WELLINGTON, Florida, Feb. 5, 2015–Mariett, the forever young Peter Pan of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, was ridden by Lars Petersen to a personal best score and victory in the CDI5* Grand Prix, delayed by tropical thunderstorms to be staged under lights Thursday night.
The Florida-based Danish rider and Mariett scored 74.160 per cent at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Centewr for the fourth straight victory for the 17-year-old Danish Warmblood mare that was on the Danish team at last year’s World Equestrian Games.
Mikala Gundersen, also a Danish rider based in Wellington, on My Lady placed second on 72.960 per cent while the USA’s Kathleen Raine of Murietta, California on Breanna competing in Wellington for the first time was third on 72.420 per cent.
The surprise of the world’s richest dressage event with $200,000 in prize money presented by Diamante Farm was the performance by America’s national championship partnership of Steffen Peters of San Diego, California on Legolas.
The pair placed seventh on 71.220 per cent that was the lowest Grand Prix score since their first show in February, 2012. Legolas appeared very hot and performed some of his best tempi changes and passage but also made mistakes that were costly.
Lars, who has been competing Mariett for three years after recovering from a hoof torn off in a freak accident, said Mariett “is like riding an eight-year-old.”
He keeps her fit and loose and in good condition.
Mikala, who was a team mate with My Lady on the World Games team last year, said that being in the top five in the star-studded Grand Prix was “like a dream.”
Results:
