Saturday February 19, 2005

FEI Classes Chock Full on Day Two of the Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic

Gibson Back in the Winner's Circle

Olympian, Michelle Gibson was also back in the winner’s circle this week with Lex Barker. Gibson piloted the giant chestnut gelding to score of 69.000% to win the $1000 FEI Prix St. Georges. Second in the class of 18 horses, was Alison Sader Larson on Legretto with a score of 64.625%. And third went to Ashley Holzer on Aegis Ommen with a score of 63.125%.

In the lower levels, Debra Schoder and her lovely mare, Ilona had a repeat performance of yesterday’s victory, today winning Third Level Test Two with a score of 69.048%. “It’s exciting to be winning,” explained Schoder. “Ilona was sick last Fall and it’s nice to be back. It’s really a team effort. Julie (referring to trainer Julie Lyons) really knows how to get us psyched up in the warm-up and it’s really a mental game”.

And the rider who is the authority on the power of the mental game, author and equestrian, Jane Savoie also used her mental prowess to take a big win in the Open Third Level Test Two class. Jane rode her Friesian, Menno to the win with a score of 76.905%. “It was particularly exciting to get that kind of score from judge, Carol Lavell, who I respect so much,” said Savoie. “We got really high marks on harmony and that means a lot to me.”