Source:  News Release/Julie Cull

Ashley Holzer and Breaking Dawn Fifth in Grand Prix at World Dressage Masters

Ottawa, Ontario—Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer finished in fifth place in the Grand Prix at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, presented by International Polo Club, held Jim Brandon Equestrian Center January 26–29, in Wellington, FL, USA.

Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer finished in fifth place in the Grand Prix riding Breaking Dawn at the at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, presented by International Polo Club, held Jim Brandon Equestrian Center January 26–29, in Wellington, FL, USA.
Photo Credit—Susan Stickle

A Toronto native, Holzer rode Breaking Dawn, the flashy bay 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Akribori and co-owned by Holzer and P.J. Rizvi. Scoring 71.404%, Holzer was tied for fifth with Anja Plönzke of Germany riding Le Mont d’Or, but Holzer and Breaking Dawn’s higher collective scores were used to break the tie and secured the pair the fifth place finish.

Breaking Dawn moved up to Grand Prix in the fall of 2011, and Holzer is thrilled with the horse’s aptitude for the sport.  “I am just over the moon about Breaking Dawn's test,” raved Holzer. “He went in there and almost seemed to relax when he saw the crowd was cheering for him. It was an even better test than last week. I'm excited about tomorrow night. It should be very exciting.”

American Steffen Peters and Ravel won the Grand Prix with a score of 81.468%. Second place, with 78.468%, went to Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain riding Valegro, and third was awarded to Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven of Sweden riding Favourit with a score of73.149%.

The judging panel for Friday’s Grand Prix test included Wim Ernes (FEI 5* ­NED), Stephen Clarke (FEI 5* GBR), Gary Rockwell (FEI 5* USA), Isabelle Judek (FEI 5* FRA) and Lisolette Fore (FEI 4* USA).

The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach continues with the Grand Prix Special and an evening performance for the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday.

About Dressage Canada

Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada's objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials’ education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada, please visit the Dressage section of the Equine Canada site or connect with us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/dressagecanada or Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/lp8cnd.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism.  A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry.  Equine Canada is recognised by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organisation representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca. 

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