The first full East Coast Advanced outing of year, Rocking Horse Winter II H.T., wrapped up today with 56 horses having started across two Advanced divisions.
It’s always fun to see pairs sweeping the last of their winter dust bunnies out from under the bed and getting a feel for where their horses’ fitness is at, and Rocking Horse is a great place to do so with its good going and rewarding courses. With Pine Top Advanced next weekend and Red Hills not far beyond that, it’s safe to say that the winter lull is officially over.
Love this photo from Elaine MacPhail, who finished 11th in Advanced Test B on RF Eloquence and 4th in Open Intermediate A on RF Panamera.
Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High won Advanced A on their dressage score of 27.80, with Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous finishing second (29.20) and Buck Davidson and Copper Beech rounding out the top three (34.10).
Always a good feeling when your horse comes out of the gate swinging at the beginning of the season…
In other news…..the flying Ziglet was in rare form today. Crushing around the advanced to finish the weekend on a score of 29! Second place prize in a competitive section ☺️
Posted by Sara Kozumplik Murphy on Friday, February 19, 2016
The Horse Pesterer was out and about filming the action — you can out all of his videos on his YouTube channel. Here, he catches Buck and Copper Beech’s dressage and show jumping rounds:
Advanced Test A Top 10: 
Meanwhile in Advanced B, it was Buck for the win on Ballynoecastle RM, who added 3.20 cross-country time to their dressage score for a final score of 35.00. Buck is already racking up the 2016 frequent flier miles with 12 horses spread throughout the Prelim through Advanced divisions.
Second went to Joe Meyer and Clip Clop (36.20), who also has quite the busy weekend with 10 horses competing.
Another happy camper, Madeline Backus, who finished 3rd with P.S. Arianna (37.40):
Advanced Test B Top 10:
Intermediate division winners include Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage (34.40) in Intermediate Rider, Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett (31.70) in Open Intermediate A, and Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair (23.80) in Open Intermediate B.
Lauren’s lovely dressage ride, courtesy of the Horse Pesterer:
The competition continues throughout the weekend for the Beginner through Prelim levels.
Best of luck to all. Go Eventing!
[Website] [Omnibus] [Entry List] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
