Sunday, June 9, 2002

Week Two Of USET Dressage Selection Trials - page 4

Traurig and Etienne Continue to Strengthen

Christine Traurig, 45, of Carlsbad, California, and currently based in Germany, said that because she came into the trials ranked so low, she had not expected the Trials to be a close competition for her. “I was really happy,” she said of today’s ride. “I couldn’t ask for more.

It was a rocky road getting here. My feeling was we put in a solid test. My goal was to come here and do a good job. I have no expectations beyond what is realistic. You have no idea how happy I am to have him back. I love him.” After her final salute in today’s ride, Traurig hugged the 18-hand, 14-year-old Westphalian gelding for most of the long side of the arena on her way out and her, “Ah! Good boy!” was audible as she exited.

Traurig said that she would aim Etienne, her Sydney Olympics mount that is currently owned by Kelly Trierweiler, for the World Cup in 2003, but for the 2004 Olympics, she has a younger horse in the wings that is starting Prix St. Georges.