Mare Opens Way for Arlene Paige to Go to U.S. National Dressage Championships

Time to Decide the Sire

Despite missing the trials, it gave Paige time to decide who the sire of the yet-to-be conceived foal of Claire’s would be. Paige is leaning toward Royal Prince, a stallion standing at Hilltop Farm in Maryland.

“He is a good strong R-line Hanoverian with a super hind leg and good character,” she pointed out. That would fit well with Claire’s “good gaits, incredible front end, wonderful neck, super front legs and wonderful use of shoulders plus her knees.”

While Claire’s suitor is yet to be decided, Paige is using a horse she added to her string in 2002. She bought him on the recommendation of her friend, Oded Shimoni. An Israeli dressage rider, he saw Wild One (Wanderer – Graelin) three years ago and knew the gelding would be a match for Paige.

“I am so picky about horses I don’t have a problem walking away from a prospect. Oded thought I would not be so picky about him (Wild One),” she said with a laugh. The bay and Paige were the national reserve champions in the Grand Prix at the UESTF’s Festival of Champions. He tallied an overall, three-class score of 69.704 to be runner up to George Williams on Rocher.