​

​

CDI 1* FEI Intermediate Freestyle

1. Laine Ashker / Zeppelin/ Ann Wilson/ 70.825

2. Brandi Benedict/ Hadiya NSN/ Brandi Benedict / 68.710

3. Therese Evans/ Diego M / Angela Hambrick / 65.970

Laine Ashker topped the CDI 1* FEI Intermediate Freestyle class on Ann Wilson’s Zeppelin on Sunday to the music of Led Zeppelin. Her parents had a big hand in helping select the music, and she worked with Terry Gallo to create the freestyle earlier this year. Laine shared that this was only the second time she rode the Freestyle, and as she and her horse are still new to this level, she

was very happy with the results.

​

CDIYH FEI Dressage Test for 7-Year-Olds

Place / Rider / Horse / Owner / Total Score

1. Hope Beerling/ Vianne/ NorCordia USA/ 77.771

 

CDIJ Junior Freestyle

Place / Rider / Horse / Owner / Total Score

1. Gabriella Escobar / Gazpacho Du Caet/ Kylie Dickinson/ 69.800

 

CDIYH FEI Dressage Test for 5-Year-Olds

Place / Rider / Horse / Owner / Total Score

1. Adriane Alvord / Lantana WHE/ Deborah Anderson/ 71.400

 

CDIAm FEI Intermediate I Freestyle for Amateur

Place / Rider / Horse / Owner / Total Score

1. Gardy Bloemers / Mio FS/ Gardy Bloemers/ 69.567

2. Leslie Lytton/ Dynamic MF/ Leslie Lytton / 64.667

Gardy rode her own Mio FS to a personal best Freestyle score. “He was electric today, which made the ride exciting. I am learning to ride him when he is up, and I am over the moon with our results today. It has been a wonderful show experience for me and both of my horses. I want to extend a huge thanks to everyone involved.”

 

THANK YOU:

As MADFest and Lexington 3* CDI comes to a conclusion, there is a lot to be thankful for! Throughout the past few days, MADFest has been lucky to have the help of volunteers to ensure a great show for all exhibitors and spectators. The MADFest and Lexington 3* CDI would like to extend thanks to all the volunteers who made the show possible. 

 

Presenting Sponsor of  2023 MADFest and Lexington 3* CDI Täkt Saddlery creates bespoke hand-crafted saddles for dressage, eventing, show jumping, and the hunt field. The founders of Täkt (pronounced t-ah-kt) recognized the need for a customer-focused approach to the saddle-buying experience. From the beginning, their corporate mission was simple; support their customers before, during, and after each sale, deliver the highest quality products and services, and appreciate their client's investment in their products. They know their customers are passionate about riding, and Täkt shares that passion. For more information about Täkt, visit them online.

 

SPONSOR QUOTES:

We are so grateful to all of our sponsors, many of whom also rode at MADFest.

 

Christian Garweg, a competitor and sponsor, rode Karen Meyer’s Excalibur RS in his fourth Grand Prix and first CDI. He decided to enter the show this year and “jump in with both feet.” Cristian commented, "Despite some communication issues between horse and rider, together they managed to overcome these and show his horse’s ability.” He felt everybody enjoyed MADFest - be they riders, volunteers, officials, or spectators - because it is such a welcoming environment for all.

 

Renee and David O’Leary, sponsors of the national show, “are proud to be amongst the corporate, farm, and individual sponsors for MadFest 2023. The organizers made being a sponsor easy by offering ideas on how to participate and meticulously seeing to the details of logos and signage. The superb organization of the show, the prestige of a CDI3*, the helpful volunteers, and the ongoing improvements to the Virginia Horse Center made the show a

great experience for us.”

​

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gardy Bloemers at gardy@gardybloemers.com with a copy to Patricia Worth at patricia.worth@bayfoxdesigns.com. For vending opportunities, please contact Michelle King at amking91@verizon.net or visit our website: www.midatlanticdressagefestival.com.

 

All photo credits: Susan Stickle Photography