The first day of competition at the Longines Masters of Los Angeles began early Thursday morning with the invitational classes. An opening course of eight jump elements, that led directly into the jump-off course with six fences in the Table IIC format, remained the same for all three height divisions for the day’s invitational competition.

In the 1.10-meter class, Diana Simonds (USA) took an early lead, as the second rider into the competition arena, riding Rutabega Farm’s Cabernet. Her time held up until the very last round when 14-year-old Alyce Bittar (USA) aboard Cara B delivered a blazing fast, double clear round to win the opening class.

“She’s pretty new for me,” Bittar said of her mare. “We got her in Germany in December and did the Paris Masters together then shipped her home. She’s good with everything. The course was really good and straightforward, and she was really calm.”

Bittar, the youngest rider in the competition, impressed viewers at her Longines Masters debut last year in Los Angeles, and she hopes to continue riding to top performances this year. “Last year, I was really scared, but this year, I feel really relaxed,” she added. “It’s better this year. I’m having a lot of fun with the horses.”

Clear rounds continued to flow seamlessly into jump-off rounds in the 1.20-meter class, although horses appeared to be impressed by the indoor and the surroundings. Alexandra Crown (USA) swept the first two positions aboard her horses Basic and Charley, respectively.

“My horses are jumping great,” Crown said. “It’s been a while since they’ve jumped indoors so they’re impressed and really jumping. Basic is very fast naturally and really hot. I’ve had Charley since he was six so he’ll always be my baby. He has a bigger stride and is really efficient.”

The University of Miami student, who trains with international rider Kent Farrington, flew in late last night and is looking forward to enjoying the show’s atmosphere.

“The show is very horse-friendly,” said Crown. “The ring rides nice and the warm-up is big.”

In the 1.30-meter class, Eve Jobs, aboard Quickley 3, recorded the only double clear to claim the victory in her first Longines Masters experience.

“The set up here is amazing,” Jobs said. “My horse loves it here. The show is laid out beautifully, and I’m excited to check out the vendors. This is my first indoor venue that I’ve ever competed in and so far, it’s been amazing.”