Wellington, FL (February 20, 2014)– Chris Hickey is known for his exceptional performances in the arena, and recently was awarded the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award for his exceptional turnout and well fitted, beautiful tack at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 5 CDI. Hickey and Cecilia Stewart's Ronaldo were dressed and braided to the nines, and in an odd coincidence, were immediately preceded in the ring by Ronaldo's dam, Trosttruplunds Secret.
It was the first time that the mare, who until now had remained overseas, and her colt, sired by Blue Hors Romanov and foaled in Denmark in 2006, had seen one another since Ronaldo's importation as a four year-old to the U.S.
Who knows what Ronaldo was thinking, but both gentlemen kept their composure to deliver a superb (70.746%) second-place FEI Prix St Georges test later that Friday in Ronaldo's first-ever CDI and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center arena appearance. In Saturday's FEI Intermediare I, Ronaldo again put his focus on his rider and again pinned, with a solid 67.079%.
“For his first time in this stadium, and his first CDI, a second place with a score in the 70s is good,” Hickey told Robin Moore, of World Equestrian Brands, LLC, who was on hand to personally congratulate the horse and rider.
The WEB Tack Matters Award recognizes riders whose well fitting, beautiful and functional tack serves to inspire others to be their best and includes a prize Vespucci bridle or EA Mattes saddle pad.
“Tack matters quite a bit,” Hickey said, “because my horses' backs have to be comfortable.” Judging from his good scores, despite extraordinary circumstances, Ronaldo is comfortable in Hickey's hands.
“We love being at Wellington and learning more about these horse and rider teams, Moore said. “As well as to recognize well turned out horses with well fitting, beautiful and functional tack.”
World Equestrian Brands is committed to providing world class, high performance equestrian products with hassle-free, personalized service backed by an experienced team of riders.
Photo: Christopher Hickey is presented with the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award by Robin Moore.
