While the inaugural CIC-W*** was definitely the highlight of three days of eventing at Galway Downs, March 28-30, competition was keen in the other divisions as well. Robyn Fisher, a student at U.C. Davis, discovered that consistency pays off. In the CIC**, Fischer rode Le Samurai for a solid dressage test that put them in 5th. With a clean cross country round, the pair moved up to 4th.

Going into stadium Fischer needed a clear round in order to have a shot at the top spot. When Kristi Nunnink, Kristin Bachman, and James Moore, sitting in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively all dropped multiple rails, Fisher took over the top spot. This was Fischer's first CIC** and she plans to compete in Colorado and then she hopes to qualify for Fair Hill.

Canadian Kourtney Krause set the standard in the dressage phase and earned only 29.50 penalties. Throughout the other two phases the sixteen year old rider and her mount, Johnny Bravo, incurred no other penalties. Her strong finish led her to contemplate trying out for a spot at the North American Young Rider's Championships, Junior Olympic-type event that will be hosted by Canada this year.

Over 4500 spectators attended the event, and when they weren't watching the many horses and riders, they enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Jaguar Select Edition was the title sponsor of the event.

Complete results are available at www.galwaydowns.com.

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