Ravel & Steffen Peters - Their Last Freestyle - Night of Musical Freestyles 2013

www.delmarnatio...
The Del Mar National proudly honors Ravel
Many equestrian sports have their greats whose stars shine so brightly they can be seen beyond the boundaries of their respective disciplines. One we are honored to formally retire here at the Del Mar National during our Evening of Musical Freestyles event, Saturday, April 27th, 2013, is the magnificent Ravel.
Last year Ravel, the 14-year-old Dutch gelding, owned by Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang's Four Winds Farm, was inducted into the US Dressage Federation Hall of Fame. The tribute was a culmination of honors bestowed on Ravel, ridden by Steffen Peters of San Diego, after one of the most illustrious equine careers in US Dressage history.
Steffen and Ravel helped Team USA in two Olympic Games. They captured the World Cup title in 2009 and were the only American combination to sweep all three Grand Prix Tests at the CDIO in Aachen, Germany. They captured the individual Bronze medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, and claimed more than 40 Grand Prix victories, many right here, as crowd favorites at Del Mar. The charismatic bay owns "Horse of the Year" tiltles from United States Equestrian Federation, United States Dressage Federation, KWPN-NA (Royal Dutch Warmblood Horse Registry) and Chronicle of the Horse, Ravel has even been immortalized as a coveted and much sought after Breyer Horse model.
Ravel will be spending his richly deserved retirement at Akiko and Jerry's Four Winds Farm, in Woodside, California. Before being gelded, provisions were made for Ravel's legacy to be continued. One of his offspring, Gaspard de la Nuit (co-owned with DG Bar), was the KWPN-NA Champion of more than 250 foals inspected in 2011.
Akiko remarked that Ravel made a dream she didn't even know she had come true. She credits Ravel for inspiring her to dream big dreams. The Del Mar National stands proud to have been witness to a small part of that dream.
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Del Mar National Horseshow:
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[@jessied1988]

you know you've made it when even the judges stand to applaud your entry

[@laurarings2348]

This is a great example that high level dressage can also work without hyperflexion or rollkur. Him and Charlotte Dujardin both show that a horse can also love dressage and enjoy doing it! It really makes me happy to watch this!

[@lunarequine7734]

Laurastrieder so happy to see a dressage video without rollkur. From the start they already looked like an amazing pair.

[@melindamassey14]

If you care so much about abuse in horses, why not go to the Tennessee Walker shows? See how much abuse goes on there.

[@juliabales8141]

I'm not trying to be rude, but i am reading some of the comments here left by obviously novice riders who are very familiar with foundational riding but not riding at this level or calibur. It is a great example of beautiful riding at the grand prix level. He is kind and soft and as you can see is sliding his spur and tapping. There is no kicking. His hands are soft and "intelligent". What a legend they both are!

[@MuddyBrookFarmRocks]

I agree I think they are both amazing and I want to be able to ride that well

[@lizzyharrison4957]

Julia Bales As I'm sure any rider will tell you, a horse will soon let you know if they don't like something!!! :) This is absolutely stunning riding here.

[@KoriHarlan]

Julia Bales yep true

[@debbieprokop912]

It's a union of man and a noble animal, working together to create art. It's a beautiful thing.

[@lunarequine7734]

They are such a beautiful pair. I wish I could ride the way this man does.

[@kayleyeliza1992]

I used to think dressage was boring. Then I saw this, and I now have no words.

[@Rimfaxe96]

It was pretty boring until they started using movie soundtracks to present their rides (like iin this video the official soundtrack from Avatar, just remixed a bit). If it goes on like this it'll be like watching ballet in no time.

[@dianeericson7900]

Me either - it's just cruelty in action.

[@MyCaprice1]

OMG what am amazing thing to see. All that elevation and impulsion. I actually was in tears at the end.

[@doribooo]

Now, that's impulsion. I've never been much of a dressage rider, aside from the basics necessary to be correct on the flat, but after not riding a horse in months due to moving out of town and not having enough money for it anymore, the combined nostalgia and joy of even seeing this beautiful freestyle is enough to bring me to tears.

[@anonymusanonymus3932]

I agree, brings me memories back to my favourite horse for more than 10 years, he was a master teacher in dressage 😍😍😍 and taught me a lot. Sadly, horseback riding and more dressage lessons are too expensive now for me...

[@lunarequine7734]

Absolutely beautiful example of what "real" dressage is supposed to look like. I'm mesmerized by this video.

[@aschenfirre]

I am not going to feed the trolls here, I just want to comment that this is a lovely ride, a great horse, and an excellent rider! Soft soft soft all the way through, the horses ears and tail are relaxed, he is listening and engaged, and any cues given are gentle and there for a reason...to communicate with this horse. Love this video.

[@laurusek1]

I agree with you. This horse and rider are just amazing.

[@anonymusanonymus3932]

❤❤❤❤

[@aubriechilds16]

feed the trolls😂i love that😂😂

[@seasands3486]

Where do you see the tail RELAXED other than the WALK?

[@lunarequine7734]

Sea Sands tail swishing isn’t a dead tell for irritation or pain. It can sometimes also mean concentration. Ravel’s ears here are forward for the majority of the ride and he’s actively listening to Steffen and his tail is swishing in a more focused manner than irritated. I think it’s safe to say, especially knowing how well respected of a rider and trainer that Steffen is, that Ravel isn’t uncomfortable, rather he is focusing on his rider’s cues. Not everything can be boiled down to just being “abuse” simply because you personally dislike it.

[@emilymarie6105]

With ravels grace, that beautiful horse must have wings.

[@Wifeofjoedaho1492]

I'm always glued to the screen when I watch people like Steffen Peters ride. This horse is beautifully muscled, and with Peters' skills, this horse is doing a nice job. Dressage rules!

[@colleencrowley1145]

This was such a beautiful video of a horse and rider in complete sync. Ravel looks so relaxed and tuned into Steffen's every movement. He is such a lovely horse to watch and together they make dressage look effortless. You can see that Ravel is relaxed through his back and tail. This is a beautiful example of schwung, when he is at the trot and canter, his tail is extended out slightly for balance and the hair in his tail swings back and forth in an S shape. Gorgeous!

[@theprancingpony6075]

Beautiful 😍 what an obedient quiet lovely horse. The gelding I ride won't even trot when I ask him too!

[@kristinnelson8123]

doesn't get better than this....beautiful

[@dianeericson7900]

Oh, but it does! Have you ever seen the wild herds on Steens Mountain running free?

[@annascholle9572]

This is so beautiful. I took English lessons but I didn't have much respect for dressage. That was, until I started watching dressage videos like this one. They have an incredible bond to be able to dance so flawlessly. I can't imagine the hours of training they went through. I'm glad this type of thing exists, it shows people that animals and people can be equals.

[@ModelHailey]

This is just so breathtaking.

[@lsunstein]

I was there that night. Very emotional

[@dermangoschaler182]

I have no words for his passage!! Absolutely perfect test!

[@Musicislove623]

ravel is flawless oh my gosh.. those flying changes?! crazy

[@BLT-ko8tx]

Stunning, best dressage video I personally have ever seen. Elegant, full of grace, smooth. Loved the flying lead changes

[@cksaratoga]

Some of the comments left are ridiculous.For one,polo bandages cover the ankles of the horse and an ankle in a horse is called the fetlock.The white and black comment relates to the horses feet which are called hooves.This horses accomplishments are renowned worldwide.An extremely gifted horse that gave pleasure to so many people who had the pleasure to watch him preform.One of a kind and a world wide entertainer who will never be forgotten.His performances will always remain in history setting a standard to achieve.Congratulations to a great horse......Ravel.

[@donnakeeley7924]

I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and I learned to ride following cowboy's directions and riding some of the best AQHA bloodined horses in the industry. I really wish I had been able to have learned how to ride english dressage in my youth. We always played music for our horses and they love it. Would sway and trot around in beat by the barns. I also sang to them. This ride and the horse was such a delight to watch. Lovely, exquisite, performance that both rider and horse even enjoyed. What a delight!

[@HORSES11607]

I got to see steffan and ravel preform and they were absolutely amazing

[@ariaopalforest6249]

Competition horses work much harder than other horses, so Ravel deserves a rest. Wow. look at his trot, he is pratically floating. Just watch his diagonal pairs and wow...

[@Lisacarol112]

I for one loved to see the expressions of motion in rhythm. This was a excellent free style performance. The relationship between these two was visible and I loved that they could share it with observers.

[@darkmynx1]

Absolute poetry in motion!

[@esmeerosman]

The music is so beautiful, and it suits the horse so well! It is truly a pleasure to watch this horse.

[@faibishclassical]

Happy relax and soft horse, well done Steffen Peter

[@ejones4008]

Horse and rider as one. Both enjoying what they are doing. They are and will always be a legend. So beautiful to watch. They deserve all the ovations and more for their exquisite performances. It is obvious that Stephen has a light touch and only taps his spurs lightly - A beautiful horse and rider combination.

[@dreww7664]

Beautiful! Real dressage with grace and class

[@Herzog5823]

I watched him ride a participant’s horse for a demonstration during a clinic he was teaching. Beautiful.

[@goforwand31]

I will miss seeing these two at shows! What a remarkable horse Ravel is! And I love they suit each other, very very special.

[@kitkatziegler6182]

they make dressage look so easy : )

[@JenniSammy]

I know right? That trot though, looks amazing!

[@Anna-qf9ir]

That is not the case. It takes more than you think to train and make this dressage routine possible.

[@puyihsieh127]

kitkat ziegler it’s not. That’s the beauty.

[@jenbulger4645]

Yes he makes it look so fluid and easy when really is it so hard!

[@brittanyritenour4695]

That is amazing, the horse and rider were so smooth, the horse just gracefully moved, horses are amazing animals, people just dont realize how smart they are, and how they have far exceeded what any other animal has ever complished! Him and the rider moved as one!

[@rachelcavallo8214]

I got chills watching this! It was so beautiful!!!

[@theprancingpony6075]

I have goosebumps! It's mind blowing.

[@kimjabbes8862]

Beautiful horse just gorgeous! He also has a lighting strike on his forehead. I am totally getting the breyer of him

[@smorebunny]

Oh, he is so worth the price! I have and I love him to death!

[@heather379]

I already do! just gorgeous....

[@dclogojan]

This man is a great rider and his horse is fantastic :) congratulation to them both!

[@Equitay]

I personally, am not the biggest fan of dressage- I prefer the action and thrill of jumping. But it is tests like this, full of raw beauty, that reminds me why dressage is so loved. He is such a beautiful rider and the horse is so relaxed. I hate when you see dressage horses all crammed up on the bit- this horse has space to move his head while still looking elegant. Such a beautiful pair! One last thing, I thought in dressage, especially the higher levels, you weren't allowed to wear boots on your horse? Can someone please enlighten me?

[@ShowJumperRed]

While performing a test, no, the horse isn't allowed to have boots or any sort of leg wrapping. Under normal circumstances they're only allowed during warm up and have to be removed before you start your test. I think this performance is just to showcase Ravel though, so they won't get in trouble for it.

[@Equitay]

Oh, that's what I thought- thank you.

[@jamieridge6944]

The basics of riding a horse are dressage fundamentals if you break it down.

[@thebusybee957]

Karla Bley yes, this was Ravel’s last ride before he retired. Stephan and Ravel were not being scored

[@lucentekids6805]

Beautiful, diagonal piaffe! Amazing performance!

[@nm7510]

Such a beautiful pair. I really enjoyed watching this. 😍

[@lollypopy5]

i remenber driving past that show, it was night and that show was what made me want to start dressage, and boy am i happy about that

[@mmadelinebarton]

This is gorgeous!

[@vanished3306]

I love this pair! Close to perfection!

[@robinlocurto9716]

Soooo Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@pacificdressage]

Apparently some people commenting here know very little or nothing about dressage and also about Stephen Peters. First of all, Stephen is an amazing rider and trainer whom we all could learn something from including how to be light, soft and kind with our aids! He wouldn't be where he is today without his talent and integrity as a horseman. Secondly, the horses that are under his care get the very best including tons of time resting outside of their stalls, just being horses. They have very good lives!!! Also, one does not hold a horses head in that position when you ride in upper levels! You would have to be incredibly strong and use bits that are illegal in our sport! A horses neck is carried by the horse, in a higher frame, when engagement of the hind quarters occurs which in turn push the energy through the horses back, into the shoulders and the base of the neck. This is also referred to as "collection". Please get your facts straight before you criticize what you know nothing about!

[@lunarequine7734]

pacificdressage I only just discovered Steffen Peters and I can agree, he is an amazing rider. His light aids, soft hands, and lack of rollkur being used bring out the best in the beautiful art of dressage.

[@superhorse7191]

pacificdressage liar..horse legs not beaten with stick?....liar!

[@dirtyratjim]

God's grace and beauty is displayed here! The horse, a beautiful extraordinary animal!!

[@ruvewade8578]

Great inspiration for novice dressage riders (aka me😂) what a great team!This will also be some good inspiration for my winter dressage serries this weekend.What a brilliant perfomance and a great team!👍💜🐴

[@KassuFlasf24]

i got goosebumps amazing !!

[@alsosusieq256]

Such a joy to watch.. so glad his isn't nerved like many today he actually swishes his tail like a horse. I've loved watching Ravel years ago so this was good to see. Sorry bout the negative comments from the peanut gallery.. they're always there. Thanks for sharing this so much :)

[@strawberrygoldfish]

I'm doing this pair in graphite for the county fair. Love it!

[@JG-mt3rp]

Classic and inspiring, I love these two. USA! USA! We're surprisingly good at dressage! USA!

[@ThudLuvsDressage]

my god. they gave me chills even when they just came into the arena

[@miakoob1581]

How he sits that trot 😍 he’s the king

[@MyMitali92]

beautiful dressage. talented horse one very talented trainer. live them both. He seems so happy and seems to like the music

[@julienemyers2908]

Amazing, they make it look so effortless

[@madisoningraham9889]

So effortless for the both of them! This is what a true partnership looks like =)

[@em-lr7jt]

You can see how the horse enjoys all those applause

[@lekkki1]

Ravel, Bleu Hors, Valegro, I love the warmbloods!

[@chaching2013]

what breed of warmblood is he? Absolutely stunning!!

[@amberblyledge7859]

He sure does know how to choose strong horses. Still mad he didn’t place higher in the Olympics with his new horse. Then again I didn’t see the test.

[@lespangen]

And they are a lovely team.

[@coolspore1221]

Love the fact that the music is from Peter Camerons 'Avatar'. It makes the whole performance more magical

[@emilybeckett3561]

Anybody else wonder what their horse would go like with a rider like this 😱😍😂

[@lauralucente7009]

Wow! Awesome performance. Easy to see both that the horse really focusing on his rider, and that he is very supple and relaxed. Very nice pair.

[@Deyzia]

Absolutely beautiful ride and to one of my favourite soundtracks/movies, Avatar!!

[@HWfarm]

Wonderful!

[@mmadelinebarton]

I think I would die during this test!

[@RedYume]

I was there... It was so beautiful.=)

[@dandog7840]

what it takes to get that done...hats off

[@WanderDragon]

Beautiful dressage , it is awesome :)

[@janettaschuch3591]

Magnificent!! to see any single being so in command of his self & here both the horse & rider are in total command of theirselves.

[@maryallen2603]

Just awesome!!!

[@themaxsisims]

I love that Ravel is barefoot :)

[@lunarequine7734]

themaxsisims took me a few minutes to notice that. Barefoot horses ftw! My horse doesn't have shoes either :)

[@maureenbissell7938]

Saw them at Devon years ago, an emotional last performance.

[@sandravirgalitte2245]

What a stunning ride. That horse is gorgeous.

[@liane1004]

They are so very elegant I love it 🥰

[@xoxocarrly]

Okay. All these dumb comments make me cringe. Ravel and Steffan Peters make a fantastic team. Look at how they move. Steffan has gentle hands and doesn't even kick he taps Ravel's sides. You can see this horse loves what he's doing. He's not showing any signs of pain. So those of you that know little of this type of beautiful riding, just don't comment and research it yourself. Thank you. Sorry if I spelt this famous riders name wrong.

[@alsosusieq256]

For you to remark against Steffan Peters riding and stating his misuse of the bit is absurd. He's an elite, highly regarded horseman who's ridden in many Olympic competitions. He's known as one of the most kind and caring souls there is. Your statements are upsetting, but I assume your a dressage expert having competed in the Olympics yourself.

[@alsosusieq256]

This isn't a competition anyway, its a performance.. do you even know who Ravel is, or Peters? I shouldn't get upset, but these two are champions.. there's always someone doing things like this, critiquing.. as if it's necessary. Why do horse people do this? It's irritating. It isn't a competition.

[@alsosusieq2susan142]

Not to argue at all.. I didn't make myself clear. This is a final ride just before retirement, it really wasn't a performance. Yes, I have seen him in better form for sure, but I guess maybe I'm being protective. I'm sorry.

[@xoxocarrly]

+Equestrianism oh yes!! I don't know how to respond to that huge wonderful paragraph but I do agree. See I love the horses but sometimes and most of the time not the horse people. Thank you for all the information :D

[@theprancingpony6075]

I agree. They make an amazing team and I thought the performance was beautiful 😍

[@ericajacobson8121]

I would have started crying after I did my last solute.

[@SmallWildFlower]

Wow, the moment they came in, horse and rider were like "fuck yeah!" ... awesome performance :3

[@ForeverBlueRoses]

This was pure joy to watch thank you. Reminds me of my Rojo.

[@MuddyBrookFarmRocks]

Thus horse is to die for

[@ellyniten4820]

he did so perfect❤️

[@guardiansanimalrescuestate7289]

So inspiring. She can fly.

[@reefgirl10]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@LadySmartcat]

very nicely filmed!

[@avalonborzoi]

Ravel is completely relaxed and with his rider here. Totally comfortable

[@fredericosydownunes9320]

Maravilhoso conjunto ! Este cavalo e o sonho de muitos cavaleiros . 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@GoddessDusk]

Those lead changes!

[@calbellaalicia4529]

this is amazing ♥

[@rebeccamccann8710]

Such elegance! ♥️

[@douglasholt8353]

All the horses they are just amazing to see them

[@EquestrianFool]

GOOOOOOOOORGEOUS!!!!!! Such a great horse! Rider! And Freestyle!!

[@K3Sk3]

I love watching all these different teams dance! I still imagine how fun it would be to be a horse (horse animagus???) and be able to dance to different songs.

[@Trystanhayleyy]

That was beautiful!!😍

[@savvyunicorn9786]

BEAUTIFUL

[@smorebunny]

Those flying changes look effortless! (They aren't at all) but this is so beautiful :3

[@christyhallman6278]

I think their preformance was AWESOME. Great job Ravel and Peters😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@desireebates6004]

This freestyle contains visions I've been dreaming of when I finally do one of my own, including the music from Avatar! Unbelievable!

[@lisa-marie4161]

What an amazing horse :D

[@TIIKERI-jq4rh]

I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN RIDE LIKE STEFFEN

[@susanengland3919]

I knew him a few decades ago when he was competing in the Florida circuit. He always had good horses to ride and scored well, but he was a huge pain to deal with in the show office.