$200,000 Queen Elizabeth Cup Spruce Meadows

Me and Donnie in the QEII cup. Again he was awesome! I went early in the class and felt good warming up. My goal was top 20 and to clear the water (he's a bit lazy about it). I thought I may have had 6a down but coming to the last jump I could hear people holding their breath. I was out of my mind excited to have jumped the first round clr.

The 2nd round wasn't spectacular and unfortunately he wasn't allowed to go back to his stall. He was out there for almost 3 hrs. He never got to go to the bathroom. He was exhausted and so was I. I was just thrilled to have made the 2nd round. We gave it a shot and ended up 11th.

Eric Lamaze won it (he's going to the olympics) and Jill Henselwood (she is too) was 2nd. Eddie Macken, Chris Kappler, Federico Fernandez, Mac Cone and more all came back for the 2nd round. It was an amazing group of riders and to just be in there was fantastic.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Don Francisco
• Alicia
• showjumping
• Spruce Meadows

[ajpebbles]

Sorry I haven't commented on this in forever. I want thank everyone for your kind things to say about my wonderful horse! I <3 him so much and it was a truly awesome day! Spruce Meadows is definitely a world class venue and is my favorite place to show. That day is still one of the highlights of my riding career...so far! :D

[JessyMoira]

May I use this video in a vid im making?

[ajpebbles]

@JessyMoira Sure! just send it to me when you're done ;)

[oliviasaintlaurent]

Wow awesome in the first round! your horse was really tired in the 2nd one (I read why, that's just too bad)... Excellent ridin anyway !

Question: how do qualify for those classes ? I see you talking about zone 10 stuff, what is that (please)?

[ajpebbles]

Thanks! It was awesome. For this class you don't have to qualify per the horse show organizer's rules however the USEF has its own rules. This show has 3 FEI divisions at heights of 1.45m, 1.50m, and 1.60m. The USEF determines your eligibility for a division by your ranking on the US computer list. If you're not ranked high enough they can restrict you to a lower height or not allow you to show FEI at all. There is a National portion of the show that isn't restricted the same way.

[Nickersss]

Wow! you are an amazing rider! Congrats on doing such a high level! What kind of horse do you have?

[ajpebbles]

Thank you! He's a 1996 dutch bred warmblood gelding by Indoctro out of a Nimmerdor Mare. I <3 him. He's the best!

[WildHorses074]

you both have talent, that for sure.

[GoGallopGirl]

YOU WENT TO SPRUCE MEADOWS! Thats AMAZING! Your soooo cool!

[iluvhorsesjna]

i love your horses and you r an amazing rider. well done

[jsgaither]

Spot on in the first round. You and your horse make a great team!

[2001woodsarah]

i whent there today :D

[Cahillrider]

OMG those jumps are HUGE! Beautiful 1st round. Congrats.

[mikersport]

Wow great job, too bad about the 2nd round. In the first though your horse cleared the jumps with ease. Also I liked that after each jump you stayed up and didnt fall on his neck. Many riders who jump as high as your cant stay up.

[MsCharliehorse101]

gorgeous horse with amazing scope! u two look amazing!

[equistera]

you guys looked amazing! Your horse is absolutely gorgeous, makes those big oxers looks effortless! and your riding is amazing! COngrats on 11th place! I'm jealous that you got to compete with Eric Lamaze and at Spruce Meadows!