In The News

Ann’s message from the heart

Last September, my horse Savanna went home to Maryland to be retired with the people who bred her mother and raised and trained her.

I am so very grateful they have space for her and to know that she is well loved and carefully looked after.

Savanna is missed, but I know she is happy. Now she has a best horse friend Beamer, who is also retired. They share a big field with a run in shed during the day.

As always, thank you for your business, support, and friendship. If you are ever in need of professional assistance and advice regarding your home and the current real estate market, please do not hesitate to call. You can be assured that your needs will be met with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann’s message from the heart

We brought home milkweed plants from Mount Botanical Gardens in West Palm Beach which were pesticide free & came with monarch butterfly eggs attached. Soon there were hungry caterpillars feasting on the plants. Two beautiful chrysalis grew. Amazing that full sized butterflies fit inside the sacs.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann’s message from the heart

Exam day at City Place in West Palm Beach. We were dressed for the 90+ degree heat with lots of water for the dogs. WE ALL PASSED!! Great group of teachers, dogs and owners. Next class for Ladd will be a Tricks class – something less serious & more fun!

AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen Title is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The test requires that the dog demonstrate Canine Good Citizen skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AK

C Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann’s message from the heart

Success!! Ladd has passed the “American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen” Test and earned his Title and a Blue Ribbon!

This is the first level of Canine Good Citizen, designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. In order to qualify, Ladd completed Basic and Intermediate Obedience classes.

Corgis do have minds of their own! Ladd still is sometimes a little naughty which is a challenge but also makes me laugh. Back to school to work on “Canine Good Citizen Urban”, which prepares dogs with city survival skills.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann’s message from the heart

Amsterdam vacation!

Lots of Beautiful hollyhocks & other flowers growing in tight spaces. We ate apple cake every day! Best city to walk & explore.

As always, thank you for your business, support, and friendship. If you are ever in need of professional assistance and advice regarding your home and the currentreal estate market, please do not hesitate to call. You can be assured that your needs will be met with the utmost integrity and professionalism.

Formore information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann’s message from the heart

Wellington, FL

Sugar Pond Manor | Wellington

What a pleasure to assist this family in their move to Wellington to be close to Wellington High! My Sellers, whose children grew up in this house, were delighted to sell to another family, not investors. In this hot real estate climate, putting people first is my commitment to you.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ending and New Beginning

In December, the time came to say goodbye to my 14 year old Corgi, Teddy. He had my heart that dog, and I had known for a few years that his age was catching up with him. Then his mouth got an aggressive cancer. When I was able to accept that he was not going to get better, I was able to let him go peacefully.
Through Sunshine Corgi Rescue we found a new Corgi, Ladd. Ladd’s father’s name is Teddy, so it seemed meant to be.

We have another Corgi, Lu Lu. (Teddy and Lu Lu were named after my parents, Edward and Louise.) Lu Lu is an older girl, and a bit bossy so we worried how she would accept a new dog in the house.
When we brought Ladd home, we introduced them out in the front yard, both dogs on leashes. Lu Lu ran right through a low hedge of bushes to get to Ladd. It was love at first sight!

So, an ending and a new beginning. Life, and real estate, are full of these.

Ann’s message from the heart

Wellington, FL (April 15, 2019)

Congratulations!

to my buyers and friends on their purchase of a brand new 3 bedroom
+ den, 3 bath, 3,481 sq. ft. Lennar Smart Home in Arden!

We purchased our first Florida home with Ann’s help in 2005 and have been working with her ever since. We LOVE our new Lennar home in Arden!

Thank you Ann for all your help!

Dawn & Bob Prezioso

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann Cook, Hadar Goldberg, Laura Maher and Renee Hasak.

‘Realtors Take The Runway’
Raises Money For Hospice Foundation

Wellington, FL | Photos by Denise Fleischman (June 20, 2018)

Ann is a proud supporter of Hospice Foundation, joining Realtors Take The Runway 2018, which was held Wednesday, June 20, at the Wellington National Golf Club. Money raised was donated to the Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. Local agents modeled fashions provided by Dillard’s at Wellington Green. WPTV’s Kelley Dunn served as master of ceremonies.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (March 24, 2017)— Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven has steadily made a strong name for herself at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida. After many top placings in the Grand Prix CDIs, Vilhelmson-Silfven can now add a People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook with Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate to her growing trophy collection. The elite rider from Sweden was named the winner of the People’s Choice Award for her impressive competition results and reputation as a quiet and skilled rider who genuinely cares for her horses.

Vilhelmson-Silfven is perhaps best recognized for her partnership with Don Auriello; the impressive Hanoverian gelding was her mount for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. She has also been seen in the winner’s circle aboard the top breeding stallion Benetton Dream FRH. However, during week 8 of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Vilhelmson-Silfven debuted a new horse, Esperance, in the Small Tour. The duo began their partnership about nine months ago, and Vilhelmson-Silfven has high hopes for the horse. The eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding didn’t disappoint during their first outing, winning both the Intermediare 1 and the Intermediare Freestyle classes under Vilhelmson-Silfven’s expert guidance. Of their first weekend of competition, Vilhelmson-Silfven commented, “I’m extremely pleased. He is so ambitious and tries so hard to do his best. It was a lot of fun riding him.”

The People’s Choice Award was created to honor riders who are exhibit outstanding sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. Ann-Louise Cook, a successful realtor at Illustrated Properties specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the award to give back to her local equestrian community. Cook was on hand to present the People’s Choice Award, which includes a commemorative ribbon and silver bowl.

Vilhelmson-Silfven spends most of the year at Lövsta Stuteri, a gorgeous farm in Sweden, where she can focus on developing her horses and teaching clients. However, during the winter, she spends her time competing at the Global Dressage Festival and finds that she can really devote her energy to her top competition horses, perfecting the difficult movements required at the top levels of the sport. She commented, “I’m so pleased to have the possibility to be here. It is a great show with a great organizer.”

When selecting her equine partners, Vilhelmson-Silfven values rideability over extravagance in order to develop the strong partnership needed to truly dance in the competition arena. “The most important part is you have to love you horses and you have to love working with them every day. If you do that, the horses give so much back to you. It is all about the cooperation with the horses.”

A dressage enthusiast herself, Ann-Louise Cook is pleased to sponsor the show series. She enjoys recognizing talented riders with the People’s Choice Award. Cook exemplifies excellence in her own work with Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate Inc., devoting herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selling properties in the Wellington area.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Christopher Hickey Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at First Week of 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Chris Hickey with Ann Cook Wellington, FL (January 20, 2017)— The 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is underway and International dressage trainer Christopher Hickey kicked it off in style. During the first weekend of the popular competition circuit in Wellington, Florida, Hickey competed in the FEI Small Tour division on Molly Paris’s Diamant Sky. The pair placed in each of their classes throughout the competition. In addition to his accomplishments in the arena, Hickey was named the winner of the People’s Choice Award presented by Ann-Louise Cook for his excellent horsemanship and generous spirit.
Hickey began showing Diamant Sky last fall, and the pair have quickly developed a strong partnership. Molly Paris was very successful in the Junior and Young Rider divisions with Sky, and Hickey has taken over the ride to give the horse some additional experience in the international arena and impart confidence in the 11-year-old Westfalen gelding. Paris is enjoying watching “Sky” develop under Hickey’s guidance and is hoping the pair qualify for the USEF Festival of Champions. “I was super happy with the horse this weekend,” said Hickey.
The People’s Choice Award was created to honor riders who exhibit good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. Cook, a successful realtor at Illustrated Properties Equestrian, specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The real estate professional was on hand to present the People’s Choice award, which includes a commemorative sash and silver bowl.
In addition to his own rides on Sky, Hickey had several students competing at the first weekend of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. During the People’s Choice Award presentation, Cook commented, “It is impressive that you are showing Cece Stewart’s Grand Prix horse Ronaldo and her younger horses as well as coaching your students. As an amateur I appreciate that you put your energy into both.” Hickey described his efforts to keep a fair balance and noted that, at times, he will take the weekend off showing to be able to focus on coaching.
During the winter season, Hickey bases his training operations in Rustic Ranches next to an environmental preserve. “I really like to have my horses going out hacking… The preserve is a beautiful place to ride,” said Hickey. “Sometimes my horses trail ride on a long rein and just hack around on the buckle. Sometimes…they do full work out there.” For the rest of the year, Hickey is based in South Carolina just two hours from the new equestrian facility in Tryon, North Carolina which will be hosting the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
In his training, Hickey encourages horses to move and work with power and without tension. He describes the rider’s responsibility to allow horses to relieve tension when asking for more power and to allow for a balanced life for the horse. “Then the horse will have confidence when the rider asks a little bit more of them,” said Hickey.
A dressage competitor herself, Ann-Louise Cook is pleased to sponsor the show series. She enjoys recognizing talented riders with the People’s Choice Award. Cook exemplifies excellence in her own work with Illustrated Properties Equestrian, devoting herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selli
ng properties in the Wellington area.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Equestrian, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann-Louise Cook of Illustrated Properties Loves Both Horses & Real Estate

Story by Matthew Auerbach | Photo by Abner Pedraza

When you grow up in New York City and are drawn to all things equestrian, you might have a hard time making your dreams a reality. Ann-Louise Cook, a Realtor with Illustrated Properties, had to wait a while, but she eventually found herself in the right place to satisfy both her love of horses and real estate.

“Although school and college took me to the Boston and San Francisco areas, it was not until I settled on Martha’s Vineyard that I was able to incorporate riding and my professional career as a Realtor,” she said. “Then I was invited to spend the winter of 2000 here in Wellington and found the perfect home to follow my two passions: dressage training and successful real estate transactions.”

Cook has come to specialize in Wellington’s unique real estate market, working with seasonal equestrians and year-round residents dealing in farms, luxury homes, villas and investment properties. “I provide a full service of representing sellers, buyers, rentals and property management,” Cook said. “There is so much satisfaction in knowing that my work has led to a successful transition, whether for a first-time homebuyer or my sellers, and in finding just the right property for my buyers. My approach is very hands-on – I like to attend every showing of the homes I have listed for sale to ensure that all the property features are highlighted, and then give my sellers immediate feedback.”

Cook isn’t new to real estate. She marvels at how far the industry has come from the days of no cell phones or internet. However, she’s not nostalgic for days gone by and realizes how much modern technology has affected and improved her profession. “For today’s buyers, sellers and investors, immediate access to property information is essential,” she said. “My property listings are all represented with professional HDR photography, video tours and aerial photos. Personal color brochures are given to all prospective buyers and include information about the neighborhood, survey and floor plans.”

The fact that Wellington is known around the globe as “horse country” continues to propel its popularity as one of the world’s most unique destinations. Cook will be the first to tell you that’s very good for business. “We are the winter equestrian capital of the world, and we will keep growing,” she said. “The Wellington Equestrian Partners’ plan to purchase the International Polo Club and further expand the Global Dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival is great for our economy. Wellington continues to attract new visitors. An increasing number of my clients are European profession-al riders and their clients here for our winter months.”

Cook’s lifelong love of horses continues to this day. For the past two winters, she has presented the People’s Choice Award at the Global Dressage Festival for exemplary horsemanship, sportsmanship and performance.

“It is another way I am involved with the equestrian community and give a little something back,” Cook said.

At Stillpoint Farm Nations Cup CDI, Tuny Page Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

Wellington, FL (March, 2016) – Arlene “Tuny” Page had a whirlwind weekend to close out the winter CDI circuit at the Global Dressage Festival. At the CDI 3* Nations Cup sponsored by her own Stillpoint Farm, Page helped Team USA capture victory. Handing the stressful weekend in stride and maintaining her practice of excellent sportsmanship, Page was also named the Ann Cook Properties People’s Choice Award winner.

With teammates Laura Graves, Shelly Francis, and Kasey Perry-Glass (all previous winners of the People’s Choice Award), Page helped the United States emerge victorious in the Nations Cup team competition. Canada earned second place, followed by the delegation from Spain. Of her experience as part of Team USA, Page commented, “I was very proud to be selected to be on the team and very proud to sit amongst these women. It makes it very fun.”

Aboard her Grand Prix mount Woodstock, Page submitted seamless performances throughout the Nations Cup weekend. As she was presenting the People’s Choice Award, Ann Cook remarked, “It seemed like you are developing a wonderful partnership together”. Page agreed, saying “That is what I felt, too. With that [partnership], you can do anything.” Page and Woodstock will rely on their strong bond as they head to Europe this summer as part of the United States’ observation trials and campaign for a place on the United States Olympic Team.

Cook also thanked Page for supporting the wonderful Nations Cup weekend through Stillpoint Farm’s sponsorship of the event. “How lucky am I? I think this is the coolest show,” Page laughed as she explained that in not choosing a specific weekend to sponsor at the launch of the Global Dressage Festival, Stillpoint Farm was given the last week by default. The last week has since grown into a fun competition, centered around the team event which builds camaraderie among all of the competitors as they cheer on their teammates and friends.

For her incredible support of dressage, quality performances and outstanding sportsmanship, Page was nominated for the People’s Choice Award. Cook is a successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales). Cook established the People’s Choice Award as her own way to give back to the local equestrian community.

To learn more about Tuny Page, visit www.stillpointfarmdressage.com. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

British Dressage Star Laura Tomlinson Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

Wellington, FL (March 19, 2016) – Laura Tomlinson, the German-born British dressage professional, has once again crossed the Atlantic Ocean to make Wellington, Florida her winter home. For the second season, Tomlinson has traveled with her top horses, her polo-playing husband, and her toddler daughter to compete in the world’s biggest dressage competition circuit. Now a fixture at the top of the leaderboards, Tomlinson is beloved by fellow equestrians for her genuine spirit. At the most recent Global Dressage Festival competition, Tomlinson was named the People’s Choice Award winner from Ann Cook Properties.

Following her success as an FEI Young Rider, the British professional made her first senior team appearance in 2006 and has since won many championships including team Gold and individual Bronze at the London Olympics in 2012, with her long time equine partner Mistral Hojris. Tomlinson and Mistral Hojris joined the exclusive club of riders who have scored over 80% in a CDI Grand Prix, earning the honor six times. Tomlinson is looking to enjoy continued success with two mares: Rosalie B and Unique. Rosalie B, a ten-year-old Westfalen, is the newest Large Tour mount for Tomlinson – the pair made their Grand Prix debut just a few weeks ago. Unique, a twelve-year-old Holsteiner, is slightly more experienced, having started competing in the Grand Prix last year.

Tomlinson was named the People’s Choice Award winner presented by Ann Cook Properties at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10 CDI4*. Ann-Louise Cook is a realtor at Illustrated Properties-a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales. A successful amateur dressage rider in her own right, Cook established the People’s Choice Award to honor riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Global Dressage Festival circuit. As she embodies those characteristics, Tomlinson is one of the many riders who make the show circuit a success each year. As she presented the People’s Choice Award to Tomlinson, Cook commented, “We are so very glad you are here. We hope you plan to come back!”

Tomlinson enjoys her time in Florida and is taking advantage of the consistency provided by the Global Dressage Festival. “It is great to just come and keep getting the youngsters out into the competition environment and keep practicing the tests,” she explained. “I think they have progressed and developed a lot. I’ve had a chance to get to know them a lot better in the ring at this level, whereas in Europe to do the same, I’d have to be traveling to different countries all of the time, which takes a lot more out of the horses.”

A genuine horseman, Tomlinson has been patient in allowing her horses to develop at a measured pace, which can be seen in how successfully the horses have transitioned to the Grand Prix. Tomlinson also believes in letting her horses have a break from intense dressage training. Between turnout, a water treadmill, an all-weather track for gallops, and frequent hacking, the horses have well-rounded exercise programs. Tomlinson is aiming for the Olympic Games later this year in Rio de Janiero, Brazil with her relatively young mounts. “Hopefully they will progress nicely and quickly, which they seem to be doing,” she commented.

To learn more about Laura Tomlinson, visit www.lauratomlinson.co.uk. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Mikala Gundersen Wins Second People’s Choice Award Presented by Ann Cook Properties at Palm Beach Derby CDI-W

Wellington, FL (March 6, 2016) – At the Palm Beach Derby CDI-W, Mikala Gundersen became the first person ever to win a second People’s Choice Award presented by Ann Cook Properties. Gundersen is a beloved competitor at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, known as a great supporter of the sport and her fellow equestrians. With My Lady, Gundersen has been showing a fan favorite freestyle featuring music from the movie Burlesque.

For her exceptional results, incredible horsemanship, and outstanding sportsmanship, Gundersen was again named the People’s Choice Award winner presented by Ann Cook Properties. Ann-Louise Cook is a successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales). Cook established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community.

Cook explained to Gundersen that the People’s Choice Award recognizes top riders who serve as an example and inspiration to amateurs in the sport. She commented, “You always look so elegant in person as well as on the horse.” In accepting the award, Gundersen graciously remarked, “I want to thank you so much for the award. It is, for me, very close to my heart and it is a very big award for me to win.”

Gundersen is based in Florida, but rides for her native country of Denmark. This season, she is fighting for an individual place at the Olympic Games on behalf of Denmark. Based on her scores this season, it is expected to be announced soon that she has earned that position. However, earning the start for Denmark does not guarantee Gundersen will be selected to compete in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Gundersen and My Lady have again qualified for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Finals which will be held later this month in Sweden. However, Gundersen has decided not to put her partner through the stress of an additional transatlantic trip, opting to focus on preparing for the Olympic Games instead. She and My Lady will travel to Europe this summer to vie for a position on the Danish Olympic Team.

My Lady and Gundersen have made a convincing case in their campaign for Olympic glory. Together, they have earned many top placings at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, including a win at the CDI 5* in Week 5 – the biggest week of competition at the popular show circuit. This past week, Gundersen and My Lady once again proved their mettle at the Palm Beach Derby CDI –W, finishing second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle.

The Palm Beach Derby holds special meaning for the duo as it was founded in part by My Lady’s owner Janne Rumbough more than thirty years ago. “I could not have done this without her and her continuous support,” Gundersen said of Rumbough. Rumbough followed, “We couldn’t do it without each other!”

To learn more about Mikala Gundersen, visit www.wellingtondressagehoreses.com . For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com .

Rising Star Kasey Perry-Glass Named People’s Choice Award Winner Presented by Ann Cook Properties at Global Dressage Festival 7 CDI-W

Wellington, FL (February 12, 2016) – Kasey Perry-Glass has been rising toward the top of the U.S. dressage rankings during her successful run at the 2016 Global Dressage Festival presented by Adequan. Perry-Glass has enjoyed previous success with Trøstruplund’s Scarlet in the International Grand Prix arena, and she is stepping into the spotlight with Goerklintgaards Dublet. Throughout each competition she enters, Perry-Glass can be seen smiling with fellow riders and offering praise to her horses. Her incredible character and competition success earned Perry-Glass the People’s Choice Award which is presented by Ann Cook Properties.

Perry-Glass was named the People’s Choice Award winner presented by Ann Cook Properties at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 7 CDI-W. Ann-Louise Cook is a successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales). Cook established the People’s Choice Award to honor riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival circuit.

When presenting Perry-Glass with the People’s Choice Award, Cook commented, “You are such a joy to watch because you are elegant and soft. Your horses respond to you so well.” Perry-Glass explained consistency is an important part of the process, in addition to her horsemanship. Perry-Glass acts as her own groom with her Grand Prix horses, managing tacking, turnout, stable cleaning and feeding in addition to their daily exercise programs. She said, “We know each other so well and it shows in the ring.”

Last year, Perry-Glass took Dublet, then a Small Tour horse and Scarlet, her Grand Prix partner, to Europe as relative newcomers to the U.S. delegation. After that experience, Perry-Glass moved from California to Wellington, Florida in order to train consistently with U.S. developing coach Debbie McDonald. Under McDonald’s tutelage, Dublet has blossomed into a top contender. At the most recent Global Dressage Festival CDI-W, Perry-Glass and Dublet finished in second place in the Grand Prix with a 74.500%.

The CDI-W at week 7 of the 2016 Global Dressage Festival is only the third CDI Grand Prix competition for Perry-Glass and Dublet. After beginning their warm-up for the Grand Prix, the 28-year-old thought it would be a good day to ask for a little more from the black Danish Warmblood (Diamond Hit x Olympic Ferro) gelding. “It was clean and not as conservative,” she remarked. “It was not good weather, but he stuck with me and pushed through.”

Perry-Glass is constantly thinking of her horses’ welfare, which carries over to her training philosophy. She explained, “I keep it simple and get to the point. Suppleness and relaxation must come first in order for the more demanding work to become easy and beautiful.”

Perry-Glass is supported by her family in her quest for a place on the United States Dressage Team. The Perry family forms “Team Believe”, which is a crew of cheerleaders who also provide invaluable assistance. Perry Glass’ sister normally serves as her competition groom, but was unable to attend the most recent event. Her mother stepped into the role as groom. “I am so lucky. I have the most supportive family in the world,” said Perry-Glass.

To learn more about Kasey Perry-Glass, visit www.kaseyperrydressage.com. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann Cook Properties Honors U.S. Dressage Star Laura Graves with People’s Choice Award at Wellington CDI 5*

Wellington, FL (February 12, 2016) – Laura Graves, the Florida based dressage rider that led the United States Dressage Team to a Pan American Games Gold medal last year, was awarded the People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties at the CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms held last weekend in Wellington, Florida. Graves and her horse Verdades, or “Diddy” as he is known, have been a crowd favorite at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Graves is known by fellow professionals and spectators alike for her incredible horsemanship. Her strong bond with Diddy, the horse that she has owned since he was a foal, has led to top finishes in major international competitions.

For her exceptional character, Graves was named the People’s Choice Award winner presented by Ann Cook Properties. Ann-Louise Cook is a successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales). Cook established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award honors riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival circuit.

When presenting Graves with the People’s Choice Award, Cook thanked Graves for the example she sets and commented, “We see so many people that don’t have a strong relationship with their horse.” Graves laughed and replied, “When I first traveled to Europe. I was lucky to go with Adrienne Lyle, who is the same [as me]. She is in the barn all day every day.” Graves continued, “This is my life…I do this because I love horses and I think dressage brings out the best in them.”

Coming into the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Graves had been working with Diddy to add more power to their Grand Prix presentation. At the last CDI in January, wild weather and tornado warnings forced the Grand Prix division into the covered arena. The added stress became overwhelming for the Dutch Warmblood gelding. Laura had to prepare a new game plan for this week’s CDI 5*- the biggest competition so far on 2016 show circuit. Her plan worked, and Graves and Diddy proved they were back in top form, delivering a accurate performance that led to their second highest Grand Prix score to date.

Their winning performance in the CDI 5* Grand Prix was highlighted by brilliant tempi changes and superb pirouettes. The key to their success was relaxation. “Our goal was to ride him down, wanting him to feel that he could stretch the whole time and feel relaxed,” Graves said. She continued, “We have to make him feel confident and level him out, and tonight was a really good experience for that.” The relaxation carried over to Saturday’s CDI 5* Grand Prix Special. The combination continued to build their confidence in the international arena and the effort resulted in another win for the pair.

After her big win in Thursday’s Grand Prix, Graves was off to go to complete night check for the other three horses she has in training in South Florida. She plans to show one of them next month. As for future plans with Diddy, Graves will consult with trainer Debbie McDonald and U.S. coach Robert Dover to determine whether the pair will head to Europe to compete or stay in Florida for the Nation’s Cup that will be held as the last CDI of the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

To learn more about Laura Graves, visit www.crosstiesllc.com. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Shelly Francis Earns Top Placings and Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at 2016 AGDF 3 CDI-W

Wellington, FL (February 1, 2016) – Shelly Francis’s name has become a fixture on the list of top placings at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. After growing up in Bar Harbor, Maine, Francis now bases her training operation in Loxahatchee, Florida, near the competition series that attracts top talent from across the globe. Francis has been a strong international competitor for many years and her experience continues to pay off under the lights at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Her consistent outstanding performance, sportsmanship, and horsemanship have earned her the People’s Choice Award presented by realtor Ann-Louise Cook.

Throughout the competition series, Francis has competed in the Grand Prix CDIs with two geldings owned by Patricia Stempel: Doktor and Danilo. Francis is known for completing the training on her mounts; she prefers to bring along horses from the time they are about 6-years-old and said, “I am a woman and I want my horses to be lighter to ride and more fun to ride… For me that is dressage.”

Her hard work has paid off. During the third week of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Francis had top three finishes on Doktor and Danilo. Doktor won third place in Friday night’s hotly contested Grand Prix Freestyle. Danilo followed that up the next day with a third place in the Grand Prix Special. The top placings came during the World Cup qualifier that attracted fifty top international combinations to enter the Grand Prix division.

The Grand Prix class stretched over two days and had to be held in the Van Kampen covered arena, instead of the main stadium, due to severe weather conditions. “It was a blessing to have this covered to ride under…I’ve been waiting for a couple of years now wondering when they were going to use it for a good rainy day and we got to use it for a good rainy day!” commented Francis. Francis navigated her mounts through the new surroundings and had strong showings throughout the weekend.

A realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales) and a successful dressage rider in her own right, Ann-Louise Cook established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award honors riders who exhibit good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. Cook observed, “Shelly Francis consistently delivers strong performances and it is clear she is an excellent horsewoman. Her horses remain confident and relaxed throughout the entire show circuit.”

This year, Francis is competing in the World Cup qualifiers, but truly aims for the United States selection trials for the 2016 Olympic Games held later this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Francis will continue to compete with Danilo and Doktor in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in her pursuit of Olympic glory.

To learn more about Shelly Francis, visit http://www.shellyfrancisdressage.com/. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Jacqueline Brooks Debuts New Freestyle for D Niro and Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

Wellington, FL (January 19, 2016) – Canada’s Jacqueline (“Jacquie”) Brooks is known for her positive attitude at dressage shows across the globe. She is a top competitor with laser focus in the arena, but regardless of the outcome, Brooks can always be seen with a smile on her face – rain or shine. In recognition of her unwavering sportsmanship, Ann-Louise Cook rewarded Brooks with the People’s Choice Award in the first week of competition at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

A successful dressage rider and realtor at Illustrated Properties (a company specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate sales), Ann-Louise Cook established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award honors riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit. When presenting the People’s Choice Award to Brooks, Cook said, “As a spectator and adult amateur, we all look up to you because you have the horse first in mind, you have consistent performance in the arena, and also you are always so friendly and positive.”

Brooks had strong performances in the competition arena with her two mounts during the opening week of the popular show circuit in Wellington, Florida. Her long-time partner D Niro strutted his stuff in the CDI-W Grand Prix, earning a 68.500%, resulting in twelfth place out of a thirty-eight combination start list. The pair danced to the beat of a new Grand Prix Freestyle to earn a 69.925%, finishing in sixth place. Brooks was delighted with her 17-year-old Swedish Warmblood (D Day x Napoleon 625) partner, and said “Believe it or not, even at 17, [he is] excited to go in the ring, like he can’t wait for his turn.” She continued, “Anything over 68% is always such an accomplishment for him and I am so thrilled with him.”

On her new mount Emmett TOP, a seven-year-old KWPN gelding (Negro x Kelvin), Brooks won Thursday’s Third level Test 1 with a 71.061% and claimed victory in Saturday’s Third level Test 3 on a score of 69.744%. Brooks is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Emmett. She explained the horse shares the same sire as the remarkable World Champion horse Valegro. “You’re always hoping for the breeding and that maybe there is a little tiny bit of that in there somewhere,” laughed Brooks. “I mostly like him because he is just a solid citizen; he comes in, does his job, enjoys working; enjoys being at the horse show.”

Brooks, ever the considerate horsewoman, also explained her dedication to making sure her Grand Prix partner was enjoying his career. They have many accomplishments in their four years together, including competing in World Cup finals and the Olympic Games in London. However, if Brooks ever thinks D Niro isn’t enthusiastic about entering the competition arena, she won’t ask him to continue. That clearly wasn’t the case this week. She remarked, “He is charging into the ring and I can barely get everything back organized to go in. At least I am comforted that he really still wants to be in there.”

For 2016, Brooks has her sights set on competing at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup in Göteborg, Sweden. She explained the difficulty of earning a spot at the World Cup finals. There are only two places reserved for all riders in North American. “I’m going to give it my best shot. I’m not going to be disappointed if he comes in third behind Verdades and Legolas. I’ll be quite thrilled,” Brooks noted.

Leading up to the Finals, Brooks and De Niro will be competing at the CDI-Ws in Wellington, Florida. Brooks likes to keep spectators entertained and will not compete with the same Freestyle at every competition. “Usually, I like to bring a new one out in January and then go back to a favorite… [I] try to change it up for everyone,” Brooks commented.

To learn more about Jacqueline Brooks, visit www.brookhavedressage.com. For more information about Ann-Louise Cook at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Mikala Gundersen Captures Two More Grand Prix Wins and Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award

Wellington, FL (April 7, 2015)— During the final week of competition at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Mikala Gundersen and My Lady (Michellino x Marion) capped off an incredibly consistent season with another two Grand Prix wins. The pair scored 73.380 percent in the FEI Grand Prix and 76.450 percent in the FEI Freestyle Grand Prix. Gundersen and My Lady, who were teamed up just four years ago, completed the winter Wellington season as the top money earning pair and the second-winningest pair on the 2015 circuit (after their Danish teammates Lars Petersen and Mariett). To honor the great sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance that brought Gundersen to such overwhelming success with My Lady, Wellington-area realtor Ann-Louise Cook presented her with the People’s Choice Award.

Gundersen and My Lady met in 2011, when the bay Danish Warmblood mare was already eleven years old. “We had to develop a partnership — with an older horse, it takes a little while before you get to know each other. She was a tough lady when she came to us — she was very opinionated,” remembers Gundersen. She and the horse’s owner, Janne Rumbough, had already agreed against high expectations for success in the show ring. Said Rumbough, “Mikala and I decided when I bought the mare that we were going to do it for fun and we were going to make it beautiful, and we never thought of anything else but that.”

Then, in the midst of all that positive energy, everything began to fall into place. “She just softened in our hands,” said Gundersen. “We’ve got the most amazing relationship. We travel the world together and I fly with her; basically I live with her all of the time. I can see her from my kitchen window at home so we are very close and very connected, and I think that’s very important at this level of the sport.”

“Mikala and My Lady just evolved to become the perfect combination. The deal when we bought her was that we were going to share the ride — and then they kept winning, and winning, and it all worked out exactly the perfect way because there’s no way I can ride two Grand Prix horses!” laughed Rumbough, who competes her P.R.E gelding Junior at the Grand Prix level.

“Mikala is just such a wonderful ambassador for the sport,” she added as Ann-Louise Cook presented Gundersen with the final People’s Choice Award of this season. “I’m very proud of her getting Ann’s award. It’s a wonderful thing to recognize and we’re very grateful, Ann, that you do something so nice like that.”

Ann-Louise Cook, a dressage rider and successful realtor at Illustrated Properties specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the People’s Choice Award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award honors riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit this season.

Gundersen, whose upbeat attitude and good sportsmanship have made her very popular at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds, expressed appreciation for the sense of camaraderie she feels in the show circuit. “We meet each other all of the time, and we are so close — the owners, riders, grooms — we hang out together. We enjoy each other. When we go into the ring we are competitive, but as soon as we are out of the ring, we are a big group of very good friends. I enjoy that very much. It’s also a big responsibility when you are riding at this level that you show the younger people how to treat the horses, how to ride the horses well, how to make them soft and happy, and how to treat other people with respect.”

As the final week of the Wellington season drew to a close, Gundersen and My Lady received an invitation to compete— for the second year in a row— in the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage and the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Las Vegas, which runs from April 15-19.

A dressage enthusiast herself, Ann-Louise Cook is happy to sponsor the show series and to recognize deserving riders with the People’s Choice Award. Cook exemplifies excellence in her own work with Illustrated Properties Real Estate Inc., devoting herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selling Wellington area properties and farms.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Katherine Bateson-Chandler Wins Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award & Grand Prix Special

Wellington, FL (March 24, 2015)— Katherine Bateson-Chandler has become well-known at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds for the incredible season she has been having with her equine partner Alcazar (owned by Jane Forbes Clark). The internationally successful Grand Prix champion also stands out from the crowd for another reason: her commitment to helping other riders succeed in the dressage community. Wellington-area realtor Ann-Louise Cook recognized the time and dedication Bateson-Chandler gives to her students and clients by naming her a winner of the People’s Choice Award, which she presented in person at the show grounds this past weekend.

The People’s Choice Award honors riders who are well-known for exhibiting good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit this season. Cook, a successful realtor at Illustrated Properties specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award gives dressage enthusiasts at the show grounds a voice in who deserves to win.

“I want to thank you, Katherine, for working with so many up-and-coming riders,” said Cook as she presented Bateson-Chandler with the award. “It’s wonderful that you take the time to give back to the rest of us.”

At KBC Dressage in Wellington, Bateson-Chandler offers training, lessons, clinics, and coaching, as well as her expertise in scouting and selecting potential mounts for clients. “I have fantastic students that I would go the ends of the earth for,” she said, “and they are all very understanding that for me, Alcazar and the other horses at Jane Clark’s take priority. They absolutely accept that. We work together, and I feel I am so lucky to have such a support system.”

In the tenth week of competition at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Bateson-Chandler and the nine-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polina) won the Grand Prix Special with a score of 71.255 percent, adding to their Grand Prix winning streak for a total of four Grand Prixs and two Grand Prix Specials.

“I was really happy with his performance,” said Bateson-Chandler, who began working with Alcazar three years ago after his previous rider, U.S. Olympian Robert Dover (with whom she had worked as groom and assistant trainer since age 16), retired from competition. “He’s very green— this is his second time going international, and last weekend was his first time. So it’s all a bit new to him being in that arena, in that kind of environment, with that kind of pressure. He’s really stepping up to the plate and maturing very quickly through the season.”

Last December, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar were presented with the prestigious Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year award for their performances at the Intermediate II level. Competing Alcazar internationally is Bateson-Chandler’s goal for the end of this season. “I go to Europe at the end of April, and I’m going to set up a nice little European tour with one or two shows a month to get him some real experience, hoping for next year in Rio,” she explained. In Europe, she trains with 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Carl Hester.

Alcazar has spent much time in the limelight this season, but his rider remained down-to-earth as she discussed the horse’s potential— keeping her focus on her enjoyment of the sport rather than her scores and winnings.

“He has a lot of quality,” she said of Alcazar. “It’s fun to have a young, up-and-coming horse like that, who I’ve trained myself. He’s really ‘my horse’ so it’s great fun.”

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., in Wellington, Florida please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

People’s Choice Award Honors Lisa Wilcox at Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (March 12, 2015)— When most of us hear the term “good sportsmanship”, we think first of mutual respect between opponents, of positive conduct and graciousness in winning or losing, or of a sense of fellowship within the equestrian community. But Lisa Wilcox conceptualizes sportsmanship differently. “It’s respect for the animals, for the horses,” she said Friday at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where Wellington-based realtor Ann-Louise Cook named her winner of the People’s Choice Award during the Palm Beach Dressage Derby.

The People’s Choice Award honors riders who exhibit good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance in the Wellington dressage show circuit this season. Ann-Louise Cook, a successful realtor at Illustrated Properties specializing in equestrian and luxury properties, established the award as a way to give back to her equestrian community. The award gives dressage enthusiasts at the showgrounds a voice in who deserves to win.

“You’re always so elegantly presented, Lisa. You really are a good example of what we should strive to look like — your riding style as well as your whole presence. You’re a great representative of dressage,” said Cook as she presented Wilcox with the People’s Choice Award— a ribbon sash for her horse and a beautifully engraved silver bowl.

“I like to dress up and go to work,” laughed the Olympic Bronze and World Equestrian Games Silver team medalist. “But sportsmanship is everything,” she added in earnest. “I learned it as a small child from my father. It’s respect for what we’re doing and respect for the animals we’re working with.”

Horses have played a central role in Wilcox’s life since childhood, when she and her siblings worked daily with their father’s Western horses on their Colorado cattle ranch. These early experiences inspired her to study equine science, which eventually led to her career in dressage. Today, Wilcox is known by dressage enthusiasts everywhere for her stylish presentation and careful attention to detail — another trait she credits to her father — as well as her can-do attitude and her trademark motto, “do it with a smile.” After twelve years of training and competing in Europe, Wilcox returned to the U.S. in 2006 and is currently based at Marsh Pond Farm in Wellington, where she works with the owner, Jacqueline Shear, and Shear’s eight-year-old Belgian gelding Galant (Escuro x Bellisima).

Wilcox’s appreciation for her horses was evident as she discussed her performance last week with both of her mounts. She was full of praise for Galant’s efforts. “I’m risking a little bit in competition with him right now, but I’m very happy with the way he handled it,” she explained. “We’re doing well. We’re probably not good enough in our averages to make the Pan Am squad, but that doesn’t matter. We may just go to Germany and start the Grand Prix, because he knows everything in the Grand Prix right now.”

On Friday, Wilcox and the twelve-year-old Hanoverian stallion Pikko Del Cerro HU (Pik L x Rohweena), known as “Cerro”, owned by Horses Unlimited of Albuquerque, New Mexico, scored 76.325 percent in the FEI Freestyle Grand Prix. The high score earned them second place. The pair also scored 70.740 percent in the FEI Grand Prix on Thursday. Cerro, with whom Wilcox won the USEF Developing Grand Prix National Championship title and the top U.S. Bred Horse award at the 2012 U.S. Developing Horse Championships, has made an impressive return this season after his year-long absence from competition, having been sidelined for an injury at the Oldenburg CDI4* in November 2013. “I’m very excited about the way he’s coming back from his time off,” said Wilcox, who is now considering competing in the European show circuit after the Wellington season is over.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

The Equestrian Community Gives Back to Tuny Page through Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award

Wellington, Florida (March 3, 2015)— For International dressage rider Arlene “Tuny” Page, horsemanship, sportsmanship, and performance go hand in hand. “You can’t have good scores (performance) without the other two,” she explained. “If you’re going to stay in the game for a very long time, the three are interlocked completely.” Such a balance is difficult to attain, but Page continues to live up to her beliefs inside and outside of the show ring— which is why she was selected for Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

The People’s Choice Award, presented by Cook, gives dressage enthusiasts at the Wellington show circuit this season the chance to have a say in which riders deserve to be recognized. Cook, a successful Wellington-area realtor at Illustrated Properties— specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate— established the award as a way to give back to her dressage community. She presented Page, the most recent People’s Choice Award winner, with a ribbon sash and a beautifully engraved silver bowl.

Cook congratulated Page on her riding as well as on the performance of the two new horses she competed in the Grand Prix: twelve-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Woodstock (Havel x Mirania) and seventeen-year-old Danish mare Alina. “You’re one of the people who has stuck with this sport and come out time after time with new horses and even better riding,” Cook told Page as she presented her with the award. “You and Alina were excellent to watch.”

Page was also pleased with Alina’s performance, despite the windy weather on the show grounds, which created a tense atmosphere for the horses. “I was actually really tickled with it. There were lots of good things,” she said. “I loved that my changes were just full of expression. Her changes are always good— they’re absolutely God-given— so I only have to point and shoot! I am chipping away at making the piaffe passage with more expression and better self-carriage, and I felt that was at least a point better than two weeks ago, so I am very happy with that progression. And she handled the atmosphere really, really well. It’s a hard day for that — my young horse Woodstock was kind of undone by the weather, but kept it together enough to be in the low running. I was proud of that.”

Page is the owner of Stillpoint Farm Dressage, and also serves her dressage community in ways such as volunteering at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Florida. Page was recently Chairman of Vinceremos’s annual auction and charity dinner event for the tenth year in a row.

“I would love to be involved in a day-to-day basis at Vinceremos,” she said. “That’s not realistic for me because of running a business and having a family and a young daughter. But digging in and trying to create a successful fundraiser— this I can do, and that money will make all the difference to the people who can volunteer consistently.”

Page was pleased to accept the People’s Choice Award from Cook, who also benefits Vinceremos by donating a percentage of her real-estate sales to the non-profit organization. “I love that this award comes from Ann-Louise because she’s someone who is constantly giving into the community, and that means a lot to me,” Page said. “Even today, she is making a donation to Vinceremos every time she closes a deal, and just the fact that she does that can make other people think about contributing, as well. It’s very meaningful that this award comes from somebody like her.”

Having a social conscience and being involved in one’s community, Page believes, is not only important to personal growth but also to growth as a rider and athlete. “You see many people who are out there day in and day out — they try hard, they work hard, they give back to the sport, they are students of their sport,” she explained. “Those are the people who are in the game for a long time, contributing because of depth, and years, and evolution. They contribute. And if that is what this People’s Choice Award is about, then I am very happy to be considered.”

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Steffen Peters Named People’s Choice at

Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI 5*

Wellington, FL (February 16, 2015)– Top-ranked FEI dressage rider Steffen Peters personifies professionalism and sportsmanship, and is highly respected by his dressage community. Wellington, Florida based realtor Ann-Louise Cook of Illustrated Properties rewarded Peters’s riding skills and contributions to dressage by naming him winner of the People’s Choice Award at the CDI 5* competition at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

The German-born Peters is a naturalized U.S. citizen and three-time Olympic Games competitor. He earned a Team USA Bronze Medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and scored a Team Bronze Medal at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, two individual Bronze Medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and Individual and Team Gold Medals at the 2011 Pan American Games. In 2009, Peters and the now-retired Ravel (Contango – Hautain, Democraat) had the highest scores in all three portions of the Aachen World Equestrian Festival Grand Prix competition in Germany, making them the first American pair to be named Aachen Grand Prix Champions. Peters is currently competing aboard Legolas 92 and his newest partner, Rosamunde; both owned by Four Winds Farm.

Steffens received Ann Cook’s People’s Choice award after riding Rosamunde to a first place finish in the FEI 3* Grand Prix with a 71.3 percent, and Legolas 92 to a 71.2 percent in the FEI 5* Grand Prix during week five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Also during the week, he and Legolas earned a 76.220 percent and second place in the FEI 5* Grand Prix Freestyle. He and Rosamunde earned another first place in the FEI 3* Grand Prix Special with a 72.745 percent.

“We started with a wonderful CDI 3* with Rosie,” Peters said of the eight-year-old Rheinlander mare Rosemunde (Rock Forever-First Lady, Fidermark). “It was her first international Grand Prix, and her second Grand Prix in her life. It went extremely well,” he told Cook as he was presented with the People’s Choice Award. “She won today, too, and it was a wonderful feeling. The horse has so much power, and she does it with so much lightness and elasticity. It was an honor to ride a horse like that.”

Peters said that thirteen-year-old Westphalian gelding Legolas 92 (Laomedon-Furstin, Florestan II), his partner for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France, has also been going well. “He’s been trying to compete with his little sister Rosamunde, and he’s been giving her some tips,” Peters smiled. “He was wonderful three weeks ago when we did a National show, and I hope he continues to go exactly the same way as he did then.”

Peters said his next goal is the 2015 Reem Acra World Cup of Dressage in Las Vegas. There are two qualifiers in California, his home state, which he must hurdle before he gets there: one in Los Angles and another in San Juan Capistrano.

“We’re pleased you came all the way to Wellington to show us how beautifully you ride,” Ann-Louise Cook said to Peters. “Your new horse Rosamunde is lovely, and she was really nice to watch in the ring. It’s an inspiration and you are such an outstanding rider.”

Cook believes that everyone at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival should have a chance to choose a favorite rider. The People’s Choice Award gives dressage enthusiasts on the show grounds a voice in choosing which rider deserves to win, based on exemplary sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance. Cook, a successful realtor with Illustrated Properties Real Estate, awards each People’s Choice Award winner with a ribbon sash and a beautifully engraved silver bowl.

Peters thanked Cook for the acknowledgement. “I certainly appreciate the award and this is very, very kind of you,” he said.

As a dressage enthusiast, Cook is happy to sponsor the Adequan Global Dressage Festival as well as recognize excellence with the People’s Choice Award. As a successful realtor, she exemplifies excellence in her work with Illustrated Properties Real Estate Inc. She devotes herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selling Wellington area homes and farms.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Ann-Louise Cook Presents Shannon Dueck with People’s Choice Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, FL (January 30, 2015)— The third week of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which ran January 22-25 in Wellington, Florida, was the largest competition that the show series has ever hosted. With a sixty-one percent increase in international rider combinations and a twelve percent increase in national competition entries from week one, week three of the competition was a truly spectacular week — and one that holds special significance for international dressage rider Shannon Dueck. Dueck became the most recent winner of Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award.

Dueck, who competes for Canada but is currently based in Loxahatchee, Florida, was selected for the award based on her accomplishments in the areas of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance. The People’s Choice Award, presented by Cook, gives dressage enthusiasts at the Wellington show circuit this season the chance to have a say in which riders deserve to be recognized. Show staff, vendors, spectators, and competitors may be asked to vote. Cook, a successful Wellington-area realtor at Illustrated Properties— specializing in equestrian and luxury real estate— established the award as a way to give back to her dressage community. She presented Dueck with a ribbon sash and a beautifully engraved silver bowl.

Shannon Dueck and the Hanoverian gelding Cantaris (Complement x Egida), owned by Elizabeth Ferber, competed in three classes — FEI Prix St. Georges (the largest ever in Global Dressage Festival history), FEI Intermediate I, and FEI Freestyle Intermediate I. Dueck was very pleased with the performance of Chester (as Cantaris is affectionately known) throughout the CDI. “He probably did some of the best extended work that he’s done, so I was thrilled,” she said.

Marie Louise Barrett, who has been Chester’s trainer since Elizabeth Ferber purchased him as a four-year-old, says that the award is well-deserved. While Ferber also rides and occasionally shows Chester, Dueck has been working with him continuously for the past three years, bringing him up to the FEI Prix St. George level. “I think she is doing the most fantastic job,” said Barrett of Dueck’s achievements with Chester this season. “His canter work is so solid, and he is being so expressive during the trot. She has really figured out how to get him to turn his energy on in there for her. To be a horse that can compete at high levels with Shannon and also be ridden by the owner, he can’t be a super hot horse.”

Being ridden by both Dueck and Ferber, Barrett says, has made Chester “a very well-rounded character. We’re very happy with the whole arrangement,” she added. Chester is no typical dressage mount, as his owner Elizabeth Ferber pointed out. “He is very gifted in dressage, thanks to Mary-Louise and Shannon, but he also comes from a jumping line,” she said. “He jumps, he goes trail riding, we take him to hunter paces… he’s the all-around great horse.”

Although Dueck will be showing other horses over the next few weeks, she says she will bring Chester back into the ring very soon. “In another month, we’ll do another CDI. We’re trying to get scores — we’ve got our eyes set on representing Canada at the Pan Am Games this year.” Dueck won her first Pan American Games medal in 1999, when she placed silver with her self-trained horse Korona. Since those days, Dueck has trained and competed on a number of horses through the FEI levels. She also works with student riders, both at home and at shows.

“I’m just really impressed that you brought out another great horse,” said Ann-Louise Cook when she presented Dueck with the award. “You’re showing successfully, you’ve kept going with your career, and you also help out amateurs — being an amateur myself, I appreciate that you work with us too, and you give us something to look forward to in the ring. Thank you.”

Cook is also a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. This fourth annual Adequan Global Dressage Festival will run through March 29, during which twelve (three national and seven international) weeks of competition will take place. This will include eight CDIs (including five CDI-Ws, one 4*, and one 5*), weekly U.S. National events, and the only non-championship CDIO Nations Cup in the Western Hemisphere. The show series offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Realtor Ann-Louise Cook, Sponsor of FEI Intermediate-I Division, Salutes Winners

anne and mary Wellington, FL (January 27, 2015)— Wellington area equestrian and luxury lifestyle realtor Ann-Louise Cook credits her successful real estate career to her experience in dressage riding and horse ownership. Now, Cook is giving back to the dressage community by sponsoring the FEI Intermediate 1 class during the winter dressage show season in Wellington, Florida. Besides sponsoring the class, Cook congratulates each Intermediate 1 winner with their first-place prize during every show.

The first winner Cook awarded this season with the FEI Intermediate 1 first-place ribbon was Christina Vinios. Vinios competed on her nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding Folkestone in the Open division on Sunday, January 4, in the Wellington Dressage Season Kick-Off, held at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. The pair scored an impressive 74.211 percent. Vinios and Folkstone (by Fidertantz, out of a Rubenstein mare) also excelled in the FEI Prix St. Georges during the same weekend, placing second with a score of 70.263 percent.

Sabine Schut-Kery was the second winner Cook awarded in the FEI Intermediate 1 class. Schut-Kery and nine-year-old bay Hanoverian stallion Sanceo (by San Remo, out of Rivera), owned by Alice Womble, competed in the FEI Intermediaire I CDI 1* on Saturday, January 17. They scored 74.553 percent at the show, which was the Gold Coast Opener Festival at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. The Shut-Kery and Sanceo duo further proved their talent by also placing first in the FEI Prix St. Georges with a score of 71.842 percent.

Ann-Louise Cook was present at the classes to award the first-place prizes. “It is such an honor to present these awards and honor excellent riders such as Christina and Sabine,” said an enthusiastic Cook.

Cook is well known for her dedicated involvement in her community, in the Wellington show circuit and beyond. She has trained and certified her Welsh corgi, Teddy, as a visiting therapy dog. Last October, she sponsored the FEI Intermediate I Open division at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge. She is also a sponsor of the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and presents her People’s Choice Award— which recognizes sportsmanship, horsemanship and performance— throughout the competition.

Having relocated to Wellington from Martha’s Vineyard in 2000, Cook is passionate about bringing her real estate expertise to the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” Her familiarity with the local area, legal training, more than twenty years of experience in real estate, and understanding of equestrian and seasonal lifestyles have made her well-known and highly respected in the equestrian and luxury real estate market.

To learn more about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Photo: Ann-Louise Cook (right) awards FEI Intermediate 1 winner Christina Vinios (Photo courtesy of John Flanagan, Wellington Classic Dressage)

Lars Petersen Announced as the Season’s First Winner of the People’s Choice Award

Wellington, FL (January 16, 2015) – Lars Petersen, the highly successful Danish Grand Prix rider based in Wellington, Florida, is known throughout the world for his professionalism and his infectious grin. He now has another reason to smile after winning the first Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award of the 2015 season during the first CDI at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (January 8-11).

Petersen was chosen as award winner due to his talents in sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance. Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award gives dressage enthusiasts a voice in choosing which rider deserves to win at the prestigious 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Show staff, vendors, spectators, and competitors may be asked to vote for the dressage rider they believe should receive the People’s Choice Award at each show. Cook, a successful realtor with Illustrated Properties Real Estate, will award each People’s Choice Award winner with a ribbon sash and a beautifully engraved silver bowl.

Petersen was pleased to accept the award. “I’m very proud of this – especially the horsemanship aspect,” he said. “I really like that because it’s fun.”

He and Marriett, a seventeen-year-old Danish Warmblood mare (Come Back II – Zendi, Sidney) co-owned by Petersen and Maria Pepper, showed that they were the judges’ choice as well as the peoples’ by taking first place in the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a 78.325 percent Friday night under the lights at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds. It was their highest CDI score since Petersen and Marriett’s 79.950 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle last March at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

The duo competed in Europe throughout the summer and represented Denmark at the 2014 Reem Acra World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Petersen said he will show Marriett in all the World Cup qualifying shows during the Festival to gain points for the 2015 Reem Acra World Cup of Dressage held April 15-19 in Las Vegas, and hopes to compete in the 5* at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival on February 4-8.

“I’m glad you had such a wonderful summer and you’re back to show us what professionalism is all about,” Cook told Petersen as she presented him with her award.

Cook is also a sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the world’s largest international and national dressage circuit featuring eight CDIs, five CDI-Ws, one 4*, one 5* and the only non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere. The series also features weekly National shows.

As a dressage enthusiast, Cook is happy to support the show series as well as recognize excellence with the People’s Choice Award. As a successful realtor, she exemplifies excellence in her work with Illustrated Properties Real Estate Inc. She devotes herself to educating her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience in buying or selling Wellington area homes and farms.

For more information about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

By: Wellington The Magazine – October 2014

The love of all things equestrian has moved many people to pick up stakes and start their lives anew in Wellington. So it was with Ann-Louise Cook, a broker associate and luxury / equestrian lifestyle specialist with Illustrated Properties.

Starting her career with her own office in Massachusetts, Cook has 20-plus years of real estate experience. In 2000, she left Martha’s Vineyard and relocated to Wellington. “It was my passion for riding and interest in equestrian training that brought me to Wellington,” Cook said. “From the moment I arrived here, I felt a connection because of the natural beauty, the warm, friendly people and the strong sense of community. I was born and raised in Manhattan. Wellington is a world away from the big city, and that suits me just fine.” In her view, not only do the worlds of riding and real estate overlap, they complement one another. “Riding and training a horse for competition requires focused discipline, commitment to a goal and the ability to deliver on stage,” Cook said. “The ability to perform under pressure has contributed to my character and success in real estate in the same community that has embraced me as a competitor in dressage. The tradition of dressage is an art upon which I model my style and approach to real estate, which appears precise and effortless.”

Cook also has a law degree from the University of California at Berkeley, which comes in quite handy on what many times is a bumpy road to the completion of a transaction. “My law experience ensures business situations go as effortlessly as possible,” she said. “I pay meticulous attention to detail in contract language, which helps me to skillfully negotiate highly complex transactions. When there are potential roadblocks in the course of getting a deal done, I am there to smooth them out to my customer’s total satisfaction.” Cook is dedicated to helping her clients succeed and encourages them to become involved in the process of buying or selling a home.

“My clients’ time ed decisions,” she said. “Maintaining open communications between myself and my clients is very important. When we keep the lines of communications open, together we will achieve their goals.” Being a part of Illustrated Properties allows Cook to stay ahead of the curve and provide the level of service she believes her clientele requires. “I am able to integrate Illustrated Properties’ latest online marketing tools and strategies to ensure optimal exposure for attracting highly qualified equestrian and luxury real estate buyers,” she said.

Cook specializes in Wellington real estate, where her personal knowledge of the equestrian lifestyle has made her a top asset in the community. “Wellington is the winter equestrian capital of the world; an international destination that has urban perks with a countryfeel,” she said. “It’s close to the ocean, Miami, Orlando and West Palm Beach, which has been transformed into a world class city. Wellington has something for everybody.”

Cook To Present Award At Dressage Challenge

By: Town Crier Editor – October 2014

Wellington area Realtor and dressage rider Ann-Louise Cook will sponsor the inaugural Dressage People’s Choice Award during the 2014 Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge to be held in conjunction with the upcoming Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships.

The Dressage People’s Choice Award is based on sportsmanship, horsemanship and performance, and will give dressage enthusiasts at the show the chance to have a say as to which rider deserves to be recognized as a winner. Anyone at the show, including show staff, vendors and competitors, will be asked to vote for which dressage nominee most deserves the Dressage People’s Choice Award.

Cook will present the winner with a ribbon sash and an engraved silver bowl.

The 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge will take place Oct. 16-19 at the Global Dressage Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

Cook rides and competes with her own dressage horse and has certified her corgi, Teddy, as a visiting therapy dog.

Relocating to Wellington from Martha’s Vineyard in 2000, Cook is well versed in equestrian and seasonal lifestyles.

For more information, visit www.annlouisecook.com.

ABOVE: Ann-Louise Cook will sponsor the People’s Choice Award at the Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge.

John Zopatti Wins Realtor Ann Cook’s People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships / Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge

Wellington, FL (October 24, 2014) — Realtor Ann-Louise Cook’s life has truly been impacted by the time she has spent in a dressage saddle. “Riding and training a horse for competition has prepared me to do well in my business, because it requires focused discipline and commitment to a goal,” Cook explains. “It has also prepared me to perform on stage under pressure — which has contributed to success for my clients in real estate.”

111 At the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge on October 16-19, 2014, Cook enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the dressage community that means so much to her. The successful Wellington-area realtor celebrated exemplary equestrians by presenting her People’s Choice Award, which went to Grand Prix competitor John Zopatti. She also sponsored the FEI Intermediaire 1 class at the show, and personally congratulated its high-scoring winner Yvonne Losos de Muniz.

Cook invited spectators at the show grounds to vote for a rider who excels in sportsmanship, horsemanship, and performance to receive her People’s Choice Award. USDF Gold Medalist and trainer John Zopatti of Wellington, Florida was selected as the award winner. Cook presented the grateful Zopatti with a ribbon sash and a beautifully engraved silver bowl. “I’m really honored to get this award,” Zopatti smiled, “and in my teaching, I try to teach my students all those things. I try to teach sportsmanship along with horsemanship and performance.” Cook was eager to congratulate a rider who is such an integral part of the Wellington dressage community. “Thank you, John— you’ve been a great example and a remarkable trainer. I really admire you. Thank you very much for your contribution to the amateur adult world,” Cook expressed.

Zopatti and his Oldenburg partner Fabio (by West Coast, out of Doramber) continued to excel throughout the weekend, placing well in all of their classes including earning third place in the Grand Prix Championship. By earning a high placing in the Grand Prix Freestyle Open, the pair qualified for the upcoming 2014 US Dressage Finals.

In addition to her People’s Choice Award, Cook sponsored the show’s FEI Intermediaire 1 class. Yvonne Losos de Muniz of Santo Domingo, Florida, won the class on her Belgium Warmblood Foco Loco W. The pair earned an impressive score of 76.053 percent. “I just saw the score and was so ecstatic!” Losos de Muniz beamed. Noreen O’Sullivan, Manager of the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships and Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge, agreed. “It was a very awesome score,” she said. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the support of our sponsors who help us put on a big show like this and make it a great experience for the competitors.”

Losos de Muniz was also grateful to Cook for sponsoring the class, as it was a wonderful way for her to return to the sport of dressage after not competing for two years. “I would like to thank the sponsors and organizing committee,” she said. “I took two years off and I can tell you I have been on cloud nine since I’ve been back. I am so happy. It was a lot of fun!” Cook shared in the rider’s enthusiasm, saying “Congratulations, it was a wonderful ride!”

Cook was happy to be able to show her appreciation for some of Florida’s most talented dressage riders. To learn more about Ann-Louise Cook and her business at Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Inc., please visit www.annlouisecook.com.

Contact: Ann-Louise Cook

561-301-4626

acre@bellsouth.net

https://annlouisecook.com

In The News

Ann’s message from the heart

Ann’s message from the heart

Ann’s message from the heart

Ann’s message from the heart

Ann’s message from the heart

Amsterdam vacation!

Ann’s message from the heart

Sugar Pond Manor | Wellington

Ending and New Beginning

Ann’s message from the heart

Congratulations!

‘Realtors Take The Runway’ Raises Money For Hospice Foundation

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Christopher Hickey Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at First Week of 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Ann-Louise Cook of Illustrated Properties Loves Both Horses & Real Estate

At Stillpoint Farm Nations Cup CDI, Tuny Page Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

British Dressage Star Laura Tomlinson Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

Mikala Gundersen Wins Second People’s Choice Award Presented by Ann Cook Properties at Palm Beach Derby CDI-W

Rising Star Kasey Perry-Glass Named People’s Choice Award Winner Presented by Ann Cook Properties at Global Dressage Festival 7 CDI-W

Ann Cook Properties Honors U.S. Dressage Star Laura Graves with People’s Choice Award at Wellington CDI 5*

Shelly Francis Earns Top Placings and Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann-Louise Cook at 2016 AGDF 3 CDI-W

Jacqueline Brooks Debuts New Freestyle for D Niro and Wins People’s Choice Award from Ann Cook Properties

Mikala Gundersen Captures Two More Grand Prix Wins and Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award

Katherine Bateson-Chandler Wins Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award & Grand Prix Special

People’s Choice Award Honors Lisa Wilcox at Adequan Global Dressage Festival

The Equestrian Community Gives Back to Tuny Page through Ann-Louise Cook’s People’s Choice Award

Steffen Peters Named People’s Choice at

Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI 5*

Ann-Louise Cook Presents Shannon Dueck with People’s Choice Award at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Realtor Ann-Louise Cook, Sponsor of FEI Intermediate-I Division, Salutes Winners

Lars Petersen Announced as the Season’s First Winner of the People’s Choice Award

Cook To Present Award At Dressage Challenge

John Zopatti Wins Realtor Ann Cook’s People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Great American Insurance Group USDF Region 3 Championships / Wellington Classic Dressage Autumn Challenge

Contact Information

‘Realtors Take The Runway’
Raises Money For Hospice Foundation