University of South Carolina-Aiken issued the following announcement on September 3.
Aiken, SC (09/03/2021) — University of South Carolina Aiken alum Sophie Miller won USEA Preliminary Rider at the American Eventing Championships.
The first champions of the week were crowned on Thursday at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds as Bates USEA Preliminary and Intermediate division riders took to the final phase of show jumping in the Rolex Stadium at Kentucky Horse Park.
At the finale of the Bates USEA Preliminary Rider division, Miller claimed the first tricolor ribbon of the competition. She and Laurie Cameron's homebred mare Quarlotta C (Quite Capitol x Merging), a 12-year-old Oldenburg, produced a flawless round in the Rolex Stadium, leaving all rails standing and clearing the timers with room to spare.
Miller, who was in third following the two prior phases, kept careful consideration of both the fences and the time to step out of the ring on her original 35.5
"I was really happy with her today," stated Miller. "She came in the ring and was a little bit lit up today with the atmosphere, but I think it actually worked in our favor for time. She can be a little bit lazy and casual sometimes, but I think she grew an extra hand from all the excitement, so I was able to just stay back and out of her way while she carried a good pace."
The victory was extra special for the pair as it was Miller's first time being a part of the AEC.
"It is just so awesome to be here amongst all of the top horses and riders in this sport," she enthused. "It was really wonderful to be able to jump in the stadium and just be part of such an electric environment."
The pair have had a busy season of preparation, only starting at the training level at the beginning of the year but feeling confident after successfully winning their very first Preliminary event in Aiken, South Carolina.
"We competed in two Training events down in Florida before moving up to our first Preliminary, which she won," Miller added. "She also had super runs at Pine Top and Stable View, and we were even able to squeeze in a two-star event this year, so it's been a great year, and I'm so looking forward to doing more now."
Story reprinted from United States Eventing Association.
Original source can be found here.
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