Fifteen horse and rider combinations contested the Qualifying Test in the USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship sponsored by The Dutta Corp. and Performance Sales International, which will count for 40% of the overall score. Judged by Gary Rockwell, Anne Gribbons, and Janet Foy these competitors performed at the Prix St. Georges level. Lisa Wilcox of Loxahatchee, FL, and Horses Unlimited’s Pikko Del Cerro HU (Pik L- Rohweena by Rohdiamant) were the only combinations to score in the 70s. They scored 70.175% for their crisp performance highlighted by an expressive yet steady trot tour.

Photo:  Lisa Wilcox and Horses Unlimited’s Pikko Del Cerro HU, 2011.  (PhelpsPhotos.com)

Warsteiner owned and ridden by Heather Mason, 2011.  (PhelpsPhotos,com)

Wilcox was pleased with the American-bred Hanoverian stallion’s entire test, but the flying changes were the highlight. “My absolute favorite thing was the changes,” she said. “Both the 4s and 3s felt very expressive. He felt very nicely on the aids.”

Sharon McCusker rode her own Wrigley, 2011.  (PhelpsPhotos.com)

Going into Sunday’s final which will count for 60% of the overall score, Wilcox hopes to get more of the same out of the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championship veteran (he competed in both the 5 and 6-year-old divisions). “I am looking for the same horse I had today on Sunday,” she said. Warsteiner (Riverman-ISF – Welona by Roemer) owned and ridden by Heather Mason was second with a score of 68.86% and Sharon McCusker rode her own Wrigley (Son Deniro – Pinomia by Rohdiamont) to a third-place finish scoring a 67.719%.