Laura Tomlinson Shines with Full Moon II at National Dressage Championships
In a stunning display of equestrian excellence, Laura Tomlinson and her impressive steed, Full Moon II, stole the spotlight at the 2024 LeMieux National Dressage Championships. Held on September 14, 2024, this event marked a noteworthy milestone for Tomlinson and her team, as Full Moon II made his freestyle debut with a memorable victory.
Strategic Decisions and Competitive Edge
Tomlinson's strategic choice to rest her other competitive horse, Forest Hill, proved crucial in Full Moon II's success. Forest Hill had an impressive performance the previous day, securing the Saracen Horse Feeds inter I gold championship with a score of 71.77%. By resting Forest Hill, Tomlinson allowed Full Moon II to seize his chance to shine.
"I knew I was only going to have one in it and whichever one I didn’t ride today I was going to use in my demo tomorrow," explained Tomlinson. "Yesterday, Forest Hill was brilliant, whereas I felt Moony still hadn’t shown his full potential. Moony's got the power to go another day, while Forest has already proven his point, so he can have a break."
Exceptional Performance and Scoring
Full Moon II's performance in the inter I freestyle was nothing short of extraordinary. The pair dazzled the audience with a J-Lo compilation, scoring a remarkable 76.48% and clinching the inter I supreme champion title. Key highlights included exceptional trot half-passes and shoulder-ins, which carry a coefficient and are double marked, significantly boosting their score.
"It’s taken him three days to properly settle in and let me really ride him, but he felt amazing," reflected Tomlinson. "During warm-up, he squealed the first time I picked up canter, which set me on edge. However, as he heard the music, he began to calm down. I was able to max him out in the test, and his half-passes felt amazing. He’s got such ability to sit in the pirouettes and nailed all his changes."
Emotional and Psychological Aspects
Tomlinson's victory wasn't just a testament to her and Full Moon II's technical prowess but also a reflection of the emotional and psychological aspects of competitive dressage. Despite juggling multiple horses and balancing family life, Tomlinson expressed immense satisfaction with the victory.
"It’s been a little while since I’ve won a national title, so it absolutely gives me a massive buzz," she said. "I have a lot going on at home with my family, and each win—regardless of the level—fills me with excitement. It's as exhilarating as winning a grand prix because he had the will and ambition to do it with me, and that’s a great feeling."
Future Competitions and Continuous Preparation
Tomlinson's success at the National Dressage Championships was just one part of her busy competition schedule. She was set to compete in the Kudos grand prix freestyle the following day with her 10-year-old gelding, Soegaards Bon Royal, who had finished third in the straight grand prix with a score of 70.63%. This underscores the relentless dedication required in the world of competitive dressage.
"He’s never done a freestyle before, so I’m excited to see how he copes," Tomlinson said. "He felt really good today; he still needs to build up a bit of strength and balance, but I’ll give it my best and see what happens!"
Conclusion
Laura Tomlinson and Full Moon II's victory at the 2024 LeMieux National Dressage Championships is a compelling story of strategic planning, exceptional performance, and enduring passion for equestrian sports. As Tomlinson continues to balance her professional and personal life, her achievements inspire aspiring riders and emphasize the enduring bond between rider and horse. Their journey highlights the intricate dynamics and high stakes in competitive dressage, making their win both remarkable and memorable.
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