Source:  Katy M., Community News

Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier HITS Coachella: Ashlee Bond Sets the Pace

Ashlee Bond had the unenviable task of leading off the competition for the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier at HITS Thermal this afternoon, but she turned that starting spot to her advantage putting in a performance no-one else could catch.  The field of twenty-three riders featured some very seasoned competitors, so her impeccable clear round showed it could be done, but only three others were able to follow her lead to make it to the jump-off.  The tough first round course and tight time caught several riders with a single time fault.

Bond and Chela LS, a 13 year old chestnut mare, threw down the gauntlet in the jump-off and none of the others were able to match their clear and quick performance.

Ashlee Bond and Chela LS

Audrey Coulter and her Westfalian gelding Alex grabbed second place with a quick 4 fault jump-off performance.  Coulter hails from Northern California and has achieved some solid experience which showed in her result.

Audrey Coulter and Alex

Results Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier, HITS Coachella

1. Ashlee Bond, USA, Chela LS, 0-0, 40.91

2. Audrey Coulter, USA, Alex, 0-4, 45.29

3. Lane Clark, AUS, Balu U, 0-8, 40.10

4. Karl Cook, USA, Tembla, 0-8, 41.05

5. Daniel Pedraza, MEX, 1, 79.01

6.  Ali Ramsay, CAN, 1, 79.15

7.  Lisa Carlsen, CAN 1, 81.11

8.  Christiaan Heineking, GER, 4, 75.50

Full Results at Longines Timing.

Check back for more details from HITS Coachella.

Photos:  MoranEquinePhoto.com.