Del Mar, CA – March 12, 2012 – Para-Equestrian Dressage riders concluded the 2012 Rancho Valencia CPEDI3* on Sunday performing their Freestyle routines. With the pressure of earning a qualifying score for the 2012 London Paralympics Selection Trials behind them, riders were able to relax and enjoy their final competition day at the Del Mar Horse Park. Topping the Grade IV Freestyle competition was Lynne Poole (CAN) and her Welsh Cob Frisbee with a 66.167%. In Grade III Briana Beckworth (USA) and Basquewille captured their division title. Earning the blue in Grade II, with a 64% was Ann Arbor resident Sydney Collier (USA) and VPRH Pegasus vom Niehaus-Hof. In Grade Ia, Laura Goldman (USA) took the win with Morgan Webb-Liddle (AUS) following for second just behind Goldman. Ten horse and rider combinations successfully finished the weekend under FEI Judges Hanneke Gerritsen 5* (NED), Marco Orsini 4* (FRA), and Ulf Wilken 5*.
As always, Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire and Keenan Productions created a superb awards ceremony for the showcase of champions. Honored for her multiple wins over the weekend was Canadian Lynne Poole. The Grade IV rider took a chance at transporting her two horses to Del Mar and her efforts were rewarded. Poole earned the top placing in both the Individual and Team competition aboard Vasco E on Thursday and Friday. Not to be outdone was the dependable Welsh Cob, Frisbee, who topped the freestyle Grade IV division with Poole. She commented, “I have always loved the freestyles, they are the most wonderful thing ever invented. I was so proud of him once the music began. We knew our music very well, and he was a very good boy. Vasco E had a great weekend as well but he became a little tired on Sunday.”
