Jen McFall and High Times in the Advanced. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The first day of dressage at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships is officially in the books, and what a day it has been! The weather in Texas has been hot and sunny, and Sally has been slaving away all day taking pictures and running back and forth to bring us up to date reports on the action. The Chinch has taken out his sunglasses and is selling sunscreen for an exorbitant price, or just for a selfie. Let’s check out what the competitors have been up to!
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Photo via Jon Holling’s FB.
First on the list, and most noteworthy of things that happened in Texas today: this selfie of Jon Holling, which is titled #winnerswearhairnets. For this, I salute you, Jon, although our new World Champion Sandra Auffarth doesn’t necessarily agree, I think you’ve got the right idea. In his own words, “Let’s be honest here people. It looks no worse than when someone who should be wearing one doesn’t. #justsayin“
Photo via Kandy Meehan.
Multiple AEC champion Carrie Meehan is currently leading the Senior Training Amateur division on a 27.7 with her horse Cavalier. We featured this pair on EN’s Got Talent last fall, and they’ve certainly proved they have the right stuff, winning left right and center all over the midwest. Check out Carrie’s swag bag from Area IV Adult Rider Team — pretty cool! Go Area IV riders!
Photo via USEventing IG.
Super groom Max Corcoran held a seminar today on Championship Turnout (worth checking out!), and her demo horse had a very cool clip job. I’m seriously jealous.
Photo via Ashley Russell.
Also, don’t forget about Eventing Nation’s Show Your Insanity Contest. Just decorate your golf cart for a chance to win amazing prizes from our sponsors. Defending Advanced champion Lainey Ashker is judging, and BABS Eventing is gunning for the top prize, I’d say. Check out that skeleton in the hot pink! And if you missed our heartwarming profile on Ashley from yesterday, click here to read it.
Photo via EN’s IG.
Buck and Petite Flower put in a big effort today, securing 4th place in the Advanced division with a 34.0. The ENTIRE Advanced division is separated by only 8.5 points, which is completely ridiculous. Those folks brought their dressage game hard today! This will make cross country very interesting, as a second here or there can make a big difference when everybody is so close!
The folks over at USEA have their video coverage game on point this week, bringing you great videos of the action! Be sure to check out their page (after you’ve read all the EN updates, obviously).
Photo via USEA FB.
Defending Advanced champion Lainey Ashker and “Al” sit neatly in third place on a 33.4, just 2.2 points away from the leader, Becky Holder and Can’t Fire Me. Lainey is notoriously fast and clean on cross country, and Al hates touching show jumps, so my money is on them to take home the top prize.
