Los Angeles, CA – The 2012 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals West kicked off at the Los Angeles International Jumping Festival at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on September 20. The final consists of four phases: flat, gymnastics, jumping, and a work off. On Thursday, the thirty-three finalists competed in Phase 1 and were split into groups of five to six riders to compete on the flat. Riders were asked to demonstrate the usual flat movements, such as the counter canter and lengthening of stride, and the judges also asked for a rein back, a turn on the haunches, and a flying change of lead. After judging all of the competitors, the judges (Chrystine Tauber and Bernie Traurig) asked seven riders to come back for additional testing.
For the test, riders had ninety seconds to impress the judges with their flat work, keeping in mind that the entire competition has a jumper focus and preparing to compete in the jumper ring. The top seven executed a variety of movements, including leg yields, half passes, flying changes, and serpentines. “It was very interesting to see what they choose to show us and how well they executed it,” Chrystine explained. “There were a couple of riders who did a great job and it was a pleasure to watch. After the test, the top seven definitely reshuffled themselves.”