Right before the awards ceremony on Sunday August 16, for the Dressage in the Rockies Grand Prix Freestyle, David Whiteman, husband of Grand Prix winner, Kathleen Raine (pictured right), made a point to thank one of the sponsors, Greg Goodwin, president of Kuni Lexus for their support. "We just bought a GS 300 and we love it." David said.

Lexus was the title sponsor for the first time, of Dressage in The Rockies, the annual show presented by Southern Pines International, Michael Weiss and Jan Jaspers. The latest 1999 Lexus models drove the distinguished judge's panel to their position before Sunday's festivities, Dances with Hooves.

A full audience quickly surrounded the beautifully decorated arena at High Prairie Farm. Trick Riders and a performance by Nobel II, an Andalusian Stallion preceded the final day of CDI***W competition.

Fidelia, Kathleen's talented KWPN mare by Beethoven won all Grand Prix classes. Her piaffe, passage, though not completely confirmed, show her ability for high action in front, while coming under herself behind. She gives the appearance of loving the work, with the classic KWPN good mind.

After her 69.6% Musical Kur ride, Lu Spinks, our video camera operator, and creator of musical freestyles for several riders commented "That's a Sydney Ride!"

"She is so much fun" Kathleen told us. "She has the best attitude, and is getting stronger all the time. Nothing rattles her cage, I never even know when she is in heat at a competition."

Fidelia's sire, Beethoven, was an approved KWPN stallion by Saluut who was later gelded. Not before he bred several mares, and produced several quality foals. Beethoven went on to become one of America's most talented Grand Prix horses, trained and ridden by Cathy Connelly. He was later sold to an amateur German rider, for an undisclosed sum.

"We had three young horses by Beethoven and a mare by him we keep in Holland to breed." Kathleen mentioned. Garabaldi trained to Grand Prix , Gigant doing third and fourth level, both trained and sold by husband David. We're keeping Fidelia, of course!" Cathy Connelly, known for her super eye for a good horse, has several young ones in her barn in Massachusetts too.

The trip was a worthwhile one from their Adventure Farms location in Laguna Hills, California. Trainer for Amanda Cargile, who strong performance the week before at the 1998 North American Young Riders Championships, David and several horses came in early, and stayed late.

Pleased with his Intermediare I Freestyle ride on Armani, Whiteman placed second to High Prairie trainer in residence, Grant Schneidman (pictured above left) former USET event rider. Besides coaching her husband, Sharon Schneidman also works with Jennifer Oldham, who was second in the Grand Prix division. Settled comfortably back in the USA after living in Germany, Jennifer and her Hanoverian, Gershwin entertained the crowds with an uplifting Spanish theme.

The weather held off right to the last ribbon pinning. After presenting a bouquet of roses to retiring FEI Judge Domani Morgan from England, a Colorado wind came (maybe in protest, Domani?) and flipped the VIP tent just as the last patrons had departed! The dates for next year's Dressage in the Rockies is August 19-22, 1999. It's worth the trip.

Just ask Kathleen Raine and David Whiteman from Laguna Hills, California.