Californians Win Prix St. Georges in USEF Intermediaire I Championship at 2004 Festival of Champions

By Charlene Strickland

San Juan Capistrano, June 18: California riders took the first three places in the Prix St. Georges, first leg of the USEF Intermediare I Championship. Steffen Peters, Leslie Morse were first and second at the Bayer/USET Foundation Festival of Champions, with Nicole Perry tied for third with Heather Blitz of Louisiana .

On the sensitive Marlando , Peters illustrated his skill, directing the dark bay through an accurate test. His artistry and the horse's consistency gained plenty of 8s from the judges.

“It was a lot of fun today,” said Peters. “One of our best tests.”

He noted that Marlando felt “relatively relaxed. He felt really rideable today. I could lengthen his frame today. The extensions felt really regular, and I could ride from letter to letter.”

He usually has to ride conservatively, but this day felt he could let the horse go. “The pirouettes felt good, and also the cadence in the half-passes.”

Marlando and Tip Top have traded first and second this season. Here Peters' horsemanship edged his scores on top (73.75)—Morse and Tip Top were a close second (72.45). Tip Top was a flashier mover, but errors lowered his score.

“It's just par for the course, and getting him more seasoned,” said Morse about the Swedish stallion's performance. “The trot tour was very good. I was really happy with that.”