Saturday, February 18, 2006

Lars Petersen and Dacardo Win FEI Intermediaire I at Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic

Lars Petersen of Denmark riding Dacardo for owner Melissa Taylor Yee won the FEI Intermediaire I at the Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic in Wellington, Florida, today, topping a field of 15 horses. The victory gave Petersen a clean sweep of his small tour at the show with the seven-year-old, 16.3-hand gray Swedish gelding by D-Day out of Azisterne. The pair won the FEI Prix St. Georges yesterday with a score of 69.375% and came back today to claim victory in the I-I with a score of 70.500%.

Going early in the class, Dominique Culham of Caledon East Ontario, Canada, riding her own Matisse, held the early lead with a score of 67.625%, but the pair had to settle for the second place ribbon in the final tally. Two riders tied for the third place ribbon – Carla De Falco of Wellington riding her own Gionso, and Marco Bernal of Colombia riding Halbgott, a Trahkener stallion he owns with Lumar Equestrian – with both riders earning 66.750%.

Photo by SusanJStickle.com

Petersen, who now resides in Wellington, has been riding the talented Swedish Warmblood by D-Day for two years. He started the youngster’s initial dressage training as a six-year-old and competed him in his first horse show. “He’s very hot, very hot,” emphasized Petersen, adding that it has taken a long time for the gelding to become more relaxed in the ring. “He’ll be a super horse. He’s probably one of the best horses I’ve had. He has been quite a challenge in the ring but he’s coming around now.” Petersen plans to move Dacardo up to Grand Prix in a year or so, but “not too fast with him because he’s so sensitive.”

In today’s Intermediaire I, Petersen said that Dacardo’s best work was in the trot. “I felt I could keep him powerful in the trot but still keep him relaxed.” Petersen explained that the beautifully dappled gray still becomes a bit tense in the canter and the walk segment, but noted, “He’s just green. It’s only his third I-I.” Dacardo also won the I-I at Wellington Dressage two weeks ago.

“He just seems more settled about the whole showing experience,” said owner Melissa Taylor Yee. She plans to take over the ride at some point, but for now she’s pleased with his progress under Petersen. “We’re taking our time with him because he’s too good of a horse to just push,” said Yee, who also rides the horse at home. “We know he’s going to be the whole package one day. I don’t care who’s on him – if it’s Lars or me. I want to show him, but I’d rather Lars take him down the centerline for his first Grand Prix. He’s sensitive and special.”

Petersen is equally enthusiastic about Dacardo’s future, pointing out, “He has three super good gaits. There’s nothing he’s not talented for.”

Officiating over the class today were Brenda Minor at C and Sue Madden Mandas at B.

The judges were unanimous in scoring Petersen as the winner, giving him 287 and 277 points respectively.

In other FEI competition, Jessica Jo (“JJ”) Tate of Wellington riding her own Cambay won the FEI Grand Prix Special with a score of 70.667%, topping a field of eight horses. Lisette Milner of Wellington and her stallion Eminence placed second with a score of 65.933%. Tami Hoag of Oak Park, California, riding her Rheinlander mare Coco Chanel took the third place slot with 65.800%.

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