Photo by Leslie Wylie.
The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships is an annual showcase of serious lower-level dressage chops. The qualification process curates a top-notch field from the get-go, and this is one event where nobody wants to leave points on the table.
Across the board this weekend, the competition has been fierce. Want to win dressage in the Jr. Beginner Novice 14 and under division? Hope you can lay down a score of 22.
This year’s lowest dressage score belongs to Tamra Smith and Favian, who earned a 21.5 in the Novice Horse division. The pair followed up their winning test with a double-clear cross-country trip, and they’ll head into show jumping tomorrow on a narrow lead of 0.3. On their heels are Erika Petersen and Kaloo, who scored an also-impressive 21.8 in the dressage.
The average winning score of the Novice divisions was a 23.1, making it the most competitive level of any here at the AECs. To see what it takes to win Novice dressage at this championship level, check out Cecelia Bette‘s test on Mystery K. A double-clear cross-country round means they’ll be clinging tight to their lead heading into the show jumping tomorrow.
Celia’s test, plus those of second-placed Sally Beach on Hang Time (27.3) and Tosca Scholfield-Johnson on Fernhill Jupiter (28.5):
The second most competitive level was Training, with an average winning dressage score of 23.9. Heather Morris and Get Rowdy posted the lowest score, a 22.5, and added nothing to it to win the Professional’s Choice Training Horse championship title just moments ago. Congrats, Heather!
Beginner Novice AEC divisions are always massive, making it all the more imperative that riders lay down the test of their lives to stay in the hunt. This year’s competitors did just that, with an average winning dressage score of 25.1 .
The lowest BN score belonged to Julie Norman and Tia, who earned a 23.5 in the Broadstone Beginner Novice Horse division. Here’s their test, along with those of second-placed Bailey Snyder on Corina (23.8) and third-placed Angela Gottler on Caans Big Strider (26.3):
But nobody brought the heat harder than the Broadstone Junior Beginner Novice 14 and Under riders. The top three scores were all under 25, with Miriam Copeland and D’Stinctive taking the early lead on a 23.8. If you want to see some fresh young talent watch this video of Mirian’s test, along with second-placed Mckenzie Scroggins on ChaCha (24.5) and Ava Severs on Rubies to Diamonds (24.8).
Well-done, ladies!
Many thanks to RNS for the great footage. Be sure to “like” RNS on Facebook to get a head’s up about new videos as they post them.
Go Eventing.
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