Tina Konyot Wins Dressage at Devon Grand Prix Freestyle

Devon, PA—Tina Konyot and Calecto V had a decisive victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle tonight at Dressage at Devon. The highlight of the six-day event, the Freestyle featured Olympic riders piloting their horses to music as diverse as Billy Joel and versions of Dixieland classics. Konyot, of North Stonington, CT, received a 72.60% for her efforts, which included powerful passage work, flowing half-passes and expressive changes.

“I was just thrilled with him,” Konyot said of the 11-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion. “I think he’s a special horse-it’s just a matter of putting it together.” Judge Linda Zang agreed. “I thought Tina did a good job today,” Zang said. “[She] has a very nice horse with a big future.”

Canadian Olympian Jacqueline Brooks, of Cedar Valley, ON, finished second on Balmoral with a score of 69.80%. She rode to a soundtrack of original music in a freestyle that she calls a work in progress. “My horse is moving much differently than when we wrote it,” she said of the music. Balmoral is her younger horse, but has proven he is more than up to the challenge of competing at one of the most electric venues in North America. Brooks continued, “Now I’m very excited about him.”

Finishing in third place was Lauren Sammis, Wellington, FL, with Sagacious HF. The duo performed to a fun mix of Billy Joel tunes with a score of 69.750.

Intermediaire I

Cesar Parra and Olympia continued their winning ways in the Intermediaire I class with a 72.193%. Parra, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, admitted to upping his game after the walk work in the test. “In the canter I was a bit more risky,” he said. Parra credited his team, including groom Jennifer Mandrecia, for his success and confessed to having a group of nearly 100 students, friends and family cheering him on.

George Williams, of Delaware, OH, claimed the second position with the eight-year-old Donnerhall son Don Bailey, who is owned by Elizabeth Juliano. The pair earned a 68.772% for their work and improved from fifth in the Prix. St. Georges on Friday. “He was much more in front of me, much more energetic,” Williams explained. This was the duo’s tenth show together and Williams intends to let the young horse continue to build his strength in the small tour division.

Young Riders

Caroline V. Roffman, of Wellington, FL, and Bulgari 5 also improved on Friday’s performance and moved to the head of the class with a 68.263% in Young Rider Individual Test. Roffman was thrilled with her victory, but was truly just happy to be able to ride and show her horse who sustained a severe tendon injury two years ago. Although every treatment was tried, the prognosis wasn’t good for the 15 year old Hanoverian. Fortunately, with time Bulgari 5 healed and was able to be ridden and shown. His 21-year-old rider explained, “It makes you have a whole new appreciation. Everyday is a gift.”

Kevin Kohmann finished in second place with Dancing Queen. Third place went to Meagan Davis and Bentley.

Juniors

In the Junior division, Nicole DelGiorno, of Hammonton, NJ, was also riding a horse that has successfully recovered from injury. Lamborghini Dane, owned by Kathleen Faltz, had been out of commission for an extended period of time, but has been back in work with DelGiorno since February. “I really feel honored to be the one to ride him in his first show season back,” said his 17-year-old rider.

2010 Announcement

In 2010, Dressage at Devon occurs during the World Equestrian Games. Although the date conflict cannot be resolved, the Dressage at Devon Horse Show Committee has decided to run a full show. To make the entry process very competitor friendly, the committee voted to eliminate the minimum qualifying percentages. Horse and rider combinations will still have to submit their highest score for the class level they want to enter and will be ranked until the class is filled. Details will be available in the prizelist.

Boxholders’ Box Decorating Contest

The Devon boxholders’ showcased their creativity in the Box Decorating Contest, which was judged by Scott Palmer who became known around the Delaware Valley through his many years with 6 ABC, and who is now the Director of Public Affairs for the Philadelphia Phillies. Among the many themes was Margaritaville, Harvest time and Dressage at Devon “Be part of the magic”. The winner received a pair of Dubarry Galway boots, generously donated by Dubarry, as well as wine and glasses for the whole box. Other prizes were donated by pucciManuli, Back on Track, Suzanne Storms, The Engraver, Saratoga Saddlery, BluHorse, SmartPak and Only Fools & Horses.

Sunday finishes up with the Grand Prix Special and Intermediaire I Freestyle, among other classes. Complete results and schedules can be found at www.dressageatdevon.org.

About Dressage at Devon

Dressage at Devon is a 501 (c) (3) PA non-profit organization. Founded by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association in 1975, Dressage at Devon became a separate organization in 2006. The six-day event attracts more than 700 horses and 35,000 spectators each year. Dressage at Devon benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., the oldest and largest therapeutic riding program in the nation.

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