Emily Miles Secures Win at the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships

Emily Miles and Sole Mio (Photo: Emma Miller/PS Dressage)

Wayne, IL. - Competition for the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships began in the Dunham Ring on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Lamplight Equestrian Center.

In the USEF 4-Year-Old Test, it was Emily Miles riding Sole Mio, owned by Leslie Waterman, who impressed the judges to secure the victory. The 4-year-old Hanoverian stallion (Stanford–Donna-Rafaela, Donnerschwee) was bred in Germany by ZG Wencek.

The stallion’s test highlight was his expressive trot, which helped him move into the lead when it earned him a score of 9. His ground-covering walk received a score of 8.5, his canter a 7.9 and submission an 8.2. Sole Mio’s impression earned him an 8.5, and his total score of 8.42 remained undefeated after the final three horses went down centerline.

Anna Keenan and Davos CF (Photo: Emma Miller/PS Dressage)

Anna Keenan and Davos CF, owned and bred in the U.S. by Nancy Holowesko, earned second place in the class with a total score of 8.26. The 4-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Dante Weltino–Rosalea, Rubenstein I) was awarded a score of 9 for his expressive and ground-covering walk and a score of 8.1 for his elastic trot. Davos CF earned scores of 8 for both his canter and submission, and was given a score of 8.2 for his overall impression to take second place.

To complete the top three, Sarah Lockman rode the 4-year-old KWPN gelding Jupiter, owned by Gerry Ibanez, to a score of 8.22. Jupiter (Jazz–Twinkle R, Freestyle), bred in Belgium by Stpeteroj De Begijnoeve, earned high marks of 8.5 in both his walk and canter, impressing the judges with clear and powerful energy. With a score of 8.2 for overall impression, Lockman rode away proud of Jupiter with the third place ribbon.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Emily Miles and Sole Mio (Photo: Emma Miller/PS Dressage)

Emily Miles – USEF 4-Year-Old Test winner
On Her Test:
“I was super happy with him today. The trot work is usually his highlight and it definitely was today too. He had a couple of little bobbles when I got a little too greedy in my lengthening trot. I think the judges liked how supple and fluid he can be. The canter work felt a bit lazy but still, he kept it with me really well. It’s super because he had enough energy going around but he was relaxed and focused on me so I was really proud of him.”

On the benefits of the championships:
“I was extremely blessed to have Wake Up and go through the championships with him. It’s beyond special to have another one coming up. It’s not about winning these championships with the 4-year-olds, but I do think it gives good guidelines and comparison. Every rider who rides a 4-year-old should be streaming these to see what a good expectation for their horse is. I think these championships are a good roadmap for how a horse should be going for their age.”

On Her Thoughts on the Judges’ Scoring:
“I thought the scoring was right on. I’m going to try to bring out the best walk so I can bump that score up a little bit. I felt the canter wasn’t our best, but I thought the judging was absolutely what I would have expected for that test. I was very happy with it.”

Anna Keenan and Davos CF (Photo: Emma Miller/PS Dressage)

Anna Keenan – USEF 4-Year-Old Test second place
On Her Test:
“I was really proud of Davos. I had a lot of horse when I went into my ride but he let me ride him and he didn’t look at anything. I was really proud of him. I could improve on a few things, like my transitions, but overall I was really happy.”

On the Benefits of the Championships:
“This is my first time at these championships but in my journey, I’ve learned a lot about the training scale and the importance of connection, the rhythm and being fair to the horses. I look forward to coming back next year.”

On her thoughts on the judges’ scoring:
“The judging seemed spot on and the comments were positive. Anything constructive was followed up by something positive. I was really pleased with my overall scores and I will work hard to improve for Saturday.”

Sarah Lockman and Jupiter (Photo: Emma Miller/PS Dressage)

Sarah Lockman – USEF 4-Year-Old Test third place
On Her Test:
“I’m super happy with Jupiter, we are a new combination — since March. We’re still trying to figure each other out with the right combination of energy and focus in the ring. Today, he showed a lot of focus for a 4-year-old who hasn’t really been exposed to a lot of big venues. His highlight is generally his canter and walk. He had really smooth transitions. His trot is nice, but we are definitely working to improve his strength and balance. I was very happy with him and I hope to have a repeat with just a few little tweaks on Saturday.”

On the benefits of the championships:
“I think as a trainer and coach, as well as a competitor, it’s important for the U.S. to be watching the championships. Not every 4-year-old comes out moving like our three did today, but it’s a foundation and it’s a training scale and a goal. I think that it is awesome that [US Equestrian] provides coaching throughout the country. My goal is to create Grand Prix horses. I think that this championship is great to encourage riders and trainers that riding young horses is just as important as having a CDI horse.”

The Markel/USEF Young Horse 4-Year-Old Dressage National Championship will wrap-up on Saturday, Aug. 23, after their class at 8 a.m.

Results: USEF 4-Year-Old Test for the Markel/USEF Young Horse 4-Year-Old Dressage National Championship
Rider / Horse / Owner / Total Score
1. Emily Miles / Sole Mio / Leslie Waterman / 84.200
2. Anna Keenan / Davos CF / Nancy Holowesko / 82.600
3. Sarah Lockman / Jupiter / Gerry Ibanez / 82.200
4. Alyssa Doverspike / Figaro / Kathleen Raine / 82.000
5. Rebecca Rigdon / Jagger / Rebecca Rigdon / 81.400
6. Kelsey Broecker / Caelius / Molly Huie / 80.800