Celebration at the Selection Trials

By Charlene Strickland

San Juan Capistrano, June 20: Solid scores—with four Grand Prix horses scoring over 77—thrilled U.S. dressage team enthusiasts in a day full of 24 freestyle rides. Thirteen riders performed the Grand Prix Freestyle, and 11 competed in Intermediare I.

In the final ride in the final class at the trials, Robert Dover and FBW Kennedy became the second U.S. pair this year to score over 80 in the Grand Prix Freestyle—81.70. They join Debbie McDonald and Brentina, who won the U.S. Grand Prix Freestyle Championship in February with 83.325.

Dover's score secured the National Championship title, and a trip to Europe in preparation for the Olympic Games. Joining him will be Guenter Seidel and Steffen Peters, who finished second and third (Seidel with overall scores of 73.886, Aragon, and 73.181, Nikolaus; Peters with 72.386, Floriano).

In the freestyle, Aragon earned four 9s on his piaffe, and his fluid gaits secured 78.425. Seidel rode Nikolaus before the break, showing the bay's lengthenings to place third (77.125).

About the outstanding scores, Dover noted, “The training system with Klaus [Balkenhol] has been advantageous to this group.”

Image copyrighted: Terri Miller