Laura Graves and Verdades (SusanJStickle.com)

Las Vegas, N.V. – In the highly anticipated Finale to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, Laura Graves and her own Verdades rose to the occasion scoring a 79.125 to place fourth. In their first World Cup Final appearance, Graves and Verdades showcased their continued brilliance in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. With 18 starters from nine countries participating, the competition was stiff.

Graves (Plymouth, Fla.) and the KWPN gelding, who turned 13 years of age yesterday, entered the arena with confidence and performed a bold Freestyle test highlighted by pirouettes, two-time changes on a circle, and one-time changes down centerline.

“Freestyles are always so amazing to ride and the opportunity to ride one here in Las Vegas with a horse that was so much more relaxed than he was on Thursday [in the Grand Prix] was incredible,” said Graves.

Fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Graves was thrilled with Verdades’ first competition in an indoor arena. “I am very proud of him and our performance. It is only our third time competing in this type of competition with top riders from all over the world,” said an ecstatic Graves.

The defending champions and current World and Olympic Games Gold medalists, Charlotte Dujardin of Great Britain and Valegro, did not disappoint, winning the trophy and champion title by nearly 10 percentage points with a 94.196. In second place was Edward Gal of The Netherlands and Glock’s Undercover N.O.P. scoring 84.464 and in third was Jessica von Bredow-Werndl of Germany and Unee BB with an 80.464.

For complete results, visit worldcuplasvegas.com.

From the USEF Communications Department