Rio Olympic Day 1 Morning Dressage Live Updates

By on Aug 6, 2016 7:30 am -
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This is the Saturday morning dressage live update thread. If you’re looking for the Saturday afternoon thread, click here. 

The first day of dressage is upon us at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games! The first of 33 pairs to canter down the centerline today is Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance at 10 a.m. BRT (9 a.m. EST).

Jenni is tweeting the action ringside in Rio, she’ll be bringing us an update at the lunch break as well as a full report at the end of the day. For those of us following along from home, here’s how to watch the live stream.

The competitors are performing OG 4* Test B – Short Version and will be judged by Marilyn Payne of the United States, Andrew Bennie of New Zealand and Sandy Phillips of Great Britain.

Be sure to check out Maggie Deatrick’s “Dressage Powerhouses of Rio: Day One,” wherein she spotlights the combinations that we’re likely to see at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the day. And be sure to cheer extra loud (even if you’re just sitting at home alone — it still counts!) for the North American contingent.

U.S. ride times:
11:36 BRT (10:36 EST): Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery
3:14 BRT (2:14 EST): Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen

Canadian ride times:
10 a.m. BRT (9 a.m. EST): Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance
1:30 p.m. BRT (12:30 p.m. EST): Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee

Keep refreshing and checking back for photos, social links and behind-the-scenes info. Go Eventing! 

#Rio2016: Website, Schedule & Results, Dressage Ride Times, EN’s Ultimate Guide to Rio, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Saturday morning session order of go:

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Live updates:

11:26 a.m. EST: That concludes the first two sessions of day one Olympic dressage. See full scores here. We’ll see you at our afternoon live update thread when dressage resumes at 12:30 p.m.!

Lots to look forward to after the break …

11:16 a.m. EST: Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco

Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco
12-year-old chestnut Chilean-bred gelding owned by Ejercito de Chile (the Chilean Army)
Breeding: Unlisted
Recent Results: 1st, Quillota CIC3*; 1st, Quillota CCI3*; 1st, Quillota CIC3*
Key Facts: The Olympic Games are special for many reasons, but the stories that perhaps touch our hearts most deeply are ones like this. Carlos and Ranco have long been Chile’s top eventing combination, and now they will represent this emerging eventing nation on the world stage. This is an experienced and accomplished pair, having secured a top-10 finish at the Guadalajara Pan American Games in 2011 and fifth place at the Toronto Pan Ams last year. They won Chile’s Quillota CCI3* in May to earn their ticket to the Olympics, and you can be sure there will be many cheers of “CARLOOOOS!” come cross country day in Rio.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 113th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy 

11:08 a.m. EST: Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP (ESP)

Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP
14-year-old bay Anglo-Arabian stallion owned by Antonio Campos Peña
Breeding: Nino X Chiclanera, by Diarikal; bred in Spain by Antonio Campos Peña
Recent Results: 1st, Madrid CIC2*; 4th, Montelibretti CCI3*
Key Facts: This pair retired cross country at their last spring FEI outing, the Luhmühlen CIC3*, which isn’t the most confidence inspiring note to ride into a major world championship upon. This pair has grit, though, and has completed two CCI4*s — Badminton and Pau — as well as the 2014 WEG in Normandy. 
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 53rd
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy 

Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP. Photo by © Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans/FEI.

Albert Hermoso Farras and Hito CP. Photo by © Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans/FEI.

11:00 a.m. EST: Ryuzo Kijajima and Just Chocolate (JPN)

Ryuzo Kijajima and Just Chocolate
14-year-old chestnut New Zealand-bred gelding owned by Riding Club Crane
Breeding: Unknown; bred in New Zealand
Recent Results: 22nd, Barbury Castle CIC2*; 19th, Bramham CIC3*; 23rd, Bicton CIC2*; 9th, Barroca d’Alva CCI3*; 6th, Barroca d’Alva CIC2*
Key Facts: New Zealand’s Donna Smith produced this lovely horse through the CCI3* level before Ryuzo took over the ride in 2014. Since then they competed on the silver medal team at the 2014 Asian Games in Korea and secured a place in Rio with a top-10 finish in the Barroca d’Alva CCI3* in Portgual earlier this year.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 143rd
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy 

10:52 a.m. EST: Ben Vogg and Noe Des Vatys (SWI)

Ben Vogg and Noe Des Vatys
15-year-old Anglo Arab gelding owned by Ben and Jurgen Vogg and Maurice Perret
Breeding: Tresor Du Renom X Tempete Guichoise, by Cap Martin; bred in France 
Recent Results: 8th, Baborowko CIC3*; 25th, Marbach CIC3*
Key Facts: Olympic heritage runs deep in the Vogg family. Brothers Ben and Felix are Switzerland’s sole eventing representatives in the 2016 Games, and a third brother Christian competes at the international level as well. The siblings’ grandfather Roland Perret represented Switzerland in eventing at the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm, and their mother Danièle competed in the Swiss equestrian championships in 1980. Noe Des Vatys hasn’t had the most seamless lead-up to the Games, having retired cross country twice this spring, but the Voggs are competitors and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them rise to the occasion in Rio.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 126th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy 

10:44 a.m. EST: Marcio Appel and Iberon Jmen (BRA)

Marcio Appel and Iberon Jmen
14-year-old bay Brazilian-bred (BH) gelding owned by Samatha Tonello
Breeding: Indoctro X Landina Jmen, by Landino; bred in Brazil
Recent Results: 7th, Ribeirao Preto CIC2*
Key Facts: While his other teammates have competed in either the Olympics, World Equestrian Games or Pan American Games, Marcio is representing his county for the very first time at the Rio Olympics. This horse has one CCI3* under his belt from Barretos last fall, where he and Marcio finished fourth. They also competed in the Aquece Rio Olympic test event last year, so they know a bit about what to expect come cross country day in Rio.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 110th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy 

10:36 a.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery (USA)

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery
12-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate
Breeding: Out of Place X True Mystery, by Proud Truth; bred in the U.S. by John O’Meara
Key Facts: Boyd went to his first Olympics in London in 2012 and delivered a memorable clutch cross country performance for Team USA, but his mount Otis Barbotiere unfortunately had to be withdrawn before show jumping. His strength as a cross country rider makes him an extremely valuable asset to the U.S., and he’s never had a cross country jumping penalty in a team championships. Blackfoot Mystery is one of three off-track Thoroughbreds competing in Rio and is the only U.S. bred. While they had a bit of trouble on cross country in the mandatory team outing at Great Meadow, Boyd has diligently done his homework and put that blip behind them.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 7th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

10:20 a.m. EST: Linda Algotsson and Fairnet (SWE)

Linda Algotsson and Fairnet
10-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion owned by Margareta and Bo Christer Algotsson
Breeding: Feliciano X Fairlisia, by Dalby Jaguar xx; bred in Sweden by Margareta Algotsson
Recent Results: 15th, Saumur CCI3*; 3rd, Sopot CIC3*; 10th, Luhmühlen CIC3* 
Key Facts: Anna Nilsson and Luron, who were originally named to the Sweden Olympic squad, did not present at the first horse inspection. In their place: traveling reserve combination Linda (teammate Sara Algotsson Ostholt’s older sister) and Fairnet. This stallion tends to be solid cross country, usually adding some time and a rail or two to his score. The Olympic Games would be a great time for it all to come together for this pair.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 71st 
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy 

Linda Algotsson and Fairnet (SWE). Photo FEI/© Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans.

Linda Algotsson and Fairnet (SWE). Photo FEI/© Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans.

10:20 a.m. EST: Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo (GER)

Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo
14-year-old chestnut Selle Francais gelding owned by Sandra Auffarth and Deutsches Olympiade Komitee
Breeding: Shogoun II X Vanille du Tertre, by J’T’Adore; bred in France by Yves Berlioz
Recent Results: 3rd, Fontainebleau CICO3*; 1st, Luhmühlen CIC3*
Key Facts: If you’ve been reading this preview horse-by-horse so far, you’re probably sitting on the edge of your seat by now. We’re getting into the thick of it now with Sandra and Opgun Louvo, who won individual bronze and team gold at the 2012 London Olympics, plus individual and team gold at the 2014 WEG. Did we mention they’ve also won individual silver and team gold at the last two European Championships? These two are nearly a lock to clinch at individual medal; only the color is in question.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 30th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

10:03 a.m. EST: Short break before Session 2 begins…

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The standings after Session 1:

Are you watching?

9:56 a.m. EST: Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy (NZL)

Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy
13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Robert Taylor, Varenna Allen, Tim Price and Selwood.com.
Breeding: Courage II X Sky Lassie, by Sky Boy; bred in Ireland by Myles Mahon
Recent Results: 4th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 5th, Tattersalls CIC3*
Key Facts: Following the first horse inspection, traveling reserve Tim and Ringwood Sky Boy replaced Jock and Clifton Lush on New Zealand’s team due to a cut on the horse’s cheek. Nothing has been certain for Tim on his road to Rio; when his top Olympic prospect, Wesko, incurred a soft-tissue injury in April, he was forced to re-hang his hopes on the less experienced Bango and Ringwood Sky Boy. Ringwood Sky Boy earned himself a ticket to Brazil with some impressive spring finishes, most recently a fourth-place in the Luhmühlen CCI4*. Now they’re being called upon in the 11th hour, and they will no doubt roll with the punches and step up the plate. 
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 4th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

9:48 a.m. EST: Theo van de Vendel and Zindane (NED)

Theo van de Vendel and Zindane
12-year-old bay Dutch gelding owned by T. van de Vendel, J.J. van de Vendel and G.J. van de Vendel
Breeding: Kreator X Oriflame, by Kingston; bred in the Netherlands by E. Klaassens
Recent Results: 24th, Luhmühlen CIC3*
Key Facts: Theo and Zindane made their Dutch team debut at last fall’s European Championships at Blair Castle, finishing 22nd individually. This is their first Olympic Games, and Theo and Zindane bring a solid amount of experience to the table with three CCI completions under their belts, including Bramham and Boekelo.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 1,710th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy 

Teo Van De Vendel and Zindane. Photo © FEI/Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans.

Teo Van De Vendel and Zindane. Photo © FEI/Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans.

9:40 a.m. EST: Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V (GBR)

Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V
11-year-old grey Anglo-European mare owned by the Pebbles Syndicate
Breeding: Urkel X Unabresse M, by Quick Star; bred in Great Britain by Vicky Gosling and Vicky Hart
Recent Results: 7th, Bramham CIC3*; 4th, Chatsworth CIC3*; 25th, Belton CIC3*; 43rd, Fontainebleau CICO3*
Key Facts: The fact that Quicklook V’s barn name is Pebbles is reason enough to cheer for her, but she’s also amassed a number of top placings that prove she’s a forced to be reckoned with in Rio. This mare is a joy to watch on the flat, and she can match her talent in that phase with two solid jumping performances.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 8th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

Lots of fans and friends cheering Gemma on from afar…

And they’re off!

We have a huge girl crush on Quicklook V! #Rio2016 #JointheJourney #TwoHearts #equestrian #eventing

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

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9:32 a.m. EST: Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh (AUS)

Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh
13-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Mr. and Mrs. S Posford, Jules Carter and Sam Griffiths
Breeding: Touchdown X Calendar Girl, by Trigerrero; bred in Ireland by Frank and Paula Cullen
Recent Results: 21st, Barbury CIC2*; 29th, Badminton CCI4*; 21st, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: “Brocks” amassed a huge fan club when she became the fourth mare to win Badminton in 2014, which gave her a spot on the 2014 Australian World Equestrian Games team that finished fourth in Normandy. This is Sam’s second Olympic Games, having also ridden for Australia in London in 2012, and his partnership is well established with this mare. With eight CCI3* and CCI4* completions under their belt, Sam and Brocks should be more than ready to impress in Rio.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 82nd
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

9:24 a.m. EST: Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake (ITA)

Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake. Photo © FEI/Hippo Foto - Dirk Caremans.

Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake. Photo © FEI/Hippo Foto – Dirk Caremans.

Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake
12-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Luca Roman and Giacinta della Chiesa
Breeding: Ricardo Z X Tara Elegance, by Senang Hati; bred in Ireland by Seamus Farrell
Recent Results: 14th, Saumur CCI3*
Key Facts: This pair has completed CCI3* events together, improving their final placing each time. They most recently finished 14th at Saumur in May and put in a personal best dressage test at the European Championships last fall. There’s a ton of potential here! It’s also worth noting that Luca is competing on the team with his brother Pietro.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 271st
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy 


9:16 a.m. EST: Padraig McCarthy and Simon Porloe (IRE)

Padraig McCarthy and Simon Porloe
16-year-old bay Polish-bred gelding owned by Christopher and Sarita Perkins and Lucy and Padraig Mc Carthy
Breeding: Sofix X Babilonia, by Czubaryk; bred in Poland by NK Nowa Wioska
Recent Results: 10th, Barbury Castle CIC2*; 1st, Tattersalls CIC3*; 23rd, Chatsworth CIC3*; 23rd Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: Padraig has to be one of the most exciting stories in eventing at Rio. He competed in pure show jumping before making his eventing debut in 2013, and then got the call up to his first Irish team at the European Championships last fall. While he didn’t complete there, he comes into Rio for his first Olympics after a hot streak of a spring with Simon Porloe, who brings a wealth of experience to the table as a previous ride of Lucy Wiegersma, Padraig’s wife. These two are living the dream!
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 48th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

9:09 a.m. EST: Astier Nicolas and Piaf De B’Neville (FRA)

Astier Nicolas and Piaf De B’Neville
13-year-old bay Selle Francis gelding owned by Ben et Partner
Breeding: Cap de b’Neville X Homelie III, by Reve d’Elle; bred in France by Jean-Baptiste Thiebot
Recent Results: 1st, Chatsworth CIC3*; 13th, Belton CIC3*
Key Facts: The French team members have all deployed the same strategy of a light season for their Olympic hopefuls, and while we haven’t seen Piaf De B’Neville out much this year, he’s still had some memorable outings. Most notably, Astier and Piaf De B’Neville won the Chatsworth leg of Event Rider Masters on 45.0. They are yet another French combination that can score in the 30s on the flat and remain competitive across the two jumping phases. If you’re not sensing a trend yet, here’s a hint: France is poised to play spoiler in Rio.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 17th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

9:00 a.m.: Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance (CAN)

Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance
11-year-old dark bay Thoroughbred/Trakehner mare owned by Don and Anita Leschied
Breeding: A Fine Romance X Samland Furstin, by Donaufurst; bred in Canada by Don and Anita Leschied
Recent Results: 22nd, Great Meadow CICO3*; 6th, Jersey Fresh CIC3*; 20th, The Fork CIC3*; 14th, Red Hills CIC3*
Key Facts: Jessica’s road to Rio has been a bumpy one, as she was initially not named to the team but successfully lodged an appeal to claim her spot. Having competed in the 2012 London Olympics, two WEGs and three Pan American Games, Jessica is one of Canada’s most prolific event riders, and that experience will go a long a way in helping Canada deliver a strong performance in Rio. This little mare, affectionately known as “Blue Eyes,” may not be fond of dressage, but she is all heart when it comes to the jumping phases.
FEI World Eventing Athlete Ranking: 67th
Chinch Says: chinchilla copy chinchilla copy

A personal best score for Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance as the first out at #Rio2016

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8:59 a.m. EST: Let’s do this!

8:55 a.m. EST: Test ride, check!

Dressage day one is HERE! Who’s ready? Chinch is! #Rio2016 #JoinTheJourney #TwoHearts #equestrian #eventing

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