Ashley Russell and Philharmonic at the AECs. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The Nutrena American Eventing Championships have officially wrapped up at the Texas Rose Horse Park, and I can say with confidence that it was a great, well-organized event for all in attendance. Once again, I can’t thank the USEA and Robert Kellerhouse enough for their organization, Michelle Dunn for managing the press center efficiently with a smile all weekend, and all of the countless volunteers, judges, officials, and riders that helped make this event run smoothly. It’s not easy to host this many divisions and competitors, but Texas pulled it off once again. I can’t wait to be back next year!
The Novice and Beginner Novice combinations show jumped today to close out the competition, and we saw some more great results coming through.
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Another wire to wire win was seen in the Junior Novice division, with Seguin Alexander and Motion Granted finishing on their dressage score of 22.5. Emma Ciafone and Cady O’Daly Gabriel also finished on their dressage score to finish in second, followed by Lily Huval and Simply Archie.
Corinna Garcia and Jamaica Skodstrupp came from behind with a double clear round to take the Novice Horse win after overnight leaders Andrea Leatherman and Mr. Poppers had one rail down to finish in third. Julie Wolfert and Buenas Suerte picked up second place with a clear round, which Julie will be pleased with considering the Thoroughbred gelding has still been figuring out which way his legs go in show jumping!
Colorado’s Kristin Hardy and Enchanted swept the top honors in the Senior Novice division, adding no penalties to their dressage score of 27.5. Hannah Smitherton and Sir Lamp Chop (cute name!) moved up from third to take over second, followed by Carrie Landry and Our Questionnaire, Heather Gillette’s former upper level ride.
I also have to make mention of Britt Sabbah and Saint Louie, one of my oldest friends from the summer camp days at the barn. Britt recently converted to the dark side eventing and rides with Jennifer Wooten of Trinity Eventing. When I spoke with her earlier this week, she said Louie had settled in exceptionally well at Texas Rose, and that calmness translated into a fifth place finish in their first AECs. Congratulations, Britt!
In the Beginner Novice Horse division, Erin Pullen and Strider Can Fly maintained their lead from dressage and never looked back, finishing on an impressive 20.0. I was able to see Erin out on cross country, and she really looked to be having a blast with Strider as they flew around.
Laura Corsentino and Gravitas picked up second place, also finishing on their dressage score of 22.0. Cathy Wieschhoff and Yacht Club Debt (also a great name!) moved up from fourth to take home the yellow for their efforts this weekend.
Melissa Morris and RSR Private Eye will go home with the blue ribbon in the Junior Beginner Novice, moving up from third with a double clear round. Leading overnight, Hannah Gurske and Buenos Dias had an unlucky rail and take second place home with them – a great achievement for this new partnership! Kelly Rischard and Wyatt ended their weekend in third on a score of 28.0.
Maddalyn Hunt and Jos Estoico won the Junior Beginner Novice – 14 & Under on their dressage score of 24.5, followed by Molly Humes and Madoc Golden Graham and Grace Peters aboard Dream Catcher. I’m always just so impressed seeing these young riders do so well in very large divisions – I’m not sure I could handle the pressure, myself!
And finally, Area IV darling Jill Wagenknecht and C.D. Dancer led from start to finish in the Senior Beginner Novice to take home the winner’s spoils. I’ve heard through the grapevine that Jill’s mare is just to die for, and after catching a glimpse in a video earlier this week, I might just have to agree!
Kelly Quick and Better Than Chocolate also finished with no added penalties in second place, followed by Jenna Calcaterra and Santos, who were able to move up to third from seventh place – a great finish for this pair!
