World-Class Performances from International Athletes: Saturday at Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon

Grand Prix Brilliance, Creative Flair, and Community Spirit Illuminate Saturday Night at Dressage at Devon

CDI‑W FEI Grand Prix Freestyle | Sponsored by Kingsview Partners

Awards presented by Back on Track

The CDI‑W Grand Prix Freestyle sponsored by Kingsview Partners delivered one of the most spirited atmospheres of the week, with a strong, competitive field and a crowd that showed up in numbers despite the steady rain. It became, in every sense, a night of dancing in the rain—a fun, high‑energy class where music, movement, and audience enthusiasm blended together under the lights of the Dixon Oval. Thirteen riders embraced the conditions with creativity and confidence, turning the stormy backdrop into part of the performance as they contested this marquee freestyle qualifier.

Kevin Kohmann (USA) and Sonata MF, a US-bred Hanoverian mare by Sir Donnerhall I out of a Don Principe mare, claimed the Freestyle victory with a score of 77.105%, performing an American‑themed freestyle that felt perfectly suited to the U.S.‑bred mare. Sonata MF, an elastic and expressive 11‑year‑old Hanoverian, showed impressive confidence for a young Grand Prix horse, matching the rhythm of the music with lift, reach, and fluidity. Kohmann’s choreography showcased her athleticism and balance, resulting in a polished, patriotic performance that resonated strongly with both judges and spectators.

Brittany Fraser‑Beaulieu (CAN) and Jaccardo, a twelve-year-old KWPN gelding by Desperado out of a Jazz mare, earned second place with 76.515%, riding to a vibrant mix of pop music—including a playful nod to Britney Spears—that energized the crowd. Fraser‑Beaulieu, one of Canada’s most experienced international competitors, guided the expressive KWPN gelding through seamless transitions, highlighted by striking transitions between difficult movements.

Camille Carier Bergeron (CAN) and Finnländerin (Fidertanz x Donnerhall) finished third with 76.505%, delivering a freestyle defined by rhythmic precision and high difficulty. Finnländerin’s springy passage bounced perfectly in time with the music, creating a performance that made the crowd want to clap along.

Community & Evening Festivities

The rainy grounds embraced this year’s “Year of the Fire Horse” theme for the annual Boxholder Decorating Contest, sponsored by K. Clarke Equine. Boxholder creativity was on display with bold red-and-gold interpretations of the Fire Horse spirit.

Judges named Susan and Lance Smith the winners of the contest, while Lara and William Mitchelson received second-place honors.

Meanwhile, the Devon Club welcomed guests for two Boxholder Party sessions presented by Quarry View Building Group. Boxholders gathered enjoying refreshments, camaraderie, and signature hospitality.

 

A Day of Thrilling International Competition

CDI-3* FEI Grand Prix Special | Sponsored by Iron Spring Farm

Awards presented by Back on Track

The Grand Prix Special delivered classic dressage at its finest—precision, power, and harmony showcased by an international field. Six riders demonstrated exceptional stamina and accuracy in one of the sport’s most demanding tests.

Erin Nichols and Elian Royale captured the Grand Prix Special CDI3* victory with a composed, technically confident performance that highlighted the gelding’s expressive Dutch breeding. Scoring 69.447%, Elian Royale demonstrated a striking balance of power and elasticity throughout the test. Their consistency across the judging panel and polished execution secured a decisive win for the pair.

Closing the class as the final rider, Christopher Hickey and Stenagers Wyatt Earp earned second with a score of 67.447% after delivering an expressive, forward ride that showcased the gelding’s scope and presence. Stenagers Wyatt Earp produced a powerful extended trot that set a strong tone to help secure a solid runner‑up finish.

Bortuzzo Dominates CDI Small- and Medium-Tour Competition

CDI-1* FEI Intermediaire I | Sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products

Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Silva Martin were decidedly dominant in Saturday’s CDI-1* FEI Intermediaire I, sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products. The two U.S. riders and their multiple mounts claimed all of the top five placings in the second portion of the CDI-1* small tour competition.

Next Pleasure, owned by Bortuzzo and Mark Paul, took the class win with a personal best score of 70.088%, an improvement of nearly four percent over their score in yesterday’s CDI-1* FEI Prix St. Georges. They climbed to the top of leaderboard ahead of the ten other entries, dazzling the panel of international judges, who rewarded them with consistently high marks throughout the test.

The winner of yesterday’s CDI-1* Prix St. Georges, Silva Martin and Farouche, were today’s class’s runners up by a very narrow margin, less than half a percentage point behind with a 69.647%. Martin also claimed third place with her other ride, Cherye Callegan-Huber’s Irintha, who received a nearly identical score of 69.618%.

Bortuzzo’s other two entries, Mister Pleasure and Vital Hit Caledonia OLD (both of whom are owned by Bortuzzo and Mark Paul), earned fourth and fifth place, respectively, with scores just barely behind the others.

CDI-2* FEI Intermediate A

Awards presented by Back on Track

The CDI-2* Medium Tour competition commenced with Saturday’s FEI Intermediate A.

The top two entries finished with just a fraction of a point separating them, but ultimately, it was Elizabeth Bortuzzo aboard Lady Symphony, whom she owns with Mark Paul, who took the win with a score of 63.206%.

Lauren Chumley and her own Leeloo Dallas earned a 63.118%, just narrowly missing the win and securing runner-up honors. Rounding out the top three was Giulia Cohen riding her KWPN gelding Illyon S.

Dressage’s Next Generation Shines on International Stage

CDI-Y FEI Young Rider Individual Test | Sponsored by The Grier School

Awards presented by Back on Track

International competition for young riders progressed on Saturday morning with the CDI-Y FEI Young Rider Individual Test, sponsored by The Grier School. Sophia Forsyth and her own Dimagico earned a personal best score of 67.451% on their way to the class win, which they added to their first-place finish in yesterday’s Young Rider Team Test.

Marley McCourt and her horse Hide D4K remained consistent in their performance as they took second place in the Individual Test with a 62.843%. In third were Keelin Craig and Molly Abrams-Ryan’s Capstone’s Oh Henry, who finished on a personal best score of 60.931%.

CDI-U25 FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25

Awards presented by Back on Track

The highest-level young rider-specific class of the day was the CDI-U25 FEI Young Rider Grand Prix (16-25).

Allison Nemeth and her own Leviathan delivered an outstanding performance to receive a personal best score of 70.257%, securing the class win. Nemeth, who was also a participating rider in the Capital Square Masterclass with Carl Hester earlier in the week aboard a different mount, is a standout competitor and a promising presence for the future of U.S. dressage sport.

Second place honors went to the formidable pairing of Grace Culley and Doug Payne’s KWPN mare Starr Witness, who also show great promise to represent the United States in future competition.

Strong Showing for Non-Professionals in CDI Amateur Classes

CDI-Am FEI Intermediate I for Amateur | Sponsored By King Construction

Awards presented by Back on Track

The second portion of the CDI-Am Small Tour competition comprised Saturday’s FEI Intermediate I for Amateurs, sponsored by King Construction. Denise Steele and Bon Chance 8, owned by Kenneth Steele, took a commanding lead to secure the class win with a score of 67.500%. Steele improved upon yesterday’s second-place finish in the CDI-Am Prix St. Georges with this win.

The runner-up was Kerry Karangelen aboard Kavalo LLC’s Johnny Cash, who earned a very respectable 63.333%. Laura Aber and her own Der Fiete received third-place honors with a personal best score of 60.784%.

CDI-Am FEI Grand Prix for Amateur | Sponsored by King Construction

Amateur riders rose to the occasion as they took the Grand Prix stage in Saturday’s CDI-Am FEI Grand Prix for Amateurs, sponsored by King Construction.

Taryn Hartnett and Equine Law Group’s Santiago emerged victorious, with their score of 61.522% good enough to win the class. The panel of three international judges unanimously ranked Hartnett and the 16-year-old Warmblood gelding at the top of the group as they scored their commanding performance.

An Encapsulation of the Dressage at Devon Spirit

Saturday’s blend of creativity, community celebration, and elite sport showcased everything that makes Dressage at Devon a beloved tradition. From decorated boxes and lively gatherings to world-class performances in the Dixon Oval, the day delivered unforgettable moments for riders, spectators, and supporters alike.

Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon continues Sunday with more FEI competition, educational programming, and the signature atmosphere that keeps fans returning year after year.