Chelan has really embraced Eventing Nation’s live event coverage goals so far this weekend, from the ridiculous golf cart photos on Friday to this video of the dressage. Thanks so much Chelan for writing this, I may have finally found my replacement.
—-
From Chelan:
I’ve honestly never sat through 5 hours of upper level dressage start to finish before. Normally I’m riding, and catch a few tests but not every one. It was very educational and although riding is WAY more fun, I feel like I can give an accurate accounting of the Friday afternoon.
Buck’s horse is normally a little more WOW. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’d take Bobby and his 51.2 any day of the week, but it wasn’t a winning test, and he didn’t win. Karen did, and frankly I think she had the best test, followed closely by Phillip. Mandiba is a great mover, but not as flashy as some out there today. The truth is that other than not being square in her first halt, and a bauble in her second halt, her test was very steady, accurate, relaxed, and fluid. She got every single mark out of every single movement. Hmmm almost like she’s been doing this for awhile! Truluck looked exactly like what he is–a veteran and force to be reckoned with. His canter looked a little strong, but obviously Phillip got that sorted.
Mara and her horse did a lovely job, Tiana’s magnificent beast had a few blow up’s and still got in the 40’s! She handled it well, and obviously they are still a young pair. Hawley had her first test ever in the 40’s on Ginny and the exciting thing for Canada is that there is way more in there for this pair! Go Canada! Kristy on her super spectacular mare R Star had some excitability issues, especially in the 1/2 passes where the mare tried to canter both directions.
Two pairs stood out as ones to watch for the future, we will see how their day goes XC, but both Beth Temkin and Heather Morris are sitting on what appear to be up and comers, certainly on day one. Mark, ‘ya watching?
With the exception of one 12 point spread, the marks from the judges were close, and from my little post, fair. I’ll be watching every second of XC today and will report as soon as I can. The action begins at 11 Mountain time. 🙂
