Dressage-News

Oct. 2, 2017

Catherine Haddad-Staller and Semper Fidelis top the United States’ World Equestrian Games rankings after the first month of pre-selection for a short list.

Catherine of Califon, New Jersey in summer and Loxahatchee, Florida in winter on Semper Fidelis posted a score of 72.240 per cent in the duo’s CDI debut at Darmstadt, Germany last month.

Ashley Holzer of New York, the four-time Olympian for Canada who now rides for America, has posted two Grand Prix scores above 70 per cent on Havanna, while P.J. Rizvi an adult amateur of Greenwich, Connecticut on Breaking Dawn also has two results above 70 per cent.

The pre-selection period began Sept. 1, requiring three scores with two in 2018 of Grand Prix, scores at any CDI or CDN within the last 12 months, ranking from qualifying competitions, consistency of scores above 73 per cent and the trend in all scores. Previous international experience, potential to contribute to medal-winning team and behavior of athlete and connections that may have an impact on “creating a positive team environment” will also be considered.

“It is anticipated that short list athlete/horse combinations will be required to compete in mandatory outings,” the U.S. Equestrian Federation said in its explanation of selection procedures. “These mandatory outings may include specified European observation events and/or events within the United States. Byes may be considered for these mandatory outings.”

No CDI3* or higher rated events are scheduled before the Florida and California winter circuits beginning in January.

Rankings as of Oct. 2, 2017 (scores below 70% will not be displayed):

Catherine Haddad-Staller/Semper Fidelis
CDI4* Darmstadt, Germany Sept. 23 – Grand Prix  72.240%

Ashley Holzer/Havanna
CDI3* Devon, Pennsylvania Sept. 29 – Grand Prix 70.580%
CDI-W Saugerties, New York Sept. 22-24 – Grand Prix 70.140%

P.J. Rizvi/Breaking Dawn
CDI-W Devon Pennsylvania Sept. 29 – Grand Prix 70.120%
CDI-W Saugerties, New York Sept. 22-24 – Grand Prix 70.180%