Robin Stempel enjoyed a dream debut on the United States dressage stage by claiming top honours in the Park competition held in Aiken, South Carolina.

Competing for the first time in the United States Dressage Federation Level 4 Division, Stempel, on board Rossano Royal 2, performed outstandingly well to pick up two victories from the weekend.

The successes came in the Fourth Level Test 2 where the duo top scored with 67.8 per cent, while they also claimed top honours in the Fourth Level Test 1 with a score of 65 per cent.

It proved a welcome return to competition for the 18-year-old who saw her ambitions of representing Bermuda in dressage at the Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championship dashed last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What makes her latest triumph even more impressive is that Stempel and her horse were reunited in the US only late last year, leaving little preparation time for the competition.

Rossano Royal 2 was due to make the move over to the US last summer. However, because of the ongoing disruptions caused by the pandemic, as well Hurricane Paulette, he did not leave the island until mid-November.

“I’m delighted with Robin’s wonderful success,” said Angela Halloran Smith, Bermuda’s national dressage coach. “It is a testament to Robin’s focus and training ethics.

“It is equally as impressive as it is extremely encouraging that Robin was able to take all that she has learnt from her training in Bermuda and be able to not only compete at a much higher level but to also perform admirably well.

“This clearly demonstrates all that our Island of Bermuda has to offer as well as the potential that is on island."

Stempel and Rossano Royal 2 are due to return to the dressage arena for the next competition in March and could compete at a higher level.