In the children division, Maryn Geck (West Linn, Ore.) and Laura Geck’s 2015 Hanoverian gelding, Herr Karlson, earned their second victory with a 76.796% in the FEI Children Individual Test and won the overall championship. Scoring a 76.083%, Lizzie Oshman and Webster were second in the individual test and the reserve champion overall. Sage Chacon and Apfelkorn were a close third in the individual test with a 75.579% and moved into the third-place position overall.

Photo – Maryn Geck and Herr Karlson. (©SusanJStickle.com)

Class Results

Final Results:

1. Maryn Geck and Herr Karlson
2. Lizzie Oshman and Webster
3. Sage Chacon and Apfelkorn

From the Mixed Zone:

Tell us about your horse.

Maryn Geck: I originally got him in March, but he was with my trainer for a few months and came to Oregon, where I live, in May. So I just had a few months to really catch up my riding and his training, and he’s come so far in the past few months. I’m so proud of him.

Lizzie Oshman: My horse is Webster. I’ve had him for about three-and-a-half years, and he’s been really awesome. I’ve been showing children’s just this year, and it was a rough start, but I think he’s done really well and teaching me a lot. I’m really happy with him.

Sage Chacon: We first got my horse from a well-known trainer, Willy Arts. I was looking for a horse and he was like, “Yeah, I have a horse.” I went over there and got on him and my legs were so tiny I couldn’t even canter. But I gradually started to ride my other pony, and my sister Hope brought him up, and when she was done with him, I got him. We’ve come a long way since then. Now I can actually canter him. This is my last year in children’s. I’m moving on to juniors now with the same horse, so I’m very happy with him. We have a really good connection.

Have you been to FOC before, and what do you and your horse think about the atmosphere?

MG: I did ponies last year on my pony. She passed away in December, so I’m kind of here to honor her because we got reserve last year, so I’m here for her.

LO: I’ve never been here before. I think it was really nice. It’s pretty calm and relaxed, and I think it’s a nice environment to learn in.

What is your horse’s personality like?

LO: He’s a little bit happy, most of the time. He gets a little bit sassy, but I absolutely love him. He’s so sweet.

MG: He’s kind of a princess. He loves treats, and he loves to put his face everywhere near you. He doesn’t have any boundaries, but I still love him so much.

What are you going to be working on with your horse after FOC?

SC: First, I’m going to get him into a double bridle because I’m going to have to learn that in the juniors. I’m going to start working on flying changes at home. I’m going to start working on half-passes. Basically just all the stuff I’m going to be doing in the junior tests. I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a challenge for him because he already knows everything. He shows me everything and I learn from him when he does.

Full Schedule and Results

2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions On-Demand Replay

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