All 24 Horses Pass Morven Park CCI4*-L First Horse Inspection

Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

We’re looking forward to following along at Morven Park this week as the Leesburg, Va. venue prepares to kick off its much-anticipated CCI4*-L as a highlight of the fall eventing calendar. Twenty-four combinations will contest the CCI4*-L and all were accepted in front of the Ground Jury, made up by President Gretchen Butts, Jo Young and Jame Hamlin.

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Erin Gilmore is the official show photographer this weekend — if you’re competing this week, you can order your photos from Erin here — and we’ve got some gorgeous shots from a beautiful Virginia fall day.

CCI4*-L dressage kicks off tomorrow and while there is no live stream, you can follow scores here. In addition to the horse inspection, the CCI 4*-S and CCI 2*-S started dressage today.

The 4*-S leader is William Coleman with Chin Tonic HS, who scored a 27.7. Will reflected, “We had a great day for sure! Chin Tonic, owned by Hyperion Stud, is a really talented horse! This is his second event and second 4* competition and we think he’s got a bright future.” When asked about competing at Morven Park, Will continued, “I love Morven Park! I have been coming here since I was a kid and am excited about the 4*-L.”

Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper are second on a score of 31.0. Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are third on a score of 31.5.

Arden Wildasin leads the CCI 2*-S divisions “A” and “B.” She scored 27.7 riding Southern Sun in “A” and scored 27.2 on Tokyo Drift in “B.”

The 2*-YH division leader is Caroline Martin, riding Galwaybay Blake, who scored 25.1. When asked about her first day of competition, Caroline said, “He’s a superstar and I’m lucky to have the ride on him.” She continued, “This is my favorite event of the year and I have to thank my groom Hannah Koehler and my business partner Casey McKissock for getting me here.”

Friday will see the start of the 4*-L and 3*-S dressage competition at 8 a.m. In the afternoon, competition continues for the 4*-S and 2*-S competitors with show jumping in the Grand Prix Arena. 3* show jumping begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

In addition to the international levels, the horse trials divisions start on Saturday. Meanwhile, 4*-L and 2*-S cross country start at 9 a.m. This year’s course designer, Derek di Grazia, is a world-class eventer and served as cross country course designer for the 2021 Olympic games in Tokyo. If you’re at Morven Park this week, be sure to check out some special course walk opportunities with Meghan O’Donoghue and more.

Best of luck to all competitors!

Morven Park: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores,