Two Canadian competitors rode down the centerline in the Para Dressage World Championships Wednesday, and two on Thursday. Veteran Team Canada riders Jody Schloss (Toronto, ON) and Roberta (Bert) Sheffield of Lincolnshire, UK performed each their first tests Wednesday.
Schloss, who has not competed at Aachen before, scored a 70.208% with her own El Colorado to place 10th in the Grade I Para Grand Prix A, Individual Final & First Individual Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle.
“He was really good, in the beginning he was shaking his head, but as he progressed he was listening to everything I asked,” said Schloss. Despite a small error of course, Sheffield placed 5th with Jolanda Brugman’s Nardando in the Grade II with a score of 68.569%.
Laura Hall (Ladysmith, BC) and Istrano, owned by Laura and Andrew Hall, scored 66.194% and placed 13th in the FEI Para Dressage World Championship – Grade IV Para Grand Prix A, Individual Final & First Individual Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle.
Hall was admittedly more nervous than she had expected going into her round today. She explained that Istrano can get a little tense, particularly in the trot work. But his canter work is his strongest suit, and that is where they excelled.
Eleonore Elstone (Langley, BC) and Szecrecy HP, owned by Rachel Blaney and Joshua Carlsen, scored 66.692% and placed 16th in the Grade V class.
Elstone said it was the first time that Szecrecy has ever been in such a big environment. “She was very level-headed, and it felt like the ‘brake pedal’ was on just a little bit, from the atmosphere. But I really like that she was nice in the bridle, and she listened, and we got it all done.”
Eleonore Elstone and Szecrecy HP; Laura Hall and Istrano. (Cealy Tetley photos)
At 74 years of age, Elstone is no stranger to international competition: she has been competing for Canada since the 2007 Para Dressage World Championships at Hartpury, England. She has also competed at the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong, the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky and in 2012 at the Paralympics in London.
Friday’s Para Grand Prix B Team Final & Second Individual Qualifier for the Grand Prix Freestyle begins first thing in the morning. Bert Sheffield rides at 9:16am in the Grade II and Jody Schloss and El Colorado ride at 13:16 in the Grade I. Saturday morning Eleonore Elstone and Szecrecy HP ride in the Grade V at 09:54 and Laura Hall and Istrano ride in the Grade IV at 14:18 (all times local.)
Live results online HERE.
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