North Americans Out in Full Force at Tattersalls in Ireland

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It’s a big week for Team USA and Team Canada in Ireland, as we have a full contingent set to compete across several divisions at Tattersalls International Horse Trials, one of the country’s biggest events of the year. Our North Americans all passed the first horse inspection today, and the action kicks off with dressage tomorrow.

We’ve had one last minute withdrawal, as Clark Montgomery did not present heavy favorite Loughan Glen at the first horse inspection. It was just a change of plans for the horse, and Jess Montgomery confirmed this afternoon that Glen is just fine — “bright eyed, bushy tailed and fit as a fiddle” — and still right on track for Luhmühlen, where he’s entered in the CCI4* later this month.

Like last year, Tattersalls will once again be running an excellent free live stream (which started today with CCI* dressage and super commentary from the fabulous Sue Stewart), so you’re definitely going to want to tune in. Click here to check out the entries in all the divisions, and read on for our full preview on the North American pairs.

The Irish Field CCI3*

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach have the chance to make an early statement for Olympic selection at Tattersalls, which is a selection trial for Rio. This 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin is already an experienced competitor at this level, having won Jersey Fresh CCI3* and placed second at Galway Downs CCI3* last year. This is his first trip back home to Ireland, and he should feel right at home should rain keep coming down like it did today during the trot up.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

George Mernagh Memorial CIC3*

British-based American Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire are one of two U.S. combinations competing in the CIC3*. Katherine and this 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare she owns have already had success for the U.S. this year, finishing sixth in the CCI3* at Ballindenisk last month. This horse finished 10th in the CIC3* at Tatts in 2012 with Steven Smith in the irons, so Katherine will look to replicate that good result with the mare.

It’s fantastic to see Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master returning to competing after the horse sustained an injury at Badminton last year. This is the first event back at the FEI level for “Rupert,” a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Blithe Hill Farm. He’s done three Intermediates and one Advanced since the beginning of April, and Samantha Clark caught up with Rebecca at Aston Le Walls earlier this month to find out more about Rupert’s triumphant return.

This is a big summer for Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace, as they’ve traveled across the pond to compete not only at Tattersalls but also at the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham next month. Tatts is their first overseas competition! Caroline and “Nacho,” a 10-year-old Argentinian Thoroughbred gelding owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin, have been competing successfully at the three-star level since 2013. He’s an extremely good cross country horse, and this should serve as an ideal final prep for Bramham.

Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Eventing Ireland CCI2*

Katherine Coleman and Longwood, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding she owns, will be the sole pair flying the Team USA flag in the CCI2* division. This horse was sixth in the Under 25 CCI2* at this event with Charlotte Agnew in the irons in 2011, so he has plenty of experience at this level. Katherine has had the ride on him for about a year, and they will look to complete their first CCI2* as a combination at this event.

Cooley Farm CCIYH*

Irish-based American Brianne Stanley is riding her homebred Bit of Business in the Young Horse CCI* division. This 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare owned  by Eleanor Hadden did her first CIC* last month at Ballindenisk and is now stepping up for her first CCI*. The majority of the division did dressage today, and Brianne and Bit of Business scored 59.4 to sit in 42nd place currently. There are 68 total competitors in the division, so more action to come tomorrow.

Where the action is happening tomorrow! Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Where the action is happening tomorrow! Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Watch Live

CCI3* dressage will stream all day tomorrow at this link. It is free to watch; you just need to sign up. You can click here to see the full live stream schedule for the week. Sadly we won’t get to see much of the CIC3* or other divisions on the live stream since all eyes will be on the CCI3*, but we can still cheer on Buck and Sean tomorrow; they do their test at 9:35 a.m. EST.

We’ve teamed up with the fabulous Niamh Flynn of the Tattersalls press team, Libby Law Photography and the Eventing Consultant himself Diarm Byrne of EquiRatings to bring you lots of photos, coverage and behind-the-scenes tidbits from #Tatts2015, so keep it locked on EN. Go Eventing.

Tattersalls Links: Website, EntriesRide Times, Live ScoresSchedule, Live Stream@Tatts2015