By Nancy Degutis

A mare named Claire opened the door for Arlene “Tuny” Paige to the international dressage circles and finally to be the reserve U.S. national grand prix dressage champion.

Unfortunately it was not with the bay Holsteiner (by Cassini and out of an Apple King mare) who is recovering from an injury and awaiting the day she becomes a mother. Paige took the tricolor on Wild One, a gelding she bought three years ago. But Paige plans to campaign Claire, now 13, when she gets the mare in foal this year and transfers the embryo to a surrogate dam.

Our reporter Nancy Degutis was at the Festival of Champions bringing exclusive articles from behind the scenes with great photos from official photographer Sue Stickle. She talked to Arlene Page, George Williams, the Peters Duo, Michael Shondel and Jane Hannigan.

Read her stories at Horsesdaily