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Friday, June 15, 2007

Chris Hickey and Regent Top Pan Am Trials First Test

The first sighting of the potential Pan Am riders took place before the lunch break and the preparation by the riders was evident in their performances. Christopher Hickey (from Colora, MD) and the 9-year old Dutch Warmblood gelding Regent marched into the ring first, took control of the test, and never looked back. They were awarded a score of 71.5%, which held throughout the entire class.

“I had a lot of reservations about going first,” said Hickey. “It doesn’t matter if you win the qualifier and if you come in the number ranking one spot, when you get to Gladstone everyone comes in on an even level playing field. There’s a lot of really good horses and very experienced riders that deserve to be here. If you’ve gotten yourself here you have to have faith you’re doing something right.”

No one could touch Hickey’s score, but local rider, Lauren Sammis (from North Orange, NJ) and her beloved 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood Sagacious HF (owned by Hyperion Farm) had a virtually mistake-free test to also break the 70% mark finishing up on 70.15%. A spectator at the Festival of Champions in the past, 2007 marked the first chance for her to compete and Sammis was honored by the opportunity to bring her horse to the venue.

“It’s certainly nice being on the inside of the ring instead of on the outside,” said Sammis. “I’m so, so lucky – lots of my friends and family are here. I ride the horse every day like I’m just lucky to be on him. I’m so proud of him and so excited for people to see him. He’s just that nice of a horse. The show and the judges are nice but riding that horse around, for a rider, that’s what it’s all about.”

Sagacious HF has propelled through the dressage ranks at a rapid pace, he was competing at training level just a year and a half ago.

“He’s got his head on straight and he comes down the center line and he’s relaxed all the time,” said Sammis.

Rounding out the top three in the Prix St. George was veteran rider, Shelly Francis and Dominion. A 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Dominion’s power and strength were evident throughout his work. When asked about the possibility of a Pan Am Team spot for Dominion, his rider was realistic.

“I hadn’t given it a lot of thought, I’ll do it if I get the chance,” said Francis. “But there are two more classes to go.”

These horse and riders contest the Intermediaire I test on Saturday and the Freestyle on Sunday. The Prix St. George portion counts for 45 percent of the final score, the Intermediaire ­­- 30% and the Freestyle is the remaining 25%.