This chipmunk will be hard to catch 🐿️ Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re back with the action at Defender Kentucky where the remaining 5* superstars are waiting in the wings to get their competition underway.
Yesterday we saw some quality dressage with scores to match – notably a new Kentucky record courtesy of Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, who stamped down an 18.6 to storm into the lead overnight with a 9.8 point buffer over second place. A glance down the starting lineup for today suggests that we’re in for another exciting day’s sport. Will they topple King Michi? Um, probably perhaps not. But the big guns will be giving it a darned good go.
Boyd Martin will be bookending the day, heading into the ring with Luke 140 at 1:15pm EST / 7:15pm CEST before going Commando (3) 🫣 with EquiRatings’ third-best dressage horse in the field to wrap things up for the first phase of the 5* competition.
We’ll also see World No. 1 Tom McEwen bring forward Brookfield Quality, statistically the second-best dressage horse in the field, and Kiwi eventer extraordinaire, World No. 2 Tim Price will see what EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win Falco can bring to the bluegrass.
Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you don’t have to miss a thing.
Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here – and keep up with the live leaderboard here.
Before we head out between the white boards, a further ‘refresher’ of the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog – refresh, refresh, refresh and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
As you know, here at EN we are very happy to type our fingers to the bone to bring our fellow eventing geeks all of the info, stories, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky throws our way. You’ll find all of our blood, sweat, tears and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because you can never have too much eventing, right? Go behind-the-scenes with us on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.
Before we press on with the serious business of live blogging, here’s some links for your perusal:
▶️ Dressage Day One – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day One – Full Report
▶️ Cosequin Lexington 4*-S Dressage Day One
The weather in Lexington is not feeling quite so kind today as it was yesterday ☔ although I guess that depends on your approach to life. While we’re waiting for the bell, here’s a couple of songs for the situation:
👍 For glass half-full folk
👎 For those less positively inclined
Umbrellas up, and go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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6pm
UPDATE: Boyd Martin and Commando 3 are now safely situated alone in 2nd spot, after a slight amendment to the score. They are now on 26, which puts them 0.2 ahead of Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality in 3rd.
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4:14pm
SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT
EN’s classic full round-up will be with you in whatever time it takes for our elusive mascot Chinch to get his furry ass along to the media tent to have his say in what went down in the dressage ring, and help with the mountainous task of cutting the whole thing down from epic doorstop novel to more of a novella – the struggle is real, guys, real. Eyes on the website for it dropping as soon as a team of superhumans and a chinchilla can make that possible.
Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what today’s dressage brought…
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Heading the charge as tomorrow’s cross country beckons is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who are sitting pretty 7.6 points ahead of their nearest competitors on a score of 18.6.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Hunting down the chipmunk in joint-second is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who are on a score of 26.2.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Sharing second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.
4️⃣ 🇩🇪 In fourth is another German, making her 5* debut is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34, just 0.9 behind second place on a score of 27.1, in what was a very impressive test at their first time at the level.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
But the scores aren’t everything, oh no. Yes, we’ve got big hitters gunning for the win, but eventing is about so much more than that. Here’s a quick run-down of some points of note from today’s competition:
🎇 Fireworks Avoided – Right from the off, Shannon Lilley had her hands full with Eindhoven Garette. He was kind of opinionated throughout the test but Shannon really did a great job of holding things together. He was really trying to do everything right but he’s so ready for tomorrow. He left the ring looking like he thought he’d done good. And he did. He could have really let loose in there. 10/10 for both horse and rider, really. They finished up on a score of 39.8.
🔔 Whoopsie – Today’s whoopsie was an unfortunate error of course for Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, a real shame but this kind of 💩 happens to us all. Things started to unravel a bit after that and ‘Sid’ had a couple of moments, including into the final halt. A tricky day at the office for the pair. They scored 38.2.
👏 Bowed to the Crowd – Imperio Magic sure made the most of the applause at the end of his first 5* dressage test, bowing to the crowd as he gave his nose a scratch. Very cute. Mary Bess Davis had a solid start to her debut at the level with some convincing highlights and some things to go home and work on as her 5* career continues. They sit on a score of 39.8.
🤨 Grumpy Guy – The grumpy guy award definitely goes to Cooley Space Grey. Man, that guy is in this game for the cross country. He did everything Brooke Burchianti asked of him. But he wasn’t going to smile while he did it. He wasn’t upset by anything, he absolutely knows his job. He’s just a huge personality – fun, and fabulous when he’s galloping and jumping, but not so easy between the white boards. They scored 46.4. They may very well stay on that score though…
🌧️ Rain Men – Kentucky rain kept pouring down and we had a very wet trio of men as the competition got into the final stages. Someone better have snapped a photo because it would make for an interesting posterboy type thing. Maybe. The rain came down, and sideways, and down, and down. Tim Price and Falco bore the brunt of the early onslaught, but delivered a polished performance for a score of 27.8 and fifth place, a smidge better than his Maryland score when he finished runner-up. Harry Meade did not fare so well on new ride Grafennacht. The rain was dripping off ‘Lillie’s nose as she fought her way through the downpour and she struggled to focus on her work in the difficult conditions. They scored 35.2, a little way off her Maryland score of 26.1 with former rider William Fox-Pitt where she finished second. And boy(d) oh boy(d) did Boyd Martin need his love of being wet and cold to help him through today. Commando 3 was an absolute superstar as he performed his test in the pouring rain. He didn’t miss a beat. So polished. So professional. So good. The rain stopped just as they circled back to the center line for the final halt. A well-deserved joint-second spot for them, on a score of 26.2.
Over in the 4*, the second half of the competitors had their turn in the dressage ring. Here’s how things are looking in that formidable field:
1️⃣ 🇺🇸 Taking the lead in today’s session, sitting in top spot is Will Coleman and Off The Record with a score of 21.8.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 It’s a Dutton double for the rest of the rolling podium, with Phillip Dutton taking over his own lead this morning to sit in second place at this point in proceedings with Possante on a score of 23.1.
3️⃣ 🇺🇸 Phillip slid down two places after holding the overnight lead with Denim to finish up the final phase in third on a score of 25.6.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
But the story of the dressage thus far has got to be Michael Jung’s enviable lead as he broke his own Kentucky record and pulled way ahead of the pack with fischerChipmunk FRH. If he finishes on his dressage score it’ll be the lowest-ever finishing score at 5*. And thus I’ll see myself out with a final musical offering 🧑🎤
Keep it locked onto EN for full reports coming your way and join me back with the live blog for ALL of the cross country tomorrow.
The 4* gets underway at 9am EST / 3pm CEST.
The 5* starts at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST.
Dressage is done. It’s the best day tomorrow. Go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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3:57pm
A musical interlude whilst you await today’s summary…
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3:50pm
And so there we have it. Defender Kentucky 5* dressage is in the bag and we have ourselves a leaderboard going into tomorrow’s cross country.
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leading the pack is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who laid it all down in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 18.6, 7.6 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Chasing the top spot is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who showed their mettle between the white boards for a score of 26.2.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Also hunting down the leader in joint-second is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.
4️⃣ 🇩🇪 Just 0.9 behind second place, in fourth, is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 on a score of 27.1.
You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.
Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow, typing ‘til I can’t type no more as I bring you ALL of the cross country action – yep, we’ve got the 4* and the 5* coming your way. Don’t miss it!
The start box beckons for the 4* competitors at 9am EST / 3pm CEST when Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora get cross country day underway.
The 5* get to have their say from 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST when trailblazers Tim Price and Jarillo will give us our first look at Derek’s 2025 offering.
Eyes on EN for what promises to be an awesome Saturday at The Best Weekend All Year.
Go eventing!
Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]
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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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3:33pm
🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Commando 3
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
This is it, the final horse and rider to put their score on the board in the 2025 Kentucky 5*. ‘Connor’ is the third-best dressage horse in the field according to EquiRatings, so we could be in for a shake-up here. Eyes on ENers, Boyd’s going commando… 🫣
Oh bod(d), that rain! It’s pouring on poor Boyd and ‘Connor’. Although Boyd doesn’t mind being cold and wet…
They’re certainly not looking as though it’s bothering them. The early trot work is very smooth and fluent and there are lots of great marks coming in.
The halt at C is very strong and the reinback is very clean and easy. Scores are trending in the high 7s.
The walk is relaxed enough and the rain doesn’t seem to be affecting them, amazingly. It’s hammering. Oh my goodness. What an incredible horse this is. He’s just continuing on with his work. He obviously trusts Boyd implicitly.
The canter work is very soft and accurate to begin, although the first change is tricky. The second one comes through but is quite big – expensive mistakes. The third is great. Boyd is laser focused and Connor is being so impressively good in very difficult conditions.
Oh! The rain stops just as they circle back to the center line. The crowd goes wild. Boyd punches the air. Him and Connor are soaked through but smiling. What a super, super horse and what a pro Boyd is.
Great score incoming… They go into joint-second with Tom McEwen. Boyd’s in 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the USEF National 5* Championships.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3 score 26.2.
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3:25pm
🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Grafennacht
Harry Meade and Grafennacht. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The penultimate combination of the day, and the dressage phase at Kentucky, Harry and ‘Lillie’ are over from the UK to take on the bluegrass. This mare is amongst the best dressage horses in the field. Where will she make her mark on the board with current World No. 4 Mr Meade? Incoming…
The weather seems to have settled now as Harry makes his way round the ring waiting for the bell. He looks very serious as he starts his test. Lillie has a look around in the halt and Harry just reminds her to save all that ’til after. She softens and they set off into trot.
This mare really has a lovely quality to her trot work. She’s light and expressive and the movements are flowing and look easy for her.
The rain’s back, it’s dripping off Lillie’s nose.
There’s an early mistake when Lillie breaks into canter in the trot work, but Harry brings everything back quickly. The halt at C is good and the reinback is accurate enough. Harry has to work to keep her attention in the walk but she’s relaxed enough and her quality’s clear. The pirouettes are clean. Lillie’s still looking around a little as she trots before the canter transition. She settles a bit more once she gets going though.
The scores have dropped slightly in the canter work. Harry obviously doesn’t feel he can push in the extended and things start to unravel a little. Things aren’t as smooth as Harry would have liked. Everything’s happening but it’s not as solid as we might have expected from this mare.
The weather is really, really difficult. The rain’s hitting them sideways. They both do a great job of holding things together as they come back to the center line and halts. Lillie looks up at the crowd as she finishes and there’s a big cheer for her efforts. He waves to the crowd as they walk out of the ring. A masterclass of riding, as always, in difficult conditions. They go into 17th just behind Harry’s other ride Et Hop Du Matz.
Harry Meade and Grafennacht score 35.2.
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3:17pm
🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco
Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
This Kiwi combination are the third-last to go. Falco is one of the best dressage horses in the field. Will he shake things up? EquiRatings have them down as second-favorite for the win. Eyes on 👀
Tim’s got his game face on as he canters straight down the center line in the pouring rain, which it seems is back to see us out today. They score a 7 for the halt and then set off into a very supple trot. Scores increase as we see just how extravagant this horse is in his extended. This is top quality work so far.
There’s lovely bend and flow in the lateral work as the rain really does start hammering down. Oh, poor Tim. People are taking cover in the crowd. Falco is being so good. He’s focused and concentrated on Tim and the marks are continuing to rise.
The walk is relaxed enough but the scores drop slightly. They get back into trot and the scores are on the up again. Falco’s canter is balanced and soft and Tim makes the changes happen. They’re clean but won’t get the really big marks. Trending scores are still in the 7s.
They come back around onto the center line and halt square to a big cheer and a “Go Tim!”. Those were not easy conditions for this pair, but Falco was so good and tried so hard. A nice sub-30 score incoming… Yup, and into 4th.
Tim Price and Falco score 27.8.
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3:09pm
🇬🇧 Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’ve got some exciting tests ahead as we wrap-up the dressage at Kentucky 5*, and here’s one of them. Expect sub-30 for sure. EquiRatings has Dyri down as the fourth-best dressage horse in the field. The gelding celebrated being accepted at the first horse inspection with a few fireworks 🎇 Save it ‘til the end, buddy…
Things look to be well under wraps as they start their test with a very square, totally immobile halt. There’s a walk step into the trot but when they get going it’s nice and soft. The extended is lovely and then the horse comes back very easily.
There’s a lot of cadence in the lateral work and then another very good halt at C. The reinback isn’t quite straight but it’s accurate. They head off into the walk work and Dyri is relaxed and stepping through nicely. They’re smooth into the first pirouette and Dyri’s really listening to Lucienne. The second pirouette isn’t quite as smooth as the first, but it’s clean and accurate.
They go back into a confident trot and then set off into a balanced and rhythmical canter. The horse looks happy and comfortable in the work and is performing everything accurately. The changes are sound on the whole, the last one was a bit unfortunate. Nothing looks to be concerning in this test, you can just sit back and enjoy it. There’s a slight loss of balance round the turn back to the center line but overall this test has been solid and sound. Horse and rider clearly work well together and Lucienne’ll be very pleased with their efforts today.
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri score 33.7.
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3:01pm
🇦🇺 Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Bronte’ scored a clear round in the first horse inspection, jumping over the flower decoration with room to spare 🌺 More dressage, less show jumping today though, please!
They make a seriously straight entry up the center line, really rhythmical and balanced. The halt isn’t super smooth but oh, when they get into the trot work we really see Bronte’s lightness and suppleness. Beautiful range in the extended, which is expressive and fluent. This is looking to be a very confident test so far.
Bronte looks around in the halt at C but gets the steps in the reinback. They set off into walk and Ema encourages Bronte to take the contact forward in the extended. The walk’s not quite as fluent as the trot work and a little tension creeps in on the turn into the line of pirouettes. Bronte’s anticipating the trot transition but there’s a pirouette to get done first. Ema’s patient though and makes it happen. Beautifully ridden.
They set out into a really rhythmical canter but there’s the feeling that there’s an awful lot of energy bubbling away underneath. Bronte’s being so good, listening and trying and happy in the work. Everything’s very clean and accurate and this is a picture of a horse and rider really working together.
There’s a tiny trot into the final halt. The quality’s definitely there but there were a couple of moments where things weren’t quite together, with expensive changes and some tension in the walk. Bronte looks relaxed walking out on the buckle. First phase done, the best one to go.
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z score 38.8.
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2:53pm
🇺🇸 Matthew Brown and Alderwood
Matt Brown and Alderwood. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Just five more combinations to go after Matt and ‘Dan’. Matt had matched his sneakers to his tie for the first horse inspection, going for a bold yellow look. Suits you sir!
Alderwood’s making his 5* debut at Kentucky but he doesn’t seem to be letting the huge atmosphere bother him as he calmly works around the ring waiting for the bell.
They canter up the center line and start off with a square halt. Dan gets a bit upset after the halt as Matt asks for trot. There’s a very nervous moment. Dan’s spooking and won’t go forward. The wind’s picked up and he’s looking straight at a stand of flags. Matt encourages him though and they get going.
Dan starts to settle as he focuses on the work. Matt did a really great job to get his confidence back up. Things are going well until he comes round the corner before the halt at C, when Dan’s eye gets caught out of the ring again and there’s another moment. Matt’s so calm though, and they manage the halt and reinback nicely enough.
There’s the hint of a jig jog throughout the walk and Matt’s having to keep things together. The pirouettes are obviously going to be difficult but actually, they happen really well considering the horse isn’t as focused as Matt would like him to be.
Dan takes a breath in the trot work and things get back together. Unfortunately he taps the board which unsettles him a little, but then they head off into canter and can settle down a little.
The first change is nice and so is the second, they both come through and are accurate. The third is a smidge late behind. This is really impressive work on a horse that started off a little upset. But then there’s a break in the canter. Matt gets him quickly back. They finish up with a nice halt.
Matt gives Dan a lovely neck rub, really showing Dan that it’s OK. That was a tough ride for Matt but he really gave his horse confidence and Dan will have learned a lot and gained a bunch of experience in the ring today. He walks out happier and more relaxed than he came in, which is just what we want to see for these horses.
Matthew Brown and Alderwood score 41.
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2:45pm
🇺🇸 Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic
Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Rookie combo alert! Mary Bess vaulted competitively until she was 19. So galloping across country must be like a tame walk in the park to her, then.
Quick weather update – the rain has stopped.
Back to Mary Bess and Imperio Magic. They come into the ring and get their first 5* off to a solid start. There’s a hind off the center line in the halt. They set off into trot and look to be working nicely together. The steps are balanced and accurate on the whole. There could be a little more softness in the circles and lateral work for the big marks, but this is a sweet picture of a horse trying hard for his rider.
The halt is brief and the reinback is slightly sticky. They set off into walk and Imperio Magic is relaxed enough at the beginning, but begins to anticipate before the first pirouette and the tail swishes with a little jog step. The pirouette is quite tentative. The second happens well enough.
They go back into trot before transitioning to canter, when things seem to relax slightly. Mary Bess pushes for the extended but Imperio Magic offers a change at the end before changing back. He’s trying almost too hard, it seems. The changes are all there and the scores are trending on the whole just under 6. Solid and accurate.
Imperio Magic stops for a scratch on the way out of the ring, bowing to the crowd. He’s worked really hard. There’s a big cheer as they walk out and a huge pat for Imperio Magic. Overall, a very good 5* debut test, with some homework for next time.
Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic score 39.8.
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2:37pm
🇦🇺 Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II
Bec Braitling and Caravaggio. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oof, this is one gorgeous guy 🤩 ‘Ernie’ was my pick of the first horse inspection.
Bec gets a very steady entry up the center line, holding together all that power. An impressive picture to start. The trot work is soft and the horse really is trying hard. It’s not quite as fluid as some of the horses we’ve seen, but they’re clearly a partnership working together.
The halt at C isn’t quite as good as the first and the reinback is a little sticky. They set off into walk and Bec asks Ernie to stretch forward in the extended, but there’s a tiny jog at the end. He’s anticipating the tricky pirouettes. Bec navigates the first very carefully but she’s got to be tentative going into the second. There’s a lot of power and energy going on under the surface. She really helps him round the second.
They’re happy to get back into trot and then even happier to be in canter. The horse is really trying hard to do everything asked of him. The work is neat on the whole, until the first change. That’s tricky for this horse, he kind of jumps into it. He anticipates the second and there’s a bit of a moment. The tension’s really on the increase in these tricky movements.
Bec’s having to hold things together and does so really well into the third change, which is much better than the first two. They circle neatly enough back onto the center line and finish up with a nice halt.
This horse is so powerful and he’s obviously super fit and so ready for cross country. Bec did a great job holding all that together. There were some nice movements and some tricky moments.
Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II score 40.3.
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🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 2:37pm EST when we’ll find out what the leaderboard will look like as we head into tomorrow’s cross country. Back in a bit! 🚜
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
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2:19pm
🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One
Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Gemma’ thought the jog at the first horse inspection was in fact the warm up for cross country and took off to jump the first. Will she be as keen for the dressage?
This pair get off to a solid start with the first movements coming up accurately and cleanly. Nothing’s big wow, but everything’s happening as it should. Scores in the 6s overall at the start of this test.
The trot work is very consistent and balanced. The halt at C is very good, but Gemma’s looking around a little. Caroline makes sure that she gets the instability. That was a brave move.
They set off into the walk work and Gemma is relaxed and happy enough. The first pirouette is very neat and tidy and the second one is too, maybe a tiny bit sticky in the first step. They go back into trot and then Gemma anticipates the canter transition and puts her nose up. Caroline pushes forward though and things quickly settle.
Caroline’s brave in the extended canter and we get to see Gemma’s power. Scores are still consistently mid-6s.
The changes are a little tricky, with a slight loss of rhythm, and there’s some tension creeping in. The canter isn’t as smooth as the trot work thus far.
They come round into an abrupt halt, but it’s square. The horse tried really hard in this test on her first time at the level. A very good showing overall.
Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One score 35.3.
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2:11pm
🇺🇸 Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette
Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Rookie combo alert! This guy’s affectionately known as ‘Gare Bear’ at home 🐻 which is just too cute!
They’re pretty straight on the entry but there’s quite a step sideways into the halt. The gelding picks his head up and it looks as though Shannon’s got her hands full here.
She really does a good job of settling this horse into the trot work. He’s started really listening to her and the scores improve as things go on. There’s a tail swish into the halt, but it’s square and then Eindhoven Garette is willing enough in the reinback.
They head off into walk and he tries to take the contact forward for the extended, but then there’s a little conversation going on as Shannon asks him to come back. This guy is not a fan of the pirouette. He shortens in his neck and his ears go back. This is not an easy ride for Shannon but she navigates the movements carefully and they get round. He’s happier once he gets going forwards again.
The canter work is a little tight, but the horse is listening to Shannon. He has a little to say about the changes. He stomps a bit into them. But he’s trying hard. They come back around to the center line and the final halt is much better than the last. Eindhoven Garette pokes his nose forward as he walks out the ring. He thinks he’s done good.
Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette score 39.8.
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2:03pm
🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
World No. 1 Tom was runner-up in the Kentucky 5* last year, and the year before. Third time even luckier? The numbers guys at EquiRatings have this pair down as third-favorite for the win. It’s all to play for in the Horse Park and not a bad shout to be sitting on, statistically, the second-best dressage horse in the field.
‘Norris’ sure is showing his quality as he trots round the ring waiting for the bell. Ooo, this is going to be an exciting one…
Tom is serious as he comes dead straight up the center line and halts perfectly square. That looked like a flawless entry. They set off into a relaxed, flowing trot and then Tom pushes in the extended. It’s all so soft and light. The circle is flowing and the lateral work just looks so easy.
The halt at C is solid and the reinback no problem for this pair. Trending scores are exciting… Not quite at the same level as Michael’s though.
The walk is as excellent quality as the trot and the pirouettes are smooth. Oh, a tiny miscommunication happens in the transition to trot. Tiny. Tom gets Norris straight back.
They set off into canter, still soft and relaxed. The horse is confident and everything looks very easy for him. The push in the extended is impressive.
The flying changes are so accurate and true, not huge, but great. Scores are still trending for this pair to go into second place.
They finish up their test with another excellent halt and Tom gives Norris a big pat. More quality dressage at the Horse Park. That was a great test from this exciting pair. Into second they go, narrowing Michael’s gulf of a lead.
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality score 26.2.
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1:55pm
🇺🇸 Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey
Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Astro’ took the opportunity to kick up his heels at the first horse inspection with a buck so perfect it looked choreographed. Let’s keep the dance moves a little more dressage today, hey?
They’re lovely and straight up the center line but there’s a bit of a step in the halt. Brooke puts that right behind her and goes into trot. Astro’s showing his readiness for cross country. There’s a tricky moment and Brooke’s having to sit tight. She gets him back on side and things improve. He’s just full of cross country dreams.
They halt at C and Astro lifts his head in the reinback. He’s not really working with Brooke right now. He’s not upset at all, totally comfortable, just this isn’t his favorite bit of eventing. They set off into walk and there are some jig jogs throughout but Brooke keeps things under wraps.
Astro’s playing with the contact in the short piece of trot between the walk and the canter. He looks happy to get going when they transition to the quicker pace. He’s performing all the movements but kind of on his own terms. This is a horse with a huge personality. Fun, but perhaps not so easy in the dressage.
They come back round and halt to a big cheer. The final halt is also done Astro style, kind of diagonal over the center line. He looks very pleased with himself. He’ll be even more delighted when he gets onto the cross country course. He’s one to watch tomorrow, for sure.
Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey score 46.4.
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1:47pm
🇺🇸 Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Rookie combo alert! At just 20 years old, Cassie’s the youngest rider in the field this year.
They get their Kentucky off to a sound start with a square halt, although there’s a little bobble going into the trot. Cassie settles Redfield Fyre quickly into his work though. The trot work is considered and clean on the whole and Cassie’s really riding well on her first time at the level.
There’s a step into the halt at C, which is kind of brief, but the reinback is clean. They continue on into walk and the horse stretches nicely into the contact in the extended. His head comes up as Cassie shortens the reins in preparation for the pirouette but is back very quickly. Cassie does a good job of keeping things under control there.
Redfield Fyre seems happier in the canter and Cassie’s brave in the extended. Scores are trending in the 6s overall. The changes aren’t quite there, they’ll be expensive. He’s not always got his hind underneath him, which made the changes really tough.
They circle back onto the center line and halt to finish their first 5* test. That was a great job on the whole, from both horse and rider. A very pleasing picture to begin with some unfortunate mistakes in the changes. Not bad for your first go out there.
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre score 37.9.
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1:39pm
🇳🇿 Monica Spencer and Artist
Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Max’ was pretty as a picture and ready to run at the first horse inspection. Just a small matter of the dressage test first, please.
This pair look totally on the same page as they come up the center line. Max is so soft and supple, light on his feet and expressive. The extended trot in the early part of the test is particularly impressive. Early scores are trending in the 7s across the board.
They halt just past C which affects the score a little and then the reinback comes easy. Max settles into the walk but the scores are slightly lower than they were for the trot work. The second pirouette is a little wide. They set back off into trot and then go cleanly into canter. They really are working so beautifully together.
The extended canter is great. Max really showed off his power and extension. The changes are very clean and correct, not hugely expressive but very solid. Max tightens a little in his neck in the lateral work but Monica’s supporting him. He anticipates the final change and Monica does a great job getting that through clean.
They finish up back in the 7s for the final halt. This test has been a picture throughout. Really strong and accurate. A good score incoming…
Monica Spencer and Artist score 29.3.
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1:31pm
🇺🇸 Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna
Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
‘Sid’ gave the judges a wave at the first horse inspection 👋 Katherine’d quite like it if he kept the niceties to a minimum today.
Katherine and Sid get their Kentucky underway in the rain. Sid doesn’t look too bothered by it though and he’s being a good boy thus far, much more relaxed than at the horse inspection. He’s listening to Kathering and producing some strong trot work.
The halt secure and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a neat walk until there’s a little jig at the end of the change of rein. Sid settles quickly though. They navigate the pirouettes cleanly enough, although a little tight, and set off back into trot. Sids blowing out as he continues in trot, showing that tension that crept in over the pirouettes.
They get going into the canter work and Sid is looking a bit short in the neck, just that little bit of tension making itself known. And oh no, the bell’s rung. Ah, an error of course. That’s a shame.
OK, they’re back on track and things come undone a bit. Sid’s getting a bit excited in the first changes. Katherine’s doing a great job with him. They come back onto the center line and Katherine must be taking a huge sigh of relief as Sid has a little moment coming into the halt. Phew. He’ll be glad to get out onto cross country on Saturday.
Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna score 38.2.
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1:23pm
🇩🇪 Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34
Libussa Lubekke and Caramia 34. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Keeping it in the family, Libussa’s brother used to ride ‘Carla’ before Libussa took on the ride and brought the mare up to the 5* level, finishing top-10 on her debut at Luhmühlen last year.
They enter up the center line in the pouring rain and really do create an impressive picture. Libussa’s taking her time and they very quickly get into a really lovely rhythm.
The trot work is very smooth and the horse looks very comfortable in her work. They halt square at C and the reinback is accurate. Scores in the 7s coming in on the whole.
The mare is nice and relaxed in the walk work and navigates the pirouette neatly, albeit with a bit of tail swishing. Libussa takes a breath before asking for trot and Caramia responds softly.
They get into canter and the scores continue in the 7s. This pair look very comfortable together and very confident. The changes are accurate, helped by Libussa’s accurate riding – she gets perfectly straight on the center line before asking for the change. Lovely work.
They circle back onto the center line and halt square. There’s a squeal from the crowd and lots of support for what has been a very sweet and easy to watch test. Plenty of pats for Caramia who stretches her neck right down. They’re very relaxed as they leave the ring. There’s a delay in their scoring coming in. I’ll update it as soon as it comes up.
UPDATE: Score in
Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 score 27.1
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1:15pm
🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Luke 140
Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Alex Jeffery.
This cool guy just loves to roll, like, anywhere. (Luke, not Boyd, although who actually knows for sure?) Not in the dressage ring though please, not there…
There’s cheers in the crowd as Boyd canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Not sure if they’re for him, but this is Boyd, so perhaps.
He comes up the center line looking to mean business. They set off into a loose and supple trot and Luke seems like he’s right on his game, despite the heavy rain.
He’s very soft in the lateral work and is clearly listening to Boyd. There’s a bit of a tail swish going into the halt, but it’s very good nonetheless and the scores continue to trend in the 7s. The reinback is accurate and they set off into a relaxed walk.
Luke is settled and relaxed as he comes into the first pirouette. It could have been a little more fluid on the way round but the second one is more flowing.
They get going with the canter work and there’s more of the same quality. Everything looks so easy, it’s clean and accurate and they create a picture of a horse and rider working in partnership. The first flying change is very good but the second is a little late behind. The third is good. Scores are still in the 7s. The final change is great. The ones with the double coefficient were both very good.
There’s a huge cheer as they halt and salute to end their test and Boyd waves to the crowd as he walks out of the ring. Overall this test was soft and accurate – easy – and there’s a nice score coming in for them… They go into second, slotting in above Clarke Johnstone and Tim Price, the joint-second placers overnight.
Boyd Martin and Luke 140 score 27.6.
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