Sunday March 21, 2004

Catherine Morelli And BeSe Win Intermediaire I, CDI*** At WEF Dressage Classic

Topping a class of 20 entries, Catherine Morelli, 60, of Bedminster, NJ, and Wellington, FL, rode Diane Rosenberg’s BeSe to victory in the Intermediaire I, CDI at the Winter Equestrian Festival today, earning 70.60%. Canada’s Ashley Holzer aboard Gambol placed second – just splits behind the winner on a score of 70.30%. Heather Bender of Wellington rode her own Winwood to third place, earning judge’s marks of 69.90%. The class was a Qualifying Competition for the 2004 USET Intermediaire I Championship.

BeSe is an 11-year-old, 16-hand bay Dutch warmblood gelding by Flemmingh out of Wabatsje (by Palfrenier) that Morelli has had the ride on for three years. Yesterday, the duo tied for first place in the Prix St. Georges, CDI with Michael Shondel and his Wallaby.

German judge Uwe Mechlem praised Morelli for her soft hands and steady seat. "The horse was collected throughout the test. He was uphill all the time and well engaged from behind while the rider kept very soft contact with the bit," Mechlem said.

Judging today’s class was: Mariette Withages (O) Belgium; Beatrice Buerchler-Keller (O) Switzerland; Uwe Mechlem (O) Germany; Axel Steiner (O) United States; and Lois Yukins (I) United States.