A physically and mentally fit Will Faudree rode six horses to top ribbons at the Southern Pines Horse Trials II held last weekend at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford. The Horse Park hosted over 300 horses offering Training, Intermediate and Advanced divisions.

Faudree and his longtime partner Antigua came in second in the Advanced-C division earning a score of 45.30. At 19 years of age, Antigua is going strong and could be headed for the Olympics.

"Brad (Antigua) doesn't owe me a single thing," said Faudree. "If we get to go to the Olympics, it would be a dream come true but if we don't, that is OK too."

Faudree feels that Antigua is one of the best cross country horses in the world right now.

Antigua is a very accomplished horse, having done several CCI's, the Pan American games and the World Equestrian Games.

"Every time we leave the start box, it is another chapter in the fairy tale I have lived with him," said Faudree.

Faudree was second in the Open Training-B division partnered for the first time with Julie Richards The Lioness, a relatively inexperienced 6-year old Thoroughbred. Faudree earned a score of 32.50 finishing behind Philip Dutton on Wild Tiger who had a score of 27.50.

"I had a lot of fun with her (The Lioness)," said Faudree. "She's a fantastic jumper. She's green but I'm excited about what the future holds for her."

Faudree rode three horses in the Preliminary division.

Faudree and Cari Swanson's Indiana Jones finished third in the Open Preliminary-B division scoring 39.20.

"I've never had a horse try as hard as that horse tries," said Faudree. "He gives 110 percent."

In the Open Preliminary-A division Faudree took a fourth place aboard Ginny and Randy Bailey's 15.2 hand McGlade.

"McGlade is a great little horse. You won't see his true capability until he gets to the top levels," said Faudree. "I think he's going to be a top horse."

Faudree also pulled a sixth-place ribbon with Pawlow in his first competition since undergoing colic surgery in December 2007.

Besides riding six horses, Faudree also walked the cross country course with students he was coaching at the event helping them plan their rides. Then Faudree had to hop on his horses and recall what lines he was going to take depending on each of his horse's needs.

"It was mentally challenging and exhausting to learn different dressage tests and remember different lines to take cross country for each horse," said Faudree. "You have a plan but then you have to ride what you have to get the job done."

Cross country course designer John Williams had a good go on Rebus, coming in first in the Open Training-D division with a 30.50. Gina Fiore-Kelly finished second aboard Kat with a 37.40.

Linda Dreher of Vass and Remington took a second place in the Open Preliminary-D division with a 39.80.

Ashley Adams and Vaunted were second in the Advanced-A division with a score of 67.70.

In the Training Rider division, Mary Martone finished fourth aboard her Bugatti scoring a 43.80. Amy Potts and Absolution were sixth with a 48.50.

The highest placed local finisher in the Junior division was Andrew Diemer riding Cold Harbor to a score of 46.70 which earned them a fourth place ribbon in the Junior/Young Rider-A class.

Unfortunately, due to an injury sustained in the warm-up ring a horse was humanely euthanized March 22. Task Force, owned by J.C. Chester of Washington, D.C., and ridden by Jan Byyny, suffered a catastrophic hind leg injury. Task Force, a 16-year-old thoroughbred gelding, had enjoyed a successful career in eventing with Byyny.

For full results, go to the Carolina Horse Park Web site at www.carolinahorsepark.com