Photo by Shelby Allen.
Why wait for the actual weekend to kick off #TheBestWeekendAllYear? That’s right, we’re totally here for it, primed and ready for what’s set to be a stupendous celebration of 5* eventing from Kentucky Horse Park.
Coming up over the next two days we’ll see 35 competitors from seven different nations all vying to be at the top of the pack and go out onto Saturday’s cross country as clubhouse leaders. The start list is stacked with talent and we’re in for one heck of a competition, that’s for sure!
Here’s a taste of what we’ve got to look forward to today:
🇺🇲 From the US cohort, the 5* competition sees the current top three on the USEA leaderboard. Going today is No 1️⃣ Phillip Dutton riding 5* first-timer, Quasi Cool.
Also in the mix, and going for another podium place is Doug Payne, who rides 2022 third place finisher Quantum Leap.
🇬🇧 The Brits are back in force with runners-up from the previous two years in the line-up this week. It’ll be Tom McEwen’s turn tomorrow, but today we’ll see reigning World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir make their pitch to be top of the class.
🇨🇦 The Maple Leaf is represented by Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me, who won highest placed sole owner/rider in 2022.
🇦🇺 2021s winner of the Highest Placed Youngest Rider, Australia’s Ema Klugman, is here with 5* first-timer Bronte Beach.
🇳🇿 In the Kiwi camp, exciting young talent Monica Spencer will bring forward her team bronze winning World Championships partner Artist.
🇮🇪 Susannah Berry and Clever Trick have made the trip from Ireland, hoping to emulate compatriot Austin O’Connor’s Stateside success at Maryland.
🇩🇪 Michael Jung won it for the Germans in 2022, and we’ll see two German riders make their bid today: dubbed ‘the young Jung’ by EquiRatings, Calvin Böckmann is here with 5* first-timer The Phantom of the Opera, joined by Malin Hansen-Hotopp with her 5* debutant Carlitos Quidditch K.
Seriously, the field is so strong I could have picked out all of them to highlight here – and if you’re wishing I had, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
First up the center line this afternoon will be the USA’s Sara Kozumplik and 5* debutant Rock Phantom – they’ll enter the ring at 1:30pm ET / 7:30pm CEST.
If you want to see when your favorites are going, you’ll find the ride times here.
And if, like us, you just can’t get enough of Kentucky, we’ll be bringing you live blogs from both days of the 5* dressage, 4*-S and 5* cross country, and the culmination of the 5* show jumping, as well as daily reports from each stage of the competition, and SO MUCH MORE! Click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle – go on eventing nerds, you know you want to. As if that isn’t enough, we’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing.
I’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the afternoon, so keep this page refreshed and enjoy the ride.
With all that said, let’s kick on and get the party started.
If you’re catching up on this later and like to keep things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If you’re happy to go backwards through the drawn order, have at it.
Dancing shoes on, ears pricked, and go eventing!
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
4:07pm ET
And there we have it. The Best Weekend All Year has begun and we’ve seen some awesome talent on display at Kentucky Horse Park this afternoon.
At this point in the competition:
1️⃣ Sitting pretty in the lead overnight is Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham with Banzai du Loir on a score of 26.
2️⃣ 5 points behind is another Brit – Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI on 31.
3️⃣ And just 0.1 behind, rounding out the top three, we have Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp with Carlitos Quidditch K on 31.1.
Make sure you’re back with us tomorrow at 12:30pm ET / 6:30pm CEST when we’ll be bringing you the rest of the 5* dressage action and seeing who’ll go out onto Saturday’s cross country in pole position. We’re just two sleeps away from everyone’s favorite day – hooray!
We’ll also have live updates of everything that unfolds out on course in both the 4*-S and the 5* competitions, as well as the conclusion of the 5* on Sunday. And that’s not all! Click here for all the Kentucky content you can handle and keep your eyes peeled for our Dressage Day One round-up – coming soon.
That’s all from between the white boards for today.
Until tomorrow ENers, go eventing!
3:58pm ET
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K (GER)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer!
🤖 This gray gelding is a XC machine! He’s completed in all but one of his 32 FEI runs and has had XC jumping penalties on just two occasions.
📈 Most recently they were 22nd in the recent 3*-S competition at Luhmuhlen. Last season they were top 20 in the European Championships, taking silver with the German team. They had a run of great results in Europe on the lead up to the Championships, with two 4th places and two 3rds. In 2022 they won the 4*-L at Blenheim in the UK where they added just 1.2 show jumping time penalties to their dressage of 24.6.
📋 Their score in the first phase at Blenheim was a career-best at the level. At 4* they’re generally high-20s to low-30s. At the Euros they posted a 31.5.
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K searching for the Golden Snitch:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Carlitoz Quidditch K looks lovely and bouncy as he trots around the outside of the arena – his ears are pricked and he looks ready for his Kentucky test. This is a really beautiful gray, a lovely stamp of a horse.
Ah, there are a couple of mistakes as they come up the center line, he puts in a couple of changes. But Malin gets a lovely halt and they continue on in better form.
This horse is so powerful. He pushes out in his extended trot and is balanced and smooth. All of this work is rhythmical and the gelding is very solid in the contact. Lots of very nice work on show here.
Carlitos Quidditch K is relaxed in the walk, it’s really easy looking. There’s clear overtracking. The halt is accurate and the strike off into canter is very smooth.
There’s more lovely rhythm and cadence in the canter and the first flying changes are very accurate and score well. He’s very comfortable in his changes.
This horse looks so rideable – he’s consistent and there’s quality in everything he’s producing. The scores are climbing as this test goes on.
Malin’s riding really accurately and this horse is really showing that he knows his job. Everything is flowing and easy and a real pleasant picture.
They finish up with a good halt and Malin looks pleased with her horse’s efforts. A lovely end to the first day of dressage.
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K score 31.1.
3:50pm ET
Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Quasi Cool, not Phillip.
🥇🥇 🥉 Phillip has won Olympic team gold twice for Australia and individual bronze for the US.
🥇🥇🥈 He’s also won two Pan-Ams team golds and an individual silver.
🎾⛳ As well as in the barn, you can catch Phillip on the tennis court and golf course.
⏩ Quasi Cool came to Phillip’s string from Germany’s Dirk Schrade for the 2021 season.
🧬 He’s by the same sire as Calvin Böckmann’s ride, The Phantom of the Opera, who we saw a little earlier.
📈 They were 15th in the 4*-S at Stable View recently, where they added just XC time to their score. They were 4th in the 4*-L at Bromont in 2022 and 2nd here in the 4*-S the same season.
📋 They have 4* form from the mid-20s to the mid-30s in the first phase. Last time out it was 35.8.
Not just a one-trick pony – Quasi Cool winning the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge last year:
Today’s Test:
Quasi Cool got off to a nice start but then have a bit of a blip out of the halt. Phillip’s straight on it though and gets him back and they continue on with a nice enough trot.
There’s a little tension showing up in Quasi’s neck, but the steps are all accurate and correct and Phillip’s riding for every mark. The tension continues in the walk, there’s a little inconsistency in the contact which shows there’s some discussion happening.
Quasi steps very carefully in the reinback, it’s a little sticky. But he is doing everything that Phillip’s asking.
The canter work is a lot happier. He’s settling now and moving more freely. Phillip’s having to ride a little carefully and can’t push for the top marks, but everything’s coming up accurately for him. The scores are very consistent throughout the canter work.
They finish up with a good enough halt and Quasi gets a pat. Phillip’s rather serious looking as he leaves the arena, maybe a little disappointed. This was a very accurate test overall, except for the little wobble at the start.
Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool score 33.8.
3:36pm ET
We’re heading into a short break now. Back in almost 15 minutes – at 3:50pm ET / 9:50pm CEST when we’ll wrap up today’s dressage with the final two competitors.
3:28pm ET
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me (CAN)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This 18-year-old gelding made his debut at the level here in Kentucky back in 2016. Since then he’s been to the Horse Park every year bar the Covid one and last year, with two top 20 finishes. He’s also been to Maryland twice, both times being withdrawn before the Second Horse Inspection.
📈 This season they were 21st in the 4*-S at Stable View and withdrew from the 4*-S after dressage at Bouckaert Farm.
📋 We’re expecting at least high-30s in the first phase – they posted a 37.1 in their last 5* run at Maryland – although they’re not averse to dipping a hoof or two into the 40s.
At 18, ‘Tali’ knows what this 5* lark’s all about:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Tali canters straight up the center line but there’s a bit of a wobble into the halt. He trots off nicely though and looks to be very happy to be center stage at Kentucky.
Tali’s working hard for Lisa Marie, he’s playing with the bit – we can see his tongue, but he’s doing the movements he’s asked to do and everything is accurate.
Tali’s still sticking his tongue out as he enters the walk work. Lisa Marie’s being really soft in her hands to hep him to settle in his mouth. That tension comes out in the reinback a bit. But the canter seems a little more settled, albeit still with the licking.
The canter is a similar story to the trot, it’s active and accurate but a little tense. He’s obviously full of beans for the jumping phases, but he’s doing everything Lisa Marie asks. She can’t push, but they’re delivering all of the movements.
They come back up the center line and Tali doesn’t quite hold his feet still in the halt. He’s looking round at the crowd as they finish looking extremely pleased with himself. Enjoy it Tali, Kentucky’s watching!
Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me score 42.1.
3:20pm ET
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This mare made her 5* debut at Maryland last season, finishing 14th.
🤩 Bobby began his eventing journey in the Pony Club aged nine, going on to train with Stuart Black and Karen and David O’Connor. He’s also worked for show jumper Aaron Vale.
📈 They were 16th in the 4*-S at Carolina this season where they put in a fast clear across the country, twelve faults in the show jumping proved expensive though.
📋 They posted a 39.5 in the first phase at Maryland.
📸 Lumumba sure knows how to work that camera:
Photo by Jenni Autry.
Today’s Test:
Lumumba looks up as he halts at the start of his test, and then wiggles off into trot. There’s a sticky moment when Bobby has to push her forward when she stalls slightly. She settles into her test though and they look to be together as they continue in their trot work.
Lumumba really looks to be trying for Bobby. There’s little bobbles here and there, but she’s listening and doing her best for him. She walks out nicely and seems to be relaxed and happy in her work.
The halt isn’t quite square but it is stationary and the reinback is accurate enough. They strike off into canter and the scores improve slightly. The work in this section is a little more accurate and the first change is very good. She skips the second a little.
Bobby’s really doing a great job of communicating with Lumumba. He’s working with the horse that’s underneath him and riding really empathetically. There’s a little tension creeping in as the test goes on which is showing up particularly in the later changes.
They finish up with a good halt and Bobby gives the mare a nice pat and neck rub. Lumumba looks like she’s tried real hard, and she was a good girl for Bobby. It’s not a phase they’re going to win, but they created a nice picture of a horse and rider that really get on together.
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba score 39.2.
3:12pm ET
Monica Spencer and Artist (NZL)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – They made their 5* debut at Adelaide last season then took to the skies to take on the US, where they contested Maryland and came 7th.
🥉 They were part of the New Zealand squad for the World Championships in Pratoni, which they found out just three days before ‘Max’ flew out to Italy. It was worth the stress though – they took home a team bronze medal and finished 21st individually.
🏇 Max is racing-trained but didn’t actually race – he switched sides early on and Monica has had him since he was a four-year-old after seeing him at his first show and promptly buying him.
📈 They’re sticking in the States for the time being, and taking it by storm! They were 5th in the 4*-S at TerraNova last month and 4th in the 4*-S at Plantation Field last year.
📋 Eyes on this one 👀 They posted a 24 at Adelaide 5* in the first phase and a 25.6 at Pratoni. It was 28.5 at Maryland 5*.
🎨📸 Artist sure makes a pretty picture:
Today’s Test:
Monica and Artist really make a great start to their test. Artist looks relaxed in the atmosphere and is really listening to Monica – their lovely relationship is clearly on show.
Monica’s riding this test really accurately. Every single movement is purposeful and clean. Artist’s not delivering the biggest movements, but everything is nice and lots of very good marks coming in for them.
Artist is relaxed in the walk, very active and stepping out nicely. Artist doesn’t stand in the halt at the beginning but Monica waits and he stands for her after a second or two.
This pair create a really nice picture in the canter work. It’s forward but very contained and purposeful. For the higher marks, a little more push would be needed, but Monica is riding conservatively to deliver the best Artist can on the day.
The stretch circle is relaxed and Artist comes up into the contact when Monica asks and they finish out their test in much the same way as they started. A clear round for them. Overall this has been a very accurate example of the test and the relationship between this combination is clearly very special.
Monica Spencer and Artist score 31.9.
3:04pm ET
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (GBR)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – This pair famously came 2nd to Michael Jung in their first 5* at Kentucky in 2022. They came back last year but an uncharacteristic 20 on XC day saw them finish in 18th. It’s hard to believe that this is just their third 5* start – all of them here at the Horse Park.
🏆 They’re reining World Champions after adding just 1.2 XC time to their dressage of 22 in Pratoni. They were part of the gold medal winning team at last year’s European Championships too.
📈 They came out this season and took 3rd in the 4*-S at Thoresby after rounding off last season with a 2nd in the 4*-L at Blenheim, where they added just a show jumping pole to their dressage of 20.5.
📋 Eyes on this one 👀 Banzai’s the joint-best dressage horse in the field (tied with Tom McEwen’s JL Dublin).They regularly post scores in the very low 20s in the first phase. At Kentucky last year it was a 22.1.
🤩 Banzai sure looks like he’s knows he’s the World Champion in this photo:
Today’s Test:
Our second British pairing enter the ring and Banzai has a bit of a wobble in the first halt and steps out sideways. He’s straight back on track though and trots off beautifully. The extended is so impressive. There’s such quality in this horse’s movements. Yas pushes forward with power and then Banzai comes straight back to her.
The lateral work is super supple and in perfect balance and rhythm. We’re seeing the highest scores of the afternoon across the board.
Banzai’s really relaxed in the walk work. He’s stepping out and everything’s rhythmical and accurate. The halt isn’t as steady as it could have been for top marks, he anticipates the reinback a tiny bit. Just a bit.
These flying changes are the best we’ve seen so far this afternoon. The marks for the canter are consistently high, and well-deserved. Everything looks easy for Banzai.
He stretches in the circle and then comes back onto the bridle for Yas as they finish up their canter work. The final halt is much better than the first, lovely and square. Banzai looks very pleased with himself and Yas gives him a big neck rub. There’s a cheer as their score comes in…
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir score 26 and storm straight into the lead.
2:56pm ET
Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI (GBR)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – ‘Betty’ made her 5* debut at Pau in 2019, finishing in 24th before returning in 2022 and ending up a couple of places better. She was vying for a podium there last year but 8 faults in the show jumping dropped her to 6th. She made the trip to Kentucky last year and finished 21st. She’s also went to Badminton in 2022 but was eliminated on the XC. A reroute to Luhmuhlen was a sound decision however – she came 🥈 and finished on her dressage score of 31.1.
🌳 Betty is a bit of a quirky mare – Kirsty rarely does any work in the arena with her, instead she hacks around the New Forest, which seems to keep Betty happy, and sane.
📈 They come here in great form, having taken 3rd place in the 4*-S at Kronenberg in the Netherlands a few weeks ago, where they added just 3.2 XC penalties to their score.
📋 They put down a 32.6 in the first phase at Pau last season and a 30.8 here. They have been sub-30 at 5* with a 29.9 at Pau in 2022.
Betty checking out the Horse Park:
Today’s Test:
As Tilly regularly points out, Betty is an oil painting of a horse, and she looks beautiful in the Kentucky sunshine. They enter meaning business and go off into a balanced and rhythmical trot that’s supple and light. A great start for them.
Lots of great scores coming in for this pair. There’s gorgeous cadence in their movements and Betty’s really listening to Kirsty and answering all her questions.
The walk is relaxed at the start but a tiny bit of tension comes in. Kirsty’s able to push for the extended though. There’s a little tension as they turn the corner before the halt, but the halt is accurate and so is the reinback and both score well.
Betty looks to be very happy to be in canter. She’s fully back with Kirsty and listening. The scores aren’t quite as high as for their trot work but they’re very good. Betty really shows her adjustability as Kirsty asks her to extend and then come back, and then really takes the contact forward for the stretch circle.
A tiny mistake coming into the final halt, but there’s huge pats for Betty at the end of the test and Kirsty has a big smile on her face. There’s a cheer from the crowd and it’s well-deserved. This was a really lovely demonstration of horse and rider relationship.
Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI score 31.
2:48pm ET
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – They’ve finished top 10 in five of their six 5* starts, including 3rd here at Kentucky in 2022 where they become the 2022 USEF 5* Eventing National Champions.
👶 Baby Quantum arrived at the Payne yard as a yearling and Doug has brought the gelding up through the levels.
🎓 Quantum is a YEH graduate with a podium place in the Championships as a 4-year-old.
🪜 Expect a leaderboard climb for this pair on Saturday – in 29 FEI runs they have just one – ONE – twenty on their record, and with some smart show jumping form, they may well continue the climb on Sunday.
🛩️ When he’s not piloting horses round cross country courses, Doug pilots his tiny plane to events.
📈 They were 3rd in the 4*-S at Stable View this season, adding just 0.8 XC time to their score. They were 6th in the 4*-S at Carolina this year too, where they finished on their dressage.
📋 They scored 29.5 at Maryland in 2022 – a career best dressage score. We’re more likely to be looking at low-ish 30s though – at Maryland last season they put down a 35.9 and at Kentucky a 33.7.
Quantum is officially the sweetest 5* horse, like ever, as Doug’s little daughter can attest (check out Doug’s IG account for some very cute videos of the pals hanging out together):
Today’s Test:
Ooo, Quantum is keen as he enters the ring. He thought it was the start box. He does three beautiful flying changes, unfortunately uncalled for. Thankfully Doug gets him right back at almost exactly the point they pass the boards.
Ah, Quantum’s trot is so beautiful. He’s stepping out and has such lovely elevation. There’s a fair bit of tension though so it’s not getting the big marks. He’s a little tight in his neck and a little fussy in the contact. Doug’s doing a wonderful job at keeping him together though.
The walk is a little joggy at times. Quantum is clearly super fit. His connections look to be holding their breath as they watch.
The tension continues in the canter but Quantum’s listening to Doug and everything is accurate, just a bit on the tippy toes.
They finish up with a lovely square halt but Doug looks disappointed at the end of the test. We could clearly see Quantum’s potential but today he was a little too keen in the sandbox. Roll on cross country he says.
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap score 39.9.
2:40pm ET
Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera (GER)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer!
🤩 Calvin was dubbed ‘the young Jung’ by EquiRatings.
🧬 ‘Phantom’ is by the same sire as Phillip Dutton’s ride here, Quasi Cool.
🤖 This former Sandra Auffarth ride is a XC machine! In 35 FEI competitions he’s had just one 20 – one! Eyes on this one on Saturday 👀
📈 They were 9th in a strong field in the 4*-S at Strzegom recently.
📋 At 4* we’re looking at low to mid-30s in the first phase.
🎭 Phantom strutting his stuff in Strzegom:
Today’s Test:
Calvin’s just 23, it’s his birthday on Saturday! What a day to have a birthday, on the best day of the best weekend all year!
He gets his Kentucky off to a great start, coming in looking to mean real business. Phantom looks to be a real pro in his work and is supple and balanced in his trot work. The lateral work is very accurate and scores 7s on the whole.
Phantom’s relaxed in the walk and Calvin’s able to really ride him forwards – they score a 7 for the first medium and another for the extended. There’s a little tension coming through towards the end of the walk work but he produces a very nice halt and reinback and the strike off into canter is very good.
The canter work is very accurate, including the flying changes – they’re some of the best we’ve seen so far.
Everything is smooth and correct and Calvin’s riding for every mark. This horse doesn’t have the big, extravagant movement of some of the horses we’ll see, but everything looks easy and he’s well within himself.
Calvin looks emotional as he gives Phantom a big pat at the end of the test. Overall this was a very clean test, really maturely and accurately ridden. What a start to their Kentucky, and an exciting prospect for the future of German eventing.
Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera score 31.4.
2:27pm ET
We’re heading into a short break now. Back in not quite 15 minutes – at 2:40pm ET / 8:40pm CEST.
2:18pm ET
Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – Their 5* debut came at Kentucky in 2019 where they finished 12th, following this up with a trip across the Pond for Burghley later in the season where their top-10 finish made them highest placed first-timers. They returned after the Covid hiatus to claim third place at Luhmuhlen in 2021, then went to Badminton a year later and came 15th.
✨ They also have an 11th individual place at the World Championships in Pratoni on their record, where they were one of just five combinations to finish on their dressage score.
🪜 With just one cross country jumping penalty in sixteen FEI runs since stepping up to 4* in 2018, this pair will be leaderboard climbers on Saturday for sure, and with just two show jumping rails in their last nine internationals, their practice in the 1.40 ring obviously pays off in the final phase.
📈 They were 19th in the 4*-S at Carolina this season, adding just XC time to their score.
📋 They’ve generally scored low to mid-30s in the dressage at 5*.
‘Simon’ showing off his skills in the show jumping ring:
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Today’s Test:
Simon sure looked excited to be at Kentucky as he pranced down the jog strip yesterday. He is so extravagant, really beautiful and exciting to watch.
He’s bouncy as he sets off in trot after their halt. He’s flicking his toes and showing off. He looks a little hot but Ariel’s holding him together. He’s losing collection every now and then, but has such a beautiful movement. Lots of 6s coming in scores-wise.
The walk is surprisingly relaxed in the early stages – the tension’s still there but Ariel’s holding him together. He gets more tense as the walk continues, a little tight and losing his overtrack. He jiggy-jogs into the halt.
The consensus in the commentary box is that Simon’s looking opinionated. He’s saying, Oh OK, rather than, Hell yeah. He’s saving that for Saturday.
He kicks the boards but that doesn’t bother him. Ariel clearly can’t push in the canter work, Simon’s swishing his tail. He delivers a lovely final halt though for a 7, but Ariel does look a little disappointed. This gelding is so capable of great scores, but today he was keen for cross country. He’s still jiggy-jogging as he leaves the arena and heads down the chute.
Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan score 38.2.
2:10pm ET
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach (AUS)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! Bronte Beach is making her 5* debut here this week.
🇰🇪 Ema started riding as a member of Pony Club in Nairobi, Kenya. She continued her Pony Club journey when she moved to the US, achieving three A level ratings – in traditional, show jumping and dressage – one of only two people in the US to do so.
🍪 As well as an eventer and EN contributor, Ema’s also a law student – she passed the Virginia bar exam just a week or so ago, and has an exam on Monday!
🤖 Bronte Beach is proving to be a XC machine, with just one jumping penalty in 14 FEI competitions.
📈 This combination were 14th in the 4*-S at Stable View earlier this month and 7th in the 4*-L at TerraNova at the end of last season.
📋 We’re likely looking at mid-30s in the first phase; they put down a 35.4 at Stable View.
🏖️ Bronte Beach proving her mettle across the cross country:
Photo by Abby Powell.
Today’s Test:
Not that we’re biased or anything but, go Ema! (Also John Kyle’s just given our Form Guide a shout out!)
Back to Ema – this truly is a big, beautiful mare. They come in meaning business and score 7.2 for their halt and salute.
The trot is beautifully bouncy, such a lovely extravagant step and so much power. She’s really got a huge movement and shows it in the extended walk.
Ah, there’s a bit of a bobble as Bronte Beach goes to set off into canter. Ema’s right on it but the score drops to a 4.5 for the half pass. They’re soon back together though.
Ema’s doing a great job of keeping a lid on the walk, which all comes off accurately. There’s just so much power in this horse. Ema waits and waits for the reinback, waiting for the perfect moment and it works a treat.
The canter work is very rhythmical but the first two changes are both late behind and the scores drop to a 4 and 5.
It’s the same story for the next ones, but the extended canter is super and scores a 7. There’s not a huge amount of stretch in the circle but Ema obviously felt it was more sensible to keep the contact a little.
Ema looks satisfied as she pats Bronte Beach at the end of the test. A whole lotta potential on show here – exciting for the future for sure.
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach score 36.
2:02pm ET
Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer!
🤩 Andrew spent some time in England working for William Fox-Pitt. He’s also worked with Pippa Funnell and her husband, William, at The Billy Stud.
🏇 Andrew has also worked with CANTER, a program which provides OTTBs with opportunities for second careers.
📈 This pair were 6th in the 4*-L at Morven Park last fall and winners of the 4*-S at Rebecca Farm last season where they added just 1.2 XC time to their score. They finished on their dressage in the 4*-L at Mill Spring early last season to take 5th place. They were 26th here in the 4*-S last year.
📋 We’re looking at high 30s in the first phase for this mare but with just one XC jumping penalty from 11 runs on their FEI record and generally just a handful of time, this is a combination that should be climbing the leaderboard on Saturday if their 4* form’s anything to go by.
Andrew was awarded the Rebecca Broussard Foundation Developing International Rider Grant by the USEA Foundation last season after his win at Rebecca Farm with ‘Kiki’:
Today’s Test:
Kiki gets her competition underway with a lovely square halt to start, but lifts her head up a little to check everyone’s watching her. We are Kiki!
This mare is quite long to navigate through the movements. She’s showing her greenness at the level a little – it shows up in the balance and collection. Kiki seems to want to have a look around, and her head comes up a smidge every now and then. She’s trying hard to listen to Andrew though.
The tension gets more obvious in the walk work. She looks up at the crowds and it definitely seems like Andrew’s having to hold her together. She’s reluctant in the reinback, hollowing and her head comes up.
The tension continues in the canter work – she’s coming above the bridle quite a bit. Andrew’s really riding her sympathetically though and keeping her on track.
The changes are tricky but the work between them is OK. Wow, the stretch canter is her highlight. She really drops her head, not quite taking the contact out, but she looks happier in her work at this point.
They finish up and Andrew’s looking a little rueful. Kiki gets a pat as she walks out on a long rein. She’ll have learned a lot in her first time in top-level atmosphere.
Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 score 41.5.
1:54pm ET
Susannah Berry and Clever Trick (IRE)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer!
🤩 Susie’s trained with Piggy March and was part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation program mentored by Pippa Funnell.
👀 Eyes on this one on Saturday! This mare sure is clever out on the cross country – in 18 international runs there’s just a single 20 on her record.
📈 This pair were 16th individually in the European Championships last season, where the Irish team were 4th.
📋 We’re looking at mid-30s dressage scores at 4*-L.
🦉 ‘Owl’ being a clever girl at the Europeans:
Today’s Test:
The green coat of Ireland’s Susie Berry comes up the center line and Owl delivers a lovely halt to start for a score of 7. And those 7s continue across the board for all of the movements at the beginning of this test. This is really lovely work to watch – a horse and rider really in tune with one another.
Owl is very happy in the contact, clearly listening to Susie. He starts off his walk work nicely, but then there’s a little jog step as he travels across the diagonal. Susie gets him back though and he finishes his walk work and halts accurately, albeit losing a little bit of his relaxation.
Owl’s clearly feeling a little on his toes through the canter work. Susie’s doing a great job to keep Owl together. She’s saving every mark she can. The marks had dropped for the canter, but the extended is very good for a 7. The changes have dropped their score though unfortunately and are around the 3 mark.
Susie’ll be relieved to halt at the end of this test. She worked hard. The test started off really nicely, just a little excitement creeping in towards the end. Owl’s looking forward to cross country. Susie’s smiling as her team meet her outside the arena.
Susannah Berry and Clever Trick score 36.4.
1:46pm ET
Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – He was 16th in his debut at the level at Maryland in 2022 and 17th here last year.
🧬 Comic was born and bred in the US by owner Nina Gardner who, with her husband Tim, has been breeding Thoroughbreds for more than 40 years. The gelding possesses blood lines that have been in their breeding program since the early 1980s.
🎓 Comic was YEH Reserve Champion as a four-year-old.
📋 At Maryland last year they put down a 34.7 in the first phase before having to withdraw due to Jennie having a nasty fall from her ride in the 3*-L. They scored 36.3 here last season and 35.2 at Maryland in 2022.
🏇 Born to run:
Photo by Abby Powell.
Today’s Test:
Comic looks a real picture this afternoon – stunning. He comes in looking to be trying really hard for Jennie.
The trot work isn’t as big in terms of movement as we’ll see in this competition, but Comic is relaxed in the contact and happy in her work. On the whole 6s and 6.5s coming in so far.
Comic looks to be relaxed enough in the walk, but there are moments when he seems to be anticipating the canter work coming up. He halts really nicely though for a 7. The reinback is accurate also.
Ah, there’s tension coming in on the changes. They score a 3.7 for the first one – it was kind of a bobble over the center line rather than a true change – and then he anticipates the next. He settles into the canter work though and is consistently scoring 6.5s.
They finish up and Jennie looks pleased with how Comic’s tried for her as they get their Kentucky underway.
Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam score 38.7
1:38pm ET
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ form – ‘Chito’ stepped up to 5* here in 2022 but they unfortunately parted company out on the XC, however this pairing showed their top-level class with a 4th place in Maryland last year.
🥇🥈 Hannah Sue won team gold and individual silver at the 2011 Pan-Ams with Chito’s best buddy Harbour Pilot.
🗞️ She completed her first 5* here at Kentucky in 2007 with a hose she’d found in the classified ads when she was 13.
📈 This pair come here in hot form 🌶️ having won the 4*-S at Bouckaert Farm last month.
📋 We’re likely looking at a very low 30s score here today; they scored 30.8 in the 4*-S here at Kentucky last season and a 32.4 on their way to 4th place at Maryland.
Everyone needs a buddy like Chito:
Photo by Sally Spickard.
Today’s Test:
Chito canters up the center line and gets off to a lovely start with a 7 for the halt and salute. He looks to mean business as he trots round the Main Arena. He’s really listening to Hannah and the lateral work gets 7s and 7.5s. Lots of impressive work happening for them – it looks effortless. Lots more 7s for the second half of the trot section.
Chito is really delivering a professional test. He’s soft and happy in the walk – lots of quality on show for 7s. Hannah has so much confidence in the extended walk – she asked for it and Chito delivered.
They strike off into canter and the accuracy in their work continues until the flying changes. The scores drop to 4s and a 5 for them. It’s a shame because everything else has been easy for them.
The extended canter is really pleasing for a 7 and then the final change is really good – a 7 for that.
They finish up their test with a pat and Chito looks like he’s really been concentrating and working hard for Hannah.
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M score 33.
1:30pm ET
Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom (USA)
Facts and Form:
5⭐ first-timer! This is Rock Phantom’s first time at the level, not for Sara though who’s contested the 5* here as well as Badminton and Burghley on her Pony Club horse.
🏇 Sara also competes at Grand Prix level in show jumping.
📈 Sara took an unlucky tumble out on XC in the 4*-S at Carolina last month after posting a 30.1 in the first phase. The end of last season saw them finish 15th in the 4*-L at TerraNova and they won the 4*-S at Chattahoochee Hills, where they added just 6 XC time faults to their dressage of 35.5. They were 15th in the 4* here at the Horse Park last year.
📋 At 4* they’re very much in the low to mid-30s bracket for their dressage scores.
Rocky loves the big pats:
Today’s Test:
Sara gets the 5* competition started with a 6.5 for their halt and salute.
Rock Phantom is super shiny in the Kentucky sunshine. He looks relaxed as he goes into his trot work, but there are a couple of losses of rhythm. The extended trot gets a 4, but then they carry on with 6s and a couple of 6s.
Rocky’s relaxed in the walk work and the scores improve in this part of their test – lots of 7s coming in. The halt and reinback are accurate enough, and then they have a clean transition into canter.
Rocky shakes his head a little when Sara asks for the first change. The scores for all the changes drop below a 6.
The extended canter is accurate enough for a 6 and the circle is better for 7.
The final halt is nice and square and Sara gives Rocky a massive neck rub – she’s got a big smile on her face. Overall this was a solid test for our 5* trailblazers.
Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom score 35.3.
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
