Taryn Anderson of Eerie, CO, was also first to go in the Third Level Open Championship at the 2025 US Dressage Finals, and her 71.625% on her mother Tammy Anderson’s seven-year-old Figardo proved unbeatable.

Photo – Figardo gave Taryn Anderson “a magical ride” to top the Third Level Open Championship with 71.625% — the day’s highest Finals score. (SusanJStickle.com)

“He warmed up kind of tight in this big atmosphere, so I didn’t know what to expect. I went in the ring, and he was just so lovely,” said Anderson, almost in disbelief. “Everything I asked him to do, he was right there, and his back was soft. He gives me a magical feeling, and it was a magical ride. I could think about each movement, and it felt like ‘Ta-da!’”

A Little Help

Figardo (by Fürst Wilhelm x Fürst Piccolo) was found by Anderson’s friend Jenny Wetterau as a four-year-old, and she has produced him through the grades with help from her Colorado-based trainer Petra Warlimont and Florida-based trainers George Williams and Lars Petersen.

“He’s super special to me because he was only walk, trot, canter when I got him. I put all the movements on him, and he’s the first one that I feel I’ve brought along and been successful with it. I’ve had horses before, but we made mistakes, and I learned a lot. Now, I feel like I’m starting to understand how to make a grand prix horse.”

Coupled with his athletic ability, Figardo’s unflappable nature has helped him flourish.

“We have our own farm, and I take him out in the field. I can hack him by himself and train him on the hills,” she continued. “We also have the Cottonwood Trailhead, where there are bikers and runners, and he doesn’t even care. He’s a happy-go-lucky guy.”

Very Impressed

Anderson was another competitor full of praise for the new venue. “I love it,” she said. “I haven’t been to Finals for years, but I remember getting drenched in the rain. When I heard Finals was going to be at WEC, I really wanted to come. I’m very much impressed; the decorations and the shopping are awesome, and the footing is perfect.”

Check out the latest coverage of the 2025 Finals, including behind-the-scenes photos and daily releases here. Live results and start times can be found here.

Competition resumes on Friday, October 31, with nine championship titles up for grabs from Training Level to Grand Prix during the day and the evening gala. The full digital show program is available here. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page, USDF Instagram page, and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming from the Sanctuary Arena on USEF Network with expert commentary from Kathy Connelly.