Falsterbo, Sweden (July 9, 2015)— Grand Prix dressage rider Devon Kane is proudly ready to represent Team USA at the Nations Cup CDIO5* in Falsterbo, Sweden, July 10-12. She and her twelve-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Destiny (Diamond Hit-Midt-West Regina, Rubenstein) have spent the past month training at the Flyenhof stables in Etteln, Germany, with Olympic Gold Medalist Hubertus Schmidt. Kane and “Desi” have been working hard in Germany’s unseasonably warm weather, and are poised for success as they prepare to compete in Sweden.
“I’m happy to be visiting this beautiful and prestigious show and town,” Kane said about traveling to Falsterbo for the Nations Cup. “Everyone has wonderful things to say about the area, and I am looking forward to the cooler weather.”
Kane admitted that the heat has been a challenge during the last week of training going into Falsterbo, and she and Schmidt have had to alter their schedule to allow for more breaks for Destiny. Despite the reduced training, Kane said her gelding has been consistently improving in his collected gaits.
“I have been able to continue progressing and practicing the test movements enough that I feel very comfortable going into the show,” she said. “We have been focusing on making his collected gaits larger and more expressive. I am asking more of Desi and he is working harder; I am very proud of him.”
Kane traveled without Schmidt to Falsterbo, as he will be competing in Hagen, Germany, at the same time. The coach helped her plan the warm-ups, schooling exercises, and training schedule for her Swedish show. Kane said she could not do it without her talented team from her home base of Wellington, Florida’s Diamante Farms. Her working student McKenzie Jenkins traveled with her to Falsterbo, while groom Roberto Gallardo remained at the German training facility to care for the other four horses Kane has there. Some of the berieters (or trainers) at Schmidt’s will ride the horses for her in her absence. Her mother, Terri Kane, also traveled with her to Sweden. “She will be at the show cheering and supervising as always,” her daughter smiled.
Confident in her training and in the bond that she and Destiny share, Kane is excited to go down centerline representing her country. She and Destiny will look and feel the part of champions, too— Kane plans to use her favorite equestrian clothing and equipment to be even more prepared for the competition.
“I’m excited to debut my new Animo tails for this show! I will also be wearing a new model Uvex helmet. Desi will be wearing his Back on Track everything— as always, Desi only wears the best. Destiny will also pack his Choice of Champions supplements to help keep him relaxed and healthy.”
For Kane, one of the best parts about representing the U.S. at the Nations Cup in Sweden will be enjoying the experience with her teammates. “I am really looking forward to reuniting with some USA friends this weekend and seeing some familiar friendly faces,” she said.
International competition won’t stop after the Nations Cup for Kane— she was recently selected to compete in Verden, Germany, at the prestigious International Dressage and Jumping Festival on August 5-8. She will then compete in Darmstadt-Kranichstein, Germany, at the Kranichsteiner Sommerfestival on August 20-22.
“I got confirmation from the Verden show office this week that I will be in their CDI,” she said. “I am very excited to represent the USA at this fabulous show. I am most excited to go with Hubertus Schmidt and be able to experience the show with him! There is so much to learn!”
Kane is the owner and head trainer at Diamante Farms in Wellington, Florida, where she will return to with all that she learned in Europe at the end of the summer. To find out more about Devon Kane and Destiny, and about Kane’s successful dressage training, showing, and boarding business Diamante Farms, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831.
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Photo: Grand Prix dressage rider Devon Kane will compete in the Nations Cup CDIO5* in Falsterbo, Sweden, and then in the International Dressage and Jumping Festival in Verden, Germany (Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini)
