Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades scored the highest ever mark achieved at the Wellington show grounds on Friday 1 April 2016, as the pair earned an 82.800% to win the Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO 3*. They were followed by their Nations’ Cup teammates Kasey Perry-Glass (USA) and Goerklintgaards Dublet, who also scored above 80%, with an 81.325%. Belinda Trussell (CAN) and Anton finished in third place with a 76.350%.
Graves and Verdades sent the crowd into a roaring cheer after they halted for their final salute, performing a fluid, harmonious, and accurate test. Graves and Verdades have been one of the United States’ strongest combinations for nearly two years and tonight, the pair not only added a facility record to their accolades this season, but also reached a new personal best in the Grand Prix Freestyle.
“It’s amazing. It’s obviously a goal we have every time we go into the arena, and it was an incredible atmosphere here tonight,” said Graves. “I could not ask for a better high to end our season with, team gold, individual gold, and a several personal bests. It’s very exciting, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year with the amazing Team USA we’re creating.”
Graves rode to her new freestyle with Verdades for only the second time so far this season, earning a massive 82.800%, while Graves noted there are still places of improvement in the test. When asked what the most challenging or technical part of her test would be, Graves commented that she tailors the difficulty of the choreography to the strengths and weakness of “Diddy”.
“Your first year at Grand Prix you’re learning what your strengths are and what your horse’s strengths are. The more times you do that, the more you learn, the faster you learn, and the better you can make decisions,” she explained. “This new freestyle is very similar choreography to our last, but we did put in the risk where we felt comfortable, with where this horse could succeed. You want to add difficulty in a way that you’re not going to over-face your horse or actually make your choreography look difficult,” she continued. “The biggest risk for us is taking the two-tempis on the circle and then going into the one-tempis. We do it twice. It’s a lot of counting, but he’s pretty honest. You have to play on your horse’s strengths and make them feel confident where they’re weak.”
Graves’ music change was inspired by her love for the movie “Rudy,” which provides the musical soundtrack for her freestyle. The message derived from the famous movie is something that Graves personally connects with. She explained, “My final centerline, which is my favorite part of the entire freestyle, is to the music they play when they finally put Rudy in the game and let him play.”
Juan Matute Jr. Sweeps FEI Nations’ Cup Small Tour Competition with Win In Intermediaire I Kur
The young Juan Matute Jr. (ESP) took a clean sweep of the FEI Nations’ Cup Small Tour competition this week, as he piloted Dhannie to three consecutive wins, and captured the individual gold medal for this year’s Intermediaire I Freestyle CDIO 3* with a score of 74.550%. Katharina Stumpf (AUT) and For My Love finished in second place with a 70.925%, while Raul Corchuelo (COL) and Beckham earned the bronze medal with a score of 70.900%
Matute Jr. and Dhannie have competed steadily in the Young Rider division in Wellington, and the pair have now successfully showcased their talent and poise representing their home nation of Spain in Nations’ Cup competition.
“I really enjoyed being a part of this Nations’ Cup competition. We were here in 2013 and 2014 representing Spain and it’s great to come back this year and have great success as a team and as an individual,” said Matute Jr. “Dhannie and I had a great test, and I have not felt a better test from us together. It was powerful and ambitious, but he also felt relaxed. We had an error in the collected walk, he spooked a little bit, but he felt super. I’m proud of our performances throughout the week,” he said. “We’re evolving everyday and getting stronger, as is our bond. I’m thrilled and very excited for the future. It’s a great way to end the season, and my team is excited to fly to Europe next month.”
Text by Carly Weilminster, edited by Eurodressage
Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
Scores 2016 CDIO Wellington
Team USA Achieves Expected Victory in 2016 CDIO Wellington Nations' Cup
Team USA In the Lead After First Round of 2016 CDIO Wellington Nations' Cup