Boyd and Remington 4th at Pau CCI4* Dressage

On a day when the print and online Chronicles publish an article about how to fix US eventing (more on that later), Remington appropriately went out and showed that there is a lot right with US eventing by finishing 4th at the Pau CCI4* dressage.  I spoke with Boyd before he left for Pau and he told me that he was feeling a lot of pressure to do well at Pau because he received the travel grant and because so many people would be following his progress from back in the US.  Today he stepped up in a big way and I think Boyd might even be a bit surprised to be 4th amongst Europe’s best after the dressage.  

1T. Lamicell Charizard and Karin Donckers (BEL)  41.8
1T. Ruth Edge and Two Thyme (GBR)  41.8
3. Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town (GBR)  42.8
4. Boyd Martin and Remington (USA)  43.2
5. Kai Ruder and Leprince des Bois (GER)  44.2
6. Oliver Twonend and ODT Master Rose (GBR)  45.8
7. Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Proloe (GBR)  46.5
8. Emily Baldwin and Drive Time (GBR)  46.7

Link: Full Pau dressage results

Boyd started riding Remington as a prelim amateur sales project, but Remington has improved at every single competition with Boyd and he is now one of my favorite horses.  Anyone who knew Remi 3 years ago would agree that no horse has worked harder or improved more over that time.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Remington is a bit slower than Neville but he is a better show jumper.  If the time is at all possible to make on the cross-country, Boyd is looking great for a podium finish and their biggest obstacle for the victory will be Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town, who won Luhmuhlen earlier this year.  Unsurprisingly, Great Britain has 6 riders in the top 10.  The highest placed French rider is Pascal Leroy with Glenburny Du Leou in 10th.

The Galway dressage is underway now with the CCI3* dressage starting at 4pm ET.