September 3 , 2006

World Equestrian Games Notes from Charlene Strickland

The Best Reining Ever? (page 2)

Dell Hendricks was proud of Starbucks Sidekick today, and shared a special bond with the stallion. “I won my first reining on this horse's grandma,” he said. That mare was Silver N Blue Chex, who's proven herself both in the show pen and as a broodmare.

He added, “This has been a long journey to get here. I've been dreaming about this for the past 6 years.” Along with with team gold medal at WEG, Hendricks just became the newest $1M money earner with NRHA He was 5th individually (221) and added 5000 Euro to his lifetime earnings.

Matt Mills ended just ahead of Hendricks, 4th place with 224.5. He'd been disappointed with his showing Friday, and today Easy Otie Whiz really showed his stuff. “The first day really got me fired up,” said Mills.

With that fuel, he attacked the large circles on a draped rein, earning marks for a high degree of difficulty. Mills bested his mentor, Hendricks today. “He is always solid in his circles,” said Mills.

His wife Karen agreed, saying “Easy is awesome. He's a really special horse for us. And this horse will bring Matt to the next level—to the top.”

Latimer nabbed the gold medal, after tying McQuay's score and then besting him in a runoff. “The reining isn't over till Tim shows,” he joked. McQuay said about his horse, “The first run today, he said to me, 'I'm here and let's do what we have to do. He was ready.”

In the medal ceremony, McQuay tried to hold back his tears of joy. “You work hard, and to have the people know it—that was very nice. We had a great, great crowd.” He added, “I can't wait till we have this WEG in Kentucky! The U.S. doesn't get to see this.”

Mills is eager to try out for the next WEG: “I'm already looking forward to 2010, to have it in our own backyard!”