Posted March 12, 2006

2006 Cadillac Challenge of the Americas - Page 4

Klaus Balkenhol and Leslie Morse Perform Pas De Deux for the Crowd

Prior to the Team Quadrille round, the audience was treated to a special exhibition performance – a Pas de Deux ridden by U.S. Dressage Team Coach Klaus Balkenhol with Kingston and his partner Leslie Morse aboard Tip Top 962. The riders were outfitted in red, white, and blue jackets and white baseball caps and rode to a medley of patriotic music including This Land Was Made for You and Me and Yankee Doodle Dandy.

The judges awarded them an unofficial score of 100% and they exited to God Bless America and a standing ovation. Balkenhol and Morse signed his cap, which was later auctioned off at the Cadillac Challenge Gala with both jackets.

the event was such a great time--I had fun preparing for it with Klaus. we practiced the choreography so many times, trying to get it perfect. we laughed a lot, but sweated through it, too. and then on the night of the main event we almost crashed into each other during our performance. all i can remember at that point is looking ahead and seeing Kingston's face. he is beautiful, but boy was that intimidating! we're just lucky that Klaus was in control.

"Klaus and I were such great teammates." Leslie told HorsesDaily. "We've developed comraderie having worked together so closely for the past few years, and that made this night so much more special. I had fun preparing for it with Klaus. We practiced the choreography so many times, trying to get it perfect. We laughed a lot, but sweated through it, too. And then on the night of the main event we almost crashed into each other during our performance. All I can remember at that point is looking ahead and seeing Kingston's face. He is beautiful, but boy was that intimidating! We're just lucky that Klaus was in control!"

"I can't describe how proud I felt to have my 2 horses both in the ring together showing off for the welcoming crowd." Leslie continued. And what a great event! It's so important to give back. So many charities are in need of support. For me this fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Foundation was especially meaningful because my Mom is the first female in a long line of family not to have become inflicted with breast cancer."

"Terry Ciotti-Gallo's, all American medley of tunes, with the cheers and screams from the fans will make that evening an event that I will always cherish. A special thanks to Terry for her efforts is contributing to a great performance."

Photo: susanjstickle.com