Olympian Laura Graves and Verdades Start AGDF Week 3 Off Strong in CDI-W Grand Prix

© Sarah Harper: Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2017 – U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Laura Graves and her own 15-year-old KWPN gelding Verdades are off to an excellent start in their first outing since the Rio Olympics. The pair took home the win in Thursday’s AGDF 3 CDI-W Grand Prix sponsored by the U.S.P.R.E. Association with a score of 76.660 percent.

“We had a bad experience in here on Tuesday night when a sprinkler went off in his face,” Graves explained.  “He was a little spooky down at that end of the arena and he’s notorious for being super sensitive, so I was really thrilled with how he came out. He went through the test really trying his best when he was afraid.”

Graves noted some highlights of their test today as well as what they are working on improving.

“His pirouettes can always be good,” she said. “I thought he was very rideable in those today. His halfpasses were nice — what was lacking for me was control in the corners because he was hesitant to go into them. Tightening up on the ability to control that fear and just working through it is something we will work on. It’s our first time out and I’m super pleased.”

© Sarah Harper: Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

Like many riders this winter season, Graves is aiming towards the World Cup Finals in Omaha, Nebraska.

“The fact that we are hosting the World Cup in Omaha is a big deal for us as a country,” Graves said. “Especially coming off such a great high with the show jumping, dressage and eventing in Rio, and now we get to hold this. I’m really hoping to qualify for the World Cup. There are certainly a lot of good horses out this year so they’re going to make us work for it.”

She was reflective on her recent success and excited about the winter season.

“After last year and everything that happened, anything now is icing on our cake,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to being here with the amazing friends that I’ve made, Adequan and the other sponsors of this show that give us this amazing venue that gets packed every Friday night, there’s just nothing like it. It’s just really unbelievable under the lights.”

© Sarah Harper: Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven and Paridon Magi
Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven and Paridon Magi

The second place spot went to Swedish rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven and Paridon Magi, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding. Rounding out the top three was Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo, a 14-year-old KWPN stallion.

Competition will continue on Friday, Jan. 27 with the Grand Prix Freestyle beginning at 7:00 p.m.

AGDF 3 CDI-W Grand Prix
Rider/Country/Horse/Total Score
1. Laura Graves/USA/Verdades/76.660
2. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven/SWE/Paridon Magi/75.080
3. Charlotte Jorst/USA/Kastel’s Nintendo/73.080
4. Katherine Bateson Chandler/USA/Alcazar/71.880
5. Suzan Pape/GBR/Harmonys Fiorano/71.620
6. Suzan Pape/GBR/Harmonys Don Noblesse/71.620
7. Brittany Fraser Beaulieu/CAN/All In/71.020
8. Arlene Page/USA/Woodstock/70.940

© Sarah Harper: Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

© Sarah Harper: Laura Graves and Verdades
Laura Graves and Verdades

© Sarah Harper: Charlotte Jorst and Kastel's Nintendo
Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo

 

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