Wellington, FL (January 20, 2015)— Chase Hickok, based out of Diamante Farms, started the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival strong by winning both the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25 and the FEI Intermediare II 16-25 classes. The wins were made extra-special as Diamante Farms is the title sponsor of the U25 classes throughout the show series (January 8- March 29). In addition to two blue ribbons, Hickok’s impressive performances on KWPN gelding Sagacious HF earned her a prize of a Diamante Farms duffle bag.
“The generosity of sponsors, like Terri and Devon Kane of Diamante Farms, never ceases to amaze me,” says Hickok. “Our sport truly could not exist without them! The level of contribution, not only financial, but also of time and energy, is remarkable. I would like to say an enormous thank you to Diamante Farms, and the other amazing sponsors, who continue to contribute so much. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for all that they do!”
Hickok is also grateful to Al Guden, of Hyperion Farm, who has leased her team gold medal-winning Sagacious HF. “I’ve been riding Sagacious since April of 2014, and he still teaches me something new every day,” she says. “It’s such a privilege to ride such an experienced, well-trained horse. He truly knows his job, but still requires correctness from his rider. He is such a wise, generous horse, but he certainly has his quirks. I can’t say enough good things about him, or his owner— Al Guden— for allowing me the privilege of riding him!”
It’s clear that the Diamante Farms team— including head trainer Devon Kane and Hickok’s fiancé and trainer Kevin Kohmann— are heading into a strong season, and the entire team looks forward to continued success. “Chase is the exact example of the type of rider and person we are hoping to promote and encourage by sponsoring these classes,” says Devon Kane. “Chase has successfully come through the Young Rider ranks, and she continues to work hard, train hard, and seek out opportunities to learn and better herself as a person and a rider. We are proud to award Chase for her hard work. It makes it more special and exciting for Diamante because we are a part of her journey.”
“It feels great to start off the season with wins in both the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix 16-25 and FEI Intermediare II,” Hickok adds. “It really gives us a good assessment for how we’re doing and what areas we plan to improve as the season moves along. That said, I couldn’t be more proud of Sagacious HF and the tests we put in. It’s only onwards and upwards from here!”
Devon Kane and her mother Terri Kane, an owner of Diamante Farms, were thrilled to watch Hickok achieve first places in both of Diamante Farms sponsored classes. To the Kanes, sponsoring the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival and encouraging class winners by awarding their achievements is integral to the success of their beloved sport. “Diamante Farms is extremely proud to have been an inaugural part of the Global Dressage Festival, and plans to be a part of it for many years to come,” Terri Kane comments.
For more information about Diamante Farms, a top-quality dressage training, boarding and sales facility owned by the Terri and Devon Kane, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call (561) 307-2831.
Photo: Diamante Farms awards Chase Hickok and Sagacious HF for winning both U25 classes of week one at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (from left to right: Chase Hickok on Sagacious HF, Terri Kane of Diamante Farms, judge Gary Rockwell, and Devon Kane of Diamante Farms) (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle; for a high-res image please contact hoofprints1@aol.com)
