One who attracted attention is Christian Simonson, the 20-year-old busy making a name for himself not only in the Under 25 category, but in open classes as well. He’s got the ability, he’s got the horses and most important, he’s got the work ethic. His dedication is paying off in many ways. In January, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation presented him with its Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, given to a junior or young rider in an Olympic discipline who exemplifies the Team’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship.
The U.S. Dressage Young Rider Team had a solid performance in the Future Champions CDIOY Hagen Nations Cup among a talented group of European competitors. Chef d’Equipe George Williams guided Kat Fuqua and Dreamgirl, Erin Nichols and Elian Royale, and Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady to a team bronze medal. Germany won gold with 216.372% with Denmark collecting silver on 215.196% and the U.S. rounding out the podium with 207.255%.
Christian Simonson, based in Wellington, Florida, was the top placed USA rider on the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding Son of a Lady on 69.951%.
Christian also rode Zeaball Diawind in the individual Young Rider competition for fourth place on 70.735%.