Patricia Hughes has had a winner’s blanket firmly in her crosshairs for the past two years, and 2024 was the year in which she made it happen. The young retiree rode her own 18-year-old San Angelo to 72.658% to capture the Second Level Freestyle Championship.

Photo – AA Patricia Hughes and her 18-year-old San Remo gelding San Angelo nabbed a winner’s blanket on their third Finals try, topping the Second Level Freestyle with 72.658%. (Sue Stickle Photography)

“This is an unbelievable experience,” stated Hughes, who was awarded a nine for her simple change to the left from judge Sarah Geikie. “I was here last year and the year before and all I wanted was this cooler; I’ve had my mind set on this cooler for three years! I’m thrilled beyond pieces.”

Schoolmaster

San Angelo, an Oldenburg by San Remo, was the Fourth Level Freestyle AA Champion in 2019 under his former owner, Tricia Earely. She imported him from Sweden, and the pair competed up to Intermediate I before Hughes bought him as a schoolmaster. They improved on their regionals winning score by 2.5%.

“When I bought him, I just wanted a steady Eddie, and he’s a big hunk of love. It’s a spectacular, humbling feeling to be at Finals with my trainer Kristin Currie-Williams and my groom Antonia Sandoval, who have stood by me every minute,” added Hughes, who is from Dallas, TX, and boards at Noble Champion. “I’m so grateful to this horse who has been so patient, generous, and kind with me.”

Competition concludes on Sunday, November 10, with the final 10 championship titles to be decided. The full digital show program is available here. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming of all the action from the Alltech Arena on USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® and read daily news, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website. Start times and results can be found on www.horseshowoffice.com.