Julie Welles Taking 2005 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search–East Title

Fleeting Disappointment

When the judges’ decision was announced, there might have been a fleeting moment of disappointment but that disappeared when Welles and Schaub clasped hands as they started their victory gallop. They circled the sand ring behind the imposing stable that houses the U.S. Equestrian Team Federation’s headquarters in Gladstone, N.J., site of the four-part competition.

Both girls credited their rise to the top on their consistency, a must in this type of competition where anything can happen. This time that uncertainty came from Mother Nature who threw in monsoon-like rain and wind during Saturday’s outdoor testing. The flatwork segment began the day, but then the skies opened and the footing deteriated. The result was less than optimum for the next part, gymnastics.

“I found the gymnastics very challenging, with a different question in each line,” said Welles who finished ninth last year. “My horse had ridden well in the flatwork and was really good in the gymnastics which followed right after the flat.”

Healey, who designed the gymnastics course, and Homfeld were disappointed by the results of the afternoon’s test. “I had hoped for a few more brilliant rounds but there were a lot of safe ones,” she noted. Neither she nor Homfeld released a list of riders’ standings until the end of Saturday.

“I liked it that way,” said Welles with Schaub in agreement. By day’s end, Welles was in third place with Schaub in second behind the leader, Emily Hock. McAlary was seventh while Johnson stood in 10th. Hock destroyed her lead when her horse balked at the water and she fell off.