Jupiter, FL (January 7, 2016)— “The heart of our sport is with our adult amateur riders,” says Dr. Cesar Parra, owner of Piaffe Performance Farms located in Jupiter, Florida and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. “Every day I learn something from my students that makes me a better rider.” The Pan American Games Gold Medalist is known for his expert ability as a coach for his students, as he brings out the best in his horses in the show ring. Piaffe Performance Farms is excited to support its dressage community by returning as a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and awarding the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award during the show series.

In addition to presenting the Adult Amateur Achievement Award throughout the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI series, Piaffe Performance will also be sponsoring the International Arena Rider Lounge and the Hospitality Tent by the National Arenas. The Piaffe Performance Rider Lounges will provide drinks and snacks for all riders to enjoy as they relax before or after their tests. Para-dressage rider and 2013 United States Dressage Federation Youth Volunteer or the Year, Kelby Barranco, will assist at the Piaffe Performance Rider Lounges with management and all tasks associated with providing a relaxing environment for competitors.

The Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award recognizes exceptional adult amateurs for their successes in the arena and their contributions to dressage through outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Each award-winning rider will receive a Piaffe Performance rosette commemorating their achievement, as well as an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of their ride and horse. “I have learned so much from my adult amateur riders about perseverance and commitment,” explains Parra, who has achieved successes himself at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in previous years. “Through this award, I hope Piaffe Performance can play a role in encouraging AA riders. They are the backbone of our sport.”

Adult amateur dressage rider Ellen Lazarus of New York, New York, was named as the final winner of the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award during last year’s 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Lazarus rode her 16.2-hand chestnut gelding, Rhett, in Fourth Level throughout the winter series. Lazarus said that she would like to thank Parra, whom she has known through dressage for more than 20 years. “It’s so nice for the amateurs to get awards like this,” Lazarus said as she was presented with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Award. “And to finally have the CDI adult amateur Prix St. George, which is my next goal,” she added in reference to a change at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival for adult amateur riders over age 25 competing at the Small or Medium Tour level. The change made it possible for these riders to be able to compete in a new CDI Amateur International division during every CDI week of the past and upcoming twelve weeks of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

Sponsors like Piaffe Performance and dedicated equestrians like those recognized will receive the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award help make the annual Adequan Global Dressage Festival possible.

Dr. Cesar Parra provides training for both riders and horses in Jupiter, Florida, and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Piaffe Performance is proud to continue as a sponsor and partner of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Piaffe Performance specializes in selecting, training, and showing, and also facilitates the sale of top dressage prospects for riders at every level. For more information on Piaffe Performance, visit www.piaffe-performance.com.

 

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Photo: Ellen Lazarus and Rhett (left) are awarded the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award, Presented by Dr. Cesar Parra of Piaffe Performance (right) (Photo courtesy of JRPR—no photo credit necessary).