The West Coast Active Riders (WCAR) have once again sent a team of top riders to compete in Europe this summer. The contingent of riders from California made their first stop in France a success as they picked up seven top placings, including a win, and as icing on the first week’s cake, the Leading Lady Rider title, as well. The team is comprised of Joie Gatlin, Francie Steinwedell Carvin, Jenni Martin and Susan Artes. Bernie Traurig is George Morris’ associate chef d’ equipe for the West Coast.

On the first day of competition at CSI*** Royan, Gatlin lead the way with a win in the Table A Speed on SunCal’s King, and a fourth-place finish in the Power and Speed on Cruise Master.

Day two was highlighted when it was announced that Gatlin had won the award as the 2006 Leading Lady Rider at Royan. Earlier in the day, Martin ended up just out of the money in the 1.40 m Speed Derby Prep, scored under the Faults Converted format. In the same class, Gatlin had the time for a second-place finish, but pulled a rail.

On the final day of action in France, Martin and Spy Girl started out the morning with a fifth-place finish in 1.40 m Small Grand Prix.

The main event, the Grand Prix De La Ville De Royan, was held at night and was designed by Jean Francois Morand. His challenging course produced only five clear rounds out of the 48 that started.

Francie Steinwedell Carvin and Ness Go, one of the five to advance, had the next to last fence down in the jump-off, but still took home the second-place prize on Ness Go. Gatlin on SunCal's King was sixth and Martin on V De Pomme finished 12th.

Traurig was happy with the performances in the big class. “The girls were super and represented the West Coast and the USEF
well,” Traurig said. “George Morris (USEF Chef d’Equipe) was impressed and told me that those are the best results all summer in grand prix competition.”

The WCAR sponsored team will move on now to Gijon in Spain with a Nations Cup competition and then wrap up the tour in Valkenswaard, Holland.

American Placings

Grand Prix
2nd – Carvin and Ness Go
6th – Galtin and Suncal’s King
12th – Martin and V De Pomme

Prix Des Haras Nationaux
5th – Martin and Spy Girl

Prix Ville De Saint Palais Sur Mer
5th – Carvin and Naranco

Prix Michel Arnoux M.M.A
8th – Gatlin and Cruise Master
14th – Martin and Spy Girl

Prix Horse Logistic Company
11th – Martin and V De Pomme

PX Conseil General Maritime
1st – Gatlin and SunCal’s King

PX Club Hoteliers Restauratuers
4th – Gatlin and Cruise Master
14th – Martin and Lapinto ~~~