2005 CDIO Aachen

American Glory in Aachen: America Goes Full Throttle

August 24, 2005 - Text and Photos copyrighted: Astrid Appels/Eurodressage

With a first and fifth place and high scores for the first two Americans to go in the nations' competition (CDIO Grand Prix) at Aachen, the United States are currently in the lead in the team ranking. Both Peters and Williams are over the moon with their performances.

"Everything just worked out great," Steffen Peters said. "He was very relaxed and I was able to get on the throttle the whole time. In the last year, Floriano got more relaxed and more seasoned in his work. Aachen is not the show to hold back."

Steffen Peters was the alternate writer for the 2004 American Olympic team so did not get to go to Athens. His horse Floriano, which came to his barn as a sales horse, sold after the summer to Californians Stephen and Laurie Browning, who will let Steffen ride the horse until Floriano retires. "I feel priviledged to ride for the Brownings and Akiko Yamazaki [owner Lombardi II]."

George Williams feels ecstatic to be back in the big time with Rocher, who had a year "off" due to an injury. "I'm very pleased to have her back. This is our first major competition, because Aachen is of a whole different category. She felt really great and her carriage has been the best ever," Williams explained. "I was cautious to bring her back to this level and wanted to wait for Klaus [Balkenhol] to help me increase the impulsion and get more expression in the way she's going."

The American team riders are training with Klaus Balkenhol for the summer on USEF grants and have worked to get the horses on a high for the CDIO Aachen. Leslie Morse and Guenter Seidel will be competing tomorrow in Group two of the CDIO Grand Prix.

Text and Photos by Astrid Appels

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