Tuesday November 11, 2003

Rocher, 2003 Grand Prix Dressage Horse of the Year

Joann and Chuck Smith's Westfalian mare Rocher has become the USDF 2003 Dressage Horse of the Year in the Grand Prix division. Under George Williams, the 12-year old black Rocher achieved an average score of 73.400% at USDF recognized competitions making her the best Grand Prix horse showing in the U.S.A this year.

Rocher, by Rolls Royce out of Fraenzi (by Fruhlingstern) was purchased in Germany in December 2000. She was then ridden by German Young Riders' team gold medallist Nadine Maiwurm who had shown Rocher at Prix St Georges level. George Williams trained the mare to Grand Prix level himself.

Finishing second in the Grand Prix Level Year End Awards was Lila Kommerstadt's Grandeur (John U To Berry x Troubadour). Under Steffen Peters, the KWPN gelding gained an average score of 71.458%.

Outspoken Intermediaire I winner was the Hanoverian licensed stallion Pik L (Pik Bube II x Abajo xx). Owned by Ann Whitten of Horses Unlimited and professionally shown by Dr Cesar Parra, Pik L had a median score of 71,000% and beat Brooke Doss' Westcott, who ended up with 70.458%.

2003 Dressage Horse of the Year 2003 at Prix St Georges level is Marlando with 71.625%. Owned by Lila Kommerstad, Marlando is a Dutch warmblood gelding who has been trained and competedby Steffen Peters. Andrea Doelling's First Impression (First Class x Charmado) finished second with a median score of 71.250%.

2003 USDF Year End Awards

Grand Prix Level

• 1. Rocher - 73.400%
• 2. Grandeur - 71.458%
• 3. Aragon - 70.208%
• 4. Kingston - 68.558%
• 5. Harmony's Cassiano - 66.042%
• 5. Fernando - 66.042%

Intermediaire II

• 1. Lexus - 68.293%
• 1. Phirst Solo - 68.293%
• 3. Lascar - 66.098%
• 4. Gifted By Nature - 65.976%
• 5. SG Guardian - 65.000%

Intermediaire I

• 1. Pik L - 71.000%
• 2. Westcott - 70.458%
• 3. Much Ado - 70.450%
• 4. Josien - 70.000%
• 5. Petit Danseur - 69.875%

Prix St Georges

• 1. Marlando - 71.625%
• 2. First Impression - 71.250%
• 3. Pik L - 70.813%
• 4. Petit Danseur - 69.625%
• 5. Josien - 69.167%

by Astrid Appels

Related Links
Compete Results of the 2003 USDF Year End Awards
Who's Who: George Williams
Phelpsphotos' Database: Search for "Rocher" under Horse's Name!
Steffen Peters Sweeps Away Ribbons and Trophies at CDI*** Burbank