Photo by mdunnphoto.com ((l-r) Chris von Martels, Tina Konyot and Jacqueline Brooks)
Chris von Martels on Naomi (70.20%) rode into second place, with Jacqueline Brooks on Balmoral close behind in third (67.35%).
"It was great fun [out there]," said Konyot, 48, of Palm City, FL.
More than 2,200 spectators enjoyed Konyot's performance, highlighted by her Danish-bred stallion's powerful piaffe and expressive canter work, as the pair boogied to such modern faire as Beyonce's "Crazy In Love," and Jennifer Lopez' "Let's Get Loud." Konyot's music featured a voice-over that slightly altered Tunstall's lyrics to state, "Big Black Horse says look at me," which brought a chuckle of approval from the crowd.
Konyot and Calecto had only performed this freestyle twice before, and she admitted that "it still needs more tweaking." Still, she's happy with the result. "I think it's appropriate for him, and I was extremely pleased with him," she said.
It was a great day in more ways than one for Konyot. Earlier in the day, Lady Shakespeare, a horse trained by her boyfriend, Roger Attfield, won the Bewitched Stakes at nearby Keeneland race course.
Canadian Chris von Martels, 28, Wellington, FL, and the Dutch Warmblood mare Naomi strutted their stuff in a Spanish-flavored freestyle, which suited the mare's slinky movement and ring presence. Their high placing belies the newness of their partnership. The horse was purchased for von Martels to contest the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and he's only been riding her for two months.
Canada also claimed third place, with Olympic veteran Jacqueline Brooks, 42, of Cedar Valley, Ontario, and her young Hanoverian, Balmoral, showing off for the crowd to an eclectic mix of music featuring intricate drumming to go along with the his intricate steps.
Brooks and von Martels are both excited about the future of Canadian dressage, headed by newly hired coach Robert Dover. "We're really excited because this is the most depth we've ever had, certainly the most since 1988 [when Canada won the Olympic Bronze medal]. Robert has been such a big force in that," said Brooks.
"It's really an exciting time for our country," added von Martels.
All the riders expressed their enthusiasm for the Kentucky Horse Park and hope to be back in September to ride under the lights again in the main arena at the World Games.
"It's a very comfortable venue for the horses, and it was spectacular tonight," said Konyot.
"It's electric but not overwhelming," agreed von Martels. "It's a place of a lifetime."
"It feels intimate, even in such a big stadium," added Brooks. "You actually feel a connection with the spectators."
ENDS