Going Out on a High

AA rider Alexandra Krossen and the 12-year-old Nicene snagged the Fourth Level Freestyle Championship sash with 70.083% — the only plus-70 of the class — in what was the mare’s last-ever test at the level. Krossen has a hectic schedule at Finals with nine Championship tests, more than any other competitor.

Photo – Alexandra Krossen rode Heather Mason’s 12-year-old Nicene, by Nimbus, to the AA Fourth Level Freestyle Championship with 70.083%. (Sue Stickle Photography)

“Nicene went to the best of her ability today,” said Krossen, who works full-time at a pharmaceutical company and rides at her trainer Heather Mason’s barn in the evenings. “This is her last fourth level test ever, so it’s a nice one to go out on.”

Mason bred Nicene and still owns her; Krossen has been riding the mare since she was four years old and plans to continue developing her.

No Pressure

“There’s no pressure riding for Heather; she’s probably one of the best owners to ride for because she gets it,” continued Krossen. “She understands that anything can happen with the horses. The pressure comes from me to make her proud.

“I think Nicene will be able to do grand prix, though she gets a little speedy in the canter so the ones [tempis] might be tricky — but she started those,” she added. “We’ll aim for small tour next year.”

Competition concludes on Sunday, November 10, with the final 10 championship titles to be decided. The full digital show program is available here. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming of all the action from the Alltech Arena on USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® and read daily news, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website. Start times and results can be found on www.horseshowoffice.com.