U.S. Olympic team riders Tina Konyot and Heather Blitz returned to competition for the first time since the Games at the national show in Loxahatchee, Florida, on 12-13 January 2013. At the small winter competition, named the IHS Blue Hors Dressage Premiere, the duo re-introduced Calecto and Paragon to the show ring.
On the first day of competition on Saturday 12 January, Konyot and her 15-year old Danish warmblood stallion Calecto V (by Come Back II x Rastell) aced the Grand Prix. Receiving a score of 71.383% from judge Michael Poulin, Konyot dominated the field of only three riders with Shelly Francis placing second on Doktor (68.298% and Canadian Crystal Kroetch third on Lymrix (63.830%).
“This year we’ll try to do as many big shows as we can," Konyot told Dressage News about her show plans for 2013. "I want to enjoy my horse because I love him. He’s a very sound, healthy horse and could go until he’s 20 years old but that will not happen.”
On Sunday 13 January 2013 Olympic team reserve rider Heather Blitz saddled her gigantic Danish bred chestnut gelding Paragon (by Don Schufro x Pari Lord) for a competition for the first time in seven months as she had entered her horse in the Test of Choice class and opted to ride the Grand Prix. Judge Sarah Geike awarded Blitz a whopping score of 75.000%.
"More connection is needed,” Blitz told Dressage News after her ride Sunday. "He still needs to stay more through. He’s put on a tremendous amount of muscle from six months ago. Everything is looking great right now. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it stays like it is."
The Grand Prix Special was contested by only two riders, Shelly Francis on her 10-year old Diamond Hit offspring Doktor and Austrian Katharina Stumpf on the 12-year old Hanoverian For My Love (by For Feeling). Francis won with 68.438% while Stumpf became second with 56.979%.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Results - IHS Blue Hors Dressage Premiere
Grand Prix - Open Class
- 1. Tina Konyot - Calecto V - 71.383%
- 2. Shelly J. Francis - Doktor - 68.298%
- 3. Crystal Kroetch - Lymrix - 63.830%
Grand Prix - AA
- 1. Katharina Stumpf - For My Love - 65.957%
- 2. Robin Janis Lubert - Nice Catch - 48.191%
Grand Prix Special - Open
- 1. Shelly J. Francis - Doktor - 68.438%
- 2. Katharina Stumpf - For My Love- 56.979%
Related Links
Heather Blitz and Paragon Named 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Alternates
Blitz and Konyot Take the Blue at Three Star CDI at 2012 Global Dressage Festival
Konyot Delivers Personal Best Score in Third Olympic Selection Trial at 2012 U.S. Championships
Konyot Dominates 2010 U.S. Dressage Championships Taking Four in a Row