Fumella Frostbite's Dressage - May 2005 Issue

World Cup. World Cup. World. World Cup… even Fumella was flabbergasted. What an event. What a party. Seems the dressage freestyles pulled in an even bigger crowd than the show jumping. Now that’s a first and a trend that makes all the dressage diva’s hearts patter.  But even the freestyles were no competition for the slots and all the behind the scenes fun that took place.  Fumella’s favorite highlights include: a certain sultry dressage trainer trying to floss John Zopatti’s teeth with her g-string in the elevator of the hotel!  And what’s up with two members of Success Dressage trio fighting like school kids?  These two have a lot going on in their personal lives (both going through the big D) and starting a new business, etc etc.  Anyways, back in Florida all is well and the entire Success Team is back on the road to success!

And speaking of success, how about Success Dressage Team member, Susie Dutta kicking butt at the recent Southern Pines Dressage show in North Carolina.  Susie and Gumshoes DC won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special, beating out the likes of business partner and coach, Lars Petersen and friend and neighbor Lisette Milner and Eminence.  Eminence had been on a roll with back-to-back Grand Prix wins at Heidelberg Cup in late March and Gold Coast Dressage at Wellington in April.  But at Southern Pines it was Dutta’s turn to shine.  Susie also won the Prix St. Georges with her Romeo DC and the 5-year-old class with Currency DC.  Way to go Susie.

But more about World Cup, seems Susie’s better half, Tim was flying high in Vegas and were not just talking horses. (Tim owns and operates Dutta Transport).  Seems Tim spent a lot of time entertaining clients and friends at the various Vegas watering holes. No one ever accused Tim of not knowing how to have a good time.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Isabell Werth didn’t have as good a time as she had planned.  She had hoped to make the World Cup Antony’s retirement ride, but the he didn’t pass the FEI jog and was knocked out of the competition.  Isabel took the disappointment in stride and still drew a huge following when she set up shop to sign autographs at the A’Dashi booth.  A’Dashi owner, Shirley Johnson, mimicked many other vendors when she told us the World Cup was the best show she had ever done. Now Shirley is on the road hitting the California shows with the A’Dashi trailer.  And while the store in Wellington is still open, word is Californians are trying to get Shirley to relocate the store to California.  Whoa don’t go!   Shirley did call to say that California is beautiful.  She had dinner with Axel Steiner and Terry Miller and said their home overlooking Lake San Marco is spectacular and “the view of the lake and the avocado groves is breathtaking.” Check out the real estate prices before you get too attached, Shirley!

And speaking of groves, Kathy Groves’ Quiet Oaks Farm is under contract and she’s got her sights set on new facility in the Orlando area.  Kathy just went through the big D and is feeling liberated and ready for new things. 

But along with breakups, there are an equally encouraging number of mergers to report.  Seems Tina Konyot revealed her new fiancée at the World Cup. Put wedding plans and details were not yet revealed.  Meanwhile, Tina and her fiancé were hobnobbing with the stars. They had Arnold Schwarzenneger and Maria Shriver in their box at World Cup. Apparently the celebrity couple are friends of Tina’s sponsor. Eventually, Arnie left but vowed, “I’ll be back”.  And maybe that will be in 2007 when the World Cup itself is rumored to be returning to Vegas????

And of course, star of the dressage world and the World Cup,  Anky van Grunsven and long time coach and beau, Sjef Janssen were married in Vegas, by none other than Elvis himself.

And just after the World Cup, Katherine Bateson (Robert Dover’s soon-to-be- replacement as he prepares to retire, again) and New Zealand polo player, Carl Chandler tied the knot.  What an exciting time in this charming young (30) dressage rider’s life.  Best wishes to all our newlyweds. And will Robert have a new merger of his own to announce soon. Fumella’s snoops hear the US Eventing Team is wooing Dover for their dressage coach. That would certainly be a coup for the team, but many of us predicted Robert might be the next Jessica (Chef in the dressage kitchen), guess only time will tell. 

And since were telling all, we have a few notable birthdays on the horizon.  Olympian, Bent Jensen is turning 50 on May 21st   and Two Swan’s Farm owner, Carol Cohen is hitting the big 5-0 on June 2nd.  Party plans are underway and Fumella will be on hand to get all the scoop.  These two have more than age in common, too.  Seems they’ve both been seen in Skalls, Denmark at John Bryialsen’s Viegaard Sport Horse Farm.  We suspect Bent is horse shopping after the loss of his dear stallion, Rockefeller, but sources say he may be riding a few of John’s horses this summer???

Meanwhile, Carol is in the process of investing in Comeback II, the very successful Grand Prix stallion. Carol tells us she will be shipping her mares to Denmark where her trainer, Linda Alicki will be riding the mares, along with Comeback II –who she will eventually be competing.  Carol also said she is planning embryo transfers for the mares. Meanwhile, John has a very special job for Carol’s 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca.  Rebecca will be in charge of naming the foals. So don’t be surprised when horses with names like Comeback Sponge Bob hit the FEI ring in 2012!

And what’s in a name?  Apparently plenty.  Shannon (formerly at the recently sold Lobster Point South)  and Lorne Dueck are having their official barn warming and farm naming bash this coming weekend.  Last weekend, they had the unofficial barn opening.  Any excuse for a party for these beloved scoundrels.  And in fact, they have plenty to celebrate.  Seems Shannon’s Challenge of America’s champion mount, Pegasus left Lobster Point via Palm Beach Equine, where he underwent emergency colic surgery. Pegasus is home at the Dueck’s unnamed farm and recuperating nicely.  

And speaking of barns, we hear Karin Reid Offield (Presenting Sponsor of the World Cup Dressage in Vegas- thank you ever  so much) will be moving  8 horses to Robert Dover’s barn next season. Meanwhile the pair is in cahoots producing a few TV/Video projects this week at Parallax Productions in West Palm Beach.  Watch your local TV guide for any details.  Meanwhile Parallax owner, Jim Austin, is playing the ponies, so to speak. As he just booked the studio for a late May shoot for the American Shetland Pony Club and Miniature Horse Registry TV commercial.  No small feat, but a few small hooves maybe!

Lot’s of horse mergers and acquisitions to report this month. Word is that Betsy Steiner is on the hunt for a high-powered Grand Prix horse for murder mystery novelist, Tami Hoag.  No doubt it will be a good one!.  Betsy has done a great job of helping Tami through the levels over the years.  And Carla Morrison’s newly imported stallion( number 4) is almost out of quarantine and no doubt he’s as lovely as the rest of her growing herd! And Hadley Tolliver (Wild Orchid Farm and Swift Creek Farm) has a new mount she acquired from Cetty Weiss.  Young Rider, turned Adult Amateur, (Canadian) Krystalanne Shingler sold her beloved Skor and is in negotiations to buy a very fancy  6-year old gelding. And word is Amanda Stearns and Dr. Kristy Lund are heading to Europe to get themselves a pair of  new horses. So we should see a lot of new horses on circuit next year.

And on a very sad note, Fumella reports the passing of Dick Marks, spouse of dressage judge, Barbara Marks.  Dick was a favorite among the dressage crowd and he will be sadly missed. Our sympathies to Barbara and her family at this difficult time.