Parker, Colo. – The USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship wrapped up today at the United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) American Eventing National Championships presented by Nutrena Feed (AEC). The Colorado Horse Park provided a picturesque setting for the championship where Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) claimed the title with Mai Baum, Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell’s 12-year-old German Sport Horse gelding. Smith and Mai Baum were also presented with the legendary Jack Le Goff Trophy.
On the first day of competition, Smith rode a solid dressage test, earning the day’s top score of 26.4. From 2015-2017, Mai Baum had sustained a mild sprain, gut infection, and leg injury but was back in full force and really put on a show. “I think [Mai Baum] was very happy to be on a stage like that,” said Smith. “I picked up the canter and went around the ring and I couldn’t help but smile. He’s so special and he’s such a showman, it’s really fun.”
Cross-country for the Advanced division was rescheduled due to inclement weather but Smith and Mai Baum were not thrown off their game, finishing the course with 1.6 time penalties for a score of 28.0. “I literally wanted to cry going through the finish flags,” said Smith. “It’s been such a long patient road to get him back to this level. He was unbelievable. He’s the best horse in the world, and I’m just so fortunate to be sitting on him.”
Sunday brought the final phase, show jumping, where Smith and Mai Baum were the only combination to go double-clear on course for a final score of 28.0. Second place went to Jordan Linstedt (Duvall, Wash.) and Revitavet Capato, the 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding she owns with Barbara Linstedt, who scored a 39.5. Smith also placed third aboard Fleeceworks Royal, Judith McSwain’s nine-year-old Holsteiner mare, with a score of 45.4.
The Advanced division at the AEC is designated as the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship. The Advanced division at the AEC also serves as the $40,000 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final. The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion receives one of the highest payouts in U.S. eventing and earns the prestigious title of Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion.
The United States Eventing Association is a recognized affiliate of US Equestrian. Catch up on all the action from the 2018 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds by following USEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #AEC2018.
Find out more about eventing in the Learning Center video library where you can get tips on walking a cross-country course with Phillip Dutton, cross-country schooling exercises with Boyd Martin, and more!
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