Juan Matute Jr. Sweeps Small Tour with Win In FEI Intermediaire I CDIO 3* presented by Stillpoint Farm

Wellington, FL – April 1, 2016 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades made history tonight at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), as the pair earned an 82.800% from the judging panel for the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO 3* presented by Stillpoint Farm, the highest score ever earned at the facility in international competition. Graves and Verdades were followed by their Nations’ Cup teammates Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet, who also scored above 80%, with an 81.325%. Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton finished in third place with a 76.350%.

Competition at AGDF concludes tomorrow with the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by YellowBird Farm, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses, and the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses.

Graves and Verdades sent the crowd into a roaring cheer after they halted for their final salute, performing a fluid, harmonious, and accurate test. Graves and Verdades have been one of the United States’ strongest combinations for nearly two years and tonight, the pair not only added a facility record to their accolades this season, but also reached a new personal best in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

Laura Graves and Verdades

“It’s amazing. It’s obviously a goal we have every time we go into the arena, and it was an incredible atmosphere here tonight,” said Graves. “I could not ask for a better high to end our season with, team gold, individual gold, and a several personal bests. It’s very exciting, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year with the amazing Team USA we’re creating.”

Graves rode to her new freestyle with Verdades for only the second time so far this season, earning a massive 82.800%, while Graves noted there are still places of improvement in the test. When asked what the most challenging or technical part of her test would be, Graves commented that she tailors the difficulty of the choreography to the strengths and weakness of “Diddy”.

“Your first year at Grand Prix you’re learning what your strengths are and what your horse’s strengths are. The more times you do that, the more you learn, the faster you learn, and the better you can make decisions,” she explained. “This new freestyle is very similar choreography to our last, but we did put in the risk where we felt comfortable, with where this horse could succeed.”

Graves’ music change was inspired by her love for the movie “Rudy,” which provides the musical soundtrack for her freestyle. The message derived from the famous movie is something that Graves personally connects with. She explained, “My final centerline, which is my favorite part of the entire freestyle, is to the music they play when they finally put Rudy in the game and let him play.”

“First I want to thank all of the sponsors, Adequan®, Stillpoint Farm, Tim Dutta and The Dutta Corporation, my coach Debbie McDonald, my mom,” Perry said, wiping tears from her eyes at the press conference. “I’m so blessed. I couldn’t have asked for a better year.”

Perry-Glass and “Dublet” have worked towards reaching a point where they both felt comfortable and confident in the ring as they experienced Grand Prix for the first time together. Exceeding all expectations, the pair has become a strong and consistent force in Large Tour competition.

“He knows and trusts me enough to push him. He showed that tonight. I put my leg on a little bit and he said ‘How high?'” expressed Perry-Glass. “I think things are only going to get better for us, and I believe in that. I think that we both are very patient and in it for the long haul. Keeping him happy and healthy is my goal right now.”

“I’m so excited to be on the podium. It has always been a goal for me to try to be an individual medalist and to do that I’m thrilled. This was my first time to be an individual medalist,” noted Trussell.

“Anton was a little bit wound tonight and he gets a little bit tight, but also more expressive, so that’s nice. He was really again with me. I’m always so blessed with this horse that whenever he gets like that, he still stays with me. It’s thrilling to be here, and I’m proud to be representing Canada alongside these two great Americans. This is a super show, and I can’t thank Tuny [Page], Stillpoint Farm, Adequan®, and all of the sponsors enough for making this what it is.”

“During that class, the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. It was just fantastic,” commented Clarke. “I think the level was amazing, and you guys just really went for it. We saw such harmony, risk-taking, and really a high degree of difficulty, with beautiful musical interpretation. It just was a super class. For me it was very fun to judge.

“That is what is so exciting for the sport because world wide, every country you go to, it’s getting better and better. Here, I think the progress to have these really young riders suddenly coming with such beautiful riding and artistry, it’s really a joy to watch. I think this country is very exciting at the moment,” he continued.

Laura Graves (USA), Kasey Perry-Glass (USA), and Belinda Trussell (CAN), stand in their presentation ceremony with Allyn Mann of Adequan®, Cora Causemann of AGDF, judge Thomas Lang (AUT), Arlene “Tuny” Page of Stillpoint Farm, and Michael Stone of Equestrian Sport Productions.

Representing Stillpoint Farm and also finishing in fourth place in the individual portion of competition, Arlene “Tuny” Page commented on Stillpoint Farm’s continued support of the FEI Nations’ Cup competition at AGDF, and what it was like to ride for Team USA throughout the week.

“Stillpoint Farm is one of the many sponsors and many people who put not just their money and their expertise, but their time and effort, into this. It takes that kind of teamwork to make a venue like this work and bring the kind of atmosphere to this place. I’m very proud to be in that group. Many of them are here celebrating tonight and for us it’s a great opportunity to be a part of it. I’m very grateful.”

As for her ride aboard Woodstock in tonight’s class, Page finished the evening with a 75.925%, adding another personal best score to tonight’s historic competition at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

“I’m thrilled with my horse tonight. He was very honest and very brave out there. I’m happy for our personal best, but most importantly, I have a happy, healthy horse who was very consistent throughout the week. That makes me feel very good moving forward towards Europe,” expressed Page.

It has been a year of massive growth for the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, as entry numbers reached record highs, and the quality of horse and rider combinations shows more promise with each year. Allyn Mann, representative for Adequan®, noted that historic milestones, as seen tonight at AGDF, are not possible without an array of people who help to bring the show together.

“It really comes down to being part of a much bigger picture for us. Laura, Kasey, Belinda, these are the true stars and their horses are just amazing animals,” stated Mann. “For Tuny, to be up here as a fourth place finisher and personal bests for all four of our riders sitting here, how cool is that, to end a show the way that we did with tonight? We’re just a piece of the puzzle. We’re very honored to be a part of this. I love this community and all of these owners, riders, and their horses. I feel so blessed to be here.”

Thomas Baur, Director of Sport at AGDF, has been an essential component of AGDF and its success over the past few seasons. Baur announced that Graves and Perry-Glass now hold record scores for the facility and in the history of the competition.

“That was really an amazing last night. Thank you for this season,” said Baur.

Matute Jr. and Dhannie Ymas have competed steadily in the FEI Young Rider division offered at AGDF, and the pair have now successfully showcased their talent and poise representing their home nation of Spain in Nations’ Cup competition.

“I’m proud of our performances throughout the week,” he said. “We’re evolving everyday and getting stronger, as is our bond. I’m thrilled and very excited for the future. It’s a great way to end the season, and my team is excited to fly to Europe next month.”

Matute Jr. noted that the top three horses in the FEI I-1 Freestyle CDIO 3* were started or trained by his father, Juan Matute Guimon.

“This is a very special night for our family. We have three horses on the podium that belonged to my father as young horses, and it’s a huge success for my father as a professional. I’m very proud,” he said.

Katharina Stumpf and For My Love

Katharina Stumpf (AUT) competed as an individual in FEI Nations’ Cup competition this year aboard For My Love, which she has successful campaigned in the open divisions at AGDF this season though she competes as an amateur.

“Thank you to all of the sponsors, officials, and people supporting me. I’m very pleased with my horse, and this whole season has been fantastic for us. We’ve gotten better and better, and it is a fantastic end to the season. I’m just so happy.”

Concluding his first season in Wellington at AGDF, Raul Corchuelo (COL) and Beckham also competed as an individual pair in competition this week, showing consistency and balance through their Small Tour performances.

“This was a very special evening for me because this is my first season in Florida, and I’m very happy with Beckham. I’m thankful to his owner who supported us to get here,” stated Corcheulo. “I’ve been working with this horse for three years now. Yesterday, lol I felt that he was a little bit behind my leg and I wanted to make sure that he wanted to do it today, and he did.”

“For me, it’s very special because when the idea came up at the FEI General Assembly last year to split the Intermediaire I Freestyle from the Grand Prix Freestyle, I immediately jumped on board. This is also to have that idea included in the Pan American Games for 2019 and now there is a chance for other countries, outside of the USA and Canada, to go for medals,” explained Baur.

Katharina Stumpf (AUT), Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) and Raul Corcheulo (COL) in their presentation ceremony for the Intermediaire I Freestyle in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO 3* at AGDF.

“I’m more than happy that my old friend Raul earned the bronze medal tonight because it shows that countries from Central and South America are able to go for medals,” he continued.

Neve Myburgh (GER) and Belissima 23 captured the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1*, presented by YellowBird Farm, receiving a 72.368% to secure the win. Joanne Trout, who shows the mare in national level competitions, owns Belissima 23. Jennifer Baumert (USA) and Ramiro finished the class in second place with a 69.737%, while Jane Cleveland (USA) and Monique followed in third place earning a 69.649%.

Competition at AGDF concludes for the season tomorrow, Saturday, April 2, showcasing the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDI 1*, presented YellowBird Farm, and both the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3* and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Harmony Sporthorses. For more information about AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Final Results FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO 3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total %

1. Laura Graves (USA), Verdades, 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Florett AS x Liwilarda x Goya owned by Laura Graves: 76.750%, 85.625%, 86.000%, 81.250%, 84.375%, 82.800%

2. Kasey Perry-Glass (USA), Goerklintgaards Dublet, 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding by Diamond Hit x La Costa x Olympic Ferro owned by Diane Perry: 81.750%, 80.500%, 81.750%, 83.000%, 79.625%, 81.325%

3. Belinda Trussell (CAN), Anton, 2000 Sachsen Warmblood gelding by Anteaus x Shirley x Melit owned by Robyn Eames and Marc Trussell: 75.375%, 76.375%, 78.625%, 78.500%, 72.875%, 76.350%

4. Arlene Page (USA), Woodstock, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Havel x Mirania x Contango owned by Arlene Page: 75.125%, 75.375%, 76.750%, 76.250%, 76.125%, 75.925%

5. Mikala Gundersen (DEN), My Lady, 2000 Danish Warmblood mare by Michellino x Marion x Ritterstern owned by Janne Rumbough: 71.500%, 77.125%, 77.500%, 77.375%, 76.125%, 75.925%

6. Jaqueline Brooks (CAN), D Niro, 1999 Swedish Warmblood gelding by D-Day x Alitalia x Napoliean 625 owned by Brookhaven Dressage Inc: 69.250%, 71.250%, 73.375%, 74.500%, 70.875%, 71.850%

7.  Megan Lane (CAN), Caravella, 2001 Dutch Warmblood mare by Contango x P.Riviera x Riverman owned by Megan Lane: 65.875%, 70.375%, 70.750%, 70.750%, 69.125%, 69.375%

8. Maria Florencia Manfredi (ARG), Bandurria Kacero, 2005 Silla Argentino gelding by Wonder Boy x Bandurria Farola x Unknown owned by Sztyrle Enrique: 67.750%, 68.875%, 68.250%, 68.625%, 72.125%, 69.125%

Final Results FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO 3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total %

1. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), Dhannie Ymas, 2007 Hanoverian gelding by Don Crusador x Welina x Unknown: 73.750%, 73.000%, 75.875%, 74.250%, 75.875%, 74.550%

2.  Katharina Stumpf (AUT), For My Love, 2001 Hanoverian gelding by For Feeling x Esudine x Esucdo I owned by Katharina Stumpf: 69.250%, 71.125%, 69.875%, 73.625%, 70.750%, 70.925%

3.  Raul Corchuelo (COL), Beckham, 2000 Hanoverian gelding by Raphael x Graphina x Graphit owned by Gloria de Esguerra: 73.750%, 69.500%, 72.000%, 70.250%, 69.000%, 70.900%

4.  Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo (ESP), Elevado, 2004 Hanoverian gelding by Falkenstern II x Wanda owned by Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo: 74.875%, 69.875%, 69.375%, 68.750%, 69.500%, 70.475%

5. Christer Egerstrom (CRC), Bello Oriente, 2004 Oldenburg gelding by Belissimo M x Maradonna x Donnerhall owned by Christer Egerstrom: 70.375%, 69.125%, 67.875%, 68.000%, 71.250%, 69.325%

6. Pablo Gomez Molina (ESP), Lanzado De Ymas, 2008 P.R.E. Stallion by Judio VII x Lanzada VII x Unknown owned by Cristina Danguillecourt: 68.625%, 65.250%, 67.750%, 67.000%, 68.250%, 67.375%

7. Rikke Poulsen (DEN), Pikk Elena HU, 2005 American Hanoverian mare by Pik L x Donatela x Don Primero owned by Horses Unlimited: 65.750%, 66.125%, 65.125%, 67.000%, 65.375%, 65.875%

8. Signe Kirk Kristiansen (DEN), Roberto, 2002 Hanoverian gelding by Walt Disney x Rubina x Rubinstein I owned by Signe Kirk Kristiansen: 65.125%, 65.250%, 66.125%, 63.500%, 64.375%, 64.875%

Final Results FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1* presented by YellowBird Farm
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse I,nformation: Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge B%, Total %

1. Neve Myburgh (GER), Belissima 23, 2004 Oldenburg mare by Belissimo M x Walzerlied x Donnerhall owned by Joanne Trout: 72.237%, 70.132%, 74.737%, 72.368%

2. Jennifer Baumert (USA), Ramiro, 2007 Danish Warmblood gelding by Don Romantic x Ramona x Rambo owned by Jennifer Baumert: 69.211%, 70.395%, 69.605%, 69.737%

3. Jane Cleveland (USA), Monique, 2009 Danish Warmblood mare by Temptation x Kaprice x Matador owned by Jane Cleveland: 71.711%, 66.842%, 70.395%, 69.649%

4. Kevin Kohmann (GER), Fritz San Tino, 2002 Hanoverian gelding by Falkenstern II x Wanessa x Wanderbusch II owned by Melanie Pai: 67.500%, 68.684%, 69.079%, 68.421%

5. Jill Irving (CAN), Donatella 79, 2005 Oldenburg mare by De Niro x Weidenkatatchen x Canastal owned by Jill Irving: 68.816%, 68.026%, 68.158%, 68.333%

6. Lindsay Kellock (CAN), Royal Prinz, 2001 Oldenburg stallion by Royal Diamond x Mystica x Dream of Glory owned by Teresa Simmons: 65.789%, 70.526%, 67.368%, 67.895%

7.  Evi Strasser (CAN), Rigaudon Tyme, 2004 Oldenburg gelding by Rosario x Carmen x Calypso II owned by Evi Strasser: 64.868%, 67.105%, 66.447%, 66.140%

8. Sarah Stanuschewski (GER), Lertigo Tyme, 2002 Hanoverian gelding by Lancier x Greafin Bahr x Graf Lehndorf owned by Evi Strasser: 66.184%, 66.711%, 64.605%, 65.833%

Photo Credit: ©SusanJStickle. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release.