Riding Good Girl DK (By Ceira D’Ick x Kannan), Bettendorf blazed around Bernardo Costa Cabral’s (POR) single-round course in 57.03 seconds. The time held through the remainder of the class, further proving Bettendorf can contend with the top international talent competing in Traverse City.

Her mare is just 10 years old, but already has the natural mindset of a winner. “Two times second was already amazing but winning is always special,” Bettendorf said of her win Friday. “[Good Girl DK] loves winning so I’m very happy she’s happy. It’s a good start – second yesterday, first today, and one more day to go. I’m excited for tomorrow.”

The speed format is just one part of what Bettendorf believes makes a well-rounded athlete, and having Good Girl DK in her back pocket is what helps her to be able to contend in classes like this one.

“Every show jumper to win has to be good in the speed classes, but this mare is especially fast,” she shared of the Selle Francais mare. “She’s very quick and she did amazing. I’m very proud of her.”

The course presented several opportunities to be efficient and leave out strides, and Bettendorf tried to capitalize on each of them. Through the middle of the course she felt she lost a little momentum, but her efficiency elsewhere made the difference.

“I think in the beginning, [fences] one, two, and three were very fast,” she explained. “I lost time back to the wall at [fence] four and at five – I did one stride more than I wanted to – but the end was quick again. She’s very quick over the fences so that helps out.”

Brian Moggre (USA) and Johann FS Z (John Doe x unknown) almost challenged their winning time, but ended up taking second place ultimately. Spencer Smith (USA) took third with Queen Hertha (Baloubet du Rouet x Quidam de Revel).

Bettendorf has spent her life riding and competing in Europe, but now bases out of Canada, near Toronto. The proximity to destinations like Traverse City is giving her exposure to many of the North American venues, and she’s continuing to be a top contender everywhere she goes.

“I heard good things about the show and its improvements, so I was really excited to come,” she said about Traverse City Horse Shows. “It has nice facilities, nice people, and it’s good for the horses. I’ll be back for sure. I am very grateful to have fantastic horses and owners so I can plan [to be back] next year.”

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