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Saturday, March 15, 2008

Flowers for Ravel, Cheers for Mark 

Head sets were available for box seat holders in the CDI arena one, and international judge Axel Steiner shared running commentary during the rides. Again, spectators packed in to see the CDI Grand Prix Special rides Friday afternoon. And again, Olympic riders Steffen Peters and Sue Blinks dominated the top two places.

Ravel put in another clean test scoring a 72.44, Mark too was consistent and clean scoring a 69.270 percent. Steffen as very pleased with Ravel’s performance and complimented the horse. “He doesn’t really change from home, to warm up arena, to competition arena. That a huge advantage. He really is the most supple horse I have ever ridden. He has no holes and can do it all. Even the judges confirmed this.” 

And, during the awards ceremony, Ravel was not going to let Judge Cara Whitham keep those flowers to herself! Sue Blinks was also all smiles as she reflected on her ride. “I have been very happy these past two days.” Steiner also commented during his critiques, “It is so good to see Mark and Sue out there competing again.”

Top Quality Piaffe and Passage from Rociero XV and Kristina Harrison- Naness