Damon's Fantasy and Ferano Win Developing Horse Titles at 2019 U.S. Dressage Championships

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2019 U.S. Dressage Championships

Kathy Priest on Damon's Fantasy won the Developing Prix St Georges Horse title, while Nick Wagman steered Ferano to the Developing Grand Prix Horse title at the 2019 U.S. Dressage Championships in Wayne, ILL, on 20 - 25 August 2019.

Damon's Fantasy Clear Developing Prix St Georges Horse Champion

Kathy Priest (Versailles, Ky.) and Damon’s Fantasy won the blue ribbon across all three tests to win the U.S. Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Championship. She and her eight-year-old Oldenburg mare earned a 72.500 percent in the USEF Developing Horse Prix St Georges Test for an overall score of 72.598.

“[Winning the national championship] is very exciting. This mare is one I’ve had since she was four-years-old, so I was looking forward to doing this with her,” said Priest. “I was really happy that she had really good energy in [the ring], and that's what you have to have for the future, so I felt like even with a few little mistakes I could get her back and concentrated, and she wanted to go and work for it. I want a grand prix horse. I feel like she has that quality.”

Emily Miles and Java Dulce, Leslie Waterman’s eight-year-old Danishgelding, earned the reserve national championship with an overall score of 72.020 percent.

"“I was so thrilled with Java," said Miles. "I had absolutely no expectations for him this week. I was so excited for him to be here. It wasn’t the easiest road for him to be here. He’s a super awesome horse and easy to work with. He learns really fast … I have to give huge kudos to his owner Leslie [Waterman] because she 100 percent believed in him.”

Barbie Asplundh (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Gorgeous, her eight-year-old KWPN gelding, placed third with a score of 70.828 percent.

“My trainer Catherine Haddad Staller has absolutely rocked my world," said Barbie. "She has worked with me for seven years … I credit her so much with helping me and my sports psychology coach who has turned my competition world around this winter, too. It takes a village; you’re not out there alone for sure. I felt like I was taking quite a few people on his broad back with me, so it was so much fun to be here. I’ve never been to Lamplight before, and I had no idea it was this fabulous. We’re definitely coming back.”

In addition, Lindsey Holleger was presented with the highest placed U.S. Bred Horse award for Fenomenal JW, bred and owned by Julia Whitfield.

Complete results here.

Ferano Beats Candescent to Take Out U.S. Developing Grand Prix Horse Title

Nick Wagman cemented the U.S. Developing Grand Prix Horse Championship following the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Test. He and Ferano, Elizabeth Keadle’s nine-year-old KWPN gelding, were initially fifth in the first round (67.353%) but placed first in the second round with a 71.833 to bring his overall score to a winning 70.041 percent.

“[Winning the national championship] certainly exceeded my expectations with Ferano. I came here just excited to be part of it and having qualified. So to come out winning, this is just unexpected, but pleasantly welcome,” said Wagman. “I think we will try our first Grand Prix later in the year at a small show and just kind of see where we're at. I think slowly get our feet wet in the Grand Prix.”

Alice Tarjan and Candescent, her 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, earned the reserve championship with an overall score of 69.723 percent. They won the first round with 70.931%, but dropped to second place in the second round with 68.917%.

“[I’m] really happy that the horses are doing as well as they are," said Tarjan. " [Candescent] will probably do one more year [at the level], trying to get her more supple in the arena. We’ll do more medium tour and some national Grand Prix, trying to get her a little more confirmed and reliable.”

Bridget Hay (Flemington, N.J.) and Faolan, her 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion, placed third with an overall score of 68.644 percent.

“I work with Adrienne [Lyle]. She’s the reason we're here. The last couple years, she's helped me with this horse a lot. Our goal now is to start doing Grand Prixs in the national ring and [go from there]," said Hay.

Hay, who bred Faolan, was presented with the highest placed U.S. Bred Horse award.

Complete scores here