Trials and Tribulations Come As Newcomer Makes Trip to National Dressage Finals

Rocher, Williams Come Together to Capture Grand Prix Special

The elegant black mare, Rocher (Rolls Royce – Fraenzi), “had been back to her old self” for a month after a year and half layoff to mend from a tendonitis injury, said trainer George Williams.

“Today I came back,” the Ohio-based man said as he and the Westphalian mare continued to dominate the grand prix field of contenders with their second straight victory in as many days. Their 73.840 win proved to him “I am really back in sync with her.”

Admitting he felt rusty since he began riding her, he said the Special was the breakthrough for him. “I felt I could ask her for more and everything would be there that I asked for."

Photo copyrighted: Susan J Stickle