Buck Davidson and Copper Beech Win Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Buck and his mother, Carol, celebrating Copper Beech's win. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Buck had a moment of panic before competition began at Jersey Fresh: he couldn’t find his lucky red and yellow socks. Shortly before the first jog, though, he found them in his camper and he knew then that the weekend would turn out just fine.

It certainly has been an afternoon of celebration here at Jersey Fresh, as Buck Davidson gave his mother, Carol, the best Mother’s Day present: a win in the CCI3*. Buck was a bit apprehensive about the show jumping with both Copper Beech and The Apprentice today, but he channeled those nerves and turned in two beautiful double clear rounds to take first and third overall. Buck said that the warm-ups were not as good as he wanted them to be, particularly on Copper Beech, but once he entered the ring it was all business for both horses.

Buck Davidson and The Apprentice. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Buck said earlier this weekend that he truly felt like he was sitting on a four-star horse with The Apprentice after cross country. Buck has kept Dirk at the Advanced level for quite some time now and has been working on improving the horse’s technique and confidence, and these efforts certainly came to a head this weekend when everything came together.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Phillip Dutton had a disappointing rail in the in and out with Fernhill Fugitive, which dropped him down to second place. Fernhill Fugitive and The Apprentice both ended the weekend on a 51.4, and Phillip was able to remain in second due to being closer to the optimum time (which he also won the Optimum Time award for). Phillip was very pleased with Jack’s effort, and the pair were also rewarded with the Best Conditioned Award for the event. This was definitely well-deserved, as Jack looked fighting fit through all three phases and looked as if he could easily go around again.

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sharon White and the lovely mare Under Suspection (“Pippy”) also had a rockstar weekend, ending up in fourth place after knocking two rails today in the show jumping. Sharon was over the moon with this exciting mare’s first CCI3* effort, where the mare also turned in a double clear cross country round. This mare has proven that she is fully capable of performing at this level – and being competitive – and it’s definitely one to keep our eyes on.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace were our highest place Young Rider combination, finishing up in fifth place after a lovely show jumping round with just a few time added. This is Quantum Solace’s CCI3* debut and Caroline’s first completion, and she competed all weekend with a huge smile. Many congratulations, Caroline!

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The course in the CCI3* also rode fairly tough. Buck was the only rider to deliver double clear rides. Caroline Martin, Kurt Martin, and Courtney Cooper all jumped clear with time, and again there didn’t seem be a specific fence that came down the most; the problems were spread out throughout the course. Many of the rails down could possibly be attributed to a bit of fatigue from a grueling cross country course yesterday, but most everyone looked pleased with their horses’ efforts.

It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend here at Jersey Fresh. I’d like to give a big thank you to the volunteers, officials, and staff members who made this weekend run smoothly despite some sketchy weather. Lisa, the press officer, has worked tirelessly with all of us media folk to ensure that we are taken care of. Brian O’Connor has been here announcing all weekend (and drinking some Guinness? Check out our Instagram for more on that!) in true Brian O. fashion, and overall it was a grand weekend that we will not soon forget.

Go Jersey.

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