Wightman was the first to ride, and the Oldenburg gelding Brigadier (Batido – Lady Deco by Art Deco) owned by Deena Smith of Lenexa, KS and bred by Paige Hinds-Athan showed off the exceptional gaits that earned him a trip to the World Breeders Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany earlier this year.

Judge Jayne Ayers commented, “This is an exciting horse and he was nicely presented.” She and Axel Steiner awarded Brigadier an 8.8 for his trot, which she described as having a “clocklike steady tempo.”

Wightman explained that Brigadier has had a whirlwind summer traveling between Kansas, California and Germany, but that with a little downtime at his owner’s farm before the championship he has held up well under pressure. “The first day here was our best ride ever,” he said. “Today I rode the trot a little more relaxed and improved even more.”

He was sure to mention, “I couldn’t have gone to Verden or come here to Kentucky without the help and support of my wife Kathleen (Raine).” 

2006 USEF/Markel National Young Dressage Horse Championships!