Steffen Peters and Legolas took the win in the Grand Prix at CDI4* Roosendaal in The Netherlands on Friday 2 June 2016. The accomplished combination won the qualifier for the Grand Prix Special against 20 entries with a score of 76.820% and edged out compatriots Laura Graves and Verdades, who earned a score of 75.800%.
“I am extremely happy with Legolas. It's a wonderful start, and it is exciting to be here with the rest of our group who have started off with strong performances as well. I will immediately begin to focus on the [Grand Prix] Special with Legolas but I’m super happy with how relaxed he was today,” said Peters.
Never an easy feat, Graves (Geneva, Fla.) and her own Verdades (by Florett As) were the first combination down the centerline. They put in a harmonious test and exemplified super half-passes in the trot. They also had nice piaffe movements, which has continued to improve show-to-show. She and the 2002 KWPN gelding held the lead through 14 combinations. Then, Peters and Legolas entered the ring.
Peters (San Diego, Calif.), with Four Winds Farm Legolas (by Laomedon x Florestan II), did not disappoint in their test. He and the 2002 Westfalen gelding demonstrated lovely thoroughness throughout the test with excellent piaffe and passage work.
Guenter Seidel and Zero Gravity finished in eighth with a score of 70.640% to round out the U.S. contingent. Seidel (Cardiff, Calif.) and James and Charlotte Mashburn's Zero Gravity (by Royal Dance) had a good test with nice one- and two-tempi changes. He and the 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding also showed improved piaffe and passage work.
All three U.S. combinations advance to the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. Peters will compete with Rosamunde in the Grand Prix, the qualifier for Sunday’s Freestyle, on Saturday 3 June 2016.
"What a fantastic day at the Roosendaal CDI4* where our American athletes triumphed again in a seriously strong field. Steffen Peters and Legolas showed again why they have been such a super combination for the U.S. over the last 3 years, earning a 76.8%," said U.S. team trainer Robert Dover. "They were followed closely by Laura Graves and Verdades in an elegant and harmonious ride scoring 75.8% with both of them besting 2nd ranked British rider who is also a sweetheart, Fiona Bigwood. I already love watching Guenter Seidel ride and he and Zero Gravity are truly making headway."
-- USEF press releases, edited by Eurodressage
Photos © Digishots
Related Links
Scores: 2016 CDI Roosendaal
Global Dressage Stars to Appear at 2016 CDI Roosendaal
Roosendaal, Compiegne, Rotterdam Appointed U.S. Rio Olympic Team Selection Events