Jessica Heidemann, 24, of Bellingham, WA, captured the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) at Galway Downs, CA, on April 3 on her 14-year-old Thoroughbred-cross gelding, French Twist, with a score of 58.4. Heidemann took over the lead after the overnight leader, Lauren Whitlock, 20, of Rohnert Park, CA, and her 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Kipling, lowered the oxer at fence seven to drop to second place on 60.1 penalties. Sara Mittleider, 19, Kuna, ID, with the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, El Primero, moved up from fourth place overnight to finish third on 76.7 penalties despite having two rails down.

“I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest,” said Heidemann. “I’m so happy. The horse deserves it so much. He’s an amazing horse. He gives me so much confidence.” Heidemann collected a check for $4,300 and a surprise travel package from the Schultz family to stay in Germany on her way to the FEI World Cup Final in August. “This is amazing,” said Heidemann. “It really makes it [going to Sweden] doable because I don’t have a sponsor.”

Whitlock was a little disappointed after her round. “I felt pretty relaxed before I went in, but then I got nervous.” She said. Whitlock was riding in the saddle she won in last year when she headed the USEA Gold Cup Series. Her second place this year earned her more points today in the series, as well as a check for $2,760, and a leather halter donated by Performance Horse Supply.

The CIC** was won by 16-year-old Tiana Coudray, a high school student from Ojai, CA, on her own and Jatiel, Inc.’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, King Street, following a double clear round to finish on 60.6 penalties, which promoted her from fourth place overnight. “I was a bit stressed coming into this,” she said. “I didn’t think he would jump so well today, but he did. I’m just so blessed with a really great horse.” They took home a check for $1,000 from the division sponsors, California Horsetrader.

In second place on a score of 63.3 penalties was Debbie Rosen, 44, of Calabasas, CA and the 12-year-old Bayern-bred gelding, Quito 10. They held on to her runner-up position despite lowering two rails. “I’m really happy with him, everything went great,” she said. Rosen won $360 and a Performance Horse Supply leather halter.

U.S. team rider, Gina Miles, 31, of Creston, CA, moved up into third place on the seven-year-old gray German-bred mare, Phillipa, (Leandro), owned by Laura Coates, after a double clear round. “I’m so pleased with how she handled all of it,” said Miles, who collected a check for $280 and Toklat Saddle Pad.

The top three overnight leaders in the CIC* division all went clear in the show jumping to retain their placings. Kelly Pugh, Tre Pinos, CA, and her 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, For Kicks, made the Jose Nava’s course look easy and completed on a score of 45.7. She took home a check for $330, as well as an engraved silver presentation tray and gift certificate kindly donated by the division sponsor, Mary’s Tack & Feed

In second place was Canadian rider, Therese Washtock, of Summerland, BC, aboard Charles Fipke’s eight-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Haida’s Fancy Package, with 46.8 penalties. They won a check for $250 and a leather halter presented by Performance Horse Supply. Alexandra Caspary, of Hidden Hills, CA, who was second in the Galway Downs Open Preliminary in 2004 with the 12-year-old Westfalian gelding, Maletto V, finished the three days with a score of 47.1 penalties to earn $170 and a Toklat Saddle Pad.

Full results are posted on the web site at www.galwaydowns.com.~~~