Posted, February 2, 2006

Olympian Michelle Gibson and Lex Barker Win USEF Prix St. Georges High Performance Qualifier at Wellington Dressage

Kicking off opening day competition at the first dressage show of this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival, 1996 Atlanta Olympics Team Bronze Medalist Michelle Gibson riding Lex Barker won the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Prix St. Georges, a qualifier for the 2006 USEF National Intermediaire I Championship. Gibson and the 10-year-old, 17.2-hand chestnut Hanoverian gelding by Longchamp out of Wilfe topped a class of 11 horses with a score of 70.00%, exhibiting a harmonious partnership and fluid performance. Elite European Sport Horse, Inc. based out of Hinsdale, Illinois, owns Lex Barker.

Nicole Bellah riding her own Avante-Garde scored 67.25% to claim second place. Silke Rembacz aboard DaCapo for owner Sheila Buchbinder earned 66.25% for third place.

Photo Credit: susanjstickle.com

“I was really happy because I wanted a quiet, chilled-out ride,” said Gibson of Lex Barker’s performance today at the four-ring dressage show held in conjunction with the eight rings of show jumping at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. “The best moments in the test were his medium trots on the long side, the trot half passes, and his changes felt quite good.”

All three ‘I’ (International) judges officiating over the class unanimously had Gibson in first place over the second- and third-placed riders. Judge Lois Yukins at E gave the duo 293; Natalie Lamping at C awarded 276; and Joan MaCartney at M scored them at 271.

Gibson, who is based in Wellington, has had the ride on Lex Barker for four years. She said the youngster was “greenbroke” when she started his training, and she has developed him to his current level. Gibson is aiming Lex Barker for the USEF National Intermediaire I Championships that will be held June 15-18 at the USET Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. But a seasoned Gibson takes her goal philosophically, “That’s the idea – to qualify for Gladstone. If it happens – OK. If it doesn’t we will continue to work on the Grand Prix.”

The stunning chestnut gelding is on his way to Grand Prix, but is he on his way to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games? “It’s too close – it’s just two years away. But it’s not out of the question,” Gibson commented. “It would be cutting it very close.”

Overall, Gibson was pleased with the horse’s performance today. “I was happy about how he was paying attention to me – I was very happy with that!” she beamed.