Reed Kessler wins two classes at her first CSIO****

Reed Kessler and Ligist.
By sportfot.com

The USA's Reed Kessler had the best day of her career on Friday, 4 march 2011. Riding in her first CSIO****, she won two classes.

Reed began the day by riding her top mount Flight to victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed challenge with the fastest of eight clear rounds in a class of 33 entries. She then went on to ride Ligist to a win in the $10,000 G&C Farm speed stakes with the fastest of seven clear rounds out of 24 entries. Competing against many of the world's best riders, Reed was understandably thrilled as she took in the magnitude of her accomplishments.

"I wasn't even going to show [compete] this week because it is always a little difficult figuring out what classes I can do and can't do [because of my age], but my dad went through all of the rules and made sure that it was okay," said Reed. "Just the fact that I am even showing this week is so exciting to me, so to even win a class is amazing. I have been trying to move up into the open jumpers and get the hang of it. I have been doing well and have been placed, but I haven't won a bunch of classes."

Speaking about her horses, Reed said: "Flight is a professional. He just takes you by the hand and goes right around. 'Goose' [Ligist] has huge scope, but the speed does not usually come as easily with him as it does with Flight, so to win a CSIO**** at speed with him...I can't believe it. I still don't think it's real. He has been great and it has definitely been a work in progress."

In addition to her open jumper success, Reed also currently leads the Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix standings, which will provide the opportunity to compete in the EY Cup Finals at this year's FEI World Cup Finals in Leipzig, Germany, at the end of April. The next competition is a team competition on Thursday, 10 March.

For full results, click here