Wellington, FL (March 7, 2014)– It's only their second U.S. CDI appearance but World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award winners Lisa Wilcox and Denzello are getting Adequan Global Dressage Festival judges to sit up and take notice, and pin the dynamic pair solidly in the ribbons.
Amid the electric atmosphere of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Wilcox and Betty Wells' 17.2 hand bay Hanoverian (DeNiro x Romina) gelding rounded out their Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI W weekend in Wellington with a respectable third-place (70.20%) in the FEI Grand Prix Special behind Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven of Sweden, whose win in the class also set a 77.804% career all-time high.
“He was phenomenal,” said the 2002 WEG Team Silver and 2004 US Olympic Team Bronze medalist, of her latest equine partner. “We are making steps one day at a time. This is where judges can get to know me and see him. We have to do our time right now and we're exactly where we should be. The goal, of course, is the World Equestrian Games.”
To reach for those goals, the Tack Matters Award winner told World Equestrian Brands president, Robin Moore, the right tack is crucial. The former European fashion boutique model said fit is everything: “The saddle must fit if I'm to properly communicate with my horse. When your goal is the highest level of the sport, you need everything to work together.”
“Everything in contact with the horse's back affects the rider's line of communication,” Moore agreed while presenting Wilcox with her award and EA Mattes Saddle Pad. “Which is why World Equestrian Brands carries E.A. Mattes sheepskin pads. The anatomically correct, Spine Free™ design, and dense, resilient cushioning, eliminates discomfort and distractions, allowing the horse to focus on the rider.”
The WEB Tack Matters Awards at Wellington have been recognizing riders whose well fitting, beautiful and functional tack serves to inspire others to be their best and includes prizes from the WEB tack and equestrian supplies lines.
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: Lisa Wilcox is presented with the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award by Austen Stone.