Meghan O’Donoghue gives Pirate a well deserved pat after their first Burghley test. Photo by Kate Samuels.
As a Burghley first-timer, it has been enthralling for me to visit the competition and be integrally involved in all the proceedings. First off, I must mention how incredibly well organized the entire thing is, and I can see right away why it is considered the riders’ favorite four-star. Everything is impeccable, from the footing to the security, it stands out as an event in its own category.
Day one of dressage is officially over, and we’ve seen thirty two riders complete their tests so far, which is a little over half the field. As with any competition, we saw some very well organized and masterfully ridden tests, as well as some horses that were clearly looking forward to Saturday just a little too much.
There are currently seven riders in the forties: two Americans, two Australians, and three British riders, which makes it 22% of the field under that magical marker of 50 penalties. Coach David O’Connor has said again and again that we need to produce tests in the forties to be remotely competitive on an international scene, and today we accomplished that very well, with Meghan siting right outside the mark. That is certainly a sign of progress for our future, something we are desperately needing after the WEG.
Marilyn Little & RF Demeter’s first Burghley halt and salute. Photo by Kate Samuels.
In the press conference, each one of the riders noted that they made little mistakes in their test, and knew there was more to be had, which can tell you a lot about event riders. They are always humble, even when they are at the top, and they are always seeking improvement. You simply cannot survive in this sport if you aren’t incredibly self aware, and if you don’t have an insatiable appetite for knowledge and increased ability.
When asked about their thoughts on the cross country course, there was one thing in common for all the top three: it’s enormous, but that’s par for the course at Burghley. Allison admitted that historically she and Arthur have a somewhat inconsistent record on the cross country, and she’s glad that she is finished with dressage and can focus on her plan for the next phase all tomorrow. She says that while it’s a known fact that Arthur can complete it all, she just has to go out there and be very determined and aggressive, in the same way that she rode in 2012 for a 6th place finish.
Allison Springer & Arthur post dressage test. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Sam Griffiths is riding Happy Times, who has had a bit of bad luck at this level, but he feels is due a four-star win. At the age of fifteen, Sam says that the gelding is feeling better than ever, but when asked about the course, he said that it’s ““Big and tough, and it will take a special horse to jump around that course but hopefully I’m sitting on one”.
An aspect that I have enjoyed very much is that each rider is interviewed publicly directly as they leave the arena, which produces some very interesting and sometimes hilarious results. No matter what the result on the big screen, riders have been very good humored and well spoken, and it’s a great way to share their thoughts with the public. Burghley is very much about including the crowds, which might be why there are so many attending!
Just an alley in the shops. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Speaking of crowds, the vendor area was completely ridiculous today. There are 630 vendors here at Burghley this weekend, ranging from high range tailored clothing to custom perfumes to crêpes or fish and chips to fancy cheeses. There were crowds at 10 AM for the start of dressage, which is something I can’t possibly imagine happening in the United States.
Tomorrow we have much more action, beginning at 10:00 BST (5:00 EST). Our sole remaining American rider is Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot after the lunch break, directly at 2:00 BST (9:00 EST). However, if you’re tuning in from home, Jock Paget rides at 10:56 BST (5:56 EST), William Fox-Pitt goes at 3:49 BST (10:49 EST) and Andrew Nicholson wraps up the dressage at 4:21 BST (11:21 EST).
Burghley Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Burghley TV] [Course Preview]
Thursday Afternoon Press Conference:
