Team USA dominated the 2016 FEI Nations' Cup CDIO 3* in Wellington, handily winning the competition with a total team score of 454.698. Canada finished in second place with a total score of 428.708, while Spain rounded out the top three, collecting the bronze medal with a total team score of 414.421.
Shelly Francis, Laura Graves, Arlene "Tuny" Page, and Kasey Perry-Glass each represented Team USA with class and poise, with two of the four team members earning personal best scores. Chef d' Equipe Robert Dover was pleased with the team's accuracy and finish through the two days of competition and is excited for the continued expansion and growth of dressage in the United States.
"The Nations' Cup here in Wellington has been a tremendous competition and growing in quality each year," said Dover. "With regards to winning this competition, of course I'm extremely proud that the U.S. won this Nations' Cup again this year, but even more importantly, I was hoping for our riders to achieve personal bests and to do better than they have been doing this season, and with each class grow more confident as we head towards Europe and the Olympics. That's what I'm seeing from the riders both in this Nations' Cup and the riders who were so wonderful in the Grand Prix CDI 3*. I couldn't be more proud of all of them."
Laura Graves and Verdades continued their dominance in the competition this week, picking up another major victory in the Grand Prix Special CDIO 3* with a score of 78.294%, which helped to solidify Team USA's first place finish. The duo continues to near the elusive 80% mark and seemed confident and precise in the ring in the first two days of competition.
"To be invited to ride on a team is something that you just don't say not to. I love that we're able to put USA on top of a podium. It's always a nice feeling to have such a strong team to compete with. It feels very secure and it takes a lot of the pressure of competing off of yourself as an individual. You're just riding for the team," said Graves. "We had two personal bests in both of the tests that we just did, and I could not be more thrilled. It's been a long season for us, and this is going to be a long competition. I'll be pleased to take him home and give him a break before we go try to be even better in Europe."
Arlene Page and Woodstock have had a stellar season, solidifying their partnership and showing the potential the pair has together in big tour competition. Page, who sponsored the FEI Nations Cup in Wellington has been impressed with the expansion and development of the Nations' Cup class in Wellington over the course of the past four years and feels that it is invaluable to the circuit each year.
"I'm really proud of the season that Woodstock has had this year, and it's been a bit of breakout year for him. We didn't have a personal best here, but we've had two personal bests through the season and I'm proud of that," commented Page. "I was very proud to be selected to be on the team and very proud to sit amongst these women. It makes it very fun. He was a bit more on his game today and was a little bit more up in his carriage and just in a very good place to develop a whole lot more power and expression. When you get to stand on top of the highest podium, it's a very good feeling."
Team Canada, who finished in second place, was led by veteran pair Belinda Trussell and Anton, who have collected a number of wins this season, continuously showing that they're a reliable and competitive pair for the Canadian team.
"We're thrilled to be second again and in great company. It's wonderful to have a CDIO in North America with as many countries that are involved here. It is a gift that we have it in our continent and haven't had that in the past," said Trussell. "It's developing each year and getting stronger, and that's exciting. My team was great, and we felt proud to have four Grand Prix horses on the team. It was a really good Nations' Cup for us."
As the high point rider for the Small Tour portion of the Nations' Cup competition, Juan Matute Jr. led Spain to a third place finish. Piloting Dhannie to two high scores, Matute Jr. feels confident with the progress the pair has made over the course of this season, mostly competing in the FEI Young Rider division offered in Wellington.
"My team and I are thrilled with the results. We managed to get on the podium which was always the goal," he said. "As for Dhannie and I, I'm very pleased with the results. It's been a great season and this week has been a great highlight for us. A 74.5% is a great score and a personal best for us. I'm super pleased and looking forward to the future."
Text by Carly Weilminster, edited by Eurodressage
Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDIO Wellington
Team USA In the Lead After First Round of 2016 CDIO Wellington Nations' Cup