Dancing to powerful warhorse-themed music, Brie Seltser and her gift horse, the six-year-old Friesian Grietinus Fan Hoptille, strutted their way to 70.491% and the Open Second Level Freestyle Championship. Another of Seltser’s Friesians, Hylke Van De Klei, finished third on 67.491% with her student Hannah Catsulis in the saddle.

Photo – Brie Seltser and her ex-carriage horse, the six-year-old Friesian Grietinus Fan Hoptille, strutted their way to the Open Second Level Freestyle Championship. (Sue Stickle Photography)

“It’s crazy that I’m even here,” said Seltser, who trains with Tyra Vernon. “This horse was supposed to be a carriage horse, but it wasn’t his thing, and he was given to me. He’s been a blessing in my life. I lost my other Friesian who was doing I-1, and ‘Friezy’ stepped in and now look where we are. He’s done so much for my heart, and I’ve learned so much. What a gift.

Every Ounce

“He had lots of energy in the cold weather — that us Floridians are not used to,” she added. “I didn’t even think about the judges, just about my partnership with him. Friesians are so special because there’s not one second they’re not trying for you. You can never be mad at a Friesian because you know they’re giving every ounce.”

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.