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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Dressage In California
Cornerstone Event Management's Festival of the Horse CDI ***

Steffen Peters Again at the Top of the List in Grand Prix Competition at Cornerstone Event Management's Festival of the Horse CDI***

Steffen Peters and Ravel took the blue ribbon in the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle competition riding to the freestyle that had been used for Peters' previous mount – Floriano. Peters and Ravel earned their win with a score of 76.45. Behind them in second was Canadian Leslie Reid and Orion with a score of 70.90 percent.

"Everybody calls it Floriano's freestyle, but it was actually Grandeur's freestyle that we had modified for Floriano," Peters said. It wasn't necessary to modify it again for Ravel because Peters said that Floriano and Ravel are very similar in movement. Despite how well the freestyle worked for Ravel, Peters said that he is working on a new one for Ravel, which will be used in the Olympic selection trials. Peters wouldn't say what music is being used other than that "it's the music that I grew up with in the 80s."

When asked why change at all, Peters said "because this freestyle has been out there for quite some time and I think it's always exciting to try and improve the freestyle. And, if we want to place higher, the choreography must become a bit more difficult and I believe the music could be a touch more exciting. When the new one is done, we will analyze it very carefully to make sure it is better."

With her second-place score of 70.90 percent, Reid is well-positioned to make a run for the 2008 Canadian Olympic Dressage Team, but admits it's not her top priority. "I haven't made the Olympics as a big aim because he's green, really green. So, it's hard to say it's my goal. If he chooses to be confirmed enough and consistent enough through all of these CDIs and we get a spot, then great. But, we'll see," Reid said.

The Grand Prix freestyle ride at the Festival of the Horse was actually the first time that Reid and Orion competed with that freestyle. "I was really happy with it and it was comfortable for me to ride. It worked well for me and I think that once I've ridden it a few times, it'll be really comfortable."

Complete Results for the CDI