Overnight leaders in the CCI5* – Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
What a day of dressage we had yesterday! The sun was shining on Kentucky and our stars of the show stepped up to the plate. Here’s our top three as things stand:
1️⃣ In pole position after the first day’s dressage is Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham with Banzai du Loir on a score of 26.
2️⃣ 5 points behind, also from Great Britain, are Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI on 31.
3️⃣ And rounding out the top three, just 0.1 behind, we have Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp with Carlitos Quidditch K on 31.1.
Ready for even more? Oh yes we are!
Here’s a taste of what we’ve got to look forward to today:
🇺🇲 From the US cohort we have the current top 3 on the USEA leaderboard:
1️⃣ Phillip Dutton is here with his stunning mare Azure;
2️⃣ World No. 3 Boyd Martin comes forward with Maryland 5* winner and fourth place finisher here in 2021 On Cue;
3️⃣ Liz Halliday’s exciting talent Cooley Nutcracker is making his 5* debut.
🇬🇧 The Brits are here in force with Olympic team gold and individual silver medalist Tom McEwen back with last year’s runner-up JL Dublin, and gunning for his fourth Kentucky win is World No. 1, Tom’s Olympic gold teammate Oliver Townend, who brings forward Maryland 5* third place finisher Cooley Rosalent.
🇦🇺 The Aussies are represented by 5* rookie combination Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II.
🇳🇿 And at the other end of the scale, in the Kiwi camp we have seven-time Kentucky competitor Joe Meyer with his 5* first-timer Harbin.
🇩🇪 Going for Germany this afternoon, we have World Championship team gold medalist Christoph Wahler, who’s been on hot form recently with his ride here this week, 5* first-timer D’Accord FRH.
I kid you not, the field is so totally stacked I could have highlighted them all – and if you’re wishing I had, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
The USA’s Sharon White and Claus 63 will kick off the action today at 1pm ET / 7pm CEST.
If you want to see when your favorites are going, you’ll find the ride times here.
Missed out yesterday? Don’t fret. Catch up with every step from Dressage Day One with the live blog, which you’ll find right here – and read our round-up report here.
Will there be a change at the top after today’s action between the white boards? Who will be heading into the best day of the year as leader of the pack? I’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the afternoon, so keep this page refreshed and watch this space! If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
If your appetite for all things Kentucky is as insatiable as ours – all hail the eventing nerds! – we’ve got a whole bunch of content coming your way, and then some. We’ve got more live blogs comin’ at ya – tune in tomorrow for the 4*-S and 5* cross country, and on Sunday for the finale of the 5* show jumping. AS WELL AS THAT we’re posting daily reports from each stage of the competition and we’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing. Click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle.
Let’s turn our attention to the center line, and go eventing!
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
4:08pm ET
Dressage is done, it’s actually the weekend (kind of) and we’re just one sleep away from The. Best. Day.
Here’s who’s heading out onto tomorrow’s cross country at the head of the pack:
1️⃣ Our clubhouse leader is Great Britain’s Tom McEwen with JL Dublin on a score of 24.6.
2️⃣ Just 1.4 behind, also from Britain, are Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir on 26.
3️⃣ And rounding out the top three we have a pair of Americans – Liz Halliday with Cooley Nutcracker and Lauren Nicholson with Vermiculuson 30.6.
But we all know that eventing’s not a dressage competition. Make sure you’re back with us tomorrow at 9am ET / 3pm CEST when I’ll be live blogging my fingers off for the 4*-S cross country AND the 5* at 1:30pm ET / 7:30pm CEST.
Eyes on for our Dressage Day Two round-up – coming soon. Until then, click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle.
That’s all from the dressage, and all from me for now.
Until tomorrow ENers, go eventing!
3:55pm ET
Phillip Dutton and Azure (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – ‘Sky’ made her 5* debut last season at Maryland but an unfortunate fall means she’s looking for her first top-level completion here this week.
1️⃣ Phillip is currently sitting at the top of the USEA leaderboard.
👀 Watch out for this pair on the cross country on Saturday – the mare has had jumping penalties just once – and that fall at Maryland – in 24 starts!
⏩ Bred and produced to CCI4* level by Irish international eventer Elizabeth Power, Azure joined Phillip’s barn in 2022.
📈 They were 12th in the 4*-S at Stable View earlier this month and 7th at Bouckaert Farm a few weeks ago, adding just XC time to their score on both occasions. Last season they won the 4*-L at Bromont, adding just 0.8 to their dressage of 36.4.
📋 Trending mid-30s in the first phase – they scored 34.2 at Maryland – they won’t be at the top of the pack once dressage is done, but Azure’s seriously impressive cross country jumping record means she’s likely to be climbing the leaderboard on Saturday.
🤠 Definitely a Dutton:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Azure truly is beautiful. A real picture. Phillip takes an extra circle before entering the ring and they’re dead straight down the center line. Sky looks very fit as she gets going into her trot work. She’s got lovely rhythm and she looks soft in the connection. She’s very powerful and expressive in her movements – there’s so much potential on show.
Sky shows a little tension in the walk, she’s looking a little buzzy. Phillip’s sitting very quietly. He’s managing to keep Sky to a walk, only just, but it is walk. The halt at C is very square.
Phillip has to be a bit tentative cantering down the long side, he’s riding really sensibly to keep a lid on Sky’s excitement without losing marks. Sky’s behaving very nicely and answering the questions he’s asking. Phillip doesn’t let the rein out too much in the stretch circle, but Sky is soft in her body on the whole.
They finish up with a square halt and Sky shows just how much excitement she’s been holding under wraps as there’s a massive cheer from the crowd. She gets a big pat from Phillip. Overall there was so much potential on show here, and a lot of strength and power that will stand them in good stead tomorrow.
Phillip Dutton and Azure score 37.4.
3:47pm ET
Boyd Martin and On Cue (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This pair were 4th in the 5* here in 2021 and then won at Maryland where they finished on their dressage of 25. They were top 10 at Burghley last season. In all of the starts at the level, they’ve never finished outside the top 10.
2️⃣3️⃣ Boyd is currently sitting in 2nd on the USEA leaderboard and is ranked 3rd in the world. He took home a team silver medal from the World Championships in Pratoni and has two Pan-Ams team golds and an individual title to his name.
🛀 It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️ So that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!
🤖 This 18-year-old has just a single XC jumping penalty on her record from 22 FEI competitions.
📈 Last season they were 3rd in the fall edition of the 4*-S at Bromont, where they topped the podium in the summer.
📋 They put down a 31.8 at Burghley last season. Their previous 5* scores in the first phase were both sub-30 though – a 25 at Maryland and 27 here at Kentucky in 2021. 👀 Eyes on!
On Cue’s already a 5* winner, is she on cue to add another to her card?:
Photo by Abby Powell.
Today’s Test:
Cue and Boyd mean business for sure. They halt dead square and move off fluidly into trot. Cue’s so correct in her steps, there’s lovely balance and rhythm to her trot. She’s light on her feet in the medium and this all looks very easy for this beautiful mare.
This is a big, long horse but Boyd holds her together brilliantly so she can deliver her best work. It’s just so comfortable to watch this pair. There’s a tiny moment when she has a little look around in the walk, but she’s back quickly and very relaxed, stepping out really nicely for Boyd.
The halt and reinback are excellent, so careful and clear. Boyd’s riding for every mark – so accurately – and Cue is responding beautifully. This test isn’t so extravagant as those at the top of the leaderboard, but it’s clean and soft and so settled, it really is lovely to see this partnership in action.
Cue hasn’t put a foot out of place throughout this test. They finish in a straight halt to a cheer from the crowd. A real lovely display of a horse and rider exactly on the same page.
Boyd Martin and On Cue score 32.2.
3:39pm ET
Doug Payne and Camarillo (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Camarillo, not Doug. At ten, Camarillo is one of the youngest horses here.
🥇 Doug won team gold at the 2019 Pan-Ams and was individually 16th at the Tokyo Olympics with Vandiver. He was 3rd here at Kentucky with his other ride in the 5* Quantum Leap in 2022, and has a further three top 10 5* finishes on his card.
📈 They were 18th in the 4*-S at Stable View earlier this month and 26th at Carolina International. They were top 20 here last year in the 4*-S.
📋 Their dressage scores range from the low to high-30s. In their two 4* runs this season they’ve posted a 32.4 and 34.4.
Camarillo sure is one striking gray:
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Today’s Test:
Camarillo looked pretty hot when we saw him in the warm up earlier. Doug takes his time after the bell rings. But he’s looking fairly relaxed as he canters up the center line and they start off with a square halt. Camarillo’s fussing around with the bridle a little bit and Doug’s doing a great job to keep him focused. His trot steps are lovely and there’s so much scope in this horse’s movement. He’s actually very relaxed in his body, despite the fussiness in his mouth.
The walk is a little tentative and there are a couple of unbalanced steps at times. It stays relaxed through. Not so much in the reinback, Camarillo’s head comes up and he hollows a bit for the first step, but listens when Doug asks him to drop his head and it finishes better than it started.
Doug’s not able to push down the long side in canter, he’s riding for the marks he can get but can’t let the lid off his really. Camarillo’s answering the questions he’s being asked though on the whole, a few bobbles in the connection here and there.
Overall, this test shows a fair bit of potential and Doug rewards Camarillo with a big pat at the end. Some lovely work, some bobbles. A lot of tactful riding.
Doug Payne and Camarillo score 38.
3:31pm ET
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (GBR)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – ‘Dubs’ made the trip to Kentucky last season and came 2nd, adding just 5.2 XC time penalties to his dressage score. He followed that up with 3rd place at Pau later in the year.
🏆 Dubs was European Champion as a 10-year-old in 2021 with Nicola Wilson, when he finished on his dressage score of 20.9.
🥇🥈 Tom took home team gold and individual silver medals from Tokyo with Toldeo de Kerser.
👟 Tom stays 5* fit by running (apparently he runs ‘round cross country courses, as well as putting in a more detailed walk, of course). He’s even run the London Marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
📈 They come here in hot form 🌶️ having won the 4*-S at Kronenberg, Netherlands last month on a finishing score of 27.3.
📋 This guy is ONE TO WATCH 👀 Dubs is the joint-best dressage horse in the field (tied with Yasmin Ingham’s Banzai du Loir). We’re not just talking sub-30 here, we’re talking low-20s, for sure with the potential to even go into the teens. They put down a 20.9 in Kronenberg, matching his career-best result. He scored 23.1 in the first phase at Pau last season, and 22.6 here in Kentucky.
🕺Twinkle toes:
Today’s Test:
Dubs looks great as he canters up the center line and Tom definitely looks to mean business. This is such a classy combination. And they go out to impress right from the off with a gorgeous extended trot – so powerful and big and expressive. Very high marks incoming.
There’s such suppleness in this horse and his movements are so flowing and rhythmical. And Tom rides his tests as accurately as it’s possible to be – he’s pushing for every single mark and is being rewarded with big ones.
Dubs has a really nice swing in the walk, every step is fluid and correct. The halt at C is excellent and the reinback looks easy. They’re smooth and fluid into canter. This is the beautiful test we were hoping for, so far.
Dubs really looks rideable and so very, very comfortable in everything Tom is asking for. He pushes for the extended canter and then Dubs comes straight back. Tom just has to soften the rein in the stretch circle and Dubs takes it forward and down. They really are a picture of harmony.
They finish up in a totally square halt, and there’s a massive cheer from the crowd in appreciation of such excellent work. Tom is super relaxed as he walks out of the ring with Dubs on the buckle end. There’s lots of cheers and applause from the crowd. This really was a gorgeous example of eventing dressage.
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin score 24.6 and go storming into the lead!
3:23pm ET
James Alliston and Karma (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! At 10, Karma is one of the youngest horses here.
💒 We love an eventing wedding and James didn’t disappoint, marrying fellow eventer Helen at Galway Downs in 2019.
🪜 Leaderboard climb incoming! This mare is a jumping machine! From her 8 international runs, she’s had no XC jumping penalties and time faults on just one occasion; in the show jumping ring she’s had one single pole.
📈 This combination headed over to the Netherlands last season to compete in the Nations Cup at Boekelo, where she finished on her dressage score of 35.9 for 14th place, helping the USA to claim team 4th.
📋 They tend to trend low to mid-30s in the first phase.
Knees up and ears forward:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Karma was USEA Mare of the Year last year. She’s real beautiful. She’s got a lot of energy and James will have to keep that on track between the white boards.
They get off to a nice start and Karma’s being good for James. There’s a tiny loss of balance at times in the trot work, partly because she’s got so much power. But there’s a lot of very nice work happening.
There’s a little bobble in the corner and it looks as though there’s a bit of tension creeping in. Karma seems to have noticed the massive atmosphere in the arena. She does relax at the beginning of the walk though. She’s a little fussy in the bridle, showing that tension, but she is walking cleanly.
She’s ready to go off into canter when James asks for the reinback, but she does listen to him. She’s happier in canter and is settling in now. James is doing a lovely job riding the horse that’s underneath him, he’s really sympathetic and soft.
There’s not a lot of stretch in the circle but Karma is looking more relaxed towards the end of their test. They finish up with a nice halt and Karma gets a good pat on the neck. Lots of potential on show here.
James Alliston and Karma score 38.3.
3:15pm ET
Elisabeth Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Cooley Nutcracker, not Liz! Liz was 3rd here last year with Miks Master C. Cooley Nutcracker is one of four 10-year-olds competing here.
3️⃣ Liz is currently sitting in 3rd place on the USEA leaderboard.
🥈 She won team silver at the Pan-Ams last season.
📈 This combination took 5th place in the 4*-S at Carolina International this season, where they added just 4.8 XC time penalties to their score. 11 penalties for activating a frangible device in the 4*-S at Stable View earlier this month saw them finish up in 20th place. Last season they won the 4*-L at Galway Downs and Mill Spring and were 2nd in the 4*-S at Morven Park. They were 9th in the 4*-S here at Kentucky.
📋 At 4* they trend in the mid to high-20s, but this flashy gelding is well capable of a low-20s test as he showed on his way to 2nd place at Morven Park where he put down a 22.6. He scored 24.5 here at the Horse Park in the 4*-S last season. 👀 Eyes on this one!
Big pats and a PB in the dressage here last year in the 4*-S:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Liz and Nutcracker are really straight at they canter up the center line. The halt is good to begin but there’s a bit of a step sideways. Buy boy, can this guy trot! It’s beautifully cadent and has such exquisite movement. Scores coming in are very high. This horse is so soft and supple which he shows off in the lateral movements. They’re comfortably in the lead in terms of the scores coming in at the start of the test.
Cooley Nutcracker is really listening to Liz and is very comfortable in his work. The walk is very secure until there’s a little spook at the camera. It’s tiny though and he’s straight back into some very, very nice walk work for lots more excellent scores.
Wow the halt at C is great, and the reinback is very secure. They go off into canter and there’s a little green moment, but Liz is straight on it and riding excellently, of course. Cooley Nutcracker settles into the canter and shows off just how good he is at all three paces.
There’s so much power on show, a little too much in the changes really. Liz looks a little frustrated at the end of the test, probably being a bit hard on herself. They get a huge cheer. There’s a nice pat for Cooley Nutcracker. Goodness, this is an exciting young horse.
Elisabeth Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker score 30.6 to go into equal second.
2:58pm ET
We’re heading into a short break now. Back in just over 15 minutes – at 3:15pm ET / 9:15pm CEST when we’ll wrap up the dressage at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event with the final six competitors and see who’ll be going out onto tomorrow’s cross country as leader of the pack.
2:50pm ET
Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This 17-year-old made his 5* debut here back in 2017 and has since been to seven more top-level events. In 2018 he was 5th here at the Horse Park, adding just a smidge of time to his dressage score. He was top 10 at Kentucky and Burghley in 2019, 16th here in 2019 and 12th at Maryland, and 4th at Luhmuhlen in 2022.
🥈 Lauren and ‘Bug’ were team silver medalists at the World Championships in Pratoni.
🤩 Lauren started out as a working student for David and Karen O’Connor.
📈 Bug sat out last season and came back this year for the 4*-S at TerraNova where he was 14th.
📋 At Luhmuhlen in 2022 he put down a 26.7 in the dressage. He’s also been sub-30 at Burghley and Kentucky, and very nearly at Maryland, where he posted a 30.7 in 2021. At the World Championships in Pratoni he scored 27.1. Eyes on this one 👀
🧀 Say, “Cheese”!
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Bug gets straight to business with a square halt to start. He’s got his ears pricked as he trots ’round the ring. Everything’s in such lovely balance and there’s lots of cadence in his steps. Lauren’s riding really accurately, of course, and showing Bug off to his best.
This pair really do make a lovely picture together, they’re such a team. Bug is clearly well within himself in his work, everything looks really easy. He’s very relaxed in the walk and steps out really nicely. He just steps square in the halt and then beautiful diagonal pairs in the reinback – super work on show here.
They get into canter and it’s more of the same – really lovely to watch and a horse who clearly knows his job. The flying changes are super accurate, expressive but balanced and clean. There’s a momentary mistake in the final chance, it’s clean but not quite at the right time. But my, the stretch circle is good, he takes his nose out and down and is really relaxed.
They come back up the center line and there’s a huge cheer as they halt. Bug looks ’round to acknowledge his applause. Lauren looks delighted with him. There’s even bigger cheers as Bug shows off as they walk out of the ring. Great work Bug.
Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus score 30.6. and go into 2nd place!
2:42pm ET
Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II (AUS)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! ‘Ernie’ not Bec – in fact, Bec made her 5* debut in 2003 at Adelaide. She’s back after a 21 year hiatus, now based in the US and ready to take on Kentucky.
😍 The first time she sat on Ernie she just knew she wanted to take him to Kentucky, and here they are!
🪜 We can expect a hustle for a leaderboard climb on Saturday for this pair – in 20 FEI competitions together, they have just one 20 on their XC record.
📈 They were 3rd in the 4*-S at Galway Downs last month.
📋 We’re looking at mid to high-30s in the dressage at 4*.
😁 Smiles all round:
Today’s Test:
Bec and Ernie halt and salute just as the sun beams down on them – this is one shiny horse! This is a very big horse, really impressive. He’s a little wobbly every now and then in his trot work, but he’s a big guy to keep together. His steps are nicely expressive and he looks to be very happy in his work.
He’s nicely relaxed in the walk at the beginning, but there’s a bit of a jiggy-jog coming in towards the end. A couple of anxious moments for Bec but she keeps a lid on it. She’ll be happy to get into canter.
Ernie gets a little pat for reassurance from Bec. He’s happier now he’s in canter but you can tell he’s super fit and ready for cross country. The changes are a bit excited. He doesn’t take the contact forward in the circle and drops back to trot. He jumps the final change.
They halt to a massive cheer and Bec looks incredibly happy with the horse. There was a lot to like and lots of potential on show.
Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II score 39.3.
2:34pm ET
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent (GBR)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This lovely mare made her 5* debut at Luhmuhlen where a green mistake cross country saw her finish in 27th; she came back out at Maryland and took 3rd.
1️⃣ Oliver is currently World No. 1 and has topped the podium here three times previously.
💯 He’s making his 100th 5* start here, only the third rider ever to rack up a century of top-level showings.
🥇👑 He won team gold at Tokyo and was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism by the late Queen of England in 2022.
📈 From 19 FEI competitions, this mare has three wins, five second placings and three third place finishes, only finishing outside the top 7 on three occasions. Last season she won the 4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim, finishing on her dressage of 24.7, the only competitor to keep a clean sheet across the board. And she’s still just a 10-year-old!
📋 We can certainly expect a sub-30 dressage score, perhaps even landing in the low-20s – at Maryland she put down a 23.1. Eyes on this one 👀
🌹 Queen Rosie’s ready for it:
Today’s Test:
Oliver makes his 100th entrance up the center line in a 5*. He looks like he means business. And so does Rosie, so straight.
Ah, she lifts her head in the halt and then there’s a tiny mistake as they break from the trot in the turn at C. Oliver’s straight on the case though. The scores improve significantly as this mare settles in. There’s so much power in the extended, so confident and soft. They’re totally focused now, both of them doing the job like pros.
Rosie shows her softness in the walk and the steps are all so clean and correct. There’s lots of expression, it really is lovely. The halt at C’s not quite square, just a smidge off. There’s a little mistake in the reinback too. They strike off into canter and deliver a very good change, and then another one. The scores are going up again now.
Oliver rides very boldly as he pushes down the long side, and Rosie comes straight back when he asks, she’s so adjustable. Oh, there’s a mistake as they head back down towards the final center line. That was a shame.
Overall Rosie for sure showed her class today, but there were a couple of mistakes. Lots of pats for her from Oliver at the end and he seems pleased with her efforts. Not their best score, but not a bad one either.
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent score31.4.
2:26pm ET
Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This stalwart campaigner has made 13 5* starts in his 12 year career, with 7 top 20 finishes on his record. He’s at the Horse Park for the third time after making his top-level debut here back in 2016. He’s no stranger across the Pond either, having been to both Badminton and Burghley multiple times. He achieved a career-best result at Maryland last season, finishing top 10.
🤖 At eighteen, he may be one of the oldest horses here this weekend, but this guy is a total XC machine! In 42 FEI competitions, he’s had jumping penalties just four times.
📈 He was 17th in the 4*-S at Bouckaert Farm this season, just adding XC time penalties to his score.
📋 His best score in the first phase, 33, came at Maryland in 2021; at Badminton last season he put down a 39.5.
😍 This guy:
Today’s Test:
I know I’ve said it a number of times, but man I love this horse! They make a straight entrance up the center line and Barnaby’s gets going in yet another 5*.
Ah, the bell has rung. Lillian’s being spoken to from the judging box. We’re just waiting to find out what’s going on. They’ve left the ring now and are walking out. I’ll update you once there’s news about what the judges saw, but it looks like we’re going to move onto the next competitor.
The live leaderboard is showing them as eliminated.
UPDATE: Here’s a statement from Lillian:
“The ground jury decided today that Barnaby looked uneven in his test and eliminated me from the competition. The vets have looked him over back at the barn and there is nothing to report. My best guess is that tension made him take some short steps. I am clearly devastated but I also am happy to have a healthy, sound horse and if there is one thing no one can argue, it is that Barnaby owes me nothing. I am here now to cheer on all my friends competing and will be back as a competitor another day.”
2:18pm ET
Bruce Davidson Jr and Sorocaima (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – 2022 saw them 14th at Maryland and 30th here. They were 9th at Maryland last season and 22nd here in Kentucky. Will they race even further up the leaderboard this time around? In his 19 FEI starts, he’s had cross country jumping penalties only twice, both times at Kentucky – Buck’ll be looking to put that right this weekend.
🏇 ‘Cam’ had a successful career in racing before turning his hoof to eventing, earning over $80,000 on the track. He made his eventing debut in 2020.
📈 Their most recent run saw them finish 11th at Bouckaert Farm a last month.
📋 We can expect a mid-30s score in the first phase – they put down a 36 at Kentucky last year and 34.2 at Maryland.
🐕 Cam jumps a corgi:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
This is truly a gorgeous horse. He looks so impressive as he canters ’round the ring. They’re nice and straight up the center line but the halt doesn’t quite come off, just one more step please Cam. He looks kind of like he’s curtseying to the judge at C as Buck salutes.
Cam seems very happy in the ring as he moves through the trot work. He’s doing everything Buck asks and trying hard. The walk is equally relaxed and, like the trot, could be bigger for the higher marks, but everything’s accurate and correct.
The halt at C is better, Buck niggles to get it square. they strike off into canter neatly and Cam continues in his quiet way – accurate and clean. They swing slightly off center in the change, but it’s true, and the second one is better. The third change shows up a little bit of a loss of rhythm in the front, it’s through behind though and the fourth one is similar.
He comes back up the center line and halts to a cheer from the crowd. Buck gives him big pats and they walk out. Really, this was a clear round for them. Cam was a good boy and tried hard.
Bruce Davidson Jr and Sorocaima score 37.
2:10pm ET
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This gelding made his 5* debut here in 2021 and came 24th; he returned to the Horse Park the following year for 16th place, and improved that further last year when he was 12th. He was 5th at Maryland in 2022, finishing on his dressage score. He’s also had a trip over the Pond to Burghley where he finished 12th and best of the Burghley first-timers.
🦊 ‘Foxy’ can be a bit quirky and isn’t always easy on the flat, so 🤞 he’s feeling settled for his test today.
📈 They were 7th in the 4*-S at Carolina International this season, where they added just 1.6 XC time penalties to their score.
📋 They put down a PB at the level at Burghley last year – 31.1. It was 35.7 here last time around.
😁 There’s no feeling like completing your first Burghley:
Today’s Test:
Jennie’s asking the crowd to stay quiet as she trots Foxy ’round the ring as we wait for the bell. They make a really straight entry down the center line. There’s some licking going on – from Foxy not Jennie – but he settles quickly as they get into the trot work.
This horse is so classy. He moves beautifully and looks really supple and bouncy. There’s lovely elevation in the trot and Foxy is light and soft. The scores are trending higher as the test goes on. There’s lots of suppleness on show in the lateral movements.
Jennie has her trademark smile on her face as they go into the walk. Foxy is relaxed enough throughout the walk although he shows that he’s fit for cross country at the end of the reinback when he really wants to jump into canter. Jennie brings him back and they continue in a nice canter, albeit with a little tension creeping in, just a tiny bit.
There could be a little more bend in the half passes, but Jennie’s riding tactically and making sure that they get the changes. Foxy really seems happy in his work and Jennie’s done a beautiful job.
They halt at the end and Jennie looks delighted. Foxy gets an enormous pat and Jennie’s grinning. She waves to the crowd. A lot of very nice work on show throughout this test, and great riding from Jennie.
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle score 37.
1:58pm ET
We’re heading into a short break now. Back in just over 10 minutes – at 2:10pm ET / 8:10pm CEST.
1:48pm ET
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – ‘Eddy’ made his 5* debut last season at Maryland where they finished 13th.
🎓 This gelding is a YEH graduate, winning the qualifier at Carolina Horse Park and going on to be Reserve Champion at the East Coast Championships.
🥈 They represented the US as members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team that brought home a silver medal in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Poland last year.
📈 They were 14th in the 4*-S at Carolina earlier this season where they added just 6 XC time penalties and a show jumping pole to their dressage score.
📋 We’re looking at low-ish 30s in the first phase based on their most recent form – they scored 33.4 at Maryland and 32.7 at Carolina.
😍 The look of love:
Today’s Test:
It looks kind of windy as Andrew and Eddy canter up the center line. They halt nicely but there’s a little wiggle coming out of it and Eddy comes off the bridle slightly. They push on and seem to get things together very quickly though. Eddy’s got a great uphill frame and there’s lots of power on show. He’s supple in the lateral work – it looks easy – and he’s got a lot of flexibility in the ribcage.
He spooks a little, at a camera it looks like. That seems to start off a bit of tension for Eddy, he’s starting to look rather nervous as he goes through the walk work – his head’s come up and he’s looking around.
He settles better once he’s off into canter. Eddy’s still a little distracted which shows up in the changes. Andrew’s really riding the horse underneath him and adapting to Eddy constantly. He’s very brave in the stretch circle and rides almost on the buckle. They finish up with a square halt and Andrew has a little sigh.
Lots of quality on show here, Eddy was tense and looking round but Andrew did a great job. This is an exciting horse and will have grown from this experience in the Kentucky atmosphere.
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello score 37.7.
1:40pm ET
Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH (GER)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! D’Accord FRH, not Christoph, who has a finish on his dressage score for 2nd place at Luhmuhlen on his card with Carjatan S.
🌶️ They come here in hot form having had a win and a 2nd place already this season.
🥈🥇 Christoph’s no stranger to the Championship podium – he has a European team silver and a World team gold to his name.
🧬 D’Accord is related to last year’s runner up, JL Dublin – they have the same sire.
📈 They were 2nd in the 4*-S in Strzegom, Poland this month, adding just 2.4 XC time penalties to their score. The previous month they won the 3*-S in Luhmuhlen, Germany, where they also added just 2.4 XC time penalties to their score. They sure are a speedy pair! They were individually 12th at the 4*-S Nations Cup in Boekelo at the end of last season, jumping clear inside the time in the XC, adding just a single pole in the show jumping to their score.
📋 At 4* we’re looking at low-30s in the first phase.
Shining in Strzegom:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Christoph and D’Accord get their Kentucky underway with a great square halt. They travel across the arena in the medium – massive scope and movement. This really is a lovely stamp of a horse. There’s so much power and rhythm in his trot work and Christoph is pushing for every mark – he’s really riding bravely.
The walk isn’t quite as impressive as the trot, but D’Accord is relaxed and there’s more accurate riding from Christoph. They move off into canter and everything is starting to look a little more safe than earlier. There’s no mistakes but it’s not quite as wow as during the trot work. We see why when D’Accord has a tiny moment, but then he’s right back with Christoph.
There’s some tension going on under the surface. Christoph has just given D’Accord a little pat. He keeps a lid on it though and there’s a sigh of relief in the halt from Christoph. He looks quite disappointed. The test started off really well and looked to be an exciting contender, but there was obviously tension creeping in as it went on. A shame as this horse clearly has potential to spare.
Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH score 34.
1:32pm ET
Joe Meyer and Harbin (NZL)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Harbin that is. Joe’s actually been to Kentucky (as well as Luhmuhlen, Pau, Badminton and Bughley!) a number of times – this is his 7th start here.
🧬 Here’s a cool fact for you… Joe’s mom and dad owned the stallion that sired Mark Todd’s Charisma!
🔥 Joe was part of the Kiwi crew at the Beijing Olympics where he finished top-25 individually.
📈 This season they were 3rd in the 4*-S at Bouckaert Farm, where they added just XC time to their first phase score, but came back out for the 4*-S TerraNova and had to bow out of the XC due to a technical elimination. They spent some time in the UK last season, where they were 21st in the 4*-L at Blenheim, adding just 4 XC time penalties to their score.
📋 At 4* we’re looking at dressage scores ranging from the mid to high-30s in general, although this pair aren’t averse to dipping a hoof into the 40s sometimes.
There’s always time at an event for a little munch:
Today’s Test:
Wow, Harbin looks beautiful as he trots ’round the outside of the ring waiting for the bell. He’s snow white in the Kentucky sunshine. They canter straight up the center line but then lose the straightness slightly in the halt. This horse really picks his feet up in the trot work, he’s very expressive. He doesn’t always have the balance to match his steps, but there’s a lot of potential on show.
There could be more bend in the lateral work and there’s some loss of rhythm, but Harbin is obviously trying hard for Joe. He’s reasonably relaxed at the beginning of the walk work, but then the tension creeps in. There’s a loss of rhythm and Harbin shortens his neck slightly. There’s a tentative halt at C and then Harbin really shows how hot he’s feeling when Joe asks for the reinback, there’s a bit of an argument. But he does step back and they continue on into canter.
Harbin looks more settled in the canter work. There are still some wobbles, and little mistakes in the changes, but there’s a fair bit of quality on show, this is an exciting prospect for the future for sure; it’s his first time at the level.
The final halt is very nice. Harbin looks very fit and he showed that at times in the ring, but there’s a lot to like about this horse and it’ll be exciting to watch him jumping over the next couple of days.
Joe Meyer and Harbin score 40.4.
1:24pm ET
Mia Farley and Phelps (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This duo burst onto the 5* scene with the only clear inside the time at Maryland last season, which earned them 5th place on their top-level debut.
💲 Phelps cost $1! Seriously! At EN we think he’s worth his weight in gold!
👀 This pair are ones to watch on Saturday, that’s for sure. From 16 FEI runs there are zero XC jumping penalties on his record – not a single one.
📈 They were 8th in the 4*-S at Bouckaert Farm last month.
📋 We can expect a low-30s score in the first phase – at Maryland they put down a 32.9.
Phelps flew ‘round his first 5*:
Today’s Test:
Phelps enters the ring and there’s a trot step or two as they come into the halt. They get off into their test happily though and right from the start look like a partnership that’s on the same page.
Phelps is answering every question Mia asks of hi. He’s obviously trying hard for her. This isn’t a horse with the biggest movement, but everything he’s doing is accurate and neat. He really relaxes nicely at the beginning of the walk. The scores have been increasing consistently as this test has progressed. A little tension creeps in to the end of the walk work, and the reinback isn’t as smooth as it could have been. They strike off into canter and Phelps is back to looking very happy in his work.
The changes are clean but Phelps comes a little bit above the bridle sometimes. He takes the contact in the stretch circle and is really showing that he’s listening to Mia at this point.
There’s a big cheer as they halt at the end of their test. Mia gives Phelps the biggest pat. Overall this was a nice demonstration of a horse and rider working well together.
Mia Farley and Phelps score 33.8.
1:16pm ET
Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – They were 16th at Burghley last season and 13th here at Kentucky. They also completed in 31st place at Badminton in 2022, and had two 5* finishes in 2021 – Maryland and Kentucky, where they finished 24th and 14th respectively.
🧬 ‘Mason’ is the product of two eventer parents – Mighty Magic, who won the Seven-Year-Old Eventing World Championships in 2011 with Andreas Dibowski (who also rode Mason), and Straightaway, a 4* campaigner in her own right.
🤖 As we may expect given his parentage, Mason is an out-and-out XC machine. In 25 FEI competitions he has just a single jumping penalty – one.
📈 They were 20th in the 4*-S at Carolina this season where they produced a speedy XC round, adding just 3.2 time faults to their dressage of 37.4. They rolled two poles in the show jumping to complete on a score of 48.6.
📋 Mason is what you could safely call, enthusiastic. Will’s challenge is keeping all that enthusiasm contained in this phase. At Burghley last season they scored the first 10s of the competition for a drool-inducing halt, earning them a career-best sub-30 score. They put down a 35.1 at Kentucky last year and a 38.8 at Badminton in 2022.
😘 There are a few people at Team EN who’d love a smooch from Mason:
Today’s Test:
Mason shows off his twinkle toes as he trots around the ring. He’s truly stunning, and obviously talented, but boy, does he look hot (not in the good way). There’s a fair bit of tail swishing going on. Will pushes for the extended though and Mason really travels across the arena.
There’s clearly a fair bit of tension going on, but Mason is a good boy in the walk – he’s a little speedy and his head comes up a little in places, but there’s no jigging going on. Mason has a little look around in the halt.
They go off into canter and Mason just wants to get quicker and quicker. There’s some very electric looking strides across the arena and Will does really well to get Mason back. He’s having to ride masterfully to deal with all the excitement that’s bubbling over for Mason.
Mason really gets more and more difficult to keep a lid on as the test goes on and Will must be very relieved when he comes to the final halt. Mason looks very pleased with his efforts and obviously can’t wait for tomorrow’s cross country. Will looks incredibly disappointed as he rides away.
Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way score 40.6.
1:08pm ET
Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – Zach and ‘Rosco’ completed here last year in 24th place.
🏆 For that completion, he was awarded the James C. Wofford “On the Rise” trophy.
📈 They were 6th in the 4*-S at TerraNova last month, where they added just 3.6 XC time to their dressage of 39.2.
📋 Their best 5* dressage result was at Maryland in 2022 where they put down a 35.9; they had a hoof in the 40s in 2023. They scored 43.5 here last time around.
#toothpastepants 🪥 👖
Today’s Test:
Roscoe looks very relaxed as he canters around the ring waiting for the bell. They come up the center line and there’s a few trot steps into the halt. They wiggle a bit as they set off but Zach keeps things together. Roscoe could show a little more bend and suppleness in the lateral work but his trot is nice and rhythmical. They’re not pulling in the top marks but everything is coming up accurately. Zach’s really riding Roscoe sympathetically, keeping him relaxed and soft to the contact.
There’s a little jiggy-jog under the surface of the walk, it’s clear Roscoe would rather be cantering.
Ohhh, Roscoe’s waves at the judges when Zach asks for the reinback. But comes straight back for Zach. That’ll affect their marks although it would have made a cool photo.
Roscoe settles a bit better once the canter starts. The accuracy’s back on the whole, but the changes are tricky for this gelding. The marks aren’t quite so good as in the trot work, but Roscoe is trying and is answering Zach’s questions.
They halt and Zach looks a little pensive. Overall Roscoe did a nice job really, except for that one moment in the halt at C, but he came back to Zach and worked for him for the rest of the test.
Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance score 41.2.
1pm ET
Sharon White and Claus 63 (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Claus, not Sharon – in fact, this is the 6th horse Sharon’s brought up to 5*.
🥈 Sharon and Claus were part of the US team in at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season and brought home a team silver medal, finishing 10th individually.
📈 They had an unfortunate 20 on the XC in the 4*-S at Carolina this season, which saw them finish in 32nd place. They won the 4*-S at Ocala International last season, where they very nearly finished on their dressage score. They’re no strangers to the Horse Park, having competed in the 4*-S in 2022 when they came 17th.
📋 They had been trending in the low-30s in the first phase at 4*, although they posted a 39.1 at Carolina earlier this season.
Braids for days and a day to remember today as Claus sets out in his first 5*:
Today’s Test:
Here we go – the first of the day! Sharon makes a very straight entrance and nails the first halt – a great start to their competition. Claus really is a lovely mover, really bouncy and expressive. The scores are very good at the start of their test. He could show a little more bend in the lateral work, but there’s a really nice cadence to his trot. This is a horse and rider who make a real picture together.
Claus is very relaxed in the walk. He’s not taking massive steps, but he’s listening to Sharon nicely and doing his best. Another lovely halt at C and very obedient in the reinback. Very seamless work from this pair so far.
They set off neatly into canter and the first flying change comes easily. The second one is also very tidy. Claus is really in a lovely frame and the scores are consistent throughout this part of the test. Everything’s so accurate and considered, really showing what a team they are.
Sharon grins at the end of the test, she looks delighted with her horse and so she should be – this was a lovely test throughout, so much potential on show for this 5* first-time horse.
Sharon White and Claus 63 score 30.7.
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
