The Colorado Horse Park Hosts First CDI3*

National and international dressage competition took place during the Heart of the Horse Gala, showcasing musical freestyles. 

The inaugural dressage at High Prairie FEI CDI 3* & National Show presented by Adequan®, ran from June 1-4, and marks a starting point for the future of FEI level dressage competition in the Rockies.

On Thursday, the FEI Junior Rider Team competition saw Emma Asher (USA) and her own Traneenggaards Akondo, a 2002 Danish Warmblood gelding (Come Back II x Jako's Akido), take the win with a score of 68.541%. Second place went to Gaylen Davis (USA) and Mojito Rh, a 2004 Hanoverian gelding (Maronjo x Matcho), owned by Nancy Davis, scoring 65.216%. Third place was awarded to Raissa Chunko (USA) and Rebelde Rsdp, a 2007 Andalusian gelding (Son Jim x Pacificos Triguena), owned by Chunko, with a 60.622%.

Chunko commented, "This was my first CDI competition. This an incredible experience, just to say that I've been here and I've done this. An event like this at CHP is so good, especially for up and coming riders who are looking for that larger show experience. It's a really good jump start for making sure that you have all of your scores in order."

On Friday, the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* win went to Morgan Barrows (USA) and Royal Konig, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding (Rubin Royal x Pica Ramira), owned by Lauren Thornlow, with a 61.960%. The pair also won Saturday's FEI Grand Prix Special, with a score of 63.922%.

The FEI Intermediate I for Amateur was won by Heather Brady (USA) and Bella A, a 2006 Danish Warmblood mare (Lajos K x Lady A), owned by Brady, with a score of 66.605%.

"I've had Bella for four years now," said Brady. "We started out at second level together. It's been so fun to bring her along. I've been so excited to have this CDI come here. It's such a treat to be here at this beautiful horse park, with amazing footing, beautiful facilities and impeccable views. I'm from New Mexico, and I've really looked forward to this. I think that now; we can take a break and work on perfecting some things to come back and move up to the next level."

The week provided a promising outlook for future CDI competition at The Colorado Horse Park. "I think that this was a good start for the Colorado CDI competition," said Thomas Baur, Director of Dressage at CHP. "This is a great spot and a beautiful facility, and I'm confident that dressage here will grow to be even more promising in the future."

For more information on CHP, please visit www.coloradohorsepark.com.