Samantha Clark photo
Buck Davidsons’s two rides, Titanium and Absolute Liberty withdrew on Saturday morning before the start of the cross-country at Rolex. Jolie Wentworth’s Killian O’Connor also withdrew before the XC.
Buck told me this morning that USEF’s expert orthopedist Dr. Farrell said it was his recommendation for Buck not to ride today. Buck injured his collar bone in mid-February when he fell off of a horse at his farm in Ocala, Florida. Buck received surgery soon thereafter. He sadly partially reinjured his collar bone in a fall from his trailer’s steps at Red Hills and he has been battling to recover in time for Rolex. Buck is one of the toughest riders I know and if he can’t go I know that means he really can’t go. Buck has one of the best support teams in eventing and I know he will put together a great plan to get his season back in track.
The Course: Derek Di Grazia’s Rolex cross-country course is designed to prepare the pairs with Olympic aspirations for the London cross-country while giving the less experienced pairs a good experience–that is no small task! The galloping lanes are narrower than previous years and more emphasis has been put on the technical elements and turning questions. Like every Rolex, the key is to take things one combination at a time and protect your horse around the terrain.
Weather: The weather started cloudy and cool on Saturday. Highs are expected in the 70’s F and scattered thunder storms are predicted for this afternoon.
Thank you to the volunteers, organizers, and fans for making Rolex possible. Good luck to all of the horses and riders–stay safe and have fun. Go eventing.
