December 14, 2024 – Ocala, FL – Anna Marek (USA) rode Cynthia Davila’s Fayvel to a second victory during the WEC December Dressage CDI-W presented by Hampton Green Farms at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Marek and Fayvel led the Grand Prix Special CDI3* with a score of 71.213%. Kevin Kohmann (USA) and Giulietta, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Bordeaux (NLD) x Olivi owned by Diamante Farms, finished second with 67.298%. Third place went to Pablo Gómez Molina (ESP) and Servus Ymas, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by San Amour I x Depardieu owned by Cristina Danguillecourt, Javier Bacariza and Yeguada de Ymas S.L., with a score of 66.809%.
Marek and Fayvel won the Grand Prix on Thursday and had a day off before Saturday’s Special, which Marek thought benefited her horse. “I felt like it was nice that he had a rest before the Special,” she agreed. “He was maybe a little tired being at the show for a few days, and I was like, ‘Come on buddy, stick with me for six minutes and then you’re done.’”
This was only the third Special test that the pair have ridden together since Marek took over the ride a year ago, and Marek’s trainer Anne Gribbons told her to try for more power and take a little more risk.
“She told me to show off the passage,” said Marek. “That’s what I went to do today, and it really paid off. It was our personal best in the Special. I was happy. He gave me a great feeling throughout the entire test. It was really fun.
“There is so much passage in the test, and it can get tiring for horse and rider,” she continued. “He really tried very hard and gave me some really good moments. The whole test was mistake-free but also started to show off what he can do.”
Despite their short time competing together, Marek and Fayvel have already had major moments, including riding at the 2024 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final and at the CDI4* in Kronberg, Germany, where they picked up two second places.
“There are some things I’ve been working on trying to improve with him,” said Marek of the 14-year-old KWPN gelding by Zizi Top x Houston. “He’s getting confirmed at the [grand prix] test, and I can go in and ride with more precision and finesse. He really starts to help me with the test rather than me trying to get him through the test.”
Marek plans to bring Fayvel to the next dressage show at WEC – Ocala, which will be the CDI3* on January 29-February 2, 2025, and from there will navigate plans for Fayvel and her other top horse Fire Fly.
Grand Prix Special CDI3* Results
Start Lists and Results
CDI competition at WEC December Dressage concludes on Sunday, December 15. Dressage returns to WEC – Ocala in 2025 with an impressive lineup of 11 shows including seven Fédération Equestre International (FEI)-rated events. Visit here to see the full 2025 dressage schedule.