Press release – Hidalgo SX, ridden by the number-one ranked rider in the world, Daniel Deusser (GER), claimed the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award during the seventh week of competition at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
Equis Boutique, a luxury tack and apparel shopping experience, is sponsoring the Best Presented Horse Award at each International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection held throughout the 12-week WEF, as well as at other FEI-sanctioned events throughout the United States.
The FEI Horse Inspection for WEF 7, sanctioned as a CSI5* by the FEI, was held Tuesday, February 21, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The FEI Ground Jury, led by President John Taylor (CAN), evaluated the appearance and condition of the 129 horses presented and selected Hidalgo SX, a ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Quadrillo x Andimo), as the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse.
“This is a fun prize to win,” said Deusser, 35, who rides for Stephex Stables based in Belgium. “The award is a really nice idea and something that makes the jog a little more interesting. It also encourages the riders to trot their horses themselves and have a little bit of fun.”
Deusser, the 2014 FEI World Cup champion and 2016 Rio Olympic team bronze medalist, credited groom Jessica Bruno for preparing Hidalgo SX for week seven of competition, which marks Deusser’s first week of showing at this year’s 12-week WEF.
“She spent a long time working for me at home and if I take a groom to a show, it means they do a good job and I trust them with the horses,” said Deusser of Bruno, who shares grooming responsibilities with fellow Stephex Stables groom, Sean Lynch. “I have two very good show grooms, and I am very happy to be in a situation like that.”
In recognition of winning the Equis Best Presented Horse Award, Bruno received a commemorative vest while Deusser was presented with a $100 gift certificate to Equis Boutique.
“This is quite amazing; I was very flattered when I found out that we won,” said Bruno, who has been working for Deusser for just over a year. “I am happy to see that the grooms that are behind making these horses look good are being honored.”
Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress both the horse and rider. Featured brands available at Equis Boutique include Dy’on, euro-star®, Flex-On, KASK, Kentucky Horsewear, Kingsland Equestrian, Manfredi Equestrian, Parlanti, and Theria Bits.
Source: Press release