When I last reported, Misdee Miller had finished the first day of dressage in 11th place with a score of 52.86. Day two ultimately dropped Miller to 20th and Dancer posted a score of 58.88 but there was a grand surprise for Team USA as Joe Yoder delivered a magnificent test with Jack Wetzel’s handsome pair of Gelderlanders scoring an impressive 44.03 and securing 6th place. Miller and Yoder combined for a team score that placed the USA in a very respectable top 5 position of team competition. Congratulations!

Joe’s success meant participation in the evening’s prize ceremony and a jog around the presentation courtyard to several hundred cheering supporters! A sextet of musicians dressed in traditional coachmen attire provided a joyous backdrop of melody with their lustrous French horns. It was a very proud moment for Team USA and Joe as he was recognized for the first time in a World Championship. Welcome to the BIG Leagues, Joe!

After the ceremony ended, everyone dispersed to his or her own activities, as a draining phase of marathon loomed heavy on every competitors mind. Carola Diener of Germany was in the driver’s seat after day 1 but Joe Yoder had put himself in a position to contend for a potential top spot in the overall competition. Dancer will get the “freshest powder” or the best conditions on Saturday morning with the first start for Team USA. There has been consistent rain and the ground is wet which means the turf will most likely deteriorate as the day progresses. Miller gets the second start followed by Yoder. If you were handicapping a horse race, bet it all on the “mudders” because its as sloppy as a pig in mud puddle here in Conty!
GO BABY GO!