West Coast riders began their journeys toward qualification for the Olympic Games on Friday 24 February 2012 as part of the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W in Burbank, CA. Contesting the Grand Prix, a very competitive field of eleven international riders and horses impressed the FEI judges Jean-Michele Roudier (5* FRA), Linda Zang (5* USA), Cara Whitham (5* CAN), Eddy de Wolff (4* NED), and Jayne Ayers (4* USA).
Emerging as victor was Steffen Peters riding Four Winds Farm's 10-year-old Westfalian gelding Legolas (by Laomedon x Furstin) to an impressive score of 71.000%. The gelding exhibited tremendous talent in the trot as well as the piaffe and passage work. His canter is getting stronger but it's clear that his trot work his strength at the moment. The mistakes were those of a green horse, but Legolas handled the stress of the competition like an old pro.
Despite this test being the pair's FEI competition debut, Peters was impressed with Legolas' effort. "He's such a kind horse and he did everything I asked, so I couldn't ask for more," said Peters, adding to Eurodressage that "I couldn't be happier, this was only his second GP and he was great. He had a mistake in the one tempis, but that will all come in time. Overall, I am very happy with his performance and his progress."
Legolas' owner Akiko Yamazaki was equally pleased with the performance. "This was Legolas second Grand Prix with Steffen and don't forget his only been here two months. And he hadn't shown for 3-4 years before he came here. I'm very happy with how he and Steffen are coming together. This horse is amazing, he handled the environment really well."
A close second was the veteran pair Jan Ebeling and Rafalca, a 14-year-old bay Oldenburg mare (by Argentinius) owned by Amy Ebeling and Ann Romney. They scored 70.426%. Ebeling stayed slighly conservative in his ride with the pirouettes being a little labored but overall he had a good test with few mistakes.
Guenter Seidel and his new mount Fandango, a 16-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding (by Feinnrand), placed third with 70.170% for owner Toyon Farm. The highly experienced Seidel showed great riding skills on Fandango, who got quite heavy at times but Guenter pulled him together and got the job done. Even though the connection needs improvement, Seidel was able to keep the whole picture together and put in a nice test.
"I'm very happy with him, he was honest and really tried hard. We're just getting to know each other, so I expect better things to come," Seidel told Eurodressage's on the scene reporter. "I feel very lucky to ride him because he is Marie (Myers') horse and she is a very good friend of mine."
Kathleen Raine and the 12-year old Hanoverian mare Breanna (by Brentano II) looked much stronger having returning from working with Jo Hinnemann in Germany. Kathleen received a grant after Gladstone which she spent on five weeks of training with Jo. The pair clearly gained more confidence. Breanna was relaxed throughout the test and was the most consistent in tempo compared to her competitors, but she had a few costly mistakes: one in the right pirouette and the other in the halt rein back. Overall Raine put down a very nice test.
"I was thrilled with the Grand Prix class today," said Zang, President of the Ground Jury. "It's always wonderful to come to California and see such talented riders and horses."
In the small tour Seidel debuted another new mount in Lara Schleining's Feodora. The multiple Olympian rode the 12-year-old bay mare to the blue ribbon with a score of 69.237%. Earning second-place honors was Australia's Emma Weinert on her 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Velvet MD (by Polansky) with 68.789%. Jan Ebeling earned another top three placing and score of 68.132% with Deborah Harlan's Rosenzauber. She is a 11-year-old Hanoverianmare by Rotspon out of Shining Sun.
In the CDI Young Rider division, Brandi Roenick saddled her own 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Pretty Lady (by Iglesias) to earn a winning score of 66.974% in the Team Test, followed by Mackinzie Pooley on 63.991%. She brought Deena Smith's 12-year old Oldenburg gelding Brigadier (by Batido) while Amelia Child and the 10-year old Dutch bred Veto (by Montecristo) were third with 63.991%.
Photos © Sheryl L Ross
-- Cornerstone PR, edited and completed by Eurodressage
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI-W Burbank
California Based Riders Gear Up for First Olympic Qualifier at 2012 CDI-W Burbank
California's Dressage Riders Pursue Olympic Dreams at 2012 CDI-W Burbank