Christian Simonson Could Clinch World Cup Final Start on Indian Rock

Christian Simonson on Indian Rock could clinch a start as one of three North Americans in the World Cup Final with a victory or high finish in the Global Dressage Festival qualifying Freestyle Friday.

Christian on the 13-year-old stallion is by far the highest scoring combination of any North American riders and horses seeking a start at Fort Worth, Texas in April–two victories with an average result of 80.122% and only one more score required.

At the age of 23 and coached by Adrienne Lyle, Christian is currently ranked third with 40 points but a third victory would give him a total of 60 points. Kevin Kohmann is currently top ranked with 52 points and Benjamin Ebeling second on 49 points, both after three competitions. Neither are competing in this week’s qualifier but can seek to improve on their results.

Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu who had entered Jaccardo on which she stands fourth on 37 points after two shows was entered in the Wellington event but withdrew before the veterinary inspection.

Geñay Vaughn who has one victory for 20 points came from her California home to compete here in seeking a second Final appearance on Gino that she rode in the championship in Switzerland last April.

This week’s qualifier for the World Cup is one of three in Wellington, while one is scheduled for Del Mar, California at the end of February.

Marcus Orlob and his Olympic mount Jane, 12-year-old mare, is entered in the CDI3* held in conjunction with the World Cup qualifier.

Espe, the Westfalen mare that was competed successfully by Great Britain’s Annabella Pidgley in junior and young rider championships, is making an inaugural showing in the USA with Australia’s Abby Weel in the young rider competition.