Lexington, KY – Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108 performed flawlessly Friday while representing the U.S. at the FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final Grand Prix, and are moving forward to the B Final on Sunday in the Freestyle.
“We were mistake free and I finished the first day very proud of myself and of Watson for staying focused throughout the exciting distractions,” Leibler said. “The competition has been absolutely amazing so far. It is like nothing I have ever seen before: big, bright, and electric.”
Leibler (Greenwich, CT) and the 14-year-old Westphalian gelding were invited to represent the U.S. at the 2011 Finals after posting the highest average in the FEI Young Rider Freestyle Test at CDI-Ys during the qualifying period. This pair landed in Germany after a strong 2011 campaign that included winning a team Bronze medal and two Gold medals, individual and freestyle, at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North. Additionally, they were crowned National Young Rider Dressage Champions at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Championships.
The FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final is being held in conjunction with the Internationales Festhallen Reitturnier Frankfurt December 14-18 in Frankfurt, Germany. Fourteen horse-and-rider combinations from around the world are competing.
At Friday’s Individual Test, Leibler placed 10th.
“Everywhere you look there are people and horses all over the place. It is truly quite something,” Leibler said. “This competition has really been one of a kind with gracious hosts and generous sponsors. It is an honor and a privilege to be here, and I hope to represent the USA well in the kur on Sunday.”
For the complete results, visit: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/648/sta_erg/19_ergDEU.htm?style=escon.
Keep up with Leibler’s preparation and performance at the 2011 FEI Young Rider World Cup Dressage Final regularly, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/blogs/equestrianUSA/read.aspx.