Monday June 3, 2002

Debbie McDonald and Brentina Win Grand Prix Special In Class 2 Of WEG Dressage Selection Trials

With a winning score of 73.40%, Debbie McDonald and Brentina were back in form for the Grand Prix Special, Class 2 of the USET Selection Trials for the World Equestrian Games, on Sunday, June 2, 2002, at USET headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. After their uncharacteristic fifth place finish in the Grand Prix on Saturday (67.840%), the pair has moved into third place overall. "I knew I needed a good test today," said McDonald. "I was incredibly nervous and upset that I didn't score better yesterday." She said that overnight she rode the test 50 or more times in her mind. Her performance in the Special earned the highest percentage the judges have awarded in the Trials so far. "It all felt smooth and harmonious," said McDonald. "She was light to the leg. I was really happy with it."

In the Grand Prix on Saturday, Brentina's audible, labored breathing caused McDonald to be concerned about her condition. She said that it is normal for Brentina to "make noise breathing" but that the air in New Jersey was "th icker" and the mare was struggling yesterday. McDonald said she worried about Brentina, her partner for the last eight years, not because of their score but because she felt something was wrong with her. "I've had her since she was three," McDonald said of the 16.2-hand, 11-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Peggy and Parry Thomas. "I know her like I know myself."

Treatment from the veterinarian overnight resulted in Brentina's improved breathing during the Special. Last year at the Festival of Champions, Brentina suffered a case of hives. "We've had a 'helluva' time here. We're not fond of the east," joked McDonald. She said during the upcoming week she would work Brentina a little more and that by next weekend she expected the mare to have shed a few pounds, be more fit, more acclimated, and ready to compete.

Judge Hanne Valentin of Denmark, the judge at C for the Special, said that what she liked the most about McDonald's test was the fluency and that there were no mistakes. "It's what we like to see," she said, and told McDonald, "You really did a beautiful job."

Judge Joseph Knipp of Germany who presided at B commented that Brentina is a very good horse. "You should show a bit more sparkle and energy," he told McDonald. "She is absolutely safe." He said that as a rider, McDonald was never rude and always kind but that she should try for a livelier ride.

McDonald responded, "As a rider I should dare to do that."

The exchange of information between judges and rider that occurred during the press conference after the competition was unique; both judges said that they found it peculiar to the United States that the officials were kept secluded from the riders at all times. Judge Hanne mentioned that the reception held after the Grand Prix on Saturday for the riders, grooms and owners did not include an invitation for the judges; they were served a separate luncheon on the second floor of the USET hall. "That's strange for us coming here," said Valentin. Valentin said that in Europe, they would have attended the luncheon downstairs and talked to the riders to tell them where they need to improve. Both judges said that socializing with riders does not influence or affect their judging.

Guenter Seidel summed up the 'sequestered' judge situation, "We should change that."