The 4-year-olds had their first go at the USEF 4-Year-Old Horse test, and the judges saw a winning performance from Willy Arts (Hanford, Calif.) and Pharaoh DG (Koning DG x Parcival), a 2020 U.S.-bred Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by D G Bar Ranch. The impressive young stallion earned a perfect 10 in the perspective category from the judges, who stated that he was everything they could want in a 4-year-old.

Photo – Williy Arts and Pharaoh DG. (©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian)

Two more U.S.-bred horses populated the top three in the class. Charell Garcia (Middletown, N.Y.) and MW Virtuous (Valverda x Sp. Pr. Rheparter), a 2020 Oldenburg stallion owned by Jennifer Vanover, also impressed the judges, posting a score of 89.200%. Michele Bondy (Wilsonville, Ore.) and Sonnenberg’s Paris (Vivino x Fine Time), a 2020 KWPN gelding owned by Sonnenberg Farm, LLC, finished in third place with an 81.600%.

The 4-year-old competitors will return to the ring for their second and final test on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Competition Information:

The 2024 FOC takes place Aug. 19-25, at HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill. Competition takes place in two arenas and will be broadcast on USEF Network. Bookmark the FOC event page on USEF.org for the latest coverage of this year’s show.

Ring Schedule | Orders of Go and Results

2024 Festival of Champions Livestream

The U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions will be streamed live on USEF Network. US Equestrian members, subscribers, and fans can watch all classes live. Not a member? Sign up for a free fan account now!