Saturday, June 12, 1004

USEF Olympic Selection Trials 2004 - The First Week

Guenter Seidel Going Strong With Nikolaus 7 and Aragon

Seidel remained philosophical about his two mounts, both owned by Richard and Jane Brown from Carlsbad, California, and which would be the better horse to potentially go to Athens, “If I had to make the decision right now, I’d probably take Nikolaus 7." said Seidel. "He’s a better team horse, he’s more confidant at this point than Aragon. Nikolaus 7, 15-year-old Westfalen gelding by Weinberg out of Elise by Exponent, has competed for the USET in both the 2002 World Equestrian Games, and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Aragon (13-year-old Bavarian Warmblood by Abydos out of La Sabrina by Lorenz) has gotten more and more reliable in the ring in the last year already, if he would be in every class better than Nikolaus then he deserves to do it and I would be happy with that choice. But right now after just one class, I would choose Nikolaus.”

But things could indeed change a lot before it’s all over and Seidel knows it, ‘this could go to the very last day next weekend,” he said.