By the Numbers: Rebecca Farm CCI3*

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry. Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rebecca Farm is one of the most beautiful venues in the country, and the way they roll out the red carpet to competitors, spectators and volunteers alike makes it a coveted destination event. The travel distance is quite daunting even from the west, let alone for those in the east, so Rebecca Farm has generously provided many travel grants throughout the years to aid in transportation.

The date of Rebecca sometimes conflicts with major team competitions, so their attendance generally swells every four years when potential team members can take the time to make the trek out west. This year the Olympic Games loom on the horizon, scuttling attendance by anyone going to Rio. Nevertheless, a few big names are all set to contend.

The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. Ian Stark has designed this course since the event’s inception, giving the North American-based riders a chance to try their mettle over a course similar to many of Ian’s designs over in Europe. Chris Barnard will be taking over the show jumping courses for the first time this year. You can watch the competition live thanks to Ride On Video.

TOP FIVE

1. Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection: An experienced horse and experienced rider competing together for the first time this year, these two recently made their mark with a top five finish at the Great Meadow CICO3*. This will be their first CCI3* together as they tick off the qualification boxes.

Hannah Sue and Under Suspection scored a 49.8 on this test at Great Meadow, the only time they’ve done this test in their new partnership. Although they haven’t jointly seen an Ian Stark course yet, they have averaged 8.4 time penalties in their three runs which should move them up after cross country day. Since these two have yet to have a rail together at this level, they’re likely to jump double clear on Sunday. That would clinch them the win on a score in the high 50s.

Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

2. Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight: As one of the most experienced pairs in the field, Jolie and Goodknight are no strangers to the Rebecca Farm course. However this will be their first time here since 2013 and also their first go at the CCI3* course here.

Jolie and Goodknight average 52.9 on this test. They are likely to be one of the swifter pairs on cross country day, averaging only five seconds over the time when attempting Ian Stark courses. Goodknight hasn’t seen a Chris Barnard course before, but does average one rail and one time penalty overall in show jumping. A score just under 60 would be good enough for second place this weekend.

3. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach: Buck is a strong supporter of this event, almost always making the effort to get at least a couple of horses in his string out west. This year he is bringing a green horse in Approved Power, plus Copper Beach, who will be attempting his fifth CCI3* after a successful first CCI4* run at Rolex in April.

Copper Beach will be up near the top after the flat, averaging a 49.6 on this particular test. Although not always the quickest across the country, an average of 7.2 time penalties over Ian Stark’s courses will be enough to keep him in the mix. This pair averages one rail over Chris Barnard’s courses,the same as their overall average. A final score just over 60 would put Copper Beach in third at the end of the weekend.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

4. Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream: The precocious Cooley Dream is stepping up this weekend for his first CCI3*. Hannah has some exciting horses in her string now, and two top-five finishes would make the long trip to Rebecca Farm more than worth it.

Cooley Dream performed this test at Great Meadow to the tune of 49.6, although his overall average is a few points below that. With his inexperience, Hannah Sue has been taking her time across the country with him, accumulating an average of 13.6 time penalties. This is another of Hannah’s string that has yet to have a rail at this level. Look for them to finish fourth with a score in the low 60s.

5. Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon: Ellen and Sir Oberon made the trek from Texas out to Rebecca Farm for their second CIC3* back in 2013, and they return as a much more experienced pair for the CCI3*. Sir Oberon just delivered his first clear round at a four-star at Rolex in April and will look to be finishing in the top five this weekend.

Although this pair usually scores in the low 50s, they struggle slightly with this test, averaging a 57.9 in two attempts. They do tend to run more swiftly over Ian Stark courses though, accumulating an average of 6.8 penalties as opposed to their overall average of 12.4 time penalties. This will be the first time they attempt a Chris Barnard course, and although they average a rail overall, they should be able to maintain their position. Sir Oberon should round out the top five with a score in the high 60s.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

THE DARK HORSE

James Alliston and Parker: Parker has run more CCIs than any other horse in the field, having finished an astonishing 10 out of 11 CCI3* and CCI4* runs, only three of which had time penalties. Double clear is the name of the game for this cross country machine, including a finish at last year’s inaugural Rebecca Farm CCI3* a remarkable 38 seconds below time.

Although Parker normally averages in the mid-60s for dressage, he did score a personal best of 50.9 on this test the only time he performed it, which was at this venue last year. If he replicates that effort and puts in an average show jumping round, he can crash the top two this weekend.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SLEEPER

Caroline Martin and Effervescent: Effervescent has only had three runs at this level so far, but he’s already proven to be a potential star for Caroline. His dressage has been incredibly consistent, hovering just over 50. He’s had no more than one rail per round thus far, and most importantly has run clear cross country rounds no more than 15 seconds over the time. If they put in a typical performance in all three phases, they could take home the win this weekend.

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