Juan Matute, Jr. and Dhannie Ymas

Juan Matute, Jr., a familiar face around Wellington this circuit, has continued to improve this season and had great rides with both horses competing in the 2015 Florida International Dressage Youth Championships this week. He mentioned, “I think this show was a big success, and it’s a great experience. I was very pleased with all of my tests and it gives me a better idea of areas to keep working in and improving on. All across the board (it was) very positive.” Antonia Arl (BEL) and Equestricons Ziggy placed first in the FEI Junior Freestyle receiving a 74.325%. Alexandra Meghji (CAN) and Iliado II followed in second with a 70.075% and Ashleigh Conroy-Zugel (USA) and Ungaro in third earning a 66.650%.

This was the first CDI competition for Amanda Mcauliffe and the duo gained much needed experience in the international arena for them to continue exceling in the Pony divisions. “This was my first winter in Florida and my first CDI, and I’m really happy to be riding him and to have been able to compete here. It was really fun, and we have learned so much.”

Amanda McAuliffe in her winning presentation with Kim Boyer and Sarah Davis.

Final Results Florida International Dressage Youth Championships presented by Dressage4Kids, Hampton Green Farm, Pana CavalloPlace, Name, Country, Horse, Horse Information, Team Test Score, Individual Test Score, Overall Total (50% of each score together):

Junior:1. Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), Dhannie Ymas, 2007 Hanoverian gelding owned by Cristina Danguillecourt, Don Crusador x Welina: 71.297%, 71.632%, 71.465%

2. Antonia Arl (BEL), Equestricons Ziggy, 2004 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Jochen Arl, Riverman x Jiovette x Flemmingh: 67.649%, 72.711%, 70.180%

3. Felicitas Hendricks (GER), Faible AS, 2004 Westphalian gelding owned by rider, Fürst Piccolo x Deja Vue x D’accord: 70.865%, 67.816%, 69.340%

4. Asia Ondaatje Rupert (USA), Twelfth Night, 2003 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by rider, Gribaldi x Muppet x Focus: 67.135%, 69.737%, 68.436%

5. Camille Carier Bergeron (CAN), Lowelas, 2000 Trakhener gelding owned by Gilles Bergeron: 65.459%, 67.711%, 66.585%

6. Alexandra Meghji (CAN), Iliado II, 2005 P.R.E. gelding owned by Diana Belevsky, Idilio II x Ibiza: 65.703%, 67.237%, 66.470%

7. Ashleigh Conroy-Zugel (USA), Ungaro, 1997 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Sonia Zugel, Weltmeyer II x M. Lady One x Wederkreis: 63.405%, 65.579%, 64.492%

8. Sophia Schults (USA), Zealand, 2004 Lusitano gelding owned by rider, Nito Itapua x Romena Imagem x Havano: 61.351%, 63.053%, 62.202%

Pony:1. Amanda Mcauliffe (USA), Da Kiekste, 2007 German Riding Pony owned by Sara Schmitt, Do It Again x Maisha x Constantin: 63.590%, 65.683%, 64.637%

2. Asia Ondaatje Rupert (USA), Otinio, 1998 New Forest Pony owned by rider: 63.590%, 65.293%, 64.442%