dressagedaily.info

Markel Open High Point: Bobbie Lynn McKee/ Wellcome

Wellcome is a 5 year old Hanoverian gelding by Wolkenstein, who should have been in the 5-year-old Markel/USEF Selection classes, but admits his rider, Bobbie Lynn McKee, they missed the deadlines for Young Horse qualifications. But, they still earned a Markel High Point cooler with a score of 74.4 at the Flintridge Dressage Open Show, in First level.

Bobbie Lynn McKee was at North American Young Riders Championship last year—her first and last time, as she is now 21. She won the individual Gold for Freestyle, and individual Silver for the Prix St. Georges test. Her trainer and coach, then and now, has been Kim Yaccobucci., the well known FEI trainer based in Cape Creek, Arizona.

Bobbie Lynn did a little bit of Western, switched to hunter-jumper, and then found dressage. “Kim is one of the softest, most talented riders I’d seen. I went up to her and asked if I could work for her.” Kim said yes — that was about 4 years ago.

“I love dressage” says McKee. “It’s never black and white. There’s always more to learn, it’s never-ending. A rider just keeps growing, trying to meet the challenge for mind and body.”

Two years ago, California trainer David Wightman was at the Verden Auction in Germany and called Kim. “He told her he’d found her next horse, “says McKee, laughing. “He told her she had to buy him. So Kim bought him. She has a lot of faith in David’s eye and knowledge.”

Bobbie Lynn has been Wellcome’s main rider ever since he arrived in Arizona. “I love his attitude,” says McKee. “Every show, he stays so stead and focused, and he’s always been this way. His brain is a big part of him, “and we hope it will see him through to Grand Prix.”

Her favorite test at Flintridge was the First Level Test 2, “It was in the morning, still cool. I felt he really let me ask him for everything—and he gave it.” They got a 74.4 and good comments on his rhythm and balance.

“Next year,” she says, “you can be sure we will stay on top of the procedures for Young Horse Six Year Old!”

Lita Dove for DressageDaily.com