Karen Pavicic Named Red Scarf Dressage Athlete of the Month for December

Karen Pavicic Named Red Scarf Dressage Athlete of the Month for December
Equestrian Canada (EC) named Karen Pavicic of South Surrey, BC the Red Scarf Dressage Athlete of the Month for December in light of her incredible 2016 competition season, which included personal bests and back-to-back grand prix victories at three CDI competitions across North America.

Paired with Don Daiquiri (Don Cardinale x Rubinstein I), the 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding she co-owns with Jayne Essig, Pavicic’s winning streak began at the CDI 4* in Omaha, NE. On May 5, she rode to victory in the FEI Grand Prix with a score of 67.800%. A day later, she returned to the ring, earning a remarkable 73.045% to take top spot in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle.

Less than a month later, Calgary would set the stage for Pavicic’s next set of double victories aboard Don Daiquiri, this time at the Alberta Dressage Association Black Tie CDI 3*, held June 3-5. Her scores of 68.720% and 68.137% allowed her to bring home the red ribbons in the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special.

One week later, Pavicic enjoyed a triumphant return home to BC with Don Daiquiri, impressing the judges at the CDI 3* Thunderbird Touch of Class Dressage Show, held June 9-14 at the Thunderbird Show Park in Langley. Pavicic earned two personal best scores throughout the week. The first came during her victory in the FEI Grand Prix after achieving a final score of 71.120%. She improved on this score in the FEI Grand Prix Special, scoring 72.451% and adding another win to their record.

Six victories in such short order is no easy feat, but for Pavicic, a big part of her winning equation is her long-time partner, Don Daiquiri. The pair has been competing together at the FEI Grand Prix level for the past three years.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had with this wonderful horse,” said Pavicic. “Don Daiquiri and I had an outstanding season in 2016, with three back-to-back Grand Prix double victories at CDIs in North America, including personal best scores.”

Pavicic continued, “I am honoured to receive the Red Scarf Athlete of the Month for December. Many thanks to Red Scarf Equestrian for sponsoring this very worthwhile award, and to EC for the nomination. I sincerely appreciate all who have helped and supported us along our journey.”

As the title sponsor of the Dressage Athlete of the Month Award, Red Scarf Equestrian will be providing Pavicic with a generous gift certificate that can be used towards the purchase of elegant equestrian luggage, travel bags and accessories that are all made in Canada.