Lisa Wilcox and Gallant Reflection Win Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Young Horse Dressage National Championship

(Photo: John Borys Photography)

Wayne IL-Winning the Six-Year-Old division, Wilcox (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Gallant Reflection HU, a Zweibrucker stallion, bred and owned by Horses Unlimited Inc., marked the second win for the partnership of Wilcox and Horses Unlimited Inc. in this division, having won in 2009 with Pikko Del Cerro HU. The pair took the commanding lead on Friday in the preliminary test and elevated their performance further in today's final test to score an 8.200, for an overall score of 8.136. The final test was highlighted by the stallion's trot tour, which earned a score of 8.800.

"I was very happy, especially with my canter tour, which was better today. The trot tour was also very nice and flowing. In the walk, I was able to let him out more than I trusted to let him out in the first test. I also liked my walk pirouettes, they felt rhythmic and forward," said Wilcox.

Lisa Wilcox and Gallant Reflectiion HU (Photo: SusanJStickle.com)

Also maintaining her position on the leaderboard, Miles (LaCygne, Kan.) rode Floretienne, owned by Leslie Waterman and bred by Judy Yancey, to the Reserve Champion title. The Oldenburg gelding earned 7.800 for both his trot and canter, exhibiting clear rhythm and cadence in today's final test for an overall score of 7.836. "He was a really good boy. I had a mistake in the walk, but it was because I was maybe pushing too much to keep him active. I feel so lucky to have him," said Miles.

Climbing one spot up on the leaderboard, Patricia Becker (Wadsworth, Ill.) and Joan Pecora's KWPN gelding, Edward, put in a solid final test to finish second in the class on a score of 7.820, for an overall score of 7.740.

"Edward was really relaxed and obedient today. He scored the highest in his trot [an 8], which is typical for him, but I felt his canter was really obedient and uphill, which made the changes super supple and very confirmed. His transitions are always really good. He has a super temperament - just enough edge to make him interesting to ride and watch, but level headed enough to do the work," said Becker.

Complete Markel/USEF Six-Year-Old Results