Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon Presented by Outback Steakhouse Raises $10,000 for Cancer Victim - page 3

For opening ceremonies, flag-bearer Erin O’Brian on her palomino Sunshine, decked out in red-white-and-blue, led the 20-horse parade of dressage horses, jumpers, and polo ponies into the competition area where they halted in formation facing the crowd as Charles Pitt sang the National Anthem. The triathlon started with dressage, followed by jumping and ended with a four-chukker polo match.

"If I could have a chance to do it again I would," said Mike Azzaro, the only 10-goal American polo player in the world. "It opened my eyes to how difficult dressage is and how fun jumping is. Jumping is a blast. Dressage is very challenging. It makes you appreciate how good those riders are and how much we need to work on our riding. The whole event was great. It was a great challenge and a great benefit."

The jumpers and polo players rode a second level dressage test to music for Judge Janne Rumbough. FEI ‘I’Judge Lorraine Stubbs judged the ‘Best Dressage Horse’ category. Riders were evaluated not only on their riding skills, but also on their choice of music. Chris Kappler, won the first phase for his team, Cosequin, with an elegant ride on Loki, a seven-year-old third level horse owned by Megan Garst.

Steve Stephens, an FEI ‘O’ course designer, set the eight-jump, 3’3" to 3’6" course. Only the polo players and dressage riders jumped. In this ‘Hit and Hurry’ style competition, the riders had 60 seconds to jump the course. "It really was fun to do and they didn’t have trouble with it. I think everybody did fine over it really," said Stephens. Bent Jensen, Danish Dressage Olympic Team Member out-scored everyone riding Leroy owned by Lise Quintero, picking up 28 points.