Diane Creech and Leatherdale Farms’ Robbie W Sweep Gold Coast Opener CDI Small Tour

© Annan Hepner: Diane Creech and Robbie WDiane Creech and Robbie W

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 22, 2017 – The Gold Coast Dressage Association kicked off the second weekend of the season in Wellington, Florida, with their Gold Coast Opener CDI2*, CDI1* and national show. Canadian Diane Creech swept the competitive CDI small tour division on Friday and Saturday aboard Leatherdale Farms’ Robbie W. They earned a 71 percent in the Prix St. Georges and a 70.211 percent in the Intermediate 1.

“I was extremely pleased with our tests this weekend,” Creech said. “Robbie knows his job and what to do so he doesn’t get phased — I love that about him. He loves showing and he has a great attitude to present himself well.

“Naturally, you never know how the first show of the season is going to go, but I was very happy that he got right into the groove and didn’t miss a step,” she continued.

For Creech and Robbie W, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Rubin Royal, forming a relationship has been their key to success throughout the seven years they have been riding together. In 2015, the pair was selected as reserves for the Canadian dressage team for the Pan American Games in Toronto after making a strong bid for the team by earning consistently high scores throughout the qualifying process. 

© Annan Hepner: Diane Creech and Robbie WDiane Creech and Robbie W

“We have been together for a while and know each other really well,” Creech explained. “Robbie is very connected to his people. He is absolutely the perfect show horse with wonderful gaits and a perfect temperament.”

In both of their tests in Wellington, they earned high scores on their canter pirouettes, tempi changes and half passes.

“I think what the judges love most about him is how fluid and consistent he is with no tension,” she said. “It is such a pleasant picture, and he is so fun to ride.”

Though Robbie W’s next CDI will not be until late February, Creech will keep busy going down centerline with other horses owned by Leatherdale Farms including the 6-year-old Dublin L and the Grand Prix horses Devon L, Chrevi’s Christo and Diana C.

© Annan Hepner: Diane Creech and Robbie WDiane Creech and Robbie W

“I am grateful to have Louise [Leatherdale’s] continuous support,” Creech concluded. “She really enjoys watching the horses improve and move up to their potential. I really appreciate her very horsemanship focused philosophy and seeing their progression the entire way through.”

Adrienne Lyle rode Betsy Juliano’s 9-year-old Oldenburg mare Horizon (Hotline-Revue, Don Schufro) to second place finishes in both classes after earning a 69.921 percent in the Prix St. Georges and a 68.658 percent in the Intermediate 1. Last summer, the duo clinched the win in the Developing Prix St. Georges at the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships in Wayne, Illinois.

© Emma Miller : Adrienne Lyle and HorizonAdrienne Lyle and Horizon

Rounding out the top three in both tests was Jessica Jo Tate aboard Joseph Tate’s 10-year-old Hanoverian mare Summersby (Sir Donnerhall-SP Hauptstutbuch Roxane, Rosentau) with a 67.316 percent in the Prix St. Georges and a 68.237 percent in the Intermediate 1.

CDI Prix St. Georges
Rider/Country/Horse/Score
1. Diane Creech/CAN/Robbie W/71.000
2. Adrienne Lyle/USA/Horizon/69.921
3. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Summersby/67.316
4. Bianca Berktold/USA/Hemingway/67.316
5. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Montana/66.658
6. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Kynynmont Gunsmoke’s Gideon/66.000

CDI Intermediate 1
Rider/Country/Horse/Score
1. Diane Creech/CAN/Robbie W/70.211
2. Adrienne Lyle/USA/Horizon/68.658
3. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Summersby/68.237
4. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Montana/66.921
5. Jessica Jo Tate/USA/Kynynmont Gunsmoke’s Gideon/66.289
6. Bianca Berktold/USA/Hemingway/64.158

© Annan Hepner: Diane Creech and Robbie W
Diane Creech and Robbie W

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