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.

During his first time at DIHP, Krawitt has proven to be a serious competitor. “This is our first time here [at DIHP], and we love it here. It’s been nothing but good to us. The show is amazing, the venue is amazing, and the rings are all great,” he continued. “ There’s lots of FEI classes this year which is a bonus for us. It’s nice to get the horses in there and get experience.”

FEI competition continues Friday with the $38,700 Pomponio Ranch CSI 3* Speed in the Grand Prix Arena. National show jumpers set their sights now on Saturday’s $50,000 El Cristiano Grand Prix.

Final Results: $5,000 La Quinta Resort & Club 1.40m Two Phase

1. CHICAGO CM: 2013 HOLST gelding by Cassini x Carpaccio
ERIC KRAWITT (CAN), Eric Krawitt: 0/0/32.80

2. ZAMIA 3: 2007 HOLST mare by Aljano 2 x Dream Of Glory
CHANDLER MEADOWS (USA), Chandler Meadows: 0/0/34.09

3. EDITA: 2009 KWPN mare by Ukato x Clinton
ZUME GALLAHER (USA), Blue Gate Stables LLC: 0/0/35.52

4. EMIR: 2009 KWPN gelding by Eurocommerce Dubai x Cardento
KAITLIN CAMPBELL (USA), SWS Training & Sales: 0/0/36.20

5. TRITON HASTAK: 2012 SWB stallion by Cabachon x Winningmood
LAURA HITE (USA), HF Farms LLC: 0/0/36.56

6. CACTUS DE COSNIERE: 2012 SF gelding by Padock Du Plessis x Flipper D’Elle
ERIC KRAWITT (CAN), Eric Krawitt: 0/0/37.16

7. DELUXENTO: 2008 KWPN gelding by Cardento x Lux Z
CAROLINE LYNN (USA), C & M Partnership LLC: 0/4/34.36

8. TASHMIR Z: 2012 ZANG gelding by Toulon x Kashmir Van Schuttershof
ALEXANDRA BIEDERMAN (USA), Alexandra Biederman: 0/4/36.22

9. VITAL CHANCE DE LA ROQUE: 2009 SF gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Rivage du Poncel
CONOR SWAIL (IRL), Conor Swail: 0/4/43.20

10. CARISSIMO 25: 2013 HOLST gelding by Cascadello x Clinton
MAVIS SPENCER (USA), Georgy Maskrey-Segesman: 1/48.46

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