Horsesdaily News: Young Rider Versus Veteran Campaigner Square Off For Stadium

2004 Radnor Hunt International CCI**

Young Rider Versus Veteran Campaigner Square Off For Stadium

Ohioan Ralph Holstein found himself on top with one-time race horse, Artic Dancer. The Baldwin Wallace (Ohio) College business major had to retire on course last year at Radnor when his horse slipped on a turn.

This time "I was surprised everything went smoother than I thought it would," said Holstein, who at age 19, was one of the youngest riders to be so close to the top. "I actually came in about 10 seconds (under the time allowed). I brought him back at the last couple of fences," continued Holstein, who hopes to turn professional.

Show jumping, especially on Olympian Lisa Jacquin's course for Sunday, is not Holstein's strong suit. "But if I stay focused, I can give him the best ride I can."

English -born but now naturalized American citizen Stuart Black is savoring another two-star fall championship title similar to the ones he won in 1993 with Jasper V and in 1995 on Paint The Town. While his other victories on the Radnor Hunt club grounds were with geldings, this time he's trying with the mare, Fleeceworks Starlight.

"You get good mares who are brilliant. She steals the marks in dressage," said Black, 45, of Bluemont, Va. "She galloped and turned for the first time like I asked her to today.

The seven-year-old daughter of Irish stallion Cavalier and out of a Thoroughbred mare came in 15 seconds under the time allowed, much to the pleasure of her former owner, Jane Sleeper. "I watched the mare with Jane for 18 months and told Jane I loved her. But in the end, the price didn't come down," Black he said with a laugh.