As the sun set over the Kentucky Horse Park last night seven horses danced their way through the freestyle test for the Kentucky Cup CDI3*. Rain in the early part of the day had given way to a colorful sunset that made for a beautiful setting for the 2,000 plus spectators that came out.

Tina Konyot and her big black horse Calecto V put on an exciting show as they piaffed and pirouetted to a modern music mix featuring songs such as “Lets Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez, “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce and their signature song “Big Black Horse and The Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. The pair earned their highest score of the season, a 76.250%, having only performed this freestyle twice before. It was the second victory gallop for the Konyot and Calecto this week, having won the grand prix on Tuesday.

Coming in second was Chris Von Martels and Naomi of Canada, Jacqueline Brooks and Balmoral also of Canada were third.

Though not in the top three Jamie Irwin’s freestyle aboard Dover was definitely one of my favorites of the night, I’m a pretty big music junkie and appreciated his music choices – The Police’s “Every Breath You Take, Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and Tears for Fear’s “Shout.”

With several of the US riders presenting some lively freestyles, look for the US Dance Team/Cheering section at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in September… I’m already plotting how to get the whole place rocking out in support of our riders.