World Cup 2004 – Lexington, Kentucky (USA)
US Saddle Seat Teams Capture Double Golds!
The United States Saddle Seat Equitation Five- and Three-Gaited teams competing in the 2004 International Saddle Seat World Cup brought home double gold medals. The event, held October 6-9, 2004 in Lexington, Kentucky (USA), featured a full week of competition and festivities. The 2004 event was held in conjunction with the popular Kentucky Fall Classic, housed at the prestigious Kentucky Horse Park. The venue and the proximity of so many equine-related attractions made for an extra special week for competitors and fans from around the globe.
Five nations, including the US, Canada, Great Britain, Namibia and South Africa competed in the Three-Gaited event while the US and South Africa were the only teams to participate in Five-Gaited competition. The riders were evaluated by a three-member international panel, one each from Canada, South Africa and the United States. David Brent served as the judge for Canada, Denise de Wet for South Africa, and Nancy McConnell for the United States.
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Team USA with Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor
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Patriotic Hair
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2004 Closing Ceremonies
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The US Three-Gaited team included Brooke Jacobs (Captain), Tate Bennett, Alaina Blake, Sarah Taylor, Dakota Willimon and Ashley Alden (alternate). Lisa and Bill Waller served as the Coach and Manager respectively for Three-Gaited Team USA.
In Three-Gaited competition, Team USA scored a total of 4,081 points to defeat Canada by a margin of 142 points. Team Canada, coached by American trainer Jan Lukens, earned their first silver medal in World Cup Competition. Team South Africa finished with the bronze with a final score of 3,860. The teams from Namibia and Great Britain earned the fourth and fifth place finishes respectively.
The US Five-Gaited team included Tasha Rose Sandler (Captain), Mandy Martin, Lauren McMichael, Rachael North, Jessica Savinelli and Kendra Fisher (alternate). Lisa Jensen Richardson and Michael Lane Richardson served as the Coach and Manager of Five-Gaited Team USA respectively.
The US repeated their gold medal performance from 2002 to once again hoist the Five-Gaited World Cup trophy, besting the team from South Africa by 149 points.
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5-Gaited Scores
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United States |
4,008 |
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South Africa |
3,859 |
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Friends Across Borders
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Mandy Martin Racks On
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Teams visit WGC Boucheron on KY Barn Tour
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USWC Executive Director Nancy Becker was clearly relieved when the competition concluded. “This was really just an overwhelming task. But seeing all of those riders carrying their flags and up on the stage makes all the hard work worth it. This sport is finally being taken seriously on the world stage. These riders are true athletes and they deserve an event that showcases their abilities. I just couldn’t be more pleased with how this has all turned out. It is great that we won two golds, but both Kentucky and the US scored an even bigger victory with the chance to display the horses, the generosity and the hospitality we’re known for!” said a very proud Becker.
Congratulations to Team USA on their double gold performances and to the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, competitors, officials and fans that made the 2004 Saddle Seat World Cup the best yet!
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Team USA Member Tate Bennett
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Competition Outside the Ring
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World Cup 2004
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