The Tryon international equestrian centre, the venu for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, is hosting its first CDI of the 2017 show season on 21 - 23 April 2017 and one the first day of competition Katie Poag (USA) and Zonnekoning showed poise in the highlight class of the day, the Grand Prix.
In a field of 12 competitors, Poag topped the board with 68.840%. P.J. Rizvi (USA) and Breaking Dawn finished in second place with a score of 68.222%, ahead of Arlene “Tuny” Page (USA) and Dr. House, who collected third place on a score of 68.100%.
Poag and Zonnekoning narrowly edged Rizvi and her veteran mount, Breaking Dawn, after performing a consistent and relaxed test in the main arena. After spending their winter season in Wellington, FL, perfecting the movements of the Grand Prix test, the pair displayed a strong connection, ultimately leading to their win and a personal best score.
“I thought it went very well today. It was a fairly consistent test for us. Our trot work, as we’ve moved through the levels, has been our strongest piece and I felt like we were able to really clean up the canter work today,” said Poag.
“I was very pleased. I think we can all desire and want more, but it was a great performance today," she added.
The pair collected several strong finishes during their winter season and has built on their foundation of strength and confidence since the conclusion of the winter circuit. With improvements to several areas of their test, Poag was beaming with their final result in today’s class.
“Our flying changes went a lot better today than they did during our last outing. The piaffe and passage tour is the strongest it has been too,” she continued. “I thought that was accurate and where he needed to be today. He was listening to me and I felt like that was shown throughout the test.”
Poag and Zonnekoning has been together for six years. The 37-year old Katie, who discovered "Ziggy" in The Netherlands as a 7-year old, is looking forward to the freestyle on Saturday.
“I really enjoy our choreography for our freestyle. We get to be creative and really highlight the movements where we excel. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I really enjoy the music that we have.”
A native of Greensboro, NC, Poag, who now bases her business on John Island in South Carolina, commented on the convenience of having an FEI CDI competition in the Carolinas’ region. She commented, “We really enjoy coming here. We were here last year for the first CDI in April and then returned in September for the second CDI just to school around. I’m looking forward to coming here more and it feels like it’s in my backyard. I’m from North Carolina and now we live in South Carolina, so I’m familiar with this area. It feels like we’re home.”
Heather Blitz (USA) and Praestemarkens Quatero, a 2009 Danish Warmblood gelding (by Quarterback x Rohdiamant) owned by Blitz, took a commanding win in the Prix St. Georges after receiving a score of 72.974%. Jessica Jo Tate (USA) and Montana captured second place with a 69.237%, while Natalie Pai (USA) guided her own Fritz San Tino to third place, receiving a 68.605%.
Text by Carly Weilminster, edited by Eurodressage.
Photos © Sue Stickle
Related Links
Scores 2017 CDI Tryon
Rizvi and Poag Make the Special Count and Win at 2017 CDI Wellington