Christopher Hickey Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at First Week of 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival
Wellington, FL (January 20, 2017)— The 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is underway and International dressage trainer Christopher Hickey kicked it off in style. During the first weekend of the popular competition circuit in Wellington, Florida, Hickey competed in the FEI Small Tour division on Molly Paris’s Diamant Sky. The pair placed in each of their classes throughout the competition. In addition to his accomplishments in the arena, Hickey was named the winner of the People’s Choice Award presented by Ann-Louise Cook for his excellent horsemanship and generous spirit.
Hickey began showing Diamant Sky last fall, and the pair have quickly developed a strong partnership. Molly Paris was very successful in the Junior and Young Rider divisions with Sky, and Hickey has taken over the ride to give the horse some additional experience in the international arena and impart confidence in the 11-year-old Westfalen gelding. Paris is enjoying watching “Sky” develop under Hickey’s guidance and is hoping the pair qualify for the USEF Festival of Champions. “I was super happy with the horse this weekend,” said Hickey.
The People’s Choice Award was created to honor riders who exhibit good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. Cook, a successful realtor at Illustrated Properties Equestrian, specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The real estate professional was on hand to present the People’s Choice award, which includes a commemorative sash and silver bowl.
In addition to his own rides on Sky, Hickey had several students competing at the first weekend of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. During the People’s Choice Award presentation, Cook commented, “It is impressive that you are showing Cece Stewart’s Grand Prix horse Ronaldo and her younger horses as well as coaching your students. As an amateur I appreciate that you put your energy into both.” Hickey described his efforts to keep a fair balance and noted that, at times, he will take the weekend off showing to be able to focus on coaching.
During the winter season, Hickey bases his training operations in Rustic Ranches next to an environmental preserve. “I really like to have my horses going out hacking… The preserve is a beautiful place to ride,” said Hickey. “Sometimes my horses trail ride on a long rein and just hack around on the buckle. Sometimes…they do full work out there.” For the rest of the year, Hickey is based in South Carolina just two hours from the new equestrian facility in Tryon, North Carolina which will be hosting the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
In his training, Hickey encourages horses to move and work with power and without tension. He describes the rider’s responsibility to allow horses to relieve tension when asking for more power and to allow for a balanced life for the horse. “Then the horse will have confidence when the rider asks a little bit more of them,” said Hickey.
A dressage competitor herself, Ann-Louise Cook is pleased to sponsor the show series. She enjoys recognizing talented riders with the People’s Choice Award. Cook exemplifies excellence in her own work with Illustrated Properties Equestrian, devoting herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selling properties in the Wellington area.
For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian, please visit www.annlouisecook.com