Jarantow, Poland— The fifth edition of the FEI World Single Driving Championship, which takes place in Jarantow, Poland, has officially begun. After yesterday’s horse inspection, which was stress less for the United States competitors, and the Opening Ceremony, the sport began today with the dressage for the first 33 competitors.

A nice stadium with good grass footing welcomed the competitors and their horses and the spectators and fans enjoyed many good dressage tests. The first U.S. Team Member who started today was William Peacock, 62, from Bellvill, Texas, and he showed a nice test with Beau. The 11-year-old Friesian Holsteiner cross gelding put down a swinging performance. Especially the canter passages went very well and the large Beau showed good transitions, well controlled by his driver. The presentation of the turnout was wonderful and Bill and his groom Keith Yutzy were pleased with their result: “The feeling during the dressage was very good, but Beau was impressed by the surroundings. I own this horse for 2 and a half years and I am very pleased with him. He did a very good job but I think he could have been a bit rounder.”

The five judges awarded Bill Peacock’s performance with a score of 55,30 penalty points which put him in 12th position in the standings after the first dressage day. The judges agreed on Peacock’s score, but Chef d’Equipe Ed Young feels Bill had deserved better points.

“I hoped for a dressage score at around 48 points, but I am very pleased with Bill’s dressage,” said Young. “It is his first World Championship, and that also counts for the other U.S. drivers. Bill and Beau did a good job. Beau was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but he showed himself from his best side. Our team is in good spirits here in Poland, the people are friendly and the facilities are good.”

Jan van den Broek from the Netherlands is in the lead of the standings with a score of 38,66, way ahead of the young German lady driver Mareike Harm (44,93) and 1998 World Single Champion Arja Mikkonen from Finland (47,87).

Tomorrow, team members Robin Groves with Thor’s Toy Truck and Donna Crookston with RG Cowboy’s Black Cadillac as well as individual driver Leslie Berndl with the chestnut Koopman’s Lightning Rod, will enter the arena for their dressage tests.

Ed Young hopes his drivers will perform well again tomorrow— “Our trumps will start on Friday and our hopes are set especially on the last starter Lesie Berndl, who will hopefully put the Americans in front. The fans at home can keep their fingers crossed, we here in Poland will do the best we can!”

ENDS