Topolcianky, Slovakia – The United States sent two drivers into driven dressage competition at the 2013 FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs on Thursday. Rachael Blanchard and Scott Dancer performed admirably to each slot into the top 15.

Blanchard (Upperville, VA) was first into the arena for the U.S. driving the talented horses owned Heather Briggs of Belle Grey Farm. In her first World Championship appearance, Blanchard drove to a score of 53.76 to lay 11th following the first day of competition.

As the final competitor to complete his dressage test on Thursday, Dancer (Woodside, CA) guided his pair of horses to a 15th-place finish. He heads into Saturday’s marathon with a score of 56.

“I was very pleased with Rachael and Scott’s World Championship debut performance,” said Chef d’Equipe Chester Weber. “Each of them showed the mental fortitude necessary to develop into International stars.”

Misdee Wrigley-Miller (Lakewood Ranch, FL) rounds out the U.S. effort in the dressage on Friday, as she drives her own pair at 2:45pm local time.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the 2013 FEI Pair World Driving Championships, visit: http://www.chmtopolcianky2013.sk/index.php/en.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Driving Team here.