Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Shannon Peters and Luxor Charm the Crowd and the Judges At Dressage at Flintridge

During an evening performance which has become tradition at the historic Flintridge Riding Club, Shannon Peters rode elegantly to win Intermediaire Freestyle, on Luxor, charming the audience as they dined under the stars as the sun set behind the California hills. Winning the Intermediaire Freestyle with a 74.375%, and topping her husband Steffen Peters on Marlando in the Intermediaire Class on Sunday with a 72.167%, Shannon and Luxor established themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming Intermediaire Championships to be held at Gladstone, New Jersey, June 17-19.

“We purchased this horse two years ago from Tracey Roenick as a prospective Young Rider horse for his current owner, Tessa Hewitt. said Shannon. “Due to a knee injury, she was only able to ride on and off over the last two years, and I took over the ride last fall.”

“He is incredibly sensitive, as most Ferro's are, but is one of the most talented and fun horses I have ever ridden.” said Shannon of the stunning 12 year old black gelding, with four white stockings, by Olympic Ferro out of Godette by Boreas. “We have been backing off a bit on working on the Grand Prix with him until after Gladstone, but he has all the talent for it. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the best coach in the world- my husband!”

The 2005 Dressage at Flintridge is a favorite of Steffen and Shannon, who are based a few hours south in San Diego. Sharing the top two rankings for the Intermediaire Championships is not a matter of competition for the couple, but more just one of shared success. Steffen Peters, long time USET team member also had a stellar weekend in the Grand Prix tied for first place with both Floriano and Lombardi II with a 70.972%. Floriano was Steffen’s only mount in the Grand Prix Special, where he scored a 72.133, under the judges Betsy Berrey, Lelo Fore and Axel Steiner.

“Flintridge is always a great show, with the evening freestyles and a nice dinner, it is a nice atmosphere to show in.” said Shannon. “Glenda McElroy and Jennifer Killinger always do a great job putting together the shows in California.”

On The Scene at Flintridge Dressage