World Equestrian Games Notes from Laura Petroff

The Grand Prix Dressage Begins

The day started with lots of interesting rides. The 7th in was Hubertus Schmidt on Wansuela Suerte. The halts were not square, the walk not quite what was expected. They ended with a 69.something.

I wasn't able to see many more rides before Leslie rode it at #15. The American fans were incredibly supportive, cheering Leslie very loudly as she came into the stadium.

It's hard to describe how awesome their test began!. After a halt of 68, Leslie and TT were so amazing! This isn't what you'd expect--not bias by me. The judges had them at 74 across the board for more than 1/2 the test. The trot work was Tip Top's best ever. He sure got a lot of 8's.

Halfway through the canter tour, Tip Top started to focus on the enormous media crowd clicking away. Unfortunately, he made some mistakes, and unless you were here to actuall see this combination stay at a 74 for quite a while, then end at 64, it's hard to explain. The one thing we know is that Tip Top showed the world that America has a great future. Sometimes the scoreboard doesn't tell the whole story. Leslie came out of the arena filled with pride at what she and Tip Top were able to accomplish.

Today is almost in the books. Guenter just finished, with a 69.792. (You can watch the commentary on his ride on HorseTV Channel by Lisa Wilcox and Leslie Morse.) Guenter is currently in 4th place.

We've seen some beautiful rides today! Besides our team, of course--both German riders (Hubertus and Heike, who rode Bonaparte to a 75.792), Tinne Vilhelmson of Sweden with 70.417, Bernadette Pujals of Mexico with 70.003, and Laurens Van Lierens of the Netherlands with a 68.583.

Imke Bartels of the Netherlands will close today in about an hour. Tomorrow we have so much more to look forward to--2 more riders from each team and many great individuals. We'll see Debbie and Steffen, and also Anky, Isabell, Kyra, Edward, and so many more talented riders and horses. What a show! Wish you were here.

HorsesDaily 'On the Scene' at the World Equestrian Games 2006