2016 Rio Olympic Power Rankings: Round 2

Round 2 of the Power Rankings are upon us, and with Pine Top holding the only CIC3* of the season thus far, there wasn’t much movement from Round 1. A couple horses did move up the ranks but didn’t quite crack the top 20 … yet.

Most of the horses have yet to compete in any FEI competitions yet but have started warming up through various Intermediate and Advanced events, and even the Wellington Eventing Showcase. Before our next round, we’ll have both Twin Rivers and Red Hills to further shake up the rankings, while Rolex entries will begin to trickle in to further reveal everyone’s spring plans.

When creating these rankings, we used the following criteria:

  • The horse and rider must have already qualified as a pair at one of the 2015 qualifying events.
  • The average penalty score for each phase is added up to determine each horse’s average completion score.
  • Rankings are calculated using FEI scores in the previous calendar year only, from the three-star and four-star levels.
  • The rankings will be rolling, meaning that scores will be dropped from the averages as they pass the one-year date.
  • Only results as a pair are counted.

Currently 70 U.S. combinations have achieved at least one Olympic qualifier, although five of those pairs are no longer competing together. Pairs not yet qualified will have additional opportunities in 2016 to qualify at Rolex, Badminton, Jersey Fresh, Saumur, Tattersalls, Bromont and Bramham. We’ll list a few pairs at the end of the rankings who have yet to qualify but could certainly be up for consideration if they qualify this spring.

Note: To be considered for an Olympic team, a horse must have been submitted as an applicant to the FEI by Feb. 19, 2016. This list does not reflect whether horses have been submitted for Olympic consideration.

Rewind to: Round 1

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen take command of the Blenheim Palace CCI3* Dressage Phase. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Blenheim CCI3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

1. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Luhmuhlen CCI4*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 37.57
  • Number of FEI 3*/4*runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: 1

Clark revealed his game plan to Eventing Nation last week, announcing he has decided to compete at three CIC3* in preparation for the Olympics. With no CCI competition in the crosshairs, Clark will be relying on Loughan Glen’s stellar 2015 record to carry the weight of his selection, using the 2016 season to prove this horse’s excellent form is here to stay. Loughan Glen will not be competing in a three-star until mid-April at Belton Park, with a couple of national shows planned before then.

2. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 47.28
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: 2

Mai Baum is another horse who has yet to compete at all this year, receiving a nice long vacation after his strong but busy 2015 season that concluded with a win in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. Tamie does not currently have any entries posted for shows beyond Twin Rivers this weekend.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook's Scarlett. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

3. Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*, 2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
  • Average Completion Score: 50.33
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* Runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: 3

Meadowbrook’s Scarlett began her season at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T., winning the Intermediate-A division by adding only 4.0 cross country time penalties to her dressage score of 27.7. She’s currently entered in the CIC3* at Red Hills next week, followed by an entry in the Advanced division at Carolina International and the CIC3* at The Fork in April.

4. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 51.59
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: 4

Phillip has entered Fernhill Cubalawn in the CIC2* at Carolina International, which is the first time we will see him compete this spring. After that, he will contest the CIC3* at The Fork. Cuba jumped in a 1.30-meter class at HITS Ocala several weeks ago and will be jumping at HITS again next Wednesday.

5. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 52.04
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: 5

Fernhill Fugitive just began his season in the Intermediate-A division at Pine Top Advanced, finishing fifth behind stablemates Z and Indian Mill. We’ll see him in each of the three big spring CIC3* at Red Hills, Carolina and The Fork.

6. Boyd Martin and Master Frisky

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*
  • Average completion score: 52.50
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: 6

Master Frisky just returned to the scene, running a Preliminary with Phillip Dutton in the irons early this month while Boyd Martin mended from his broken collarbone, followed by a fourth place finish in the Intermediate-A division at Pine Top with Boyd back in the saddle. Master Frisky is next entered in the CIC3* at Carolina.

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice at Fair Hill CCI3*. Photo by Jenni Autry.

7. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 52.90
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: 7

Like Fernhill Cubalawn, Mighty Nice will be running for the first time this year at Carolina in the CIC2*, followed by a go at The Fork CIC3*. Also like his stablemate, Happy jumped in a 1.30-meter class at HITS Ocala last month and will be back to jump again next Wednesday.

8. Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 53.87
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: 8

Will Coleman is following a similar strategy as Phillip, bringing OBOS O’Reilly out for the first time at the Carolina International CIC2*. EN has confirmed that Oboe will also jump next Tuesday in the $15,000 Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational at Southern Cross Equestrian.

9. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 54.29
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 7
  • Last round’s ranking: 9

Ballynoe Castle RM began the year with a win in the Intermediate-D division at Rocking Horse Winter 1 H.T. After a quick jaunt down to Wellington to participate in the Eventing Showcase, Reggie made quick work of the Advanced-B division at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T. We will next see Reggie in the CIC3* at Carolina.

10. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bramham CCI3*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 54.77
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: 10

Veronica started her season with a third place finish in the Intermediate-B division at Rocking Horse Winter 2, adding only 2.8 time penalties to her 24.0 dressage score. Next up is a run in the Advanced at Red Hills, as well as runs in the CIC3* at both Carolina and The Fork.

11. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 55.85
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 2
  • Last round’s ranking: 11

Blackfoot Mystery started the year with a well-publicized win at the Wellington Eventing Showcase. He followed it up with a fourth place finish in the Intermediate-B section at Pine Top last weekend, adding only cross country time penalties to his dressage score. Boyd will next compete Blackfoot Mystery in the CIC3* at Carolina.

Emily Beshear guides 9 year old Shame on the Moon to a clear round XC at Blenheim Palace CCI3* Photo By Shannon Brinkman

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon at Blenheim CCI3*. Photo By Shannon Brinkman.

12. Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 57.86
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: 12

This mare began her year with a third place in the Intermediate-A division at Pine Top earlier last month, then picked up another third place finish in the Advanced-B section last weekend at the same venue. We will next see her at Carolina CIC3* in a couple of weeks.

13. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 58.16
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 8
  • Last round’s ranking: 13

Other than a run in the Wellington Eventing Showcase, Marilyn Little has yet to post entries for this spring. Marilyn confirmed to EN that Demi will have a light spring campaign, likely competing next at Rocking Horse’s Spring H.T. in the first weekend of April.

14. Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*, 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 58.65
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 6
  • Last round’s ranking: 14

Super Socks BCF finished eighth in the Intermediate-B at Pine Top early in February, then returned to the venue last weekend to just do dressage before withdrawing as planned. Matt will take him next to Red Hills to run the CIC3*, followed up with an entry in the Carolina CIC3*.

15. Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 59.13
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: 15

Pancho Villa has yet to compete following the 2015 Pan American Games and is not currently listed on any entry lists.

Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison at Boekelo CCIO3*. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

16. Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 60.15
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 2
  • Last round’s ranking 16

Downtown Harrison came out to play in the Intermediate-B division at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T., finishing in sixth place. Jon has this horse currently entered in the CIC3* at both Carolina and The Fork.

17. Jennie Brannigan and Catalina

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 60.90
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 2
  • Last round’s ranking: 17

Catalina had a good run around at the Wellington Eventing Showcase, then did the combined test at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T., withdrawing before the cross country. Her first real test will be at the CIC3* at Red Hills in two weeks, followed by runs in the CIC3* divisions at both Carolina and The Fork.

18. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Tattersalls CCI3*, 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 62.44
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 7
  • Last round’s ranking: 18

Copper Beach started the year by winning the Intermediate-B division at Rocking Horse Winter 1 H.T., followed by a third-place finish in the Advanced-A division at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T. We will next see him at the Carolina CIC3*.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark's Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo at Boekelo CCIO3*. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

19. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 63.73
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: 19

This gray horse finished second behind his stablemate Meadowbrook’s Scarlett in the Intermediate-A division at Rocking Horse Winter 2 H.T. He next will take a crack at the Red Hills CIC3*, followed by an Advanced run at The Fork.

20. Marilyn Little and RF Quarterman

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*, 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 63.82
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: 20

RF Quarterman has yet to appear on any entry lists this year.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by LT/HoofClix.com.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights at Pine Top CIC3*. Photo by LT/HoofClix.com.

PINE TOP RECAP

A few pairs hanging outside the top 20 were out at Pine Top CIC3* recently. Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley made the biggest leap in the rankings, climbing up to 21st place after finishing second. The winner of the division, Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights, are also shooting up the ranks and will continue to do so as the dates begin to roll forward.

Doug Payne and Vandiver proved they should be up for consideration as well, continuing their streak of double clear show jumping rounds. Unfortunately, Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless had a tough weekend due to circumstances mostly out of their control, but will head next to Carolina International to seek redemption.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley at Pine Top CIC3*. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com.

Rio Watch List
Top combinations currently ranked outside the top 20
(their next competition is listed in parentheses)

  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Lynn Symansky and Donner (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless (Red Hills CIC3*)

Top Contenders Not Yet Qualified
 (their next competition is listed in parentheses)

  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (Red Hills CIC3*)
  • Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire
  • Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless (Carolina CIC3*)
  • Allison Springer and Arthur (Carolina CIC3*)