The highly anticipated 19th Pan American Games of 2023 kicked off on October 20th. Day 3rd delivered spectacular results to the sports world. Over 650 American athletes are competing in Chile and the US Equestrian Dressage Team has already stolen the spotlight of the show by clinching a gold medal & a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Following this news, Christian Simonson, the star of the show, achieved a personal-best score in the Intermediate I, contributing to the team’s impressive total score of 450.670. However, Simonson, in a heartwarming move, took a moment to highlight the real heroes of the competition?the grooms. His thoughtful gesture is creating ripples of appreciation across the global equestrian community.

What did Christian Simonson Write?

On October 24, 2023, Christian Simonson shared a heartwarming series of stories on his Instagram account. The captivating post featured the USA Equestrian Dressage Team, donned in matching blue T-shirts and jeans, including members like Codi Harrison, Desiree Altland, Monica Stanke, and Marin Roth.

Simonson’s caption, “A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE REAL MVPs OF THIS COMPETITION, THE GROOMS, WE COULDN?T DO IT WITHOUT YOU GUYS,” emphasizes the crucial role that the grooms have played in grabbing gold for the country!

Along with this, Brazil claimed the silver with a score of 443.343, and Canada came 3rd and took bronze with 431.937. The U.S. team is now set to compete in the Grand Prix Freestyle for individual medals. However, fans might wonder about the true definition of ?Dressage Equestrian?. Here you go!

A closer look at the Dressage Equestrian competition

Dressage, a key equestrian event, tests the rider-horse bond for athleticism and grace. Part of equestrian contests since 1951, it follows FEI rules. The recent triumph of the United States, the competition’s most successful team, highlights their prowess.

The equestrian dressage team comprises four athletes and a reserve. Codi Harrisson rides Katholt?s Bossco, a 2007 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Harrisson. Anna Marek partners with Fire Fly, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by Janet Simile. Christian Simonson recently rode Son of a Lady, a 2011 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Christina Morgan and Clifton Simonson.

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Sarah Tubman rides First Apple, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by Summit Farm. The reserve, Kevin Kohmann, may ride Duenensee, a 2009-born horse owned by Diamante Farms. The team aims to uphold its winning legacy in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Are you excited?