"I am tickled pink. I'm really proud of myself," commented Morse, whose face was covered by a huge grin and dancing eyes. This was the second time Morse had won this honor. The last time was in 1997 on Greystoke. Coming from California, they weren't quite used to the rain that was ever present for their final musical freestyle ride. "This was the first time we ever showed in the rain," explained Morse, who was determined "to show my horse off a little more in the freestyle." The music she chose for her ride was from the "Man from Snowy River." It is music that Morse "loves a lot."
Morse oozed enthusiasm and appreciation for her accomplishment. "This is big. It's wonderful when this happens. This is what we work for," she explained noting that Kingston "pumps up in competition."
Yet, Morse also commented that this is only a small part of the whole picture. "You also have to love the day to day work that you do because if you are only interested in this part you won't be in the business for very long.
|
|
Morse was followed by Olympic veteran Guenter Seidel who was second with Aragon.
Diana DeRosa Photo |
Seidel Keeps Aragon's Bucks to a Minimum
Seidel was also pleased with his mount, which was a show jumper before becoming a dressage horse. "He had a bad temperament," explained Seidel, "because he bucks. So, he was sold and eventually I got him." Today Aragon still bucks, but mostly at the beginning. "Usually when you get to a new place, he is difficult," added Seidel. Other than that, Aragon seems to have great potential. "He has three very good gaits and eventually his piaffe-passage will be his best movements because it is very easy for him."
The Future
While Morse is not as familiar a name to international competition, that may be because in the past she has often sold her best horses. "I've worked for everything I have and now I am very financially stable. I've always had to sell every other star but that has now enabled me to keep this horse," she commented about her nine-year-old Dutch-bred stallion, who she feels will be a candidate for both the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Other Winners
Other than the Intermediaire in dressage the Festival featured Grand Prix, Young Riders and NDSA Championship for Elite Riders (or those with disabilities). Debbie McDonald on Brentina won the Grand Prix Championship. Barbara Grassmyer rode Bally Shannon to win the NDSA Championship. Jessica Rizzi on Jamboree won Young Rider honors.
