Shannon Lilley moved into 5th with a 49.3
Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizzaz put together a lovely test that showed off “Mango’s” considerable movement and precision. I felt they deserved a better score than the 49.3 that they received, but you can be the judge in the above video. Riders throughout the day tried to reach up and catch Jessica Phoenix, but no one could quite get to her.
Team USA had a fabulous day, and USA riders occupy the next 4 spots behind Jessica. Canada gave themselves a bit of work to do and sit around 10 points back from the USA going into the cross-country. The dressage was competitive from all nations and the top 20 spots are separated by 15 points going into an incredibly tough challenge tomorrow.
The judges tightened up a bit Friday afternoon and my feeling is that Selena and Foxwood High deserved a better score as well. Selena produced a lovely relaxed test with Foxwood High. Foxwood High has been coming on strong for Selena of late and I know Selena is excited to be riding anchor for Canada tomorrow on the cross-country.
Providional Dressage Results:
1. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti (CAN) 43.9
2. Michael Pollard and Schensgreen Hanni (USA) 44.5
3. Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot (USA) 45.2
4. Buck Davidson and Absolute Liberty (USA) 48.9
5. Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizzaz (USA) 49.3
6. Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too (BRA) 50.4
7. Lauren Billys and Ballingowan Ginger (PUR) 50.6
8. Rebecca Howard and Roquefort (CAN) 51.3
9. Ronald Zabala and Mr. Wiseguy (ECU) 52.0
10T. Lynn Symansky and Donner (USA) 52.2
10T. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High (CAN) 52.2
12. Marcio Jorge and Josephine (BRA) 52.8
13. Hawley Bennett and Five O’Clock Somewhere (CAN) 53.2
14. Frenando Silva and Almil Agresive (ARG) 53.5
15. James Atkinson and Gustav (CAN) 53.7
Note: Full results should be posted here later this evening.
Using the Pan Am scoring of counting the top 3 rounds:
USA: 138.6
Canada: 147.7
No one should be surprised to see Jessica Phoenix and Pararotti at the to of the leader board. Pavarotti is a lovely big mover and they led the Rebecca Farm CCI2* from wire to wire earlier this summer to achieve their qualifying result for the Pan Ams. Jessica and her team believes they have sorted out Pavarotti’s over exuberance on the cross-country, but he will need to listen to the pace the Jessica sets early in order to not become tired towards the end of the hilly and “turny” cross-country course at Santa Sofia Golf Club.
I want to apologize to Selena and Hawley for not getting their dressage videos and to the afternoon riders for not getting video interviews with them. We’ll be sure to show everyone some extra love Saturday and Sunday when I am hopefully feeling better. The incredibly kind USOC doctor says that I have a 24 hour bug and the worst of it should be over by this evening. We’re still working on whether or not we will have internet access at the cross-country venue.
Jessica Phoenix was as classy as you could possibly be in the press conference Friday afternoon. She thanked her teammates and her support staff first and said that the entire Canadian team is ready to attack the cross-country. When asked what it feels like to lead after the dressage, Jessica said that it is a good place to start but this definitely won’t be a dressage competition.
Congratulations to the US and Canadian teams and all of the Pan American nations for a great day of dressage. Go eventing.
