It was the young gun Erin Nichols (USA) who — at just 20 years old — topped the list of 12 starters. This was her and Elian Royale’s second ever senior CDI show together and they posted a new personal best of 70.468%. Jemma Heran (AUS) rode her own 25-year-old San Amour mare Saphira Royal 2 into third with 68.787%.

(Photo:  Erin Nichols and Elian Royale winners of the Grand Prix Special CDI3. Photo © SusanJStickle.com)

Nichols was awarded over 70% from all five judges, and is drinking in the experience of moving up into the senior ranks.

“I was amazed and so excited,” said Nichols of the score she earned on the 15-year-old Glock’s Johnson gelding whom she bought through Dirk Glitz two years ago. “I knew going down that centerline I put in the best effort that I possibly could — and there are still places where I can improve. It’s been a really awesome experience moving up, and I’ve had amazing support from USEF.

Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, winners of the Grand Prix Special CDI3, sponsored by ProElite®. Photo © SusanJStickle.com

“It’s been very cool to learn the ropes of the grand prix level, and to get experience at this age is really special — I’m taking it all in,” added Nichols, who credited training from David Wightman and Charlotte Bredahl. “We’ve been working on the basics — a bunch of transitions — and on getting a strong, clean test and showing off Elian’s highlights.”

Over the past two years the pair have traveled to Germany, The Netherlands, California and Florida to compete.

“Elian had a lot of national experience before, but I’ve given him lots of CDI experience,” she added. “He’s really grown over this last summer — going to Aachen and traveling through Europe — and we feel confident as a team now. It’s very cool to be able to step into this level with that trust.”

Click for full results from the CDI4* FEI Grand Prix Special, sponsored by Donato Farms