Yates made quick work around the grand prix track with Cicomein VDL, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood mare (Chacco Blue x Pomein), finishing a second faster than Cardenas, Jr., who took top honors in last week's highlight class under the lights. Yates and Cicomein VDL tackled the tough track set by Pierre Jolicoeur with ease. They were the second of five pairs to advance to the jump-off round infront of an enthusiastic crowd. The evening's class served as the mare's first major competition under the lights and Yates was very proud of how Cicomein VDL handled and excelled in the atmosphere.
"My plan with her was to just be efficient and also give her a smooth and accurate ride. I didn't know if the lights would play a factor or not. She naturally has very fast foot speed, so I typically don't have to worry about the time allowed. I had a really lucky rub at the beginning, but think that may have helped me during the rest of the course because she was paying attention," detailed Yates.
Yates described the top qualities of Cicomein VDL, saying, "She is so fast and she loves to slice the jumps. Sometimes she gets too quick across them, so I have to think about using her foot speed. I have to keep her staying very straight and then I can let her do the rest."
Yates and Cicomein VDL were partnered together several years ago before the mare changed hands to another rider. However, Yates has returned to the irons and has high hopes for the pair's future together.
"When I made the decision to sell her, she was a more quality horse then where I was as a rider at that point. I sold her to one of our owners and a few other professionals showed her before things came full circle and I ended up back with her," she explained.