In her first competition as a U.S. rider, Ashley Holzer and Havanna 145 rode to their first major international win together in the FEI Grand Prix freestyle at the Tryon Spring Dressage I CDI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (N.C.).
Holzer and Havanna 145 scored a 73.73 percent for the win, while Megan Lane of Canada and San D’Or rode to second place, receiving a 72.66 percent. P.J. Rizvi and Breaking Dawn rounded out the top three finishers (71.65%).
Holzer, who is representing the United States for the first time internationally after representing Canada at the highest levels of competition for majority of her career, guided the mare to an impressive win in the George H. Morris Arena. In their large tour debut, the pair picked up a seventh place finish in the FEI Grand Prix before returning to finish atop the class today. Katie Poag won the Grand Prix aboard Zonnekoning, (68.84%).
Holzer was well familiar with the choreography for Havanna’s freestyle, as it was the same pattern she used for Dressed In Black’s freestyle. “I changed a few things for her and did change a bit of the music to suit her better,” explained Holzer. “I’m very aware of the music and I think the difficult part of the freestyle is the positioning of each movement. You have to have the movements exactly where the music is going to be and I thought that it would be a good introductory routine for us.”
The 10-year-old Hanoverian mare (Hochadel x Rodgau) owned by Diane Fellows, is a new mount for Holzer, as she only arrived to the United States in December. Working on strength and conditioning throughout the winter season, as well as getting to know Havanna 145’s personality, Holzer feels that the mare is something incredibly special for the future.
“I was thrilled with today because it felt like she totally understood what I was asking her. I now am seeing that if she understands what I’m asking her to do, she’s going to do her best to do it. There’s a willingness and trust there that is very promising,” she added.
While Havanna 145 had only shown in the small tour in Europe before her purchase, Holzer felt confident the mare had the talent and drive necessary to move to large tour quickly. “This is our first CDI together and really only one of the first few shows that we’ve done,” Holzer said. “Her personality is amazing. She just is one of those horses that only gets better every single day. Every time you see her it’s just better.”
As for competing internationally as an American for the first time, Holzer said the competition has been emotional, but overall a very positive experience. Noting that Canada and her memories competing as a Canadian will always be held close to her heart, beginning a new chapter in her competition career is an exciting venture and ultimately the right choice.
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“I am thrilled. I feel so embraced by the Americans and this program. I’m cantering around and they’re cheering for me. It’s thrilling for the owners of my horses who now get to see them competing under their own national flag. This country has been amazing to me. I’ve been here for more than 25 years and I feel American,” Holzer said. “Jumping across that threshold was terrifying, but for me personally, I’m thrilled to be competing as an American. It was the right choice that came at the right time.”
Holzer also finished second in the FEI Grand Prix Special aboard Sir Caramello, but the top prize in that test went to Arlene “Tuny” Page and Dr. House 2, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Don Schufro x Krack C) owned by Page.
Dr. House 2 is the newest member of Page’s talented string, accompanying her already confirmed Grand Prix mount, Woodstock. In just their third CDI competition together, Page feels that their relationship and communication skills are vastly improving, making each test more expressive and accurate than the last.
“He was good. He just goes from strength to strength. Every time we bring him out I learn something about him. The most important thing that I’ve learned is that he’s incredibly honest and just wants to please,” commented Page.
Developing strength and stamina is key when perfecting the movements of the Grand Prix test and Page has been committed to helping the flashy gelding find his own confidence in the ring.
“At this stage, you have to have that strength to carry more expression. He’s so honest and does the exercises easily, and now has to develop that power in the ring to really move. Today, I felt many more moments where he took over in a good way. He was telling me where he could give more.”
After a minor mechanical mishap when Page’s helmet chin strap came undone as the pair rode down the centerline, the duo did not let the distraction impact their test and continued on with poise and accuracy.
“I’m sure you saw, as soon as I came up the centerline my chin strap came undone. I was trying to think of where in the test I could manage to secure it back,” she smiled, admitting that while the situation was not ideal, ended up working out with a great result. “I kept reminding myself to keep my head very still. He was a good boy and went along with everything like a veteran.”
Heather Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero dominated the small tour at Tryon, winning the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I and Intermediaire freestyle. Blitz and Praestemarkens Quatero received a 74.25 percent to secure the win in the Intermediaire I freestyle; it was the pair’s CDI debut together.
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Blitz has had the ride on Praestemarkens Quatero, an 8-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Quarterback x Rohdiamant), since 2015 and has taken her time solidifying their communication and understanding together before pursuing a competition schedule.
“I was a little funny getting started today and was a bit behind the music from the beginning, so I played a bit of catch-up. I wasn’t sure how he would do in the rain, but quite frankly, we have such a great trust in each other now that if I tell him it’s going to be OK he goes with it,” commented Blitz. “There were a few little errors in the test, but for his first time in a CDI and to do the freestyle, which we only finished two weeks ago, is just amazing. I couldn’t be happier.”
Blitz has been working patiently and diligently, earning the trust of Praesemarkens Quatero, who she feels has an immense talent and strength that will make him a top mount in the future. While it’s taken time for Blitz to feel completely confident in bringing the gelding out, over the past month he proved that he was ready to be tested in a larger competition atmosphere.
“I got him two years ago and during that time we have gone through a lot. It’s been all about learning to trust each other from Day 1. Whatever he has in his mind is what he’s passionate about, so now that I’ve gained his trust he passionately wants to please me,” she elaborated. “His willingness to listen to me was phenomenal this week; especially knowing that deep down he was very nervous. He stuck with me and I thought the strength for us this week was his steadiness. He flows really well and he’s a powerful horse, which comes across quite impressively in the ring.”
It was an instant connection for Blitz when she tried the gelding in Europe and has really seen their relationship blossom over the past year. His steady and willing demeanor helped the pair pull together one of their best performances together to date.
“The first time I sat on him, I knew he was the one. We clicked right away. Our partnership and his stability has really shown this week. The strengths outweighed the glitches throughout the competition. I came in super positive about this show because of the way that he’s been going at home and how consistent he’s been.”
Having worked with renowned freestyle choreographer and composer Marlene Whitaker for over a decade, Blitz felt confident that the pair’s music selection would show off the quality of Praestemarkens Quatero’s movements and expression. Whitaker helped Blitz pull together the routine, which was only completed two weeks ago for the pair to begin practicing.
“Marlene Whitaker has been working with me for almost 10 years and I completely trust her opinion and judgment when it comes to choosing music. She gave me three adaptions to look at and as soon as I heard this one, I knew that it was it. The choreography is very fitting for him and I couldn’t have been more pleased with how it went.”