Dressage-News

OCALA, Florida, Oct. 14–Devon Kane and Prins, the 14-year-old KWPN gelding that she competed through Young Riders and the Brentina Cup, won the Region 3 Intermediaire II Championship Friday.

Devon of Wellington, Florida, and Prins scored 68.947 per cent with Heather Bender of Palm City, Florida, and Winwood second on 63.289 per cent and Jules Anderson of Jupiter, Florida, and Narobi third on 62.105 per cent.

Eline Eckroth of The Netherlands on Ukon Rock won the second level championship, the third year in which non-U.S. citizens can compete at regional championships.

Devon Kane of Diamante Farms said of her ride on Prins, “I really earned this one. I’m going full Grand Prix on him next year. He has many issues so just getting him confident in the ring and good positive energy is my goal.”

Her focus in 2012 will be on her younger horses, and Prins will be “as we go.”

Devon was also awarded the Premier Sportsmanship Award after her day had a difficult start as the three horses she was competing at these regional championships did not make it on to the electronic start lists because of a technical glitch.

On a personal note, her long time trainer, Michelle Gibson, 1996 U.S. Olympic team bronze medalist, disclosed she became engaged last week to Nicholas Hernandez. Nicholas has worked at Diamante for a year in charge of anything that has to do with horses and Devon said he has “made the barn and shows so much more fun and relaxed.”

No date set for tying the knot.

Eline who has been riding Ukon Rock for 15 months scored 71.667 per cent for the victory with Caroline Humphries and Showing Best second on 67.024 per cent and Katie A. McLain and Katrina third on 66.071 per cent.

Eline, who lives in Ocala, is almost six feet tall (1.83m) and matches the 17.3-hand chestnut Dutch warmblood gelding owned by Zane Weiss.

The pair will contest the third level championship Saturday.

For complete results, click here