USEF Four-Year-Old Test
As someone who began competing in dressage three years ago, Justine Wilson (Beach Island, S.C.) made quite the impression with her own Hero BHS. Wilson and the KWPN stallion showed lovely temperament and energy throughout their test. As a result, they won the USEF Four-Year-Old Test to lead the division with an overall score of 8.280.
Justine Wilson and Hero BHS (SusanJStickle.com)
“I had a very reliable horse for a four-year-old stallion. I got 100% of what I asked for today. I definitely had a partner in there today, and it was a nice feeling. The judges loved his trot, but they want to see a little more power from behind,” said Wilson.
Barely trailing Wilson is Craig Stanley (Madera, Calif.) with his own Habanero CWS. He and the KWPN gelding had wonderful expression in their walk and showed off a quality canter for a score of 8.220.
“It was nice for the wait to be over and get into the ring. When he got into the ring, he stood up to the task and did his job. However, there is always room for improvement,” said Stanley.
Nadine Schwartsman and Harvard R, Nancy Weaver’s KWPN gelding, are in third with a score of 7.980.
Complete USEF Four-Year-Old Test results
USEF Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test
Christian Hartung (Vacaville, Calif.) and Desario, Christiane Noelting’s Oldenburg gelding, wowed the judges to win the USEF Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test to lead the division. The combination executed lovely trot work and showed clear rhythm in the canter for an overall score of 8.68.
“I wasn’t quite sure how he was going to do after three days of travel. However, he hasn’t had a test quite like this before so I’m quite happy,” said Hartung.
Karin Persson (Bedford Hills, N.Y.) and her own Giuliano B entered the ring determined to achieve high marks. They succeeded for a score of 8.52. She and the KWPN gelding flowed beautifully in their trot transition from “A” to “F” and blossomed out of the top-line in the walk to help with the high score.
“I’m very happy with my test. He was relaxed and energized. I don’t have any complaints. He seemed perfect; he’s a competitive horse and loves it [competition],” said Persson.
Christian Hartung and Desario (SusanJStickle.com)
Cyndi Jackson (Glendale, Ariz.) and Sir Amour, Schuttler Stables’ Hanoverian gelding, trail in third place with a score of 8.020. The growing combination acclimated to the pressure for a pleasing test.
Complete USEF Five-Year Old Preliminary Test results
FEI Prix St Georges Test (Developing PSG)
Lyle (Ketchum, Idaho) and Horizon assembled a brilliant test to win the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. They lead the division with a score of 74.649%. Her and Elizabeth Juliano’s Oldenburg mare got a confidence boost with the good score, which was one of the goals for these championships.
“I was super happy with her today. I do not think I could ask for more. We have been out of the ring since March with our last qualifying competition. You train hard and you try to be very picky at home and hope you are not rusty when you get in there. She was just spot on for me. It was like she was keeping it up all summer,” said Lyle.
Adrienne Lyle and Horizon (SusanJStickle.com)
Although spooked in the beginning of the test, Lisa Wilcox (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Gallant Reflection HU, Horses Unlimited Inc.’s Zweibrucker stallion, regained their focus for a consistent test. They sit in second place with a score of 71.140%.
“I was very happy today. I had an opportunity to bring him out one more time in Florida, at a schooling show, and was very happy where we were, so I felt pretty prepared for today,” said Wilcox.
Complete FEI Prix St Georges Test (Developing PSG) results
Watch the live stream on USEF Network. More information about the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships can be found at USEF.org.
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