For American Emily Wagner and her 5-year old American warmblood WakeUp their maiden voyage to Europe to compete at the 2010 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden has been an exhilarating journey. The duo finished fourth in the consolation class, missing out on the final by a nose length, and ranked sixteenth overall in this international competition.
Wagner and WakeUp (by Wagnis out of Maiden Montreal (by Macho)) made a striking impression in the preliminary test and consolation finals with their outstanding presentation. The black stallion was always light in the bridle and 22-year old Emily maintained an exemplary consistent contact with the bit outclassing many European professionalism with her riding. The walk and canter are WakeUp's strongpoints. The walk is extremely groundcovering and relaxed, the canter work is solid and balanced with good scope. Only in the counter canter the black stallion slightly lost the uphill tendency. Though the trot was smooth and well regulated, the 5-year old needs to improve on his strength and muscle tone in the back and loins as he still moves slightly disconnected between the forehand and hindquarters. The supreme rideability and throughness of the horse were excellent though and Wagner earned a 7.82 in the first round and 7.94 in the consolation, just losing the chance for a place in the grand finals.
Emily's focus and control of her riding were remarkable, making her look totally self-confident at her World Championship debut. "I was not nervous but rather proud to have the opportunity to show in the same ring as such amazing horses and riders," Wagner told Eurodressage. "I was happy with the way WakeUp was going and really was just trying to enjoy the moment. I very much wanted to make it into the Grand Final so the second test was "now or never". "
Missing Out on the Finals by a Nose Length
With a 7.94 score Wagner was just edged out on the finals as she placed fourth and only the top three moves up. The gap with third placed Jana Freund on Aaron was minimal as the German riding for Holland scored 7.96. This minor difference made the ambitious Emily feel a bit downhearted.
"It was not only just one placing but also just .02," Wagner expressed. "If I had scored 0.1 higher on any of the five categories we would have been in! I am thrilled that I was so close. My goal for the trip was to make it into the top 15. So I am disappointed I didn't get into the Grand Finale but was excited to be so close and 16th."
The black stallion WakeUp was acquired by the Wagner family as a 3-weeks old colt and trained by Emily and her mom Jana Wagner to FEI young horse level. The combination won the U.S. Central Selection Trials for Verden with score of 8.23 and Wagner became the only American opting to travel to Europe for the show. In Europe Wagner scored less than the points she is used to getting in The States. This makes one wonder whether the judging is discordant at the World Championships compared to the U.S. young horse shows.
"I think with the high caliber of horses and riders the standards were higher and therefore the judging could be viewed as tougher," said Wagner . "However I do think that the same qualities are viewed as important and it was good to see that the full range of scores were used."
More Baggage for the Future
With a World Championship experience under her belt, the Biology senior at Kansas University has added an impressive achievement to her list. As Wagner is the owner of her horse, she can determine her own path for the future.
"The entire trip reinforced to me how fortunate I am to be showing my own horse," Emily admitted. "I can build on this experience and use it for the future knowing that he is simply mine and the work we do together is ours."
The conventional way of going would be preparing WakeUp for the 6-year old FEI Young Horse tests and quality again for Verden next year. But is this what Emily had in mind?
"The plan is to just see," she said solemnly. "As we joke: planning with horses is like predicting the weather in Kansas next year."
Emily is coached by her mother but also regularly attends clinics to get instruction and feedback from various trainers. Two weeks before the show in Verden, Wagner got the opportunity to work with Dr. Ulf Möller, a multiple World Young Horse Champion rider, leading up to the event
"Dr. Möller was amazing to work with and I hope to have that opportunity again," she said.
Down to Earth
Over the years the presence of American combinations at the World Young Horse Championships has decreased instead of increased. With little to no help from the U.S. Equestrian Federation, Americans have to fund their own trip to Europe, which quickly adds up to a 30-50,000 euro enterprise for merely four days of competition.
Wagner and WakeUp are likely candidates to return to Verden next year. In retrospect of this year's venture, would Wagner be willing to do it all again in 2011?
"That is another one of those "we'll have to see" questions," Wagner admitted. "I would love to be able to work with Dr. Möller again, show in Verden, get the chance to see how we measure up against the best and have another great learning experience. On the other hand, the burden of raising the money, having to deal with the media and politics within it, and the many small complications and details that come hand in hand with such a trip make one have to seriously think about the decision."
The experience and exposure a rider gains at the World Young Horse Championships are priceless and Wagner is one of few American riders with this highly coveted competition ticked off on their shows-to-do list.
"I am so happy, so proud, so excited, so relieved, so exhausted, so bummed, so ecstatic, so thankful, etc.," Wagner concluded after finishing her consolation ride. "I just hope WakeUp knows how good he was. He and so many others have made possible a moment that I will never forget."
Text and Photos © Astrid Appels
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