Wellington, FL (February 8, 2016) – When Lee Burton of Saint Simmons, Georgia traded in her life as an avid golfer to get in back the saddle, she set out on a path toward success. Burton rode western as a child, then dabbled in a little eventing before finding her true passion for dressage. She has risen through the levels and now competes at Grand Prix level dressage.

Burton rides down centerline with Enebro XIV, her 12-year-old PRE gelding. Burton and Enebro recently traveled to the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival specifically for the much-anticipated USPRE week. Amidst the celebration of the Spanish PRE breed, Burton and Enebro successfully competed in the FEI Grand Prix national classes, where they earned the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award. The award recognizes exceptional adult amateurs for their successes in the arena and their contributions to dressage through outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. Dr. Cesar Parra, owner and head trainer at Piaffe Performance, presented Burton with a Piaffe Performance neck medal, a tri-color ribbon, and an engraved silver picture frame to hold a lasting memory of her award-winning ride. 

Burton was overjoyed to receive the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement award, and thanked Parra and her trainer Patricia Sanchez of Spain. Burton described her start in dressage and the difficulties she experienced. “It was quite an adventure learning. I evented for a couple years and thought, ‘I am going to die,’” laughed Burton. Shortly after switching into the dressage sector, Burton purchased her first PRE stallion in Spain and competed in every level all the way to Grand Prix. She won her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals all on her PRE stallion and has since had many successes on Enebro. 

Parra was happy to present Burton with the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award, and commended her on her many accomplishments in the sport of dressage. “I have learned so much from my adult amateur riders about perseverance and commitment,” explained Parra, who has achieved successes himself at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in previous years, and is a Pan American Games Gold Medalist. “Through this award, I hope Piaffe Performance can play a role in encouraging Adult Amateur riders. They are the backbone of our sport.”

In addition to the Adult Amateur Award, Parra and Piaffe Performance sponsor the International Arena Rider Lounge and the Hospitality Tent by the National Arenas at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. The Piaffe Performance Rider Lounges provide drinks and snacks for all levels of riders to enjoy as they relax before or after their tests.

Piaffe Performance is based out of Jupiter, Florida, and Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and is an Official Partner and Sponsor of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Piaffe Performance specializes in selecting, training, and showing, and facilitates the sales 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: Lee Burton (left) wins the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur Achievement Award at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, presented by Dr. Cesar Parra (center) and her trainer Patricia Sanchez (right) (Photo courtesy of JRPR – No photo credit necessary).