And so we find ourselves at the second of our five-stars on a related distance. No, we’re not over the awesomeness of Maryland and Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue’s historic win, but it is time to turn our attention to Pau, because, well, as of tomorrow morning, it’s all go in France!
There are riders from twelve different nations competing at the final 5* of the season, with interest from both sides of the Pond, plus a hefty chunk of Europe, as well as Zimbabwe’s international eventer, Julia Norman.
The American contingent comprises of Olympic and Pan-Ams medalist Phillip Dutton, World No. 3 and two-time 5* winner Boyd Martin – who’ve both hopped on a flight straight from Maryland – Allie Knowles and Cosby Green. There may be a couple of early starts if you’re watching from the States, but it’ll be worth it!
We can also look forward to seeing current World No. 1 and Burghley winner Oliver Townend and reigning European Champion and Badminton winner Ros Canter, as well as other British heavy hitters such as Pippa Funnell, Piggy March and Tom McEwen, amongst many, many more.
In a slight scheduling shake-up to what we’re used to at a 5*, the first horse inspection will take place on Thursday morning, rather than the usual Wednesday afternoon. It’ll be at 10am local time / 4am ET / 9am BST, before the first session of dressage which begins at 2pm / 8am ET / 1pm BST. The dressage will continue on Friday at 10am / 4am ET / 9am BST when we’ll have a full day between the white boards, before we move to the cross country course on Saturday – the first horse will leave the start box at around 11:30am / 5:30am ET / 10:30am BST.
We need to note a time change for Sunday’s competition as European clocks will go back an hour at 1am, meaning that, yes, we do get another hour of Saturday night frolics, but also yes, it’ll be confusing mid-way through an event.
The second horse inspection is due to happen on Sunday morning at 11:45am / by my (not 100% trustworthy) calculations that’ll be 6:45am ET / 10:45am GMT. Then the show jumping will get underway at 2:30pm / 9:30am ET (see previous) / 1:30pm GMT.
Will everyone make it to the trot up on time? We’ll have to wait and see!
We’ve got SO MUCH Pau content coming your way – from our, frankly iconic, form guide, to live updates throughout the competition, to complete round-ups of all the action, so keep it locked onto EN – and follow @goeventing – as we prepare to celebrate the final 5* of the season in true EN style.
But wait just a second! You didn’t think we’d overlook the equestrian goings on in Santiago did you?
After success in the dressage ring for both the USA and Canada (read all about it in the News & Reading section below), the eventers get their shot this week, starting with the dressage on Friday. As you can see from the post above, the US team are looking primed and ready for a great competition. Meet the horses and riders here.
News in from Santiago: Team USA have topped the podium in the dressage competition. Chef d’Equipe George Williams says the spirit is “unbelievable” in the young team, which they’ll be sure to carry forward into the Grand Prix Freestyle which will decide the medals for the individual competition later today, when the top 15 riders will come forward (with a maximum of three riders per country). Here’s how the team pulled it together. The USA already had Olympic qualification in the bag, but that wasn’t the case for Brazil, who snagged their ticket with team silver, or Canada, who have also secured their place at Paris with a bronze medal. Find out how Canada booked their flight to France.
We may be looking ahead in anticipation of another great weekend going eventing, but just for a hot minute let’s pause to celebrate the best of the Americans at Maryland, Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M. Last year’s event marked the end of Hannah Sue’s long-time partner Harbour Pilot’s career at the top of his sport, and this year she came forward with his best pal, Capitol H I M. Sitting in ninth after dressage, they cruised their way up to sixth following a superb spin across the country. But the climb didn’t end there. A clear round on Sunday saw them finish up in fourth place, best of the Americans and a super 5* result for this special horse. Practical Horseman spoke to Hannah Sue about her time at Maryland, and how Harbour Pilot’s enjoying his retirement. [Something Old; Something New]
The retraining of ex-racehorses has been given a global boost with a training program that focuses on promoting the potential for OTTBs to continue to contribute to sport. FEI Solidarity’s Retraining Techniques for ex-Racehorses (RTR) has been delivered in South East Asia, India and the Caribbean so far, with plans for dates in Europe next year, starting off with Serbia. The hope is that equestrian associations in a variety of nations will be able to see the potential that OTTBs have for a range of second careers, including increasing the pool of competition horses. The program has been particularly successful in Trinidad and Tobago, where the mounted police were one of the organizations to attend the course. The president of the T&T Equestrian Association said that RTR has given local riders the tools to aim for FEI competitions in dressage, eventing and jumping next year. [A Global Boost for OTTBs]
The retirement age in many other sports is pretty young, not so for us horse people though. That’s not to say that we don’t have to worry about the passage of time, however, particularly if we have goals in the back of our minds – especially if they’re the kind of goals that need chipping away at, such as working our way up to, say, Olympic team call-up. No matter how lofty, or grounded, your goals are, that sense of time running out comes to us all at some point – the key is how you react to it. [When Time’s A Tickin’]
Who’s up for a sneak peak into a celebrity barn? I’m putting a health warning on this one – have a tissue handy as you will for sure be drooling once you see the dreamy decor and total pristine-ness (I know not a word, but frankly, I’m lost for them) of Sylvester Stallone’s barn. [Have At It]
And finally, a bit of a weird one but… this guy says his horse was sold without his knowledge while he was in hospital. There aren’t too many details – the horse owner, horse, farm where the horse was being kept, person/s who are accused/suspected of selling/buying the horse, the auction where the horse was supposed to have been sold – the reason why they guy was in hospital – are all undisclosed, but it made the news all the same. No arrests have been made. [Strange, but (Perhaps) True]
Sponsor Corner
Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
It’s Pan Am Week! Our US riders are prepped and ready to hit the ground running in Chile. Catch up on their last mandatory outing at Loch Moy Farm in Maryland: Primed and Ready. Coverage of the Pan American Games is sponsored by Ocala Horse Properties.
Video Break
#Icymi (although if you did, where on earth have you been?!) here’s Austin O’Connor and Salty’s fabulous trailblazing run ’round Ian Stark’s course at Maryland on Saturday. They were 12th after dressage and boosted themselves up to 4th with this super showing. They added just 1.2 time, which arguably may not have been the case had they had a later draw. That’s academic though, as in the end, the only clear-inside-the-time show jumping round of the day won them the whole dang thing, and Ireland’s first 5* in 58 years!
Overnight leaders Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent come into the final phase in pole position. Photo by Sally Spickard.
And so we find ourselves on the final day of competition at Maryland 5 Star, on the edge of our seats as we wait to find out who will be crowned this year’s champion.
And what a competition it’s been thus far!
We saw 26 competitors start the competition, a seemingly small field perhaps, but with 26 5* wins between them, it sure was mighty.
The dressage saw the Brits rise to the top and it was a British 1, 2, 3 after the first phase.
World No. 1 Oliver Townend and the youngest horse in the field Cooley Rosalent placed themselves in pole position on a score of 23.1, Piggy March and 5* debutant Brookfield Cavalier Cruise sat in second on 24.2, and William Fox-Pitt was third with Grafennacht on 26.1.
The international flavor didn’t end there, with New Zealand’s Monica Spencer sitting in fourth with Artist on 28.4.
Best of the Americans was Boyd Martin with Contessa, who put down a PB and found themselves headed out onto cross country in fifth place.
Catch up on all that went down in the sandpit with our round-up reports – Day One / Day Two.
And then came the excitement of the cross country.
Oliver managed to hang onto his lead, but Piggy slipped down to fifth after a lovely clear round but some time penalties. That left the door open for William to take second place overnight. Time penalties saw Monica drop down into ninth and Boyd’s competition ended early after a tumble at the third fence.
Mia Farley and Phelps had the fastest round of the day – the only clear inside the the time – on their debut at the level, ending up best of the Americans in third place. Ireland’s Austin O’Connor was also on the rise with Colorado Blue, after trailblazing their way to a fast – albeit not quite inside the time – clear, and put themselves into fourth place.
There was a change at the top of the leaderboard this morning when Piggy March withdrew Brookfield Cavalier Cruise at the Second Horse Inspection. Find out what happened here.
Fourteen horses and riders will be coming forward for the show jumping this afternoon. Here’s a look at the leaderboard as we move into the final phase:
There’s less than a fence between the top three, and it goes without saying that faults today will make all the difference to the leaderboard, as will clear rounds. It’s all to play for at Maryland 5 Star!
The riders will come forward in reverse order, with Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba kicking things off at 2:37pm ET / 7:37pm BST.
If you’re reading this later, the round-up of Bobby and Lumumba’s test will be at the bottom of this post, so if you’re of the variety that likes to keep things in order, scroll down ⬇️ and read up ⬆️ – if you’re happy to go backwards through the drawn order, then have at it from the top.
If you’re live with us, don’t forget to refresh this post periodically.
We’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground @goeventing, and if you want to follow along with the form, you’ll find EN’s 5* Form Guide here. There’s SO MUCH Maryland content just waiting for you to dive into – have at it here.
Who will take the Maryland 5 Star crown? It all comes down to this!
So that’s it! Maryland 5 Star is over. What a ride it’s been!
A quick look at the placings:
1st Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue.
2nd Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht.
3rd Britain’s Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent.
4th Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M for the USA, the best of the Americans.
5th Mia Farley and Phelps, also for the USA, who complete their first 5* in 5th place.
We’ve seen some super sport over the last few days and I feel so privileged to have been able to watch such talent truly shine. Eventing really is The. Best. Sport.
But we’re not finished with you just yet. We’ll have a full round-up coming at you shortly, so stay tuned for that.
Thanks for joining us for this awesome event ENers, y’all rock!
That’s it for live updates – until next week, when we move on to the second of our related-distance 5*s. Keep it locked onto EN and go eventing!
Austin tells Frankie, “People like me are not supposed to win five-stars”. But he has won one, and won it in fine, fine style. Austin modestly credits his horse for everything – Salty, you are a star!
3:54pm
Spencer’s crying in the commentary box, Austin’s crying as he’s congratulated, Team EN are for sure crying too. What a result for Austin! It’s 58 years since an Irish rider won a 5*. What an achievement. So well deserved for both horse and rider.
3:52pm
IRELAND’S AUSTIN O’CONNOR WINS MARYLAND WITH COLORADO BLUE!!!
3:46pm
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS! Will Oliver take the title? Hold your breath, we’re about to see!
World No. 1 Oliver Townend has made his way over from Great Britain with Cooley Rosalent for the mare’s second 5* start.
They kicked their competition off in style with a dressage score of 23.1 which put them into the lead going into the cross country. They added 6 time faults yesterday in a round that showed just how much potential and talent this mare truly has. They come forward – currently still in the lead – on a score of 29.1.
According to form, it’ll be one or none for Cooley Rosalent. Will they hang on and take the win? I almost can’t watch! But I will! Here goes…
Oliver’s clear over the first three, then rubs an element of the double, it stays in the cups though. They continue on clear. But then the last part of the treble goes. He can’t afford another one. But the planks go. That’s it. Two is too many to hold his place. Cooley Rosalent clears the rest and they’re inside the time, but what a shame for this lovely mare. Her day will come though, for sure. They’ll finish 3rd.
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent finish their Maryland with a total score of 37.1.
3:43pm
The penultimate round of Maryland 5 Star!
British eventing legend William Fox-Pitt comes to Maryland with the Grafenstolz mare Grafennacht.
They kicked off their competition with a dressage score of 26.1 which put them in 3rd place going into the cross country. They added 5.2 time penalties yesterday after a classy clear, and come forward into the final phase on a total score of 31.3 in 2nd place.
This phase is known to be Lillie’s achilles heel, with twelve faults on the final day at Badminton in the spring dropping them down the order. They were jumping on grass that day though. They jumped clear last time out, and there’s no better rider in the saddle than William. Will they keep hold of their second place? Hang onto your hats!
William doesn’t have a pole in hand stay ahead of Austin, who’s currently sitting in 3rd. They’re clear the first and second, and now the third. He gives the first part of the double a little tap but it stays up. Lillie gives more space to the next couple of fences and tries so hard over the first Liverpool. Oh no, the first part of the treble at 9 goes. The planks stay up, the second Liverpool is no problem. He rubs the second last but it stays up. It’s clear over the last and inside the time. Just the one but it’s one too many to stay ahead of Austin. He’s now 3rd, with Austin in 2nd.
William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht finish their Maryland with a total score of 35.3.
3:40pm
Three to go!
Mia Farley and Phelps are making their 5* debut here at Maryland. And what a debut it is!
They scored 32.9 in the dressage, then showed everyone how it’s done on the cross country, delivering the fastest round of the day – the only combination INSIDE THE TIME. There were tears, and celebrations, but now it’s back down to business. They come forward with nothing added to their dressage score – 32.9 in 3rd place, and best of the Americans.
They’ve had at least three poles in their last three international competitions, but they can keep it to one and have gone clear too. Hold your breath…
Things are getting exciting now! Mia’s top three, will she stay there? They’re clear over the first three, but then the first part of the double goes. Mia’s riding brilliantly, and they continue on clear over the next couple. They’re a little close to fence 8 and it comes down, but clear through the treble. There’s no more trouble for them though and they finish up with just the two down, and inside the time. That’s a great showing for them. A first 5* completion and they’ll finish no worse than 5th. GREAT JOB Mia!
Mia Farley and Phelps complete their first 5* on 40.9.
3:37pm
Ireland’s Austin O’Connor has made the trip to Maryland with Colorado Blue for the gelding’s fifth 5* start.
‘Salty’ scored 33.7 on Thursday, and a super trailblazing round saw them add just 1.2 time penalties yesterday. They come into today’s final phase in 4th place on a score of 34.9.
They had two poles at Badminton in the spring on their way to a third place finish, but they can go clear on their day. It was muddy at Badminton, it’s definitely not at Maryland. Will today be their day?
Salty touches the second but it’s nothing to worry about. A little rub at fence 3, and again at the double, but Salty starts to pick his feet up and FLIES the first Liverpool. The crowd are loving this! The treble stays up, he rubs the planks but they stay. Austin’s riding his luck but it’s coming up good for him. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME! Austin’s delighted, so is Salty, the crowd is going wild! They’ll be no worse than 4th.
Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue finish their Maryland with a total score of 34.9.
3:34pm
And we’re down to the top 5!
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M are here for their second 5* trip together.
They scored 32.4 in the dressage, with 7.2 time penalties added on the cross country. That means they come forward in 5th place on a total score of 39.6.
They were clear in their last international run, but lowered one pole in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring and one in their run before that. There are lots of clears on their record though and it would be great to see ‘Chito’ leave the poles up today.
Chito is beautifully turned out today, wow he looks impressive as he enters the ring! They clear the first and second easily, a very nice start. They’re clear through the double at 4 with so much air over those poles. The first Liverpool is no problem and they stand well off 8 but clear it. They’re clear over the treble, and rub the next but it stays up. They’re tight on the clock, but it’s a CLEAR ROUND! 0.4 time for them, but a superb round. They’re in the lead for now and will finish no worse than 5th.
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M finish on 40.
3:31pm
New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier come to Maryland for their third time at the top level, after finishing fifth on the mare’s 5* debut at Pau last season.
They posted 29 in the first phase, and added 12.8 time on the cross country after a great round for this lovely mare. They come forward on a total score of 41.8 in 6th place.
‘Cav’ has more clear rounds than poles down on her record, and kept the poles in the cups last time out on her way to winning at Ballindenisk in Ireland. Will it be another clear for her today?
They clear the first and second, and then manage the related line to fence 3. They clear the double and are very careful over the upright at 5. Cav is jumping beautifully. She continues on her careful way, and are clear with three left to jump. Clear over the second last. And clear over the last! CLEAR ROUND! Just a smidge over the time, 0.8 faults. They stay ahead though and will finish no worse than 6th.
Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier finish up with a three-phase score of 42.6.
3:28pm
Getting us back underway are New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist, who made the trip to the Northern Hemisphere a few weeks ago in preparation for their second 5* start. They’re on track for their first top-level completion here this weekend after a great showing in the first two phases.
They scored 28.4 on the first day of competition, which left them in fourth place, but 15.2 time penalties on yesterday’s cross country dropped them down into 7th, on a total score of 43.6.
Artist jumped clear on US soil in his last international competition, but lowered three poles at Pratoni. Before that he’d had a run of three clear rounds. What will he do today?
Monica’s smiling as she enters the ring, and so she should be after such a fantastic showing so far. They clear the first and second, the third and then the double – a tricky line but she made it look easy. They’re clear over the triple bar towards the big screen – still clear. So far so good. There’s a rub at the first part of the treble. Oh no, they have the planks down at 10. And 12 goes as well. Two down for them, but they’re inside the time, and hold their place on the leaderboard.
Monica Spencer and Artist complete their first 5* on a final score of 51.6.
2:58pm
We’re heading into a break now.
As things stand, Doug Payne is the clubhouse leader with Quantum Leap on 53.5. Buck Davidson and Sorocaima drop a place and are now in second on 61.
And Lillian Heard Wood sits in third with LCC Barnaby on 64.8.
The top 7 will go after the break. We’ll be back in 30 minutes – at 3:28pm ET / 8:28pm BST.
Don’t miss it!
2:55pm
Last up before the break, we have the son of legendary US eventer Bruce Davidson – Buck Davidson is here at Maryland with Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred Sorocaima.
They got their competition underway with a score of 34.2 in the dressage. They added 13.6 time on the cross country yesterday and now come forward on a total of 47.8 in 8th place.
You have to go back to the beginning of the 2022 season to find a clear round on Sorocaima’s record. He had three poles down in his last international competition, but he kept it to just the one at Kentucky in the spring. How will he do at Maryland?
Sorocaima starts off really well, clearing the first three no problem at all. He’s through the double at 4 and continues on clear. This is going very well so far. Oh dear, 8 goes and then the last part of the treble. 11’s down as well. But they’re clear over the last two. 12 jumping penalties for them and 1.2 time.
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima end up with an overall score of 61.
2:52pm
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap are on their sixth 5* start together at Maryland this week.
They got their competition underway with a score of 35.9 in the dressage, adding 13.6 time on the cross country yesterday. They now come forward on a total of 49.5 in 9th place.
Quantum lowered two poles last time out, but before that he’d had a run of four clear rounds. Will he be back on clear form today?
Quantum’s clear over the first three and then clears the double at 4. He rattles 5 a little behind but it stays up and they carry on clear. Ah, the first part of the treble goes, kind of unlucky as he’s jumping brilliantly. There are no more problems for them though, and they finish up with just the one pole, well inside the time.
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap end up with an overall score of 53.5.
2:49pm
Lillian Heard Wood brings seasoned 5* campaigner seventeen-year-old LCC Barnaby for his third go at Maryland.
Barnaby put down a 36.4 between the white boards on Friday, and jumped clear across they country yesterday, adding 24.4 time penalties. That means they come into today’s show jumping on a score of 60.8 in 10th place.
Barnaby jumped clear last time out, but lowered two poles in his run before that. He kept it to one at Badminton in the spring. What will it be today?
So far so good for Barnaby, he’s clear through the initial part of his round. Barnaby’s jumping really well and showing off all of his 5* experience. They’re clear through the treble. He’s pushed his luck a little, and it runs out when he has the second Liverpool down. But he’s clear over the rest, and inside the time. There’s a big cheer for this amazing 5* campaigner. One fence down for them.
Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby end on a final score of 64.8.
2:46pm
Cornelia Fletcher brings Daytona Beach 8 to Maryland after successful 5* trips on both sides of the Pond.
They got their competition underway with a score of 48.5 in the dressage with Daytona clearly ready to run cross country. Activating a frangible device cost them 11 penalties out on course yesterday and they also had 18.8 time penalties. They come forward today on a two-phase score of 78.3, just outside the top-10 in 11th place.
This mare is a jumping machine with more clears on her record than penalties. Will she continue her clear round form today?
Cornelia takes a big breath as she canters up to the start. They’re clear over the first three but then have the second part of the double at 4. They put it behind them though and are clear over the first Liverpool. The first part of the treble goes but they’re clear through the other two elements. They finish up the rest of the course clear, and are inside the time. 8 jumping to add.
Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 finish up with a three-phase score of 86.3.
2:43pm
Andrew McConnon and YEH graduate Ferrie’s Cello have made their 5* debut here at Maryland.
They got their first 5* underway with a score of 33.4 in the dressage, then activated a frangible device out on the cross country which cost them 11 penalties. They had 34.8 time penalties too and come forward today on a two-phase score of 79.2.
They had 8 penalties in this phase last time out, and rolled one pole in each of their two international runs before that. But they can go clear on their day. Will today be one of those days?
He’s clear over the first three fences but takes the second part of the double at 4B. They continue on clear but then have the first part of the treble, and the last. The second Liverpool goes as well, but they’re clear over the final fence. Four down and 0.8 time. But a 5* completion for them.
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello complete their first 5* on a final score of 96.
2:40pm
Emily Hamel brings seasoned 5* campaigner – and high jump specialist – Corvett forward for the gelding’s sixth time at the top level.
After scoring 39 on the first day of competition, they had an unlucky 20 out on course yesterday which cost them some time too – 24.8 penalties to be exact. That brings them into today’s show jumping on a total score of 83.8.
They’re on a run of three clear rounds in international competition this season – will they make it four today?
They clear over the first couple with miles of room to spare. The crowd are loving Corvett’s iconic jumping style. Wow! He’s flying! He manages the tricky triple, still clear. He’s clear down the last line. And over the last! CLEAR ROUND! Just outside the time for 0.4, but an amazing round.
Emily Hamel and Corvett end their competition on a score of 84.2.
2:27pm
Bobby Meyerhoff pilots his 17 hand mare Lumumba for her first 5*.
They posted 39.5 in the first phase, and added 47.6 time faults with their steady clear out on the cross country yesterday. Bobby was clearly having a ball though, high-fiving the crowd as he galloped past 🖐️ They come forward today on a total score of 87.1.
They’ve had 12 in this phase in their last three international runs. What will it be today?
The first fence goes for Bobby, and then the second – not the start he’d have hoped for. The fourth goes also. They manage the difficult line between the triple bar and the first Liverpool. The first and last parts of the treble go. The penultimate goes also. That’s six down for 24 and two time penalties. But it’s a 5* completion for them.
A rollercoaster ride round Maryland 5 Star. Photo via CrossCountry App.
It’s cross country day at Maryland 5 Star and we’ve got the riders’ scoop on Ian Stark’s track as they prepare to kick on and go eventing.
First, the facts:
The optimum time is 11 minutes and 10 seconds and there are 28 numbered fences comprising of 45 jumping efforts: there are six double combinations, three trebles and three with ABCD elements.
Really, it’s ‘That (insert vocab here as you will) Crab’ that’s causing the most water-related conversation. To be fair, the crustacean does have a menacing kind of gleam in his eye but – unlike a lot of the riders – Ian doesn’t foresee any problems with the horses leap-frogging the tasty delicacy. “They’ve jumped [him] for two years now, so I’m kind of hoping that it’s not going to spook the horses, but there is an alternative” – albeit still a bounce.
“Everyone’s chatting about the last water.” Photo via CrossCountryApp.
There has been some discussion about the striding at the fence out of the water [22AB], with Britain’s William Fox-Pitt being particularly vocal about how many strides he thinks it is (hint: it’s not two, or three), but Ian’s adamant that unless someone’s riding Pegasus, the distance will come up on two strides. We’ll have to wait and see if any of the horses have grown wings overnight.
Another fence that’s taking up a lot of space in the riders’ heads is the Foxcatcher Ditch at 24, but again, Ian believes that it’s more rider-frightener than anything and the horses will pay it no heed as they sail on over: “It’s not that scary. It’s only when you stand up at the edge and look at it for five minutes, and hopefully the horses aren’t going to do that. I might have a different theory on Saturday night, but there is a very, very, very, very friendly alternative”.
Will the Foxcatcher Ditch catch anyone out? Ian doesn’t think so. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Ian’s thinking the time will be will be a changin’ this time around: “I’ve had stick for two years here, about too many people getting inside the time. In my defense, the first year was the first time we had the competition here [and we were] getting to know the ground. The second year was like a first year again because the start and finish was in a different place”. And this year? “Be careful what you wish for!” he warns.
There are a number of places he’s deliberately planned to slow the riders down. As well as the finale being in water, he’s moved the table at Fence 26 to the bottom of the hill, so the riders will have to steady up rather than just cannoning down towards the finish flags. The long routes are long this year, so there’ll be no taking the easy option if you want to make the time, and there are a couple of fences on frangible devices which riders will have to respect if they want to avoid penalties.
Ian does point out that the footing at Maryland is perfect, and the riders are top-class, so it’s not entirely his fault if the optimum time has been gettable in the past. He doesn’t agree that it should be unobtainable as he doesn’t want horses to be under that kind of pressure on his tracks, but he would be happy if, this year, nobody got the time: “I’d like them to get around and be safe, but a few time faults for the lot wouldn’t do them any harm”.
Ian has listened to feedback from the rider reps, and has amended where necessary, including having an alternative into the waterfall water – the canoe at Fence 9 – but, of course, going the long way there adds a fair few seconds because he doesn’t want the time to be uninfluential, right?
He’s a little concerned about the proximity of the tailgaters to the combination at 14AB, but they’ve put up barriers “to stop little children and little dogs running out in front of the horses*” (*Quote amended slightly, because Ian definitely doesn’t have strong opinions on little kids and little dogs). He’s got a plan for if things get a big raucous up there, but we’ll wait and see what happens rather than pre-empt the actions of an angry course designer, just in case everyone behaves themselves and there’s nothing to see here.
Overall, Ian believes that this year, his track is “fantastic with knobs on – Print that if you like”. OK Ian, we will! Stay tuned for a full course preview coming next from Allie Heninger.
So, now we know a bit about what’s out there, but what do the riders think? Divulge yourselves of their expert offerings, and go eventing!
Oliver Townend (GBR) – Cooley Rosalent – 23.1 – 1st
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Cooley Rosalent may be the youngest horse in the field this week, but she came out into the dressage ring like a total pro and put herself in pole position going into the cross country. Her mother won the Scottish Grand National, so this young mare sure is bred to gallop and jump. Oliver’s been runner-up and third at Maryland over the last two years – he’s surely looking to add Champion to that list.
Oliver may be World No.1 and have a recent Burghley win under his belt, but is there anything he thinks will be particularly tricky out on the Maryland track this afternoon?
“How long have you got?!”
So that’s a yes then!
“It’s a proper five-star, definitely the toughest five-star we’ve seen here, and it’s right up there with the toughest in the world now. A few of the riders were saying it was four- and a half-star last year – which I didn’t actually believe – but it’s definitely five- and a half-star now. The combinations are very serious. I’ll just be trying to look after her and give her time where I need to give her time and where I can hopefully press on and catch time, I’ll be trying to do that.”
Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
On why she chose to travel to Maryland with her 5* first-timer, Brookfield Cavalier Cruise:
“The guys that have been here over the last few years have given it nothing but a glowing report, and how amazing the ground is. And it’s a brilliant first-time five-star because it’s big and bold and attacking. It can get wet, which I don’t really normally mind. And the time can be easy – I thought maybe they’ll tighten that up over time if everyone’s still getting the time, but it’s not a big field so hopefully they won’t go mad.”
And was she right about that?
“The further I got round [the course], I’m like, ‘Oh God! I should have gone to Burghley and just gone a bit slower’! I’ve paid all this money and come all this way to just be absolutely terrified and think, what am I doing?!”
So what does a Badminton and Burghley winner tell herself when she’s terrified?
“I’ve grown up watching Ian Stark and riding lots of his courses, so it’s like, ‘Shut up Pig, and get on with it’!”
“I’m going to give it a bloody good go that’s for sure.”
William Fox-Pitt (GBR) – Grafennacht – 26.1 – 3rd
William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht. Photo by Sally Spickard.
William’s here at Maryland with ‘Lillie’, who he describes as a “tough old wench” – for sure a compliment when you’re talking about a 5* event horse! What else does he have to say about the mare?
“She’s fabulous! She always says yes. You always know she’s going to have a go, like at Badminton this year, she completely fell onto the Normandy Bank but she found a leg, not only to jump it, but to jump through the Owl Hole on a bounce stride! Because she really just gives no shit.”
So that’s what he means when he says she’s a yes kinda gal!
And how will her can-do attitude fare her on the Maryland track?
“Famous last words, but I’m hoping she doesn’t do any belly flopping tomorrow! Actually, if she did belly flop coming out of that bloody water fence [Fence 21AB and 22AB – AKA (from now on) ‘That Bloody Crab’], it might help the striding! There is a stride, but going down to the last – D – is two-and-a-half – it’s not two and it’s not three, so it’s ‘please God, just take off’! That for me is the unknown jump – it’s totally fair, but it is quite unknown.”
Monica Spencer (NZL) – Artist – 28.4 – 4th
Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Monica hadn’t had chance to walk the course proper when we spoke to her, but she had walked parts.
“It looks amazing. There’s plenty to do out there! I doubt it’ll be a dressage competition, let’s put it that way.”
Boyd Martin (USA) – Contessa – 28.8 – 5th
Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Boyd’s best of the US on the scoreboard sitting in 5th place after the first phase. How’s he feeling about today’s cross country?
“Tomorrow will be a real test. I’m quietly, quietly confident and quietly terrified. I haven’t been this nervous at a 5* in a while! I just think it’s a huge course. I’ve got the luxury of sitting back and watching the other horses go and seeing how they read the questions. I think my plan is to start out quite settled and and pick it up as I go. I feel like if I can get through the first half good, she should she should come home strong.”
Boyd’s last out of the start box this afternoon, so he gets to see how everyone else gets on – if he wants to. How many rounds does he plan to watch?
“A lot. We all have a plan of how we think the horses are going to read the jumps, but you just never know.”
And where does he plan to get going to make sure he doesn’t get caught out by Ian’s plan for a tighter time?
“I’ve just got to be sensible and pace her. If I try and go real fast in the beginning, it blows her mind a bit, and I think I’ve got to ride calm but be efficient – pick the jumps that I feel like I could fly and the ones that I’ve really got to slow down. I’m just going to ride her as fast as I can.”
Lexi Scovil (USA) – Chico’s Man VDF Z – 31.9 – 8th
Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
“It’s big! I think individually, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen before, but it’s obviously always a cumulative effect, and you’ve always got the hills that go with it. You never feel 100% confident beforehand, but he’s jumped around Kentucky so I know he can do the distance. He really stepped up when I took him to Kentucky so I’m feeling super optimistic that he loves a big atmosphere and he’ll be brave as he can be. We’ll give it a shot and we’ll see what happens – whether we go for time or we just go to jump around. I can’t ask for any more than the horse has already given me so I’ll be happy with the outcome regardless.”
Is there anything she’s particularly worried about out on course with ‘Sprout’?
“Not for him. I think everyone’s a little bit looking at the last water [Fence 21AB and 22AB – AKA ‘The *** Crab’] thinking it’s a lot. But having said that, you’ve got a good couple waters before so you’ll have a good idea of what they should do there. And what’s nice again, is if he peeks a bit at the first water, then there’s always the option of going long. I think I’ve got a lot of possibilities and I should know what my goal is by the time I get there. Anything can happen anywhere, but there’s nothing else that I’m particularly thinking that he’s not likely to do.”
Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) – Capitol H I M – 32.4 -9th
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Hannah Sue is one of the rider reps at the event. What was her reaction to her course walk?
“Good Lord! What is happening?!”
Can she expand on that?
“There’s a lot of things out there that – well that one jump after the Crab water, I’ve never seen anything like that before [Fence 24, the Foxcatcher Ditch that A LOT of the riders are talking about]. I’m not really sure what’s going to happen there – you’ve just got to get to the other side, you know?”
And are there any other fences she’s scratching her head about?
“The waterfall jump [Fence 9, the canoe into the water that has water spilling off the top] kind of took me by surprise – I didn’t expect to see that on this course. And the bounce with the Crab is weird [[Fence 21AB]. I think that out of that combination is really going to be hard [Fence 22AB].”
The ultimate question that’s been on everyone’s mind in the lead-up to the event – the time. In previous years we know it’s been entirely gettable, how about this year?
“The whole thing is going to be a bit jarring, I think. He obviously doesn’t want people to make the time this year! I don’t think they will, just with how you have to gallop something and then really quickly change directions or change pace.”
And how will ‘Chito’ find the course?
“I’m really glad to be riding this horse because he’s really really rideable and he turns really well. I can’t imagine being on another horse that isn’t that way because I just don’t know how you would do any of those combinations. So I’m excited to ride him. I’ve been galloping him a lot – he’s fitter than he’s ever been, so fingers crossed.”
Mia Farley (USA) – Phelps – 32.9 – 10th
Mia Farley and Phelps. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Mia is here with Phelps for their first time at 5*, and with their combined age being just 33, she’s brought her youthful sense of humor along for the ride.
What does she think of her first 5* track?
“It just looks like another show!” she jokes (we think!).
In all seriousness, though?
“I think it’s pretty demanding. I think, once we go up the hill, he’s [Ian’s] kind of laid off a little bit, but we’ll see what we’re made of, I guess.”
She’s been doing lots of hills to prepare Phelps for his first 5* and is confident that he’s fit – and glad that he’s a Thoroughbred.
Andrew McConnon (USA) – Ferrie’s Cello – 33.4 – 11th
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Andrew’s got a firm plan in mind already for how he’s going to tackle the Crab [Fence 21AB]:
“I’m already planning to go long at the main water for a couple of different reasons. I’ve never gone that length [of time] – we’ve obviously never done a five-star – so I’m already deciding to go long there. I think that will suit him [Ferrie’s Cello] better, with the angles and banks and things.”
Andrew’s had some solid support on his course walks so far, with not one but two Olympic medalists – Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and US based Brit Leslie Law – on hand to help out.
“When I was in England for two years with William, he got to know me pretty well, and so he was able to walk the course with me, and then I’ll walk it with Leslie, and then a bunch of times on my own, so we’ll come up with a good plan and then see if we can execute it.”
And what’s it like walking the course with William Fox-Pitt?
“He’s very relaxed and it’s really comforting to have him here and really fun to walk the cross country. He’s serious about it, but he’s also realistic and understands different people’s plans and he’s really supportive. He’s really supportive.”
“I feel like I’ve got a good group of people around me which is really important.”
Austin O’Connor (IRE) – Colorado Blue – 33.7 – 12th
Austin O’Connor (IRE) and Colorado Blue. Photo by Sally Spickard.
It’s Austin’s first time at Maryland, although he’s been to Kentucky a couple of times, but not for ten years. How’s he finding his trip Stateside?
“The cross country looks incredible. I can’t say a bad word about [the event].”
And the cross country course?
“I think it’s all a challenge – a proper five-star. It’s a nice start, quite gallopy, and then it gets quite intense with a lot of big jumps, so I think it’ll be an interesting day.”
But he’s on an undeniably great cross country horse.
“Yes, but we still have to keep focused and have a bit of luck on our side.”
And how does he feel about going out as trailblazer?
“It is what it is. It’s no one’s ideal situation, to be honest. It’s nice to see half a dozen, and see what’s happening, but it’s the luck of the draw and I’ve just got to crack on.”
Buck Davidson (USA) – Sorocaima – 34.2 – 13th
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Sally Spickard.
And we have another rider who’s talking about the waterfall off the canoe at Fence 9:
“There’s some things that he’s [Ian] got to put in there, like speedbumps. The first water [that the horses have to jump into, Fence 9] – my horse, who’s unbelievably brave, but that water fountain, he might go up there and not get from here to the arena. I’m not a big fan of those gimmicky things. But it’s there, he’s [Sorocaima] got to do it. He’s a good cross country horse, he’s fit, and we’ll give it our best shot. Hopefully it rains like crazy, and then keeps raining, and rains more! You’d like the cross country to be pretty influential. I love riding him cross country, and we’ll take our chance.”
Doug Payne (USA) – Quantum Leap – 35.9 – 16th
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“It’s super solid, so I’m incredibly grateful I have him [Quantum Leap] here – I wouldn’t want to be on a lesser jumper or a less genuine horse.”
And with Doug’s experience in mind, what does he think about the time? Are there places he expects to be a bit down, and where does he think he’ll be able to make it up?
“I think the whole thing’s pretty challenging. Historically, I’ve probably been a little conservative in the first minute or two, just because I didn’t know what I’d have at the end. The awesome thing with Quantum is that he’s got so much blood, he kind of kicks in and boom, you’re good again. There’s a lot to learn each time you go out, but last year he was toasted coming up to the Crab water – I really almost got into real big trouble, but he saved me, he totally saved me. But then, cruising down the hill, all of a sudden he kicked in and was good again. So in that way, I’ve got a confidence that he’s going to have a ton of gas left in the tank at the end. My strategy – I want to try and get up on the clock a bit earlier than I have in the past, and just let him go and resist the urge to fall at the first couple of fences.”
Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The most experienced 5* campaigner in the field, at seventeen LCC Barnaby has no fewer than twelve top-level starts under his girth, with six top-20 finishes. Lillian’s had him since he was a six-year-old, so it must be a good feeling to be going out on course with a horse that you have such a solid partnership with. But what does she think of this year’s track?
“The track’s really hard – definitely a big step up from what it’s been the last two years and definitely a real question. I have a lot of experience with this horse and I don’t think it’s a given – it takes rideability, which as you can tell from the dressage is not our strong suit! It’s going to take a lot of work and I’m excited for it. It’ll be a test.”
Barnaby’s known for being a bit of a character, so with that in mind, is there anything Lillian’s particularly looking at out on course as a potential challenge.
“He’s pretty overly brave, so that sunken road [7ABCD] where they have to be careful and backed off, I’m like, ‘Barnaby don’t do anything dumb’ – like, he could do something stupid there. I think the whole thing, I’ve just got to keep him with me, that’s going to be the thing.”
Erin Kanara (USA) – Campground – 38 – 18th
Erin Kanara and Campground. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“It’s a lot different than last year, that’s for sure. Every piece of it is just kind of turned up another degree. I think there’s a ton to do out there tomorrow. I’m grateful that I’m sitting on a Thoroughbred because I think there are a couple questions later on in the course that are really going to test them, so I’m hoping he’ll have the depth in his fitness and stamina and we’ll be good in those sections.”
Erin makes and interesting point about Ian’s use of fences earlier on setting the horses up for similar but perhaps more challenging questions later on in the course:
“There are questions throughout, and I feel like there are some really difficult questions out there, but as you go around the course, Ian seems like he’s made a really clever warm up for what is the really tough question. You get your feet just a bit wet before they’re going to see something that maybe they haven’t seen before, which is unique. He’s got these verticals out here [the Timber Rails at 6AB] that’s on a very short two strides and I think that’s going to back the horses right up, so when they see the sunken road [Fence 7ABCD] they’re already going to be thinking a little bit that way, which is good. The bounce into the top water [the Crab at 21AB] is obviously very difficult. That being said, the jump into the first water [the Canoe at 9] is massive – it’s sort of that same type of question. I think he’s [Ian] been really clever in that manner – he’s going to keep asking the horses slightly different questions that I’m hoping is going to set them up for the really tough stuff later.”
Sarah Kuhn (USA) – Mr. Cash van de Start – 38.1 – 19th
Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“I think everything’s hard! I think the back water [21AB and 22AB] – the last water – is really hard because we’ve been running uphill for a very, very long time, and then we get up to the top and it’s just a massive effort, especially to go on the straight route, which would be my plan. If I get up there and I feel like he’s just tired, I probably will go long. Ian’s definitely said it – all of the combinations are pretty tough, but I think also if you ride for it, it’s right there for the horses. It’s a really good track.”
Arielle Aharoni (USA) – Dutch Times – 38.6 – 20th
Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.
What’s it like walking the course as a 5* rookie combination?
“The first time I went out I was like, I have not seen a lot of these things before ever in my life! But the more I go out there I’m like, you know what, I have seen these just in different pieces. Like the bounce down to the one stride to the bounce out [21Ab and 22AB] – I’ve had bounces down, I’ve had bounces out, now we’re just putting it together. There’s combinations out there where I think it’s definitely going to be challenging if you don’t get A right, but I’m pretty confident in my horse finding the next element. Even if I mess up a little bit, he’s usually trying to take care of me – he’s a good boy!”
Emily Hamel (USA) – Corvett – 39 – 21st
Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“There’s a lot to do, I think Ian really stepped it up this year. Luckily I don’t think it’s going to be a dressage competition – lucky for me!”
“It should ride well. You need to have a good plan and keep going.”
And how does the course compare to last time Emily was at Maryland, in 2021?
“It seems harder this time. I did Burghley last year, so I guess compared to Burghley maybe it’s not quite as hard! But it seems more difficult than the first year, but we’ll see. I think Ian is pretty clever out there on the course.”
Emily and Covett have completed both of the US 5* offerings and both of the British ones too. So let’s get some tips for walking the course from someone who’s ridden the toughest courses in the world:
“The first time I go around and I just give it a quick glance, walk my lines – but I don’t over-analyze it. Then either my second or third walk I like to go with Phillip [Dutton, who Emily worked for between 2015 and 2020] if possible, and get his insight. And then I’ll walk it at least once on my own, or take family or friends. But then my last walk, which I always do the morning of cross country, I go by myself and walk my exact lines. And when I get to the other side of the fence I look and visualize myself coming through it. That’s my way that I like to do it.”
Bobby Meyerhoff (USA) – Lumumba – 39.5 – 22nd
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“I won’t lie, it’s more than I was expecting. She hasn’t done this level. I feel real confident the first half of the course and then it starts to get meaty and asking a lot. So, I just have to take it one jump at a time, stay on my plan and go from there.”
And are there any particular fences he’s particularly concerned about – or looking forward to?
“I think those combinations [13ABC and 14AB] after fence 12 – that big oxer down hill – those things come at you fast, and it’s combination, combination, combination, so I think those are going to be like really hot spot areas. And then that top water [the Crab], I think everybody’s going to be concerned about how much horse they have at the end of the course up there.”
Some scary previous experiences are rearing their head for Bobby too:
“I particularly really do not like that new ditch and wall thing, with the wings to the back [fence 24]. Only because I’ve had, in the past three years maybe, some bad crashes at ditch and walls – just really unfortunate mishaps. Usually those ditch and walls, they’re let-up jumps but I when I walked up to it I was like, ‘Oh God!’. So who knows, I might get there and go, you know what I’m feeling really lucky, I’m going to take the alternate! So if I do take the alternate anywhere, it’s going to be there, but everywhere else I plan to go straight.”
But he’ll be living out his childhood dreams as he sets off round Ian’s track:
“It looks beautiful and big – just what I thought of as a kid, why I got into eventing: let’s jump the crazy stuff that somebody could build. I think Ian’s done that!”
Zach Brandt (USA) – Direct Advance – 40.2 – 23rd
Zach Brandt and Direct Advance. Photo by Sally Spickard.
“I think the whole thing is hard. I think he’s [Ian] laid out an amazing track and I think that there’s not any one thing really in particular that’s harder than anything else. I think the last water [Fence 21AB and 22AB – that Crab again] is going to be tough, and I think that it’ll be interesting to see how that rides, but I think the whole thing is going to be tough and it’s going to be relentless from the moment you start to the moment you end.”
And what’s Zach’s goal for cross country?
“My goal is to finish as close to my dressage score as I can. But realistically, I want to go round and have as competitive a round as I can have tomorrow. I don’t plan on going slow. I think the time will be really hard to make, but I plan to give it my best shot to try and go as fast and clear inside the time if I can.”
Sydney Solomon (USA) – Early Review C – 45.6 – 25th
Sydney Solomon and Early Review CBF. Photo by Sally Spickard.
What’s Sydney hoping for at Maryland with ‘Coco’?
“I really want to go clear! I fell off at Kentucky so I guess the first goal is that I want to stay on this time.”
And are there any fences in particular she’s got her eye on?
“The Crab water [21AB and 22AB] looks challenging with the bank in and then up a huge bank out, and they’re going to be pretty tired at that point. But she [‘Coco’] has a ton of heart so we’re just going to do our best.”
Cornelia Dorr Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8. Photo by Sally Spickard.
At home, Cornelia rides Daytona bareback in a rope halter as they hack out together – not so much when they’re galloping round a 5* though! Cornelia had been for a couple of treks round the course when we spoke to her:
“It’s good. It’s big – it’s definitely big! I think everyone’s chatting about the last water [the bounce into the crab]. But I think it looks good. It’s beautiful and the ground couldn’t be better.”
‘Daytona’ sure was ready for cross country when she came forward for her dressage test on Thursday, making things a bit tricky for Cornelia in the ring. But now she can look forward to the mare’s favorite bit of eventing, and does she think Ian’s track will be to Daytona’s taste?
“I think it’ll suit her – I think, honestly, any course would suit her. But she certainly loves galloping, there’s a lot of that here.”
And how does she go about walking a 5* track?
“The first one is a social walk, and then the second one you start to figure out your plan. The third one, you’re zeroed in – all you see is the path you’re going to ride. I normally, at a five-star, would walk it four or five times, and I try to do it by myself, the last one or two – I turn my phone off and am totally focused.”
And there we have it – off the hoof and straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Now it’s time to kick on, and go eventing!
We’ll see the CCI3*-L first this morning beginning at 9:05 a.m. ET with Marley Bourke and Superstorm Sandy. CCI3*-L cross country will finish at 11:20 a.m. ET, and we’ll continue with the CCI5* beginning at 1:35 p.m. ET with Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. All of the action will be live streamed on ClipMyHorse.TV/USEF Network — you can access the live stream here. If you’re outside of North America, you’ll find the live stream on Horse & Country here.
Team March celebrates a leading test. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
What’s up ENers?! We’re back between the white boards for the second day of dressage at Maryland 5 Star – watching every step they take, and every move they make, and bringing it all to you, fellow eventing nerds, because what can I say, we love to share the love here at EN!
Yesterday’s competition left us with an international flavor at the top of the leaderboard, with Great Britain’s Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise leading the way on a score of 24.2.
In second overnight is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist – they sit on a score of 28.4.
And in third place as things stand are Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M for the USA on a score of 32.4.
Here’s a look at all the scores from the first day of 5* dressage:
There were some very hot horses between the white boards yesterday, and some masterful displays of patience and understanding – as well as pushing for the top marks – from the riders. All in all, it was a great start to the competition and we’re looking forward to more stunning displays of horsemanship and talent today.
A quick update on the provisional scores from yesterday: Piggy March’s score remains unchanged. Phillip Dutton and Azure’s score of 34.9 was altered to 34.5.
First into the ring this afternoon will be Jacob Fletcher and Fabian for the USA. Their test is due to start at 2:05pm EST / 5:05pm BST.
If you’re following the British interest here at Maryland 5 Star, eventing legend William Fox-Pitt goes today with Grafennacht – they come forward at 2:45pm / 7:45pm BST – and current World No. 1 Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent will enter the ring at 3:27pm EST / 8:27pm BST.
Rounding out the dressage phase will be World No. 3 and Maryland 2021 champ Boyd Martin, who brings Contessa forward for the USA – they go at 3:51pm EST / 8:51pm BST.
It’s all to play for as the first phase scores continue to fill the board this afternoon, and we’re eagerly anticipating who’ll be heading out on tomorrow’s cross country as clubhouse leaders, and who’ll make up the chasing pack.
And you won’t have to miss a thing as EN will be bringing you all of the action over the course of the event, so keep your eyes on – and ears pricked – as we go eventing! We’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing, and if you want to follow along with the form, you’ll find EN’s 5* Form Guide here.
If you’re keeping up with these updates live, don’t forget to refresh this page periodically.
So, let’s pony up, kick on, go eventing, and do this thing! 👀
2:05pm We’re kicking things off today with the other half of the Fletcher eventing couple, Jacob Fletcher and Fabian who make their 5* debut here at Maryland.
🌶️ Hot form! They come here off the back of two second places and were 6th in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring.
Fabian was produced up to 4* by British rider Millie Dumas, with Jacob taking on the ride for the 2022 season and promptly winning the first two events they did together.
XC machine 🤖 In 21 FEI runs, Fabian hasn’t had a single cross country jumping penalty.
Dressage form 🕺They can go sub-30 at 4*, with a 29.9 last time out, but are mostly in the low-30s. How will their 5* debut match up?
Ears pricked and ready to roll:
Jacob Fletcher and Fabian. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
They canter up the center line looking like they’re meaning business this afternoon. Fabian has a little look around in the halt, but then it’s back to work and they set off in a lovely balanced trot.
He’s working in a really relaxed way for Jacob, this is a horse who’s up for the job. Jacob’s really going for every mark in the ring today.
A solid halt and clean rein back steps are sure to score well.
The relaxation continues into the walk and Fabian shows a clear difference between the paces. More nice work from this combination.
The first change is a smidge late behind, but he’s working in a beautiful frame and seems to be really trying for Jacob. The second change is perfect – Jacob rode it totally accurately and got it spot on.
The stretch circle shows more relaxation and then there’s another sound change.
They trot back up the center line and finish up with a square halt. Fabian looks incredibly pleased with himself, and so he should. Jacob gives him a pat, and deserves one for himself too. That was great riding and a super demonstration of a partnership working in harmony with one another. It was powerful and accurate and for sure a good score will be coming in for them.
Jacob Fletcher and Fabian score 29.3 and go into third.
2:13pm New Zealand’s Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier come to Maryland for their third time at the top level, after finishing fifth on the mare’s 5* debut at Pau last season.
Based in Britain since 1992, Caroline started out working at a point to point yard, racing five times before switching her endeavors to eventing.
Olympic experience – Caroline groomed for top-level eventer, turned commentator, turned course builder Ian Stark at the Atlanta Games in 1996 before going on to represent New Zealand in 2008 and 2012, when she won team bronze 🥉
Burghley winner 🏆 Caroline won Burghley in 2010 on the late, great Lenamore, when the superstar gelding was seventeen.
Badminton veteran – She’s completed at Badminton 15 times!
‘Cav’ has been produced by Caroline through the levels – taking in the six- and seven-year old World Championships along the way.
Hot form 🌶️ They come here on great form, having won last time out in the 4*-S at Ballindenisk in Ireland.
Dressage form 💃 They put down a 27.4 at Badminton in the spring and a 27.7 at Pau last season, to which they added just 8 cross country time penalties on their way to fifth place.
🛫 Cav’s clocking up the air miles on her way to Maryland:
They get their test underway with a solid square halt and this young mare looks to be taking the atmosphere all in her stride. Her ears are pricked and she looks very happy in her work.
The trot is rhythmical and balanced and Caroline pushes for the extended and Cav responds beautifully.
Wow, they look a picture as they halt at C. They’re such a partnership and they really look in tune with one another, a great sight to see.
Cav is super relaxed in the walk, although she anticipates the canter transition a tiny bit. The mare is in a great frame with clear self-carriage and Caroline is able to really ride her bravely – which she does in the extended. Such a powerhouse! Very impressive.
Cav could take the contact a bit further in the stretch circle, but the changes come very easily for her.
She finishes up with another square halt and Caroline gives Cav a huge pat, which is very well deserved. A happy horse and a happy rider, for sure.
This has been a great test – beautiful really – which the crowd appreciates with a cheer.
Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier score 29 and go into third.
2:20pm Rookie combo alert! Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start are here for their first 5*.
World traveler 🛬 Mr. Cash was bought from a dealer in the Czech Republic.
He’s a bit of a quirky character – he was very spooky as a youngster 👻 and still refuses to travel without a buddy.
Smart cookie 🍪 Sarah studied environmental science and worked in environmental marketing and renewable energy before becoming a full-time eventer.
They come here on great form with a third place in their last run at Stable View in the 4*-S a few weeks ago.
Dressage form 🩰 At Stable View they put down a 30.9, in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring they scored 32.6 and finished just outside the top-20. This season they’ve shown low-30s form at 4*, how will their 5* debut match up?
Sarah is not one to be missed on the jog strip! We’re all huge fans of her fashion exploits here at EN:
Mr Cash has a look ’round to make sure everyone’s watching him as he halts. A quick word from Sarah has him paying attention to her again and they set off in trot with him back on task.
Apparently Mr Cash was a bit worried about the big scoreboard during the arena familiarization, but he’s paying it no heed today, which Sarah will be pleased about.
It’s a square halt at C and clean rein back steps, albeit a little off the track, and there was an extra half step.
The walk is sound, although Mr Cash clearly knows the canter’s coming as they approach the transition.
The canter is slightly tentative, which affects the change slightly. The next change is similar.
They break into ‘tranter’ during the stretch circle and then the final two changes don’t really happen as well as Sarah would have liked.
Overall, there’s been some nice points during this test and Mr Cash has shown much potential and room to learn. A few green moments at the level, but Sarah should be very happy with this 5* debut.
Sarah Kuhn and Mr Cash van de Start score 38.1.
2:28pm 5* first-timers Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times get their Maryland underway!
Arielle’s had the ride on Dutch Times since 2016, when she took over the reins from Canadian rider Tik Maynard.
🎓 ‘Dutch’ is one of five YEH graduates competing here this week. He was placed 4th in the Championships as a five-year-old.
🥈 They were 2nd in the 4*-L at Bromont earlier in the season, proving that the pair are totally ready for their step up to the top level.
This isn’t their first trip to Maryland – they competed in the 4*-S here last year, finishing 5th.
Family connection 🔗 Dutch is owned by Arielle’s mom, Christina Aharoni.
Dressage form 🩰 They scored 32.9 at Bromont – a career best. Overall this season, their scores have been mid- to high-30s.
Dutch may – now – be a 5* eventer, but he’s not too shabby in the show jumping ring also, competing at Grand Prix level:
They enter up the center line really straight, and start off with a good square halt. Dutch shows nice extension in the medium trot across the arena but it’s a bit unbalanced, perhaps showing some nerves.
Dutch looks to be working nicely for Arielle and the extended trot is braver than the medium, but there’s a mistake at the end and they come back to walk for a couple of strides.
The walk comes off for them though, although it could have been a little more relaxed. Dutch is getting a bit more frustrated as the test goes on, which shows up in the contact and the transitions. He’s arguing a little which is affecting the changes too.
He softens in the lateral work and does take the contact forward in the stretch circle. The change catches him out again though and it’s tight behind.
Overall though, there were some good moments in this test and we could see that this pair have a good partnership. Dutch has a good shake at the end and gives a goofy smile for the camera which makes Arielle smile – a nice way to end your first 5* test.
Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times score 38.6.
2:36pmErin Kanara brings unraced but track-trained Thoroughbred Campground forward for the gelding’s third 5*.
Campground – AKA ‘Gideon’ – made his 5* debut here last year, whilst Erin has competed at Kentucky, Burghley and Pau.
5* form 🌟 They were 15th here last season, and 16th at Kentucky in the spring.
A horse with two hats 🎩👒 As well as being a 5* eventer, Gideon has another job – as an adult amateur ride for owner Marnie Kelly.
Erin made her way in eventing via training with fellow Maryland competitor Phillip Dutton. She also has experience working with racehorses.
Dressage form 📈 They scored 35.9 here last year, and 41.4 at Kentucky in the spring – his average form is somewhere between the two. He’s here for the cross country though and will be a fun one to watch tearing up the track on Saturday.
😁 It’s all smiles from Gideon:
Erin Kanara and Campground. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Gideon looks relaxed as he canters into the arena, he even looks like he’s smiling. They’re a real partnership this pair, which is very clear from the lovely picture they make as they trot ’round the arena.
The trot work is very accurate – they lose a little rhythm in the extended, but recover really well.
The halt is sustained and the rein back is clean, and they set off into a very relaxed walk. Gideon looks to be enjoying his time between the white boards this afternoon and is listening to Erin and obviously trying his best.
There’s a little tension across his back in the change, but the lateral work seems to soften him up a little. The next change is similar to the first but Erin’s riding really well, trying to protect the marks and get everything she can.
Gideon enjoys the stretch circle and gets two good changes afterwards, much more relaxed after that little stretch.
They finish up with a square halt and Gideon has a good shake after all that hard work. Overall this was a very pleasant test to watch – a horse trying hard for his rider and a lovely partnership on display.
Erin Kanara and Campground score 38.
Well, this will be a familiar figure to eventing fans – multi- Olympic, Worlds and European medalist, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt comes to Maryland with the Grafenstolz mare Grafennacht.
William describes ‘Lillie’ as a “tough old wench”. Safe to say, that’s 100% a compliment when you’re talking about a 5* event horse!
She comes forward for her second time at the top level, after finishing in 14th place at this year’s wet and wild Badminton edition.
Top of his game 🏆 William has been World No. 1 four times, and has won five of the seven 5*s – his name is immortalized on Burghley’s Winners’ Avenue a whopping six times, he’s had a hat trick of Kentucky wins, picked up four Badminton Armada Dishes and won the trophy twice, done the double at Pau, and won Luhmulen. Will he add Maryland to his list of accolades on his first time of trying?
Dressage form 💃 They scored 25.8 at Badminton in the spring and in their 16 FEI runs they’ve rarely been anywhere but sub-30.
Lillie looked every bit the pro traveler as she set off for the States, complete with Gaffa taped shoes:
Lillie goes to have a little look round as she halts but William’s ready to let her know that it’s time to focus. She sets out in a beautifully relaxed way – so supple and elegant.
The trot work is so clean. William really pushes for the extended and Lillie responds.
They nail the halt, but Lillie’s a little reluctant to rein back. Only a little though.
The walk is confident and expressive and they strike off cleanly into canter.
This really is a picture of a horse and rider in harmony with one another.
William has to work a little harder for the changes, but they push on in the extended and stride right across the arena. There could have been more stretch in the circle, Lillie looks a little like she wants to look around a bit. She’s very keen but is working really very nicely for William with two clean changes to finish.
There’s an enormous cheer at the end for William, which Lillie obviously thinks is all for her. She sticks her nose in the air as she halts and looks round at her audience, incredibly pleased with herself, and so she should be!
William Fox-Pitt and Grafennacht score 26.1 and go into second.
2:53pm Last up before the break, Jennie Brannigan brings Thoroughbred gelding Twilightslastgleam forward for the his third start at the level.
They were 17th at Kentucky and 16th here last year – will they find themselves up the leaderboard when all’s said and done on Sunday?
Breeding info 🧬 ‘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. Comic possesses blood lines that have been in their breeding program since the early 1980s.
Keeping it equestrian – Jennie is married to a racehorse trainer 🏇
Dressage form 📈 They scored a 36.3 at Kentucky and 35.2 here last year. They won the 4*-L at Bromont last year where they posted a 32.6 in this phase.
🎓 Comic is one of five YEH graduates competing here this week. He was Reserve Champion as a four-year-old:
There’s a trot step into the halt transition after a very straight and confident entry. But they set off positively and the trot work is very correct and looks easy for Comic.
There are very good steps in the medium and Comic is in a beautiful frame.
The halt is easy and the rein back too. Easy is definitely how I’d describe how this looks. Comic’s obviously well within himself.
A little tension creeps in at the beginning of the walk but he comes straight back to Jennie and relaxes really nicely for the majority of the walk.
The canter has a similar feel to the trot – Comic working very nicely for Jennie and looking comfortable in his work. The canter work is very rhythmical and happy.
The stretch circle is excellent, he really takes the contact down and shows his suppleness.
There’s a big cheer as they finish and Comic looks very relaxed as he walks out of the arena. Overall a very nice test and a clear example of a horse enjoying his work.
Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam score 35.
3:00pm We’re heading into the break now. It’s Great Britain in first and second, and New Zealand in third and fourth as things stand.
We’ll be back in around 10 minutes – at 3:11pm EST / 8:11pm BST – don’t miss it!
3:10pm Getting us back underway are Sydney Solomon and Early Review C who are looking for their first 5* completion this week as they come forward for their second attempt at the level.
🎓 ‘Coco’ is one of five YEH graduations contesting the 5* at Maryland this year. The mare started out with fellow Maryland competitor Lillian Heard Wood, who piloted Coco to fourth place in the five-year-old championships, winning the Safe Harbor Award for a young horse who gives the most rider-friendly performance at the event.
Sydney took over the reins in 2016 and has brought Coco up through the levels to the top of the sport.
They made their 5* debut at Kentucky in the spring, but an unfortunate parting of company on the cross country ended their event early. They’ll be hoping to put that right this time around.
Dressage form They posted 43.3 at Kentucky but have been more consistently mid-30s at the 4* level. Last season they were predominantly in the high-30s, so things seem to be headed in the right direction.
😍 Strike a pose! Coco could side hustle as a model if she fancied:
Early Review C. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
There are a couple of trot steps into the first halt but they stand square and Coco looks happy to be in the dressage ring. They set off into a balanced trot, it’s expressive and bouncy and looks to be fun to ride. Sydney’s able to push for the extended and Coco strides out nicely.
Coco has a good look ’round to makes sure everyone’s watching her as she halts at C. That continues through the walk – she’s having a lovely time in there. She’s not being disobedient, just really enjoying herself.
There are a couple of trot strides into the canter transition and it’s here that we see a little tension creeping in. This is where Coco can get a bit lit up, particularly in the changes, but the mare is behaving nicely for Sydney.
The stretch circle is nice but Coco jumps the change after it. She gets a bit excited in the last change and there’s some wiggling up the center line. The halt doesn’t really happen – Coco’s very pleased with herself and Sydney just has to go with that.
Overall, this was a nice test, particularly in the early stages, and it was nice to see Coco happy in her work, albeit a bit excited by it.
Sydney Solomon and Early Review C score 45.6.
3:19pmLillian Heard Wood brings my personal favorite, seasoned 5* campaigner seventeen-year-old LCC Barnaby for his third go at Maryland.
✨ How many 5* starts?! This is Barnaby’s thirteenth time at the top level, with six top-20 finishes under his girth.
He finished just outside the top-10 here last year for a career-best result.
Not content with contesting the American 5*s multiple times, Barnaby’s a familiar face across the Pond, where he’s been to Badminton twice and Burghley three times.
Found by Lillian as a six-year-old in Ireland, he was known to be a bit of a rogue gelding, but boy can he jump and so Lillian bought him and the pair haven’t looked back since.
Dressage form 🕺 Barnaby is not here to do dressage – he puts up with it so he gets to gallop across the country on Saturday. At Badminton this season he put down his highest dressage score since Kentucky in 2019, 39.5, although Lillian was pleased with his performance and thought he’d actually been “much more crazy” between the white boards on other occasions when he’d scored better. He generally trends in the mid-30s; at Maryland last year he scored 33.6 and he achieved a career best of 30 in the 4*-S at Plantation Field a few weeks ago.
Barnaby jiggles a bit in the halt and doesn’t look to want to trot forward, he’d rather canter. Lillian gets him going but he breaks into canter again. Lillian gets him back but he’s being a bit difficult in the early stages of his test.
Once he gets going properly in trot, Barnaby does a good job of the lateral work. He’s in a nice frame and the position is very good.
Barnaby halts at C much better than he did at the start and his rein back is accurate.
He seems to have settled into the test and walks out nicely for Lillian. He’s reasonably relaxed and waits for the aid before transitioning into canter.
The first change is a bit uncomfortable looking, but then Barnaby settles in the lateral work. Lillian knows this guy so well, and she’s really riding the horse that’s underneath her. All in all, after a bit of a wobbly start, it’s come together nicely.
Barnaby could have taken the contact forward more in the stretch circle, but the change afterwards is really lovely.
They halt at the end and Lillian’s got a big smile on her face and there’s a nice pat for Barnaby. It’s a shame about the start of the test because Barnaby really settled into it after the first few movements. Barnaby looks a real picture – a testament to Lillian’s program with this older guy. It’s such a treat to see a really established partnership working together with what they’ve got.
Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby score 36.4.
3:57pm World No. 1 Oliver Townend has made his way over from Great Britain with Cooley Rosalent for the mare’s second 5* start.
Oliver won one of the best turned out riders prizes at the First Horse Inspection yesterday for looking particularly dapper in his Tokyo Olympics suit 🕴️ Suits you sir!
Maryland form 🥈🥉 It’s Oliver’s third trip to Maryland, where he’s no stranger to the podium – he was runner-up with Cooley Masterclass in 2021 and took third place last year with As Is.
Hot form 🌶️ Oliver’s had a great season thus far, reclaiming the World No. 1 title, winning Burghley and coming second at Badminton. Cooley Rosalent comes to Maryland off the back of a win in the 4* class for eight- and nine-year-olds at Blenheim, where she finished on her dressage of 24.7.
📺 Oliver has appeared on the UK TV show Question of Sport – where they asked him a bunch of horse racing questions 🫢 (He knew the answers though.)
He’s one tough cookie 🍪 At Kentucky in 2010, he broke his collar bone, shoulder bones, sternum and four ribs – he was in hospital for one day!
Royal approval 👑 Oliver was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism by the late Queen of England in 2022.
Dressage form 💃 They posted a 37.4 at Luhmuhlen on the mare’s 5* debut. At 4* they’re mid- to high-20s. In 16 FEI runs, they only have three scores that aren’t sub-30 on their record.
Oliver canters up the center line looking like he’s meaning business. There were a couple of little trot steps into the halt but Cooley Rosalent sets off in a beautiful outline with lots of expression and swing in her trot. She looks absolutely beautiful – so soft and supple and really working for Oliver.
Oliver’s riding for every single mark, really showing off everything this mare has. He pushes for the extended – it’s stunning – but they’re not quite square in the halt. The rein back is a little quick, but they set off into a very relaxed walk.
There’s such quality in this mare’s gait which Oliver shows off in every single stride of the walk.
The transition into canter isn’t totally clean, and she’s a smidge late in the first change, but we’re talking tiny margins.
Oliver pushes for the extended canter and then makes Cooley Rosalent wait for the change and they absolutely nail it. There could have been more stretch at the beginning of the circle, but then she takes the contact forward and shows just how relaxed and comfortable in her work she is.
The next change is slightly late, but it’s a super square halt to finish and Oliver looks absolutely delighted. Huge smiles, huge pats, a huge cheer, and a hugely exciting young mare. There were a couple of very tiny blips – tiny – but this test was truly lovely. Stunning, in fact. And she’s just a nine-year-old. Wow.
Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent score 23.1 and they go INTO THE LEAD.
3:34pmZach Brandt and Direct Advance come forward for their third 5* together.
Zach and ‘Rosco’ have been together right from the gelding’s first event.
They made their 5* debut here last year and had their first 5* completion at Kentucky this season, where Zach won the James C. Wofford “On the Rise” trophy.
Zach’s based in Florida where he runs Zachary Brandt Eventing with his partner Audrie Stanker and their business partner Crissa Gillette, sourcing, training and matching horses with riders.
Dressage form 🕺Their scores at 4* range from low- to mid-30s to just into the 40s. They posted 35.9 here last year and 43.5 at Kentucky.
🏆Well I know who I’d give the prize for perfect braids to:
Rosco canters straight up the center line and there’s a tiny trot step into the halt, but he stands very square and still, so a good start for them.
Rosco is in a lovely frame as he trots round the ring and this pair look in total harmony with one another. Zach’s making sure that Rosco carries himself, using his double rein exactly how it’s meant to be used – just a little reminder every now and then. Overall Rosco is showing self-carriage nicely, better than he perhaps has before.
The halt is good and the walk is relaxed. There’s a clean transition into canter and they continue in the same way – working nicely as a team and showing themselves off to their best.
He skips through the change slightly and there’s a tiny break at the end of the extended canter. But Zach gets Rosco straight back and the horse seems to be trying really hard for him.
The changes continue to be a little muddled, but for Rosco they’re really very good and he’s trying to do what Zach’s asking – he’s showing a lot of improvement from previous tests.
They finish up and Zach seems pleased. There are things to work on, but there’s a lot of improvement and potential on show, so overall this was a very good performance from Rosco today.
Zach Brandt and Direct Advance score 39.7.
3:43pmLexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z come forward for the gelding’s second 5*, having made their debut at Kentucky last year.
🌱 ‘Sprout’, as he’s known in the barn, has gained experience on both sides of the Pond with Lexi, as well as in Europe, where he started his early eventing career with Belgian rider Raf Steegmans.
Lexi bought the gelding in 2017 and has spent time producing him from 2* to the top of his sport.
Lexi relocated to England in 2019 to learn from eventing legend and fellow Maryland competitor William Fox-Pitt, before moving back to Florida to start her own business.
They come here off the back of two top-10 finishes.
Dressage form 🩰 At Kentucky last year they posted a first phase score of 35.5 and are consistently mid-30s at 4*.
Sprout trots a little into the first halt and goes to have a quick look round. Lexi reminds him he’s in his 5* dressage test though and he responds by setting off in a lovely trot.
There’s a little tail swishing going on but Sprout is stepping out nicely for Lexi. You can see him looking out of the corner of his eye as he goes ’round the arena, but he’s staying with her and she’s able to really push for the extended trot – tons of reach and it looks very impressive.
Sprout stands nicely in the halt at C and the rein back is clean and accurate. They set off in walk and Sprout looks relaxed and keen to do as Lexi’s asking of him. He knows the canter transition is coming but waits for Lexi to ask for it and they get a clean strike off.
Ah, there’s a break at the end of the medium canter and Lexi has to bring Sprout right back to walk to get him back with her. They set off again and are back together, and Lexi’s brave enough to push for the extended, which works out well for her.
The stretch circle is very relaxed and they finish up with a very clean and true change.
There have been a couple of unfortunate mistakes, but they finish with a super square halt. Overall this test has been very impressive – lots of relaxation and Sprout seemed totally rideable. They’ve obviously got a wonderful partnership with one another and look to be a real team. Lexi gives Sprout a huge pat as he walks out of the ring looking incredibly relaxed.
Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z score 31.9 and go into 7th place.
3:51pm And finally, wrapping up the dressage for us is unofficial Ice Man (I’m pretty sure Wim Hof lays claim to the official title) and Maryland champ in 2021 Boyd Martin who brings German-bred mare Contessa forward for her second 5* start.
Ready? Yo VIP, let’s kick it! 🛀 (Ice, ice baby…)
Contessa made her debut at the level at Kentucky in the spring, finishing in 14th place.
At fourteen, she’s relatively low-mileage, having been produced slowly by Boyd, spending a good while at the Intermediate level and sitting out the 2021 season.
It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️ So that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!
He may be the ice man, but he’s on hot form! 🌶️ Boyd won the 2*-L, 3*-L and 4*-S all in one weekend at Bromont in June. He’s had 14 top 3 finishes this season, is currently the top rider on the USEA leaderboard and World No. 3, and comes here off a win in the 4*-L at Morven Park last weekend.
Breeding info 🧬 Contessa has the same sire as Tim Price’s Burghley 4th place ride Vitali.
Dressage form 💃 They scored 35.5 at Kentucky and have generally been low-30s at the 4* level this season.
Eventing’s self-appointed PR star, the perks of being a wallflower are not on Boyd’s radar:
There’s a cheer as Boyd ad Contessa come forward to walk ’round the outside of the arena. They set off into canter and come straight up the center line. The halt is square and Boyd means business.
Contessa looks great. Boyd’s able to really push in the medium and Contessa shows off her expression as she strides across the arena. So far so good for this pair – they really look to be working together.
Contessa is really soft across the top line, so relaxed and happy in her work. They’re very impressive in the extended and then halt totally square. The rein back is off the track, kind of diagonal into the arena, but the walk is relaxed and Contessa steps out nicely for Boyd.
This test is going really well for Boyd and Contessa. She’s working totally with Boyd so far. The first change is a little tight but Boyd’s able to really ride forward for every mark.
Ah, the extended is great, but they pay for being so brave in the corner. There’s a break in the canter, but it looks like it’s because she’s trying so hard.
There is stretch in the circle and the next changes are a bit better, although still slightly tight. But again, it’s because she’s really trying for Boyd and you can’t complain about that.
The halt is perfectly square to finish. Boyd gives Contessa a big pat and she looks relaxed and happy as she finishes up her test.
This has been a great showing from the pair – a couple of mistakes in the canter, but overall a really happy combination working together.
Boyd Martin and Contessa score a PB of 28.8 and go into 5th place.
4pm And there we have it! Maryland 5 Star is well underway with the first phase wrapped up and thoughts turning to tomorrow’s cross country.
It’s a British 1, 2, 3 after the two days of dressage.
Here’s a look at how things stand:
Leading overnight is Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent on a score of 23.1.
Just over a point behind, in second is Piggy March with Brookfield Cavalier Cruise on 24.2.
And rounding out the top 3, just under two points behind Piggy, is William Fox-Pitt with Grafennacht on 26.1.
In fourth is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist on 28.4.
And best of the Americans is Boyd Martin with Contessa, who go out onto cross country tomorrow on a PB of 28.8 in fifth place.
Watch out for EN’s full round-up of all the day’s dressage – coming soon!
Tomorrow is everyone’s favorite day – cross country day 🏇
The 5* action kicks off at 1:30pm EST / 6:30pm BST and Team EN will be bringing you live updates from Ian Stark’s track – so keep it locked on to EN – and go eventing!
The dressage ring is where it’s at as Maryland 5 Star gets underway. Photo by MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fairhill.
Here we go ENers, the penultimate 5* of 2023 is about to kick off! It’s the first day of dressage at Maryland 5 Star and we couldn’t be any more excited to see how the competition unfolds.
Join us as we meet the stars of the show and see how they get on in the first phase of the USA’s second top-level offering of the season.
We’ve got riders at the top of the world rankings here at Maryland 5 Star this week – from both sides of the Pond – with Britain’s Piggy March (13th) and Oliver Townend (1st), and Americans Phillip Dutton (10th) and Boyd Martin (3rd) all joining us in the dressage ring over the next two days.
We’ll see Olympians, World Championship riders, Pan-Ams medalists, 5* winners… this competition is hot, hot hot!
And you won’t have to miss a thing as EN will be bringing you all of the action over the course of the event, so keep your eyes on – and ears pricked – as we go eventing! We’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of our team on the ground too @goeventing, and if you want to follow along with the form, you’ll find EN’s 5* Form Guide here.
First into the ring will be Ireland’s Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue, who stormed ‘round a muddy Badminton track in the spring and finished overall in third place.
If you’re following along live, don’t forget to refresh this page periodically.
2:05pm And here we go! Maryland 5 Star begins with Ireland’s Austin O’Connor who’s made the trip to Maryland with Colorado Blue for the gelding’s fifth 5* start.
🧂 ‘Salty’ showed he’s an event horse truly worth his salt at this year’s tricky Badminton edition – he finished third after storming round the muddy track. Last year he was eighth – finishing on his dressage of 35.9.
They competed at the Tokyo Olympics after stepping up when Cathal Daniels had to withdraw. They tore up the Tokyo track with the fastest round of the day, finishing 13th overall and best of the Irish.
He’s also been to the World Championships – at Pratoni – where he finished in the top 20, again, top of the Irish team.
Austin has produced Salty from the start and says the gelding is a laid back kind of guy with “a great heart”.
Dressage form 📈 At Badminton in the spring he put down a PB at the level – 31.5. Later this season he posted 34.9 at Burghley. He’s generally mid-30s, but he’s super speedy across the country and will be looking to climb the leaderboard on Saturday.
Salty looked every bit the 5* star at Badminton in the spring, and was kept fabulously white by his groom Francesca Denning, despite the soggy British weather:
Salty looks beautiful in the Maryland sunshine as he enters up the center line. He seems relaxed and happy to be working with Austin.
Alice Fox-Pitt is in the commentary box with Spencer Sturmey and they’ve commented on how much happier Salty looks here than he did at Burghley. The halt is accurate and Salty is settled and relaxed as he moves into the walk work.
The test overall is going really well. The first change is spot on and Salty’s responding to Austin’s aids throughout the canter work.
He’s lacking a bit of bend in the half pass but delivers a relaxed stretch circle and two lovely changes.
Unfortunately the bell goes as Austin halts. He’s halted a little early rather than continuing down the center line in trot to halt at G. It seems Austin had the 4* test in mind. Such a shame when the test had been so very lovely all the way through, he’ll be kicking himself but should still be incredibly pleased with Salty’s performance here.
Update: Austin actually halted in the wrong place the second time too, hence his score changed from 33.1 to 33.7.
Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue score 33.7.
2:14pmDoug Payne and Quantum Leap are making their sixth 5* start together at Maryland this week.
Baby Quantum arrived at the Payne yard as a yearling and Doug has brought the gelding up through the levels.
🎓 One of the five YEH graduates here at Maryland, as a four-year-old Quantum was third in the Championships. He went on to represent the US at the seven-year-old Championships at Le Lion d’Angers.
It’s their third trip to Maryland – they were ninth in 2021 and 2022, will they push up the leaderboard this time around?
5* form 🌟 They’ve finished top-10 in four of their 5* starts, including coming third at Kentucky last season, where they become the 2022 USEF 5* Eventing National Champions.
🛩️ When he’s not piloting horses round cross country courses, Doug pilots his tiny plane to events.
Dressage form 🩰 They scored 29.5 here last year – a career best dressage score – and 33.7 at Kentucky in the spring. Will they manage another sub-30 Maryland score this time around?
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):
It’s a bit of a tentative start as Doug sets off from the center line, a little wobbly, and that caution continues into the trot work. Quantum flicks his toes out and looks impressive, but we can see that Doug’s having to be a bit careful in the early stages of this test.
There’s more flashy footwork in the extended trot, but it’s still not fully attacking.
Quantum’s not fully secure in the contact in the walk work. The relaxation is looking a bit fragile and Doug’s having to ride with all of his experience and knowledge of the horse.
They’re not losing any marks in terms of accuracy, but Doug’s having to keep a lid on Quantum’s excitement.
The canter work continues in the same way – tentative, but very clever riding from Doug. He’s not letting Quantum boil over, he’s doing all the jobs he needs to do to complete the test, but he can’t push Quantum due to the gelding’s obvious fizziness in the arena today.
That was hard work for Doug, but they’ve halted now, sans explosion from Quantum – a masterclass of riding from Doug.
Doug Payne and Quantum Leap score 35.9.
2:22pm New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist made the trip to the Northern Hemisphere a few weeks ago in preparation for their second 5* start.
Monica won one of the best turned out rider prizes at the First Horse Inspection yesterday for her super cool ‘fit that gave Team EN green eyes for sure 💚
With plenty of 4* experience – and success – under their girths in New Zealand, Monica and Artist made their 5* debut at Adelaide early this season, but an unfortunate parting of company on the cross country there means they’re here at Maryland looking for their first 5* completion.
🛫 It’s not their first trip to the Northern Hemisphere – 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 🥉
🏇 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.
Dressage form 👀 They posted a 24 at Adelaide 5* in the first phase and a 25.6 at Pratoni. They’re rarely out of the 20s at 4*. This is for sure one to watch.
Max comes into the arena looking like he means business and really shows off all his range in the medium trot. He’s soft and supple, showing real presence in the ring and lots of cadence in his movement.
It’s a lovely square halt before very accurate rein back steps. He sets off in walk looking equally relaxed. They are such an impressive looking pair – totally together and working nicely as a partnership.
A really bold transition into canter and more great quality work from Max. Monica pushes for the extended and then Max comes straight back, showing just how well they work together.
A gorgeous stretch circle demonstrates lots of relaxation and then Monica picks him back up to deliver an accurate change.
Max truly is a great advert for ex-racehorses. He looks like a pleasure to ride, and lots of fun.
A square halt to finish what’s been a lovely test throughout.
Monica Spencer and Artist score 28.4 and go into the lead.
2:30pm Multiple-time World Championship rider, seven-time Olympian and Pan-Ams medal winner Phillip Dutton brings Azure forward for her first 5*.
Azure was bred and produced by Irish eventer Elizabeth Power, making the trip to the States to start the 2022 season with Phillip.
Hot form 🌶️ They won the 4*-L at Bromont in June, adding just 0.8 to their dressage of 36.4.
👀 Watch out for this pair on the cross country on Saturday – the mare has had jumping penalties just once in 21 starts!
Medals alert! Phillip has won Olympic team gold twice for Australia 🥇🥇 individual bronze for the US 🥉 two Pan-Ams team golds and individual silver 🥇🥇🥈
All-around sportsman🎾⛳ As well as in the barn, you can catch Phillip on the tennis court and golf course.
Dressage form 📋 They trend mid-30s in this phase at 4* – last time out they posted a 34.1 at Stable View in the 4*-S.
Azure looks a real picture in the dressage ring this afternoon. She gets off to a good start but then has a bit of a stumble in the corner as she loses the trot slightly. Phillip gets her straight back though and she continues on nicely.
She looks relaxed in the lateral trot work but then her head lifts as they halt – she seems to notice the cameras.
Phillips legs are nowhere near Azure’s sides in the walk work – like, there’s a huge gap between his calves and her sides. Azure’s obviously feeling a bit fizzy and is keen to get on with her work – on the cross country.
There’s a bit of tension in the canter work, but Phillip’s keeping a lid on it and she delivers a good first change. This mare can get a bit tight in the canter, but she’s doing well. There’s some stretch in the circle, but there could have been more to really go for top marks.
She nails the final halt and seems to have really enjoyed herself in the ring. There was a little tension, but there’s a lot of atmosphere there and it’s her first time at the level. She’s kept it together really well and overall it was a nice test.
Updated: Phillip Dutton and Azure score 34.5.
2:37pm Son of legendary US eventer Bruce Davidson Buck Davidson returns to Maryland with Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred Sorocaima.
Career change 🔀 ‘Cam’ had a successful career in racing before turning his hoof to eventing, earning over $80,000 on the track 🏇 He made his eventing debut in 2020.
He comes forward for his fourth 5* start, and second time at Maryland. He was 14th here last year – will he race even further up the leaderboard this time around?
Buck has been a US team member at World Championships and Pan-American Games, and has been the named alternate for Olympic teams.
Dressage form 📋 He scored 36 at Kentucky in the spring and 35.7 here last year. His dressage scores in general have been trending downwards, and he can be low-30s at 4*.
Ears pricked and ready to put his best hoof forward:
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Buck and Cam get their test underway with a good halt. The trot work is a huge improvement on what we’ve seen from Cam before – it’s balanced and accurate throughout.
Another good halt and it’s into the walk. Cam seems relaxed and happy to be working for Buck. He’s stepping out nicely and it all looks solid. There could have been a little more extension but overall it’s sound and accurate.
It’s more of the same in the canter. Cam really shows his Thoroughbred blood as he extends across the arena – he looks fabulous.
There’s a little overbend in the stretch circle, but Cam comes back to Buck nicely and delivers an accurate change.
This has been a polished performance – very solid. A square halt to finish, and a little ‘well done to me’ neigh from Cam.
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima score 34.2.
2:46pmHannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M are here for their second 5* start together.
‘Chito’ is best mate and field buddy of Hannah Sue’s long-time partner Harbour Pilot, her individual silver and team gold 2011 Pan-American Games ride.
He stepped up to 4* in 2021 and 5* last year.
They’re looking for their first 5* completion together this week having parted company on the cross country on their first attempt at the level at Kentucky last season.
Total horse girl 🐴 Growing up, Hannah Sue gained experience with all types of horses, from schooling Pony Hunters to hot walking horses at Churchill Downs.
She completed her first 5* at Kentucky in 2007 with a horse she’d found in the classified ads when she was thirteen.
Dressage form 📈 In the first phase, their scores are typically low to mid-30s at the 4* level; at their 5* run last year they posted 37.5.
Let’s hope it’s smiles all round for Hannah Sue and Chito when all’s said and done this week:
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Chito is accurate and athletic in his trot work at the beginning of the test. He’s so clearly working with Hannah Sue and they look like a real partnership.
He shows some nice paces in the extended, and lots of cadence.
They show an established halt and clean rein back steps before transitioning into walk in a relaxed way.
The walk work is a little cautious. Chito is flicking his ears a little, he’s showing some tension which means Hannah Sue can’t push him in the walk.
That tension continues in the first few steps of canter. He’s clearly got so much potential in this phase though and he shows that in the stretch circle. Hannah Sue softens the rein and Chito takes it and softens down. A truly lovely example of the move.
They finish off with an excellent halt. There were some excellent moments throughout this test.
Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M score 32.4 and go into second.
2:53pm Last up before the break we have Great Britain’s Piggy March who has made the trip to Maryland with Brookfield Cavalier Cruise AKA ‘Fletcher’.
This guy is well-used to being piloted by top riders, having been competed to 2* by Harry Meade, then up to 4* by Tom McEwen before Piggy March took over the ride this season.
5* first-timer ⭐ Fletcher, not Piggy!
Hot form 🌶️ They won first time out together in the 4*-S at Thoresby Park, and followed up their victory with a second place in the 4*-L at Bramham where they finished on their dressage score. They were fifth last time out, in the 4*-S at Little Downham.
5* winner 🥇🥇 Piggy’s been at the top of the podium at both Badminton and Burghley with her now retired super mare Vanir Kamira, and has represented Great Britain at European and World Championships.
🐷📺 As well as being a busy eventer, she’s the star of Piggy TV, her online training, horse care and rider fitness platform.
Dressage form 👀 In 13 FEI runs, Fletcher has just one first phase score outside the 20s – a 30.8. He may be stepping up a level, but this is one to watch for sure.
Eventing buddies are the best 💞 An elated Piggy coming second at Bramham behind her great mate and idol Pippa Funnell:
Wow, Piggy comes in meaning business. Very clear canter steps up the center line into a square halt. A great start.
Fletcher looks very flashy and showy in the ring and his trot has a lot of cadence and rhythm. He’s not necessarily softening automatically for Piggy, but she’s riding with all her might and getting the right result.
The halt and rein back are accurate and they move off into walk in a balanced and relaxed manner. The relaxation continues throughout the walk. This is looking great so far.
They strike off into canter and there’s no doubt that Piggy’s pushing for every mark. The flying changes are super – absolutely on the mark with lots of expression. Piggy’s brave in the extended and it looks very impressive.
A beautiful transition to trot down the center line and a square halt to finish. Fletcher gets an ear rub from Piggy for a job very, very well done. Piggy deserves one too – that was masterful riding.
Gorgeous.
It’s a provisional score for Piggy due to a discrepancy in the collectives, but for now…
Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise provisionally score 24.2 and go into the lead.
Updated: Piggy’s score of 24.2 is confirmed.
We’re heading into the break now. Back in around 10 minutes – at 3:11pm EST / 8:11pm BST.
3:11pm Getting us back underway, Emily Hamel brings seasoned 5* campaigner – and high jump specialist – Corvett forward for the gelding’s sixth time at the top level.
5* form 🌟 Corvett – AKA ‘Barry’ – has completed both of the American 5* offerings, and both of the British ones too! He was 10th at Kentucky this season, 20th at Burghley last year and 14th here at Maryland in 2021.
Emily describes Barry as “the most talented, intelligent, brave, and sassy horse” she’s ever sat on.
She started riding the gelding whilst working for fellow Maryland 5* competitor Phillip Dutton. Barry was due to be sold as no one could ride him well due to his quirky – and now iconic (see below) – style. But Emily loved him and has brought him through the levels to the top of his sport.
Dressage form 🩰 Barry doesn’t win the dressage, he’s here to show off his stunning jump. He’s a high-30s kind of guy in the first phase – he scored 38.7 at Kentucky in the spring and 39.7 last time out in the 4*-S at Stable View, where he finished 5th.
Barry is a horse who’s got the hops, often giving himself about a foot of breathing room as he bounds over the fences 🐰 He’s even the star of kid’s book about what a bold jumper he is:
You can read an excerpt of the book and find out how to get your hooves on a copy here.
Barry has a good look round to check everyone’s watching him as he halts. He’s very excited. He breaks into canter and Emily has to pull him up before she can get him going into trot properly. There’s some tail swishing going on but he is trotting now, which Emily will be breathing a sigh of relief about.
She does push in the extended and he shows some nice steps. The second halt is much better than the first and they move off – tentatively – into walk.
Barry is staying in walk though, it’s cautious but he does show a little extension. He seems to settle a little bit as they get into the canter work.
There’s still a lot of tail swishing going on in the canter and Emily continues to have to ride cautiously. Barry gets behind her leg and she’s not able to stay in the counter canter. She’s doing a great job on a horse who doesn’t really want to do dressage – he very much wants to do cross country.
They put in a clean change although the next one is a little ropey. He comes back to trot well though, and stands to halt at the end. Barry looks incredibly relaxed as he walks out of the arena, as is so often the case with horses who are bubbling over through their test. Emily did a great job in there, that’s for sure.
Emily Hamel and Corvett score 39.
3:20pm With two Kentucky starts under their girth, Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando come forward for their third 5* together.
New Yorker Booli has produced ‘Lance’ from his first international events to the top level of his sport.
Big boy 🪜 At 17.1, there’s no mistaking Lance for a pony!
They finished 25th on their 5* debut at Kentucky last season, but unfortunately parted company on the cross country there this year. They’ll be hoping to stick together and secure their second 5* completion here this week.
They come here on great form, having finished third last time out in the 4*-S at Bromont in June.
Dressage form 👀 At Kentucky in the spring they posted a first phase score of 44.6, last year it was 45.2. At 4* they’re generally high-30s.
Game faces on:
Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando. Photo by Abby Powell.
Lance looks fresh as he comes up the center line but Booli’s sitting calm and keeping a lid on things. He’s a bit wobbly in the shoulder in and it’s clear that Lance is feeling the atmosphere. Everything’s accurate enough so far though.
Booli can’t really push in the extended and Lance doesn’t really want to halt before the rein back. The walk looks very bouncy to begin with, but Booli has managed to contain it. He’s really anticipating the canter transition though and Booli is masterful in the way she’s riding.
Lance is happier in the canter work, but he’s not 100% concentrating on Booli, he’s much more interested in everything that’s going on around the arena. She manages to let him stretch a little in the circle though, which is good work on a fizzy horse.
This hasn’t been an easy ride for Booli and she’s done an amazing job. Lance looks incredibly fit, which will be great on Saturday. Today though, it made for a difficult ride. Booli will be glad to have the first phase done and dusted. The halt is very short, but Lance did halt and now he can go and look forward to cross country.
Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando score 40.9.
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello are making their 5* debut here at Maryland.
🎓 One of the five YEH graduates here this week, as a five-year-old ‘Eddy’ (as he’s known in the barn) won the YEH qualifier at Carolina Horse Park and went on to be Reserve Champion at the East Coast Championships, which are running here alongside the 5*.
🥈 They represented the US as members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team that brought home a silver medal in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Poland this year.
Eventing idol/boss 🤩 In 2016 Andrew had the chance to work as a rider for British eventing legend (and fellow competitor at Maryland) William Fox-Pitt for two years. He also spent some time 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.
Dressage form 📈 At 4* this season, they’ve scored 32.6, 34.8 and and 38.7, so the 30s seem to be their sweet spot at this stage in their career.
Eddy starts off with a square halt but picks his head up and has a little look around. Andrew kicks on though and Eddy responds with some accurate and balanced trot work.
There’s a lot of cadence in the trot and Andrew’s able to push in the extended. Eddy looks well within himself in his work and they look like a good partnership.
The walk is relaxed and Eddy’s listening to Andrew and responding to his aids. He begins to anticipate the canter transition but Andrew holds him back.
The first change isn’t quite as accurate as the rest of the work, Eddy looked a little fragile but Andrew held him together. The second one is a bit more wobbly, but Andrew’s riding this test incredibly well. The stretch circle is good enough, but then the change is a a bit too exuberant.
They finish in a nice halt and there’s a cheer from the crowd. This has been a great test for a young horse at its first 5*.
Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello score 33.4 and go into 4th as things stand.
3:34pm One half of the Fletcher eventing couple Cornelia Fletcher brings Daytona Beach 8 to Maryland after successful 5* trips on both sides of the Pond.
5* form 🌟 With a top 25 finish at Kentucky this season, and 10th place at Burghley last year on their 5* debut, this pair have two great top-level results under their girth as they come forward for their third go at the level.
Leaderboard climb 🪜 They moved up 40 places on the Burghley leaderboard – they were 50th after dressage, 16th after cross country and 10th after show jumping.
Marital rivalry? One of the latest additions to the eventing couples hall of fame, Cornelia and her husband, Jacob Fletcher, are both contesting the 5* here at Maryland.
Dressage form 👀 They scored 39 in the Main Arena at Burghley last season and 53.4 at Kentucky Horse Park. Daytona is a horse that’s here for the jumping – in eleven 4* starts they’ve been sub-40 just twice. But they did it at Burghley, will they do it again at Maryland?
Best of the Americans and top-10 at Burghley – not bad for a 5* debut:
Daytona thinks it’s cross country day – Cornelia has a bit of a moment outside the arena. She gets the mare in the arena and it all continues in the same way – Daytona is ready to run and doesn’t have much interest in halting or trotting. Cornelia does a fantastic job to get her going. It’s all bouncy and fizzy and tense, but Cornelia is managing to keep a lid on it, mostly.
Daytona pokes her nose out in the halt – which is incredibly brief – and the rein back looks equally difficult. You can see the whites of Daytona’s eyes as she looks around.
There’s snorting in the walk, which is more jog than walk really. Cornelia looks disappointed but she is doing such a professional job of making the best of a very difficult situation.
Daytona throws an immediate change in as she goes into canter. Rather than being happier at the faster pace, Daytona continues to bubble over. Cornelia manages to get her to change back and they continue on their way.
Cornelia deserves a medal for how she’s ridden in the ring today. What a difficult situation. Daytona was more spicey than ever, perhaps the wind was under her tail. There’s a shrug and shake of the head from Cornelia at the end and Daytona’s still playing up as the leave the arena. A difficult test to watch, but very impressive riding from Cornelia.
Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 score 48.5.
3:43pmMia Farley and Phelps are here for their first 5* together.
Mia and Phelps’ combined age is 33!
She’s been riding Phelps for the past six years – since he was a four-year old.
🏇 He’s an OTTB owned by David O’Connor.
Early start alert! Mia’s started riding when she was three and did her first event aged seven.
Dressage form 📈 They scored 31.4 in the 4*-S at Kentucky in the spring – up to that their form was mid-30s. Last time out they went sub-30, with a 29.9 in the 4*-S at Plantation Field a few weeks ago.
Here’s hoping today’s a big pats kind of day:
Mia Farley and Phelps. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
A super square halt to start for Mia and Phelps. He sets off in a balanced trot and the medium is very impressive. Phelps looks very relaxed in the ring and is working nicely with Mia. He’s a bit wobbly in the contact in the lateral work, but these are difficult movements and Mia’s doing a great job in her first 5*.
There’s another good halt and clean rein back steps. Phelps is a little bouncy in the walk, he’s very expressive in his movement but Mia gets him to take the contact forward well. Phelps anticipates the canter transition a little but the strike off is good and clean.
He’s a little late behind going into the first change but there’s good positioning in the shoulder in. He’s not so uphill as some of the other horses, but all of his work is accurate. He takes the contact down in the stretch circle and comes right back to Mia. This looks like a very promising partnership.
Phelps steps out a little in the halt. There have been a couple of wobbly moments in the contact, but overall this has been a super dressage test for a first attempt at the level and there have been some particularly nice moments. Mia should be very proud of the work she and Phelps have shown today.
Mia Farley and Phelps score 32.9 and go into 4th place.
3:51pm Last to go today is Bobby Meyerhoff, who brings his 17hand mare Lumumba forward for her first 5*.
Equestrian education 🎓 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.
Bobby and his show jumper wife Danica are based in North Carolina, where they run Meyerhoff Show Horses, focusing on producing young horses to the top of their respective sports.
Dressage form 🕺At 4* this season they’ve been low- to mid-30s. How will Lumumba do as she steps up a level?
📸 Lumumba sure knows how to work that camera:
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Photo by Jenni Autry.
They start off with a couple of steps into a square enough halt. The mare loses a little straightness coming out of the halt into the trot but she gets going nicely and the positioning in the lateral work gets better as they go along.
Bobby’s really showing off Lumumba’s movement as he pushes across the ring in the extended.
The halt is a little tentative, but the rein back is accurate.
The extended walk is a little hurried in the beginning, but Lumumba takes the contact out as she relaxes into it. She anticipates the canter transition though and Bobby has to correct it. He has to bring her back again in the corner and just as he gets her going a helicopter goes over. Lumumba is a total pro though and doesn’t let it bother her.
She shows tension as she crosses the ring on the diagonal and fishtails her hindquarters out a little. There are some small errors creeping in, an early change for example. But Lumumba’s clearly trying hard for Bobby.
They end on a nice halt and Lumumba gets a big pat. She seemed really quite tense at a few points in that test, but there was also a fair bit of very nice work on display.
Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba score 39.5.
4pm And that’s it for the first day of dressage at Maryland 5 Star!
There’s an international flavor to the overnight leaderboard:
Leading overnight is Great Britain’s Piggy March with Brookfield Cavalier Cruise on a score of 24.2.
In second is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer with Artist on 28.4.
And rounding out the top 3 is the USA’s Hannah Sue Hollberg with Capitol H I M on 32.4.
I’ll update the provisional scores if they do change, but it does look like things are staying as they are.
Watch out for EN’s full round-up of all the day’s dressage – coming soon!
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I’ll be back tomorrow with another day’s action from between the white boards. Until then, go eventing!
We’re nearing the end of the eventing season now, but if you think that means what it does when school’s winding down for the end of semester you’d be oh so wrong. No, we’re not pulling out the old VHS player and settling back to watch dubiously-relevant-to-the-subject movies – in the eventing world it’s go, go, go eventing!
This week we’re going 5* eventing in Maryland, we’re also going baby eventing at the Young Horse World Championships, and we’re going team eventing at the oldest competition of its kind in the US at Hagyard Midsouth.
We’ve got boots on the ground at Maryland so you won’t have to miss a thing as EN will be bringing you all of the action over the course of the event, so keep your eyes on – and ears pricked – as we go eventing with not one, but three main events at Maryland. The 5* competition trots off today (Wednesday) with the first horse inspection at around 1pm EST / 6pm BST. Running alongside the 5* is the USEF 3* National Championships – you’ll be able to follow along with both of these classes on ClipMyHorse.TV. And that’s not all! Maryland is also host to the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships with divisions for both four- and five-year-olds. So. Much. Eventing!
And talking of baby event horses, the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion D’Angers gets going on Thursday. There’s US interest in both the six- and seven-year-old classes.
USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program participant Quidley Kellerman will be contesting the six-year-old class with her Irish Sport Horse gelding Blakeneys Cruise.
Fresh from her Nations Cup appearance at Boekelo, Hallie Coon will be riding her own Lucky Fortuna in the seven-year-old division, alongside Chris Talley, who has traveled to France double-handed. He brings forward Corwin Sport Horses, LCC’s Hanoverian mare Gina, and his Irish Sport Horse mare Loughtown Cici. US-based Kiwi Joe Meyer brings forward the six-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Sportsfield Rising Star for a shot at the championship.
The dressage gets underway on Thursday at 9am local time / 3am EST / 8am BST, beginning with the six-year-olds, followed by the seven-year-old class at 1pm / 7am EST / 12pm BST. It continues in the same way on Friday.
Saturday’s cross country starts with the six-year-old division at 10am / 4am EST / 9am BST, with the seven-year-olds going at 1pm / 7am EST / 12pm BST.
The competition will wrap up on Sunday with the six-year-olds show jumping at 11am / 5am EST / 10am BST, finishing up with the seven-year-olds at 2:30pm / 8:30am EST / 1:30pm BST.
You can follow along with all the action from the Young Horse World Championships via the FEI YouTube channel.
And if that’s not enough eventing for you (admit it, eventing fans are always up for more!) another event I’d like to draw your attention to is the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge – the oldest team eventing challenge in the US – that’s happening at Kentucky Horse Park this week. The Team competition runs at Preliminary through Beginner Novice levels and draws over 400 competitors – across the event’s history, there have been entries from all fifty states and ten countries. Find out more about this awesome event.
And on top of all this – the Pan-Ams are around the corner! The Games officially get going on Friday, with the equestrian disciplines starting out with dressage on the 22nd. That runs ‘til the 25th, then the eventers get their chance to shine between the 27th and 29th. Show jumping begins on the 31st and finishes up on November 3rd. We’ll be following the US and Canadian teams and will be bringing you ALL of the news, so keep it locked onto EN for a VERY exciting time going eventing!
Whilst we all want to feel like we’re totally in tune with our horses, this deep dive into research that suggests a scientific reason why being around our equine pals gives us the feels wonders whether the math adds up. The Heart Math Institute claims that the peace we feel when we’re around horses is due to electromagnetic fields that flow from our horse’s hearts and envelop us in feelings of love and connectedness. What a lovely thought. Alas, a hard look at the research throws up a number of problems with the sciency stuff, which is clearly explained by Horse Sport in much more sciency accurate terms than I’ve gone with here. [That Lovin’ Feelin’]
Although progressing in our sport is exciting and rewarding, it can also be pretty scary. Not only do the fences get bigger, but the pressure we put on ourselves can also grow, and in a sport that has the potential to be dangerous for both ourselves and our horses, panic and self-doubt aren’t really an option. This piece explores the emotional impact of moving up a level and explains how to get out of your own way so that you can be the best support for your horse – and have the most fun – as you go eventing. [Level-headed Leveling Up]
Some folk love a Black Beauty, others are dazzled by a gray, and probably a lot of people right now covet a Barbie-style palomino. Whichever way your preferences lie, the genetics behind horse color is pretty fascinating, as this article explains. [All in the Genes]
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori will race for the final time in the UK this weekend before heading Stateside to ‘The Great Race Place’, Santa Anita. He spent four months racing in America last year and was second in the jockey standings, now he’s looking forward to the challenge once more – as well as the weather – and has his sights set on the Kentucky Derby. [Frankie Goes to Hollywood]
And finally, country music meets Western equestrianism. Country star and horse girl Miranda Lambert swapped the stage for the Western show circuit last weekend accompanied by her gorgeous Gypsy Vanner, Jazz. [On Song in the Saddle]
Sponsor Corner
Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker and Shanroe Cooley, owned by The Nutcracker Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, had a great weekend at the Morven Park International! Cooley Nutcracker came in 2nd in the 4*-S, while Shanroe Cooley placed 4th in the same division. Get all the details about the Morven Park International in the full report here: A Soggy Day at Morven Park Sees Great Competition.
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Keen to see the baby event horses in action at the Young Horse World Championships and just can’t wait ‘til Saturday to see them showing off their talents across the country? Well, here’s last year’s six-year-old class doing their thing…
We’re saddened to hear that Brazilian event rider Nilson Moreira da Silva’s Muggle has passed away, aged nineteen.
Standing at almost 18 hands, the striking chestnut gelding was the first ever three-year-old Future Event Horse Champion in 2007, and fulfilled all that potential with an eventing career which saw him compete throughout the States up to the top level of his sport, including making his 5* debut at Kentucky in 2016, as well as spending a season in the UK where he competed at Burghley. He represented Brazil as traveling reserve for the Rio Olympics.
Nilson posted a lovely tribute to the special gelding on his social media:
“Yesterday my Best friend Muggle decide finish his History around us! Muggle hope You have the same History at the sky we have together around the world!🙏🙏❤️❤️🙏🙏🐎🐎”
Coming soon to your daily News & Notes: classifieds! We’re opening up a small section of each day’s News & Notes to feature some paid classified offerings, including featured horses from Sport Horse Nation, jobs in the industry, farms for rent or sale, and more! We’re now accepting placements for as low as $10 — please email [email protected] if you have something you’d like to list! Please note: we are not currently accepting ads for used or new tack.
There are five YEH graduates in the running for Maryland Five Star. Happening alongside next week’s 5* offering, the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships will see 95 baby eventing stars contesting the four- and five-year-old divisions, with five-stars of the future flashing before their eyes. And they’ll have some YEH alumni role models to look up to while they’re at it. Arielle Aharoni will be making her top-level debut alongside fellow 5* rookie and YEH graduate Dutch Times; Sydney Solomon brings forward Early Review C for a second go at the Maryland track; Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello will line up after a cracking season thus far; Doug Payne will swap his tiny plane for horse power and will be piloting Quantum Leap round the course, hoping to add yet another top-10 finish at 5* to his record – check out the gelding’s adorable ‘prep run’ – and Reserve YEH Champion in the four-year-old class in 2014 Twilightslastgleam is back at Maryland with Jennie Saville after a top-20 finish last year. [Meet the Stars of the Show]
Researchers make some salient points about social license. Using the 2023 edition of the English Grand National (probably the world’s most prominent jump race) as a starting point, this research centers around what the racing industry should – and shouldn’t – do in order to engage with the public in a productive way. Social license is something all equestrian sports fans must keep very much in our minds, and there are takeaway messages for all disciplines in this research write-up. [“Treated Like Kings”]
As a kid, I used to have T-shirt that said ‘I’m 100% pony mad’. Not only have I not grown out of the shirt (my mom believed in buying to last, also I stopped growing around age twelve), but the sentiment still holds true too. And so, as I start a tentative search for my heart horse, it’s a little guy I’ve got my heart set on. In order to prepare my NHH (non-horsey husband), I’ve been dropping tips from my old Pony Club handbook into our day-to-day activities. The other morning, while we were petting some cow foals, he thought it was cute when one used his leg as a scratching post. “Never do that,” I said in my best riding instructor tone. And then, as if by magic, this incredibly informative article about why ponies often display unfavorable behaviors and what to do about them popped up on my Facebook feed. I’ve sent him the link. [Re-training Problematic Ponies]
And for this week’s fashion (I use the term loosely) supplement… I am totally a fan of the cowboy boot and have a budding collection – as well as a wish list – to which I’ll probably not be adding Croc’s Western offering, but each to their own. [“Complete With Spurs”]
And now for a couple of cool eventing job opportunities in the UK. Laura Collett and Kitty King both have openings in their yards. Find out more and how to apply. [@laura_collett][@kittykingeventing]
In other news… There’s a solar eclipse on Saturday and Stateside ENers will have a ring-side seat. If you’re in its path you’ll be treated to “a ring of fire” (it might just be me, but I feel like that needs to be read in the voice of James Earl Jones). If you’re not somewhere between Oregon and Texas, there’s a live stream! Not the kind of live stream we’re used to at EN, but a live stream all the same. [It’s a Live Stream, but Not as We Know It]
Sponsor Corner
Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Ocala Horse Properties‘ Miks Master C was selected as the Horse of the Month! Dare we say it… but Liz Halliday-Sharp and “Mikki” are truly a dream team in the making! Learn more here: Horse of the Month.
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The water at Boekelo became a bit of a watering hole for event riders at the weekend with a fair few ending up having a bit of a drink. The Eventing Weekly team and British 5* eventer Tom Rowland share their thoughts, including what cross country legend Lucinda Green had to say (or not say…) when Tom talked to her about the day’s events.
Also on the agenda: yard toilets, trot up fashion, Tom’s 5* horse Possible Mission’s mission impossible, and much more in this week’s edition of Eventing Weekly.
The Netherlands’ eventing offering is one of my favorite events of the year – from the frolicking crowds and general feel good vibes, to the top-class horses and riders romping round the Boekelo countryside, it’s such a fun spectacle of our awesome sport and one I look forward to watching each year.
With more than 110 entries from 15 nations, including Olympic, World and European Champions – and a strong showing from the US and the UK – the competition looks set to be totally spectacular. Find out more about the world class line-up here.
The competition this week isn’t just about Boekelo glory, it’s also the Nations Cup Final, with an Olympic ticket up for grabs. There probably won’t be any surprises as to which nation books themselves a place in Paris though – Tilly explains why here.
The action trots off today with the first horse inspection at 1:30pm local time – that’s 7:30am EST / 12:30pm BST.
The dressage arena plays its part on Thursday and Friday, beginning at 9am / 3am EST / 8am BST each day.
And then we get to crack out the beer and party our way ‘round the cross country on Saturday from 10am / 4am EST / 9am BST.
Best set your alarm clocks for Sunday morning’s horse inspection, which takes place from 9am / 3am EST / 8am BST and then it’s on to the show jumping at 10:30am / 4:30am EST / 9:30am BST, when we’re sure to see a nail-biting finish to what promises to be a great competition.
So, raise a glass of beer, or if you’re going Dutch, Genever (a juniper berry flavored tipple that’s a bit like gin – the national drink of the Netherlands) to Boekelo week, and go eventing!
The Horse of the Year Show is happening this week. There’s lots to watch, from mounted games and showing classes to international show jumping and the big red wall of the Puissance. Catch the action on ClipMyHorse.TV and H&C+.
Novice competitors have a new reason to have Carolina on their mind. Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and HT will be running Novice Horse Trials next season. So add it to your diaries, and go eventing! [Oh Carolina!]
Nominations for the USEA Appreciation Awards are open! Celebrating the individuals who have served eventing throughout the year, the categories include awards for the range of people who make the sport as special as it is. From young individuals who embody the spirit of the sport and eventers over 60, to instructors, grooms, owners and those in support roles, give a shout out to those you appreciate. [Eventing Heroes]
Evaluate your horse’s – and your own – fitness with five-star eventer Will Faudree. With tips on how to tell if you and your horse need to reevaluate your fitness routine, and ways to do just that, this comprehensive guide from Pan-Ams team gold medalist Will Faudree is a must-read for the eventer in all of us. [Fitness Matters]
The globetrotting groom who’s riding her way round the world. Dinette Neuteboom has spent the last fourteen years traveling to 42 different countries, having a whole host of horsey experiences along the way. From grooming in Florida and jumping in Argentina, to flat riding in China and wrangling in Wyoming, she’s even found time to launch an online resource for grooms. Read all about her adventures with the latest in the COTH Groom Spotlight series. [Around the World]
And finally, for this week’s art supplement we have a rather important drawing of a horse by Raphael (the artist, not the turtle). The 16th Century sketch has been recently rediscovered and is extra special because it was drawn as part of the plan for ‘The Stanze’, which decorates the papal apartments in the Vatican and is considered one of the most significant achievements in art history. The drawing will be auctioned in Vienna later this month. [A Historic Horse]
Throwback to Liz Halliday and her two handsome geldings getting it done at Tryon International in the Intermediate and Advanced divisions! Could Shanroe Cooley and Cooley Nutcracker, both owned by Ocala Horse Properties, be any more perfect? 🤩
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We’re sad to hear that Carl Hester’s superstar ride Nip Tuck has died following a short illness, aged nineteen.
Bought as a one-year-old for £1000, Carl never dreamed that ‘Barney’ would make it as a Grand Prix horse, but he was very happy to be proved wrong, with Olympic, World and European Championship medals and a wonderful win at London Olympia firmly putting Carl in his place.
Join us in sending our condolences to all of Nip Tuck’s connections, and look back on the special partnership between Carl and his friend Barney.
Tilly’s been sharing Elisa Wallace’s vlogs from her Mustang Magic Makeover series with you, and I’m with her in loving following along with the journey of Dior, the mustang mare who’s the star of this year’s program. Although I’m not immune to drooling over the awesomeness of 5* event horses, I’m actually a total sucker for the gutsy little guys. It’s the best thing about having stayed the size of a small teenager – getting to ride feisty ponies who have no qualms in doing whatever the hell they want, when they want, eliciting curse words and giggles in equal measure as they’re just too damn cute to be cross with.
It’s all going on this Friday at Osberton Horse Trials in the UK. In support of Riders Minds , the bespoke online mental health and wellbeing resource for equestrians, there will be a quiz, cocktails and a Robbie Williams tribute act, so if you’re headed that way, make sure you dress the part in something purple and help raise awareness and funds for this important initiative. [A Good Cause to Party]
Social license is on the agenda at the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities next week. As well as discussing racing in an evolving society and strategies for a proactive response to public expectation, there will be an update on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority in the US, including anti-doping and medication control measures and current affairs in racing in America. Equine welfare will obviously be a hot topic, and The Jockey Club UK will share insights into effective resolution and communication. The conference takes place on October 2nd and there will be a live stream and replay available on the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) website. [Racing’s Agenda]
And now a happy tale of a little OTTB who’s switched out the track for the trail, with some buffalo thrown in for good measure. “Hot tamale” ‘Shorty’ struggled to find a new purpose after an injury put paid to her racing career, but then Bridget Hollern came along looking for a prospect for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover Western disciplines and Shorty’s new life on the ranch began. [From Track to Trail]
It’s retirement for the big red wall at Washington D.C. International. The Puissance wall may have evolved in terms of safety, with clear ground lines and ultra-lightweight blocks replacing the, frankly terrifying behemoth from yesteryear, but increasingly it’s becoming redundant in the modern sport of show jumping, with few entries due to the specialist nature of the class. Although its draw as a spectator sport can’t be denied, top show jumpers like McLain Ward acknowledge that “it was a great class” but “it’s not what the challenge of the sport is today”. [It’s Farewell to a Show Jumping Spectacle]
Camels, cats, horses, donkeys, dogs, monkeys, and even a turtle or two. The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust are on call 24/7, facing unique challenges and a mountain of day-to-day responsibilities as they take care of Gambia’s equines (and other animals). [Every life matters at the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust]
And finally, dressage makes it into the mainstream. I was perusing the lifestyle pages the other morning when I spotted this list of perks of getting on a bit based on things you become better at as the years go by. And yes, randomly, mixed in with activities such as ultramarathons, chess and bedroom shenanigans, dressage has made the cut. Apparently, dressage excellence is most likely to be reached in your 50s, so if you’re still struggling with circles, and are sub-50 (in age, not dressage score), you now have a very good excuse. [Aging to (Dressage) Perfection]
As we eagerly anticipate next year’s Olympics, let’s take a look at the history of horses at the venue for the equestrian events, the Château de Versailles.
Not only did Harry Meade’s Cavalier Crystal smash her first CCI5* with a third place at Defender Burghley, but she was also the highest placed mare, and – as she’s permanently based in Britain – won the Twemlows Scholarship for two embryo transfers. This week, the mare’s owner, Charlotte Opperman, took Twemlows up on the opportunity to have a baby Cavalier Crystal, and potentially a future 5* winner.
Just a gentle reminder that it’s World Gratitude Day tomorrow, so be grateful, and go eventing.
TRHC/USEA cross country schooling is happening this weekend. Running from 9am-3pm, with last registration at 2pm, there will be the chance to school the water complex as well as other jumps, up through Training Level. [Find Out More]
British-based Italian eventer Giovanni Ugolotti is looking for a groom / working pupil. Based at Cranford Stud in Gloucestershire, UK, there’s the chance to take your own horse with you too. Find out more, and how to apply. [Eventing Opportunity]
As China’s Alex Hua Tian prepares for an Asian Games on home soil, he looks back at his decade with his horse of a lifetime, Don Geniro. ‘The Don’ retired from eventing earlier this year and is now enjoying life as a Junior dressage schoolmaster, but Alex will never forget all that this special horse did for his career, and for the sport of eventing in China. After finishing 8th at the Rio Olympics competing as individuals, Alex and Don Geniro took on Tokyo as as part of the first Chinese eventing team in Olympic history. In 2016, The Don was voted EquiRatings Horse of the Year, thanks to a massive amount of votes hailing from China, with Alex crediting his special horse with inspiring a new, Chinese audience for eventing. The equestrian events at the Asian games kick off on September 26th and run through October 6th. [The Don Done Good]
Area VI Adult Rider camp gets down to the serious business of eventing with a healthy dose of fun and camaraderie. Hosted at Twin Rivers with training by Andrea Baxter and Kaylawna Smith-Cook (daughter of World No. 5 Tamie Smith), the camp brings together amateur eventers in a supportive space for a shared experience that has lasting impact. Mom and daughter duo Erna P. Adelson and Erna L. Adelson decided to hitch up and head to camp this year, and came away having learned some lessons about their riding and their horses, and much more. [Happy Campers]
I read an article the other day which questioned the ethics of pet ownership. It suggests that – however unintentionally – we almost always place limitations on the animals we keep. As a multi-cat household, with a small flock of rescue hens and ducks in my backyard and dreams of horses out there too someday, it made me consider how well I meet the needs of my animal family, and whether I benefit more from our relationship than the animals I care for. I can’t agree that humans shouldn’t share their lives with animals, but whilst I’m a yes to some kinds of pets, I am a hard no to others. There’s no denying that I’m guilty of anthropomorphizing my feline family – they’re my best friends – but I’d say our relationship is pretty codependent – it’s definitely their choice to cry if I shut them out of the bathroom and to spend their nights sleeping right on top of me (all five of them). It has got me thinking though, and when the time comes, I shall make sure I see myself as a horse keeper, rather than a horse owner. I’ll still be Mommy to my cats though. [Pets and People]
Looking for a destination for your next horse-y vacation? Put Ocala on your bucket list. The Ocala Insiders on Team EN gave us their top ten must-do activities when in Ocala for this article: 10 Reasons to Put Ocala on Your Bucket List.
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The fall edition of Strzegom Horse Trials in Poland happened last week, with Germany taking the podium. Felix Etzel found himself in pole position and Anna Siemer claimed both silver and bronze. Australian eventer extraordinaire Andrew Hoy made the trip to Europe with Cadet De Beliard for the gelding’s first 4*, finishing in 7th place . Ride with Andrew ‘round the cross country with this helmet cam from sunny Strzegom.
There’s no denying that AI is gaining ground as we speak. To those of us of the low-techy-techy variety, it probably just means giggling over pics of horses with five legs or smugly correcting whatever it throws up if you ask it what eventing is. But lucky for us, more high-techy-techy types are wrangling the technology so that the rest of us can actually use it purposefully.
One such team is Ridesum, who have recently added an AI Seat Analytics function to their digital training and diary app. Using a smart phone, you upload a video of your ride and then use the app to check out just how balanced you are whilst in the saddle through an assessment of your posture. You then get tailored tips and exercises to improve your position, and you can stay on top of your progress with the tracker function.
Ridesum tried it out on Carl Hester’s ride at the recent European Dressage Championships. I’m guessing there were a bunch of 10s coming in for the King of Dressage, something for us mortals to aim towards perhaps.
A new microchipping rule for USEF competitions has been approved by the US Equestrian Board of Directors. It may not be coming into play until December 2025, but it never hurts to make sure you’re ready for a rule change. Check out their fact sheets to make sure you know what you need to know. [Microchipping 101]
A proposal for permitting rising trot in dressage tests, and a real-life example of what this would mean for some riders. USEF ‘S’ dressage judge Natalie Lamping put forward the suggestion on her social media in July in order to gather support for an official proposal for change, advocating that rising trot is better for horse welfare. COTH’s Sara Bradley considers the impact that being allowed to post will have on riders, specifically those who are physically unable to sit to the trot and are therefore limited in their competitive progression. [Read Natalie’s Proposal][See What Sara Had to Say]
The results of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission survey into societal concerns about horses in sport are in – and it’s looking promising in terms of horse welfare. Around 66% of the 6000 respondents had noticed a rise in initiatives to improve sport horse welfare and 79% agreed that horses can enjoy a good life whilst involved in sport. Training and riding practices and tack were the areas found to be of most concern, and there was good support for an Equestrian Charter, which would ask equestrians to pledge personal responsibility for horse welfare. The results, and the EEWB’s recommendations will now be passed onto the FEI. [A Good Life for Horses]
Eventing’s Oliver Townend and show jumping’s Geoff Billington teamed up to talk about how your body language can help you clear the colored poles. From seat and subtle aids, to consistency and riding one-handed, they talk through what riders should be doing to be the support system horses need, rather than getting in their way. [Be Body Aware]
The horse and fashion worlds collide as Vogue covers a new jewelry range from Australian Olympic show jumper Edwina Tops-Alexander. Featuring glittering bits and horseshoe motifs, the collection is intended to bestow more than just fashion on its wearers, with fortitude, connection and confidence at the core of the brand, inspired by her twice Global Champions Tour winner and two-time Olympic ride Toti and his amazing comeback after being hit by a car as a three-year-old. Described by Vogue as “elegant and sports-inflected”, I’m just wondering if it’s too early to start a Christmas list. [Horse Girl Chic is Always in Fashion]
This 20-acre horse farm has us Ocala dreamin’. The gorgeous property features a 20-stall barn, 19 paddocks, and both a jumping and dressage arena. Take a tour with this reel from Ocala Horse Properties.
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See more from Carl Hester and Fame in the team competition:
“He’s the first face you see on the yard and everyone’s magnetized towards him – he’s got a special aura.” Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Great event horses aren’t limited to those whose names are inscribed on trophies. The nature of our sport — bringing together inextricably linked, yet seemingly disparate and discrete phases —allows ability to shine in diverse ways, so you’d think pinning down the attributes of an exceptional eventing talent would be difficult. Sure, they need to be bold and brave, scopey and genuine, but what makes a truly great event horse? More than anything, an unequivocal love for their job.
One horse who exhibits that love unmistakeably across his distinctive face is Bradeley Law (Mill Law – Scarlet Lady), a horse who’s been such a stalwart top-level campaigner that he’s almost synonymous with the two British CCI5* offerings. His game approach to competition and his desire to gallop across the country, jumping the biggest fences in the sport, were abundantly clear from the off. At his first 5* — Badminton in 2016 — he unseated his rider, Michael Owen, at the Vicarage Vee. Not to be deterred, he turned for home and cleared a number of jumps by himself: “It’s unheard of!” Michael laughs. “That, to me, just shows that he loves it that much he wants to jump them without me even there. He goes down in history as the best loose-jumping horse ever!”
A horse who’s happiest when he’s flying between the flags. Photo by Emily Beckett, courtesy of Michael Owen.
A Special Aura
Named after the man next door who delivered him, ‘Crocky’, it turns out, was an apt epithet for the characterful gelding: “He does like to have a snap at people now and again – not in a bad way, but when he’s fit and got a little bit of attitude about him,” Michael reveals. But you’d forgive that face anything, and getting his way on the yard is as effortless for him as clearing the Cottesmore Leap: “He’s always got his ears pricked over the door wanting treats; he knows he’s number one. He’s the first face you see on the yard and everyone’s magnetized towards him — he’s got a special aura.”
Over the years, Crocky has garnered an entourage of enchanted eventing fans. Michael puts it down to his big white face, and “with his little ears pricked at everything, he just puts a smile on everyone’s face when they see him.” He’s just as popular at home as he is on the eventing circuit. Michael says, “It’s so funny; when I get any new members of staff, the first time they hack out and I say, ‘You’re riding Crocky,’ and their faces — they almost can’t believe you’ve just said it.”
Crocky clearly brings joy to all those who cross his path, and Michael is happy to share this special horse with his adoring fans: “It’s nice to see other people enjoying him; he’s not mine — it’s nice that everyone on the team can share him, and be able to ride him and enjoy the feel of him. I just love seeing the smile on everyone’s faces when they sit on him.” And he’s not just a cute face, he’s heralded by Michael as a horse that’s easy to do in every way: “He’s just a lovely horse to have around.”
The whole team is grateful then, that, although nineteen-year-old Crocky is retiring from top-level competition, his owners, the Jenning’s Syndicate, have decided to keep him at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire, where Michael is based.
Originally produced by Mary Lofthouse to Intermediate level, Crocky’s been with Michael for the past decade, after Mary had found him to be a “bit of a handful”. Michael remembers, “She phoned me one day and said, ‘I’ve been struggling a bit with Crocky,’ and asked if I would take him to try him out and see what he was like.” Circumstances were favorable, for Crocky and his new extended family: “Luckily, I had a spare stable!” Michael remarks.
In the early days, however, it wasn’t the partnership that it became.
“I took him straight to Intermediate. I think we came second at our first event, but he didn’t give me a great feel; he felt quite green — he felt very average,” Michael recollects — a far cry from the feeling he’ll miss so much now that Crocky’s top-level career has come to an end.
The solution was reasonably simple, though. He explains, “As the events went on, I found that he didn’t need much in his mouth. He’d had a big bridle on him, but I just put a Dr. Bristol snaffle on him and from then on, he just grabbed the bit and took me to everything – the rest is history, he just took off after that.”
Once Michael found the key to Crocky’s style and preferences — and bitted accordingly — “he was able to express himself a lot more; I was happy for him to run and jump and to feel like he was in control — I think that’s where he gets his flamboyant way of going, not being too over-controlled so that he can’t express himself.”
Crocky’s full self-expression: flamboyant and fun. Photo by Adam Whitehead, courtesy of Michael Owen.
Horse First
Tuning into his needs has been an important aspect of managing Crocky’s career from the start. There were doubts over his durability and Michael was told the horse was unlikely to withstand the demands of a three-day event. But Crocky had high aspirations for himself, which he undisputedly demonstrated on the cross country course.
“The second year that I had him, he moved up to Advanced and he just ate up the tracks very easily,” Michael notes. Crocky’s endurance was first truly put to the test around the hilly cross country at Blair Castle in the 4*-L; he finished on his dressage, in seventh place. The following season he took on the notoriously taxing Bramham track and was half a minute inside the optimum time. Crocky had begun to reveal the true 5* campaigner he would become, but it was a fine balance to keep him sound for the job he so obviously loved.
“He’s been particularly difficult — you wouldn’t overtrain him because he would have probably just broken. So it was about managing his one-day events, not running him too fast, just saving him for the big three-days,” Michael explains. And it’s not just his competition diary that needs careful planning and forethought; his work at home is the foundation of Crocky’s management, and has been approached by Michael in much the same way as his tack choices and entries: horse first. “He doesn’t spend too much time in the arena: he goes hacking, he goes ‘round fields, he goes to the gallops, and he goes in the school once a week — just to vary his work; and on different ground: grass, and arenas, and on the roads. That seems to condition his legs well enough to keep him sound for the three-day events.”
The variety in Crocky’s work extends beyond exercise routine and footing; Michael believes that the gelding enjoys having a range of riders, schooling him just twice a week himself whilst his staff take on the hacking and trips to the gallops, again showing the deliberate approach he’s taken to the horse’s experience of working life. “He’s never actually fed up of me; it’s kept him fresh,” he says.
Michael Owen and Bradeley Law. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
A Personal Best and A Blessing in Disguise
Like all great event horses, “when he gets to a show, he knows it’s party time.” Burghley was to be his last 5*, and although the team set off with no expectations as Crocky had nothing more to prove — just gratitude for and pride in the horse — he delivered the best dressage test of his career, leaving Michael “thrilled” and earning Crocky a big kiss on the neck as the pair left the Main Arena for the final time.
But the following day, Michael didn’t get the feel from Crocky that he was so used to: “The day of cross country, it was just one of those things where it was a warm day, and I’d warmed him up and there was just something — I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he just didn’t feel his old self. Warming up, he jumped everything fine, but he just felt a bit flat — just not him — that X-factor that he gives me, that feeling wasn’t really there. Even walking round the start box, he was so relaxed, he was almost too relaxed, and I was thinking, I hope you wake up. He did wake up as he came out of the box and he jumped well. Then we came off the Leaf Pit and I went on a bit of a long one to that brush like a lot of people did, and he just had to overstretch. I think the old Crocky would have stretched forward and locked on and jumped it; a couple of years ago, he would have got onto that distance. We’re so ‘as one’ normally, and it was just a split second delay to go for it.”
That momentary lapse was enough to cause a glance off at the angled brush coming out, which Michael believes was probably “a blessing in disguise”.
“Things happen for a reason. I’m just so proud of him and what he’s done over the years. That’s the top of the sport — it doesn’t always go to plan — and he can hold his head up high. I’m just glad he went there and got the accolade of retiring and people seeing him for the last time. You can’t always have the fairytale ending, can you?”
And anyway, Crocky thinks he won Burghley, I couldn’t help interjecting. “Exactly!” Michael laughs. “He’s had a lovely time, he’s told all his friends when he’s come home”.
And now that Crocky’s 5* adventures have come to an end, how will his retirement play out? For a horse who’s so in love with galloping around top-level tracks, it’s another case of prudent and mindful management on Michael’s part.
“He’s not one who can be just turned out and left. He’s going to have a little eight week break, and then he’ll come in and do his normal road work and conditioning work.”
Crocky may be nineteen, but his love of competition hasn’t waned, and Michael’s clear in his attitude to keeping the old guy happy and healthy: “I think it’s ‘use it or lose it’; I think he’d only seize up and go downhill quick if he was just left. It’s like, as humans get older, they still need to stay mobile and active in their mind to stay youthful.” To this effect, Michael’s wife, Ashleigh, plans to do some low-level competing with Crocky, and they see no reason why he won’t be “popping ‘round some small events in his twenties.”
“He’s such a good looking horse. You just can’t put your finger on what it actually is, but he’s just got something special about him.” Photo courtesy of Michael Owen.
Michael’s got a decade’s worth of memories of his partnership with Crocky, and it’s the feel he’s given him and all the 5* clears the horse has achieved that he’ll treasure most. He acknowledges, “It’s so difficult to jump round five-stars numerous times clear — even good, good horses and riders can have a blip. You never forget jumping your Vicarage Vees and your Cottesmore Leaps, and for him to do it so easily and regularly, he’s a very, very special horse. I’ll never, ever forget any of that, ever. Over the last ten years, I’ve had an absolute blast with him”.
While Crocky’s out partying at competitions with Ashleigh, Michael has some exciting prospects in the pipeline, with four horses he’s produced from scratch stepping up to Advanced. He hopes to be back on the 5* circuit next season with Treworder, a “very flashy, and very, very good on the flat, good galloping and jumping horse,” and feels his string is the strongest it’s ever been.
Of course, that’s — at least in part — thanks to Crocky, taking center stage in the field, waxing lyrical to the next generation about all those times he’s delivered at the top of his sport, and that one time he jumped round Badminton all by himself.
Before we consign the 2023 edition of Defender Burghley to the record books and look forward to the rest of the eventing season, I’d just like to take a hot minute to celebrate the runners-up, David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, who won the Avebury Award for the best cross country round after storming home nine seconds under the optimum time, one of only two combinations make the time this year.
In a week that saw Tim Price and Vitali put down the best dressage score Burghley has ever seen, and Ballaghmor Class adding another win to his accolades, continuing his form of never being outside the top-5 in his nine 5* runs, David Doel and his lovely gelding joined an exclusive club of their own.
Since 2008, 974 combinations have trotted-up at Burghley, and just nine of those combinations have managed that elusive eventing score — finishing on their dressage, and David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed are one of them.
At Burghley, it’s an achievement more rare than winning.
There’s the opportunity to join Phillip Dutton’s team right now. Based in Florida through the winter, and Pennsylvania the rest of the year, Dutton Eventing is looking for a traveling groom. If you fancy being part of the Dutton action, check out how to apply. [Cool Opportunity]
The Real Rider Cup hit a fundraising milestone recently – having raised over half a million dollars for OTTB organizations. This unique show jumping competition sees jockeys and their Thoroughbreds compete to raise awareness and funds for retired racehorses to have fulfilling careers post track. [Fundraising for Futures]
We know that horses are super-sensitive to our stress – it seems that they are drawn to our joy too. Research has found that our equine pals are able to associate our facial expressions with our vocal tone, and are confused if the two are at odds. They’re also more drawn to happy faces than sad ones, showing their preference in the increased amount of time they look at us for if we’re smiley. So, whilst it’s absolutely OK for you to sniffle into your horse’s shoulder when you feel sad, when you’re not, make sure you cash in on the extra time your horse will want to spend with you by turning those corners up and breaking out your cheery voice. [Smiley Happy People]
TIME explores the enduring legacy of the horsewoman through this intergenerational story of strength and resilience found in horses. It’s a history that spans decades and continents, and is fueled by defiance in the face of violence, with Caspian horses – and the women who rode them – at its very core. [In Their Veins]
Staying with the mainstream media, The New Yorker considers choosing horses over babies. There are undoubtedly pros and cons on both sides of this argument, and this illustrated look at filling your barn – rather than your house – with family, goes deeper than first impressions may suggest. Reading it, I was reminded of the Walt Whitman poem ‘I Think I Could Turn and Live With Animals’, a refrain I’ve repeated so often since I first read it as a child that it’s a familiar soundtrack in my life. Anyhoo, this is clearly a deceptively thought-provoking piece, so have at it. [Stable Vs Nursery]
And finally, if you have a foot fetish, this is the one for you. This article looks at the history of horses’ feet – from the toes they once had, to busting the myth that those same toes are now encased in the hoof. It’s toe-curling stuff, that’s for sure. [Hoof History]
Sponsor Corner
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo.
It’s twenty years since eventing legend Pippa Funnell became the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. Here’s a throwback to the Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley wins that culminated in her taking this most elusive and prestigious eventing title.
What a view! The extraordinary façade of Burghley House will usher competitors home as they approach the eleventh hour — or fence 27, the Lion’s Bridge — on this year’s course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
After a historic first phase which saw overnight leaders Tim Price and Vitali for New Zealand smash the sub-20 barrier and set a new Burghley record, posting the best non-championship 5* dressage score since records began with an 18.7, our focus now shifts to the Derek di Grazia track for cross country day at Defender Burghley.
First up, the numbers:
The track is 6325 meters long, a little shorter than in previous years, and therefore the optimum time of 11 minutes and 6 seconds is also a tad less than we’re used to. There are 29 numbered fences comprising of 45 jumping efforts. There are twelve combination fences: six doubles, four trebles and two with ABCD elements.
There are a number of famous fences scattered across the Burghley terrain; here’s a round-up of where you can expect them to come up on this year’s track:
There’s a double of rails in the Main Arena at 4AB before the horses and riders head out onto the course proper and come upon Defender Valley at 5ABCD. There’s an accuracy question at 5 with the top rail on a MIM clip; once they’re safely over that, it’s across the ditch and onto a chunky corner. They pass back through Defender Valley at fence 8, an enormous log stack that, at this level, they should all be taking in their stride.
The infamous Burghley Leaf Pit.
The infamous Leaf Pit comes early this year – at 7ABCD. It’s the first major question on course and there’s a very long way to go if things go awry here. Once the horses have navigated the massive drop, there’s a big oxer at C before a choice of left or right over one of the narrow, angled arms – there’s the possibility of a run out here for sure.
The first major water complex comes at 10ABC and 11AB – the Trout Hatchery. It’s a bit unusual to see a bounce into water, but that’s what we’ve got here at 10BC.
Aaaaand stretch: Joules at the Maltings provides another enormous challenge this year.
The instantly recognisable white rails are back at Joules at the Maltings, where we’ll find out what horses think of jumping hares at 4A before they take on the massive corners at BC. There’s quite a big change on the course here – one of the reasons the course is shorter than previous years. Derek has simplified it so that it’s a direct line – the usual circuitous route through this combination is no more. As well as shortening the course, it also means quicker progress along it, and Tina Cook thinks there are going to be some fast times this year because of the changes to this combination.
There’s also a big change on Winners’ Avenue. As well as the new plaque displaying the name of last year’s winners, Piggy March and Vanir Kamira, there’s a log set at a right angle after the Irish Horse Board Bank at 17AB that is a purely Derek addition. Instead of taking the Bank and galloping on along Winner’s Avenue, the riders will have to be on their A game with their steering to prevent horses from careering straight past. This is going to test whether the horses are listening to their riders. Adding to the conundrum is the fact that the log can be taken in either direction, with riders approaching either from the left or the right. Options, options… but neither isn’t one of them.
The Cottesmore Leap — never any less terrifying! Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The photo opportunity fence at Burghley is undoubtedly the Cottesmore Leap at 18. This comes at around nine minutes, when stamina and fitness will really kick in. There is an option here this year for anyone who doesn’t think it’s the best idea to take it on this time around.
We’re used to seeing skinnies on 5* courses – really skinny ones – but the triple bars at the Dairy Mound are super skinny. They come at 20BC and could easily cause a late glance off.
Then it’s through Capability’s Cutting at 22 and onto the Boodles Raindance at 24 and 25AB – the second major water complex on course. Derek’s advice to the riders here? Find your line and kick on. So there you go, easy, right?
The final element of the Boodles Raindance.
The horses will be running home by this point, and the riders will have to take care as they enter the water to go under the Lion Bridge to fence 27. There’s an option here: jump the fish in the water under the roof, or the fishing lodge on dry ground just up the rise.
The official charity of the year is Horatio’s Garden, an organization which creates gardens in spinal injury centers in the UK to help with the wellbeing and recuperation of patients and their families. Their fence comes at 28, and then it’s on to the Finale.
Overall, the course is being described as ‘much more Derek’. He designed the course last year but seems to have put his stamp on it a bit more clearly this year, whilst keeping it unmistakably Burghley.
The terrain is always a talking point here – it’s tough, it’s relentless, and it’s a true test of stamina and fitness, for both horse and rider, as Francis Whittington acknowledges: “Burghley is a track that even if you took all the fences away, the course would still be a really tough track.”
There are riders in the field who are very familiar with Derek di Grazia tracks, like Boyd Martin and Will Faudree, and 5* debutants facing the Burghley cross country for the first time — one thing they all agree on is that, it’s Burghley, and as Tom Crisp sagely puts it, “you’ve got to ride it like it’s the first time, every time”.
Our pathfinder will be Harry Meade, with the first of his three rides Away Cruising. They’re set to leave the start box at around 11.15am BST / 6.15am EDT.
The USA are firing on all cylinders, with all six combinations in the top 20 after the dressage, three of them in the top 10.
Boyd Martin and On Cue go out in sixth to get the American campaign across the country underway. Jennie Saville and FE Lifestyle are around the middle of the pack, followed around eight horses later by Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way. There’ll be two Americans out on course when Tiana Coudry and Cancaras Girl join Will a couple of slots later. Grace Taylor and Game Changer will come later on in the day and Boyd Martin will be chasing her round the track on his second ride Tsetserleg TSF. Jessie Phoenix and Wabbit go out 25th for Canada.
We’ll have to wait ‘til near the end to see how our overnight leaders, Tim Price and Vitali, get on across the country. We’ve got an exciting day’s action to look forward to, that’s for sure!
EN’s coverage of Burghley is presented by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn all about their full line of science-backed nutritional support products, including Neigh-Lox Advanced for digestive support.
The riders have had a good walk ‘round and chatted about it amongst themselves, mulling over options and lines and distances – where they can kick on and where they’ll have to sit up and focus.
Which rider is walking the course with their mom? What does a rider with 22 5* completions under their girth think of the track? And whose plan is “Plan A all the way”?
Here’s what they had to say:
The World No. 1 – Tim Price – is number 1 on the leaderboard. Photo by Libby Law.
Tim Price – Vitali – 1st – 18.7
What will our clubhouse leader and record breaker be doing to while away the long wait for his turn out on track?
“Watch a few, go and relax. Slow down the thinking, until you get into the start box and away you go.”
Indeed.
Oliver Townend sits in equal second, with himself. Photo by Libby Law.
“I think it comes a little kinder, early on, but at the same time, it doesn’t lure you into a false sense of security — well, it might, but there’s plenty to do! It wouldn’t matter what they built out there — it’s the terrain at this place that makes it such a tough test.”
Tom McEwen thinks the course is “awesome”. Photo by Libby Law.
Tom McEwen – Toledo de Kerser – 4th – 25.6 / Luna Mist – 12th – 30.5
“I think it’s awesome. It’s a normal Burghley track, but for me — and this is not taking away from it, and I’m not saying it’s softer — but for me, it’s a kinder ride, as in, it’s not square oxer after square oxer with massive efforts. But at the same time, it’s a true five-star test; it’s Burghley terrain and a proper Burghley course.
It sort of walks smoother, but God, there’s some challenges all the way around and it’s going to be be accumulative all the way around. There’s probably not anything you walk up to and think, ‘how on earth am I going to jump that?!’ — but those corners at the Maltings [14ABC] are huge. I think there’s also a lot of head-scratching about the option with the Irish Bank on Winners’ Avenue [17AB], but that’s probably only because there is an option [to approach it from the left or the right] — if there wasn’t, people would just pop round it! Options always cause chaos.”
Boyd Martin’s one of the most experienced over Derek di Grazia tracks. Photo by Libby Law.
Boyd Martin (USA) – Tsetserleg TSF – 6th – 28.1 / On Cue – 16th – 31.8
Boyd has the benefit of being really quite familiar with Derek’s courses, in fact, Tsetserleg won the 4*-S at Bromont three weeks ago, jumping clear over the Derek track. So does Burghley have the same sort of Derek flavor Boyd’s used to?
“Yes and no. It’s pretty hard to replicate Burghley! There’s no Leaf Pit in America that Derek’s had a practice over.
They’re big jumps. To be honest, I’ve probably ridden more Derek courses than any rider here – I’m not sure it’s an advantage or not, but I’ll tell myself it is. I hope I can pull it off tomorrow.”
Will Faudree’s riding a high after his career best dressage score with Mama’s Magic Way. Photo by Libby Law.
Will Faudree (USA) – Mama’s Magic Way – 9th – 29.8
“It’s big. It’s Burghley. Derek is an amazing designer because we all walk it and there’s a lot to do. You have to think the whole way around.”
Will’s another rider with a lot of experience of Derek’s tracks. How does he think Burghley compares?
“The terrain here obviously plays a huge factor. I said earlier that Derek, he designs with the horse’s eye, but there’s always so many options within that directory. I think at Kentucky this year I only went Plan A at one or two combinations. You just have to react to what happens underneath you. Hopefully we’ll be on the same page and have a good go tomorrow.”
Harry Meade gives us the low-down on the real questions out on course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
“There’s a nice variety of fences, and fence profiles, I think. It’ll be interesting to see — I think he [Derek] eases you in well with Defender Valley [5ABCD] and then the Leaf Pit [7ABCD], which will cause some problems, but possibly not as many as last year. I really like the Trout Hatchery [10ABC] – I think that’s very clear to horses. If you ride that well, it’s got a real flow to it and it’s very horse-friendly.
There’s a couple of questions which I think will be interesting to see how they ride: one is the bank to the log at Winners’ Avenue [19AB]. The log is ninety degrees, so you’re literally jumping towards the end of the log and putting in a little turn. That bank has grass on the top, and if you’re galloping at it, horses will jump it — you might get the odd one putting a foot on it. But if you come steadily to it, which you’re going to have to, I wouldn’t be surprised if horses do bank it. So you have to ask yourself the question — do you actually come in deliberately really slow, pop up onto it, and and then step down, or do you try and jump it, but then risk going a little bit quick? So I think that’ll be interesting.
I also think that the Dairy Mound [20ABC] – those triple bar arrowheads never ride that well; it doesn’t back them off. And they’ll get to the Dairy Mound in a very flat-footed way, because it’s the highest point in the course and they’re quite fatigued. So whether they’ll jump and travel on the open three strides to the first triple bar, which is really quite close to the down slope… When you have a down slope so soon afterwards, a bit like jumping into a coffin, they back off and they drop their front end onto it. That’s emphasized, particularly, by the fact that you’ve got those triple bars. If it was a solid fence, they’d be less likely to do that. So it’ll be interesting to see how that rides.
You can have problems anywhere around the course, but overall, I think it’s really well thought out and it’ll be a great challenge for us to get our teeth into.”
‘Socks’ is ears pricked and ready to go cross country with Zara Tindall. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Zara Tindall – Class Affair – 15th – 31.3
“Me and Pippa had a little walk around; I managed to get her to walk in under two hours! It’s great. I think it’s nice and flowing, and I think he’s [Derek] learnt a lot about the ground from last year and there’s some big combinations — hopefully I can get past fence seven [Leaf Pit] and then have a crack at the rest of it. That’d be great!” [Zara’s last two Burghley attempts – last year and in 2019 – has come to an early end at the Leaf Pit.]
Harry Mutch plans to go out there meaning business. Photo by Libby Law.
Harry Mutch – HD Bronze – 19th – 32.1 / Shanbeg Cooley – 57th – 44.8
“I had a walk yesterday and it’s absolutely massive. The lines are really strong. You’ve got to have a jumper all the way home — the fences don’t get any smaller. I feel confident on Shanbeg Cooley, but you never know what you’re going to get on the day, and he’s only nine so I have to treat him like a nine-year-old. We’ll see how he goes, but I have to almost think, ‘go out and attack’. He’s not on the best of scores, but actually, if I go out and think, ‘just get round’, I probably won’t see fence four. So I have to get out there and mean it.”
Opposites attract – Louise Harwood and her very tall friend, Native Spirit. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Louise Harwood – Native Spirit – 24th – 32.4
Louise is aiming for an immense 23rd 5* completion here this week!
“It’s big, as usual at Burghley. I think the questions are there for us to see and we know how many strides it’s going to be roughly — apart from, you have got the evil undulating ground, so you’ve got to be ready. You don’t ever know what will quite happen on the stridings. But [the fences] are big and it’s something to aim at, and yeah, hopefully I’ll be alright.”
David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed navigated the ups and downs of Kentucky in the spring. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
David Doel – Galileo Nieuwmoed – 25th – 33.7 / Ferro Point – 44th – 37.8
“It’s a big old track, and I think it’s a little bit fiddly at times. There’s a lot of turning back into fences. Derek’s really sort of opening you up in places, and then he gives you quite a tight 45-plus degree turn back onto yourself. It’s definitely a five-star track out there. The intensity is there fence after fence after fence. So that definitely shows, and I think if you drop even a couple of percent of your concentration, you’re going to have a bit of a whoopsy out there.
Galileo Nieuwmoed’s been up and down the hills at Kentucky, with the rolling hills, though it’s a little bit different, and Badminton has a few slopes there — but this will definitely test him that little bit more. He’s normally got a fabulous gallop, so it’s quite exciting to go out on him.”
Tom Crisp’s hoping for a dry day out on course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tom Crisp – Liberty and Glory – 26th – 33.9
We’re guessing Tom’s not planning on practicing his swimming here at Burghley — he got enough of that at Badminton, right?
“You can’t ever take a course like this for granted, and although Badminton was a huge disappointment, she [Liberty and Glory], came out of it really well. And Burghley is normally good to me, but you’ve got to ride it like it’s the first time, every time and respect the course all around, particularly this one because I think he’s [Derek] kept it strong all the way home. It’s a true test. Really.”
And after his swim in the Badminton Lake in the spring, what does he think about the drop into the water at the Boodles Raindance at fence 24 and 25AB?
“It isn’t a particularly forgiving fence, so the horses have to have enough jump in them at that stage. They’re going to be a bit leg weary coming down the hill and it’s a fence that needs ultimate respect. There’s a good four or six foot drop on the other side. But I’ve checked the water the temperature is good, so if it does come to another swim, I shall improve on my stroke.”
Ever the entertainer, and a true sportsman — although we loved your antics for the crowds at Badminton, Tom, we wish you a dry trip round Burghley.
Padraig McCarthy thinks “it’s going to be a great day of sport”. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
“I think it’s more technical than last year; I think maybe more horse friendly. I think this year we’ll see a lot of glance offs. I think Derek is really starting to put his mark on it, and normally we see in his courses problems all over the course — I think we’re going to see that tomorrow.
It’s a real five-star. I think some of the lines, like at the Maltings [14ABC], last year they were kind – you turned back to the corners – this year it’s a really committed five-star question. And it’s a bit all the way around like that.
I think it’s going be a great day of sport tomorrow. I’m lucky I’m sat on the horse I’m on.”
Wabbit’s ready to hop round the track with Jessie Phoenix. Photo by Libby Law.
Jessie Phoenix (CAN) – Wabbit – 29th – 34.9
“I sure have, and it looks like a Burghley! It is full on. It’s beautifully presented. I think the horses are going to go out and have a really great feel around there. I’m really thankful to be sitting on Wabbit because he’s such an incredible cross country horse, so I’m really looking forward to Saturday.”
Could this be the most beautiful horse in the world? ‘Prince’ had a great trip at Badminton with Francis Whittington, here’s hoping Burghley fares him just as well. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Francis Whittington – DHI Purple Rain – 31st – 34.9
“I had a quick look around the other day, and it’s an awful lot to jump out there. Burghley is a track that even if you took all the fences away, the course would still be a really tough track.
There’s a lot of fences there that are off the turn, off the angle or unsighted for the horse until the last minute, and that’s going to take a lot of riding, a lot of respect from the riders — but also giving horses time to understand it.
I think the questions coming home, like the second time you come through the crossing and you come up and then you’ve got that big wide corner at the top there, that’s a lot for them up there. And then after Cottesmore Leap [18], you’ve got the brush and then you’ve got the unsighted corner, unless you go wide around the outside again — it’s a lot there.
At the Dairy Mound [20ABC], you come up the slope and you’ve got the the oxer at the top of the slope. A few years back Phillips [Captain Mark, the previous course designer at Burghley] had a gate up there and that jumped well, but now we’ve got to jump up and out. There’s a lot there.
I’ve increased his [DHI Purple Rain] fitness since Badminton, and I’m confident on my stamina. But it’s a particular horse that has the mental capacity to continue around here. I think the way he’s [Derek] designed it, those horses that will struggle with their focus — be it because that’s their character or they struggle with the fitness — that’s where I think things could come unstuck towards the end there.
“There’s definitely a lot to do out there, but I think it’s doable. It’s clear enough for the horses to see what they have to read, to see what to do. I think long as you bring your A game and you’re attacking, it should ride well.”
James Rushbrooke dressed for the British summer at the First Horse Inspection in a padded jacket and sweater. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
James Rushbrooke – Milchem Eclipse – 35th – 35.3
It’s “Plan A all the way” for Burghley debutant James Rushbrooke, who’s got two Badmintons under his girth and was 17th there in the spring.
“I’ve walked all the long routes but I haven’t walked them as part of a plan. Look, you never know what’s going to happen. It’s all massive and all looks pretty terrifying. But no, plan A. I’m quite confident in him [Milchem Eclipse], so that’s the idea.”
Alice Casburn is excited to take the track on with Topspin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Alice Casburn – Topspin – 37th – 35.8
“Derek’s built an incredible track – it’s exciting! I think it’s a really good track because there are lots of places that you can have a little mistake, but I didn’t look at anything and think ‘that’s unfair’ or ‘that’s not doable’.
I think the accumulation of everything is really going to be the bigger factor. It’s nine minutes at the Dairy Mound, and then you come to the last quarter, where I think that’s where it’s a little more challenging. Last year it was, as long as you kept your head up and didn’t think you were home, you weren’t given too much to do on the way home. Whereas this year, it’s intense all the way to the end.”
“There are lots of questions where you could have a silly 20, but nothing Bradeley Law can’t do on his day. But you’ve got to know your A and B plan — and C plans — and there’s something to catch you out all the way around.
Obviously, with it being Burghley, they can tire very quickly if you’re not careful, so you’ve just got to think clearly, keep them on their feet, keep them between the flags and just hope that your luck is with you on the day.
I’ve just got to go and have fun and trust that he [Bradeley Law] knows where he’s going, because he’s an absolute machine cross-country — he’s as fit as I’ve ever had him. You’ve just got to hope they’ve still got the zest for it and you don’t know until you jump the first few serious questions out there if they’re really going to be up for it, but I think he will be. He’s that kind of character where a switch can flick in his head and he just goes for it. So fingers crossed — I think we will have great fun.”
“It’s absolutely beautiful. Well built; big enough. It’s going to be technical and really difficult, I think, so you’re going to see more glance-offs maybe than normal.
The last time I rode here was 2010 — a long time ago now — and I think it’s changed more to a technical test nowadays. I remember the jumps as much bigger, but maybe it was because I was younger and less experienced. I feel like it’s still big, but it’s definitely more technical nowadays.”
Sophie Fouracre – Lordana VH Leysehof Z – 50th – 41
“I think the Leaf Pit’s [7ABCD] so early on, you know, [when they’re] full of running and that steep incline, but fortunately I’m quite late so I can get an idea of go to left or right at the C part, but my gut’s telling me to go to the left of C, but I can watch in the morning and see how it goes.”
Aistis Vitkauskas is “quite looking forward to it”. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Aistis will be wearing the hat silk his grandma knitted him as he sets out on cross country. But what does he think of the trip it’ll be making?
“It’s a Burghley. What to think more? It’s a big course. It’s very technical. It suits my horse. I am actually quite looking forward to it. All the distances are large, and it also fits [Commander VG] because he’s a large galloping horse. At Burghley, it’s always about condition, I think. Preparation is all done, but I cannot predict where we are in conditions. So I hope it’s all well.”
Tom Bird’s taking on his first 5*, and walked the course with his mom. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tom Bird – Rebel Rhyme – 52nd – 41.1
“I’ve walked the course couple of times. It’s big. It’s beefy, but he [Rebel Rhyme] ran really well at Bramham [where they added just 0.8 cross country time to their dressage to finish second], so fingers crossed, we’re ready. I’ll tell you tomorrow evening whether we were or weren’t!”
And as a 5* debutant, who did Tom walk the course with?
“I’ve walked the course with Chris Bartle [the British Eventing Team High Performance Coach, who Tom trains with]. He’s been absolutely brilliant. He walked Bramham with me. Pippa [Funnell] was also there, which is useful because she’s obviously done one or two.
Now I’ll go and walk it again. I’ll walk it with my mum this afternoon – she knows the horse so well and knows me so well, and she evented up to Advanced. Then I’ll go for a quiet walk tomorrow morning by myself and just finalize plans, and go from there.”
“It’s definitely not a dressage competition, which is slightly why we’re here. He’s [Ardeo Berlin] really bold. He’s a little horse, so the jumps look quite big for him down there. But he’s very brave. I’ve had him quite a long time, and he’s quite experienced. He’s done three four-star longs, he’s done a five-star at Pau, so he’s set up for it.
There is a lot to do out there. I think there are tests all the way around, right to the end. So, a little bit depends on their stamina as well and it’ll be a big difference, I think, from Pau, which was relatively flat and quite twisty. But he coped very well with that, so let’s hope.”
So there you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth – so to speak.
Hang onto your hats, and go eventing!
EN’s coverage of Burghley is presented by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn all about their full line of science-backed nutritional support products, including Neigh-Lox Advanced for digestive support.
What a day of dressage we had yesterday at Defender Burghley!
A leaderboard change after lunch, an American charge, and a smart test by Swallow Springs to see a delighted Oliver Townend sitting in pole position overnight on a score of 24.2.
Just over two points behind, in second is Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel on 26.9.
Rounding out the top three is Emily King with Valmy Biats on 30.
Oliver‘s other ride, Tregilder is on 30.5, equal with Tom McEwen and Luna Mist.
Then it’s the USA’s Jennie Saville with FE Lifestyle in 6th on 31.1.
The other US rider to go yesterday, Boyd Martin with On Cue sits in 8th on 31.8.
And Jessie Phoenix and Wabbit for Canada are 15th on 34.9.
Here’s a look at that top ten in full:
The top ten at the end of the first day of competition at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
Great Britain’s Richard Skelt will kick off the action at 9:45am BST / 4:45am EST with Credo.
If you’re following the USA contingent, first up for you will be Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way – set to go at 10:33am BST / 5:33am EST.
You’ll also want to watch out for Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl who’ll enter the ring at 11:10am BST / 6:10am EST.
Later on in the order, we’ve got two Americans on the trot – Grace Taylor with Game Changer at 2:25pm BST / 9:25am EST and Boyd Martin is back with his second ride Tsetserleg TSF at 2:33pm BST / 9:33am EST.
Will there be a change at the top after today’s action between the white boards? Who will set out from the start box at the head of the pack? Keep this live thread refreshed, and watch this space! (Don’t forget, if you’re viewing this after the event, read from the bottom up.)
EN’s coverage of Burghley is presented by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn all about their full line of science-backed nutritional support products, including Neigh-Lox Advanced for digestive support.
A new Burghley record. Photo shared by Team Price via Facebook.
10:45 And that’s a wrap on the history-making dressage phase at Defender Burghley!
New Burghley record holder, World No. 1 Tim Price and Vitali head up the board by just under 6 marks on a phenomenal 18.7 for New Zealand.
Oliver Townend has both of his rides – Swallow Springs and Ballaghmor Class – on 24.2.
Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser are in 4th on 25.6.
It’s been a fantastic start to Burghley for the US riders.
Boyd Martin sits in 6th with Tsetseleg TSF on 28.1.
Right behind, in 7th is Grace Taylor with Game Changer on 28.9.
Will Faudree‘s PB with Mama’s Magic Way sees them in 9th on 29.8.
Jennie Saville and FE Lifestyle are in 14th on 31.1 and Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl are in 18th on 32.1.
Canada’s Jessie Phoenix and Wabbit are in 29th on 34.9.
Watch out for Tilly’s full round-up of all the action – coming soon!
Thanks for coming along for the ride. It’s been a blast, but tomorrow – tomorrow will be an even bigger blast for it’s the best day – it’s cross country day 🎉🙌
Bring it on, and go eventing!
10:44 Harry Meade and Tenareze round off the dressage at Defender Burghley with a score of 30.1.
10:43 They finish up with two 8s and a 7.5 in the final halt and a smile from Harry.
10:41 Ah, the horse changed going into the corner and Harry had to stop to gather him together before continuing. They’re quickly back on it though and the relaxation is still there for an 8 and a 9 in the stretch circle.
10:40 The walk is relaxed and the extended earns an 8. They have a clean strike off into the canter which continues in much the same way – easy and rhythmical and pulling in 7s.
10:39 Tenareze is shining as the sun pokes through the clouds at Burghley. The trot work is rhythmical and there’s a nice swing happening, showing how soft and supple Tenareze is. There are some 8s creeping into the scores.
10:38 The horse’s 5* debut at Pau saw them on a 29.3. At Badminton they posted a 26.9 before opting to withdraw before the cross country. At Luhmuhlen it was 30.7. What will our final dressage score be?
10:37 And rounding out the dressage at Defender Burghley, we have Harry Meade, back in the ring for the third time, with the stallion Tenareze.
Harry always brings a splash of color to the Horse Inspection with some snazzy pants – they were lilac this year. I see he’s gone with the more traditional white breeches to finish off the dressage – shame.
🏆🏆 Tenareze won the World Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion D’Angers as both a 6 and 7-year-old with previous rider, Tom Carlile.
They were 5th at Luhmuhlen, finishing on their dressage of 30.7.
Early on in his career, Tenareze was a bit ‘ditchy’, so Harry walked 1000 ditches a month with him to build his confidence and prove to him that there were no trolls lurking in the depths 🧌
The perpetually nattily dressed Mr Meade, with the equally striking Tenareze:
10:36 Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class score 24.2 – the same score as his other ride Swallow Springs. They’re into 3rd based on the collective marks, whilst Swallow Springs holds 2nd.
10:34 This is all very nice work, and Oliver is riding with his usual accuracy. Overall this has been a nice test and there’s a nine for the trot up the center line and another one for the halt. Not a challenge for the top of the leaderboard, but it’ll be up there somewhere.
10:33 The walk has a bit more about it and he gets three 8s for the extended. A lovely transition brings in two more 8s and there’s another two for the medium canter and three for the flying change.
10:32 Thomas looks beautiful, but there’s perhaps not the extent of expression that we’re used to with him. He’s so relaxed, and he’s pulling in 7s and a couple of 8s. He’s that chilled he rests his hind leg – 5.5s for that. But it’s 8s for the rein back.
10:31 Oliver and Thomas are straight up the center line. He’s got his game face on. They get an 8 and a 7 for the first halt.
10:30 We’re expecting sub-25 here – he’s had a 20.8 and 21.1 at Badminton. Will he take on his stablemate? Eyes on this one 👀
10:29 And now it’s the turn of overnight leader on his other ride Swallow Springs, Oliver Townend and team Olympic gold medalist Ballaghmor Class. They’re the penultimate pair of the dressage phase.
🤩 ‘Thomas’ has an impressive record on his form card – seven 5* completions, two wins, never out of the top 5, as well as Olympic and World Championships call-ups.
As a combination they’ve won here at Burghley and Kentucky, can they make it a third 5* win and second Burghley here?
He may look easy when he’s floating round the arena with Oliver, but Thomas is very sharp and has had everyone on the floor at home. Oliver’s always liked him though and their relationship is evident in the success they’ve had together.
📺 Did you know? Oliver has appeared on the UK TV show Question of Sport – where they asked him a bunch of horse racing questions 🫢 (He knew the answers though.)
10:27 There’s a pat for Ferro Pont at the end, and two 8s for the final halt. There were nice moments in this test, a real shame about the changes which will have affected the overall mark.
10:26 The canter is accurate, but the changes don’t happen as well as they could. There are some 4s and 3s for the changes.
10:24 The walk is relaxed and correct, but it’s not a big walk for the top marks.
10:23 David and Ferro Point get off to a solid start with 6.5s and a few 7s on the whole for their early trot work. The mare looks relaxed enough and they get a 9 for their halt at C.
10:22 They posted a 39.1 in the first phase at Pau last year. It was a 40.8 at Luhmuhlen. What will it be today?
10:21 Coming up the center line next, on his second ride, is David Doel with Ferro Point.
This is their sixth 5* start. They were 13th at Luhmuhlen in June.
They got their 2023 season off to a flying start with a 3rd place finish in the 4*-S at Chatsworth.
David came through the Junior and Young Rider teams, medaling multiple times.
Last year at Luhmuhlen, it’s safe to say their show jumping round did not go to plan – the saddle slipped right under Ferro Point’s belly. Fingers crossed for a less dramatic competition for them this time around.
In his other life… David works with his dad at their ice cream company 🍧
10:20 Harry Mutch and HD Bronze score 32.5.
10:19 They finish up with a solid halt and Harry looks pleased enough.
10:18 They get an 8 and two 7s for the extended canter. This is a picture of a horse and rider working together well and their relationship is obvious in how happy the horse looks in his work.
10:17 Carl Hester in the commentary box comments on how chilled Fernando is. He’s getting 7s for his walk work.
10:16 Fernando steps out of the first halt but stood still for Tom while he saluted. Fernando’s swishing his tail a bit but he’s listening to Tom and they’re pulling in 6s and 7s for their trot work.
10:15 They scored a 30.8 in this phase last year and have been very low to mid-30s in their runs this season. Their best is a 28 in the 4*-S at Alnwick last year. What will it be at Burghley?
10:14 Coming forward with his second ride next is Harry Mutch and HD Bronze.
This is their fourth 5* start together and second time at Burghley. They had a fall at the Cottesmore Leap last year, so Harry will be hoping to put that right here this time around.
‘Fernando’ was entered for Badminton, but a niggle was enough for Harry to decide to save the gelding for another day.
🌟 Since Harry took on the ride in 2015, they’ve been placed at every level except 5*.
They were 8th in the 4*-L at Bramham in June, and 10th last time out at Alnwick in the 4*-S.
10:13 A big clap as they leave the ring and it’s a score of 25.6 and into 3rd for Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser.
10:12 He doesn’t quite stretch fully into Tom’s hands in the circle but the scores are back up for the flying change and they finish up with a 9 and and 8 for the trot up the center line.
10:11 More 8s coming in for the medium canter and the first change. Toledo’s much happier in the canter – 8s across the board for the extended.
10:10 He’s got such an enormous stride that he trod on himself in the rein back. The walk’s the difficult bit for Toledo – we’re looking at 6s on the whole.
10:09 Toledo’s trotting off into a great start with a 9 for the medium trot. 8s across the board for the half pass and Toledo is really showing off his best bits.
10:08 Consistent and flashy, they reliably score mid-20s – or better. Watch this space 👀
10:07 And here we are, the final session of dressage – after a VERY exciting day so far at Defender Burghley – and who better to get us underway than Olympic team gold and individual silver medalists Tom McEwen and Toledo De Kerser.
Tom’s back for his second ride after getting his Burghley off to a great start with a 30.5 for Luna Mist yesterday.
This is a much talked about combination this week, so eyes on 👀
They were 4th at Badminton in the spring. This is their second Burghley – they were 4th here in 2017. Will it be podium this time around? Very possibly.
🥇🥇🥈This pair have been to two World Championships – winning team gold in Tryon – as well as the Tokyo Olympics.
Tom was 2nd at Kentucky in the spring on JL Dublin.
Behind the scenes… Toledo is a bit of a quirky character and doesn’t do any jumping at home.
Toledo’s not at all sure about Tom’s choice of socks:
9:45 We’re going into a break now. I’ll fill in the details for Boyd and Wills when I can, but for now, the important news for US followers is that Boyd’s currently the best of the American contingent, sitting in 4th with Tsetserleg TSF. Grace Taylor’s hot on his heels in 5th.
We have a new Burghley record and the best ever test at a non-championship 5* on record – New Zealand’s Tim Price and Vitali are leaders of the pack on 18.7.
The final session starts back at 3:09pm BST / 10:09am EST when we’ll wrap up the first phase at Defender Burghley and find out who’ll be heading up the leaderboard (surely Tim, right?) as we look forward to tomorrow’s cross country.
9:44Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance score 37.2.
Updated – Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance:
Taking us into the final break is Wills Oakden and the second of his two rides Arklow Puissance.
Arklow Puissance – ‘Mr P’ – is a former Oliver Townend ride.
Wills brings him to Burghley for the horse’s second 5* start and first time at Burghley. They didn’t complete on Mr P’s 5* debut at Badminton in the spring – can they make it a first top-level completion here this week?
They were 15th in their last run – at Alnwick in the 4*-S.
Wills doesn’t just enjoy equestrian sport, he also enjoys golf and pickleball (sounds delicious).
Another fun fact about Wills – he loves to do the laundry and is in total charge of the washing machine at home.
They posted a 34 in this phase at Badminton but can add a couple more points to that. How will Mr P find the Burghley Main Arena? Let’s see.
Mr P looks a little tense at the start of his test. He’s not very keen to stand in the halt and there’s a little wobble up the center line.
He settles into the trot work though and pulls in some 7s.
There’s not much immobility in the halt at C which scores 5s and a 6.5.
The walk is relaxed, but a bit tentative – the tension’s still there but Wills is doing a great job keeping Mr P cool.
They get 7s for the medium canter but are short behind in the first change for 5s and a 6.5.
He’s better in the half pass and pulls the scores up to 7s and a 7.5.
He gets a bit tight in the changes, but the second one is better for 6.5 and a 6.
The stretch circle improves as it goes along and they score 7s across the board.
Ah, he does the change, then changes back – the scores drop down to 3, 2, 4.
He struggles in the halt again – Mr P really doesn’t want to stand still, he’s clearly ready for cross country.
9:43 We’re back up and running with a rather disappointed looking Wills halting at the end of his test.
9:41 We’re still down, but I can tell you that Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance are currently in the arena. I’ll bring their score when it’s in and come back to their test when I can.
9:37 It’s into 4th with 28.1 for Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Such a shame we missed this test (I will fill in the detail as/when I can), but great news that there’s another US score in the top 10.
Updated with deets of Boyd’s test:
Staying with the USA, here’s Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF, his second ride here this week.
🥈‘Thomas’ was top-20 at the World Championship last year and took silver with the US team. He was also top 20 in Tokyo.
It’s a first Burghley for Thomas, but by no means his first 5*. This season they rerouted to Luhmuhlen from Kentucky, where Boyd retired after a 20 on the cross country course. They had a 20 at Luhmuhlen too. Before that his record was remarkably clear – fingers crossed he’s back on form on Saturday 🤞
Winning form 🥇 Thomas comes here straight from taking the win in the 4*-S at Bromont a couple of weeks ago.
In the barn (and the field, wherever really), Thomas loves a good nap 💤
Influencer alert! Thomas is a bit of a social media ⭐ with his own channel – @thomas.says.so.
He’s quite the character and has clear opinions on that suit:
We’re almost certainly looking at the 20s for Thomas. His lowest is 22.1 at 4* – at 5* it’s 25.4. His last two runs saw him sneak into the 30s though – what will it be at Burghley? 👀
Thomas starts off with a lovely square halt and gets an 8 from one of the judges.
He looks soft and is working smoothly and easily for Boyd – he’s giving off all the old pro vibes and they create a lovely picture of a horse and rider in harmony.
There’s lots of 7s, 7.5 and some 8s for the trot work.
There’s another 8 for the halt at C, and another in the rein back.
Thomas is very relaxed in the walk. He knows just what he’s doing and looks to be right at home in the Main Arena at Burghley.
The extended walk earns them an 8.
The first change is clean for 7s across the board.
Thomas doesn’t have the big paces in the extended that some of the other horses in the field have, but the softness and rhythm produce an 8.
Everything is so solid – it’s so easy to watch this experienced pair.
Towards the latter stages of the test Thomas seems to remember that it’s cross country tomorrow and there’s a bit of tension creeping in.
But they finish with another 8 for the trot up the center line.
Thomas has a much of grass and a big pat as Boyd finishes his best ever Burghley test.
9:36 I just got a glimpse of Boyd finishing his test but then the feed went again. Score coming and I’m pretty sure it’s a good one…
9:34 I’m really sorry but I fear I’m missing Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. The whole feed seems to be down. Will bring news as/when I have it.
9:32 A score from the live leaderboard for Grace Taylor and Game Changer – they’ve gone into 4th with 28.9. Go USA!
9:27 Apologies, my feed’s gone a bit weird so I missed the end of Grace’s test.
9:26 Game Changer is looking really rideable and they’re pulling in 7.5s and 7s. There’s an 8 for the half pass and two for the extended canter. They’re doing a great job and are being rewarded for it.
9:24 A very expressive extended trot earns an 8 and there’s an 8.5 for the transition before halt at C.
9:23 Grace starts things off with a good square halt for two 7s and a 7.5. She takes a breath before she kicks on. Lots of 7s coming in for the trot work.
9:22 We’re looking at mid-30s here, maybe a bit higher for a first time at the level.
9:21 We’ve got two American riders on the trot next. First, it’s Grace Taylor and Game Changer.
Rookie alert! This is a first 5* for both Grace and Game Changer.
Grace was stylish in sneakers and a tea dress at the trot-up on Wednesday 👟+👗= ♥️
She’s previously worked for Oliver Townend, Karen O’Connor and Marilyn Little.
In the genes 👖 Grace is the daughter of two top-level eventers. Her mom represented the US at the 1988 Olympics and was later team selector and chef d’equipe for USEF – her dad represented Britain at the European and World Championships the same year and is currently on the British team selection committee.
This combination were 6th on their latest run – in the 4*-S at Alnwick – and were 9th in the 4*-L at Bramham.
9:20 Sophie Fouracre and Lordana VH Leysehof Z score 40.9.
9:19 She’s still wary in that corner and drops out of the canter in the stretch circle which affects the marks quite a bit. She’s still snorting and hits the board as they turn up the center line. Sophie’s done a great job holding this together and she takes a big breath at the end.
9:17 Marlie really does look stunning as she makes her way round the Main Arena. Everything’s accurate but she’s showing a little tension in the way she’s chomping the bit. She sees something as she halts at C and she snorts and has a good look round. Sophie gets her back quickly though and manages the walk really well. Marlie’s definitely a bit looky in that top corner.
9:16 Recently they’ve been high-30s in this phase – it was 39 last time out. What will it be here?
9:15 Next into the ring will be Sophie Fouracre and Lordana VH Leysehof Z.
Sophie’s recently back from having a baby and is here at Burghley for the first time since 2015.
‘Marlie’ is taking on her first 5* here this week.
👑 Sophie rode for the late Queen of England, eventing four of her horses and has recently taken on an unbacked three-year-old owned by King Charles.
They were 6th in their latest run, in the 4*-S at Bramham – great prep for the Burghley hills – their only FEI run this season.
9:14 Richard Coney and Poetry in Motion score 35.2.
9:13 Their changes are accurate throughout and they end in a nice halt. Richard tells Snippet “Good boy” for a job well done.
9:12 Snippet is swaying his head through the walk, which affects the marks. They get a clean strike off into canter and are nicely together, Snippet’s just showing that bit of tension.
9:11 It’s a solid start for Richard and Snippet with 6s and 7s coming in for the early trot work. They do a great halt at C for two 8s and a 7 and another 8 for the rein back.
9:10 Snippet isn’t the easiest in this phase, with scores in the high-30s and into the 40s. Let’s see how he does today.
9:09 Coming forward next we have Richard Coney and Poetry in Motion.
It’s a 5* debut for ‘Snippet’ – Richard piloted two horses into the top-20 on his 5* debut at Pau in 2020.
This combination were 4th at Bramham in the U25 4*-L this season.
In the club! Richard is a former Pony Clubber.
When he’s not eventing, he enjoys cycling 🚴 and whilst he’s at events he attempts to keep up with the action on a different kind of track – that of his second favorite sport, Formula 1 🏁
9:06 Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory score a PB at the level with 33.7.
9:05 All in all, this was a very good test for Lori. She stayed with Tom almost the whole way through, with just one sticky moment. Lots of pats for Lori at the end as she has a bit of a scratch before leaving the arena.
9:04 There’s mistakes creeping in now. She breaks before the counter canter and it takes a moment for Tom to get her back so they can perform the movement. He’s encouraging her on though and there are still some 7s coming in.
9:03 Lori finds the walk tricky, there’s slight losses of rhythm occasionally but the scores are holding steady and they get 7s across the board for the extended.
9:02 It won’t be easy for Lori to come in after the crowd were so hyped up. She’s settled enough though, and is listening to Tom. They’re bringing in 6s and 7s for the trot work and the mare is really trying.
9:01 Lori is not here to win the dressage, she’s here to win the cross country. Expect high-30s here for this tempestuous mare – and a mammoth climb hereafter.
9:00 Next up the center line will be Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory.
Fun fact! ‘Lori’ was born on the 4th of July – hence her name – Liberty and Glory.
🪜 At Pau in 2018, this feisty mare climbed 54 places on the leaderboard to finish 6th. The pair were 9th at here last year.
Tom’s making his 10th start here at Burghley this week.
Lori decided she was going cross country at the end of the jog strip at the First Horse Inspection, but Tom managed to hang on. Let’s hope she got that out of her system and stays patient enough between the white boards today, before she lets rip tomorrow.
Family connection! ‘Lori’ is out of a Thoroughbred mare who Tom’s wife, Sophie, competed. She was bred by Sophie’s parents.
In his other life, Tom is a fireman 🚒
He also proved his swimming skills after taking a dive into Badminton lake in the spring, and showing off his sportsmanship and sense of humor with some antics for the crowds. His fire crew rewarded him with a ‘swimming the width of Badminton lake’ certificate:
8:58 It’s a 10 for harmony and A BRAND NEW BURGHLEY RECORD!!! Tim Price and Vitali smash the sub-20 boundary with an 18.5. Tim’s best ever international score – and the best 5* score in at least 15 years – a total masterclass.
8:57 It’s two 9s and an 8 for the final change. There’s a huge cheer as they halt. Is it record breaking…?
8:56 Tim’s riding for every single mark here. Everything is smooth and quality and they’re getting the big scores in reward.
8:54 He’s reeling in the marks – this is on target to go close to the record Burghley test. Two 9s for the extended walk and lots more 8s. Could this be sub-20? Let’s not jinx it…
8:53 Vitali is shining brightly in the Burghley sunshine and gets a 10 for the first halt. What a start to their Burghley campaign. 8s and a couple of 9s coming in for the trot work. He’s making this test look so easy. There’s another 9 for the half pass left and two 9s for the extended trot.
8:51 Their score has rarely dipped outside of the 20s and has been dropping lower and lower – they posted a 21.3 at here last year – a 5* personal best – leaving them in 2nd after the first phase. It was 27.1 at Badminton in the spring, and the same at Luhmuhlen last year. We’re expecting them to slot into the top of the leaderboard – where will it be? 👀
8:50 World No.1 New Zealand’s Tim Price comes forward next with his Tokyo Olympics ride Vitali.
🌟 Vital’s groom, Kerryn ‘Kez’ Edmunds was the 2022 FEI Groom of the Year.
Tim and Vitali were 3rd here last year – can they better that this time around?
Hot form 🌶️ Vitali has never been outside the top-10 at 5*. He was 7th at Badminton in the spring.
🩰 Vitali sure is a horse with dancing shoes – Tim says, “The horse is capable, it’s on me to bring it out of him – he could do a nine everywhere”.
🥉 Tim won bronze at the World Championships in Pratoni with Falco. He’s aiming for his sixth 5* win here this week.
At the Horse Inspection Vitali certainly looked 5* fit and very excited to be at Burghley.
All of the Price horses travel with a mascot – Vitali borrows his from Charlie Brown:
8:49 Arthur Duffort and Arthur Duffort score 35.9.
8:48 The final halt pulls in two 8s. This was a very good test for Toronto and they could well be looking at a PB score.
8:48 Everything’s very accurate so far in this test, although as I typed that he got a bit unsettled in the half pass and Arthur has to bring him back for a couple of strides. But they’re back together now and continuing on with their canter work.
8:47 There’s a 7.5 for the extended trot and more 7s for the rein back. The walk is relaxed thus far, with two 7.5s for the medium. The canter transition is clean for two 7s.
8:46 Toronto has come in looking relaxed and isn’t too phased by the atmosphere in the Main Arena at Burghley. They get 7s across the board for the first shoulder in and Toronto seems to be listening to Arthur and working well with him.
8:45 Their scores are generally around the mid to high-30s in this phase, with their 5* tests trending towards the top of the scale. He posted a 28 at Badminton though – how will Burghley compare?
8:44 Kicking off this afternoon’s session is British-based French combination Arthur Duffort and Toronto D’Aurois.
3️⃣ Arthur’s looking to make a Burghley completion hat trick this week.
This quirky gelding made his 5* debut at Burghley in 2019. They were back last year for a 15th place finish. This is their seventh 5* start.
The original plan for ‘Toronto’ was for him to be sold, but he can be rather tricky and they struggled to find anyone who would take him on. And now he’s a stalwart 5* campaigner.
Toronto’s groom, Leonore Gignoux, told me she wishes she could turn off the giant screen in the dressage arena for Toronto’s test because he’s so shy 🙈
He looked like an old pro at the First Horse Inspection, let’s hope he’s as settled in the Main Arena today:
7:08 And that’s it for the morning session – time for some lunch, unless you’re in the US, then it’s breakfast, but feel free to have a pizza, or something, you do you.
The overnight leaders – Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs hang onto the lead on 24.2 after the morning session on Day 2.
Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel are still in second on a score of 26.9.
We have a new pairing in third – Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope on 28.8.
American excitement this morning for Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way who shot into 4th on 29.8 – and posted the first 10s of the competition – and Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl sit just outside the top 10 on 32.1 in 12th place.
We’ll be back at 1:45pm BST / 8:45am EST with the second half of the day’s action between the boards. Until then…
7:02 Julia Norman and Ardeo Berlin score 41.8.
7:00 Bert settles a bit better, but the tension is clear. He is performing the movements though and the changes are good enough for 6s. He’s very buzzy up the center line, although finishes with a 7 from one of the judges for the halt. That was a tough test to ride, but there was lots of potential on show too. There’s lots of atmosphere in the Main Arena at Burghley.
6:59 Bert’s grinding his teeth in the halt and rein back and that tension translates into the walk. He’s really quite tense and there are some 3s coming in for the medium. He anticipates the canter strike off but then gets off OK. He gets very unsettled at the end of the diagonal though and Julia’s got a bit of a job to hold this together.
6:58 There’s a bit of a loss of balance on the turn which continues through the half pass. They get an 8 for the extended though.
6:57 What a lovely medium trot Bert’s got! It’s 7s across the board for that after a bit of a wobbly start down the center line.
6:55 We’re looking at the 40s here – Bert’s come to Burghley to jump. They scored a 40.1 last time out at Ballindenisk, and a 42.1 at Pau last year.
6:54 Owner – rider Julia Norman will take us into the lunch break riding Ardeo Berlin for Zimbabwe.
Julia switched nationalities from British to Zimbabwean this season in honor of her late mom.
It’s the first time Zimbabwe has been represented at Burghley.
‘Bert’ made his 5* debut at Pau last year, finishing 34th.
Career switch ⏩ Julia started out as a Quality Surveyor, then was a Rural Planning Consultant, before becoming a full-time eventer.
🐶 Julia also breeds Golden Retrievers!
Julia’s been bringing eventing to the mainstream whilst at Burghley, with interviews by the the BBC:
6:53 James Rushbrooke and Milchem Eclipse score 35.2.
6:52 The accuracy continues throughout the canter work and they finish up with another great halt for an 8 and two 7s.
6:51 The first change is accurate for 6.5s and there are some more 7s coming in for the canter. Everything’s clean and a nice picture.
6:49 They’re bringing in 6s, 6.5s and 7s for the trot work, and it’s 7s across the board for the halt at C. They set off into walk still looking relaxed and happy in the work.
6:48 They’re very straight up the center line and stop in a super square halt. Milchem Eclipse looks relaxed and is working nicely with James.
6:47 This pair’s dressage fluctuates between the low and high-30s, so they probably won’t be in the hunt early on. They’ll be on the rise up the leaderboard come Saturday though, for sure.
6:46 Next into the ring will be James Rushbrooke with Milchem Eclipse.
James describes this horse as ‘slightly weird’ – in the best possible way.
He turned up at the First Horse Inspection dressed for the British summer – in a padded lumber jacket over a knitted sweater 🌞
It’s a Burghley debut for both horse and rider, but they’ve got two Badmintons under their girths, with a 17th place there in the spring.
🏅 This pair were part of the British Nations Cup winning team at Boekelo in 2021.
Fun fact! James moonlights as a Master for the Badsworth and Bramham Moor Hunt.
That hunting background will be of huge benefit as they tackle the Burghley track on Saturday!
6:45 Padraig McCarthy and HHS Noble Call score 34.9.
6:44 It’s 7s across the board for the first flying change. Padraig is making this look easier than I’m sure it is. Ben is definitely a bit lit up, but he’s working really nicely for Padraig and they get two 7.5s for the final change.
6:43 Ben looks to be a bit on his toes in the walk work, although he keeps a lid on it. This is a horse who looks like he can’t wait for tomorrow.
6:42 The half pass has beautiful bend and pulls in two 7s. Ben is stepping up really nicely, but he’s coming out of the contact a bit which is affecting the scores. He’s looking around a little.
6:41 We have another beautifully turned out gray in the arena. They come up the center line in a very straight canter.
6:40 There’s no denying Ben finds this phase tricky – he’s strong and that can translate as tension in the dressage ring. He scored a 38.5 here last year. What will it be this time around?
6:39Padraig McCarthy and HHS Noble Call are up next for Ireland.
This is their fourth 5* together.
In the barn… HHS Nobel Call’s name is ‘Ben’.
Ben made his top-level debut at the pop-up 5* at Bicton in 2021 where he finished 8th. He came to Burghley last year and finished 19th. He’s also completed Badminton.
🥈 🥈 Padraig took individual silver at the World Championships in Tryon with Mr Chunky, as well as team silver.
He runs MGH Sport Horses with his wife Lucy, who also used to event at the top level. If you watch eventing (and of course you do, because it’s like, the coolest), you’ll have seen the MGH prefix – Pippa Funnell’s ride here this week is MGH Grafton Street and Nicky Hill is here with MGH Bingo Boy.
Smart stuff 🎓 Padraig has a first class degree in Economics and Finance with German.
6:38 Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz score 37.8.
6:37 The next change is better and the final one is really rather good – 7s and a 6 for that one, so they finish up on a strong point.
6:36 He jumps through the first change and their scores drop a little. He goes into trot before the next one rather than doing the counter canter and misses it so it’s 1s across the board.
6:35 The rein back is clean and accurate for two 7s and a 7.5. Jeanz looks to be happy in the walk, it’s rhythmical and accurate and more 7s come their way.
6:34 They’re bringing in lots of 6.5s and some 7s in the trot work after a very nice halt to start which got a 7.5
6:33 Typically mid-30s in the dressage, they have scored as low as 31 at the 4*-S level. It was a 34.3 for them here last year. What will it be this time around?
6:32 Next up the center line is Australian Sarah Clark and her “dreamcatcher” LV Balou Jeanz.
When Sarah left Auz for the UK with the dream of coming to Burghley, she boarded the plane with no return ticket and no funds to buy one.
Competing here last year was the fulfillment of a “life-long dream” – they finished 22nd.
🌟 ‘Jeanz’ was Eventing South Australia Horse of the Year in 2022.
He made his 5* debut as a nine-year-old.
They were based with David Doel for a while and have now settled with fellow British-based Australian rider Bill Levett.
Jeanz picked up a special mascot as a souvenir of a dream come true at Burghley last year:
6:30 They finish off with two 7s in the halt. All in all, that was a good performance from Tom and Rebel Rhyme gets a nice pat.
6:29 The canter work is accurate enough on the whole, but the horse anticipates the changes and things go awry coming into them. Rebel Rhyme gets a bit upset about that but Tom is riding incredibly maturely and staying calm, giving Rebel Rhyme the confidence he needs.
6:27 The walk work is relaxed and Rebel Rhyme is stepping out nicely. They get a 7.5 for the extended.
6:26 They get of to a great start with two 7s in the halt. Rebel Rhyme is a bit tricky in his head on the first turn but settles into the trot work as he goes. They look to be a lovely partnership, with horse and rider on an exciting journey together.
6:25 Rebel Rhyme looks beautifully turned out – he’s a really striking, and sparkling, gray.
6:24 They posted a 40 in their last run, and two 39s before that. For their first time at 5*, we’re probably looking into the 40s here.
6:23 Next into the ring will be Tom Bird with Rebel Rhyme.
Rookie alert! Tom’s taking on his first 5*.
He’s the youngest rider in the field at just 21!
All the sports! Tom also plays hockey (field, not ice) 🏑 and football (soccer, not American) ⚽
Rebel Rhyme is fully aware that he’s a gray horse and loves to get as dirty as he can.
They were 2nd in the U25 at Bramham this season and 7th in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk – both of which should stand them in good stead for Burghley.
Inspired by the trot-up greats, Tom cut a dashing figure of a fine young man at the First Horse Inspection, with orange pants to rival Harry Meade, a velvet jacket and a David Doel-esque bow-tie. Start as you mean to go on, young man!
6:22 Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien score 34.8.
6:21 It’s the same story for the last two changes – the first one was better than the second. But the canter work on the whole was accurate and Lauren looks really pleased with Hero as they complete their test. Hero’s having a good stretch as he walks out of the arena.
6:20 The horse’s front leg changed first and there are 4s for that, but the second change is much better for 7s across the board.
6:18 The rein back is slightly tentative, but they’re off into the walk now, which is rhythmical and relaxed. More 7s coming in.
6:17 Hero is a lovely bold-looking chestnut. He’s bringing in 6s and 7s so far for the trot work, which is accurate and in a lovely frame. It’s 7s across the board for the extended.
6:16 They scored a 34.8 last time out – in the 4*-L at Bramham where they finished 23rd. They had a 37 at Chatsworth earlier in the season. How will Hacien fare in his first 5* test?
6:15 Next it’s the turn of Lauren Lillywhite and Hacien.
Lauren’s back at the top level after over a decade, with Hacien coming forward for his first 5*.
It’s Lauren’s third time at Burghley.
In the barn… Hacien’s known as ‘Hero’ 🦸
Lauren bought Hero as an unbacked three-year-old stallion from Hungary.
Did you know? Hero has partial sight in one eye. It hasn’t stopped him reaching the top of his sport though.
6:14 Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl finish with a big grin from Tiana and get their Burghley underway with a score of 32.1 and go into 12th.
6:13 The canter is bringing in 7s on the whole, it’s accurate but could show a little more suppleness for the higher marks. The flying changes are great though, two 8s and a 7 for two of them. A highlight for this horse for sure.
6:12 They break into canter for a stride in the extended trot, which is a shame as they were seeing lots of 7s and a couple of 8s up to that point. Cancaras Girl is relaxing in the walk now though, although it looks a little tentative.
6:11 They kick off with a 9 for the first halt, and pull in an 8 for the medium trot. So far so good for Tiana and Cancaras Girl.
6:10 The mare’s had a 33.5, a 28.6 and a 33.3 at the 4*-S level this season. How will her step up to 5* go?
6:08 And we’re back between the white boards with US Olympian Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl for the USA.
It’s a 5* debut for the mare and Burghley 5* debut for Tiana. She’s been here before though – in the Dubarry Young Event Horse class with one of Harry Meade’s 2023 Burghley rides, Cavalier Crystal.
Tiana’s originally from California, but swapped the sunshine for (mostly) rain and gray skies, and is based in Britain.
Tiana spent time training with course designer here Derek di Grazia and his wife, Bea.
Cancaras Girl showed a fair bit of personality on the jog strip on Wednesday, looking delighted to be at Burghley:
5:47 We’re heading into the first break now. Back in around 20 minutes – at 11:10am BST / 6:10am EST when US rider Tiana Coundray will get us back underway with Cancaras Girl. Be there…
5:45 Will Faudree is being interviewed and says, “you dream your whole life” about days like this. He seems so thrilled with Mason and calls him a “star”. We concur, Will. Great job, and an exciting Burghley so far for Team USA.
5:44 Emma Thomas and Icarus X score 38.5. Emma’s delighted and is clearly emotional. What a lovely start to their Burghley debut.
5:43 The changes so far are clean and Emma’s doing really well to have brought this horse back. He’s settled again now and they end up with a lovely halt for a 7 and a 7.5. There’s a big kiss for Icarus from Emma.
5:42 Icarus is looking around a bit in the walk, but he’s working nicely with Emma on the whole. His head’s coming up a bit in the canter work and the tension creeps in.
5:41 It was tough for Emma to come into the arena with the crowd cheering, but she manages the atmosphere really well and they’re settling into their test.
5:40 We’re looking at, maybe, high-30s here, but probably into the 40s for their first time at the level. In their last run they put down a 43.1 in this phase. It was a 35.8 at Chatsworth on their way to 4th place though. Let’s see how they get on.
5:39 Last to go before the first break we have24-year-old Emma Thomas and Icarus X.
Rookie alert! It’s a first 5* for both Emma and ‘Stix’.
Fun fact! Stix is diddy for an eventer, standing at only 15.2 hh.
He’s known for being a difficult ride, particularly on the flat, but Emma’s been working with Pippa Funnell through the Wesko Equestrian Foundation and Stix has come on in great strides.
They’ve been busy this season, with seven runs, and have had a 4th place finish in the 4*-S at Chatsworth and were 6th in the U254*-L competition at Bramham.
🥇🥇 Emma is a two-time National Pony Club Champion.
Stix was shining in the Burghley sun at the First Horse Inspection and seemed to be taking all the excitement of his first 5* right in his stride:
5:38 Will punches the air – it’s a 29.8 for Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way – a PB – and into 4th! The crowd is delighted with Will’s obvious delight.
5:36 Another lovely halt to finish and a big clap from the crowd in appreciation of some lovely work on show this morning.
5:34 There’s an 8 for the extended walk, and now they’re into canter. Mason’s not necessarily making this easy for Will, but he’s pulling in 8s and 7s in the canter work. Will has to rescue the first change, he threw one in early but Will gets him back and does it accurately on the marker.
5:33IT’S TWO 10S AND A 9 FOR THE HALT AT C! The first 10s of the competition.
5:32 Mason really comes in looking well. It’s 7.5s for the medium trot. He’s so elegant in his movements and is showing that off throughout the trot work. Lots of 7s and 7.5s coming in.
5:31 At 5*, Mason’s generally in the low to mid-30s in this phase. He’s capable of a truly smart test, but that enthusiasm can get the better of him. How will he find the atmosphere in the Main Arena?
5:30 Getting the US campaign going on Day Two is Will Faudree with Mama’s Magic Way.
‘Mason’ is what you could safely call, enthusiastic. Will’s challenge is keeping all that enthusiasm contained in this phase.
Will says, “From the moment I sat on him, I knew he was my horse”.
This is Mason’s fourth 5* start. It’s not his first time in Britain – that came last year for Badminton, where they finished 31st. He was 13th at Kentucky in the spring.
Will’s been saying for a while that Mason’s a Burghley horse – and now we get to find out if he’s right!
In the genes 🧬 Mason is the product of two eventer parents – Mighty Magic, who won the Seven-Year-Old Eventing World Championships in 2011 with Andreas Dibowski (who also rode Mason), and Straightaway, a 4* campaigner in her own right.
Will looked sharp on the jog strip on Wednesday, sporting a tweed jacket with a twist and dazzling white pants.
There are a number of people at EN who’d love a smooch from Mason:
5:27 The canter work is coming up accurately and the changes so far have been clean. Podge is looking round as he finishes his test. You can see just how much Sam was keeping together throughout that test.
5:26 This is another horse who’s not keen on walking. You can see Sam taking deep breaths in an attempt to show Podge there’s nothing to get wound up about. They get two 7s for the extended. It’s a cautious strike off into canter – you get the feeling that Sam’s working to keep a lid on Podge’s excitement.
5:25 Sam gets off to a solid start with 6s and 7s and the marks for the trot stay in the same kind of league, mostly 6s on the whole.
5:24 They scored 36.8 in their last run before coming here. It was a 37.4 at Pratoni. How will Podge take to Burghley?
5:23 And now for Ireland we have Sam Watson and SAP Talisman.
🧮 Sam is one-half of the brains behind stats gurus EquiRatings.
🥈 He was part of the silver medal winning team at the World Championships in Tryon.
He comes forward for his first Burghley since 2012 with ‘Podge’, who’s making his 5* debut.
Podge is Sam’s World Championships ride from Pratoni, where they were pathfinders for the Irish team, coming home fast and clear cross country.
He doesn’t find the first phase easy, but Sam’s been working hard at home and is hopeful that it’ll all pay off this week.
Sam managed to leave home without shoes or a tie as he set out Burghley-bound. Luckily, eventers are used to mucking in and at the First Horse Inspection he was shod by Tim Price and accessorized by Tom McEwen!
5:21 Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope score 28.5 and go into 3rd.
5:20 This is a really good test from Majas Hope. Apparently Pippa gave him a little jump this morning to soften him up. It’s 8s across the board for the final halt and Pippa looks absolutely delighted with that test.
5:18 But the walk’s gone a bit wayward. Maja’s Hope has a good look at the flowers and there’s a lot of tension throughout the walk work. But they’re into canter now and Pippa’s using every iota of her experience to pull this together and the marks are back up – there’s an 8 and 9 for the extended canter.
5:16 It’s a lovely square halt to start for an 8 and Majas Hope is working really nicely with Pippa in what is his least favorite phase. Pippas’s going for every mark and there are two 8s for the extended trot and a 9 for the halt at C.
5:15 We may be looking at sub-30 here – they had a 28.2 here last year. It was 32.6 at Badminton and 35.2 at Kentucky.
5:14 And now we have eventing idol, Pippa Funnell coming forward with Majas Hope.
Royal approval! 👑 Pippa was awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for her services to equestrianism.
Pippa is a multiple Olympic, European and World medalist, a Wesko Equestrian Foundation mentor, video game star and children’s author.
💵 Pippa was the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam.
Majas Hope took on his first 5* at Burghley in 2018, when he finished 12th. He was 16th here last year and 14th at Kentucky. They had a top-10 finish at Badminton in the spring.
🥇 He proved his reliability as a capable team pathfinder at the European Championships in 2019, where Britain took team gold.
Pippa got her week off to a winning start at the First Horse Inspection where she won one of the best dressed rider awards:
5:13 Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG score 40.6.
5:11 There’s nearly there now. It gets a bit more wayward toward the end, and there’s not much halt, but they’re done and overall, Commander VG showed some nice work and good relaxation in places.
5:10 There’s more tactful riding from Aistis, who’s keeping things accurate on a horse who’s getting a little bit buzzy.
5:09 He’s not happy to stand in the halt though, stepping constantly and gets a 2 from one of the judges. But the walk is calm enough – Commander’s wanting to look around but Aistis is sitting quiet and sending calming vibes down the reins.
5:08 Commander VG looks to be relatively calm and collected in the Main Arena this morning. He’s working nicely for Aistis and is pulling in 7s and 6.5s on the whole for the trot work.
5:07 This combo are not averse to dipping a toe – or two – into the 40s in this first phase, although at Pau last year they scored a career-best at the level with 36.1. How will he do here?
5:06 Lithuanian rider Aistis Vitkauskas with his lovely gelding Commander VG comes forward next.
This is Commander VG’s seventh 5* and third this season – it’s his first time at Burghley.
They retired on course at Luhmuhlen a few weeks ago after picking up a 20 – he’d put down a 43.2 in the dressage.
Cuteness alert! This lovely horse can be spotted at events giving Aistis’ young daughter pony rides.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t challenge Aistis’ sometimes though. He got hot, hot, hot – despite the rain – during his dressage at Badminton and scored 48.1. Will he keep a lid on it today? Only time will tell!
Commander VG was sporting blue and yellow ribbons in his braids at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday, in support of Ukraine, whilst Aistis was rocking a patchwork flat cap.
Fun fact – Aistis wears a knitted cross country silk that his grandmother made for him:
5:04 The other changes are much better and they pull in 7s and 7.5s in the last one.
5:03 The canter is clean and accurate, but like the trot, isn’t pulling in top scores but are stead in 7s. There’s a problem in the change though, but they’re very quickly back on track.
5:02 Another nice halt at C brings in 7.5s across the board. There’s an 8 and a 9 for the rein back. Some real high points in this test so far.
5:01 They kick off with two 8s for the first halt. Native Spirit is a very elegant type of horse. Their trot work is clean and accurate, but not showing the softness and power for the very high marks.
5:00 They put down a 34.5 last time out, in the 4*-S at Hartpury. At the horse’s only other 5* run – Pau in 2021 – they posted a 32 in the first phase. What will Burghley bring?
4:59 Next up the center line will be Louise Harwood with Native Spirit.
Louise has ten Burghley completions under her girth but it’s a first Burghley for Native Spirit.
He went to Pau last year but was eliminated on the cross country, so let’s hope everything comes together for a completion here this week.
He’s a new-ish ride for Louise, joining her yard in 2021 and Louise is the owner-rider of the horse.
4:58 Tom Rowland and Possible Mission score 31.9 and go into the top 10.
4:57 There’s a 9 for the final halt for Tom and Hunter and a lot of pats.
4:56 Ah, they miss a change as Hunter looks up into the crowd. But they continue on with the canter work accurately and the next change is much better for two 7s.
4:55 There are more 7s for the medium and extended walk. This test is really showing their partnership, it’s pleasing to watch and you can see that horse and rider are really working together.
4:54 The trot work is accurate but Tom’s having to work to keep Hunter soft. The scores are steady in the 6s and 7s though and it’s 7s across the board for the extended.
4:53 It’s an 8 for the entry and halt straight off the mark – a fab start to their Burghley.
4:52 They went sub-30 at Badminton with a career-best 29.9. Will they do it again, here in the Main Arena at Burghley?
4:51 Next into the ring will be Tom Rowland and Possible Mission.
In the barn… Possible Mission is called ‘Hunter’ – appropriate considering he was bought from a hunting yard in Ireland.
He’s known as the super cob at home due to his hunting roots and dig-in attitude.
This is Tom and Hunter’s third time at Burghley at sixth time at the level. They completed here on their debut, finishing in 27th place. They were an excellent 19th at Badminton this year.
High fashion alert! Tom gave Harry Meade a run for his money in the fashion stakes at the First Horse Inspection with an aqua suit and matching hi-tops – suits you, sir!
4:50 Pedro looks very pleased with himself as he leaves the arena with his head in the air. It’s 38.1 for Richard Skelt and Credo.
4:49 Ah, he makes a mistake in the next change and gets 3s for it, and now there’s a couple of mistakes creeping in. Overall though, Pedro’s been very rideable and they finish their test with a very nice halt for a 7 and 7.5.
4:48 Pedro’s putting in an accurate test so far, the first change is clean and everything’s happening as it should.
4:47 The marks have picked up a bit for the walk – 7s on the whole across the board and an 8 for the extended. Good work Pedro!
4:46 It’s a solid start for Richard and Pedro, they’re pulling in 6s and 6.5s for the trot work, with a couple of 7s coming in. All’s looking settled and pleasant as they get their Burghley underway.
4:45 They scored a 33.5 in their last run – the 4*-S at Aston Le Walls. It was a 37 at Pau last season, and a 35.7 here last year. What will it be this time around?
4:44 First up today is Richard Skelt with Credo, coming forward for their third Burghley together.
In the barn… Credo’s known as ‘Pedro’.
Richard’ll be hoping it’s third time lucky here this week for a first Burghley – and 5* – completion.
Richard was aiming for the cool kids look at the Horse Inspection on Wednesday, with a tie and jacket – and untucked shirt. I approve 😎
Fun fact! He saved up for his first pony by working weekends for Marietta Fox-Pitt.
Pedro was originally produced by Angus Smales and was a naughty youngster. He still struggles in the first phase, so let’s hope his early draw helps a bit with the atmosphere in the Main Arena.
4:42 What’s up ENers?!
All hail the eventing superfans Stateside who are doing the double and are back at all sorts of antisocial hours to watch the goings on at Defender Burghley. We salute you.
Let’s do this thing!
Here they are, Burghley’s Class of 2023, looking keen and ready to put all that homework to the test.
Great Britain’s Harry Meade will kick off the 2023 edition of Burghley at 9:45am BST / 4:45am EST with the first of his three rides Away Cruising.
Getting the USA campaign underway will be Boyd Martin and On Cue – set to go at 10:25am BST / 5:25am EST.
Canada’s Jessie Phoenix also goes today with Wabbit – catch them if you can at 3:18pm BST / 10:18am EST.
The USA’s Jennie Saville with FE Lifestyle will be the penultimate combination today – they head down the center line at 3:50pm BST / 10:50am EST.
Who will be heading up the leaderboard at the end of day one at Burghley? Will they stay there? Keep this live thread refreshed, and watch this space! (Don’t forget, if you’re viewing this after the event, read from the bottom up.)
EN’s coverage of Burghley is presented by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn all about their full line of science-backed nutritional support products, including Neigh-Lox Advanced for digestive support.
11:02 And that’s a wrap on Dressage Day 1 at Burghley!
Leading overnight is Oliver Townend with Swallow Springs on a score of 24.2.
Just over two points behind, in second is Ros Canter on Pencos Crown Jewel on 26.9.
Rounding out the top three is Emily King with Valmy Biats on 30. Oliver‘s other ride, Tregilder is on 30.5, equal with Tom McEwen and Luna Mist.
Then it’s the USA’s Jennie Saville with FE Lifestyle in 6th on 31.1.
The other US rider to go today, Boyd Martin with On Cue sit in 8th on 38.1.
And Jessie Phoenix and Wabbit for Canada are 15th on 34.9
Watch out for Tilly’s full round-up of all the day’s dressage – coming soon!
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I’ll be back tomorrow with another day’s action from between the white boards. Until then, go eventing!
11:00 Holly Richardson and Bally Louis score 36.6 which Holly looks very pleased with.
10:59 The penultimate change happens easily but the final one is 4s across the board. They finish on a lovely square halt though for 8s across the board.
10:57 The walk brings in 6.5s and a few 7s and the scores improve a bit as the canter work starts. The change dips them a bit. Louis is snorting a bit, but is keeping a lid on it and Holly feels able to really push for the extended canter. The change afterwards was late though.
10:56 Louis produces a rhythmical extended trot and then a secure halt for 7s. Louis doesn’t enjoy the rein back though and comes behind the vertical a fair bit, which obviously affects the marks.
10:55 They get their first 5* off with a square halt that’s pretty straight up the center line. The trot’s trending around 6.5 but there are some 7s creeping in.
10:54 Louis has a tendency to get quite tense in this phase – last time out he scored a 37.3, the time before that it was 43.1. What will he think of the atmosphere in the Main Arena at Burghley? Remember to breathe Louis.
10:53 Rounding off the first day’s dressage at Burghley is Holly Richardson and Bally Louis.
Rookie alert! This is Holly and Louis’ first 5*.
It might be his first time in top-level atmosphere, but Louis took the trot-up like an old pro yesterday.
🪜 Holly’s brought Louis up the levels from Novice.
Busy lady – Holly will be riding and grooming Louis this week, although Louis’ owners are there to lend a hand.
Smart cookie 🍪👩🎓 Holly has a PhD in Equine Research.
10:52 Jennie Saville and FE Lifestyle score a personal best of 31.1. Jennie looks delighted.
10:51 A couple of errors but they finish up with an 8 and two 9s for the final halt. Foxy’s very relaxed on the way out of the arena after what was a great test overall.
10:50 Foxy stumbles slightly on the center line and then the changes have been a bit tense. They put in an unwanted change and things seem a bit wobbly, and perhaps a bit green. They’ve got it back together though and the left to right change is much better and scores a 7.
10:49 The walk isn’t as expressive as the trot, but it is relaxed and rhythmical. A bit more purpose would pull in higher marks.
10:48 There’s lots of quality in the trot work, it’s so rhythmical and relaxed. Foxy is forward and expressive and looks a real picture. It’s so soft and easy.
10:47 Jennie’s smiling all the way up the center line, she looks very happy to be at her first Burghley. She gets 7.5s and 7s for the entry and halt.
10:46 We’re looking at low-30s in the first phase. They posted a 35.7 at Kentucky, and a 32.5 last time out at Bromont in the 4*S where they finished 4th. What will it be at Burghley?
10:45 Our penultimate combination of the day is Jennie Saville and FE Lifestyle for the US.
They come forward for their fifth 5* together, and first Burghley. They were 12th at Kentucky in the spring, and 5th at Maryland last year.
In June, FE Lifestyle was named to the Elite Eventing Program List, part of the US Eventing Pathway.
🦊 He’s known as ‘Foxy’ in the barn.
He can be a bit quirky, and isn’t always easy on the flat, so we’ll have to see how he finds the Burghley Main Arena.
Jennie is based with Phillip Dutton in Pennsylvania.
Keeping it equestrian – Jennie is married to a racehorse trainer 🏇
10:44 Oliver Townend and Swallow go straight into the lead with 24.2.
10:42 Oliver’s riding at his very best here. It’s totally, totally accurate. The canter work is pulling in 8s and 7.5s and they’re creating a lovely picture. A 9 and two 8s for the stretch circle. This is a beautiful test, from horse and from rider. A grin from Oliver and a few fist pumps happening. There’s a 9 for the final halt. This is going into the lead for sure and the crowd knows it.
10:41 It’s two 8s and a 7.5 for the rein back, and more of the same quality in the walk work. He’s trending to go into the lead…
10:40 It’s 8s across the board for the medium trot. This is great trot work, uphill and forward, lots of power and drive. 7.5s and 8s coming in for Oliver and Swallow Springs.
10:39 Oliver’s got his game face on as he halts to salute. It’s two 7.5s and an 8 for the entry and halt.
10:38 Swallow Springs has pulled out some very smart dressage tests. Regularly in the low 20s – they scored 23.2 at Badminton in this phase – this could be a combination fighting for a place at the top of the leaderboard. 👀
10:37Oliver Townend’s back with us now with his second ride, Swallow Springs.
This lovely gelding has been 3rd here when Andrew Nicholson was in the irons – he’s also been 5th at Badminton with Andrew, and 3rd with Oliver. He was 7th at Luhmuhlen this season.
Hot form! 🌶️ Oliver currently tops the British Eventing rankings for most wins this season. He’s second on the leaderboard for most cross country clears inside the time and has the highest number of show jumping clears.
Oliver’s one tough cookie 🍪 At Kentucky in 2010, he broke his collar bone, shoulder bones, sternum and four ribs – he was in hospital for one day!
Brrr! Boyd Martin’s got some competition when it comes to ice therapy 🥶:
10:36 Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal score 32.2.
10:35 Harry looks pleased as they halt at the end of the test. He’s still smiling as he walks out of the arena. A great 5* start for Nell.
10:34 The canter isn’t quite as relaxed as the work that’s come before it, but there are lots of 7s on the scoreboard. The stretch circle gets two 8s and a 7.
10:33 The walk has a good rhythm and she pulls in an 8.5 for the extended. There are lots of highlights in this test.
10:32 After a bit of a sticky halt which got 5s across the board, ‘Nell’ is working well in the trot work with lots of 7s coming in. Harry halts smack on the center line at C and the halt is better than the first.
10:31 This pair hover around the 30-mark a fair bit of the time in this phase. At their two 4* runs this season they’ve posted a 31 and a 34.5 – in their most recent run in the 3* at Alnwick, they went sub-30 with a 28.6. What will it be on their first time together in the Burghley arena?
10:30 Next up the center line, for the second time today, is Harry Meade with Cavalier Crystal.
5* first-timer alert! Cavalier Crystal, not Harry!
Hot form 🌶️ This season, the pair have had two top-5 results at 4*.
Miss Reliable – The mare has completed all nineteen of her FEI runs.
🏹 A man with a number of strings to his bow, Harry has a degree in Art History as well as being a familiar voice in the commentary box and writing for Horse & Hound.
A hugely popular rider, in 2014 Harry was voted rider of the year by the Event Horse Owners Association, the Event Riders Association, The British Equestrian Writers Association and Horse & Hound.
I’m always keen to see what color pants Harry will wear for the First Horse Inspection. Lilac:
10:29 It’s a personal best for Bradeley Law in his final test! 36. What a pleasure it is to watch this lovely guy.
10:28 There’s a hug and a big pat at the end of that test for Bradeley Law from Michael and a huge clap from the crowd.
10:27 There are some 7s coming in for the canter work. Bradeley Law’s relaxing into his work and everything’s accurate and obedient. Carl Hester says what a happy looking horse this is, and I totally agree – he seems to be smiling.
10:26 Michael’s opted to ride without spurs here, as is allowed in eventing dressage. Bradeley Law is relaxing into the contact in the walk work and it’s all correct in terms of rhythm.
10:25 Bradeley Law looks rideable and is in a lovely uphill frame. Everything is accurate and steady and they look a picture together.
10:24 At 5* we’re realistically looking at high-30s in the first phase – at Burghley last year he posted a 38.6, although at Bicton 5* in 2021 he scored 36.8. But enough of that. Let’s just enjoy his lovely face for the last time at the top level. (Sniff 🥹)
10:23 For their final trip up the center line together, next up we have Michael Owen and the nineteen-year-old Bradeley Law, who will be retiring directly after Burghley.
This pair have had ten years together – this is their fourth attempt at Burghley and I’ve got everything crossed that it’s a happy swan song for this lovely gelding.
He looked gorgeous at the First Horse Inspection – a total celebration of a true event horse.
Fun fact! Bradeley Law loves his job so much that after Michael came unstuck at Badminton in 2016, the game fellow jumped three fences on his way back to the stables!
Bradeley Law has made steady progress in this phase, with some of the best results of his career coming this season. He was 16th in his latest outing at Alnwick in the 4*-S in July, where he posted a dressage score of 34.6.
Not content with one equestrian discipline, in 2010 Michael jockeyed a winner in his debut race. 🏇
Out of the saddle, he unwinds from all the adrenaline of equestrianism with a round a golf. ⛳
10:22 Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit score 34.9. It’s a massive personal best. Jessie’s beaming and Wabbit looks incredibly pleased with himself as he stands for a clap from the crowd.
10:21 The left to right change isn’t so easy and the marks drop a little. There’s been tension throughout but Wabbit’s kept it under control. It’s two 8s and a 7.5 for the final halt. Overall, this has been a good test for them.
10:20 The changes so far are accurate and clean and Wabbit pulls in 7s across the board for the half pass. Jessie can’t really push for the extended canter but the change when they come back is very good for a 7.
10:19 It’s 7s and a 7.5 for the rein back but the tightness is still there in the walk. Wabbit’s got really tense now and breaks into trot. Jessie’s having to ride very carefully to keep a lid on this.
10:18 We’re looking at 6.5s and 7s for the trot work. Wabbit’s doing everything right, he’s just a bit tight and so won’t reach those higher marks.
10:17 Wabbit gets two 8s for his entry and halt. A great start.
10:16 They’ve been mid to high-30s in the first phase this season, with a 35.9 last time out at the Nations Cup in Arville. It was 39.4 at Kentucky. What will it be at Burghley?
10:15 Next it the turn of Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and the splendidly named Wabbit.
OTTB alert! 🏇 Wabbit is a full Thoroughbred – he only earned $2200 in five starts though, clearly he was made for eventing.
Jessie and Wabbit have been named to the 2023 Equestrian Canada High Performance National Squad.
This is Wabbit’s fourth 5* start, and first outside North America.
Wabbit’s a tough guy who relishes a challenge, which we’ll see in boatloads on Saturday – will he tame all that sped and power for the dressage though?
10:14 Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google score 32.6.
10:13 Kristina’s smiling at the end and Google gets a lot of pats for her efforts. Good girl Google!
10:12 There’s more anticipation in the changes but Google takes the contact forward well in the stretch circle for an 8. There’s 7s across the board for the change afterwards.
10:11 The halt at C wasn’t very square, nor was the first one. Google’s relaxed in the walk but, as Carl Hester says from the commentary box, it needs more purpose. There’s rhythm though and Kristina will be taking calculated risks. Google anticipates the canter transition showing what Kristina was working with in the walk really.
10:11 Google’s looking settled in her trot work so far. They’re presenting a nice picture and their partnership is clear to see. They score an 8 for the half pass.
10:10 Historically, Google has found the dressage to be a bit tricky. She’s squeaked sub-30 a couple of times, but is more likely to hover around the mid-30s mark – at Burghley last year, she posted a 33, at Badminton in the spring it was 30.9.
10:09 Kicking off the final session of the day is Kristina Hall-Jackson with the best Christmas present ever, CMS Google.
Baby rider 👶 Kristina has been riding since she was 18 months old!
This is Kristina and Google’s third 5* outing – their first was Burghley last year where they finished 25th. They were 29th at Badminton in the spring.
Google was characteristically looky at the Horse Inspection yesterday – just checking out all the peeps who’d come to watch her, and only her.
🐣➡️🦁 Kristina describes Google as ‘the biggest chicken’ at home and ‘brave as a lion’ at events.
Fun fact! Google is scared of the dark!
Kristina is part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, under the mentorship of Pippa Funnell.
9:45 It’s time for a break now. No change at the top of the leaderboard. The final session starts back at 3:10pm BST / 10:10am EST.
In case you were wondering, there were 21 Prince references in the updates for DHI Purple Rain! ☔
9:44 Andy Heffernan and Harthill Phantom score 35.2.
9:43 Harthill Phantom definitely looks fit and ready to run cross country on Saturday. They finish with an 8 for the final halt, so a nice end for them.
9:42 There are some 7s coming in for the canter work and the changes are there and clean, but not big scoring.
9:40 This is a very accurate test, despite the tension. There are two 8s for the halt at C. The walk is similar to the trot really, it’s there but it could be quite a bit more relaxed.
9:39 There’s still some tension happening but Andy’s using all of his experience to deliver a positive, confident ride. Nothing’s going wrong, but it’s not really relaxed.
9:38 A very nice straight entry, but there are a couple of steps during the halt. The scores are 4, 5, 5 to start.
9:37 We’re running a smidge early, so Andy’s just taking his time round the Main Arena. He doesn’t have to start ’til his official time. Harthill Phantom seems to be holding his breath about as he trots round the ring. Hopefully he’ll relax a bit before he enters the arena.
9:36 This season their scores in this phase range from 35.2 to 28.3 – their best coming at their most recent outing. What will it be at Burghley?
9:35 Last before the break is British-based Dutch rider Andy Heffernan and his 5* debutant Harthill Phantom.
This is Andy’s first 5* since 2017.
Winner winner 🍗 This combination have some hot recent form – they won the 4*-S at Aston Le Walls a few weeks ago, their last run before the big B.
A man with many hats 🤠 Andy’s just back from the European Championships – where the Dutch team secured Olympic qualification and where Andy was player-manager – acting as pathfinder and team manager. He’s also a BE accredited trainer and cross country designer.
When he’s not wearing one of his many equestrian hats, he enjoys a game of squash 🎾
9:34 Matt Heath and Askari score 32.1. There’s a nod and thumbs up from Matt.
9:33 The first flying change is great, but the second is a little muddled. Muffin works round the stretch circle and then does a great change, and then another one.
9:32 There’s an 8 in the rein back scores. Muffin’s really stretching for the contact in the walk – a 9 comes in for the extended.
9:31 Muffin is nearly floating from his trot work. He pulls in 7.5s across the board for the extended. This really is a pleasure to watch and Muffin is a picture as he makes his way round the ring with that big white face.
9:30 Based on recent form, we’re looking at high-20s / low-30s here. It was a 31.3 last time out, 29.3 the time before that. What will Burghley bring?
9:29 Next into the ring will be Matt Heath, who’s swapped his Burghley Radio headset for a riding helmet to bring Askari forward for the horse’s first 5*.
Did you know? ‘Askari’ means policeman in Swahili. Not nearly so cute as his stable name – ‘Muffin’🧁
Matt made his 5* debut at Burghley back in 2013 with fan-fave The Lion. Together they had six Burghley starts.
Burghleys past – Matt was a mounted steward at Burghley before he got the chance to come here and compete.
Muffin was brought through 3* by Dickie Waygood before Matt took the reins in 2019.
He looked incredibly relaxed at the Horse Inspection yesterday as he waited for a horse to represent before taking his turn to trot-up. Let’s see if that extra arena time has stood him in good stead for today.
😍 There’s nothing quite like a horse with a big white blaze:
9:26 Oh no, the bell’s rung for an error of course – it looked like he was starting a circle at the wrong end. And again. Poor Luc. What a tough thing to deal with. He gets back on track without another error (which would result in elimination), and they finish. Luc shakes his head. A real shame. They’ll have way more fun out on cross country, that’s for sure.
9:25 The walk’s a little tentative at times, but it’s all accurate. It’s similar in the canter work – it’s tentative rather than Luc really riding for it, but all the transitions are lovely.
9:24 A little bit of resistance in the rein back sees scores of 5 and 5.5. Luc takes a big breath before the walk begins.
9:23 There’s already an 8 on the board for their entry, so Viens is off to a great start. There’s nice positioning in the shoulder in for 7s across the board.
9:22 They’ve scored as low as 32.9 in the dressage at 3* and as much as 47.5 at 4*. At 5* they’ve had a 37 and a 39.8. They’ll be climbing the leaderboard on Saturday though for sure, with no cross country penalties in their 19 FEI runs.
9:21 French rider Luc Chateau is next up with Viens du Mont.
Viens du Mont’s last two FEI outings were CCI5*s, and now he comes forward for his third.
Top-10! Last year’s home soil top level debut for the pair at Pau saw them finish in 9th place.
They had an impressive 11th place finish at this year’s tricky Badminton, where they didn’t let the weather get to them, jumping clear cross country and proving that they could handle just about any going.
Foal alert! 😍 Luc and his wife run a breeding program at home in France and welcomed a foal out of Michael Jung’s superstar mare FischerRocana a few months ago.
Family guy – Luc competed the stallion at the center of the enterprise, Propriano de l’Ebat, until 2018.
Foal spam! FischerRocana and her totally adorable little one:
9:19 The second change is great and Spinach seems to be working nicely with Alice. The final two changes are late but overall this has been a nice test for Spinach, with a couple of expensive changes.
9:18 The walk gets a bit tentative coming towards the canter transition, but before that it had been relaxed and pulled in some nice marks. The first change was a little late.
9:16 Spinach is looking very rideable in the Main Arena at Burghley, although he could show a bit more suppleness for higher marks. The extended trot scores 7s across the boards and there’s an 8 for the halt and another for the rein back.
9:15 This would be their weakest phase – the can score from the mid to high-30s, although they did dip to a 33.6 as Burghley last year.
9:14 One of the youngest riders here – but not the youngest this time – is up next – Alice Casburn with her homebred gelding Topspin.
👟 Alice was another member of the sneaker squad at the First Horse Inspection – I approve, ladies.
Don’t be fooled by her youth – this is their fifth 5* and they’ve completed at all of their previous top-level starts. They were 5th here last year.
What have tennis and eventing got in common? 🎾🏇 All of the Casburn homebreds have tennis related names.
Family connection – Topspin is a second generation homebred and Alice’s mom competed his grandmother.
In the barn info! ‘Spinach’ (as he’s fondly known) lives in the same stable he was born in.
Not many people can say they’ve bred a 5* combination:
9:13 Francis Whittington an DHI Purple Rain score 34.9.
9:12 Things go a bit wayward in the corner which affects the flying change. There’s a bit of tension creeping in and Prince seems to anticipate some of the transitions and movements. It was far from his days of wild type test he can do when he’s feeling hot though. Francis did a great job in there.
9:11 Prince is willing and able in the walk – it’s all about that walk. Prince stays with Francis, who’s giving the gelding a peach of a ride – very tactful riding happening here.
9:10 There are plenty of 7s coming in, and an 8 for the half pass. There’s lots of flow and two more 8s for the halt.
9:09 Francis and Prince get off to a nice start with a straight entry. There’s a bit of a wobble as they leave the halt but Prince is showing off all of his expression in the trot work.
9:08 The Xpectation is low to mid-30s in this phase, but it all depends on how much of a hot thing Prince is on alphabet street today. The truth is, at Badminton he put down a 41. How fiery is this sexy dancer feeling? Let’s hope it’s more ‘let’s work’ than ‘let’s go crazy’. U got the look, Prince – nothing compares 2 u – now it’s time to dance 4 me!
9:07 Here’s a (not so) cryptic clue to who we’ll be seeing next…
Could this be, the most beautiful horse in the world..? Enter Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain.
In case you hadn’t worked it out, DHI Purple Rain’s stable name is ‘Prince’. 💜
Just for fun, I will attempt to infiltrate the following updates with Prince songs/albums… How many can you spot? (Answer in the break.)
If, like me, you’ve got a penchant for striking black horses, Prince is definitely the one u wanna c. Everything about this extravagant gelding says, my name is Prince and baby I’m a star! 🌟
At this year’s soft and wet edition of Badminton, he finished just outside the top-20, after eating up the difficult ground on the cross country and producing an impressive clear.
Career move ⏩ Francis worked in equine dentistry before becoming a full-time eventer. Open wide! 🦷
Prince can get quite worked up between the white boards, so we’ll hope that he’s feeling calm and collected as he gets his Burghley underway.
Francis brought him in as quietly as possible at the Horse Inspection yesterday and despite plenty of ‘woos’ from Francis, Prince pranced his way down the jog strip, stepping out like the star he is.
9:06 Tim Cheffings and Gaston score 41.2.
9:05 They’ll have an error penalty of minus 2 marks for that slip up. They end on a lovely square halt for 7s across the board, and a big sigh from Tim. Gaston’s relaxed as he walks out of the ring, very pleased with his day’s work.
9:04 The fussiness continues into the canter. There are nice moments, but then it slips a bit. Overall the test is accurate though, and Gaston is rideable. Ah, the bell’s rung – they’ve missed the stretch circle. Tim goes back to it and they’re back on their way.
9:02 The extended trot pulls in two 7s followed by a good halt for a 7 and a 7.5. Gaston’s shaking his head a little in the walk, but he’s staying in walk and not fussing too much.
9:01 Gaston has an extravagant medium trot but stumbles a little at the end of it. There’s a little fussing going on which is impacting on the balance slightly at times.
9:00 In his two runs this season, Gaston’s scored 37.7 and 38.5. How will he find his first 5* dressage test? Let’s see.
8:59 Now it’s the turn of Tim Cheffings and Gaston.
5* first-timer alert! This is Gaston’s first attempt at the level. Tim’s been here before – in 2014.
Gaston was quite looky looky at the Horse Inspection yesterday – just checking out what this whole Burghley thing’s about 👀
Gaston seems to be peaking at just the right time – his last outing saw him have his second highest placing – top-20 in the 4*L at Bramham.
Tim’s a former Pony Clubber and is now a mentor to riders from Pony Club to Advanced.
8:58 Phil Brown and Harry Robinson score 41.3 and get a big cheer.
8:57 They put in a clean change and Harry’s still looking happy. There are marks being dropped in places due to accuracy – it costs them dearly in the second change with 1s and 2s. But overall, Phil looks very happy at the final halt. Harry’s been a good lad.
8:56 The walk is calm, it’s a bit tentative, but Harry’s on board with Phil.
8:55 So far so good. Harry’s looking rideable and happy enough in his work.
8:54 It’s a very nice start from Phil and Harry – dead straight down the center line and looking like they mean business.
8:53 Dressage is not Harry’s favorite bit – like any eventer worth his salt that’d be cross country, of course. They scored a 49.9 last time out, but it was 35.3 here last year. What’ll it be today?
8:52 Next up the center line is Phil Brown with Harry Robinson.
Note: Phil is the rider 🙋 – Harry is the horse 🐴
This is Phil and Harry’s second time at Burghley – they made their 5* debut here last year, completing in 27th to great celebration at the culmination of a dream come true.
Phil was local to Burghley for a number of years – so local he could see the house from his arena. He’s based in Yorkshire now, but Burghley remains close to his heart.
Total kismet ✨ Harry was actually sold for a while, but found his way back to Phil and here they are.
Harry (left) and Phil (right) cut quite the dashing picture at the Horse Inspection yesterday – Phil won best dressed male with his three-piece suit:
8:51 Lauren Innes and Global Fision M score 46. Flipper’s much happier once he’s back with his groom getting lots of pats.
8:50 Flipper frolics out of the ring, going every way but forwards.
8:49 Flipper’s still not really settled as he does his canter work. Lauren’s doing a lovely job staying calm and there are some nice moments in this test. Overall though, they’re struggling for the scores because he’s feeling a bit hot. He’s very ready for Saturday.
8:48 The walk was really rather tense and Flipper was very keen to get into the canter – that affected their transition marks which were 4.5s.
8:47 So far so good for Flipper and Lauren. Oh, as I typed that Flipper broke out of the trot and his head went up. Lauren got him back though and they’re back up to 7s after dropped to 2s and 3s.
8:46 Potential fireworks alert 🎆 He’s a bit of a quirky horse and, as we saw on the jog strip, gets hot, hot, hot. Let’s hope he got it out of his system yesterday. It was a 46.4 at Badminton, and they’ve been as high as 52.7 this season, when they found themselves warming up in an empty arena and Flipper got quite upset. But it was a 32.1 last time out. Let’s see what transpires here today.
8:45 Getting us back into the swing of things it’s New Zealand rider Lauren Innes and Global Fision M.
In her other life… Lauren is a full-time accountant – ‘Flipper’, Lauren’s only upper-level horse, spends his days in the field while Lauren’s at work.
Long-time love 💞 This pair have been together since Flipper was a five-year-old.
Flipper sure showed his speed at the Horse Inspection yesterday with the fastest trot-up ever. He even threw in a half pass and a jump or two. It took some serious wither tickles from Lauren to get him to sensibly show the Jury what they were looking for.
You may think you’ve seen Lauren down as a British rider, and you’d be right – this season, she swapped nationality, taking on her father’s Kiwi status.
This is their first visit to Burghley, although they’ve completed at Badminton twice.
Flipper sure does like to take a good look around:
In the lead is Ros Canter with Pencos Crown Jewel on a score of 26.9.
Second is Emily King with Valmy Biats on 30.
And third equal we have Oliver Townend and Tregilder and Tom McEwen and Luna Mist on 30.5.
The USA’s Boyd Martin with On Cue is in 6th on 31.8.
It’s time for a well-earned lunch break now, after which the second half of today’s competition will get their turn between the white boards. We’ll be back at 1:45pm BST / 8:45am EST. Until then…
6:59 Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue score 35.1.
6:58 Bar the changes, this test has been clean and accurate. Austin looks disappointed as he finishes. In his interview he’s very clear about that. He thinks something flew in Salty’s ear right at the start of the test making him shake his head throughout. He’s a great cross country horse though – we saw that at Badminton – so hopefully things will shape up for him as the competition continues.
6:57 Everything’s very correct, without being hugely expressive. Salty’s changes are sometimes a problem though, and that’s no different here. There’s a bit of hesitation and the scores drop slightly, but then pick back up.
6:56 Salty’s looking just as beautiful in the Main Arena as he did yesterday at the Horse Inspection. He’s forward and attentive to Austin. He clips the board and loses rhythm for a second but they’re quickly back on track.
6:55 Generally speaking, they’re a low to mid-30s pair. It was a 31.9 for him at Badminton – how will their Burghley debut kick off?
6:54 Finishing up the morning session we have Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue.
🧂 ‘Salty’ showed he’s an event horse truly worth his salt at this year’s tricky Badminton edition – he finished 3rd after storming round the muddy track. Last year he was 8th – finishing on his dressage of 35.9.
Olympic call-up – He competed in Tokyo after stepping up when Cathal Daniels had to withdraw – he finished 13th overall.
He’s also been to the World Championships, where he finished in the top 20.
This is his fourth 5* start and first Burghley. The last time an Irish rider won Burghley was in 1963 – can Austin bring it home for Ireland 60 years later? ☘️
6:53 Christoffer Forsberg and Con Classic 2 score 38.4.
6:52 There’s another muddled change which gets 3s. It’s a shame because everything else was accurate and Con Classic looked to be working nicely for Christoffer.
6:51 There’s a blip in the flying change which is full of tension – two 4s and a 5 for that will drop their trending score, which was full of 6s and 7s.
6:50 Con Classic is a little fussy in the contact through the walk at times, but everything’s still accurate and solid overall.
6:49 The trot work is balanced and rhythmical and consistent, there could be more expression and energy in the steps though for the higher marks.
6:48 At 4* this season, they’ve scored everything from 33.9 (at their last outing) to 39.2. Where will they land today?
6:47 Returning to Burghley after a 13 year break, next into the arena will be Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg with Con Classic 2.
This is Christoffer’s first 5* since his debut, here at Burghley in 2010 when Christoffer was nineteen.
It’s a first 5* for Con Classic 2, who, as a ten-year-old is one of the youngest horses in the field.
Like quite a few eventers, Christoffer has been stuck back together again by science – he’s got an extra six screws and two metal plates than he was born with.
6:45 Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel go into the lead to a massive cheer from the crowd! It’s sub-30… It’s 26.9.
6:44 There’s an 8 and two 7.5s for the stretch circle followed by a clear and accurate change. The next change is slightly early and scored accordingly. Two 8s and a 9 to finish though. Score incoming..!
6:42 The halt is much better than the first one on the center line and scores an 8. Jasmine looks relaxed in the walk and there are lots more 7s coming in. We may have been hoping for a lower trending score, but the work is all great and the attention to detail Ros puts into riding her test is apparent.
6:41 A super medium trot from Jasmine scores 7.5s across the board. It’s a lovely start for Ros and Jasmine – everything is as accurate and correct as we expect from Ros.
6:40 They tend to score in the highish-20s in this first phase – it was a 27.3 last time out, and a 29.2 at Badminton. But if we look at last year’s Burghley – a 24.2 – that would put them right in the mix here. Will we see our first sub-30? 👀
6:39 Next up is our new European Champion Ros Canter with Badminton winner and equine European Champion Walter’s half-sister, Pencos Crown Jewel.
Ros got a huge cheer from the crowd at the First Horse Inspection, and ‘Jasmine’ took the whole atmosphere entirely in her stride. Let’s hope she’s as level-headed and focused for her test today.
This is their fourth start at the level – they were 4th on their debut at Bicton in 2021, 11th at Burghley last year, and 9th at Badminton in the spring.
Together from the start – Ros started Jasmine off under the saddle, so it’s fair to say this pair know each other pretty well.
Behind the scenes… Jasmine is teased for being “Miss Health and Safety” at home as she’s always checking everything out. She loves her field and hacking on a long rein, but isn’t so happy when it comes to being caught.
Ros had super-cute cartoons drawn by Sarah Charnley depicting all her horse family’s personalities. Here’s Miss Health and Safety 👷♀️:
6:37 The tension continues, but Bing’s more receptive in the final movements. He reacts to the applause, showing that he was carrying a fair bit of tension throughout that test. Nicky did a great job keeping everything as calm as she did.
6:36 And now things have gone a bit awry. The canter breaks and Bing doesn’t fancy the half pass – they score 4s across the board. The half pass left is much better though.
6:35 Bing relaxes into the contact nicely in the extended walk but anticipates the transition to canter.
6:34 Bing seems to have settled into his Burghley as he trots round the arena. He’s not the flashiest but he’s performing the movements as Nicky’s asking him to and seems happy to work for her. They get 7s for the halt.
6:33 We’re looking at mid-30s in this phase – they put down a 35.8 at Badminton. Let’s see if Bing’s got his excitement from yesterday out of his system…
6:32 It’s Nicky Hill and MGH Bingo Boy’s turn next.
‘Bing’ boinged over the flower decoration at the Horse Inspection yesterday afternoon, so let’s hope he’s realized cross country isn’t ‘til Saturday and has got his dressage head on today!
This is their second time at Burghley – they came here in 2019 and were 27th.
All the smarts 🎓 Nicky has a degree in Biology and Sport Science.
All the sports ⛷️🧗 When she’s not eventing, Nicky enjoys skiing and climbing.
Cheeky boy 🐒 Nicky describes Bing as a “massive character” and knows just where to look if there’s trouble on the yard – “you can guarantee it’s down to him,” she says.
6:31 Greta Mason and Cooley For Sure score 32.2. Revised score for Emily King – 30 – so no sub-30s yet.
6:29 Murphy doesn’t really take the contact in the stretch circle, but the following changes are very good. The final trot up the center line pulls in an 8 and Murphy shakes his head, clearly pleased with himself.
6:27 Murphy’s anticipating the canter slightly at the end of the trot work, and he starts to trot a stride before the transition. The first change is clean though for 6.5s across the board.
6:25 It’s a solid start for Greta and Murphy with 7s for much of the trot work. Murphy looks to be working well with Greta and is happy in his work. Everything could be a little more expressive for higher marks, but so far so good.
6:25 They trend in the low-30s in this phase before their favorite phase – cross country, of course – sees them with a bit of wiggle room up the rankings.
6:24 Next into the ring will be Greta Mason and Cooley For Sure, coming forward for their third 5* together.
It’s their first Burghley but not their first 5* – they were 14th at Pau last year.
Burghley connection – Greta was a member of the Burghley Pony Club and so has ridden at Burghley before – just not in the 5*!
🥈 They were second in the British U25 championship at Bramham last year, finishing on their dressage of 34.1.
Greta describes ‘Murphy’ as being part of the family – in fact, the gelding was originally bought for Greta’s twin brother.
Greta is coached by former Badminton winner Rodney Powell.
She was looking fresh in a fancy hat with feathers at the Horse Inspection yesterday, and Murphy looked equally fresh as he frolicked his way down the jog strip.
6:23 Emily King and Valmy Biats score 29.4 – our first sub-30 and into the lead.
6:22 Things get a bit tight for the last two changes, which drop their trending score slightly. But there’s two 8s for the final halt. Do we have a new leader?
6:21 There’s 8s for the medium canter but the first change is really quite muddled. The second one is much better though.
6:20 The scores drop a bit for the halt and rein back, which wasn’t absolutely straight. They’re back up for the walk work though, which is relaxed and accurate.
6:19 Emily’s Burghley debut has got off to a solid start. There’s a lovely expression and outline in the trot work and they’re pulling in 7s and 7.5. Everything’s consistent and rhythmical and there’s an 8 for the half pass and two for the extended.
6:18 This pair could potentially give us our first score in the 20s. They scored 31.3 at Badminton but have shown that they’re well capable of mid to high-20s at the level – they posted a 25.5 at Pau last year and 28.4 at Luhmuhlen. Let’s see how they show up today. 👀
6:17 Next up the center line is Emily King with Valmy Biats for their first Burghley.
They come here from Badminton after Emily decided ‘Valmy’ wasn’t enjoying the muddy ground. Before that, they won the 4*-S at Thoresby Park.
👟 Emily was doing it for the sneaker crew down the jog strip yesterday, to which I say, hooray!
Live the dream… Valmy Biats is part owned by the Event Horse Owners Syndicate – you can buy a tiny part of him for around £95!
Hot to trot 🏃 Emily must be pretty fit – she ran the London Marathon earlier this year, along with her partner fellow eventer Sam Ecroyd, raising money for The Brain and Spine Foundation.
They come here fresh off a 3rd place finish at Alnwick in the 4*-S, where they posted a 24.9 in this phase.
At home 🏡 – Emily lives in North Wales, not too far from me! Check out the view in the best way possible – between the ears:
6:15 Another lovely halt to finish, with a 9 from one of the judges – 7 and 7.5 from the others.
6:14 Everything looks accurate in the canter work, things could be a little more expressive for the higher marks, but all’s going well for 6s and 7s.
6:13 Socks is working really nicely with Zara in the walk work – the homework in this phase is clearly paying off.
6:12 There’s lovely bend in the half pass and Socks shows off his socks in the extended trot.
6:11 Class Affair kicks off the session with a lovely straight entry and square halt for two 8s and a 7.5. A super start!
6:10 They posted a personal best of 28.4 in the first phase here last year. They haven’t managed sub-30 since, but the highest they’ve been is 33.3. What will it be today?
6:09 Getting us back underway is Zara Tindall with Class Affair.
🏆🏆 Zara is a former European and World Champion. She’s also won Olympic team silver and was voted Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 – an exciting win for eventing breaking into the mainstream.
A more perfect stable name will not be found – ‘Socks’ is clearly named for his stunning – and whiter-than-white – white socks 🧦
Although… Zara also refers to Socks as “the mad guy”.
Third time lucky? They came to Burghley in 2019 but were eliminated after Zara came unstuck at the fence following the drop at the Leaf Pit. They returned last year and retired after a run out – also at the Leaf Pit. It comes early in the course this year and Zara will have everything crossed that third time’s a charm.
Zara and Socks made the trip to Kentucky in the spring, finishing 15th in the 5* there.
Behind the scenes… Zara trains with dressage legends Carl Hester and Amy Woodhead.
Winning genes 👖🥇🥇 – both her mom and dad have won Burghley:
5:45 Updated scores:
Tom McEwen and Luna Mist and Oliver Townend and Tregilder – 30.5
Boyd Martin and On Cue – 31.8
David Doel Galileo Nieuwmoed – 33.7
Wills Oakden and Oughterard Cooley – 34.9
Harry Meade and Away Cruising – 36
Alex Bragg and Quindiva – 39.3
Harry Mutch and Shanbeg Cooley – 44.8
5:44 It’s 39.3 for Alex Bragg and Quindiva.
5:43 We’re heading into the first break now. Alex’s score and any updates to previous scores coming soon. Back in around 20 minutes – at 11:10am BST / 6:10am EST.
5:42 The tension sticks around and Diva’s clipped the boards a couple of times and scooted forward. Alex’ll be glad that’s over. Diva’s still looking around on the way out of the arena. To be fair, there is a lot of atmosphere in that arena.
5:40 She relaxes a bit in the walk but the tail swishing’s back in the canter. Marks are trending mostly in the 6s with some 7s coming in for the half passes.
5:39 Diva’s not wholly relaxed in her trot work, she’s shaking her tail and rushing a little at the start of the test.
5:38 This little mare can go sub-30 in the first phase, but hasn’t managed it yet this season – will this be her time to put her best hoof forward?
5:37 Last before the break we have Alex Bragg and Quindiva for the mare’s second 5*, and Alex’s tenth.
Alex was pretty in pink at the Horse Inspection yesterday, sporting a totally relevant Eventing Collection jacket, with a totally appropriate red flag on his right shoulder and a white one on the left.
Like a lot of the competitors at this year’s wet and wild Badminton edition, this combination retired on course – they’d started out with a 34.3 in this phase.
As her stable name suggests, this mare is a bit of a ‘Diva’, but we all know that with great talent comes big personality!
Career move ⏩ Alex was a farrier before he became a full-time eventer, and shoes all of the Team Bragg horses.
In the club… As a kid, Alex competed in Pony Club mounted games – Alex’s three daughters are all keen Pony Clubbers too!
5:36 Harry Mutch and Shanbeg Cooley score 44.5.
5:34 The potential’s there to see, but they’ve got some useful intel into what to work on over the winter. Jager’s relaxed on the way out of the arena.
5:33 The tension continues in the canter, it’s a bit wobbly and Harry’s staying really calm and collected. This is very much a first at time Burghley type of test. But there’ll be lots of learning going on for both horse and rider.
5:32 Jager’s not really going forward for Harry, who’s riding really sympathetically. The halt and rein back are a bit crooked and Jager puts his head in the air.
5:31 There’s a bit of tension in the trot to start and this nine-year-old seems to be feeling a bit of the atmosphere.
5:30 We’re looking at high-30s, maybe into the 40s here, depending on how hot Jager’s feeling – he’s 5* fit and will be feeling the Burghley atmosphere for the first time. Let’s hope he keeps a lid on all the excitement, at least while he’s in the ring.
5:29Harry Mutch comes forward next with the first of his two rides, Shanbeg Cooley.
5* first timer! This is a debut at the level for ‘Jager’.
Jager looked total quality as he trotted down the jog strip yesterday. The fact that Harry’s chosen to go first with this nine-year-old shows the confidence he has in this talented fellow.
Harry describes Jager as a “freak” – in the best possible way. He’s a super talented jumper but that exuberance can make the dressage a bit tricky.
‘Divine intervention’? Harry started riding aged 13 by accident. There was a broken down car and a riding lesson booked for his dad, which Harry went to, and the rest is, well, history.
Sport swap 🏉➡️🏇 Harry actually played rugby as a kid and wasn’t interested in horses at all.
It’s in the genes though 🧬 – Harry’s great uncle completed Badminton a number of times.
5:28 Boyd Martin and On Cue score 31.9 and are into third.
5:27 They’re a bit crooked up the center line, and there’s the hint of a resting hind in the halt.
5:26 Things have got a smidge tight in the canter work, but everything’s accurate, just not as soft as it could be. The mare’s late behind in the last change.
5:25 The halt’s a bit abrupt and the rein back happens, but it’ll drop the scores slightly I should think. (We’ve lost the scores on the feed for the time being, sorry.)
5:24 On Cue is showing off all of her elegance throughout her trot work. They’re creating a harmonious picture together in the Burghley Main Arena. Everything is accurate and expressive and a pleasure to watch.
5:23 We’re surely expecting sub-30 here, although she did put down 30.3 at Bromont a couple of weeks ago. What will this talented mare make of Great Britain – and has she brought her winning ways with her? Eyes on. 👀
5:22 Ready? Yo VIP, let’s kick it! 🛀
That’s right, kicking off the American campaign is none other than the ice man himself, Boyd Martin and On Cue for the USA.
It’s no secret that Boyd is partial to a nippy dip, but have you ever wondered where his love of ice baths comes from? Perhaps it’s in the genes 👖 – Boyd’s parents met at the Winter Olympics – his mom competed in speed skating ⛸️ and his dad in cross-country skiing ⛷️- so that’s why he’s so speedy across the country!
He may be the ice man, but he’s on hot form! 🌶️ Boyd won the 2*-L, 3*-L and 4*-S all in one weekend at Bromont in June! He’s had 12 top 3 finishes this season and is currently the top rider on the USEA leaderboard.
On Cue comes forward for her third 5* and first trip overseas 🛬
🥉 🥇 She was 3rd in her debut at the level at Kentucky, then won at Maryland where she posted a 25 in this phase. She’s an exciting talent, that’s for sure.
5:21 Tom McEwen and Luna Mist go into the lead with 30.5.
5:20 Ideally we’d like a bit more stretch in the stretch circle, but there’s more 7s for the changes which follow and a lovely square halt at the end for another 8. This is a test which has oozed of a partnership between horse and rider.
5:19 There’s an 8 for the transition into canter and lots of 7s for the first two changes.
5:17 Tom’s riding forward and seems to be really going for it and Tuna’s responding. She’s a bit crooked in the rein back but she’s moved into walk nicely and is stepping out for Tom while maintaining the relaxation.
5:16 It’s a beautiful start for this exciting young mare – there’s an 8.5 for the entry!
5:15 Based on form, we’re looking at a sub-30 score here, but this is an inexperienced mare who’s experiencing the Burghley atmosphere for the first time. Let’s see how she likes it.
5:14 Joining us next between the white boards is Tokyo gold and silver medalist, World No. 2 Tom McEwen with Luna Mist.
5* first-timer alert! At just a ten-year-old, this is the mare’s first time at the level. She had a good look ‘round at the First Horse Inspection, just seeing what this 5* stuff’s all about.
🐟 At home, she’s affectionately referred to as ‘Tuna’.
Tom’s had the ride since last season – he describes her as “a proper little fighter”, just what you need in a Burghley horse.
🌟 She was highest placed mare in the 4*-L at Bramham in June.
👟 Tom stays 5* fit through running – in fact, he ran the London Marathon in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK last year.
5:13 Galileo’s a bit bouncy on the way out of the arena. It’s 33.7 for David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed.
5:12 They finish up with a lovely square halt for 7.5, 7.5 and 8.
5:11 The canter work is consistently nice, the half pass is soft and smooth. He tucks his head in rather than out in the stretch circle though, so the marks drop back to 6s.
5:09 Galileo is relaxed in his body but isn’t totally consistent in the contact, which is affecting their marks, which are staying in the 6s on the whole through the trot work. They’ve picked up for the walk though and Galileo’s looking a bit more relaxed now.
5:08 They went sub-30 at Pau in 2021 with a 29.7 in this phase. They haven’t managed it since, but they do mostly stay in the very low-30s, and with his tendency to finish on his dressage, it’ll be very interesting to see what they put down here. 👀
5:07 Next up the center line is David Doel and the striking Galileo Nieuwmoed.
‘Galileo’ looked like he knows he’s fabulous as he strutted his stuff on the jog strip yesterday.
Early talent 🌟 Galileo tackled his first 4* at Le Pin Au Haras as an eight-year-old in 2019 – finishing on his dressage and coming second.
🖐️ This is his fifth 5* start. His first came at Pau in 2021 where he was 15th. A year later he burst onto the Badminton leaderboard, finishing 6th with David the highest-placed Badminton first-timer.
In his last run – at Hartpury, an event that’s considered a good indicator for Burghley success – he was 2nd, finishing on his dressage of 32.6.
Sizzling stat! 🔥 Galileo has finished on his dressage in all of his runs this season.
When it’s cool to be wrong… Initially David didn’t think Galileo was the horse for him ⏩ to today and he admits that Galileo’s “really cool”.
Galileo often looks a little grumpy, but he loves people to stop for a chat and to blow on his nose.
5:06 It’s 34.9 for Wills Oakden and Oughterard Cooley.
5:05 The final change gets 4s and a 3. They complete with lots of pats for Rich from Wills.
5:04 The scores are picking up in the canter work with more 7s than 6s coming in now. The scores drop a bit for the changes.
5:03 Rich wasn’t really up for standing still and is grinding his teeth at times. He’s performing the walk, but it’s tentative.
5:02 Rich looks quality as he trots round the Burghley Main Arena in the sun. He’s working nicely for Wills and pulling in some 7s. It’s perhaps a bit rushed for the higher marks at the minute.
5:01 They scored 32.4 in the first phase here last year – the gelding’s first 5* – their best dressage score at any level. It was 34.6 at Badminton. How will today’s test compare?
5:00 They were pathfinders at Badminton, they’re third up at Burghley – here’s Scotland-based Wills Oakden and Oughterard Cooley.
Wills was showing off some Scottish flair on the jog strip yesterday with some natty tartan pants and matching bow tie.
‘Rich’ made his 5* debut last year here at Burghley, where he finished 13th, and he really showed his mettle when he finished 12th at the particularly tough Badminton in the spring. He was 6th last time out – in the 4*-S at Alnwick – very nearly finishing on his dressage of 34.9.
Breeding info: Rich has the same sire and dam sire as Wills’ other ride, Arklow Puissance.
Eventing idol 🤩 As a teenager, Wills worked for Ian Stark, one of his sporting heroes.
Wills made his 5* debut in 2013, but then faced a gap of six years before returning to the level at Badminton in 2019.
In the genes 👖 Wills’ dad and aunt have both completed Badminton.
4:59 Oliver Townend and Tregilder score 30.3. Oliver looks a bit upset by the mark, he obviously felt the test had gone a bit better than that.
4:58 Oliver looks happy to have got his Burghley underway and Tregilder’s walking out of the arena looking very relaxed after a nice square halt to finish.
4:56 They’re trending above average in their scores right now, by just a bit. Tregilder breaks into trot for a second in the corner but Oliver’s quick to get things back on track.
4:55 There’s a nice swing in the walk work, which is fluid and of course, Oliver’s riding everything totally accurately. There’s an 8 for the canter transition.
4:53 Oliver and Tregilder are producing a smart test so far. There are lots of 7s coming in. Tregilder is relaxing and in a lovely rhythm.
4:52 We’re expecting a sub-30 score in this phase for Oliver and Tregilder. His best at the level was here at Burghley last year when he posted a 27.5.
4:51 Another rider who’s here triple-handed, British Olympic team gold medalist Oliver Townend gets his Burghley underway with Tregilder.
Oliver looked like a man on a mission at the Horse Inspection yesterday – he was wearing his Tokyo Olympics suit 🥇
Tregilder’s known as ‘Gizmo’ at home – so Oliver will be hoping for a dry few days then ☔ Remember people, no midnight snacks for Gizmo! And please can the photographers turn off all flashes? 🫣
Oliver’s brought Gizmo up through the FEI levels. This is the gelding’s fourth 5*.
He’d jumped a brilliant clear at Burghley last year when he fell a couple of fences from home. Oliver will be looking to put that right here this year.
Hot form! 🌶️ Gizmo comes here straight off a win in the 4*-S at Alnwick – he’s also been 9th at Luhmuhlen 5*, as well as having 3rd and 4th placings this season.
Royal approval 👑 Oliver was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism by the late Queen of England in 2022.
4:50 Score for Harry Meade and Away Cruising – 36.5. Note – scores are provisional at this stage.
4:49 And that’s it, the first test of Burghley is done!
4:48 There’s some tension creeping in as the test goes on. Harry’s encouraging the gelding along but there’s a feeling that he could be giving a bit more. The first change is a untidy, but the second is better.
4:47 Away Cruising is working really nicely in the walk work, he softens down in the extended although he’s a bit awkward in the mouth in the canter transition. Lots of 6s and 7s coming in.
4:46 Harry’s off to a lovely start with Away Cruising – he’s looking soft and supple as he gets his Burghley going.
4:45 This phase typically sees them trending in the low 30s – but they managed sub-30 at Badminton with 29. Their last run a couple of weeks ago saw them creep back up again. What will Burghley bring?
4:44 Kicking off the 2023 edition of Burghley with the first of his three rides is Harry Meade with Away Cruising.
This gorgeous gray – known at home as ‘Spot’ – brings forward a wealth of experience, with five 5* completions under his girth.
He finished 16th at Badminton, posting 29 in the first phase – his season’s-best score. His best 5* finish is 6th at Burghley in 2018.
Behind the scenes… At home, Away Cruising loves hacking with Harry’s two children and their ponies.
Hot form 🔥 Harry is currently sitting in second place on the British Eventing leaderboard for cross country jump clears – 51 out of 55 runs this year. He’s also in equal second for show jumping clears.
Not just an event rider… Harry delivered his son at home when baby Charlie refused to wait for the ambulance to arrive. If he decides to hang up his riding boots, perhaps there’s a career as a midwife waiting for him! 🍼
Spot looked well at the Horse Inspection yesterday, showing off his 5* fitness with some frolics – not quite these frolics from a Burghley past though… 🪁:
4:42 Rise ‘n’ shine ENers! It’s here! It’s Burghley! It’s going to be brilliant!
Could I BE any more excited?!
Respect to Stateside eventing superfans who are up and watching.
Let’s do this thing!
Brace yourselves eventing fans because Burghley starts TODAY! With top-class entries from 11 different nations, including equine and human Olympic gold medalists, Pam-Am gold medalists, World Champions, European Champions, a Rolex Grand Slam winner, the children of Olympic gold medalists, multiple-time 5* winners, and the daughter of parents who both won Burghley, the field is STACKED and we couldn’t be looking forward to a more exciting competition.
The USA’s Burghley hopes come in the form of Boyd Martin (who has two rides), Jennie Saville, Will Faudree, Tiana Coudray and Grace Taylor. As the chilly non-summer continues here in the UK, let’s hope Boyd’s packed something especially cozy to slip into after his ice bath.
All of the action will be broadcast on Burghley TV, which is available as a subscription (£20 per year/approx. $25) that gives you access to the whole event as well as a range of behind the scenes content and the daily round-up show. The Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, judged by Andrew Nicholson, will also be available, as will the awesome Main Arena demonstrations. For die-hard fans, there’s even a comprehensive collection of Burghleys past, which I find handy for feeding my eventing need through the long winter when I’m hunkered down counting the days ‘til the season starts again. Find out how to subscribe here.
The Burghley action trots off today with the first horse inspection starting at 4pm BST / 11am EDT / 8am PDT. Which horses will show off their 5* fitness? How many of them will lock onto the flower decorations as though their lives depend on it? What color will Harry Meade’s pants be? We’ll have the answers to these all-important questions, and more, as Burghley 2023 officially gets underway.
The center line plays its part on Thursday and Friday with all the dressage you can handle starting at 9am BST / 4am EDT / 1am PDT each day. And if all that 5* talent has you feeling inspired to improve your own riding, there’s the chance to learn from some of the best during the Thursday breaks, when we’ll be treated to demonstrations by Yogi Breisner and Dickie Waygood, focusing on how to improve your cross country without having to hire a course, and how to use your dressage training in your cross country lines, respectively. On Friday, Carl Hester and a – as yet unnamed – “superstar equine guest” will grace the Main Arena, and later on, eventers will try their butts at sidesaddle.
Set your reminders to 11am BST / 6am EDT / 3am PDT on Saturday when our Burghley 2023 pathfinder, Britain’s Harry Meade, will kick off what’s sure to be a great day of sport, and when we’ll get to see what horses think about jumping hares. It’s a 9am BST / 4am EDT / 1am PDT start the following day for the final horse inspection, before everything is wrapped up with the show jumping – the morning session starts at 10:30am BST / 5:30am EDT / 2:30am PDT, with the top-24 going at 2:30pm BST / 9:30am EDT / 6:30am PDT.
That’s Burghley, and it’s going to be brilliant!
Keep it locked onto EN – we have all sorts of awesome content headed your way…
EN is going eventing Stateside too this week, with the American Eventing Championships happening in Lexington, Kentucky. We’ll be bringing you all you need to know – so stay tuned, and go eventing!
Follow along with us on Instagram TODAY for a takeover from AEC with Liz Halliday, in partnership with Ocala Horse Properties! Liz has a busy day ahead of her, with Miks Master C and Deniro Z getting their competition underway in the Adequan Advanced Final, Shanroe Cooley running cross country in the Intermediate championships, and Newmarket Cooley and Maybach running cross country in the Preliminary Horse championship. Tag along throughout the day over on @goeventing!
Nominations are open for The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards. Categories include a Changemaker award celebrating sportswomen who have used their platforms for the greatest good, an award for an outstanding performer in a disability sport, a Team of the Year award, a special award for recognising inspirational endeavor, and more. Here’s your chance to get behind the awesome women equestrians who do horse girls everywhere proud. [Cast Your Votes]
As we gear up for the two great events happening this week, here’s a some essential listening.Eventing Weekly make their Burghley picks in their preview show, and Nicole Brown talks all things AEC in this week’s USEA Podcast. [It’s Burghley Week, Baby!][AEC Are Go!]
Fancy yourself a bit of a judge as you watch the horses trot-up at the Horse Inspection? Well you can hone your skills with this cool find – an interactive online game which teaches you how to not only assess a horse for lameness, but progresses through levels of difficulty where you get to determine the specific point of lameness and practice on varying degrees of subtlety in the presentation of the problem. (Aside: Turn your volume up before you click on the link.) [And Trot]
And here’s a new resource from Equus with everything you need to know about horse ownership. Designed for new horse owners and people coming back into horse ownership after a break, there’s everything from saddle fitting and finances to farriers and feeding. It’s all laid out so that the information’s easy to access and is just what I’ll need when I finally bring my new baby home after a too-long hiatus from having a horse. [What To Expect… The Horsing Edition]
And whilst we’re on the subject of horsecare, it’s only fitting we cover sheath cleaning, really. If you take on an animal of any kind (or baby human), you’re responsible for meeting its needs. It goes for babies and diapers, and also for boy horses and sheaths. As horse owners, we rely on having a network of experts to deliver the areas of care which are outside our expertise – teeth, feet, and yes, sheaths. Until recently there was little in the way of specific training for this intimate care, and the industry was unregulated. It’s good news then, that Harris Equine Intimate Health Specialists has launched an accredited training program and registered The Equine Intimate Health Foundation as an industry body. [Good News on the Sheath Cleaning Front]
Check out these saddle paintings which are designed to inspire you to “saddle up for your own journey”. Artist Florelle Rodenberg was prompted to put paint to paper by the John Wayne quote, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway”. She’s created a series of saddle paintings about not waiting until you’re ready to show up, but to saddle up right now. [No Time Like the Present]
Sponsor Corner
Graphic via US Equestrian.
Did you hear the news?! Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, owned by Ocala Horse Properties, were just named to the US Eventing Team for the Pan American Games!
Video Break
Last week I shared the Burghley alternative course walk from a dog’s eye-view and spotted lil’ cutie William keeping up with the big guys as they hared round the course. Well, here’s William enjoying everything Burghley has to offer – from a quick chill with a bottle of Pol Roger, to cajoling a tasty sausage roll from one of the food vendors, and taking an off-road ride in a Defender. William sure knows how to do Burghley.
Having your birthday at an event can go one of two ways really, eventing being the rollercoaster ride that it is.
For Kitty King, who celebrated her day at the European Championships, it was a shiny affair and she came home with gold and silver gifts from Froggy. Felix Vogg had a 32nd birthday to remember when he received his first 5* win at Luhmuhlen with Colero last year.
For the past two years, Piggy March’s big B has coincided with her prep run for the upcoming big B. Last year, she won her Burghley prep event at Hartpury with Vanir Kamira before going on to bring the Burghley victory home. At last weekend’s event, Brookfield Inocent followed in the great Tilly Bean’s hoofprints, winning the 4*-S and making us wonder whether Piggy’s birthday stars are aligning once again as he now heads to Burghley for his second 5*. He was runner up on his debut at the level three years ago – at Pau in 2020; Vanir Kamira was second at Burghley in 2019, winning it three years later – at the next running of the event after the Covid-enforced hiatus in 2020 and 2021. I may be putting two and two together and coming up with some suspect stats which would give EquiRatings the sweats, but I do wonder whether Piggy’s wish as she blew out her birthday candles may have some significance here. Excuse me while I go and read my horoscope.
In case you hadn’t realized, Burghley starts NEXT WEEK! Keep it locked onto EN – we have some awesome content headed your way.
And that’s not all! Eventing is dishing up an equally exciting week in the US, with the American Eventing Championships happening in Lexington, Kentucky. EN is beavering away on both sides of the Pond to bring you all you need to know from the AEC too – so go nowhere, and go eventing!
Alfies Clover is back for another bite at the Burghley apple – can he bring it home for Richard Jones? This will be Alfie’s fifth go at the big B, and after a seventh place finish last year Richard is convinced that he’s got it in him to go even better at this year’s edition. Find out how Team Jones have been counting down to Burghley in their blog. [Keeping Up with the Joneses]
This is a story about adapting your goals in order to truly follow your heart – on the road to the AEC. Young rider Adalena Campisi found her heart horse in the now nineteen-year-old gelding Belmont. They’ve weathered growth spurts and injuries, and Adalena made the wise-beyond-her-years decision to put her goal of moving up the levels on hold so that she could follow her dream of going to the American Eventing Championships with her best friend. [What Dreams Are Made Of]
As we anticipate a week of awesome eventing, here are some pro tips for winning every phase of the three-day. I’ve rounded up Grand Prix dressage rider Silva Martin’s advice for the most effective ways to manage your dressage warm up, Olympic and European gold medalist Andreas Dibowski shares his principles for successful – and safe – cross country riding, and double Olympic champion Ben Maher MBE tells us just how to approach that all-important show jumping course walk. Take note, and go eventing! [First Up, Dressage][Yey! Cross Country][The Final Phase]
There’s a lot of talk about tack – from official competition rules to a whole bunch of opinions on what we should/shouldn’t be using with our horses. Enter the endurance rider who has just won the Tevis Cup – a one-day, 100-mile trail ride. His horse, Treasure, completed the entire event with no bit, no noseband, no reins – no bridle. Jeremy Reynolds credits his long-term relationship with Treasure, and the fact that she’s such a wonderful horse, with his ability to communicate with her to such an extent that they only needed a neck rope to work together and win. [Minimalist]
What’s the next best thing to seeing horses tear up the Burghley cross country course? Watching a bunch of dogs having a barking great time as they go over, under and through the fences, obviously. I’m backing the little guy – William – for the win. With a certain Great British William clocking up no fewer than six plaques on Winner’s Avenue, I feel William may be a lucky name when it comes to Burghley. There’s a Will (Faudree) and a Wills (Oakden) competing there this year – will a Will strike it lucky this time around? We’ll have to wait ‘til next week to find out – in the meantime enjoy this doggy edition of the great event.
I’ve loved looking through the social media posts following the European Championships last weekend. From the tributes to horses, grooms and owners, to the reflections on things not going to plan, and the celebrations for those who saw all their prep come together at just the right moment, it’s cool that we get to be a part of the eventing journey outside of competition live streams.
Yesterday we shared Ros Canter’s post showing the new European Champion, ‘Walter’ (AKA Lordships Graffalo), congratulating himself on his greatness with a good ol’ roll in his field. Today we have Kitty King’s Vendredi Biats – ‘Froggy’ to his friends – arriving home with his team gold and individual silver medals to find his stall decked out befittingly for ‘simply the best unicorn’.
With two more Olympic spots seized at the Euros, those teams still seeking qualification for Paris will have the chance to add vital points to their tally this weekend in Arville – the penultimate leg of the Nations Cup. Keep up to date with what goes down in Belgium:
As it’s National Tell a Joke Day, it would be remiss of me not to gift you a horsey howler. To be or not to be…? That is the equestrian. If you fancy a bit of a giggle, you’ll find the best horse gagsright here. Sorry (not sorry).
And whilst we’re acknowledging one national day, it seems only right we raise a glass to National Rum Day also. So, make mojitos and go eventing – just not in that order!
With horses, it’s fair to say that the path doesn’t always run smooth – something AEC entrant Melissa Fox knows all too well. From heartbreaking loss, through injuries to both her and her horse, and even a truck fire on route to a training session, Melissa’s AEC dreams have been put on hold multiple times. But this season, all’s so far so good for Melissa and OTTB Tito Tonight, who’ll be heading to Kentucky to contest the Novice Amateur division. [A Bumpy Ride]
“Do not let your skin color, size, or level of experience hold you back. There is a barn, trainer, and lesson program out there for you.” Chandra Thurman felt completely stuck – she wanted to train in dressage, and knew she had the horse for it, but opportunities were lacking and she faced discrimination over her race and size. She decided to take a leap of faith, and discovered she could fly. [“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet”]
The increasing commitment to the aftercare of OTTBs is encouraging – now we need to consider racing broodmares too. There are a number of organizations working to help rehome these pro moms, who, with their wealth of experience and ‘been there done that’ attitude, are wholly deserving of a fulfilling retirement. [Pro Moms]
We’ve probably all said it, but what does ‘woah’ mean?Horse Journals’ Jec Ballou considers when ‘woah’ really does mean ‘woah’. [Woah, There]
Forget about the Barbie Dreamhouse, the Breyer Horse Headquarters is every horse nerd’s dream. Through the archive room full to brimming with Breyers of all breeds and colors, to the factory where the horses are meticulously molded and accurately airbrushed, take a trip down memory lane with EQ’s Jill Medinger. [Horse Nerd Heaven]
Sara Kozumplik’s biggest goal when buying a farm: finding a peaceful environment for her horses. Of course, it’s not just a facility that creates a peaceful environment for your horses, how you manage that property makes a massive difference in the happiness of the horses as well. Discover Sara’s biggest secret to great farm management: Creating a Peaceful Home for Horses (and please join us in wishing her well after she suffered some injuries in a fall recently! Get well soon, Sara).
Video Break
With Burghley fast approaching, here’s a throwback to a Burghley of yesteryear – namely 1971, when Great Britain’s Princess Anne (whose daughter, Zara Tindall, will be contesting this year’s event) became European Champion.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal has recently become President of the British Eventing Support Trust , a charity which helps riders “deal with the physical and mental health demands placed on them by our sport”.
Find out more about the royal appointment, and Princess Anne’s equestrian career, here.
With one eye on Paris, the cross country at the Europeans takes on even more significance perhaps than usual – the course designer at Haras du Pin, France’s Pierre Le Goupil will also be designing the Olympic cross country test next year, so not only are the teams fighting it out for European titles, but this is also a valuable fact-finding mission in terms of sussing out the je ne sais quoi of Pierre’s tracks.
But right now, we’re well and truly focused on the European Championships and the 4*-L course that’s sure to be hugely influential in this very exciting competition.
There are 29 numbered fences with 40 jumping efforts. The optimum time is 10 minutes and 14 seconds. There are hills, twists, turns, undulations – and enormous jumps. The first combination comes at 7abc – the first water with a big step that’s giving the current World Champion Yas Ingham “Burghley Leaf Pit vibes”. There are eight combination fences on course which are equally distributed between doubles and trebles. The final combination comes two from home, so riders will have to be on the ball right to the end if they want to avoid picking up any late penalties.
On top of all that, we find ourselves at another event where the ground is dominating the conversations surrounding cross country. Although the first day of dressage took place in glorious sunshine, the weather leading up to the event has been as wet as, well, Britain, and the rain returned on Friday for the afternoon session of dressage. More rain is forecast overnight and into Saturday morning, although it should ease off by the time the first rider sets out on course – let’s keep our fingers crossed. So, it’s fair to say, the ground out on the cross country is holding – there’ll be a lot of stamina needed, and a very fit horse.
The first rider will leave the start box at midday local time – that’s 6am EST / 11am BST – when Sarah Ennis will get Ireland’s campaign underway with Grantstown Jackson.
Belgium’s Cyril Gavrilovic and Elmundo De Gasco head out second, and will be hoping to get off to a secure start in their team campaign for Olympic qualification – the top two as-yet-unqualified teams here this week will book their places for Paris next year.
Third to go is Germany’s Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K – who’ll be pathfinding for Germany’s bid for European Gold.
Hoping for a home podium place, team France’s Stephane Landois gets going at 12:28pm / 6:28am EST / 11:28am BST with Ride for Thaïs Chaman Dumontceau, who’s riding in honor and memory of his friend, and Chaman Dumontceau’s previous jockey, Thaïs Meheust.
Reigning champs Great Britain are penultimate in the team rotation – Kitty King and Vendredi Biats will get Team GB’s hopes of retaining the title underway at 12:32pm / 6:32am EST / 11:32am BST.
You can watch all of the action on ClipMyHorse.TV (subscription required). Don’t forget to follow EN too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need, with Tilly Berendt on site in France and a full team behind the scenes.
Michael Jung is in the lead with FischerChipmunk FRH going into cross country. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH (GER*) – 19.4 – 1st
Leading after the dressage, Michael Jung is just one of the riders talking about the first water complex at 7abc.
“I think it’s a tough course, but it’s a nice course; it’s a good challenge for the European Championship, but it depends a bit on the ground. The first water is always the first challenge. It’s a tough combination with the big drop before as well. But I think it’s really nicely built, I think the mix is very good, and you have always in between the combinations a single fence to get confidence back. Hopefully, we’ll have good ground tomorrow.”
Badminton winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo are just under two points behind the dressage leaders. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR*) – 21.3 – 2nd
The ground is something that’s on all the riders’ minds, although the Brits have had a fair bit of wet weather practice already this season.
“It’s something that the Brits have had to cope with a lot this year, and so we’ve almost been able to override the talk on the ground and things like that. We’ve ridden in this going so many times that hopefully, we can stay in our own bubble and concentrate on our job. We’ve been very positive as a team so far about the course — our course walks have been extremely positive. There hasn’t been too much talk about the things we don’t like, or the ground that we don’t like, and I think that’s really good for team spirit. We feel prepared for the ground, and our course walks have been very positive, so we’ve got good team morale going into tomorrow.
I think the first water, obviously, is a very, very big drop in, so it’ll be interesting to see how they read that. And with Walter [Lordships Graffalo], we are still coming across questions that he hasn’t come across before because of his age [he’s an eleven-year-old], even though he’s done what he’s done already [like, winning Badminton and coming fourth at the World Championships!].
He tends to drift a bit more to the right, so little things like that, certainly, for my personal self, I have to walk the course very much thinking of Walter.
I think it’s more the undulations, the twists and turns that are going to create the challenges at the jumps. It looks very much like a short format, but obviously, you’ve got the length added on to it as well. So it will be mentally and physically quite challenging for the horses and I think that’s where the questions are going to lie. It’s like short format because of the twists and turns, and there aren’t many really long gallops like you’d get, say, at Badminton. There’s probably three where you’ve got a bit of breathing space to actually get down on the next and get the speed up. But when you think, the first three fences are basically on a 360 to a 180, it’s going to be very hard at the start of the course to get into the speed that you really want to be in – sSo I think it’s highly likely that by minute one, you are going to be down on the clock and then there’s going to be ground to make up, so I think it just depends on on if you can claw it back and stay inside the flags.”
“I think whether we do have rain or not, it’s soft. I think a lot of it will be made, timewise, in the first few minutes, if I’m really honest. It’s a tough loop, and then you can get into a rhythm.
I think they’ve built a beautiful track – not what I was expecting, but a stunning track. If I wasn’t riding, I’d be quite happy to go and walk around the whole course!
We’ll have to be on it the whole way around. I mean, the corner into water doesn’t happen too often. There’s so many questions out there that you just need to stay on your game, feel where you’re going, and judge where you’re at.”
Laura Collett’s hoping the rain holds off and the umbrellas stay tucked away as London 52’s not too keen on them. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR*) – 22.4 – 4th
“I think it’s a proper, proper track, and more like a five-star than a four-star championship track. Dimensionally it’s very big and square – every fence is a big jumping effort. There’s no real letup for the horses, energy wise, and obviously the ground is going to play a massive part with the hills. It’s probably not what we were all expecting – coming to France, you’re expecting a twisty track, with lots of skinnies and arrowheads and angles, but it’s more like a Bramham or a Bicton [UK 4*s]. Hopefully our horses are used to those types of tracks and we can go out and do a good job.
From start to finish you’re going to have to be on your A game. The first water’s a serious test and comes very early, and with a twist – round and round – so you feel like you’re on a roller coaster, which might just confuse the horses a little bit, and never actually get going. So that’s going to be our job – to make sure they’re switched on.
The rain is going to have a huge effect. When we arrived here, the ground was seriously soft. It’s been dry all week, and we were hoping that it would continue to dry and we might have been okay. [Spoiler alert: it’s rained.] But I think it’s going to be a serious factor.”
World Champions Yas Ingham and Banzai du Loir did their dressage in the glorious sunshine on Thursday. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (GBR*) – 23.4 – 5th
“It’s a very interesting track – well-built and beautifully presented – so I’m really looking forward to riding round it. There are some serious questions and I think the ground is the same sort of ground we’ve been dealing with in England – they’ve had a lot of rain here so I’m really hoping that the next few days of dry weather will help with that.
I think there are questions throughout the whole course – which, obviously, at a Championship is what we expect. You definitely get a big shocker at fence 7! You’re jumping off quite a large step – sort of a Burghley Leaf Pit vibe – and then you’re rolling down the hill to quite a large drop into the water, on a nice distance to the skinny in the water. That’s quite an intense part of the course very early on. Once we get that behind us, we can really get going and get into a rhythm.
Pratoni [where Yasmin and Banzai du Loir became World Champions last year] was very, very undulating and twisty. I think this track brings similar sort of vibes to that. It’s undulating and twisty, but it’s very big and bold out there. There’s lots of quite big ditches and brushes and everything dimensionally is quite big, so I’m very lucky to be sat on an excellent jumping horse. That is definitely a good thing!”
Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift haven’t had a cross country penalty since 2019 – fingers crossed their form continues! Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift (GBR) – 25.7 – 6th
“I’m excited! I think it’s a really good course – I think it really suits him [Capels Hollow Drift], and his way of going. The ground is going to be a big factor, but it’s given me a bit of confidence knowing that he dealt with that quite well at Badminton earlier in the year.
I think the problems are generally quite spread out throughout the track – I think we’re going have to be careful with tired horses towards the end of the course – so that always means that anything is a factor, especially if this rain keeps going.” [It has.]
“I’ve got a job to do going first for the team, and hopefully I’ll put in a good score to get us going and fill them with confidence.
It’s going to be a tough track. It’s very twisty and hilly and the ground’s obviously fairly soft, so it’s going to be a good stamina test, and there’s lots of questions right to the very end so you’re going to have to stay on your game. I’d say it’s kind of a cross between a Bramham and a Luhmühlen – Bramham dimensions and terrain and Luhmühlen twistiness. Froggy’s [Vendredi Biats, as he’s known to his buddies] done well at both [winning Bramham in 2019 and taking second at Luhmuhlen this season] so I’m hoping that will set us in good stead. It’s a great track and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”
Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S round out the top 10 going into cross country. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S (GER*) – 28.3 – 10th
“The course looks big – I think it’s a really proper test. So far it looks like we are now becoming more and more lucky with the weather, so the ground might be drying a little bit [this was earlier in the week – it took a downturn on Friday with a fair bit of rain falling]. That would make life much easier for the horses, but it’s still going to be very demanding on the fitness side with the hills and some big jumps – even until the end you have a good top spread. You have a proper cross country test on Saturday.”
He’s another rider who’s noted that fence 7abc is particularly tricky: “The first water is coming quite early in the course and it looks very big to me. Also, the step going downhill before the first water – I know that some horses had some issues there last year. If you can get through there, then it becomes more rhythmic with more flowing lines, and you also have more gallop stretches, but until the first water it’s going to be hard work keeping the horses focused.”
As well as going as pathfinder for the Netherlands, Andy is also coach to the team, so he had two hats on (so to speak) when he walked the course.
“I love the track, actually. That’s the first thing – everybody, I think, is quite quick to be negative. I think it’s a really super championship track. I actually work in the UK with [course builders] Dom Moore and Jump 1 and they have done the job that I expected them to do, which is fantastic. Pierre has done an amazing job as a designer and he’s come up with some really unique and fun ideas. If you have a good ride ‘round it, it will be fun.
My concern is that it’s quite hilly and, although the weather is quite pleasant now, I think the damage to the ground has already been done and I don’t think it will dry out, so I think it’s going to ride quite holding and be tiring.”
Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress (ITA*) – 30.6 – 18th
“She’s [Swirly Temptress] a very bold mare, but she’s probably never been to such an undulating kind of course. I think I need to be quite careful not to set off too quick and just see where we are after five or six minutes and then decide if I actually go a bit slower or a bit faster.”
Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K (GER*) – 31.5 – 20th=
And how does the European Championships track compare to last year’s Haras du Pin Nations Cup course?
Malin and Carlitos Quidditch K finished just outside the top 10 here last year and remembers the notorious first water well: “The first water [fence 7abc] was really tough then, and I think it’s the same this year.”
Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hermione d’Arville are hoping to help secure Team Belgium their Olympic spot this weekend. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hermione D’Arville (BEL*) – 31.9 – 24th
“I like the course because it’s really attacking. You really feel that it’s clear for the horses, there’s no nasty corner or angles to tricky things – I think it’s just really straightforward. But you need stamina; you need fit horses. I think the ground’s going to be quite loose – the sun is shining [it was then – now, not so much] but I don’t know how much it’s going to dry off.”
Ireland’s Joseph Murphy is another rider contemplating the tricky water complex at 7abc. He told Irish Eventing Times:
“Fence 6 leads us down to the drop step at 7a. There’s a stride pattern of five strides down to the angled brush into the water with a very severe drop. I think the important thing here is to make sure your horses are balanced – it comes up very early, they’re still going to be fresh, they’re going to be looking around, there’s going to be big crowds. I think the important thing is, you come down here in a really good balance towards the middle of this fence – don’t make it too complicated at this stage. Just in the air then, you’re thinking about the red on c, landing, and moving to the skinny on three strides. This could be an influential fence, because it’s so early in the course, and there’s going to be a lot more water in there so it’s going to be exciting on Saturday morning.”
So it you’re crazy enough to be tempted to build something similar at home and have a go, that’s how you ride it! (Please don’t, unless you’re 100% sure it’s a good idea.)
And what does he think of the rest of the course?
“They’ve used a lot of brush this time, which I wasn’t expecting – that in itself makes everything bigger and the horses get higher. The course is beautifully built. It looks on the difficult side. The ground looks like it could be testing come the weekend, so that’ll play a big part in what happens on cross country day.”
The ground is something all the riders are talking about too. Joseph walked the course earlier in the week, but Haras du Pin has had some rain since then.
“You can walk round in a pair of trainers [AKA sneakers for our US readers] and you’re walking on top of it, but you can feel a sponge underneath you. From the little bit of work that we have done on our canter work in preparation over the last couple of days, it feels soft under foot. With a few days sun it’s going to help it every day, but we’ll probably need to be prepared for testing type conditions.
Definitely you’ll need a fit horse, also you need a horse with a very good attitude that wants to keep trying, because every time we turn a corner we have to travel up another hill – that tests the horse’s mentality and the rider’s mentality if they want to get to the end.
It’s going to be a great day of sport.”
We certainly don’t disagree there!
So, boots on and pony up – it’s time to kick on and allez eventing!
This little lady is bang on trend with her Barbie boots and Team GB shirt. Photo by Cheg Darlington.
It’s National Women’s Day today and this little lady (now not so little) is a young woman who inspires me every day.
I was sorting through my s**t show of a spare room when I came across this throwback photo, which dates back twenty years but is totally relevant today – with the European Eventing Championships trotting off this afternoon (I’ll be rooting for all the teams, but especially Team GB), and Barbie taking the world by storm, becoming the only movie solely directed by a woman to hit $1billion in the box office (notice the pink Barbie riding boots – this lil’ lass is clearly a girl ahead of her time).
EN will be bringing you ALL of the Euros action, so stay tuned as we saddle up for a team battle that sure looks set to be AWESOME!
Check out Tilly’s Ultimate Guide for everything you need to know and read up on the form in the Team Guide . Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for our team picks to see what the EN camp makes of the competition – coming soon!
Meanwhile…
The Mongol Derby rages on and I’m loving riding along with this awesome adventure. From the cowboy who keeps losing his horses, the leaderboard climb of ‘Team Pak’, and the tumbles and kicks, to the Mongolian culture and hospitality, it’s well worth a follow. Being partial to a pony (having stayed the size of a teenager), I’m so impressed by the little horses – they’re gutsy and tough and look like SUCH FUN!
The end of August sees the eventing calendar getting very exciting – and you can be part of the action by volunteering at the American Eventing Championships. As well as getting up close and personal with all of the excitement of the event, you’ll also get a swag bag of goodies (including cookies for your equine friends), the chance to feature on the USEA website and have your hours count towards the Volunteer Incentive Program. [Mini Break in Lexington, Anyone?]
And on the other side of the Pond, Burghley has announced the official charity for this year’s event. Horatio’s Garden works with spinal injury centers to provide accessible gardens for patients and their families, making a huge impact on wellbeing and rehabilitation. Burghley Director, Martyn Johnson, acknowledges the importance of charities such as Horatio’s Garden in the riding community: “Rehabilitation after spinal injury is something all riders support, and Horatio’s Garden provides wonderful sanctuaries for patients to escape from the intensity of hospital life”. Follow @horatiosgarden to find out more about their work. [Supporting Spinal Injury]
Continuing our travels, how about a little je ne sais quoi à Paris? We know all eyes will be on the equestrian splendor on offer if you’re lucky enough to be traveling to France for next year’s Olympics, but when the horses aren’t on show, how about a little sightseeing in the City of Love? From the best places to stay, to the tastiest things to eat, FEI has pulled together the ultimate Paris travel guide especially for equestrians. [A Ride ‘Round Paris]
I’m a big fan of the smile (I once moved house because no one in my street ever smiled) – so I’m delighted to discover that horses appreciate this most friendly of facial expressions too. The bond between horse and rider is all important, we know that – particularly in eventing, it’s something we talk about all the time. But do you know how to reinforce that bond? As well as looking at training methods, this article considers a study which found that horses respond better to humans who smile more than they scowl. Horses were shown photos of humans and, upon meeting said humans a few hours later, clearly remembered which were smiling in the photo and which looked more menacing. So, turn those corners up and keep on smilin’. [Turn That Frown Upside Down]
AI meets equines in this playful and creative collection of colorful images. Photographer Rachel Hulin explains how she uses today’s technology to capture her love for horses in unusual ways – sometimes more unusual than she had in mind: “There are glitches that I edit out; a horse will have five legs, for example!”. A fifth leg would come in handy when you’re squirreling through a cross country combination, so perhaps the tech is onto something with that one. [Thoroughly Modern Horses]
From the ultra-modern to the prehistoric – the iconic Uffington chalk horse is shrinking and needs a little fattening up. The famous white horse has been a feature of the Oxfordshire countryside since at least 1380, but it’s been slowly shrinking since the 1980s. A team of archaeologists will be working on restoring this iconic equine to its former fatness in order to preserve it for many more centuries to come. Find out about all of Britain’s chalk horses in this archive article from Horse and Hound. [All The White Horses]
A gorgeous custom home located on 12 acres, complete with a barn, just 20 minutes from WEC. What else could you need? This setup would be perfect for an equestrian who wants to combine luxurious living, while keeping their horses in their backyard.
Here’s a throwback to the European Championships in Avenches, 2021, when Great Britain’s women riders took the podium with a 1-2-3 for Nicola Wilson, Piggy March and Sarah Bullimore.
The Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing gets underway on Friday for a special 40th anniversary edition.
Held in the grounds of Princess Anne’s house, this spectacular show always attracts a whole host of top riders and this year is no different. Last year’s winner Tim Price will be trying to retain his title, but with Piggy March, Pippa Funnell, Tom McEwen, Oliver Townend, Emily King, Zara Tindall and SO MANY MORE entered, it’ll be all to play for.
The big class at the event is the Magic Millions British Open Championship, which first ran in 1986 when Bruce Davidson and JJ Babu brought home the victory for the U.S.
You can follow all the action on H&C+ (with a subscription). Find out more here.
Elisa Wallace has a couple of great opportunities at her farm in Reddick, FL. She’s got on-site leases for two of her mustangs on offer as well as lessons in exchange for some part-time work. Both opportunities are beginner-friendly and quite frankly, I’m checking flights from the UK to Florida right now. [See You There]
Piggy March wants to know if anyone has a photo of her and Tilly taking a dip in Badminton Lake in 2018. Not our Tilly (which is what I first thought when I read the post and wondered just what goes on at the cocktail party) – Piggy’s Badminton and Burghley winner Vanir Kamira AKA Tilly Bean. [Did You Catch the Splash?]
Jessie Phoenix has shared the cutest news about what her Pam Am gold medalist and World Championships horse Pavarotti has been getting up to in his retirement. He’s completed his first cross rail class with a very lucky little rider. [Still On Song]
Someone’s Burghley dreams are about to come true… Applications are open to take part in a Yogi Breisner masterclass. A ride round the main arena at Burghley anyone? [Eventing Dreams]
Ooh la la! It’s less than a year ‘til Paris – and Team GB are on the hunt for mascots. Do you know an Olympic-crazy kid between the ages of 5 and 11? Find out how to apply for them to join Team GB at the Paris 2024 Games. [Mini Mascots]
For Sale: Dappled gray schoolmaster – very spooky. This is a for real auction prospect with a precautionary note included in the catalog: “The vendor’s [great] grandfather was a trance medium/ghost hunter in the 1940s, and the horse was used for séances”. OK, so it’s not an actual living horse (or is it?) but if you fancy a punt on this haunted rocking horse, you’ll probably want the Winchesters and Mystery Inc. on speed dial. [Something Strange]
What’s it like to be part of the eventing “tribe” as the owner of a top event horse? Most importantly, fun, according to Patricia Vos, one of the owners of Phillip Dutton’s 5*, Olympic and World Championships ride, Z. There have been ups and downs, celebrations and commiserations, but when you’re surrounded by an “odd little group of people singularly obsessed with this somewhat obscure sport of eventing”, you know you’re in for one hell of a ride. [Owner Spotlight]
Sponsor Corner
15 acres practically next door to WEC? Sign me up! This 15-acre Ocala horse farm features two barns, a riding arena, round pen, and Eurosizer.
The dressage display at the Festival of British Eventing in 2018 included a rather unorthodox special guest – Wallace the mule.
Abandoned in Ireland and rescued by the Donkey Sanctuary, Wallace not only found a home when Christie Mclean took him on, but a career too – in dressage.
After some initial queries over his eligibility, Wallace is now fully registered with British Dressage.
Check him out strutting his stuff in the main arena at Gatcombe Park:
It’s National Ice Cream Month so here’s David Doel, a 5* eventer with a side hustle selling ice cream – just one of the titbits I fed my husband in his comprehensive guide to all things eventing/horses. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
My non-horsey husband’s summer break from work started on Saturday, which obviously called for a glass (or four) or something suitably celebratory, which inevitably led to me talking about horses for an hour (or four).
It’s no secret that I am unwillingly without horse and that I want one (or more) badly. (Definitely more.)
About halfway into my horsey musings, my husband asked, “When we actually do have horses, will this increase or decrease?”. I had to laugh at his naivety.
I’m yet to test out my husband on an actual horse.
He failed the cat test early on by claiming to be allergic, but then a stray moved in with us and seven cats later he’s a legitimate TikTok #catdad.
He can name more 5* eventers than I can name soccer players, reads almost everything I write for EN and does appear to listen when I get down and dirty with form and stats in my excitement during the lead-up to a big event – so there’s every hope that when I finally pull a horse out of the bag he’ll do OK.
After 20 years together it’ll be a real shame if I have to cut him loose – let’s hope he’s as allergic to horses as he is cats, otherwise it may be a case of ‘til horse do we part.
Dive into the world of eventing breeding, specifically the Heraldik line – a horse who’s widely heralded as eventing’s greatest sire. With progeny including Michael Jung’s Olympic champion La Biosthetique – Sam and superstar Fischerchipmunk Frh, Ingrid Klimke’s team gold medalist Frh Butts Abraxxas and Tim Price’s Burghley third-placer Vitali, among many, many more, Heraldik is thought to be eventing’s most successful sire. Read up on his humble beginnings, his mixed bag of a career, and how he ended up as super-sire to the eventing world. [Who’s The Daddy?]
And talking of making babies, Kentucky 4* winner Hot Bobo is going to become a mom via embryo transfer. Karl Slezak and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare were the only combination to finish on their dressage when they came home Kentucky 4*-S champions in the spring with the lowest finishing score in the history of the event. With international show jumper Combina as a sire, this Bobo baby is sure to be a hot prospect for its lucky owners. [Hot Bobo Baby]
When William Key, a former slave and self-trained vet, bred his rescued Arab mare with a Standardbred stallion, he was hoping for a racehorse – instead he got the smartest horse in the world. An unimpressive, sickly colt who was named after the town drunk, Jim began with opening the gate and stealing apples. But then he started learning tricks from the dog and his owner decided to see what else Jim could do. Seriously, this horse could spell, do math, tell time, use a phone, faint on command… the list goes on. And the most impressive thing – he was trained using only patience and kindness, no whip needed. [Get That Horse a Cookie]
And on the subject of training horses to do cool things – wouldn’t it be handy to know for sure whether your horse is feeling too hot or too cold? Well, the guessing game may be over as researchers have successfully trained horses to tell their owner whether they’re feeling a bit chilly and would appreciate a cozy blanket, or whether they’re good without right now. Being researchers, they didn’t stop at the training phase. They tested their theory in different conditions and found that when it was warm and sunny, all the horses asked for their blanket to be removed. Likewise, when it was damp and rainy, the horses chose to keep their blankets on. It was concluded that owners tend to over-blanket and that horses would prefer to go without more often than we let them. The team are now working on a study of turnout preferences. [Talking Horses]
Here’s a solution to the no more space in the barn dilemma.The Sims 4 now has a Horse Ranch add-on. As well as enjoying graphics inspired by the American West, you can fill your ranch with horses, mini goats and sheep. You get to muck stalls, harvest hay, and ride on down to the bar in town for a spot of line dancing. There’s even an equestrian park for training purposes. Oh, and there are foals! The project is a collaboration between The Sims team and sensitivity reader Stacey Parshall Jensen, who has ensured that all the details included in the game reflect elements of Native American culture authentically. [Pony Up and Play]
And finally, Harry Styles takes to horseback for his latest music video. After just 20 minutes in the saddle (in his entire life), Harry manages to look effortlessly stylish as he stares down the camera mid-rear. Of course he does. [Harry’s Stylish on Horseback][Watch the Video]
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my face after watching this reel from Ocala Horse Properties 🤤 Only 20 minutes away from WEC, this property features a 20 stall barn, 19 paddocks, and a jumping AND dressage arena. It’s an eventer’s dream!
