is recovering from a particularly long and wet Michigan winter this year. We have a full slate of charity events planned for summer 2013, as well as lots of work for the students--horses to start, Lendon Gray clinics, the LYDF Midwest, Dressage at Waterloo and more. In Spain, Daniel Martin Dockx and Grandioso, along with other Spanish competitors, are headed next to CDI4* Treffen at the Glock Horse Performance Center in Austria, the weekend of 15-19 May. We will inform as to live coverage of this show.

Nicholas Fyffe and Lorraine Stubbs to Headline at the Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest

The final plans for the 2013 Lendon Youth Dressage Festival Midwest have been finalized, and this year's speakers bring the world of High Performance Dressage to the youth riders attending the show. The Saturday evening dinner for the riders and their families will kick-off the weekend with speaker Nicholas Fyffe. Nicholas was born in Australia to a family of racehorse trainers. From his youth he excelled at both riding and gymnastics. As a young adult, he decided to dedicate his life to the pursuit of the ideals of Dressage. Nicholas has lived and trained in Germany under top international riders including Martina Hannover Sternberg, Ulla Salzgeber, Hubertus Schmidt, and Catherine Haddad. He was a member of the Australian Dressage Team, winner ofthe 2007 Tri-Nations Cup in South Africa, and long-listed for the Olympic Games in Beijing. Nicholas has qualified multiple horses for the World Young Horse Championships and during his years as manager of Suntori Park in Sydney, Australia, Nicholas won multiple Australian Championships up through the FEI levels. In 2010, Nicholas relocated to Wellington, Florida, to be an assistant trainer for Oded Shimoni. Now in partnership with Canadian Olympian David Marcus, Nicholas continues to ride and train at Stillpoint Farm in Wellington, and in Campbellville, Ontario. Nicholas is a rising star, having competed successfully in the Wellington circuit in the past few years at both national and international levels, and is the current trainer of Robert Dover's Fiero HGF, a 4 year old PRE stallion by Grandioso III. Nicholas is busy giving clinics around the country and in Canada, and we are grateful he is taking time to help out at LYDFM. Nicholas will also be the Dressage Commentator on Sunday morning during the Dressage Test component of the show. He will be sitting with our judge, Lorraine Stubbs, and providing each rider with a short review of their ride. Lorraine Stubbs, Canadian Olympian, 4* Judge and author, will provide a lecture to the riders at the conclusion of the Equitation classes, and just prior to the awards ceremony. For more about Lorraine, see http://www.hamptongreenfarm.com/PRE-horses-lendon-youth-dressage-festival-update-2013-judging-panel-led-by-lorraine-stubbs-of-canada-en-289.html. LYDFM 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting and highly educational experience for all of our riders! Registration is now open. See the Prize List and Entry Form provided above on our Home Page.

January News

The Robert Dover Horsemanship Clinic for the Emerging Dressage Athletes is now behind us, a great success. 12 selected riders and 10 auditors enjoyed a week of lessons, tutorials, lectures and demonstrations by a top field of dressage VIPs including Olympians, team trainers, veterinarians, the press and others. The awards party and fundraiser on Saturday night was held at HGF, with over 200 Wellington dressage supporters dropping by to help build the program for 2013. See is following this program throughout the winter, and is giving special coverage to the various Youth initiatives in Wellington this year, culminating in the Florida Youth Championship at Global Dressage in March. Our own riders are getting ready to compete, starting next weekend at the Gold Coast Opener. Stay tuned for regular reports on our riders and their horses.

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