Aachen, Germany, June 19, 2003 - Admirable placings were had in the Grand Prix CDIO competition today, June 19th, at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany by Lisa Wilcox who secured a 2nd place finish earning a 73.54% on Relevant followed closely by Debbie McDonald abroad Brentina who produced a 73.25%.

Recent World Cup winner, Ulla Salzgeber (GER) on Rusty 47 was the victor with a score of 75.88%. Guenter Seidel finished in 16th place on Nikolaus 7 earning a 68.33% and Steffen Peters wound up in 19th position on Grandeur with a score of 67.63%. All 4 US riders have qualified to compete in the Grand Prix Special which will take place on Saturday, June 21st.

As a result of the good placings from this competition, the United States secured a silver medal in the team classification since the results for each country were used to determine the placings for the Nations’ Cup Competition. Germany, only slightly ahead of U.S, clenched the gold medal and Spain, the bronze. Klaus Balkenhol is serving as the Chef d’Equipe.

George Williams competed as an individual rider in a separate Grand Prix competition and finished in 7th place riding Rocher with a respectable score of 68.79% followed by Guenter Seidel on his second horse, Aragon placing 13th with a score of 66.25%.

The United States is also represented at Aachen by a full jumping team. Laura Kraut won the Nordrhein-Westfalen-Prize class abroad Allegiance with two clear rounds. Kraut competed in the jump off against 5 other riders. Chris Kappler, finishing 9th on Premier 58 followed by Peter Wylde on Lauriston in 10th both made it to the second round having 4 penalties each. This class is a qualifier for the coveted Grand Prix on Sunday, June 22nd.

Clare Bronfman earned a respectable second place finish in the Hunting Jumping Competition on Lord William and Chris Kappler placed 5th on Tango.

Tomorrow, June 20th, the U.S. will compete against 8 countries in the Nations’ Cup competition which is part of the elite Super League Series. The team is made up of the following members: Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Chris Kappler and Peter Wylde. Frank Chapot is serving as the Chef d’Equipe.