2005 Dressage at Devon

George Williams and Rocher, Devon's Favorites

George Williams and Rocher have stolen the hearts of the Devon crowds and judges once again. In 2003, the duo were the absolute favorites in the Grand Prix tour and this year their situation has only improved because they have shown remarkable perseverance and dedication by returning to the scene so strong after a long, one year break due to an injury of the horse.

Riding a lovely Grand Prix in the Dixon Oval under the floodlights Williams and Rocher scored 71.417% and were the undisputed winners of the class. They captivated the crowds with gorgeous trot extensions and a rhythmical piaffe-passage tour. Rocher is a Westfalian bred mare by Rolls Royce out of Fraenzi and she is owned by Chuck and Joan Smith of Gypsywood Farms.

Finishing second in the Grand Prix for Freestyle was the Canadian rider Cindy Ishoy aboard her black Baden Wurttemberger bred Proton (by Patriarch). Coached by husband Neil Ishoy and assisted by Canada's new team trainer Norbert van Laak, Cindy Ishoy and Proton excelled in the piaffe-passage work which was energetic and engaged throughout the test though the horse sometimes does get tense in the topline. The pair scored 68.333%

Ranking third was Dr. Cesar Parra and his Selle Francais licensed stallion Galant du Serein (by Apache d'Adriers). Just back from a three month training and showing tour in Europe, Parra was able to display the improvement he made aboard his massive bay stallion. Galant is fresher on the leg and swings more through the body, though the horse sometimes lacks electricity in the piaffe and passage. With 66.458% Parra landed a third place in a field of 15 competitors.

By Astrid Appels

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