BEESD, Netherlands — California driving competitor Stefanie Putnam, the only U.S. representative in the 2016 FEI World Para-Driving Championships, used a strong showing in the cone phase to finish fifth overall in the Aug. 3-6 competition.
Putnam, from Layfeyette. took fifth in dressage, eighth in the marathon, and third in cones, driving her Morgan gelding, Bethesda After Dark.
It was her European debut at the Championships, and she impressed with her stellar performance. As the sole U.S. representative, Putnam looked right at home competing against a strong international field in the Grade I division.
She executed a solid test with Bethesda After Dark on the first day in front of the Ground Jury of Andrew Counsil (GBR), Gun Hagring (SWE), Danuta Nowicka (POL), Henk van Amerongon (NED), and Reiner Wannenwetsch (GER).
She and the 1993 Morgan gelding scored of 53.58 in dressage, then the pair attacked the Barry Hunter (GBR)-designed marathon course on Friday, having great times in obstacles two and three. They finished the marathon phase in eighth place, adding 100.92 penalties to their overall score to remain in fifth place.
Putnam and “Shadow” finished their World Championship performance with a strong effort in the cones phase. They had a single ball down for 3.00 penalties and 5.83 time penalties to finish on a final score of 163.33.
Heiner Lehrter (GER) and Dashwood won Gold in the Grade I division with a score of 130.41, while Jacques Poppen (NED) and PP earned Silver on a score of 135.63 and Deborah Daniel (GBR) and Valeside Galaxy claimed Bronze on a score of 145.59.
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