Opening Day of Competition

Today was a fantastic opening day of competition at the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky! The weather has cooled a bit but the Reining action was anything but chilly.
The opening session started at 9AM this morning with the first go of the Team Competition. The first section saw the USA's Tim McQuay, riding David Silva's Hollywoodstinseltown, shoot to the top of the leader board with a score of 220.5. Martin Muhlstatter for Austria riding his wife, Kim Dooley's Wimpys Little Buddy were right behind with a great run and a score of 219.5! It was a fun section to watch with dressage superstar, Anky van Grunsven debuting in Reining on the WEG stage! She showed Whizashiningwalla BB. for owner Arthur Beack, for Team Netherlands to a strong score of 211! The crowd was wild, cheering and whistling for everyone! Announcer Brian Lookabill did an awesome job, with great color commentary, and Beth Ettleman's fantastic music selections kept the crowd at a fever pitch.
The afternoon session crowd was larger and louder than the morning and they were not disappointed. They got off to a great start with the second rider for Italy, Stefano Massignan piloting Arcese Quarter Horses' Yellow Jersey to a huge score of 224 to take the lead in the Individual Standings. Just two riders later, USA's Craig Schmersal got close to Massignan's score with Mister Montana Nic, for owner Erika Smith, by marking a 223.5. Those top scores would dominate the rest of the section. The last rider to enter the arena was Germany's Grischa Ludwig aboard Hot Smokin Chex for owner Curtis Hof. The pair laid down a fantastic run that culminated with great stops and a score of 220.5 to tie Tim McQuay for third in the standings.
Currently the Team Standings have Team USA leading with 444, Team Austria in second with 432.5 and Brazil in third with 425. The Individual Standings have Stefano Mssignan of Italy leading with 224, USA's Craig Schmersal follows with 223.5 and USA's Tim McQuay tied with Germany's Grischa Lugwig for third with identical scores of 220.5.
Team competition continues tomorrow at 7:30 AM with the second half of the teams participating. The Team Medals will be awarded tomorrow and the scores will be used to determine who continues on to the Individual Final on Thursday. The top 15 scores will advance. 16th place through 35th place, including ties, will be able to compete again on Tuesday for a chance to qualify for the Individual Final. The top 5 from Tuesday will join the top 15 in competing for the Individual Medals.