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Pop Art and Ashley Holzer Score a Double Victory at CDI-W Gold Coast Opener

January 28, 2009

Ottawa, ON --- Toronto native and three-time Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer, who currently resides in New York, NY, won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the CDI-W Gold Coast Opener, held January 23–25, in Loxahatchee, FL, USA.

Riding Pop Art (Amsterdam x Cabochon), a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Rusty Holzer and 2008 Dressage Canada Owner of the Year recipients, Ian and Moreen Nicoll, Holzer scored 70.298% in the Grand Prix test. The duo then performed a spectacular Grand Prix Freestyle to earn 76.250% for the double victory. Holzer’s Freestyle score was 5.75% higher than her nearest competitor, Mikala Gundersen riding Leonberg, who earned a score of 70.500% for second.

“I wasn't feeling very well but nonetheless Poppy really helped me out and did one of the best freestyles he has ever done,” remarked Holzer, who is currently the highest ranked Canadian rider in the FEI Dressage Riders’ World Ranking List in ninth position. “It was clean and expressive. His piaffe and passage were fabulous and without tension. His lack of tension enabled me to have a much better walk tour as well.”

The Grand Prix Freestyle test also saw Tina Irwin of Lakefield, ON, and her long-time partner Amicelli (Amigo x Calypso III), a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Ute Busse, finish with a score of 65.400%.

The next CDI dressage competition for Holzer and Irwin is CDI 5* Exquis World Dressage Masters, held January 28–31, 2009 in Wellington, FL, where they will go head to head against many of the world’s top dressage riders including the reigning Olympic and World Champion, Anky van Grunsven of Holland.

The international judging panel included Canada’s Cara Whitham (FEI O) and was also comprised of Stephen Clarke (FEI O¬¬¬—GBR), Linda Zang (FEI O—USA), Angelika Froemming (FEI I—GER), Bo Jena (FEI I—SWE) and Anne Gribbons (FEI O—USA).

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.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca

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