Opening up FEI competition on Thursday, Jan. 19th at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, CA, Eric Krawitt (CAN) and Chicago CM topped the $5,000 La Quinta Resort CSI3* 1.40m Two Phase in the pairs’ CSI 3* and DIHP debut.
“I think he’s got all the qualities and all the scope,” said Krawitt of the 10-year old Holsteiner gelding. “He’s got the mind for it, and he really goes in and wants to do his job and wants a clear round. I’ve had him for about a year now, so I’ve been taking my time with him. I think he’s going to be a very, very good horse for the future, so I’m excited.”
Krawitt took an early lead over Manuel Esparza’s (MEX) course with his first mount, Cactus De Cosniere, to be taken over by Chandler Meadows (USA) and Zamia 3. With Chicago CM, Krawitt regained his lead. “In the second phase I wasn’t planning on going too fast, but I took the inside turn after [fence] eight and it showed up nicely to [fence] nine,” he explained. “He caught the last two on a nice rhythm and it was very good.” Meadows ended up in second place, ultimately, while Zume Gallaher (USA) and Edita, owned by Blue Gate Stables, LLC, took home third.