Gladstone, NJ (June 12, 2012) – With the gorgeous USET Foundation Headquarters as a backdrop for the 2012 USEF National Dressage Championships, pony rider Barbara (Bebe) Davis added to the setting by putting in solid tests on both of her ponies and riding away with the National Pony Rider Dressage Championship and Reserve Championship. Davis, of Bedmister, New Jersey, rides with Dr. Cesar Parra and Katie Riley of Piaffe Performance Farms.
Davis, 14, rode into the arena first with Bohdjan, a 13-year-old Dutch pony gelding. The duo captured the National Pony Rider Dressage Reserve Championship last year and this year’s score of 63.615% and 67.561% helped them defend their title with a combined score of 65.588%. “Bobo was more relaxed this year and I was thinking throughout my ride instead of just ‘show’ riding,” Davis said.
While Davis was pleased with her performance on Bohdjan, she returned to the ring with Poldy 10, a flashy 16-year-old German Riding Pony who stole center stage and the lead with top scores of 66.974% and 70.341%, for a combined score of 68.658%. “It’s been a really nice journey with Poldy,” Davis said. “I have had him less than a year but I did show him in Florida a lot and he is a great pony and I am lucky to have him.”