¡Baile! U.S. Dressage Dances its Way to a Full Medal Sweep at Pan Ams

Dressage competition at the 2011 Pan American Games wrapped up on Wednesday, October 19th in the best possible fashion. After winning the first phase of the individual competition on Monday, Steffen Peters and Weltino’s Magic gave it their all during the final Freestyle. Ridden at the Prix St. George level, their freestyle earned them a record-breaking 87.3000%.

Speaking of record breaking, the United States became the first nation to ever sweep the Individual Medals in dressage at a Pan Am Games. All three U.S.  riders scored above 80% in their freestyle rides. And with Steffen Peters wearing the gold, Heather Blitz donning the silver, and Marisa Festerling clinching the bronze, it was one elated victory gallop that took flight around the dressage arena at the Guadalajara Country Club.

The United States also claimed Team Gold, with Canada following in Team Silver medal postition, and Colombia taking the Bronze.

Follow this link for full dressage results, and bookmark this link for the complete schedule of the upcoming eventing and show jumping competition. While there is no official broadcast of the equestrian events from Mexico, a youtube video of Steffen Peters’ freestyle was posted yesterday.

Enjoy these triumphant images from Mexico, courtesy of onsite photographers MacMillan Photography: