Peters declared USEF National Grand Prix Dressage champion

(BEIJING, July 2) -- Steffen Peters, with his horse Ravel, won the USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship in Oaks Blenheim on June 25.

Ravel, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, performed well, making almost no mistakes in the competition. The excellent performance helped Peters shine in the Grand Prix Special, and dominate the entire Dressage competition with a score of 75.240%.

"He's so ready to work and giving 100% all the time," said Peters after the contest. "After the last piaffe on the center line I got a little choked up. I don't even think that this is quite where he maxed out. He is the kindest horse, it's unbelievable."

Debbie McDonald and her horse Brentina, who won a bronze medal in Athens in 2004, finished second with a score of 74.12%. Brentina, a 17-year-old Hanoverian mare, performed excellently, even though she just returned to competition earlier this year.

"I did a little bit this morning with her to gauge her energy level," said McDonald. "She just felt really right on my aids and energetic,. For what I want from her right now I couldn't ask for more. I'm extremely happy."

Courtney King-Dye and her horse Mythilus finished third with a score of 73.16%.

The USEF National Grand Prix Championship and USEF Selection Trial for Dressage will continue on July 12 at the Collecting Gaits Farm.