Most competitors dread having to be the first rider to enter the arena in any class, let alone the first rider down the centerline on Day One of 2015 U.S. Dressage Finals, the National dressage championships for American amateur and non-high performance dressage riders. The US Dressage Finals in Lexington, KY, are a unique national head-to-head competition being for exhibitors of all levels held November 5-8, 2015.
Hicks Wins Inter I Adult Amateur
Rachael Hicks of nearby Prospect, Ky. (Region 2) and her black Westfalian gelding Fabio Bellini (by Furst Heinrich x Davignon I) refused to let an unfortunate draw or the impressive atmosphere of the lavish Alltech Arena stand in the way of their claiming another victory. The 2014 Fourth Level Adult Amateur Champions made the jump up to the Intermediate I Adult Amateur division look easy, setting the standard for the rest of the class with a score of 68.553% that could not be topped by any of the other 12 competitors.
"I didn't let the ride time bother me - I had a great warm-up ride yesterday, and I figured if I could just repeat what I did yesterday I'd be in good shape, even though I admit I'm not a morning person," Hicks laughed. "I know some horses were a little overwhelmed in the Alltech Arena, but my guy was on task and felt great, and he handled the atmosphere really well. The progression to the FEI levels is a challenge for Fabio because he's not naturally expressive in his gaits, but he keeps rising to the occasion and is becoming prouder in the way he carries himself. I'm so happy with him."
Even as the class progressed and Hicks' score continued to stand atop the leaderboard, the next to last competitor gave her a run for her money. Alexandra Krossen of Basking Ridge, N.J. (Region 8) had a lovely test with Heather Mason's Hanoverian cross mare Damani (by Duvall x Gesandt, bred in the U.S. by Virginia Godfrey), but had to settle for second with 68.158%. "I did check a couple of scores but I didn't keep looking because I wanted to stay focused,"said Krossen. "I've only been riding Damani since December and she's always the same whether we're at home or at a show. I'm lucky enough to get the chance to ride her."
Knollmann Wins Inter I Open Championship
An impressive field of 24 competitors vied for the Intermediate I Open Championship, and emerging on top with 70.132% was Rebecca Knollman of Maineville, Ohio (qualified in Region 4) who earned a narrow victory over Region 8's Heather Mason (Lebanon, N.J.) and her Hanoverian gelding Romantico SF (Romancero H x Wesermelodie by Wenzel I, bred in the U.S. by Somerset Farms) with 70.044%. Knollman rode to the win with Rocky Lane (Rock Forever by Rica), a Westfalen mare she purchased as a re-sale project after catching her eye as a five-year-old in Germany, but then decided to keep for herself. "I look for horses that are special and will stand out here to sell, but there was something about her that made me hang onto her and I'm glad I did," said Knollman. "Rocky Lane loves to show herself and she thinks she's spectacular. It's a fine line with her between keeping her relaxed yet brilliant, but I feel like we were successful in that today. There were so many nice horses in this class and riders that I have tremendous respect for."
Tarjan Wins Grand Prix Adult Amateur Championship
For her last ride of the day, Hicks claimed one more title in the Grand Prix Adult Amateur Reserve Championship on a score of 67.133% with Apollo, who counts on an intensive equine fitness regimen of "trail riding Olympics"; to keep the 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Gribaldi x Winckenburgh) fresh and fit. But this time Hicks could not get past the defending Grand Prix Adult Amateur Champion Alice Tarjan of Frenchtown, N.J. (Region 8) aboard her elegant eight-year-old Oldenburg mare Elfenfeuer (by Florencio x Sion), earning the unanimous victory under all three judges with a top score of 69.000%. The pair will return for a freestyle performance on Saturday and then head to Florida for the USEF Festival of Champions.
"I'm really happy with our ride and feel like we're definitely making progress,"said Tarjan. "I think we're both more confident in the work this year and the balance is better, so I donR17;t feel like I have to ride the test so conservatively."
Poulin Takes the Grand Prix Open Championship
A sold-out crowd gathered at the Alltech Arena Friday evening for the popular "Taste of the Bluegrass" dinner, official welcome ceremony and evening festivities. The highlight of the night was the Grand Prix Open Championship, where the father-daughter team of Michael and Gwen Poulin kept the top honors all in the family. Olympian Michael Poulin of DeLeon Springs, Fla. posted what at first appeared might be the winning score of the night with 68.400% aboard Pineland Farms, Inc's Dutch Warmblood gelding Thor M (Mirakel x Debora by Westvoorn). But the pair's time atop the leaderboard was short-lived as Poulin's daughter Gwen promptly rode into the ring and surpassed her father's mark aboard William, a Dutch Warmblood gelding (Sir Sinclair x Kennedy) owned by Belinda Nairn-Wertman. For their efforts, the pair earned 68.533% and were presented with the newly-dedicated Veronica Holt Perpetual Trophy, presented by USDF Region 5 and Friends. Holt's daughter Sally Hayes was on hand to award the trophy to Gwen.
"He was on fire, it was just awesome," said Gwen of her mount. "About two and a half years ago Belinda called me and asked if I'd take the horse on. I never turn down an opportunity because you never know how it can turn out and what you can learn from it. We really clicked; he's very sensitive and emotional, so I've taken my time with him so that he wouldn't feel too much pressure. And now he offers everything to me, and it makes my heart so happy that I can't help but grin from ear to ear."
Despite being a fierce competitor, her father was gracious in defeat. "I'm so proud of her, she hung in there and fought for it. It was beautiful, and it means more to me for her to win," said Michael, who noted that he has been fighting a battle with Lyme disease. He also spoke highly of his mount. "Thor is a kind horse, but at the same time he's really hot, so it's a big feat for this horse to even be here doing this. I really like him and I like riding him. You've got to have something to keep your motor going."
Photos © Sue Stickle
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