The inaugural CDI 3* at High Prairie Farms, also known as the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO, USA, ran from 1 - 4 June 2017. The entries for the CDI classes were still very modest with just one or three riders per division, but it marked a starting point for the future of FEI level dressage competition in the Rocky Mountains.
On Thursday, the Junior Rider Team competition saw Emma Asher (USA) and her own Traneenggaards Akondo, a 2002 Danish Warmblood gelding (by Come Back II out of Jako's Akido), take the win with a score of 68.541%. Second place went to Gaylen Davis (USA) and Mojito Rh, a 2004 Hanoverian gelding (by Maronjo x Matcho AA), owned by Nancy Davis, scoring 65.216%. Third place was awarded to Raissa Chunko (USA) and Rebelde Rsdp, a 2007 Andalusian gelding (by Son Jim out of Pacificos Triguena), owned by Chunko, with a 60.622%.
Chunko commented, "This was my first CDI competition. This an incredible experience, just to say that I've been here and I've done this. An event like this at CHP is so good, especially for up and coming riders who are looking for that larger show experience. It's a really good jump start for making sure that you have all of your scores in order."
On Friday, the Grand Prix CDI 3* win went to Morgan Barrows (USA) and Royal Konig, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (by Rubin Royal out of Pica Ramira), owned by Lauren Thornlow, with a 61.960%. The pair also won Saturday's Grand Prix Special, with a score of 63.922%.
The Intermediate I for Amateur was won by Heather Brady (USA) and Bella A, a 2006 Danish Warmblood mare (by Lajos K out of Lady A), owned by Brady, with a score of 66.605%.
"I've had Bella for four years now," said Brady. "We started out at second level together. It's been so fun to bring her along. I've been so excited to have this CDI come here. It's such a treat to be here at this beautiful horse park, with amazing footing, beautiful facilities and impeccable views. I'm from New Mexico, and I've really looked forward to this. I think that now; we can take a break and work on perfecting some things to come back and move up to the next level."
The week provided a promising outlook for future CDI competition at The Colorado Horse Park. "I think that this was a good start for the Colorado CDI competition," said Thomas Baur, Director of Dressage at CHP. "This is a great spot and a beautiful facility, and I'm confident that dressage here will grow to be even more promising in the future."
Related Links
Scores 2017 CDI Parker
U.S. Region 3 and Jenna Upchurch Win Gold at the 2016 North American Junior Riders Championships
Lee Tubman, from Rider to Judge at the North American Young Riders Championships
2000 North American Young Riders Championships - Table of Contents