If you’re just tuning in to EN today, the top three combinations in the Jersey Fresh CCI3* all delivered personal best dressage scores, which is all the more impressive when you consider the three horses are stepping up to the CCI3* level for the first time.
Ryan Wood and Summit Sporthorses’ Powell lead on 43.6, Allison Springer and Mary Ann Ghadban’s Cascani sit in second place on 44.3, and Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Pfun round out the top three on 45.0.
About three-fourths of the CIC3* also did their dressage tests today, and Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s Effervescent lead on 50.0 in the horse’s first crack at the level with five more pairs still to come tomorrow.
Click here if you missed today’s full report. We caught up with Ryan, Allison, Will and Caroline in this afternoon’s press conference, and here are the quotes you need to read.
Ryan Wood on Powell’s performance: “He did a really solid test. He’s a big fancy moving horse and didn’t have any mistakes. There were a couple of places where it could have been a little more polished, but I’m pretty happy with him.”
Ryan on how Powell handles the pressure: “He’s pretty laid back. I rode him once yesterday and got him and warmed up and went in today. He doesn’t get too frazzled.”
Ryan on John Williams’ cross country course: “The course looks pretty challenging. There are a lot of technical questions. It’s a 10-minute course, so hopefully we’ve got him fit enough. We’ll set out to go fast and see what we can come home with.” (Click here to preview both the CCI3* and CCI2* courses.)
Will Faudree on Pfun’s test: “I’m very happy with him today. He basically has moved up to Advanced this season due to me being sidelined last autumn. He’s been really good this year. He’s gotten more rideable in the ring each time out. He’s not the biggest flamboyant-moving horse, but he’s got such a great brain and a workman attitude.”
Will on how Pfun’s dressage has improved: “I’ve been able to add a little bit of spark to his trot work each time out. Hs walk and his canter are always his strongest suit. He was the hardest horse to learn how to do the changes. I was lucky having Jon Zopatti ride him for five months to help with the changes. He got both changes today clean.”
Will on Pfun’s opportunity to qualify for Rio: “I think very highly of the horse. He’s 9. He’s not ever fazed by crowds or atmosphere. … He sort of feeds off that. It only helps him. If they need him, I’ll be there ready to take him. If things go well this weekend, I would hope to take him to Blenheim if they don’t need him to the Games. We’ll see. He’s been very consistent. I’ve done two two-stars. It’s a long track.
Will on the course: “There are a lot of twisty, turny, technical questions. I’m going to set out on Saturday and see what I have and listen to my horse. If I’m given the opportunity to keep putting the pedal down and chase the time, then I’m going to do that. If he feels like he needs a second to understand things, then I’m prepared to do that. I have a great partnership with him.”
Allison Springer on Cascani’s test: “He was new to me just over a year ago now. My first competition on him was Prelim at Carolina last year. He moved up to Advanced at Pine Top this spring. He’s just been going from strength to strength. I’m thrilled with him. His previous best score was a 49, and he has a lot to improve on. I’m really pleased with him. He’s a good, good boy.”
Allison on Cascani’s personality: “He is really sweet and quiet, but he’s not a dud. I was hacking past a port a loo at The Fork and someone came out of it. He shot so high in the air and bolted and I almost fell. I think he trusts me a lot. Our partnership has grown a ton. He’s a really pleasant horse for sure.”
Allison on improvements to Jersey Fresh: “I really appreciate all the improvements Jersey Fresh has put into the event. It’s so noticeable in every way. I think the tracks have really improved, the fence construction, the overall experience of being here is so much better. All the riders really appreciate that.”
Allison on Cascani’s opportunity to qualify for Rio: “It’s his first season at Advanced, so the likelihood of that happening is pretty nil. I think he’s definitely a ream horse for the future. If he gets to participate in some (team training) this summer then that’s fantastic. If not, then I’d love to take him to Europe, maybe Boekelo. I think he’s a horse that would be extraordinary in atmosphere.”
Caroline Martin on Effervescent’s test: “I’m definitely happy with him. He’s a really good horse. He’s very honest He’s taught me a lot in the dressage, and I’ve been able to learn from him and teach my other horses. He’s stepped up well to Advanced level. The changes were a little bit of a struggle at The Fork (his first Advanced event). Having the extra month to school them definitely helped a lot.”
Caroline on preparing Effervescent for his first CIC3*: “We came up (from Florida) a little bit earlier this year to Pennsylvania to have a couple extra weeks to gallop up the hills. I think now his overall body has changed. He’s a totally different horse than he was at this time last year and even from Fair Hill two-star last fall. That makes me extremely happy.”
Caroline on her plans for Effervescent’s future: “Now that we’ve gone Advanced, my idea is to get him prepared to do a CCI this fall and hopefully next year he could be a good horse to do Bramham Under 25. We’re both still green at the Advanced level, but he’s solid in all three phases.”
Caroline on the course: “It’s definitely twisty turny, which is good for him since he is adjustable. That’s why he’s so good on the flat. It definitely is challenging. The skinnies are that much skinnier coming to this show. Questions are just that little bit harder than The Fork.”
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