U.S. Grand Prix rider David Wightman has sold his number one Grand Prix horse Partous to American Young Rider Mackinzie Pooley. The 15-year old Dutch warmblood gelding will remain at Wightman's farm in California.
Wightman and Partous (by Juventus x Hemminghway) represented the U.S.A. at the 2003 World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany, where they finished fifth in the consolation finals. The pair made the transition to Grand Prix level in 2006. At the 2011 U.S. Grand Prix championships they finished 9th in the freestyle.
Mackinzie, a long-time student of Wightman, has been a multiple medalist at the North American Young Riders Championships since 2007. Aboard schoolmaster Jonkara Pooley was the reserve champion in the Junior division at the 2008 National Dressage Championships and reserve champion at the 2010 U.S. Young Riders Championships. This year she finished in bronze medal position at the Nationals aboard Brigadier, a horse previously trained and competed by Wightman.
Pooley aims to make the transition to the Under 25 classes, which are called the Brentina Cup in the U.S.A.
Dressage-News reported that Pooley and Partous will make their show debut in Thermal, California, in January.
Related Links
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American Short List for 2003 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses
Scores: 2003 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses