Heather Mason’s accomplished training methods came to the fore front once again in the Third Level Open Championship at the 10th anniversary edition of the US Dressage Finals. She led the class on Shmoky Quartz with 71.75% and finished third with her other six-year-old, Manuskript SCF, on 70.083% — sandwiching Brittany Burson and Leonardo Z into second.

Photo – U.S.-bred Shmoky Quartz repeated Finals victory in 2023 with Heather Mason, taking the Third Level Open Championship. (SusanJStickle.com)

Shmoky Quartz is by Shakespeare RSF and was bred in the U.S. by Mo Swanson, and Mason acquired him at an affordable price thanks to his imperfect x-rays. He was the Training Level Open champion in 2022, so has moved swiftly up through the levels and has topped 80% a handful of times at rated shows in 2023.

Just the Beginning

These were the first two rides out of a total of 10 for the rider from Lebanon, NJ, who has competed in every edition held of the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®.

“Shmoky is green at the level, but he tried very hard and stayed with me very well,” said Mason, who owns a total of 18 horses. “He was a little ahead of me in the first flying change, but it was clean. He’s extra supple with good elasticity. He’s one of the sweetest horses I’ve ever had, but now he’s getting stronger, more confident, and cocky. He’s developed a lot and is now starting to find the next gear. I’m toning it down for this year, as that’s next year’s gear.

“Manuskript was a little spooky at the videographer at the end of the test, but they’re both only six and it’s a big venue for a six-year-old,” she added. “I’m glad I brought them both last year.”

Competition resumes on Friday, November 10, with nine championship titles up for grabs from Training Level to Grand Prix. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming on the USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, view results and start lists, and read daily news releases, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website.