Team Shawna Harding Dressage traveled to North Carolina this past weekend with Come On III, Shawna’s 8-year-old Danish WB; Rigo, a 6-year-old Hanoverian owned by Tonya Rowe; and Mozart, a 12 year old Dutch WB owned by Beth Daniels; along with an entourage of students. This competition served as the first and second qualifiers for the Region 3 Championships which will be held in Ocala , FL in October.
Shawna was the first in her group to go on Mozart in the 4th level III, winning the class with a 69% on Saturday, and again with a 70% on Sunday. Shawna and Mozart are now qualified in both the Third and Fourth level divisions for the Region 3 Championships. Mozart had a lot to look at in the ring on the first day but proved he is getting stronger in the movements. “Artie,” as he is affectionately called, is almost ready to start the Prix St. Georges which will be an easier and more fluid test for him. Shawna would like to send out an extra thanks to Beth for her very hard work at home and at the show, and for her dedication to the sport.
Shawna and Rigo claimed the win with a 73% in the 1st level IV, garnering Rigo’s first Championship qualification. Rigo is a lovely young horse and is still very green. They have only competed in two competitions before this show, both in Florida over the winter season. Shawna is hoping to bring him out at more competitions this year so he can gain more confidence and experience.
Shawna and Come On had to endure the summer heat with a 12:55 ride time. They rocked the house with a brand new freestyle. Come On kept his cool and put in a very technically accurate performance. They won the Intermediaire I Freestyle and were the High Score of the entire show with the very impressive score of 80% from California “S” judge, Christine Hastings.
On Sunday, Shawna and Come On proved how strong they are becoming, claiming the victory in the Intermediaire I class with a 75%. Shawna wanted to give Come On a good experience and a calm quiet ride after the bad luck in Raleigh in the I-1. He was on his game and is getting stronger and more secure with the work. His pirouettes, half passes and extended canter were a highlight. Shawna has high expectations and two big goals ahead this year with the Developing Horse Championships for 7-9 year olds in Lexington , KY in September and the Region 3 Championships in Ocala , FL in October. After that it is back to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington , FL in December.
Shawna is very proud of her hard working students and their efforts payed off in Tryon. Dianne Wood, Kathy Lewis and Alex Pratt were in the top first, second and third of their divisions all weekend. Alex won the Dover Medal at Second Level with a 68.9% aboard Mary Lou’s PLF Top Secret.
