PrintThere were a few blips in the test: The medium trot broke into the canter, the walk could’ve covered more ground, and the walk/canter transitions weren’t as seamless as Semanchik had hoped. Overall, the test was solid for a competitor at this level and quite exceptional for this novice pair. The canter work was uphill and balanced earning them a 7.4. The trot work was supple and rhythmic, earning them a 7.2. They ended their test with a 70.2 percent—a personal best for the pair. They tied for fifth place and pinned sixth.
Semanchik exited the ring with a beaming smile as she patted Hopper. “I couldn’t have been more proud of him,” she said. As the youngest and only junior rider to compete in any of the FEI Young Horse Tests at Devon this year, she had a lot to smile about.
With the support of Borghese and Denzer, Semanchik continues to hold ambitious goals for herself and Hopper. After a well-deserved break, the pair will resume training with Lisa Schmidt this fall and shoot for the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions in 2013.
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