The Intermediate I Open championship was an all-day affair in the Alltech Arena, with 32 combinations vying for the title. It was Jennifer Truett’s fluid test on Absolute Dream that clinched the coveted sash with 72.794%. The eight-year-old Westphalian gelding (by All At Once x Fürst Piccolo) was twice reserve champion at the Finals in 2021. However, her preparation for this year’s class did not exactly go to plan.

“I’m thrilled with this result because we had a warm-up test yesterday at the top of the hill where we only got 62% because he was scared,” said the Cincinnati-based rider. “So today I decided to just go as big and bold as I could and give him a lot of confidence and praise him. He was amazing and gave me the best feeling I’ve ever had. He’s only eight and he’s always been the bridesmaid, never the bride. This is really his first big win.”

Photo – Jennifer Truett’s Intermediate I Open Champion Absolute Dream overcomes his nerves to deliver the pair’s first big win with a 72.794% performance. (Susan J. Stickle)

Truett trains with Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, who had a remarkable five students in the class. She found “Dreamy” as a two-year-old in Holland at Reesink Horses. 

“I fell in love with him on the cross ties and then I saw him move, and he was so elastic – like a cat,” added Truett, whose test was lavished with a good smattering of eights. “He couldn’t have made me happier today.”

Sachs and Frisbee Relish the Rain

When Penelope Sachs decided six years ago that she wanted a new horse, she was willing to look for it anywhere in the world. She had a very specific list of requirements, which she sent to her contacts in Germany, her native Britain, and in the U.S. But it was a lady from the next property over who sent Sachs a message saying, “I’ve got your horse,” and she was right. 

On Friday that horse, the 50 Cent son Frisbee 55, relished his chance to shine in the rain – in the blustery conditions produced by the tail end of Hurricane Nicole – to claim the Fourth Level AA championship with 68.426%, adding to their 2021 Freestyle title at the level.

Penelope Sachs and Frisbee 55, by 50 Cent, post 68.426% to claim the Fourth Level AA championship title despite stormy conditions. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

“We had a rough start to the year,” said Sachs, who recently became a grandmother. “We tried moving up a level, and it didn’t work out for us. We did get to regionals at Prix St. Georges, but Frisbee, who’s 12 now, doesn’t do well indoors so I was delighted to be showing outside here. We rode in the heaviest downpour, and I came out dripping but having done a fabulous test. The footing here is really fancy. It’s really special riding in front of the three judges. I’ve been very lucky that we’ve come to several of these magical finals and always been outside, but one of these days I’m going to have to ride in that arena.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sachs moved from Wisconsin to Illinois due to travel restrictions, basing herself with Heather McCarthy, whom she describes as her “coach and rock. Sachs qualified via the Region 4 show in Missouri. 

“Heather’s going to Florida for the first time, so I’m going; it’s very exciting,” enthused Sachs, who has lived in the U.S. for 34 years. “I want to do FEI in a fancy coat down in Wellington – and it will be outside, so Frisbee won’t have to worry!”  

Unanimously Good Friend

Cecelia Stewart and Friend were the only combination to break the 70% barrier in the AA Intermediate I championship. The rider from North Carolina was awarded first place unanimously by all three judges, finishing on a score of 70.343%. Stewart’s own Dutch gelding is by Rousseau out of a Tango dam. The reserve champion, Lisa Valone, rode the oldest horse in the class, the 22-year-old Iggi Pop, to 66.225%.

Cecelia Stewart and Friend, by Rousseau, dominate the AA Intermediate I championship, scoring 70.343%. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything Friend has accomplished,” said Stewart of the 12-year-old she bought in Belgium six years ago. “Every mistake that he ever makes is my fault; he gives his heart and soul in the arena, especially at show time. We’ve been working on the piaffe/passage, with help from my trainer Christopher Hickey, so I’m anxious to move forward now.”

Jennifer Conour Conjures Winning Test from ‘Chicken’ Hofratt V.Z.  

The Third Level Open Freestyle was a class replete with quality combinations, born out by the top nine of the 26 entrants all achieving north of 70%. However, it was Jennifer Conour’s charming test on Hofratt V.Z. that vanquished them all with 73.789%. Conour, who is based in Indiana, competes the tall Dutch 10-year-old by Tango x United for owner Laurie Saldana-Rich, who mostly rides him.

Jennifer Conour helps control the 10-year-old Hofratt V.Z.’s spooky impulses to claim the Third Level Open Freestyle sash with 73.789%. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

“I just catch ride him for the shows because he’s a chicken,” laughed Conour. “He has a strong startle reflex, but he was super today, and he likes his music. He’ll be really nice when he stops thinking flowers are scary. He’s a rockstar and a quality horse; he just needs to mentally settle.”

Competition resumes on Saturday, November 12, with a whopping 13 championship titles up for grabs, including the prestigious Open Grand Prix Freestyle during the evening session in the Alltech Arena. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming on the USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, view results and day sheets, and read daily news releases, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website.