Canadian Paralympian Roberta Sheffield, who resides in Lincolnshire, GBR, earned a hat trick and qualifying scores for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) at the Somma Lombardo CPEDI 3*, held June 14-17, 2018, in Casorate Sempione, ITA.
Sheffield’s triumph was particularly significant as it marked her first competition in the Grade III division, having been recently reclassified under the FEI classification system for athletes. Formerly a Grade IV athlete, Sheffield also competed on a new mount, her 16-year-old Andalusian stallion, Bailaor XXXIII (Minero VII x Tetano III), affectionately known as “Buddy”.
Sheffield and Bailaor kicked off the Somma Lombardo CPEDI 3* on June 15 in the Team Test, where the pair were awarded their first win of the weekend on a score of 68.235%. They returned to the ring the following day for the Individual, which they won with 68.137%. On June 17, Sheffield cemented her overall victory with a Freestyle win on an even score of 70.000%.
“It was so awesome to get back out there competing, especially in a new Grade and with such an exciting new horse,” said Sheffield. “Buddy hasn’t done much competing, but he is showing his wonderful temperament and sensible attitude. He is the sweetest horse I have ever owned.”
Sheffield continued, “We are still a fairly new partnership, and it’s now all about building his confidence. There is a lot of work to be done to tidy up the Grade III tests, which I am still just learning to ride and present as the judges want.”
For full results from the Somma Lombardo CPEDI 3*, click here.
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