The first tests of the 2023 edition of the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions took place today in the Grand Prix Arena at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian Center. A total of 12 combinations in the Neue Schule/USEF Intermediaire I National Championship completed their FEI Prix St. Georges Test, while four competitors contesting the Adequan®/USEF Para Dressage National Championship performed their FEI Para Grand Prix A Test.

Photo – Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady. (©Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)

Neue Schule/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship

Christian Simonson took home the first blue ribbon of the show, earning a score of 72.764% in the Prix St. Georges Test with Son of a Lady, Christina Morgan and Clifton Simonson’s 2011 Danish Warmblood gelding in the Neue Schule/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship.

Current Standings:

• Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady
• Charlotte Jorst and Federle
• Nora Batchelder and Nova

Full Results

From the Mixed Zone:

Take us through your test today.

Christian Simonson: We were third-to-last to go. We’re coming off the back end of Aachen, and it’s a very intense show grounds there. I just wanted to deliver a good, clean test, but I also know that this is one of the final observations for the Pan Ams as well, so I did kind of want to go after it and take those points, push where I could. He’s such an incredible horse and I feel so grateful to ride him. He’s just like, “Yes, Dad, okay. We’ll do it.” He’s very special.

How does he like the environment here at Lamplight?

CS: I love this venue. It’s very beautiful. Everything’s beautifully manicured and I think the horses really like it and they’re very calm when they get here. I think it’s also just a real celebration of U.S. sport, which I think is also really special.

Full Schedule and Results

2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions Livestream

US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can watch the 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. Not a member? Create your free fan account now.

Photos – USA Dressage Facebook Page