Aachen, Germany - August 25– Tucker S. Johnson of the United States drove his team of four horses to third place in the dressage musical freestyle on Thursday at the World Equestrian Festival.

Johnson, of Hobe Sound, Florida, was enthusiastic about the consistent performance of his team of relatively young horses that also finished third in the regular dressage test Wednesday, the first of five days of four-in-hand driving at Aachen. He is the sole U.S. competitor in the driving competition.

Although the weather turned cold and rainy, Johnson’s music compilation of Sousa and other old American standards brightened the arena that was surrounded by fans huddled under umbrellas. This phase of the competition does not count toward the overall competition standings, but the festive atmosphere makes it popular with fans and sponsors.

“I’m just so happy with my new team” of Dexter, Jonny, Spotlight and Williams, he said after his score of 15.00 points was posted. This placed him one-half point behind Michael Freund of Germany and Werner Ulrich of Switzerland and earned the American $1,500.

Aachen is the major international competition for drivers this year, all the more so as this city will host the quadrennial World Equestrian Games in 2006. Johnson’s wife and three young children had to miss this championship because of the start of school in Florida.

World Equestrian Festival Driving Results:

1. Michael Freund, Germany

2. Werner Ulrich, Switzerland

3. Tucker Johnson, United States of America

4. Christoph Sandmann, Germany

5. Ysbrand Chardon, Netherlands

6. Felix Marie Brasseur, Belgium

7. Peter Tischer, Germany

8. István Váczi, Hungary

9. Benjamin Aillaud, France

10. Gert Schrijvers, Belgium

Visit the official website of the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany at: http://www.chioaachen.de
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