Loxahatchee, FL (April 15, 2010) – Dr. Cesar Parra, and his students at Piaffe-Performance, wrapped up a successful winter dressage season with an award-winning finish at the Dressage at Equestrian Estates show. Parra, a successful international competitor and well-known trainer who specializes in classical dressage methods, credited teamwork for the success of the Piaffe-Performance riders.
“It was a very good show and a very good season. I believe in teamwork and everyone at Piaffe-Performance worked together this season to make it a huge success. The Dressage at Equestrian Estates was a great way to end the season,” Parra said. “I was pleased with Grandioso, who won the Intermediaire II class. We have high hopes and expectations for this horse and I believe he is a great up-and-coming Grand Prix horse.”
Grandioso, a nine-year-old Wesfalen purchased for Parra by Michael Davis, won the class while Parra’s student Michael Schondel came in second on Silver Label in the Intermediaire II. “Michael also showed Silver Label in the Grand Prix. It was only the second time for Michael and Silver Label and they did really well. I give Michael a lot of credit because he has brought the horse up from a five-year-old,” Parra said. “I have had a lot of students this season really enjoying themselves, progressing and accomplishing their dreams, and for me that is a wonderful thing to watch.”
In addition to Parra and Schondel’s success at the show, Kevin Kohmann won the Fourth Level Test One. “Kevin won on Taunia Reed’s Swedish stallion Agastrofus, and I came in second on Rotano,” Parra said. “That was really cool. Kevin is very talented and I am pleased that he is part of the Piaffe-Performance team.”
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Parra’s student Chase Hickok found success in the Young Rider Team Test Qualifier, placing second on Palermo. “I am always thrilled when my students succeed and have fun at the same time. Chase has been collecting ribbons in the Young Riders class which is wonderful,” Parra said. “Overall I think we have had a fantastic winter season. Some of our horses came to us late in the season so next year we will look forward to competing them in Florida. Throughout the year the most important thing is to take care of our horse’s welfare first and then our plan comes second.”
Eduardo Munoz, who also trains with Parra, recently won the South American Championship riding Flovino. Munoz has his goals set on competing at the Central American Games in Puerto Rico this year. “Eduardo purchased Flovino from Piaffe Performance and they have had a very successful year. I am extremely pleased with the pair,” said Parra.
Parra, who was headed to Colombia following the show to teach a clinic, said the Piaffe-Performance team will now head back to New Jersey. “We earned ribbons in all of the classes we showed in this winter and I couldn’t be happier,” Parra said.
For more information on Parra or Piaffe-Performance, which has facilities in New Jersey and Florida, visit their website at www.piaffe-performance.com.
