Dancing In The Rain - Most Of The Time, Anyway
There was much to be proud of in Gladstone today. I have to commend our juniors, young riders and Brentina Cup competitors first. Not only were they almost all better today than their previous rides; many of these kids had to go in torential storms that even the most seasoned performers were worried about surviving.
And not only did they survive, but many of the kids had personal bests and I for one was extremely proud of them and their horses.
Next, the Intermiediare proved again why Katherine Bateson Chandler and Jan Brons have been the ones to beat all season. They each rode like consumate professionals and topped the once again super class of riders and horses.
And then there was the freestyle. Adrienne Lyle rode a lovely test on Wizard and once again showed the sound basics that are a credit to both her and her trainer, the wonderful Debbie McDonald. With great music and few errors despite standing water everywhere which, especially to our west coast horses, was totally out of the ordianry, Adrienne showed great class and potential to become a flagship rider for the U.S. in the near future.
Leslie Morse, who had won so convincingly the day before in the Grand Prix, noted afterwards that her music choices had too many short and different pieces and took away from the flow of the ride which was already not helped by Tip Top not wanting to go through the puddles around the perimeter of the arena. She still ended in 2nd place and now the Grand Prix Special will decide our champion tomorrow. In general I think that both the music as well as the choreography for many of our riders can and must improve to achieve higher scores.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the final wrap up of the show and remember to get all the scores and other information from DressageDaily.com. I will also be blogging on my official USEF clinic here on Monday and Tuesday with our top riders.
Cheers!
RD
dlh — June 21, 2009 @ 10:44 am
Robert, Jan’s last name is spelled Brons. not Bronze. You know how fussy the dutch are!!
Jean Dover — June 21, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Ha Robert, I am not the only Dover who makes little mistakes like spelling a name wrong!
I have enjoyed reading about the goings on in Gladstone and look forward to reading more Monday and Tuesday.
Love Mom
SR — June 24, 2009 @ 10:24 am
R,
Thanks for the ongoing coverage at the great flood. Great to hear what you thought of all the new talent and the seasoned competitors.
I also think it is wonderful that you offer yourself as a mentor to these riders. I hope you do ge the position of Chief. for the US. Keep up the wonderful blog. Refreshing to read positive dressage coverage.