Weltino’s Magic and Steffen Peters (Diana De Rosa photo)

Weltino’s Magic the 2002 Westphalian Gelding (Weltino x Diva), owned by Dr. Jen Hlavacek and Steffen Peters were undefeated in 2011, winning at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. They continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the Pan American Games.

Photo – Steffen Peters and Weltino’s Magic enjoy one of three victory rounds at Aachen CHIO 2011 (PhelpsPhotos.com)

They set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. ‘Magic’s’ character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender. Started by Peters’ wife, Shannon, together they were the reserve champions in the Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division. Peters took the reins in 2009.

Voting Is Now Open!Two of these six exceptional horses will be honored as the overall 2011 USEF Horse of the Year, a mark of distinction that will last a lifetime. Now, it is up to you to decide who will receive the top tribute in 2011. Simply visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/hoty/Default.aspx and type in your email address to access the voting portal. Voting will end at Midnight [ET] on Monday, January 2, 2012. For more information regarding the Equestrian of the Year program or any of the six Horses of Honor, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF Awards Manager, at 859.225.6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.