Sunday April 23, 2006

Anky van Grunsven Lands Eight World Cup Title

Arlene Page and Wild One Make Big International Debut

American Arlene Page made a big international debut on European soil, by scoring a magical 71.000% in the Grand Prix, but in the freestyle there was a glitch at the beginning. A communication error with her horse Wild One (by Wanderer) resulted in a piaffelike pirouette what should have been a double canter pirouette. Page, however, got her act together straight away and ended up showing great piaffe passage reprises in which the rhythm was clear and the tempo clocking as regular as a Swiss watch.

The 69.650% mark in the freestyle did not even come close to a realistic reflection of what the pair has to offer. "Of course I was disappointed not to go over 70% in the freestyle, you want to shoot yourself. An over error in the beginning is a big fat hole you have to climb out, but I clocked off the everything else. It was an error of communication."

Nevertheless, Page is extremely happy and proud of the opportunity of riding at the World Cup Finals. With the coveted USEF patch on her jacket, Page is now a member of the US Dressage force. "I got to introduce a horse to the big international sport and I'm taking home a horse that is sound and has learned a lot. It's the first time I have represented the U.S. It has been a huge honor. We have so many people who ride well and train well in our country, and this time the Gods have smiled on me and I got to do it," a humble Page told Eurodressage. "I'm incredibly grateful for the beautiful network in place in the American dressage community. It's a network that allows us to excel, feel confident and have fun along the way. Klaus Balkenhol's stable [American team trainer] is a base that feels like home. My daughter was painting easter eggs with Judith [Balkenhol]."