The first American pair to go was that of Leslie Morse and her Swedish stallion Tip Top 962 (Master 850 x Chagall 455). It was the fourth World Cup competition for Morse and she certainly looked as composed as one would expect such a veteran to be. Tip Top was in top form as well, quickly moving into the initial lead with a final score of 64.00 percent. The confident Tip Top, upon finishing his ride, raised his head and stared straight into the eyes of the crowd as he walked out of the ring.

They were followed by the next American pair of Courtney King and Idocus (Equador x Zonneglans), who quickly grabbed the lead with a final score of 67.833 percent. The 17-year-old Dutch stallion is an international veteran, having competed in the Athens Olympic Games. But the World Cup was King’s very first time representing the U.S. in international competition. No matter, she rode like a veteran, made easier, perhaps, by the quiet confidence of Idocus. This stallion knows his job and King knows it and rode with a certainty that her partner would be there for her.