Andrea Leatherman and Mr. Poppers. Photo via Lainey Ashker's IG.
The Novice and Beginner Novice riders have perhaps the biggest challenge this weekend, competing in very large divisions for their shot at the top prize. We see some very good scores coming out of these divisions from the first phase of competition and are excited to see these pairs finish the weekend out strong with cross country tomorrow and show jumping on Sunday.
In the Junior Novice, Seguin Alexander took one for the home Texas team and scored the first place award aboard Motion Granted with a 22.5. Side note here, every Novice and Beginner Novice division is currently lead by a score in the 20s. Very impressive!
Emily Ciafone and Cady O’Daly Gabriel hold second place on a 23.5, and Amber Curry with Taylor Mea Rainbow are in third on a 25.0. Just 10 points separate the top 18 riders in this division, so it’s still very much anyone’s game, especially considering that every other division’s cross country has been tough on the time.
Andrea Leatherman and Mr. Poppers took the lead in the Novice Horse division, scoring a competition low 21.5. This horse has yet to finish outside of the top 10 at this level, and you can expect a very capable ride from Andrea tomorrow on the cross country.
Corinna Garcia and Jamaica Skodstrupp are in second on a score of 23.0, followed by Julie Norman and Neferhotep on a 23.5. I also must shout out to my coach extraordinaire, Julie Wolfert, who earned a 25.5 with Buenas Suerte to sit in fourth overnight.
The Senior Novice division is currently led by both Kristin Hardy and Enchanted and Julie Denton with Win/Win Situation, who both scored a 27.5. It was an emotional press conference this afternoon for Kristin, as she is here riding with Team Fearless in honor of the late Avery Dudasch. Being here this year is so meaningful to this team, and their touching story had the whole press room wiping their eyes by the end.
Erin Pullen and Strider Can Fly won the dressage in the Beginner Novice Horse division, scoring a 20.0. Teach us your ways, Erin! Laura Corsentino and Gravitas are in second on a score of 22.0, followed by Ellie Celarak and Princess Song of Joy on a 23.0. This is another tightly bunched division, with less than 10 points separating the top 11 right now.
Hannah Gurske and Buenos Dias are the dressage winners in the Junior Beginner Novice. You may recognize these names from a story we did on them earlier this year. I caught up with Hannah after her ride, and she said she has really learned to use her leg and ask for more from “Dia.” Hannah feels confident going into cross country and says as long as she rides the right way, she thinks she and Dia will have a great remainder of their weekend.
Jane Cook and Dun Luck are in second after dressage with a score of 24.0, followed by Melissa Morris and RSR Private Eye.
Grace Peters and Dream Catcher are your Junior 14 & Under leaders, scoring a 23.0 to take a 1.5 point lead over Maddalyn Hunt and Jos Estoico. Molly Humes and Madoc Golden Graham are in third overnight on a score of 25.0.
In the Senior Beginner Novice, Missouri’s own Jill Wagenknecht and C.D. Dancer scored a 23.5 to take the lead into cross country. Jill has attended every AEC since the event’s inception and is thrilled to be here in Texas with her eye catching mare. Kelly Quick and Better Than Chocolate, who has Hershey’s wrappers all over his stall door as a temptation to starving journalists, are in second place on a 26.0, followed by Jennifer Ramsey and Lil’ Birnie.
