Wellington, FL – January 17, 2016 – After competition was postponed in the early morning due to continued inclement weather surrounding Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Leida Collins-Strijk (NED) and Don Tignanello made the most of their afternoon in the Global International Ring at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) as competition resumed at 10 a.m. The pair received a 73.700% to take the win in the FEI Intermediaire I Freestyle presented by The Axel Johnson Group. The competition concluded the first full week of competition at AGDF, which is named in memory of AGDF manager Lloyd Landkamer. Michael Klimke (GER) and Djamba Djokiba earned second place with a score of 73.625%, while Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and For My Love finished in third place, receiving a 64.275%.

Collins-Strijk returned to AGDF for the first time since 2014 and was incredibly happy to be back in Wellington, FL, for the winter circuit, performing exceedingly well in her first competition back with a new mount.

“I think today was a very good test for us. I think it was better than on Friday when he was a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere and today he felt more free and balanced. Overall I was really happy,” noted Collins-Strijk.

With a balanced and consistent effort throughout the week, the pair earned scores above the 70% mark in each of the three Small Tour classes this week, setting them up nicely for what Collins-Strijk hopes to be a move to Grand Prix before the end of the season.

“He has a really nice and cool temperament, and he’s only gotten better. He knows a lot of the Grand Prix and I think I would like to get him into that, but I would like to do a few more of these shows first to get to know him better,” she commented. “I’m hoping that it will happen this year. He can definitely do it, but I haven’t ridden in competitions since last time we were here so we’ll have to see where the season takes us.”

“We always enjoy being here. We have family here and we can do everything, whether that be sports with the kids or things with the horses, everybody really likes it here. It is wonderful to spend our winters here,” she continued.

The freestyle choreography was composed by Collins-Strijk’s husband, Tim Collins, and has received good marks over the years. Collins-Strijk explained, “We used it for a stallion of ours, but it always does well and it has a great beat. It fits with any horse, and that’s why I love riding it.”

David Marcus (CAN) and Chrevi’s Capital, owned by Deborah Kinzinger-Miculinic, earned the win in the FEI Consolation Grand Prix with a score of 64.900%. Adrienne Pot (USA) and Something Special owned by James & Elizabeth Bramsen, followed in second with a score of 65.900%, while Jennifer Marchand (USA) and Cardeur collected third place honors, receiving a 62.167%.

Today concluded the first week CDI competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, as international dressage competition will continue at the venue through Saturday, April 2. The Para-Equestrian CPEDI, presented by Mane Stream courtesy of Rowan O’Riley, Mission Control, Adequan®, and Nutrena, runs January 22-24, while the AGDF 3 CDI-W and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by U.S. PRE Association; FEI Grand Prix & Grand Prix Special, presented by Yeguada de Ymas; FEI Small Tour, presented by Chesapeake Dressage Institute is on January 28-31.

For more information on AGDF and to see a full schedule and lists of results, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Final Results for FEI CDI-W Intermediaire I Freestyle presented by The Axel Johnson Group
Place, Rider, Nationality, Horse, Horse Information: Judge E%, Judge H%, Judge C%, Judge M%, Judge B%, Total %

1. Leida Collins-Strijk (NED), Don Tignanello, 2005 Hanoverian gelding by Don Vino x Atlantica x Andiamo owned by T&L Collins & M&C Collins: 74.125%, 74.375%, 75.000%, 70.750%, 74.250%, 73.700%

2. Michael Klimke (GER), Djamba Djokiba, 2007 Westphlian gelding by Damon Hill x Whoopy x Wessex owned by Michael Klimke: 73.375%, 74.500%, 74.500%, 71.375%, 74.375%, 73.625%

3. Katharina Stumpf (AUT), For My Love, 2001 Hanoverian gelding by For Feeling x Escudine x Esucod I: 70.125%, 70.375%, 68.250%, 69.625%, 69.875%, 69.650%

4. Kate Boldt (USA), Dynamica, 2005 Oldenburg mare by Don Larino x Pagena x Pageno owned by Billie Becker: 66.005%, 64.250%, 65.000%, 62.875%, 63.250%, 64.275%

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