Heather Blitz and Paragon (Susan J. Stickle)
Blitz had a rough day leading up to her win. With her four year old, she memorized the 4 year old FEI test, not the USEF 4 year old test. Then she managed to give the wrong freestyle music to the announcer. The jury allowed her to correct the snafu and return last to complete her test, but even that was not without trauma. Blitz could not find the correct music. Fortunately she had it on her phone, so the announcer was able to access it that way . "Yeah, I guess I learned my lesson," she said afterward.
Seven months ago Blitz was winning the silver medal at the Pan American Games with Paragon, now she may be becoming a strong contender for an Olympic spot. Blitz is coached by Steffan Peters and Anne Gribbons, and the pair has improved technically at every show.
"The horse has such a good temperament," said Blitz. "He's so willing. I don't even push him. I can't stop him, he wants to do this. He's stepping up to the challenge. It was a huge atmosphere here tonight. I am most excited technically for him.
"Paragon is just nine years old, continued Blitz. "It took him awhile to fill out, but he's loving his job so far, and it's great to be a part of.
"Paragon learned the tempi changes, piaffe and passage at six years of age. He couldn't put it together, but yeah, he was six. He's a remarkable horse."
Ashley Holzer riding Breaking Dawn was second in the Freestyle with a high score of 74.275%. Holzer now has two horses qualified to be selected by the Canadian team for the London Olympics. Her horses will be first and second on the Canadian's list for team members.
"As of tonight, I've qualified both horses for the Olympics," said a very happy Holzer. Talking about Breaking Dawn, she continued, "Pretty good for a horse who hasn't seen this atmosphere at night. He handled himself so well. It's an incredible horse. He only learned the one tempi changes in November. I am proud of him and will not push him, just allow it all to happen."
Anja Plonzke of Germany scored 73.350% on her horse Le Mont d'Or to finish the evening in third place. There was lots of enthusiasm for the pair, as the German show jumping riders, currently competing in the series at the Wellington Equestrian Festival across the street from the Global Dressage Festival, cheered her on. Plonzke smiled at the warm reception she received. "I had a great feeling in there," she said. "He did well."