The U.S. U25 combinations had an opportunity to take center stage at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival for the FEI Intermediate II. Siena Harris-Gissler and Status Royal OLD were victorious in the FEI Intermediate II with a personal-best score of 69.000%. The pair had a fluid test, receiving strong scores for their extended canter and canter pirouettes. Harris-Gissler (New York, N.Y.) felt that she and her own 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Statesman x Facette Royal) were cohesive throughout the test.

Siena Harris-Gissler and Status Royal OLD (Photo: Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian)

“Today was the first day that I really felt like we were together the entire test,” said Harris Gissler. “This is a whole new level for me. This is my first few months competing at the level, so every time that we go in the ring, we get more and more experience and get to know each other a little better. Today, even though we had a few mistakes, I was so happy with my ride.”

Harris-Gissler only began her partnership with Status Royal OLD in September but are quickly getting to know one another.

Best Friend

“He is like my best friend; I love him so much,” said Harris-Gissler. “I have never had a horse like him. He is so giving. I call him my teacher or my babysitter. He has really taught me so much. He tolerates my mistakes when I make them, and he never gets mad. I am just so lucky to have him.”

Dennesy Rogers and Chanel finished second in the class with a score of 66.765%. Rogers (Santa Rosa, Calif.) and the 2005 Danish Warmblood mare (Blue Horse Romance x Penelope Solyst) owned by Dorriah Rogers earned solid marks for their extended and collected trot to secure their spot in the rankings.

Josh Albrecht and Goldenboy Vinckenburgh finished fourth behind third-place finishers Kate Kyros and Chemistry (AUS). Albrecht (Oroville, Calif.) and the 2011 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Apache x Tandafanory) owned by Coalcyn Equestrian LLC had collected a respectable score of 64.471%.

Team Like Experience

Though insufficient entries turned the CDIOU25 into an individual competition rather than a team one, George Williams emphasized the importance of still giving the will to provide guidance to the up-and-coming U.S. combinations.

“We still wanted them to have the feeling of being on the team,” said Williams. “We have the chef here, we have the team vet, and the support that we would normally give to a team. Also, the team spirit between the team members and supporting one another. We wanted to make sure they support each other when they can be there to get a feeling of what it is like to be a member of a team. I think that is really a crucial experience, especially for all of our youth and U25 athletes as they move into the senior ranks.”

Competition continues Friday, February 23, with the CDIOU25 FEI Grand Prix 16-25 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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