Alix Szepesi and William (Susan J. Stickle)
"William is a dream to ride in the ring. He gets really nice scores and he is fun to ride," said Szepesi of the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood.
William was originally a show jumper, but he did not particularly like taking Liverpool fences, so his owner decided to try dressage.
"William was not happy as a jumper, but now he really likes dressage," said Szepesi. "At first he was really nervous, but now he is completely relaxed. The GDF really helped because there were a bunch of shows, so it allowed us to show him consistently. It has been a really good experience for him. It was also nice because we were close, only five minutes away, so it was no stress for William."
Szepesi also liked the convenience of the GDF show schedule, "I have ridden in every show at the GDF. I alternated the shows with the four horses that I brought to Florida and it was nice because it was really convenient with a lot of options. You could show during the week or on the weekend, to fit your schedule or your horse's schedule."
Szepesi is a dressage trainer based in Massachusetts and focuses on "letting horses be horses". She has wintered in Florida for three seasons. "This is our last show because we are heading home," said Szepesi. "But we will be back next year!"
In the Para-Equestrian classes, Ashley Gowanlock of Canada and Maile were the high point winners. The pair earned 75.750% in the FEI Para Freestyle Test of Choice.
The GDF National Classic 2 continues on Wednesday, March 21 at 8:30 am. Classes range from Training level up to Grand Prix. There are also Para-Equestrian classes that include Test of Choice and Freestyle.
For more information please visit the Global Dressage Festival website at: www.globaldressagefestival.com under the link of dressage show information and ride times on the main homepage