Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. Photo by Shelby Allen.
“It’s like Christmas every day.”
That’s how today’s CCI2* leader at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event describes what it’s like to ride her own Louis M. And who can blame her? The 12-year-old Rheinlander is a dream on the flat, and he was dubbed “first phase freak” by the team at EquiRatings after 20 consecutive sub-40 scores at international competition.
It was no shock then when in Cornelia’s first CCI2* appearance the pair handily took the lead with a score of 45.8.
“He was fabulous as always. As Sharon (White) says, he goes to work every day with a coat and tie. He never fails to teach me something every time I get on him,” Cornelia smiled. “He obviously is quite experienced. He’s teaching me to ride like a German and what it should properly feel like, and I’m very grateful for it.”
Boyd Martin and Kyra. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Following in second place is Boyd Martin with Christine Turner’s Kyra. The 10-year-old Canadian Warmblood sits on a score of 50.2 going into Saturday’s cross country. Boyd picked up the ride in 2016, and this will be their second attempt at this level.
Colleen Rutledge and UNO. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Colleen Rutledge and UNO slot into third place after the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse earned her best international score to date and at at her CCI2* debut to boot!
“She’s just a class little mare. She doesn’t have extravagant gaits, but what she does is show up and give you 110% every single day,” Colleen said proudly. “She is a workman. If I could have 10 horses with her work ethic, I’d have an incredible string.”
Colleen bought UNO from the mare’s breeder and former rider Jane Sleeper last fall, and the partnership is already looking very promising.
“She’s been steadily improving both her national and her FEI dressage scores. She shows up to work every single day. She goes in. She gives me what she has on that day, and sometimes even a little more than I realized she had. I can’t ever be upset with her,” she continued.
Natalia Neneman rode Natalie Neneman Eventing’s Weisser Riese, a 14-year-old Trakehner, to fourth place earning a score of 53.1.
Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Division-leader Cornelia Dorr also piloted her second ride, Sir Patico MH, to fifth place today. The 11-year-old Zweibrucker sits on a score of 53.7.
“Dressage is our weaker phase because I’ve had him so long and I wasn’t the strongest on the flat so together it was our weaker point,” Cornelia said. “But with the help of Louis it’s definitely becoming more of a consistent phase. I was really happy with how it was today and the connection we had throughout.”
We would be remiss if we covered the weekend without addressing the looming sadness that each and every one of us feels this weekend as we remember Philippa Humphreys, who died tragically while competing here last year. Philippa was a remarkable mother, wife, friend and horsewoman who is missed very dearly.
Philippa is survived by her husband, Peter, and daughter Millie. Last year, a college fund was created to ensure that Millie has access to the best education possible. The fund is still growing, and getting closer and closer to its goal. Those who feel inclined can donate at this link.
You can watch Cornelia and Louis’ winning ride thanks to the wonderful David Frechette aka The Horse Pesterer:
Jersey Fresh Links: Website, Dressage Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
