Thurday, August 7, 2003

U.S. Dressage Team Wins Gold Medal At The 2003 Pan American Games In Santo Domingo
By Charlene Strickland for DressageDaily.com

Lavell Rises to the Challenge in Torrential Downpour

Lavell and Much Ado battled the elements in their test, when a torrential rainstorm started. Lavell had already weathered a huge spook in the warmup. "To Do" leaped at the sight of jump standards, and almost fell down when his hind feet slipped in the sodden footing from an earlier downpour. Rain pelted Lavell from her salute on, and her horse hydroplaned through most of the test.

Long-time coach Michael Poulin praised "a good rapport between her and her horse in the rain." He added, "Their score will be good enough to help the team win the gold medal."

Lavell said, "My job was to try to get the job done--so we could get a good team score." She was excited about her second trot extension, saying, "It was the best I've ever done." She wasn't so excited to be picked for drug testing (on her, not the horse).

Lavell's score placed the U.S. at 131.60. Canada's Evi Strasser boosted her country to first place, with 134.15.