Lindsay Kellock & Sebastien Lead Canadian Sweep of Ocala’s World Equestrian Center Inaugural CDI Grand Prix

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Lindsay Kellock on Sebastien on their way to victory in the Wolrd Equestrian Center CDI3* Grand Prix. © 2021 Lily Forado

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

OCALA, Florida, April 16, 2021–Lindsay Kellock and Sebastien led Canada’s top Olympic team prospects to a sweep of the World Equestrian Center’s CDI3* Grand Prix Friday, the inaugural international dressage event at the most spectacular equestrian show grounds in the Americas and possibly anywhere. Lindsay described her ride on the 15-year-old Rhinelander gelding that scored 71.522% as perhaps the best yet in their three-year partnership.

This Grand Prix of 28 combinations representing six nations that was moved indoors because of the threat of turbulent weather likely completes the campaign by the 29-year-old Lindsay and Sebastien, owned by Melissa Schiff, for one of the three places plus a reserve for Canada’s team for the Tokyo Olympics. The pair competed throughout the winter-long Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida as did the other prospects who showed here but were required to have at least one Grand Prix and Special score after April 1.

Brittany Fraser and All In placed second on 70.848% after starting first in the class although she is Canada’s top ranked combination on the world standings and the highest ranked rider at this competition.

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu and All In. © 2021 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Chris von Martels and Eclips were third on 70.826%.

All three placed combinations as well as fellow Canadians Naïma Moreira Laliberté on Statesman and Jill Irving on Degas and Arthur are coached by Ashley Holzer, the four-time Olympian for Canada but who now rides for the United States. She is also the godmother and mentor of Lindsay.

Jessica Howington, an adult amateur of Wellington, Florida, on Cavalia with 69.957% was the highest placed American on 69.957%.

Chris von Martels on Eclips. © 2021 Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

“I felt really confident coming into this class,” said Lindsy, “and I also knew that I really had to make a statement here for Canada and for our qualification. I’m really glad that we were able to do that today. He just gave it his all. He was amazing.

“It was probably one of my best tests yet, feeling-wise. He was with me. I love the horse. I think our passage was very good today. I think our piaffes have improved. We got really good one-time changes and good trot half-pass. I think overall we were consistent throughout the ride today. There were a couple little things here and there, but nothing major. There is always lots to work on.”

Results:

CDI3* Grand Prix

http://results.horseshowoffice.com/Results/ClassResults?cid=2422&oid=76