Eight CDI Divisions Deliver Quality Dressage on Day Two of the Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival & Lexington CDI3*
Lexington, VA– May 17, 2025 – The second day of the Mid-Atlantic Dressage Festival & Lexington CDI3* (MADFest) presented by Täkt Saddlery delivered quality performances as riders competed across eight CDI divisions and many national divisions on Saturday. Hosted at the Virginia Horse Center, the festival continues to showcase top-tier dressage talent, drawing both US and international competitors.
Among the standout performances was the Laine Ashker and Ann Wilson’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Zeppelin, in the highlight class of the day – the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle sponsored by Triple Crown, which is a qualifier for the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage. The pair dominated the division, winning Friday’s CDI3* Grand Prix with a 66.804% and on Saturday, they made improvements to earn a score of 73.015% for their freestyle choreography set to a Led Zeppelin melody.
“My horse is talented, but the best part about him is what is between his ears,” Ashker explained. “He’s got a great brain and is a great partner to me. I was really pleased that he gained confidence in the ring. He’s been at Grand Prix for about seven months, so I felt that he came out a more seasoned horse. It’s so fun to ride a freestyle with music that gives it more meaning. We had a few bobbles here and there but the overall work is improving and overall I’m really happy with our performances this weekend.”
“I am a frequent competitor at MADFest – I aim to ride here each year. It has great judges and footing,” she continued. “As a Virginia local, I love patronizing it and supporting this show. The improvements each year are phenomenal, including the stall mats. The rain woke me up last night storming, and to be able to perform and have such a great score on my horse is due to the fabulous footing.”
Earlier in the morning, the CDI1* Intermediate I sponsored by Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates took place and Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn and her horse Franzsis HSR, affectionately known as “Franzi,” secured a hard-fought victory with a score of 68.382%. With ten riders in the class, the competition was fierce, and the top three placings were separated by razor-thin margins all within 68%.
Reflecting on her journey with her 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Fleming-Kuhn shared, “I’ve owned him since he was two weeks old. I bought him from his breeder [Hidden Springs Ranch], raised him, started him, and developed him. It’s been a wonderful journey with him.”
She emphasized Franzi’s well-rounded abilities, noting, “He doesn’t have any real weaknesses, so it’s my job to present him at his best. His beautiful changes are a special highlight, but he also has a strong walk and trot—everything is in a good range.”
Fleming-Kuhn and her husband, Martin, traveled 12 hours from Illinois to compete at MADFest, citing the festival’s facility and proximity as key factors in their decision to attend this year.
“This is our closest CDI, and I needed a CDI for qualification this year. The facility is beautiful, and it’s been a great experience. I hope we’ll be back!” she said.
MADFest continues through May 18, offering a $13,000 CDI prize pool, improved footing and livestream coverage by Clip My Horse for dressage enthusiasts worldwide. With its fourth edition underway, the festival remains a premier destination for riders aiming to qualify for top-level competitions.For more details on MADFest, visit the official website here and for full results visit here.
Saturday CDI Results
Rider / Horse / Owner / Final Score
CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Laine Ashker / Zeppelin / Ann Wilson / 73.015
2. Micaela Mabragana / Belatrix RH / Valeria Feigen / 68.63
3. Adriane Alvord / Selfmade / Adriane Alvord / 68.415
4. Ashley Rand / Heimdals Champ / Ashley Rand / 64.845
5. Erin Bonneville / Qennett HTF / Erin Bonneville / 63.82
CDIU25 Grand Prix (16-25)
1. Josephine Hinnemann / Copa Cabana MRF / Natalie Hamilton-Hinnemann / 62.795
CDI2* Intermediate II
1. Phyllis Sumner / Jonanta M / Phyllis Sumner / 63.5
2. Michael Bragdell / Louisville HTF / Hilltop Farm, Inc. / 63.059
3. Ashley Keller / Linghs Sinclair / Linghs Sinclair Syndicate / 58.941
CDI1* Intermediate I
1. Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn / Franzsis HSR / Kathryn Flemington-Kuhn / 68.382
2. Elizabeth Bortuzzo / Vincent / Elizabeth Bortuzzo / 68.059
3. Lauren Sprieser / C. Cadeau / Elvis Syndicate LLC / 68.000
4. Jessica Jo Tate / Denali / Cackie Vroom / 63.706
5. Mia Blake / Hannah Lu W / Mia Blake / 62.618
6. Stephanie Lowery / Amadeus Mozart / Stephanie Lowery / 62.441
CDIAM Intermediate I for Amateur
1. Denise Steele / Bon Chance 8 / Kenneth Steele / 66.176
2. Mark Paul / Degenhardt 5 / Mark Paul / 64.147
3. Gardy Bloemers / Mio FS / Gardy Bloemers / 63.353
CDIY Young Rider Individual
1. Quentin Sloan / Finn / Quentin Sloan / 64.471
2. Keelin Craige / Capstone’s Oh Hentry / Molly Abrams-Ryan / 60.00
CDIYH Preliminary Test for 7-Year-Olds
1. Silva Martin / Farouche / Christine Capano / 75.339
2. Elizabeth Bortuzzo / Next Pleasure / Mark Paul / 74.811
CDIYH Preliminary Test for 6-Year-Olds
1. Elizabeth Bortuzzo / Vital Hit Caledonia OLD / Mark Paul / 75.2
2. Elizabeth Bortuzzo / Feinstar / Mark Paul / 74
