2004 Dressage at Devon - Breed Show

Ocita Undisputed Grand Champion of 2004 Devon Breed Show

September 30, 2004

The 5-year old Holsteiner mare Ocita became the undisputed Grand Champion of the 2004 Devon Breed Show. Handled by Hokan Thorn and owned by Shelia Davis, Ocita is a 16.2 hh mare by Love Affair out of Ines (by Merano).

Three mares and one stallion were striving for the Grand Champion's title at Devon; Ocita, Toraya, BW Corabella and Cabana Boy. But, the judges were unanimous in their decision to place Ocita first.

"All four of us agreed that she was the best one," judge Janet Brown said. "She's a modern, elegant, elastic horse who uses her whole body in the trot and walk."

Hokan Thorn, a Swedish native, is the chief trainer at Far-a-Field Acres, where Holsteiner sire Love Affair is standing at stud. The farm is owned by Marlene Eagleburger and Lieselott Wiendieck, who is running the breeding program there.

Ocita competed at the 2003 Devon Breed Show but then did not get the extraordinary recognition she received this year. "She came just from the field and was way too green," Thorn explained.

Thorn knew that this year was going to be her chance to pique at Devon. "She has a perfect conformation and three excellent gaits. She's started under tack 90 days and I showed her at training level. She scored in the mid 70s," Thorn said.

Ocita competed extensively at breed shows this season taking top honors at a number of shows. She was named Grand Champion at Morven Park, Grand Champion at the Virginia Dressage Association Summer Breed Show, and Grand Champion at the Dressage in Lexington Breed Show. She can now add the Grand Champion's title of Devon to her list of achievements.

Thorn has a very special connection with Ocita and believes the mare has a big future ahead of her. "She was my pick out of the field. She's very intelligent and has a special look to her. I will continue to train her and move her along the levels."

Hilltop Farm's Cabana Boy (by Contucci) became the reserve champion.

Text by Astrid Appels
Photo copyrighted - Terri Miller

Related Links
Far-A-Field Acres
A Whole Lot of Love at Far-A-Field Acres

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