Charlotte Bettendorf Wins Again in Traverse City
Twice is Nice for Charlotte Bettendorf in $15,000 1.40-1.45m Jumper Classic
The Luxembourg rider closes Traverse City Spring Series with a second international victory and another promising young horse.
Charlotte Bettendorf wasn’t quite done winning during her stint at the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. On her final day of competition, she captured her second major win of the week, this time with Million Pleasure in the $15,000 1.40-1.45m Jumper Classic.
“I started showing him in March in Ohio for the first time,” Bettendorf said of the 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He started doing the 1.30m there and now he’s doing the 1.45m so easily. I think he can do much more. I really like him. He’s always ears forward doing his best. I think it’s a competitive horse.”
Bettendorf had the advantage of going last over Bernardo Costa Cabral’s short course, so she had seen what the other seven competitors had put out there, including two rides for Kent Farrington, one for Shane Sweetnam, and one for Beezie Madden.
“I saw Kent with the first one and he was really quick, then Shane was very quick as well,” she said of how the jump-off unfolded and how it impacted her plan. “We only had one clear, then I saw Kent go in front of me and I thought if I try I can probably make [the time]. The plan worked out very well and I’m very happy.”
Bettendorf’s time of 41.381 seconds pushed Farrington into second place with Dolores PS, and Alexandra Smith captured third with Chagolando PS as the only other double-clear effort.
Bettendorf believed the winning difference came in the rollback from fences four to five, where she was able to ask Million Pleasure to open his stride without losing balance.
“I really like this horse,” she continued of Million Pleasure. “He is small in size but has a very big heart. He’s like a little kid, biting and annoying you, but you go in the ring and he’s perfect. Everyone likes him.”
After two international victories during Traverse City Spring, Bettendorf now heads home before returning to Northern Michigan in August for the FEI North American Youth Championships, where she will coach one of her students.
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