Lientje Schueler (San Diego, CA) and Regalo (Rosario-Dandiell by Nandino) were the clear winner of Saturday’s Final Test scoring 8.16, which counted toward 60% of their overall score of 7.912.  Pinky Robert’s Oldenburg gelding received 7.5, 8.8 and 7.9 for their walk trot and canter as well as 8.4 for submission and 8.2 for general impression. Last year’s third place finisher as a four-year-old looked relaxed and happy in both championship classes which Schueler found to be very important.  “I didn’t change much from the first day,” said Schueler who came into the final in third place. “I was very happy to hear from the judges that I had a harmonious ride and a happy horse. That is always my goal.”  Schueler is a firm believer in the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Program and thinks it’s very important to keep a thorough record of the breeding. “It’s a great program and that helps keep track of the bloodlines.”

Photo:  Lientje Schueler and Regalo (Rosario-Dandiell by Nandino) Win the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championship for Five-Year-Olds

Alice Tarjan and Elfenfeuer (Florencio I-Elfensonne by Sion) collected Reserve Champion honors with an overall score of 7.864 after scoring an 8.0 on Saturday. The Oldenburg mare owned by Tarjan scored 7.4, 7.9, 8.0 for the walk trot and canter. They also earned 8.5 and 8.2 for submission and general impression. Tarjan was pleased with the mare she has only had for a year and her improved effort from the Preliminary Test. “Today she was a little quieter, maybe a little behind the leg. But I’m thrilled with her she has come a long way.”

Placing third was Patricia Becker (Wadsworth, IL) and the Oldenburg stallion Freedom (Feuri-Windjammer by Walk On Top) with an overall score of 7.612. The pair earned 7.9 for Final Test on the way to earning Top U.S. Bred award. ‘My favorite judge’s comment” said Freedom’s owner Anne Barlow Ramsay, “was when Axel began the commentary saying to Patty ‘I hope you had as much fun riding this test as we had watching it.’ “