Isabel Linder and Elvis (Photo: SusanJStickle.com)

Wayne, IL – Combinations competing for the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship got their first shot in the ring on Friday to open the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. The judges saw a promising group of athletes in both divisions demonstrate their early potential with close scores across the board. Isabel Linder and Elvis have a narrow lead in the junior division with a score of 70.991%. Today’s tests counted 50% towards their overall scores.

Fresh off their individual freestyle bronze medal at the 2017 Adequan®/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC), Linder (Kewadin, Mich.) and Elvis looked strong in their debut at Lamplight, following the FEI Junior Team Test, to lead the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship. She and the 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Hai Wei continue to evolve in dressage following his career as a jumper.

Watch Linder’s winning ride here.

“I thought my test went really well today. Elvis listened to everything I asked, but we need to work on more collection,” said Linder. “It has been awesome competing against people my age and meeting people, not just my age, but also others who share in the same interest.”

Meredith Talley and Romeo (Photo: SusanJStickle.com)

Meredith Talley (Nicholasville, Ky.) saw improvement with her horse Romeo in their second-place performance. She and the 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding are coming off their second year at NAJYRC and got into a smooth rhythm to earn a score of 68.964%, just barely off the lead.

“We had a lot of fun in our test today. He was very comfortable to ride, and I felt comfortable pushing him a little more today. I am so proud of him. The biggest weakness right now is the trot, but overall we have been doing a lot better,” said Talley.

The 2016 Region 3 NAJYRC team gold medalists Juliet Hess and Diano rode a smooth test to place third. She and the 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Julia Stainback earned a score of 68.509% going into Saturday’s FEI Junior Individual Test.

Complete Results