Celebration at the Selection Trials

Kingston Finishes Close Behind

Performing between Aragon and Kennedy was Kingston, the flashy Dutch stallion. He showed off his flowing movement to music from “Pirates of the Caribbean.” All five judges awarded him 8s for his transitions.

“I go for powerful,” said his rider, Leslie Morse. “I like the music to move you.”

In her ride, her face showed her exuberance. She said, “I love what I do and I love my ‘boys' [horses], and I am just so lucky to have everybody support me. That's what wakes me up in the morning.”

She also appreciated earning the day's only 10 mark, for canter pirouette to the right, awarded by judge Anne Gribbons. “I loved it! I want more of those.”

Morse added, “He has a very bright future. This is one step in our future direction.”

Kingston finished fifth overall with 71.899, right next to Steffen Peters and Floriano (72.386). Sunday the team selectors were discussing the possibility of sending Morse and Kingston to Europe with the other six horses (Brentina, Kennedy, Ranier, Aragon, Nikolaus, and Floriano).

They will join Lisa Wilcox and Relevant. Dover noted, “Lisa is ranked fourth in the world. Add that to this group, and I think we're a country to reckon with.”

Image copyrighted: Terri Miller