Holzer and Breaking Dawn received a 75.600%, while Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo finished in second place, earning a 74.825%. Fellow American Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar collected third with 70.050%.
Breaking Dawn and owner P.J. Rizvi have been competing in the international arena together this season, but when an opportunity arises to compete the 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Akribori x Eveline), Holzer does not turn it down. The pair, who competed together at the 2012 London Olympic Games, had a flawless effort in their freestyle routine, which will be Rizvi’s new music for Breaking Dawn this season.
Holzer mentioned the performances of last night in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations’ Cup CDIO 3* Grand Prix Freestyle competition, where two American riders, Laura Graves and Kasey Perry-Glass, earned scores above 80%.
“Last night, to watch the dressage and to see so many great rides, was just incredible, to see winners win not because other people made mistakes, but because they happened to be just that little bit better. Everybody laid down such a great performance last night, and it was amazing,” continued Holzer. “It was special to see dressage come to that pinnacle in Florida, and it was just beautiful. It was a great finale for the season.”
Francis and Danilo have steadily moved up the ranks in Large Tour competition with their freestyle greatly improving throughout the duration of the season. Danilo, who is sensitive to noise, specifically the sound of bass, has become more comfortable in larger atmospheres, which Francis noted may mean a change of music choice coming soon. Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar travel to AGDF from their home base in Europe, where they train with British Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester during the year. Bateson-Chandler said she felt both the ups and downs of the sport during their time in the United States this season.
Holzer and Francis both chimed in as soon as Bateson-Chandler finished, agreeing that this season at AGDF has been a unifying circuit for dressage riders from around the world, nodding in unison as Bateson-Chandler continued.
“We have amazing relationships, and I think that speaks volumes to the direction of this sport,” expressed Bateson-Chandler.
In an ode to the final class of the 2016 season, each rider commented on their appreciation and gratitude for the home dressage has found at AGDF and its ability to give riders and horses the experience they need to succeed at the top levels of the sport.
“This facility allows us to clock miles on incredible footing, without shipping our horses each week. It takes a lot of the stress out of competing and allows us to put the miles we need to put on them in a safe environment and ultimately be competitive in the world. I think it’s a great facility, and we’re very lucky,” finished Holzer.
