United States Eventing Association

The last horse trotted down the centerline this afternoon as dressage at the Nutrena American Championships presented by VTO Saddlery officially concluded with impressive scores across all the Novice and Beginner Novice divisions. Tamra Smith took the lead on Favian, a 15-year-old gelding bred and owned by Anita Nardine on a score of 21.5 in the Novice Horse division. “He put in a beautiful test today, I was really happy with him. Looking forward to tomorrow I think he’ll do great. He’s been ready to move-up to Training level for awhile so I think he should read everything fairly well,” Smith explains.

McKinsey Wickman and her own Dassett Profile, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse took the lead of the Junior Novice division on a score of 25.0. “It went really well, I was super excited! He came out a bit frisky this morning, but he calmed down as my warm-up went on,” Wickman describes. As for tomorrow’s cross-country course, Wickman mentioned that she definitely took notice of the first water jump. “The first water jump looks like it might be a bit difficult but everything else on course looks great!”

Cecelia Bette and Mystery K, a 7-year-old Irish Sport horse made the long haul to the AEC from New York for the third year in a row with the hopes to improve on their final result. Their weekend is off to a great start as the pair scored a 22.8 this morning to lead the USEA Novice Amateur division. Bette describes, “Dressage is our strongest phase so I wasn’t too nervous heading into the ring today. We were able to pull of a consistent and steady test.” After walking the cross-country course Bette has picked out a few elements that she knows will be a championship level question for her horse. “The broken line from 14 to 15 will be interesting to see how that rides and I’ll be happy to get my horse over the trakehner! The course will be a good challenge. Nothing is too difficult but it definitely tests your abilities.”

Brigitte Wexler and the 8-year-old Welsh Cob mare, Madoc Alis performed a lovely test to lead the Broadstone Beginner Novice Amateur division on a score of 24.3. “It was great. She was very supple, she was very responsive and most of all we were a team. It was the best dressage test I’ve ever had,” describes Wexler. The AEC is great for the lower-level riders that are looking for that championship feel with more intense competition. Wexler continues, “I’ve always wanted to compete at the AEC. It was a bit intimidating at first seeing all the flags and big horses but the atmosphere is great. I don’t get to see a lot of the upper-level riders compete so having them here this weekend is wonderful, I get goose bumps just watching them!”

Julie Norman rode the 6-year-old Oldenburg mare, Tia owned by Stephanie Wyly into the lead in the Broadstone Beginner Novice Horse division on a score of a 23.5. “She went down into the arena and really pepped up her step today. She was obedient, accurate and really listening, so I’m happy that all paid off,” Norman explains. Looking forward to tomorrow’s cross-country, Norman comments, “She’s still really green to the sport but as long as I can present her well to the jumps I think she’ll be just fine.”

Melody Pruitt took the lead of the Broadstone Beginner Novice Junior division aboard the 8-year-old Thoroughbred, The Flying Ace on a score of 28.5. Pruitt describes, “I’ve been competing at the Beginner Novice level for quite awhile and just over the past year and a half I started riding with a new dressage trainer that has completely turned my horse around. I’m really proud of the point that we’re at now.” After qualifying last year for the AEC and not being able to make it due to an injury to her horse, Pruitt made it a point to return this year and is looking forward to cross-country tomorrow.

Miriam Copeland and the 8-year-old Friesian, D’Stinctive scored a 23.8 to take over the lead in the Broadstone Junior Beginner Novice 14 and Under division. “My ride today was awesome! I’m so proud of the both of us and how far we’ve both come this year,” Copeland explains. Copeland is looking forward to tackling the championship level cross-country course tomorrow. “It’s definitely more of a beefed up course than a normal horse trial but I’m excited to take on the challenge!”

Full dressage results and cross-country times for tomorrow can be found here.

About the AEC

The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, Presented by VTO Saddlery is the annual American championship for every level of the Olympic equestrian sport of Eventing, from Beginner Novice to Advanced. This year the AEC is being held from September 24-27 at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas.

The USEA would like to thank all the generous sponsors of the 2015 AEC including:

Nutrena, VTO Saddlery, Adequan, Merial, Professional’s Choice, Broadstone,Devoucoux, Priefert, Standlee Hay, Charles Owen, Merck Animal Health, Pyranha Fly and Insect Control, Practical Horseman, DG Stackhouse, Animals to Wear, Fleeceworks, The Chronicle of the Horse, FLAIR, SmartPak, CWD, Brody Robertson Show Jumps, Point Two Air Jackets, Equine Art by Julie, Ovation, Eventing Training Online, Auburn Laboratories, Sunsprite Warmbloods, Back on Track, FITS,The Jockey Club, GumBits, NTEA, Schneiders Tack, Greenwood Farm, Pro View Global Digital Surveillance, The Scoring Chix, C4 Belts, Horse Hydrator, Kastel Denmark, SportsBrainUSA, Nature’s Select, EasyCare Inc, Likit, Noble Outfitters and more!