Reese Koffler-Stanfield got dressage underway at the Kentucky Horse Park, performing the test ride at the Rolex 2011 Three Day Event presented by Bridgestone. Reese is a popular local Grand Prix dressage rider who trains a number of eventers, and is helped by Jessica Ransehousen,pictured.
Allison Springer got things off to a good start with the test we’ve come to expect from her and Arthur, moving into an early lead with a score of 42.3. Sadly, hardly anyone was around to see it; maybe it’s the cold, or maybe because as a few of the regulars maintain, it’s just thursday dressage at Rolex, but the stands are practically empty.
Phillip Dutton squeezed the best work he could out of Fernhill Eagle, refusing to let him give him second best; intense concentration and sheer force of will saw them both sweating despite the cool breeze and chilly temperatures.
Phillip wore a ribbon on his lapel in memory of Rebecca Broussard who used to own the horse.
Mary King’s homebred mare King’s Temptress looked relaxed in the warm-up, although Mary blamed herself for mistakes in the changes. As in the trot-up, the English were very strict about putting boots on the horse as soon as it had finished the dressage, although Phillip’s horse wearing front boots to warm up was the only US horse that bothered so far, and all the US horses I saw hacked back to the stables bare-legged.
Putting the boots back on
Jessica Phoenix handled Exploring really well.
under the watchful eye of Team Phoenix
In the middle, Lisa Barry, “fresh” (!) from Badminton with Steph R-B, who’s riding her horse for her this week to prep for Jersey Fresh.
Icarus and Michael Pollard, helped by Bettina Hoy, how can you not love this horse?!
Thanks for stopping by, back up to arena for more dressage, and to go eventing!
