Potter, who hails from Del Mar, CA, and her 10-year-old Zangersheide mare made their international debut one year ago. Their partnership has developed into consistent top finishes, including three top-five placings since the end of May.

“She loves fifth gear and feels most comfortable when she's going fast,” said Potter, who got the ride on the Kasanova de la Pomme X Bessemeind's Quasimodo Z mare from owner and U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Karl Cook. “I don't decide, she decides. And when she decides to put herself in that gear, she wants to stay there. If I try to ask for a little more control, it doesn't work in my favor. I let her go at her speed, which is fast.”

Kalimera van de Nethe Z’s footspeed paid off over course designer Meghan Rawlins’ (CAN) two-phase track. They stopped the clock in the speed phase at 28.51, nearly a full second faster than runner up Erynn Ballard. The Canadian Olympian posted a time of 29.11 seconds riding Coline de Will (Cornet Obolensky x Coronino), owned by Ilan Ferder. Jimmy Torano (USA) finished third aboard his own Kochio Z (Kannan x Diamant de Semilly) in 29.79 seconds.

Potter will spend the next three weeks at Traverse City Horse Shows. She discovered the venue through coaching at the FEI North American Youth Championships and has accompanied several clients on a trip east from California this season. “For me, getting out of California and doing something different is important,” she said. “Getting to compete at new places, experience different rings and course designers and compete against different riders only broadens you and makes you a better rider.”