Michael Klimke Wins First Horse of Course High Score Award of the 2017 Winter Season

Beth Haist (right) presents Michael Klimke (left) with The Horse of Course High Score Award for his winning ride on Diabolo 543.

Wellington, FL - It came as no surprise to dressage enthusiasts that German-born Michael Klimke kicked off the 2017 AGDF by winning the Horse of Course High Score Award for having the highest score of the entire competition week – a 77.273 percent. Klimke received this score for his stellar Third Level performance aboard Diabolo 543, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Suzan Pape.

Klimke was honored to earn The Horse of Course High Score Award to commemorate his achievement, which – in addition to bragging rights – includes an embroidered Horse of Course cooler and a ribbon. “We’re always thrilled to play our part at the Global Dressage Festival,” said Beth Haist, CEO of The Horse of Course. “It’s an honor to participate in such a celebrated series by connecting fellow dressage riders with quality products and presenting winning riders, like Michael Klimke, with The Horse of Course High Score Award.”

As a returning sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, Marty and Beth Haist – the husband-and-wife owners of The Horse of Course – bring not only The Horse of Course High Score Award to each CDI week of the series, but also offer in-demand equestrian clothing and tack, bitting expertise, and saddle fitting services.

Klimke hails from deep dressage roots, as the internationally celebrated dressage rider’s equestrian ambitions are a family legacy. His father, the late Dr. Reiner Klimke, is Germany’s most decorated Olympic equestrian to date, while his sister, Ingrid Klimke, boasts an accomplished career in both dressage and eventing. Michael Klimke himself has a history of success in the dressage world, proved yet again by his claiming the winter season’s first High Score Award.

In addition to competing on Diabolo 543, Klimke is also riding several other horses down centerline and into the limelight this season. Additional mounts include Lemony’s Nicket, Djamba Djokiba, Royal Dancer 33, and Scuderia. Commenting on how he finds the time, resources, and work ethic to campaign his various mounts, Klimke said simply, “I enjoy riding and that’s why I’m here.” It’s also why Klimke will stay in the United States for the next 10 weeks as the world’s premier winter dressage circuit unfolds before he returns to Germany.

For riders like Klimke who make the show grounds in Wellington their winter home, The Horse of Course full-service mobile tack shop definitely comes in handy. The Horse of Course mobile tack shop is located outside of the international warm-up ring at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Inside the mobile shop, riders and spectators will find top brands such as Micklem, Dobert, Lotus Romeo, Ronner, EGO7, Eurostar, Passier, Neue Schule, Konig, Grand Prix, Pikeur, and more.

For more information on The Horse of Course’s selection of quality tack, apparel, and other merchandise, visit the company’s official Facebook, Instagram @thehorseofcourseok, and www.thehorseofcourse.com or call 888-494-6773.