The competition was an U.S. Equestrian selection trial for the single driving World Championship set for July in Flyinge, Sweden.
“He’s really coming along, especially in dressage,” Padgett said. “He’s getting fitter, and stronger, so it’s easier for him to step up and do the job.”
The only other event Padgett and the 12-year-old 15.1-hand Morgan have competed in together was The Laurels last fall, where they also finished second. The horse’s owner and breeder, Sherry Davis of Southern Pines, has been driving him in breed show, events and pleasure shows.
“This is so exciting,” Davis said. “I bred him, and I still have his mother. I decided that if he has a chance (to represent the U.S.), Scott should drive him.”
Padgett placed sixth in dressage, but won the marathon and cones to finish nine points behind Merriam.
“He tricked us a little bit in the dressage,” Padgett said. “He was very relaxed and settled in the warm up, but got nervous in the ring until about half way through the test.”
There are three more combined driving events leading up to the team selection for Sweden; Southern Pines (April 17-18), Garden State (N.J.) and Bromont, Canada.
Marcie Quist and her Thoroughbred stallion Monty finished seventh in the same class, and Dana Pigford was 13th.
Katie Whaley won the advanced pony four-in-hand class with her team of Welsh ponies. “It was our best show yet, with a new leader,” Whaley said. “I was very pleased. The head judge was on the (2003) World Championship panel, and we scored 17 points higher this time.”
Paul Martin of Southern Pines was second in the advanced pony pair division, and Eleanor Gallagher finished fifth in advanced pair horse.
In the preliminary divisions, Keady Cadwell (pair ponies) and Randy Cadwell (single ponies) were winners.
For complete results, go to www.cailiveoak.com.
