Muyshondt and Berganza Earn Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse” Awards at WEF

Diego Muyshondt of El Salvador and Adrian Berganza of Mexico were honored with Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse” Awards during CSIO4* week held March 2 to 6 at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.  Throughout the 12-week WEF, Equis Boutique is sponsoring the “Best Presented Horse” Award at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection during all weeks of FEI-sanctioned competition.

Muyshondt’s mount Val d’Isere was selected as “Best Presented Horse” after impressing the ground jury, led by President Neil O'Connor of Southampton, NY, at the FEI Horse Inspection.  The 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Santana Stables, LLC, stood out among the 118 horses that jogged during WEF week 8.

“This is a really exciting award, and it's so nice that Equis Boutique does this for us,” said Muyshondt.  “It helps to keep the glamour and status of our sport alive.”

Muyshondt's partnership with Val d'Isere is still relatively new as he only added the mare to his string three months ago.

“I am slowly getting to know her, and my goal is to keep developing her and see what we have,” he said.

Muyshondt's gave special credit to his groom and fellow El Salvador native, Carlos Hernandez, for his work to prepare Val d'Isere for the FEI Horse Inspection.

In an effort to promote the importance of the FEI Horse Inspection at every level, Equis Boutique also presented a second award during WEF Week 8 to a participant in the fourth annual Hollow Creek Farm FEI Children, Junior, and Young Rider Nations' Cups.  Berganza’s My Floris, a ten-year-old Dutch-bred gelding owned by Jorge Berganza and Lilia Anderhub, was deemed “Best Presented Horse”.

“I was so surprised,” said Berganza, who was riding as a member of the Mexican Young Rider Nations’ Cup team. “I went directly to my groom, Isidro Aparicio, to congratulate him.”

My Floris is Berganza’s top horse, but the rider says it took over a year for the pair to form their partnership.  One year ago, Berganza brought the gelding to WEF but didn't experience the results he hoped for.

“I got back to Mexico and didn't want to ride him anymore,” said Berganza.  “Then I changed the flatwork, the bit, and made a whole new system.  In one year he's become the best horse I have.”

Muyshondt and Berganza were each presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the “Best Presented Horse” Award as well as product from Equis Boutique partner brands.  Muyshondt's Val d'Isere will be wearing a new pair of Kentucky hind boots as their prize, while Berganza was presented with a custom blanket for My Floris from Anna Scarpati.

Equis Boutique will honor one horse and rider with the “Best Presented Horse Award” each week of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival, running through April 3.  At the weekly FEI Horse Inspection, the ground jury will evaluate overall turn-out of horse and rider to determine the award winner.

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress the horse and rider.  Featured brands include Parlanti, Manfredi Equestrian, KASK Helmets, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, and Dy’on, as well as a variety of imported specialty bits and Official FEI and Just World International merchandise.

For more information on Equis LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram! Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.

About Equis, LLC
Equis LLC delivers superior service in order to educate their consumers on the brands and products they offer and show the variety and quality of their made-to-order, customized products. By providing a unique shopping experience, Equis rises above your normal tack shop to offer only the best. “Live the Experience – A Boutique for the Discerning Equestrian.”