Sunday June 19, 2005

George Williams and Rocher Claim Championship Title at 2005 Collecting Gaits Farm/United States Equestrian Federation National Grand Prix Dressage Championship, Presented by Paul Miller Auto Group, Inc.

Arlene Page and Wild One Finish Second, Michael Barisone and Neruda Finish Third

Gladstone, NJ – George Williams of Delaware, Ohio and his comeback mount Rocher (1991 Westfalen mare), have made their way to the center of the national stage, claiming the title at the 2005 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship, Presented by Paul Miller Auto Group, Inc. on Friday. Clear favorites from the start, the pair earned a 70.333% in the USEF Grand Prix on Thursday, a 73.84% in the USEF Grand Prix Special on Friday, and a 74.750% in the USEF Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday. Each of the three equally-weighted classes combined for a final Championship score of 72.963%.

“I think she came into the day very strong and energetic,” Williams said. “Overall, I was really pleased. Deep down, I knew (going in) that she could be the winner, but I just tried to stay focused and do the best job I could.” In reference to Rocher’s 18-month recovery from tendonitis, Williams feels the horse has come back stronger, and “in a lot of ways, stronger than ever.”

“George we’re all tickled,” agreed Arlene Page, who placed second in the Championship on Wild One (1996 Hanoverian gelding) with an overall score of 69.703%. “God bless you. Great job!”

Read the Complete Coverage on the Festival at Horsesdaily.com