Allison Cyprus and Madoc Gareth (Photo: Susan J Stickle)
Twelve junior riders headed down the centerline to perform the FEI Junior Team Test and earn the first 50% of their championship score. Allison Cyprus (Magnolia, Texas) and Madoc Gareth were the first combination to execute their test in the class, taking the lead with a score of 68.162% and never looking back. She and her mother Kristin Cyprus' 10-year-old Welsh Cob gelding had a nice flow to their test, showing quality trot and canter work. "I was really happy with my ride. He goes really well in the rain because it makes him pop his legs so I thought let's use this," Cyprus explained. "He was really on my aids and I hope to do the same tomorrow or better." Cyprus and "Gary" are in their first year of competing in the FEI Junior division, showing great promise as the aim for the NAJYRC this summer. Bebe Davis rode her father Michael Davis' Rotano to a second-place finish with a score of 68.135% to bring the class to an end just before the lunch break. The Bedminster, N.J., native and the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding displayed their partnership with a lovely test."My horse was really super; he felt really great," Davis said. "He was super confident and really forward and expressive. I hope to improve on myself tomorrow and work on some little accuracy issues." Davis and Rotano were the 2013 AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Champions and are not far off from having a repeat victory.
Ending up third in the class with a score of 68.027% were Cassie Schmidt (Aledo, Texas) and Leslie Schmidt's Velasquer. She and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding had a very nice, consistent test. Schmidt felt her mount was a little unsure about going in such wet conditions for the first time but they worked together to put forth a solid effort.
The championship comes to a close on Saturday as the combinations will ride the FEI Junior Individual Test for the remaining half of their overall score.
Photos provided by Susan J Stickle - the Official Photographer of The U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp
