Alice Tarjan and Quinn Iverson Stake Their Claim in First Round at 2022 U.S. Dressage Championships

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2022 U.S. Dressage Championships

At the 2022 U.S. Dressage Championships in Wayne, ILL, the competition for the Under 25 and senior Grand Prix riders kicked off with their first of three rounds to determine the champion. U.S. World Championship team reserve Alice Tarjan took the lead in the Grand Prix, while Quinn Iverson bester the U25 Intermediaire II.

Tarjan Stakes her Claim

Twelve combinations from across the country rode down centerline for the Grand Prix Test in the U.S. Grand Prix Championship.

In the absence of all but one pair that was squad listed for U.S. team for the 2022 World Championships, Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF impressed the judges. Tarjan (Oldwick, N.J.) and her 2013 Hanoverian mare by Sir Donnerhall x Don Principe earned a score of 73.869% to win the class. The pair has had a busy summer traveling to Europe, helping the American Dressage Team earn silver at CHIO Rotterdam and serving as the alternate for the World Championships.

“The horse is super honest and just goes and does her job,” said Tarjan. “It was basically clean. The balance is getting a lot better now too. Last year I was losing the balance but now I can get it back. It is going in the right direction, but there’s still so much to improve.” Commentating on the highlight of her test, Tarjan replied, "For me, the balance overall was getting better. If I lose the balance, I am able to get it back now, whereas last year if you lost the balance, you couldn’t get it back.”

Watch the winning ride.

Emily Miles (Paola, Kan.) and Java Dulce, Leslie Waterman’s 2011 Danish Warmblood gelding by Jazz x Deemster, were second with a score of 70.260%. Nora Batchelder (Williston, Fla.) and Faro SQF, her and Andrea Whitcomb’s 2008 Hanoverian gelding by Fidertanz x Rotspon, finished third with a score of 70.064%.

The Grand Prix Test counts for 45 percent of the overall score, while the Grand Special on Thursday counts for 40 percent. The division will conclude on Saturday with the Grand Prix Freestyle Test, which counts for 15 percent.

Iverson Tops Inter II in U25 Division

The small but mighty field of five combinations rode the Intermediate II Test of the Under 25 Championship, named the "Brentina Cup" in the U.S.A.

Quinn Iverson and Beckham (by Benetton Dream x Don Davidoff) had a solid test to take top honours in the class. Iverson (Wellington, Fla.) and Bille Davidson’s 2009 Hanoverian gelding earned a score of 67.676% in the first of three tests for the division.

“I was very happy with him,” said Iverson. “We came in, started a little bit shaky, but he settled and actually let me ride him. He was very honest in there, which I was very happy with. A few bobbles we’ll clean up, but overall, I’m so happy with him.” Watch the winning ride.

Callie Jones (Henderson, Ky.) and Don Philippo, her 2008 Hanoverian gelding by Dancier x Warkant, finished second on a score of 67.529%. Callie Rose O’Connell (Wilmington, Mass.) and Eaton, Ruling Cortes LLC’s 2009 KWPN gelding by Wynton x San Remo, were third with a score of 66.705%.

The Intermediate II Test counts for 40 percent of the overall score, while the Short Grand Prix 16-25 Test on Thursday counts for 45 percent. The division will conclude on Saturday with the Grand Prix Freestyle Test, which counts for 15 percent.