Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) and Rosali, a 2005 Danish Warmblood mare (Romanov x Mosegardens Ratina x Ragazzo) owned by Aileen Daly, put in scores to set them apart from the competition in the FEI Grand Prix and Freestyle competitions at Tryon Summer Dressage 1&2 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Rosali’s victories were numerous throughout the weekend: scoring 80.326% in the FEI Grand Prix on Sunday after putting in a winning test of 74.891% for the same class Friday, and performing Saturday’s FEI Freestyle Test of Choice to a score of 67.750%.

Mendoza Loor and Rosali are aiming for Tokyo in 2021, Mendoza Loor explained, and was thrilled with his horse’s first competitions since the winter circuit in Wellington. “Oh my gosh, that ride – I feel so privileged to ride that mare. My ride was unbelievable. She had great gaits, and the feel in the extended trot especially was there for me – I’m asking and she’s giving to me – it’s an honor to ride Rosali.”

Throughout the pause in competition in early 2020, Mendoza Loor reported that he and Rosali have been utilizing virtual lessons with England’s David Hunt to work on suppleness and relaxation as they work towards Olympic dreams: “I’m so thankful to my coach, David Hunt, who has been teaching me the past two years – and I’m finally understanding him! It’s a learning process every day. We have been doing virtual lessons three to five times a week, and it’s been a big help. It’s important to find a coach who believes in you and will push you!

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