Team competition for the Nations Cup CDIO3* in Wellington, Florida, concluded with Team USA 1 finishing atop the leaderboard with a total score of 452.599 after two days of competition in Small Tour and Big Tour classes. Small Tour combinations contested the Intermediaire 1 test and Big Tour rode the Grand Prix Special on Thursday 26 March 2015.
Team USA 1, composed of Kimberly Herslow, Allison Brock, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Laura Graves, bested the rest of the competition with a combination of superb results. Team Canada 1 finished behind the U.S. in second with a combined 438.966, and Team Canada 2 came in third with a total of 424.774.
Easy Victory for Team USA 1
Team USA 1 put together a very strong team, as all four riders performed tests scored well above the 70% mark. U.S. team members Kimberly Herslow and Rosmarin had the highest score in the Intermediaire 1 on a personal best of 76.158%, and Laura Graves and Verdades led the Grand Prix Special with 75.882%.
Chef d'Equipe Robert Dover was incredibly proud of the performances from both U.S. teams so far in competition. "These riders really stepped up to the plate today and for me, (it was) just glorious to watch. I love getting goose bumps when I watch rides, and I got them today from this team," remarked Dover about the team's overall performance. "We had our third rider and a fourth horse for Team USA be able to go above 74% and that was with some errors. I feel not only extremely confident moving towards the Pan American Games and the European tour we are about to go on, but also on our way to Rio with more and more depth in America in this sport than we have ever seen before."
Allison Brock and Rosevelt rode to a personal best in the Grand Prix Special with a 74.255%, which included some bobbles in the one-tempis, still the second highest placing test in the class behind fellow American Laura Graves.
"It is an absolute honor to be on this team, and it was really fun. We supported each other and I'm a rookie at this, so is Olivia, and it is so different to be on a team. There's a different kind of pressure to it, but you also find new support in that from your teammates," said Brock. "He was again really going for me the whole time, and I'm so proud of him. He's maturing and he's showing that he can come out and do a competition in this atmosphere and come out stronger the next day. That's really important in a team type of horse. You need them to be consistent and carry through."
LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing's Lonoir, who rode the Small Tour tests, have learned from their experience so far this week as "Lono" was very hot for LaGoy-Weltz both days and had some uncharacteristic moments in both tests. "Part of the challenge of having a Grand Prix horse in the Small Tour is that they don't always think there's enough to do," joked LaGoy-Weltz about some of the ringside antics from the big bay gelding. "This has been a tremendous learning experience for us and we were able to harness that energy and move on in the test, which is about being composed and riding through it. You also get the opportunity to support your teammates and receive that support in return."
With a stunning fault-free test that Herslow described as "possibly finding the fifth gear," it was clear that Rosmarin was completely on his game in the arena tonight. "Robert and Debbie really revved me up the right way. We needed that expression in the ring and be able to carry it in there, and we really rocked it. It was a personal best for us in the I-1, and there were still a few places I felt like I could have asked for a bit more too," explained Herslow. "I have to know how to ride that in the ring, and I'm thrilled with the result. He's so consistent and honest. It is just on me now."
The anchor again for Team USA 1, Laura Graves, in her first time riding the Grand Prix Special with Verdades since last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, posted a 75.882% to lead the class. Even though the duo will not need to perform the Special at the FEI World Cup Finals, Graves still feels she needs to prepare for it more.
"I'm looking forward to having this summer with Robert and Debbie to work on it and polish it up. Obviously tightening that up is a priority. There are places where we improved and places that still need work," commented Graves. "It's always great to be able to meet and become close with riders I may not have known as well before, and it makes you really excited for where we're going on this team in this country. I hope that we can take this gold medal winning streak global very soon."
Canada Second and Third on the Podium
Chris Von Martels and Christilot Boylen, both riding for Canada, were the highest placed riders for their respective teams, Canada 1 and Canada 2. Von Martels was joined by Diane Creech on Robbie W, Megan Lane and Caravella, and Belinda Trussel riding Anton. Boylen's teammates included Tina Irwin and Fancy That, Shannon Dueck on Cantaris, and Jill Irving riding Degas 12.
Von Martels and Zilverstar have had a truly impressive beginning to their 2015 season with top finishes in almost all of their classes. "Firstly, I'm very happy with our team result and my individual results over the past two days. I think that it was a very strong competition and when you look at the results in the Small Tour, the differences are very narrow. The level of competition is great," said Von Martels about Canada Team 1's second place finish. "I think it's a very exciting time in our sport because there are some very strong combinations in several different countries. I was thrilled with my horse; he's grown a lot and has become more confident and strong. The growing relationship is what I'm most proud of."
Christilot Boylen and Donatella can be marked as the definition of improvement this season, as the pair has increased their average marks by 6% in the Small Tour within the last month. "Donatella" who was out with an injury for most of last year, debuted at the Small Tour in January and has really hit her stride. "I'm so thankful to have a horse of her quality and her owner. You can't walk around the ring by yourself, and they deserve so much credit," smiled Boylen. "I really feel like Team Canada is finally pulling together and the future is looking very bright. Like Chris said, it is just a team game and its onwards and forward for this team."
Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
Scores: 2015 CDIO Wellington
Team USA 1 Takes Lead in 2015 CDIO Wellington Nations Cup
Wellington Ready for Second Leg of 2015 FEI Nations' Cup Dressage