The fans were in Michael Bragdell’s corner when he won last night’s qualifier for this evening’s Grand Prix Freestyle during ShowPlus Dressage at Devon.
While spectators were politely appreciative for the other six entries in the class as the show returned after a year’s Covid-related absence, they really cheered for Michael and the chestnut Oldenburg stallion Qredit Hilltop after a performance that earned the Hilltop Stable trainer 67.132 percent and his first CDI win in the World Cup qualifier. He earned solid marks of 7 and 7.5 for many of the movements in his rendition of the short Grand Prix, where all the movements come up fast.
There definitely is more in there for the pairing to share with the crowd; they finished sixth in the Freestyle itself 2019, the last year the show was held, with 69.185 percent.
The delight the rider took in his horse and their achievement shone in his face during the victory gallop.
Michael Bragdell and Qredit Hilltop. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“This is like a home arena,” said the rider, who is based nearby in Maryland,
“I feel so lucky to be here. It’s a dream come true.”
Michael showed obvious affection for the horse he started working with as a colt.
“He’s super nice,” said Michael.
The judges rewarded Michael Bragdell for his longtime partnership with Qredit Hilltop. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I was handwalking him early this morning and thinking back when he was a yearling here 12 years ago when he was Grand Champion.”
What does the future hold for the son of Qaterback out of a Dream of Glory mare?
“I’ve been working with Debbie McDonald (the U.S. technical advisor) a lot and I feel she will guide me where we are appropriately going,” said Michael in the wake of his first CDI victory. A native of Gothenburg, Sweden, a city that has been home to many World Cup finals, he is an American citizen who could well be among the growing contingent of riders being groomed for international competition.
Two New Jersey entries completed the top three. Bridget Hay, who breeds her own mounts at her Ringoes farm, was second with 66.737 percent on Faolan, while Shannon Stevens of Annandale earned 66.316 on Ferrari. Only six will come back for the highlight of the show tonight because Laine Ashker, best known as an eventer, did not break the required 60 percent to qualify with Atlas.
In the qualifier for the Grand Prix Special, which also will be held tonight, Diane Creech of Canada on Chrevis Christo with 68.761 percent. There were only four in the class. Entries in some divisions have been light. The Canadians always make a point of attending the Pennsylvania show, but this year, the postponed Olympics followed by an Aachen in September instead of July meant the team horses were just getting out of quarantine late last month and missed this show.
