Rene purchased Royal Opponent, a 2003 Oldenberg gelding, as a 5 year old and the team had a strong start winning many championships and high point awards at training through second level.  When their scores started to drop at third level, Rene and Royal decided to take a break from showing.  In 2020 Rene moved to Hilda Gurney Dressage with the goal of improving test riding and raising competition scores as he moved up the levels.  Under Hilda’s guidance the pair’s scores improved and they were back in the top ribbons winning High Point at Santa Barbara, El Sueno, and SCEC, as well as several year end championship awards.  In 2022 Rene set a goal of a “Top 5” finish at the USDF/CDS Region 7 Champions at 3rd Level.  That goal was realized when Rene and Royal Placed 4th in the USDF 3rd Level Championship Class, and 5th in the CDS 3rd level CDS Horse of the Year.  Rene is currently working on the final scores for his Silver medal and hopes to make his Prix St. George debut in 2025.