Wylde Takes Lead in Selection Trial 4

By Charlene Strickland

San Juan Capistrano, California, May 22. A clean round—his third in the four USEF Show Jumping Trials—moved Peter Wylde and Fein Cera into the lead Saturday. “I really felt the pressure here today,” he said.

Over the 17 jumping efforts, Fein Cera cooly demonstrated her talents. The bay Holsteiner was one of the few horses to jump the 17 efforts with no time faults.

“When I watched the first few go, I thought the time was too tight,” said Wylde. “But the Olympic Games are 400 meters per minute. It was definitely tight, and a considerable part of the course.”

He credited course designer Leopoldo Palacios for “no trick fences,” adding, “The double after the water was hard.” About the grass jumping field, he said, “The footing is brilliant. It is as good grass footing as you can have.”

Wylde traveled from his base in Holland for the trials. He explained, “I had hoped to get a bye. But I knew I didn't plan on it.”

Trials 4 through 6 are held at the Cargill International CSI****. Olympic contenders, along with other top jumpers, compete in the $175,000 Cargill Grand Prix of the United States.

Photo by Teri Miller