Brentina Returns for 2004

America's dressage superstar proved herself again in the first round for the US Freestyle Championship, the Grand Prix. Debbie McDonald rode the mare to a decisive first place, scoring 77.375 in the pair's eagerly-awaited return.

“Our last show was Aachen,” said McDonald. “That was a long time ago.”

Before her ride, she admitted she was very nervous about the class. Brentina's surgery last August sidelined her for six weeks, and she made only one public outing, an exhibition in Toronto, until this championship.

Judge's marks in the first few movements of Brentina's test matched the conservative start to the ride. McDonald began asking more in the first piaffe, and the mare responded with her typical accuracy—and a new vigor.

“I'm getting used to riding a different horse with a lot more energy,” said McDonald. She added, “We moved down here [Southern California] for the season, so the mare isn't traveling from Idaho to California.” She does plan to travel to the World Cup in Germany, and then compete in June's Olympic Trials.

In an emotional awards presentation, both John Long, the US Equestrian Federation CEO, and McDonald shared the microphone. Long handed McDonald the Grand Prix award, expressing his awe: “I never before saw the two of you together.” Through her tears, McDonald replied, “It's a little overwhelming for me.”

Nikolaus 7, first to go in the class, ended second with 72.125. He performed brilliantly for Guenter Seidel and displayed forward energy and impulsion. “I was very happy with him,” said Seidel. Standouts in his test were the extended canter and smooth transitions.

German judge Uwe Mechlem noted, “It was a great pleasure for me to judge this competition of a very high standard. It was of a very high European standard.”

He also praised the quality of the horses in the small tourn. “I saw horses with a good future, with good basics. And they have the talent to come to the top.”

In the CDI Grand Prix, Leslie Reid and Mark earned the top score (70.25). The winner of the individual gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games, Mark showed his talent for Grand Prix. His active gaits earned him plenty of 8s from the judges, and a hearty ovation from the spectators. Leslie Morse and Tip Top 962 scored 70.167 to win the CDI Intermediate I.