The USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship sponsored by The Dutta Corp. and Performance Sales International proved to be a showcase of both the U.S. breeding programs and the success of the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Program. Three of the horses that contested these Championships, including winner Pikko del Cerro HU, are U.S. bred, while seven are graduates of the Young Horse program. Horses Unlimited’s Pikko del Cerro HU (Pik L- Rohweena by Rohdiamant) held the lead to claim the Developing Horse Championship with rider Lisa Wilcox (Loxahatchee, FL) after earning an overall score of 70.482%. American breeder Anne Sparks of Horses Unlimited could not be there as she was hosting an auction at her farm in New Mexico, which successfully sold forty young horses adding to the US developing program across the country, but was thrilled to get the news and is looking forward to the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Intermediare Championship, a selection trial for the Pan American Games.

Photo:  Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU, 2011. (PhelpsPhotos.com)

Wilcox is close friends with Florida neighbor Mikala Gundersen when Mikala won the 6-Year-Old’s Championships in 2009. Gunderson who is Danish also rides for Horses Unlimited knew the horse had an opportunity to compete for the US and suggested Wilcox take over the ride. “For the last year Lisa and Cerro have worked very hard to progress in the training and it seems to be paying off. “noted Sparks. “She has told me several times that it feels like she got her “Rodie” back. I love hearing her say that it’s such a compliment.  (Rohdiamont, Wilcox’s former Grand Prix mount).

Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU,.2011. (PhelpsPhotos.com)

“We selected the date of our auction at a time when we felt most buyers would have an opportunity to look and purchase from our breeding program. Unfortunately, that date overlapped with the Developing Horse Championships but I’m really looking forward to being at Gladstone in two weeks and seeing Lisa and Cerro compete the Intermediare Championship and selection trial for the Pan American Games.” said Sparks.