Centerline Goes to the Olympics:
An Amateur Rider's Journal by Maureen Crump

Day 7: Grand Prix Special: Game Face, Riding for the Kur

All US Riders Make the Kur!

All 3 US riders performed up to their ability and demonstrated that they are comfortable in the top rank of world class dressage riders. I would wager that at least one rider would have called this a personal best.

Sit Down And Piaffe aka Guenter Seidel and Aragon

Guenter came in serious and determined. Aragon appeared relaxed and I saw a supple connection throughout the test. There were some minor youthful bobbles handled in stride by Guenter letting Aragon complete his test confidently. That Aragon was dependent on, and trusting of, Guenter's guiding hand was clear to me. Aragon's piaffe was on-the-spot and beautiful even with some nervous tail swishing due to youthful nerves. Twelfth place in the Special. 71.040.

Sympatico: Robert Dover and FBW Kennedy

Robert Dover had a near flawless ride with Kennedy. The test was flowing and technically nearly perfect. You could almost see Robert Dover going through each movement in his mind followed by the execution. He seemed very in the moment. The test stayed very consistent and kept building in score. He rode sensitively and you had the feeling again that he loves this horse. He also did take risk and succeeded. It is hard to say what was best. His piaffes and passages, his pirouettes, his changes,..there simply was not anything needing correcting. When one considers that this well matched partnership is newly formed the future leaves much to imagine. Finished fifth place in the Special. 74.040.

Oraio (means Beautiful in Greek) : Debbie McDonald and Brentina

Debbie McDonald and Brentina surely are the "ballerina" entry. There was trademark harmony and lightness throughout the test. I felt Debbie had a plan and was sticking to it. She appeared definitely in control of the situation and the test and that was fine with Brentina. No bobbles whatsoever. There were beautiful piaffe and passage transitions which looked effortless. All the transitions were clear. Words that come to mind are floating, light, effortless, willing, one with the horse. Any person who has even attempted riding dressage becomes emotional watching Brentina and Debbie. The expression on Brentina's sweet face with her ears pointing straight back to Debbie for every second of the test is a relationship seldom seen and one Debbie clearly cherishes. Fourth place in the Special. 74.760.