Omaha, Neb.—May 6

Nominally, Karen Pavicic and Don Daiquiri hail from South Surrey, British Columbia, but Don Daiquiri hasn’t been back in his home stall since January of 2014. He and Pavicic have been on the road steadily improving their training and results for the two and a half years, and their latest win came in today’s $20,000 Borsheims Fine Jewlery And Gifts Grand Prix freestyle at the Omaha CDI at the International Omaha.

They put in a confident performance in the Century Link Center in downtown Omaha to win their second class in as many days.

Pavicic described herself as less nervous than yesterday, and she was thrilled with “Dono’s” performance.

“He had more energy today, and he gave me a better feeling overall,” she said. “I said yesterday I was hoping I could get him more in front of my leg, and I think we were successful with that, and that was a great way to end the competition.”

The 14-year-old Oldenburg (Don Cardinale—Neastate III, Rubinstein I) performed to a medley arranged by Karen Robinson to score a 73.11 percent.

“The music is very modern and it really appeals to me,” said Pavicic, 45. “One of my favorite things to do is come out and ride the freestyle, it’s such a good time to be in there with your horse.”

Pavicic will have another chance to showcase her freestyle soon back on her home turf. After a stint that included two seasons on the CDI circuit in Wellington, Fla., a pair of European tours and representing Canada at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France), Dono is headed back to his home base, and he’ll compete at the nearby Langley CDI at Thunderbird Show Park next month.

“I’m so excited for everyone at home to get to see him,” she said. “It’s been an incredible journey.”

Pavicic once again edged out fellow Canadian Jacquie Brooks, whose D Niro put in a more relaxed performance today to score a 71.20 percent.

“It’s typical of him to relax and trust me more on Day 2,” said Brooks. “He showed what he’s become in training and in confidence. Everyone who’s watching it has been texting me, excited. I couldn’t be happier.”

Brooks had a little extra stress coming into her performance today when her Labradoodle, Tucker, colicked. But by the time she entered the ring he had been in recovery from surgery for several hours.

Despite Pavicic’s win and Brooks’ relief at a healthy pooch, no one was smiling bigger than Lauren Sprieser after the class. Yesterday she nearly didn’t make it in the ring as Ellegria spooked badly at the electric atmosphere in the arena in what Sprieser described as “a dire episode of chestnut mare logic.” Today she didn’t put a foot wrong in the ‘80s-themed freestyle to finish third.

“I think things improved a little bit,” she deadpanned. “I’m new to this level of sport. I’ve had Ella since she was 5, and we haven’t had that many opportunities to ride in an environment like this, and I’m so grateful to be here. She felt fantastic tonight.”

Check out full results here.  

We’ll have full analysis of the competition and more about Pavicic’s intercontinental journey in the  May 30 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse.