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Jenni Autry
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Jenni Autry

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About Jenni Autry

Originally from San Diego, Jenni discovered eventing thanks to the Bedford Hunt Pony Club in Virginia. After working in both newspapers and magazines, she joined the EN team in 2012. She travels extensively covering the U.S. Eventing Team and has reported at the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, Luhmühlen and Pau. As for her favorite event, it’s a toss-up between Aachen and Boekelo. When she isn’t on the road, she’s busy competing her heart horse, Imperial Striker, better known as Derry.

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William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF Lead at Pau

By on Oct 24, 2013 12:26 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF. Photo by Jenni Autry.

William Fox-Pitt held the lead for almost the entire first day of dressage here at Les Etoiles de Pau, and he bested his score from this morning as the second to last test of the day with Seacookie TSF, taking the lead on 41.5. Seacookie finished second at Rolex this year behind Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo, who were the final pair to go today and are tied for second place with William and Neuf des Coeurs on a score of 43.2. Pau is already shaping up to be a showdown between William and Andrew, who each have another horse still to go tomorrow. Andrew rides this year’s Luhmuhlen winner as the second-to-last horse on the second day of dressage, and William rides Cool Mountain, who won Rolex in 2010 and placed second individually at the 2010 WEG, as the final horse of the day.

Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Pau is the Super Bowl for French riders, and many are here this weekend contesting their first CCI4* event or with horses that are new to this level. Maxime Livio stole the show today for France with Cathar De Gamel, a 12-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding that tried his little heart out in his CCI4* debut, scoring 44.8 to sit in fourth place overnight. And the next notable ride of the afternoon came from — drumroll — Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot, who scored 45.7 to tie for fifth place overnight with Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia. Hannah Sue has been working through a naughty streak with William, and I thought he looked much more relaxed than when I last saw him at Plantation Field. Bravo, Hannah Sue!

Maxime Livio and Cathar De Gamel

I interviewed Hannah after her ride, so I’ll be bringing that to you shortly, along with lots of pictures from her test. Clark Montgomery and Universe also went this afternoon for Team USA, scoring 52.0 to sit in 13th place overnight. This year has been all about helping Buzz work through his tendency to tense up in the dressage arena, and he’s had mixed results. The horse was very tense at Badminton — granted, a rearing horse scared him in warm-up — and then more relaxed at Aachen, where the horses did dressage in a more insulated stadium-type of atmosphere. The stadium here at Pau isn’t huge, but it’s certainly still a lot to take in for the horses. The horse is a super mover, and he’s going to be incredibly competitive once he learns to work through the tension. Chin up, Clark.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan was the third pair out for Canada today, and they scored 52.5 to sit just inside the top 15 overnight. I thought the test was perhaps a touch quiet but certainly accurate, and Shandiss is sitting in an excellent spot heading into the cross country. Canada still has one more pair to go tomorrow when Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice take the stage at 2:24 p.m. local time (8:24 a.m. EST). Lynn Symansky and Donner will be the third pair out for Team USA in the first group tomorrow at 9:46 a.m. (3:46 a.m. EST). Michael Pollard and Mensa go at 10:26 a.m. (4:26 a.m. EST), Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at 11:14 a.m. (5:14 a.m. EST), Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott at 12:38 p.m. EST (6:38 a.m. EST), and Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at 2:16 p.m. (8:16 p.m. EST).

Clark Montgomery and Universe. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been another beautiful day at Pau, with temperatures almost too warm at points. People are milling around in shorts and tank tops and tanning themselves next to the dressage arena. Kate and I still have much more to bring you from Pau, including our very own personal press conference with William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson. Kate is uploading all of her fabulous photos to Facebook throughout the day, so be sure to like Eventing Nation on Facebook and keep checking back there. Also, I’ll be tweeting scores for all the of Team USA and Canada, so follow me on twitter @jenniautry. Stay tuned for much more from Pau.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

VIDEO: Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo

VIDEO: Ludvig Svennerstal and Shamwari 4

VIDEO: Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan

William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs Lead the Way at Pau

By on Oct 24, 2013 7:37 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs. Photo by Jenni Autry.

William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs kicked us off here on the first day of dressage at Les Etoiles de Pau, and they set the early benchmark, scoring 43.2 to hold the early lead over Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia. After retiring Neuf Des Coeurs, a 12-year-old French gelding, on cross country at Burghley when he pulled a shoe early on the course, William re-routed here to Pau with the horse, who placed third in the Luhmühlen CCI3* earlier this year. The horse, who goes by the awesome barn name Smurf, scored a 47.7 at Luhmühlen, so I imagine William is quite pleased with his scored here today.

Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Andreas and FRH Fantasia, a 12-year-old Hanoverian mare, are holding second place in the early going on 45.7. I’ve never seen this mare before, and I thought this was a consistent, workmanlike test. Andreas is quite a stylish rider in the dressage, and he also has a second ride here at Pau tomorrow with FRH Butts Leon, the horse Thai eventer Nina Ligon rode in the London Olympics last year. Kiwi rider Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, are sitting in third place on a score of 46.7. This horse is another one I’ve never seen before, and he’s a very nice mover, especially at the trot.

Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Interestingly, the top three scores thus far all came in the first group of tests from this morning. There’s one more score in the 40s thus far in the early going, with Kai Ruder and Leprince Des Bois sitting in fourth place on a score of 47.5. We saw the first riders in the North American contingent this morning, as Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott were first out for Canada, scoring 63.7 for 16th place. Eddie lost the counter canter in the second loop of his serpentine, and he also struggled a bit in his changes, but Peter was all smiles after his test, and he has a great partnership with this horse.

Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee, the next pair out for Canada, had a good test that was unfortunately marred when the horse’s tongue flopped out of his mouth during the canter work, which crushed all of their scores at that gait for a score of 60.2. Based in the UK, Kathryn has been competing this horse at the Advanced level for three seasons, and they were most recently 11th in the CIC3* at Blair Castle. They were also 12th in the Tattersalls CIC3* and have enjoyed many good placings at this level. Kate and I will definitely catch up with Kathryn this weekend for a proper introduction, so stay tuned for that.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bettina Hoy deserves two thumbs up for getting through her test with Lanfranco TSF, who started having problems with keeping his cool  in the dressage at Luhmühlen, where he scored an 80.8 in the dressage. At Burghley, Bettina got as far as the rein back in her dressage test before the horse started rearing and she retired. He reared again today during the rein back, but Bettina pushed through for a score of 64.3. Tom McEwen also had a nice test with Dry Old Party for his personal best score at a CCI4*, improving on his score from Badminton earlier this year to sit in fifth place provisionally on a score of 51.3.

Bettina Hoy and Lanfranco TSF. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re on the lunch break now here at Pau, and we have three more riders to go today for North America. Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan are in the first group to go after the break at 2:16 p.m. local time (8:16 a.m. EST). Then Clark Montgomery and Universe will be the first pair out for Team USA at 3:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. EST), with Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot going in the final group of the day at 4:08 p.m. local time (10:08 a.m. EST). We still have many more exciting rides to come today, including Rolex winners Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo. Stay tuned!

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

 

All Horses Pass First Inspection at Pau CCI4*

By on Oct 23, 2013 12:50 pm -

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Seventy-five horses presented to the ground jury this afternoon in the first horse inspection at the Pau CCI4*. Two were sent to the holding box — Emily Llewellyn’s mount Junior and Merel Blom’s mount Rumour Has It; both horses passed upon reinspection. All seven horses for Team USA and four horses for Team Canada looked fantastic. The U.S. ladies wore navy dresses with brown belts, while the guys sported navy blazers. The Canadians all rocked a more eclectic look, and I especially liked Hawley Bennett-Awad’s flowy blouse and electric blue jeans. Kate and I are heading back to the hotel now to pass out, but we promise to be on our toes tomorrow to bring you all the action from the first day of dressage.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Course Preview]

Pau CCI4* Cross Country Preview

By on Oct 23, 2013 10:25 am -

Fence 16AB. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Hello from warm and sunny Pau! Kate and I arrived on the grounds at around 2:30 p.m., eager to checking out Pierre Michelet’s CCI4* course. This is a big weekend for Team USA, in part because we have seven American horses competing here — by far the most we’ve had at a major European competition in recent memory.

In addition, Pierre is also the course designer for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, so it’s important for our American riders to get as much exposure to his courses as they can in the next year so we can be prepared to tackle the questions there.

After walking the course this afternoon, some of the jumps are smaller than what you’d expect to see at a CCI4*, but don’t think that will make it any less difficult. The course is is long — with 33 jumping efforts in all — but the terrain here is almost entirely flat. The course relies heavily on big galloping fences, and there are definitely some interesting questions.

Coach David O’Connor noted in the rider’s meeting at Plantation Field that Pierre is well-known for his use of three-stride combinations and angled brushes, so I expected to see a lot of those on the course. And, sure enough, we did see a three-stride combination with two big tables very early in the course at fence 4ab.

There are also plenty of angled brushes and skinnies, although they’re not always set in ways that require riders to ride a direct line through the combination. Think bending — or even sweeping lines — like at fence 20ab.

We also noticed that the course doesn’t use a single frangible pin, although there are really only two spots on course that could use pins: fence 19, an upright gate placed on top of a hill,  and fence 30, another upright gate placed toward the very end of the course.

What do you think about the course, EN? The trot up starts in just a few minutes, so we’ll be back with photos and a full report on our American and Canadian pairs. Go Pau!

Pau Links: [Website] [Jog Order]

 

Fair Hill Thrives Under Dutta Corp Sponsorship

By on Oct 21, 2013 1:30 pm -

Dutta Corp Fair Hill CCI2* winners Allie Blyskal-Sacksen and Sparrow's Nio tackle the Dutta Farm Yard. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It has to be a good omen that the first year in recent memory without one drop of rain at Fair Hill also happened to be the first year in which Dutta Corp signed on for the title sponsorship of the fall’s premier event. Indeed, Tim Dutta has a lot to be smiling about today, and I caught up with him this afternoon to find out how his company, which has flown horses around the world for 25 years, came to be the title sponsor of the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Three-Day Event.

“I’ve always shipped event horses, not just for championships and major competitions, but for individuals like the Davidson family, Jennie Brannigan, Colleen Rutledge, Charlie Plumb and Will Coleman since he was a kid,” Tim said. “My philosophy has always been to give back.” So when Jim Wolf, the USEF Executive Director of Sport Programs, told Tim that Dansko was pulling out as the title sponsor of Fair Hill, he said it was a no-brainer to sign on in support of the event.

“It was a 30-second conversation,” Tim said. “Jim told me how important it was to have a title sponsorship in the cycle leading up to the Olympics, and I’m thrilled to be involved. Eventing is horsemanship at it’s finest; it doesn’t get any better.” And to sweeten the deal, Tim also provided a free roundtrip international flight to the winner of the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, and he’s elated that Jan Byyny took home the prize.

“Jan has been an old client and friend of mine, and I’ve flown horses all over the world for her,” Tim said. “With her trials and tribulation and everything she has been through with her health, it’s amazing that she’s back at this level in the sport. Inmidair is a great horse, and I hope this will give them what they need to stand on the podium.”

It seems this is the beginning of a what will hopefully be a long relationship between Dutta Corp and eventing, and Tim has big plans for how he’d like to continue contributing to the sport. “I will stay on and support Fair Hill for as long as I possibly can,” Tim said. “Hopefully the venue will dream of bigger and better things, and the first priority is to substantially increase the prize money.”

In addition to more cash for the top finishers, Tim hinted that Fair Hill is really looking to the future — think adding a second four-star event to North America, developing a Grand Slam competition, and ultimately creating a venue and event that will attract the world’s top riders. “I can only say that Dutta Corp and myself are delighted to be a part of it,” Tim said. The feeling is very much mutual, Tim. Go Dutta Corp.

Final Thoughts from Fair Hill International

By on Oct 20, 2013 9:08 pm -

Phillip Dutton gives Jan Byyny some last-minute advice before her show jumping trip in the CCI3* at Fair Hill International. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In the spirit of my quick press conference report from yesterday, here are the most interesting tidbits from the CCI2* and CCI3* press conferences at Fair Hill. Thanks to everyone who followed along with my coverage this weekend. It’s going to be an exciting week as we switch our focus to Pau, where Kate and I will be tag-teaming coverage to bring you all the information we possibly can on the seven Americans and four Canadians contesting the CCI4*. Go eventing.

1. There was hardly a dry eye in the house this afternoon when Jan Byyny clinched the win in the CCI3* with Inmidair. Jan has overcome so much since her life-changing accident in 2010, and it was incredibly touching to see all the riders rally around her and root for her. And no one wanted this win for Jan more than Buck, who would have won had she pulled another rail in the show jumping.

2. Confession: I’m a big softie, and seeing Buck so emotional in the press conference really got to me. “The reason I’m in this sport is because of Jan, and the reason I almost left is because of Jan,” Buck said in a very honest moment. Jan came to work for Bruce Davidson when she was just 17, and she schooled Buck’s ponies for him, ultimately playing a big role in helping him catch the bug for eventing.

3. Buck had an up-and-down day, as Wiley Post refused twice at the first jump in the CCI2*, leading to elimination. When asked how he put that out of his mind to deliver a double clear trip in the CCI3* with Park Trader, Buck said, “I do it every weekend. I fall off some, and I win some. As soon as I lose, I forget about it, and as soon as I win, I forget about it.”

4. Fair Hill is Allie Blyskal-Sacksen’s hometown event, as she grew up five miles away and used to hack on the grounds in her Pony Club days. She started out volunteering for the event and graduated to grooming and working in the vet box, and now she’s won the CCI2* with Sparrow’s Nio. Talk about a Cinderella story, right?

5. Allie and Neo pulled seven rails at Jersey Fresh this spring and delivered a double clear trip today, so what changed? After Jersey, Allie put a video camera in her husband Sam’s hand and had him record her jumping over and over again until she figured out what she needed to tweak. I’d say the strategy worked.

6. And in another interesting tidbit, Sam Sacksen, Allie’s husband, competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in modern pentathlon. Allie said having someone on her support team who understands competing at a high level is extremely valuable. “I don’t need a lot of coaching,” Allie said. “I just need someone to tell me to sit tall.”

7. The last thing Allie thinks to herself when going into the ring for show jumping: “Don’t puke.” That’s because she actually went through what she affectionally calls a puking phase, in which she narrowly missed a few ring stewards. The good news is she’s got it under control now. Mind over matter?

Go Fair Hill. [Live Scores]

Fair Hill Show Jumping Video Diary

By on Oct 20, 2013 7:27 pm -

The sweet taste of victory. Photo by Jenni Autry.

As promised, here are the videos I shot today of the CCI3* and CCI2* show jumping at Fair Hill International. For the CCI3*, you’ll definitely want to watch the trips of Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda and Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries, as they both went double clear. In the CCI2*, be sure to watch Ryan Wood and Frankie, Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa, and Buck Davidson and Santa’s Keeper, as they all jumped double clear. Still much more to come from Fair Hill. Stay tuned. [Live Scores]

CCI3* Show Jumping

CCI2* Show Jumping

Jan Byyny and Inmidair Win the Fair Hill CCI3*

By on Oct 20, 2013 4:11 pm -

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Poles started tumbling down toward the end of the CCI3* show jumping at Fair Hill, giving Jan Byyny the breathing room she needed to clinch the win with Inmidair. JR was jumping out of his skin in warmup, and Jan ultimately blamed the rail they pulled on herself when she rehashed her round in the press conference after the awards ceremony. But she still wins the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, which includes a free roundtrip overseas flight to the international competition of her choice courtesy of Tim Dutta. That’s valued at approximately $20,000; not a bad prize, eh? It’s been a long way back to this point for Jan, who’s overcome so much since the 2010 injury that nearly ended her riding career. There were quite a few tears in the awards ceremony, and the consensus amongst the riders is that no one deserves this more than Jan. I couldn’t agree more.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson became the man to beat after he put in a double clear clear show jumping trip with Park Trader, and they ultimately finished in second place. Kobe re-routed to Fair Hill after a freak fall toward the end of the cross-country course at Burghley last month, and he jumped very well today. Conair also jumped beautifully in the warmup, but he took the very first rail on course, which bumped Will Coleman down once spot in the standings to finish in third place. Will said in the press conference that he felt like the horse perhaps jumped a bit casually, and he has plenty of homework to tackle in the offseason. Doug Payne is another rider kicking himself for a rail this afternoon, and he ultimately dropped down one place to finish in fourth place with Crown Talisman. That said, I think the horse grew up immensely this weekend, and Doug has found himself an incredible partner for the future.

Will Coleman and Conair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson rounds out the top five with Fernhill Fearless, followed by Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, who finished the weekend as the highest-placed rider in a first-time three-star appearance. And Tim Bourke is also very deserving of a shout out, as he jumped double clear in both the cross country and show jumping with Luckaun Quality to finish his first three-star on his dressage score in eighth place. We just wrapped up a very emotionally charged press conference, and I have much more to bring you from Fair Hill, including a full press conference report for both the CCI2* and CCI3* riders and lots of video. But first I must retreat to better internet. Thank you to all the officials and volunteers for a fantastic, rain-free weekend at Fair Hill, and thank you to Tim Dutta for providing the title sponsorship for the fall’s premier event. Anyone want to take a guess as to where Jan will fly with her free flight? The world is at her fingertips. Stay tuned for much for more Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores]

Allie Blyskal-Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio Win Fair Hill CCI2*

By on Oct 20, 2013 12:10 pm -

Allie Blyskal-Sacksen and Sparrow's Nio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie Blyskal-Sacksen has had a hell of a weekend with Sparrow’s Nio, her 15.3-hand powerhouse Connemara-cross I’ve publicly declared my undying love for throughout the season. She joked in the press conference yesterday that she came to Fair Hill this year in part to prove to Eventing Nation she could do dressage. She certainly drove that point home on Friday, scoring 47.8 to sit in eighth place in a very competitive CCI2* going into the cross country. Allie and Sparrow’s Nio then delivered one of the 10 double-clear trips across the country yesterday, moving them into second place overnight. That’s where the story gets really good, as Allie admitted yesterday that show jumping is not this horse’s strongest phase. But none of that matters right now, as they jumped a fantastic clear round under immense pressure just minutes ago.

Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I’m not sure any of us expected Sharon White and Under Suspection to pull a rail as the final pair to show jump this morning, but they took a pole in the triple combination, giving Allie and Sparrow’s Nio the win. The photo above of Allie’s reaction to jumping that clear round says it all. And as I’m typing this, Allie also just received the Best Conditioned Horse Award. Enjoy your time in the spotlight, Allie. You earned this! We also saw lovely clear trips from Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic and Colleen Loach and Freespirit. They both came into the show jumping tied for third place, and Ryan edges Colleen for second because he was two second closer to the optimum time on cross country. Colleen’s mare is a fireball, and she also delivered the fastest show-jumping round of the division today. Sharon White and Under Suspection finished the weekend in fourth place, while Danielle Dichting and The Graduate round out your top five.

Colleen Loach and Freespirit. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We saw 16 double clear show jumping rounds in all in the CCI2*, and it’s always great to see so many horses looking fresh and jumping well after a grueling cross-country day. Rails fell all throughout the course, with the triple claiming multiple pairs, as well as the liverpool about mid-way through the course. I have to give the unofficial Stylish Round of the Day Award to Kurt Martin and Anna Bella, a 7-year-old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred mare I featured earlier this year in EN’s Got Talent; Kurt and Anna Bella finished the weekend in sixth place. This mare is such a super jumper and incredibly careful with her hind end; I wish I’d recorded video of her round to show you. And speaking of video, I’m not having any luck getting show jumping footage to upload, so I’ll be bringing those videos to you just as soon as I can. We have a long break now until the CCI3* show jumping starts at 1:30 p.m.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Order of Go]

All Horses Pass Final Inspection at Fair Hill

By on Oct 20, 2013 9:54 am -

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All horses that presented at the final horse inspection will move on to the show jumping, which begins with the CCI2* at 10 a.m. EST. Charles Plumb withdrew Ard Denzil from the CCI2* after cross country, so 45 horses trotted up this morning in that division. Ryan Wood’s mount Frankie and Hallie Coon’s mount Namaste were both held but passed upon reinspection. In the CCI3*, Susan Beebee withdrew Wolf after cross country, leaving 26 to present for the ground jury. Werner Geven’s mount Vias County was sent to the holding box but passed upon reinspection.

While you wait for my coverage from the show jumping, check out some additional cross-country video footage from our good friend Thehorsepesterer, who has great clips of the overnight leaders in both the CCI2* and the CCI3*. It’s another beautiful day here, and I’m not sure how long it’s been since we’ve made it through a Fair Hill weekend without one drop of rain falling during the day. It’s fitting weather for the 25th anniversary weekend. Stay tuned for much more from Fair Hill. Go eventing.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Order of Go]

What You Need to Know from Fair Hill

By on Oct 19, 2013 8:30 pm -

Sally Cousins and Ideal Contini before their fall. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I could give you a play-by-play of the press conference with the top three riders in the CCI3* and CCI2* at Fair Hill International, but I decided it would be much more interesting to bring you the highlights in a quickfire format. But first, I’m relieved to report that Sally Cousins has been released from Christiana Hospital with a concussion. She had a scary fall from Ideal Contini at fence 16 in the CCI3*, and it thankfully seems like she’s going to be just fine. Without further ado, a brief summary of the press conference:

1. Ryan Wood, who’s currently tied for third place in the CCI2* with Fernhill Classic, hasn’t competed at Fair Hill in five years. When Ryan hesitated to give an explanation as to why it’s been so long, reporter extraordinaire Nancy Jaffer asked him if he’d been in jail all this time.

2. Allie Blyskal-Sacksen, who’s in second place in the CCI2* with Sparrow’s Nio, her powerhouse porse — a pony-horse hybrid, if you will — said she came back to Fair Hill in part this year to prove to Eventing Nation that she could, in fact, do dressage. Touche, Allie. We think you’re awesome.

3. This is Colleen Loach’s first-ever trip to Fair Hill, and she capitalized on it with her catty mare Freespirit; they’re currently tied for third in the CCI2* with Ryan and Fernhill Classic. Clayton Fredericks issued a mandatory team trot-up for all the Canadian horses at the end of cross country, and Colleen kept him waiting to speak at the press conference. Sorry about that, Clayton.

4. Everyone agreed in the press conference that Brian O’Connor was a bit too hard on Sharon’s past bad luck here. Yes — she broke her hip here a few years ago. But that injury is long in the past, and she’s enjoying the overnight lead in the CCI2* with Under Suspection. For what it’s worth, I know Brian is a huge Team Orange fan, so we won’t hold it against him.

5. Jan Byyny had two stops with Inmidair here last year; what a difference 365 days make, and she’s sitting atop the leader board in the CCI3* tonight. She said she tends to ride much better when she doesn’t count and worry about the striding and instead allow herself to just follow her plan. It certainly worked for her today.

6. Will Coleman, on the other hand, admitted he didn’t have much of a plan at all this morning, mere hours before he set out on course with Conair. He watched some of the riders in the two-star and eventually hashed out a strategy that definitely worked, as he’s sitting in second place overnight in the CCI3*.

7. Doug Payne said he thought a lot of the problems at Fair Hill happen because riders discount the fact that many of the landing spots to the fences are lower than the take-off points, which catches horses off guard. As Doug put it, that accentuates mistakes made on the take-off side. That’s great insight from the rider who’s sitting in third place in the CCI3* overnight with Crown Talisman.

And last but not least, check out this footage from the influential Dutta Farm Yard in the CCI3*, where so many riders had trouble at the B and C corners. Watch each of the riders and horses navigate 13ABC and vote for who jumped it best. The final horse inspection starts at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, and show jumping begins at 10 a.m. Go Fair Hill. [Live Scores]

Jan Byyny and Inmidair Jump Into Fair Hill CCI3* Lead

By on Oct 19, 2013 5:00 pm -

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Holy Fair Hill. Derek Di Grazia’s CCI3* cross country course certainly lived up to the hype in an afternoon that totally turned the leader board upside down. With the dust settled, Jan Byyny and Inmidair are your new overnight leaders thanks to a clear trip with just two time penalties. I’m over the moon for Jan, who’s overcome so much to get to this point. JR is a tricky ride and known for his shenanigans in the little white box, and Jan handled him very well in the dressage yesterday for a solid score of 45.6 to sit in fifth place overnight. And they absolutely smoked the course today to finish as the only pair still in the 40s; they take a score of 47.6 into the show jumping tomorrow.

Will Coleman and Conair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Coleman has to be thrilled with his new ride Conair, who delivered the first double clear trip of the afternoon in the CCI3*. That effort moved them from 12th up to second place, and they move forward on their dressage score of 50.2. The horse looked very good when I saw them through the tricky Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena, and he’s turning into a very exciting partner for Will. Doug Payne and Crown Talisman came into the day in second place overnight after a very good dressage test, and he gave Tali a slower, educational round to come home clear with 6.8 time penalties. They go into the show jumping in third place on a score of 50.4, and they’re certainly still within striking distance, as there’s just one rail separating the top three currently.

Doug Payne and Crown Talisman. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We saw just four double clear rounds today. In addition to Will and Conair, Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless delivered an excellent double clear, moving them from 17th up into fourth place. And the story of the day has to be Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, who came here from Texas on a Land Rover Training Grant and put in a double clear trip to move from 21st to sixth place. Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality also added no penalties to their dressage score and move all the way from 30th to eighth place in Tim’s first-ever three-star appearance. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to Libby Head and Sir Rockstar, who came home with just 0.4 time penalties to move from 32nd to 10th place.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Those huge leaps up the leader board for riders who delivered clear and fast trips sheds some light on just how much trouble the course caused today. Overnight leaders Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda had a stop at 13C in the Dutta Farm Yard, which was originally not scored as a stop but later added once the technical delegate conferred with the fence judges in the main arena. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man had a bummer of a day, picking up stops at the keyhole at fence 13A in the Dutta Farm Yard and two more stops at the double angled brushes at fence 20, leading to elimination. And in a moment none of us expected, Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville, who were sitting in fourth place after dressage, parted ways at the log drop at fence 21.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We unfortunately had one serious fall when Sally Cousins and Ideal Contini both went down at Rachel’s Walls at fence 16. There was quite a long hold on course as the medics attended to Sally, and she’s been transported to nearby Christiana hospital for further examination. She was reportedly talking to the medics at the scene of the accident, and we’re sending our best wishes to Sally. In all, just 25 riders made it around the CCI3* course, with only 15 of those being clear trips. Seven riders were eliminated on course, with three falling. The vast majority of the problems came in the Dutta Farm Yard, which I stayed at all day shooting lots of video. We’re about to have the press conference with the top riders in the CCI3* and CCI2*. Stay tuned for much more from Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Interactive Course Map] [Live Updates]

Fair Hill CCI3* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Oct 19, 2013 1:20 pm -

Photo courtesy of Fair Hill

We’ve just wrapped up the CCI2* cross country at Fair Hill — click here for the full report — and now we’re kicking off the CCI3* cross country. I’ll be bringing you live updates on all the action as I’m out on the course all day. Fair Hill uploaded an excellent interactive course map, so be sure to check that out here. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda are the overnight leaders on 42.6, followed by Doug Payne and Crown Talisman on 43.6, and Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man on 44. Tune in to the PRO Tour Radio coverage hosted by Brian O’Conner and Michael Tucker by clicking here. Go Fair Hill!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [XC Times] [Interactive Course Map] [PRO Radio Stream]

1:20: Werner Geven had stops at fences 7 and 25. Live scores are showing that they were eliminated.

1:24: Phillip Dutton has withdrawn Fernhill Fugitive.

1:25: Jon Holling retires after a stop at fence 21 with Proper Timing. They picked up another stop earlier in the course too.

1:28: Susan Beebee and Wolf had a stop at the C element in the Dutta Farm Yard, which is a big corner.

1:34: Julie Norman and Consensus had a runout at fence 18 at the Chesapeake Water.

1:39: Katie Ruppel and Houdini had a runout at the first corner in the Dutta Farm Yard and then another stop at the second corner before retiring.

1:42: Doug Payne and Crown Talisman came home clear with 6.8 time and are the pair to beat.

1:45: I just walked through the trade fair and there are very large crowds out today enjoying the weather.

1:51: Sharon White and Wundermaske came home clear and four seconds over the time.

1:52: Libby Head and Sir Rockstar came super close to being our first double clear.

1:54: Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit picked up a stop at fence 20.

1:56: Lauren Kieffer and Cosima had a glance off at fence 21b, an angled brush.

2: Katie Willis and Polar Storm had a stop at the B corner in the Dutta Farm Yard before scrambling over the C corner. They picked up another stop at 16c.

2:05: Beth Perkins and Sal Dali had a runout at 16c and might have missed the flags on second pass.

2:06: Jimmie Schramm had a stop at the C corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

2:07: Beth Perkins and Sal Dali picked up another stop at fence 21 and then a third stop later in the course.

2:11: Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy picked up another stop late in the course. Brian is saying that eliminates them, although I thought they only had two stops.

2:12: Sally Cousins and Ideal Contini fell at Rachel’s Walls at 16. The horse is up and Sally is being seen by the medics. We now have a hold on course.

2:14: Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda had a sticky trip through the B corner at the Dutta Farm Yard and then a stop at C. They cleared on the second pass and Ping caught the flag in his tail and took it all the way out of the arena. They were pulled up soon after due to the hold and the flag was retrieved.

2:18: For inquiring minds, Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville were held before starting on course. No word yet on Sally’s condition.

2:20: Sally will be transported away from the scene by the medics.

2:25: Sally is reportedly talking to the medics. Still no word on her condition. The hold will be lifted soon.

2:30: Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda have been restarted here in the main arena.

2:38: It’s being reported that Jennie and Ping will not receive the penalty points for that stop in the main arena. She came home clear with 12 time penalties.

2:40: Sinead Halpin fell from Manoir De Carneville at fence 21. She’s bring seen by the medics and is OK.

2:41: Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass retired early in the course.

2:44: Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision had a runout at the B corner in the main arena and the took the flag at the C corner and continued on. She should have gone back, and she’s now being eliminated.

2:46: Lillian Heard and Share Option took the flag at the C corner in the main arena but are clear.

2:47: The fence judges are discussing Jennie’s stop in the main arena. I saw her have the stop there, so I’m guessing those 20 penalties will be added back to her score.

2:50: Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star had a stop at the B corner in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. They had two more stops at Rachel’s Walls at fence 16 and are eliminated.

2:54: Buck Davidson and Park Trader made quick work of the tricky Dutta Farm Yard complex in the main arena.

2:58: Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War had a stop at 7b and another at fence 11, where she retired.

3: Buck and Park Trader came home clear with 6.4 time to move into the top three.

3:02: Will Coleman and Conair are the first double clear of the day and take the lead.

3:03: Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man had a stop at the keyhole in the main arena before the double corners. She then had another stop at fence 16. They picked up another stop at fence 20, leading to elimination.

3:08: Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out both fell at fence 7. No word on their condition yet.

3:09: Nora is reportedly up. No word on the horse.

3:10: Jan Byyny and Inmidair have been stopped since Nora is in the neighboring galloping lane.

3:15: We’re back underway now.

3:18: Jan Byyny and Inmidair come home clear with 2 time penalties to take the lead. Only Buck and Petite Flower can catch them today.

3:20: The ground jury just confirmed that Jennie and Cambalda will be assessed 20 penalties for that stop in the Dutta Farm Yard.

3:25: Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless came home 15 seconds inside the time to become the second double clear.

3:26: Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV had a runout at the C corner in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. She then fell at Rachel’s Walls at fence 16 and is reportedly OK.

3:29: Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin had stops at both the B and C corners in the Dutta Farm Yard.

3:30: Coal Creek and Tsunami have been withdrawn. Lizzie Snow fell from Ringfort Tinkaturk in warmup this morning, while Sally fell from Ideal Contini earlier this afternoon.

3:32: Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries had a stop at fence 5.

3:42: Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon are the third double clear of the day.

3:43: Timothy Bourke and Luckaun Quality are the fourth double clear. This is Tim’s first three-star. Well done, Tim!

3:48: Buck Davidson and Petite Flower had a glance off at 11b, so Jan and Inmidair will be your overnight leaders.

3:51: Buck and Flower had another stop at 16b at Rachel’s Walls. He retired at the Chesapeake Water.

3:58: Selena O’Hanlon and A First a Romance had a stop at 16b and retired on course.

4:05: I’ve just confirmed that Sally has been taken to Christiana Hospital for further examination.

4:10: Phillip Dutton and William Penn come home clear with 8.4 time penalties. They’re the last pair home. Stay tuned for the full report.

Sharon White and Under Suspection Deliver at Fair Hill CCI2*

By on Oct 19, 2013 1:12 pm -

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Despite riding with a broken hand, Sharon White delivered a cracking double clear cross-country trip today with Under Suspection, which makes them the new leaders in the CCI2* at Fair Hill on 43.9. Sharon started her partnership with this mare back in April when she came over from Dirk Schrade’s barn in Germany, and I think it’s safe to say at this point that this is an exciting horse for the future. I watched Allie Blyskal-Seckson and Sparrow’s Nio come through the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena with photographer extraordinaire Amy Dragoo — who is also the founding member of Allie’s unofficial fan club — and we cheered her all the way through. This 15.3-hand Connemara-cross gelding delivered the fastest cross-country trip of the day — coming home a whopping 20 seconds inside the time — and Allie said in a quick interview after her trip that if anything the horse was almost too bold in places. That double clear trip moves them up from eighth to second place on 47.8.

Allie Blyskal and Sparrow's Nio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We have a tie for third place, as Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic and Colleen Loach and Freespirit both delivered double clear trips to move forward on their dressage scores on 49.7. I watched Ryan and Fernhill Classic through the Dutta Farm Yard with Caitlin Silliman, and she said the horse is very green, so their double clear trip over such a tough course is a real accomplishment. Danielle Dichting and The Graduate round out the top five with a clear trip and just 2.8 time penalties. We saw 10 double clear trips out of the 64 pairs who contested the course, and I have to give a huge shout out to EN’s Got Talent superstars Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime, who delivered one of those double clear trips. Fifteen additional pairs delivered clear rounds with time penalties, and Kurt Martin and Anna Bella — another pair I’ve featured in EN’s Got Talent — picked up just 0.8 time penalties to sit in sixth place overnight.

Colleen Loach and Freespirit. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The course certainly took its toll on the riders, with 16 picking up one stop; nine picking up two stops; and eight picking up three stops, ultimately leading to elimination. Overnight leaders Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa ran into trouble at the Dutta Farm Yard, picking up a stop at the big corner there and another stop at the Haunted In and Out later in the course. Seven of the riders who had stops on course ultimately retired, and four riders parted ways with their horses. The Springhouse Water Complex late in the course claimed three pairs to falls: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim; Ariel Grald and LBF Oleagh’s Image; and Boyd Martin and New Cadet, who reportedly flew through the air in very dramatic fashion. Alexa Kim Perkiel fell from Mandiba at fence 18 in the Haunted Osage Grove; they were sitting in sixth place after the dressage. All horses and riders are OK after the falls. The CCI3* is about to start now. Stay tuned for much more!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [XC Times] [Interactive Course Map] [PRO Radio Stream] [Live Updates]

Fair Hill CCI2* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Oct 19, 2013 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Fair Hill

Good morning from Fair Hill! It’s another beautiful day at Fair Hill, and CCI2* cross country kicks off at 9 a.m. I’ll be bringing you live updates on all the action as I’m out on the course all day. Fair Hill uploaded an excellent interactive course map, so be sure to check that out here. Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa are the overnight leaders on a score of 41.4, followed by Sharon White and Under Suspection on 43.9, and Leslie Law and Billy Wiz on 44.2. Tune in to the PRO Tour Radio coverage hosted by Brian O’Conner and Michael Tucker by clicking here. Go Fair Hill!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [XC Times] [Interactive Course Map] [PRO Radio Stream]

9:10 a.m.: Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa had a runout at the C element in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. It’s a big corner after the  keyhole and skinny.

9:14 a.m.: Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic come home with no jumping penalties and 11 seconds inside the time.

9:16 a.m. Boyd and Pancho Villa had another stop at the Haunted In And Out and were clear on the second attempt.

9:20: Kristen Bond and Seams Ready had a stop at the angled brushes at fence 18 and the picked up another stop at the corner out of the Chesapeake Water.

9:25: Ian Roberts and Faolan came home as the second double clear well inside the time.

9:30: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim picked up a first stop at the water and a second stop at the corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

9:37: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim parted ways at the Springhouse Water Complex.

9:41: Lillian Heard and FYI had a runout at the Springhouse Water Complex.

9:46: Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy deliver the third double clear of the morning.

9:50: Colleen Loach and Freespirit are the fourth double clear.

9:54: Chelsea Martin and Bleak House had a stop at the big corner at the Dutta Farm Yard.

9:56: Babette Lena and Little Oliver had a stop in the first water. They then picked up a second stop at the tricky corner in the main arena and retired.

10:03: Caitlin Romeo and Spirit of the Outback picked up a stop at the final brush in the Haunted In and Out.

10:06: Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect also picked up a stop at the big corner in the main arena.

10:08: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle picked up a stop in the Springhouse Water Complex.

10:14: Jodi Hemry and In Style had a runout at fence 11.

10:15: Eliza Farren and Fuscia Diamond retired after two stops at fence 7.

10:16: Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude came home clear with 2.8 time penalties.

10:18: Mary Macklin and Mahogany Beauteo had a runout at the Chesapeake Water and a stop at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

10:27: Leslie Law and Billy Wiz came home clear with 10 time penalties, which will still keep them inside the top 10.

10:29: Lucy Disston and Captain Jack had a runout at the Chesapeake Water and another at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

10:32: Ashley MacVaugh and Fernhill Can Do had a stop at the Springhouse Water Complex and then retired.

10:34: Lucy Disston had another stop at the Chesapeake Water and is eliminated.

10:36: Lizzie Snow has withdrawn Ringfort Tinkaturk after she fell in warm up.

10:38: Sharon White and Under Suspection came home double clear to a swarm of supporters wearing orange at the finish line.

10:43: Sarah Dunkerton and Metapeake had a stop in the Chesapeake Water.

10:50: Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty had a runout at the Chesapeake Water.

11:00: Reports from the medical teams confirm that Lizzie Snow is just fine after her fall this morning.

11:06: EN’s Got Talent superstars Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime come home as the seventh double clear trip of the day so far.

11:08: Heather Gillette and Boris O’Hara had a runout in the Chesapeake Water and retired there.

11:15: Laura VanderVliet and Running Wolfe had a runout at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. They picked up another stop later in the course and retired.

11:18: Victoria Long and All That Jazz had a runout in the Chesapeake Water. They were eliminated after more stops later in the course.

11:20: Brynn Hamel and Cavalier Clover Boy picked up a stop early in the course and then two stops in the Splash, leading to elimination.

11:28: Mara DePuy and Alimit had a stop in the Chesapeake Water.

11:30: Alexa and Mandiba parted ways at fence 18. The horse is heading back to the start.

11:31: Allie Blyskal and Sparrow’s Nio came home with the fastest time of the day at 8 minutes flat to move into second place.

11:33: Leslie Chelstrom and Cecelia have withdrawn.

11:48: Dasha Ivandaeva and Autorytet had a stop in the Springhouse Water Complex.

11:50: Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor had a runout at the Cedar Cabin at fence 11.

11:55: Edith Lee had two stops at the big corner in the main arena and retired.

11:56: Ariel Grald fell late in the course at the Springhouse Water Complex.

11:59: Diana Burnett had a stop at the first water and another stop at the big corner in the main arena. She retired right after.

12:02: Holly Payne and Never Outfoxed had a stop at a skinny brush late in the course. She still made it under the time even with that runout. Crazy!

12:03: Kimberly Kojima and High Time had a stop at fence 7 in the Chesapeake Water.

12:09: Holly Jacks and More Inspiration had a stop at the Chesapeake Water. And two more stops late in the course for mandatory retirement.

12:14: Abigail Wilson and Fernhill Flag had two stops at fence 11 and retired.

12:18: Kurt Martin and DeLux Z had a runout at the Chesapeake Water.

12:22: Boyd Martin parted ways from New Cadet in dramatic fashion at the Splash. Both are OK.

12:28: Buck Davidson and Wiley Post are the ninth pair to come home clear and inside the time.

12:33: Sean McIntosh and Wild T’Mater are the 10th double clear and will move way up the leader board with that trip.

12:35: Lucia Strini and Petit Filou II had a runout at fence 18. This is the last pair on course.

Dressage Videos from Fair Hill International CCI3*

By on Oct 18, 2013 8:55 pm -

Fierce.

As promised, here are the dressage videos from the CCI3* at Fair Hill, including five of the top six rides in the division. I have to send a special shout out to Thehorsepesterer for sending me a video of Doug Payne and Crown Talisman’s test, as I realized halfway through their test that I forgot to push the dang record button. He also passed along HD versions of Jennie Brannigan and Sinead Halpin’s tests, so show him some love and go check out his YouTube channel.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Click for HD video from Thehorsepesterer

Video courtesy of Thehorsepesterer

Click for HD video from Thehorsepesterer

The View From World Equestrian Brands: Paria Plateau

By on Oct 18, 2013 6:30 pm -

EN loves photos shot between the ears! If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] with a quick blurb about the photo’s story. This week’s View comes to us from Mary Williams.

From Mary:

Members of the Grand Canyon Hounds hunt took a weekend off to camp and ride on the Paria Plateau on the Utah-Arizona border, just a few hours north of home base in Flagstaff, Ariz. This was our turnaround point — at 8 miles out — overlooking Buckskin Gulch (a 13-mile-long slot canyon). The ears belong to 17-year-old Prince Rillian, my BN eventing, trail riding, foxhunting, cattle-pushing and everything-else-you-want-to-do TB.

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower Rise to the Occasion

By on Oct 18, 2013 5:12 pm -

Buck Davidson Petite Flower. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower had the strongest test of the final group in the CCI3* at Fair Hill, scoring 46.8 to sit in sixth place overnight. I’m a sucker for catty mares, and Flower is a lot of fun to watch across all three phases. She’s very good in the dressage and relaxes nicely in the little white box, which allows Buck to really show off her lovely movement. She’s also a rocket across the country, and she’s definitely going to be competitive tomorrow. Buck’s sub-50 score means we finished the day with 10 horse-and-rider pairs cracking the 40s, which is 22 percent of the field; four of those were scores of 45 or lower. Looking back to last year’s scores in the CCI3* at Fair Hill, we only had six riders crack the 40s, and just two of those had sub-45 scores. While that’s not a huge jump, we’ve still nearly doubled our number of riders and horses earning scores that could be considered internationally competitive.

Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Speaking of horse-and-rider pairs that earned a score in the 40s, I have to apologize to Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star, whose score was entered incorrectly in the live scoring earlier today. They scored 46.8 to sit in equal seventh place with Buck and Flower overnight, so I’m including them in my reports a bit belatedly. Tag has been very consistent in the dressage this year, and while he played and fussed a bit today, he still looked very good. Courtney and Tag were one of the pairs to part ways in the water complex at Plantation Field, but they romped around Jersey Fresh in good form earlier this year, so they absolutely have the experience to get around Derek’s course tomorrow. We’re about to start the press conference, and I still have much more to bring you, including photos of the cross-country course and all the dressage videos I couldn’t upload today due to slow-as-molasses wifi. Stay tuned!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV Jump Into Top 10 at Fair Hill

By on Oct 18, 2013 4:07 pm -

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV put in their usual solid test to move into the top 10 in the CCI3* at Fair Hill with their score of 48. Remi was a bit fussy in the canter work today, which I imagine affected their submission score, but overall this was a very good performance, and Caitlin and Remi became the ninth pair we’ve seen today to score in the 40s. I had a good chat this afternoon with Denis Glaccum and Will Faudree, who agreed we need to look at our scores here in American through an international lens, especially when talking about how we can raise the bar to one day be on an equal playing field with Europe. It’s encouraging to see nearly 10 scores in the 40s — with four of them 45 or less — and it’s definitely an indicator that we’re on the right track to improving the quality of our dressage here in the States.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sally Cousins and Tsunami performed what has to be one of the best tests I’ve ever seen from them to score 50.8, which ties them for 10th with Susan Beebee and Wolf. Sue tends to be very tense in the dressage, but she relaxed nicely today and had some good moments in the test. These two shine on the cross country, so they’ve placed themselves in a very good position to move up the leader board tomorrow, as they sit just outside the top 10. Look for Sally and Sue to have a cracking double clear round tomorrow. We also saw a nice test this afternoon from Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, another of the West Coast pairs who received a Land Rover Competition Grant to compete here at Fair Hill this weekend. Ellen has worked so hard to produce Obie, and her dedication is really starting to pay off; they scored 53.6, which I believe should put them into 18th place.

Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries are sitting close behind them on a score of 54.8. Unfortunately, Bucky swapped leads coming down the center line to the salute; that’s the third U.S. horse I’ve seen pull that stunt in a major competition in the last week, so that has to point to a conspiracy. Bucky is another horse who struggles to hold it together in the dressage, but he handled the atmosphere well today. We’re now heading into the fifth and final group of riders in the CCI3*. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda still hold the lead on a score of 42.6, with Doug Payne and Crown Talisman in second on a 43.6, and Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man in third place on 44. I’d like to take this time to thank Mother Nature for sending us such beautiful weather so far for the weekend. After wondering if I would ever be warm again last week in Boekelo, this is a very welcome change. Go Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Katy Groesbeck Brings West Coast Flair to Fair Hill

By on Oct 18, 2013 2:25 pm -

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katy Groesbeck stole the show in the first group to go after the lunch break in the CCI3* at Fair Hill this afternoon, putting in a really lovely test with Oz the Tin Man to move into third place on a 44. Based on the West Coast, Katy received a Land Rover travel grant to compete at Fair Hill this weekend, and she made the most of it with this super little Anglo-Arabian gelding. I’ve never seen Katy ride in person before, and she’s a relaxed, soft rider who looks to have a really great partnership with Oz. This pair won the dressage at the AECs last month, and the big challenge this weekend is going to be delivering a clear cross-country trip. I’m sending lots of EN karma to Katy and Oz for a clear and fast trip tomorrow.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair also rose to the occasion this afternoon, scoring 45.6 to move into fifth place behind Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville. You never know quite what you’re going to get with JR, as he’s infamous for his dressage meltdowns. But he came to play today, and Jan absolutely made the most of it, showing off his fabulous trot and really pushing him in the canter work. JR had a few naughty moments at the canter, and they really could have challenged Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda for the lead had it not been for that, but I know Jan has to be thrilled with him. Buck Davidson and Park Trader are sitting just behind Jan and JR in sixth place on a score of 45.8, and this was also a very nice test. This is Kobe’s first event back since taking a spill at Burghley, and he looks in fine form to tackle the cross country tomorrow.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader

Lillian Heard and Share Option were another pair to crack the 40s this afternoon — we’ve had eight in all — scoring 47.6 to sit in seventh place provisionally. They had a bit of bad luck at Plantation when they parted ways at the now infamous water complex, but this pair has more than enough experience to get around Derek’s course tomorrow. We’re now heading into the fourth of five groups in the CCI3* dressage at Fair Hill, with Kaitlin Spurlock and Expedience leading off after the break. I have videos of Katy and Buck’s tests, but I’ve totally given up on trying to upload anything here at the grounds, so you’ll sadly have to wait until tonight when I have access to speedy internet. The live scores are running a little behind, so hopefully I’ve brought you all the accurate scores and placings — apologies for any mistakes! Go Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda Soar Into CCI3* Lead at Fair Hill

By on Oct 18, 2013 12:24 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We knew coming into the weekend that Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda would be a very tough pair to beat in the CCI3* at Fair Hill, and they lived up the hype today, scoring 42.6 to just edge Doug Payne and Crown Talisman to hold the lead at the lunch break. Ping warmed up beautifully under the watchful eye of Phillip Dutton, and he delivered a near foot-perfect test with Jennie in the irons. There’s no question Jennie and Ping can deliver a clear round tomorrow over Derek Di Grazia’s cross-country course, so now we wait to see if anyone can catch them in the dressage. Despite a year that hasn’t gone their way, Jennie is incredibly upbeat about where she is right now with this horse, and she totally believes in him. Watch out for them tomorrow.

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville went just after Jennie and Ping, and I expected the French Princess to dance his way right into the lead. Unfortunately — and in a deja vu moment of what happened to Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Boekelo last weekend — Tate swapped leads down the centerline before the first halt. Blips that early on in the test are a major bummer, as they give the judges a negative impression right off the bat, and the scores on the movements that following directly after are affected as a result. Of course, the rest of the test was excellent, but that bobble prevented them from taking the lead. They’re sitting in third place on a 45 and are still a major threat to win here this weekend. Sinead and Tate are one of our most competitive upper-level pairs in America right now, and it’s a real privilege to have them competing here at Fair Hill this weekend.

Sally Cousins and Ideal Contini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We also saw Sally Cousins and Ideal Contini in this group, and they scored 50.8 to tie for fourth place with Susan Beebee and Wolf. I heard Taz was absolutely wild in the trot up on Wednesday, but he didn’t pull any of his usual dressage warm-up antics today. This horse can put in an excellent test when he relaxes, and Sally has managed to produce some beautiful work out of him this season, which is a real testament to her partnership with this horse. Today was no different, and they’re in a good position going into tomorrow after putting in a strong test today. Lauren Kieffer — who just returned home from Boekelo — and Cosima also had a nice test aside from breaking during the extended trot, and they scored 52 to sit in sixth place.

Lauren Kieffer and Cosima

Over in the CCI2*, the top three from yesterday still remain the same, with Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa holding the lead on 41.4, Sharon White and Under Suspection in second on 43.9, and Leslie Law and Billy Wiz in third on 44.2. There’s hardly a cloud in the sky here at Fair Hill, and while the wind has picked up a bit, it’s still a beautiful day. And, lastly, I have to apologize for the lack of videos in my updates. I could at least coax videos to upload yesterday — albeit very slowly — but today the wifi is so terrible that it’s actually crashing my computer when I try to upload videos. Thehorsepesterer even kindly let me borrow his hot spot to try to upload, but since we’re not exactly in a metropolitan area here in Elkton, Md., the results were the same. I’ll keep trying, but it might not be until later this afternoon that I can get these videos uploaded.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Doug Payne and Crown Talisman Take Early Lead in Fair Hill CCI3*

By on Oct 18, 2013 10:30 am -

Doug Payne and Crown Talisman. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Good morning from Fair Hill! It’s another beautiful day here, and we’ve just seen the first group of riders in the CCI3* dressage. Doug Payne and Crown Talisman are holding a commanding early lead on a score of 43.6, which puts them more than seven penalty points ahead of second-placed Susan Beebee and Wolf. Doug is a very accurate dressage rider, and Tali has been getting better and better every time I see him. The horse struggles a bit with staying relaxed, but he handled the atmosphere here at Fair Hill beautifully, allowing Doug to squeeze the most out of each movement. I’m thrilled for Doug; all his hard work this season is absolutely paying off. This pair romped around the CCI2* here at Fair Hill last year to finish in fourth place, so they’re no strangers to Derek Di Grazia’s course. I have total faith they can make it around the three-star course in good form tomorrow.

Susan Beebee and Wolf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Susan and Wolf are a very dangerous dressage pair, and they would have come closer to challenging Doug and Tali for the provisional lead had it not been for a couple bobbles in the test. Their trot and walk work were both lovely, and Wolf showed a little pizzazz in the first change, which was a bit exuberant; you’ll hear a few people comment on that in the video of their test if I can ever get it to upload. Unfortunately, they lost the counter canter in the last serpentine before the final salute, but this was still a very good performance, and they’re sitting in second place provisionally on a score of 50.8. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive are in third place on a 52.6, and Jack tried very hard in the test. The horse is still quite young, and he’s only going to continue improving once he builds more strength over his topline. Phillip and Jack have struggled to produce clear cross-country trips this year, so the real test for this pair will come tomorrow when they tackle Derek’s course.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katie Ruppel and Houdini are sitting in fourth place on a 53.2, which puts them in a good position for the rest of the weekend. This awesome OTTB has been brilliant all year, with excellent showings at Jersey Fresh, Rebecca Farms and Richland. Tomorrow will definitely be the biggest challenge they’ve faced thus far, but Houdini has risen to the occasion this year, and I expect we’ll see them romp around in good form. Sharon White and Wundermaske round out the top five after the first group on a score of 56. Patch tends to get too short through his neck in the dressage, and Sharon has been working on encouraging him to stretch and use himself properly. He looked much improved today, and it’s clear Sharon’s hard work is paying off. This pair had a scary fall at Millbrook that shook Patch’s confidence, and I’m sending them all the EN karma for a good trip around the course tomorrow. Stay tuned for much more from Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Note: I apologize for the lack of videos. The internet in the press tent is absolutely dreadful, and the hot spot on my phone isn’t strong enough to upload videos. I’ll do my best to get them to you, but the wifi is so bad that it’s crashing my computer. Standby.

Press Conference Musings from Fair Hill

By on Oct 17, 2013 5:24 pm -

Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa hold the overnight lead in the CCI2* after the first day of dressage. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin, Sharon White and Leslie Law joined us for a press conference at the conclusion of the first day of dressage in the CCI2* at Fair Hill. Boyd and Pancho Villa hold the overnight lead on a 41.4, with Sharon and Under Suspection in second on a 43.9, and Leslie and Billy Wiz on a 44.2. Boyd and Pancho looked fantastic in the dressage this morning, and he attributed that to the fact that the horse has natural swing and suspension … and that his wife happens to be Grand Prix dressage rider Silva Martin.

“I’ve been in a wonderful situation being shacked up with a dressage rider,” Boyd said. “Thanks to Silva’s knowledge, she’s been able to create suspension out of a horse that has that ability.” Indeed, Pancho is a really impressive mover, and he’s definitely a very different type from the horses Boyd’s has had most of his success with in the past, like his gritty cross-country machine Neville Bardos.

Derek Di Grazia’s CCI2* track will by far be the biggest challenge of Boyd and Pancho’s partnership to date, and while they’re coming off a win in the Plantation Field CIC2*, it’s no secret Fair Hill is a different animal. “I’ll figure out if he’s a four-star horse on a weekend like this,” Boyd said. “It’s a big, intimidating track with lots of accuracy questions. This will be the first time most of these horses have gone over eight minutes, so you get a feel for their endurance and stamina and heart.”

Leslie Law is also facing the biggest test of Billy Wiz’s career, but he’s confident the horse will rise to the occasion in his first two-star. He and his wife, Lesley, bought the horse as a 5-year-old in England and have since watched him blossom into a fierce two-star competitor. “He’s very Irish-bred and seven-eighths Thoroughbred, so he’s taking a little more time to mature than other horses, but he’s bred for the job, and he’s probably going to be a proper four-star horse eventually.”

Billy is actually Lesley’s horse, and the plan is for her to take over the ride in the spring to tackle a two-star and hopefully qualify for the Pan American Games, so Fair Hill is definitely an important time for the horse to step up. “If you take the questions apart, there’s nothing he can’t do,” Leslie said. “But when you put all the questions back together, it comes down to the cumulative effect of all the questions. Fair Hill is a great education for the two-star horses, and we like to come here to really see what we’ve got for the future.”

Sharon White already has a good idea of what she has for the future in Under Suspection, as the mare successfully campaigned in Germany with Dirk Schrade in the irons before she took over the ride this spring. Pippy dazzled the spectators today with a fluid, accurate test, and Sharon couldn’t wipe the smile off her face when she talked about the mare in the press conference.

“She’s really special and really easy and kind, and it’s just fun,” Sharon said. “She knows I adore her, and she’s happy with that. You know there’s that saying that dogs have friends and cats have staff. Pippy definitely has staff. I’m really glad to be on her. She’s very competitive, and she takes care of things and she loves it.”

Sharon wasn’t sure she would make it to Fair Hill, as she’s dealing with a broken hand after she fell from Don Sheffield at Plantation Field, and her mother is also not doing well. “I decided on Tuesday to come because it makes me really happy to ride these horses,” Sharon said. “I have very genuine, gentle, kind horses here this weekend, and it’s really where I’d like to be. This weekend is about that for me.”

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [YEH Scores]