The U.S. Young Dressage Horse Championships continued Friday at Lamplight Equestrian Center with competitors producing top class results for a second straight day. The first tests, counting for 40% of the overall Championship scores, were held in the 6-Year-Old division of the U.S. Young Horse Dressage Championship. In the 6-Year-Old Championship Alice Tarjan and Somer Hit scored a decisive victory in the Preliminary Test.
For the second day in a row, Tarjan (Oldwick, NJ) claimed the lead in the U.S. Young Horse Dressage Championships, this time on her own Somer Hit (by Sandro Hit x Rotspon). The lovely Hanoverian stallion demonstrated a steady contact and brilliant gaits throughout the test. Earning 7.9, 8.5 and 8.8 for their walk, trot and canter and further boosting their final score to 8.38 with marks of 8.2 for submission and 8.5 for general impression, the pair finished well clear of the 11 horse field.
Tarjan was extremely pleased with her test Friday that defied even her own ambitions.
“It was better than I expected… he’s got a beautiful canter, that’s the highlight,” said Tarjan who has a simple plan heading into Sunday’s final. “Just keep kicking.”
Placing second was Roberta Carleton and Kir Royal (by Kopenick x Rotspon), earning 8.4, 7.8 and 7.7 for their walk, trot and canter. The Warmblood gelding additionally scored 7.7 and 7.8 for submission and general impression on the way to a 7.87.
Both of Friday’s top placing pairs have benefitted greatly from working with U.S. Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler at Training Sessions and Selection Trials which are both part of the U.S. Young Horse Dressage Program.
The six-year-olds return on Sunday to earn the remaining 60% of their score in the Final Test in order to crown 2012’s Champion.
Photo © Mary Phelps
Related Links
Scores 2012 U.S. Young Dressage Horse Championships
Elfenfeuer Leads 5-year old Division at 2012 U.S. Young Horse Championships