It was no surprise that Olympian John Williams of Southern Pines posted the best score (73.4) of the eventing group at the Pinehurst Dressage Show.

Williams, a member of the 2004 United States bronze medal eventing team rode his seasoned veteran, Sloopy, to win the intermediate test of choice class.

Sloopy, a 15-year-old thoroughbred whom Williams has owned for eight years, returned to competition after a short lay-off.

"The test lacked a little bit of suspension and power but he hasn't been in serious work for a while," Williams said. "I'm very happy with him."

Diana Hoberecht managed to get in one of her two winning rides before the skies opened up and drenched her. Hoberecht piloted her first mount, Donna Andrews' Whimzical Princess, to the head of a 10-horse training level class.

It was the 4-year-old Winy's second time in the show ring. Hoberecht says of the mare, "She comes by her talent honestly. Her sire is Windsor Prince who was named Horse of the Year by the United States Dressage Federation."

Hoberecht also won the third level test with Debbie Witson's Odin.

It was Hoberecht's and Odin's first attempt at third level. Odin, an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding, is very versatile. He also foxhunts and hacks on trails.

"He's like a puppy dog," Hoberecht said, "he always tries so hard to do what I ask of him. I was very proud of his effort today."

Sixteen-year-old Diana Simpson won her debut Dressage class aboard her mother's 21-year-old Hanoverian mare, Tamelia, (leased from Sue Smithson) to top the junior class. Simpson, who normally rides hunters, has only been riding Amy for a month.

"I really like Dressage because it's useful in any discipline you ride," Simpson said. "Amy is such a good teacher and a great horse. It all came together for me at the show and worked out for the best."

Rebecca Vick of Southern Pines posted the second best Dressage score of the show (72 percent) with Linda Tomlinson's 5-year-old gelding Vegas to win first level test 1. Cindy Paules of Vass came in first at fourth level test of choice with her General Grant.

Local riders took first place in every introductory and event class. Danielle Veasy of Raeford won her debut class with Versailles.

Jen Curtis of Southern Pines piloted Halstead's Shade to win introductory test B.

Stephanie Gibson, 17, of Vass won the beginner event test with her thouroughbred mare Vega's Show Girl.

Amy Potts of Southern Pines and Absolution won the novice class.

At training, Rachel Jurgens of Southern Pines won with Ziggy. Michele Lobsinger won preliminary test of choice with her Able Sportsfield.

Despite the downpour, riders didn't scratch from their classes.

Show manager Sue Smithson said, "Dressage Queens are an intrepid bunch -- they all kept riding through pouring rain all afternoon."

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