Californian Christian Simonson was the freestyle runner-up on Son of a Lady Sunday at the Hagen, Germany, show, where the U.S. team took bronze earlier in the week.
His score of 79.167 percent was second to Germany’s Jana Lang on Baron with an 83.5.
“It was the last day that I would also be able to compete here ever as a young rider, so I know I hoped to deliver something special, not only for myself but also for the team,” said Christian.
Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady. (Foto Mhisen)
“Son of a Lady was just absolutely incredible. He was so supple and relaxed but powerful at the same time,” he said. Christian cited his teammates, Erin Nichols, sixth on Elian Royale (75.8) and Kat Fuqua, 11th on Dreamgirl (68.867).
“All in all, it was just a really special day.”
It was Christian’s third consecutive appearance in Hagen. The experience was particularly memorable because his Young Rider career ends when he ages out this year.
“It really has been truly special. I feel really fortunate that I have been able to compete here. I think having access to compete against the best young riders in the world is important,” said Christian, who is trained by Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle. (To learn more about Christian by clicking this link to read a story I did on him earlier this year.)
He explained, “These Hagen shows are the best preparation I have ever had for a senior Nations Cup because they do such an incredible job at a young age of educating you on how the process goes, how you are there to support your teammates, and it really is an incredible show for the pipeline that USEF has been developing.”