Friday, March 18, 2005

Wet Weather Didn’t Dampen Spirits on Day on of the Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic CDI

Dover and Morse Continue Grand Prix Domination

Splish, splash, they were taking a bath! Competitive dressage is often referred to as riding in a sandbox, but Thursday's tour at the Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic, CDI was more like a riding in a bathtub. But the soggy, soaking conditions didn’t dampen competitor’s spirits and accurately executed rides were rewarded by generous scores- making the first day of the Florida season’s final CDI a success despite the weather.

While there was a noticeable lack of sunshine, many horse and rider combinations did shine. The day’s brightest star was Olympian, Robert Dover on his Olympic partner, FBW Kennedy. Dover and Jane Forbes Clark’s handsome chestnut gelding dominated the large $1500 Grand Prix class with a score of 74.875%. Dover and Kennedy rode the Grand Prix with a level of ease and accuracy that actually made riding a Grand Prix test look easy. They certainly made the judge’s job easy.

The next two places in the 20 horse class, went to Leslie Morse. Morse and her massive Dutch stallion, Kingston, took second place with an impressive score of 72.542%. And Morse and Tip Top 962 claimed the third place spot with a score of 69.333%. American, Michael Barisone and Neruda slipped between the Canadians placed fourth through seventh, into sixth place with a score of 68.292%. This large and competitive Grand Prix class ended just as another wave of rain showers blew in, forcing management to cancel the Grand Prix awards ceremony for the day.

photo credit: susanjstickle.com