Burbank, California. Set to the powerful tunes of Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, McDonald revealed her new Freestyle at the CDI***W & Festival of the Horse. “This is our first time out since the Olympics,” said McDonald after Saturday’s FEI Grand Prix, which she won (73.208%). “I have a new Freestyle and I hope the crowd stands up and rocks out. It should be fun.” During Sunday’s final competition the crowd stayed quiet throughout McDonald’s ride, but with her final, emphatic salute the majority jumped to their feet cheering.

The judges concurred and awarded McDonald and Brentina at 77.975%. “Her new Freestyle is spot on,” said one of the judges. “With hard music like she used it is easy to make a rhythm mistake.” “There was a high degree of difficulty,” added one of the foreign judges. “The transitions were beautiful as was the turn in the piaffe.”

McDonald and Brentina clinched the U.S. Freestyle Championship and the number one slot for the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas later this month. “I am incredibly excited to be going to the World Cup. It is held in my sponsor’s building (Thomas & Mack Center), and this has huge meaning for the Thomas’,” stated McDonald.

Leslie Morse rode Kingston to the reserve championship in the U.S. Freestyle Championship (75.775%) and secured herself a place in the World Cup Finals. “I loved the feel of it,” said Morse of her ride. “I am definitely happy and really excited to go to Las Vegas.”

Guenter Seidel finished third in the Championship aboard Aragon (74.425%) and secures the third World Cup position. Robert Dover was given a bye for the competition and he will be the fourth U.S. rider at the World cup.

Klaus Balkenhol, the national team coach for dressage, commented on the riders’ performances. “After a long break after Athens, Debbie rode a solid test. She was secure in presenting her horse. We will work on a few details on her Freestyle and I think we can crack the 80% mark in Las Vegas. I want to do the same with Leslie and Guenter. We will do some detail work. These American riders don’t have to hide behind any of the European riders,” concluded Balkenhol emphatically.

In the FEI Intermediaire Freestyle, Charlotte Bredahl-Baker captured the championship with Eskada (69.725%). Second was Alison Martin and Vienna (63.500%).

Throughout the show in the main arena, spectators could witness movement-by-movement scoring displayed on the large scoreboard set in the corner of the arena. Using electronic scribing, each of the five judge’s scores were transmitted to the scoreboard which then displayed the final scores and overall average at the end of each ride. In addition, people can obtain all the scoring data at www.foxvillage.com.

Along with the keen competition, there was room for fun as well. Marta Kaufman hosted a lovely party at her Los Angeles home on Saturday night for the grand prix competitors, sponsors, and officials. People enjoyed the beautifully restored 1920's home that reflected Southern California’s Spanish and ranching heritage, while they socialized and enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

Glenda McElroy’s Cornerstone Event Management was the host of the CDI***W & Festival of the Horse which attracted top dressage horses. “It is always an honor to present a championship of this nature,” said McElroy in reference to the U.S. Freestyle Championship. McElroy looks forward to cheering for the U.S. contingent at the World Cup Finals where she will serve as the competition manager for dressage. “We are really looking forward to a World Cup Finals with both show jumping and dressage,” stated McElroy. She was also very happy with the turnout and quality of competition at the CDI. “Every year this show gets better and I am very happy that so many top riders from around the country choose to support this event.” There was a substantial crowd on hand to watch the very best vie for national honors and the chance to represent the United States at the World Cup.

U.S. Freestyle Championship