This year the flat phase and gymnastics round were combined in an exercise that while difficult best prepared the horse and rider to show their skill. The riders were required to design their own 2 minute flat exercises, then go directly into the gymnastics round, a difficult course with many airy verticals, and twists in the combinations.

There was a definite strategy in the flat exercises, as the riders used the entire course doing their lateral, extended and collected movements, as well as counter canter work where they would be using the same techniques in the jumping phase. Willeman moved into first place in the first two phases in spite of a rail in the gymnastics round. " I was a little concerned about that rail," admitted Willeman, "but there were several rails down by other riders during the gymnastics round, and the judges were not really penalizing too much for it, as long as the quality of the riding was there."

While the gymnastic jumping phase was extremely difficult and claimed 13 rounds with a zero score due to three refusals or a fall, the riders and trainers felt it was a fair test and the best format ever for the class. "This is a true horseman's class." Said Leading Trainer Award winner, Missy Clark. "It is about good riding, and the good riders were rewarded. The judges did a great job."