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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Olympic Selection Trials for Dressage at the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions

King-Dye Reminded to Love Idocus the Other 23 Hours of the Day

Although Courtney King-Dye was somewhat disappointed in her ride on Idocus in Saturday’s Grand Prix, she did not fault the horse. Rather, she humbly explained that she just loves him too much. “I tend to be easy on him in the warm-up. I did that today, (Saturday).

I worked for a little bit, then gave him a walk break. I think I gave him too many walk breaks.”  King-Dye had brought her two horses to Steffen and Shannon Peters’ barn for schooling before the Selection Trials. Steffen reminded her after this Saturday’s ride that, “you can love him the other 23 hours of the day.” King-Dye will follow that game plan for the remainder of the Trials and hopes to bring Idocus’ scores up next week.

McDonald and Peters Happy for a Strong Start

Steffen Peters is the consummate competitor and test rider. Veterinarians and doctors who watch him compete call him a “surgeon in the arena.” His aids are subtle and effective, never sacrificing a point and adding confidence to the horse. Peters’ Saturday Grand Prix rides followed this mode plus some.

He was extremely happy to be awarded a winning average of 75.792 from the jury and especially for a 77.292 percent from European judge Uwe Mechlem for his Grand Prix ride on Ravel.

Familiar with qualifying procedures toward international events, Peters remarked, “The first day is the most important. It is much easier to maintain a high average than to pull out of a hole. Our biggest hurdle is over.”

Debbie McDonald echoed Peters’ enthusiasm as she too was delighted that her mare, Brentina was back in the best shape, easily scoring a 72.667 and placing second. “Today she was a little tenser in the arena, but I was happy that she was so ready in there with me.

I would rather her be fresh now than have a horse with no gas at the end of this two-week qualifying season.” After this weekend, the horses will remain at the Oaks Blenheim through next weekend’s competition.

All three riders plan for a couple days of hand walking the horses, then an easy start to the week, and finally build to the competition June 27-29.

Careful Planning Helps Horses and Riders Perform Their Best