Grand Prix course will test nerves of top horses, riders

Betsy Carter's Horse Scene

Date published: 9/25/2009

THIS WEEKEND, Commonwealth Park in Culpeper hosts the HITS $100,000 United States Grand Prix League, USPGL Invitational Grand Prix jumper finals.

Today, competing in the Devoucoux Wild Card Grand Prix, riders and horses will have one last chance to qualify for a spot in the finals to be held on Sunday. The rider who wins today's competition and has not already qualified will face international course designer Olaf Petersen's course, and that rider will have to go first in the lineup of competitors.

The leading rider with the highest score for the circuit, Tracy Magness of Maryland, riding Mr. and Mrs. John Bartko's Tarco Van Ter Moude, will take the enviable last-to-go spot.

"It's always been one of my goals to win the big class in Culpeper," Magness said. "Tarco has had a surreal year. We won the $100,000 class in Upperville and won almost $200,000 in Grand Prix classes."

Other riders expected to show in the $100,000 class include Sulu Rose Reed, Callen Solem, Bill Lowery, Michelle Spadone, Aaron Vale, Mary Lisa Leffler, David Jennings, Kyle Ling, Laura Linback, Marilyn Little-Meredith and Ramiro Quintana.

Calendar

Sept. 23-26: American Saddlebred Horse Association, VHC

Sept. 23-27: USPGL Finals, Commonwealth Park

Sept. 25: Amelia Fall Trail Ride

Sept. 26: Cedar Run Dressage; Cedar Valley; Carlton; Fox Chase; Silver Lining; Moriah; Nokesville Western show

Sept. 27: Rivanna; Hidden Haven; TWA Short Circuit show, Warrenton; Sumerduck; Hollow Oak; PWHA Western show

Sept. 28-Oct 4: Capital Challenge

Sept. 30: Wavertree HT and Dressage

Betsy Carter can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; or by fax at 540/373-8455.

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Date published: 9/25/2009