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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.

Latest Articles Written

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Badminton Countdown

By Jenni Autry on Apr 20, 2016 5:15 pm -

Between Rolex next week and Badminton the week after, the EN headquarters are buzzing with way too much excitement for Chinch to handle. This preview video for Badminton will get you pumped up for the world’s premier horse trials.

North America will have a strong contingent at Badminton event this year, and EN’s own Leslie Wylie will be there to bring you top-notch coverage. If you missed the draw order, click here to check it out.

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Side Saddle 101 with Boyd Martin

By Jenni Autry on Apr 20, 2016 9:30 am -

Susan Oakes gives Boyd Martin a side saddle lesson. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Boyer

What better way to prep for Rolex than to learn how to ride side saddle? Ivan Dowling and Stephanie Boyer’s Grey Lake Stables hosted a clinic with record-setting side saddle champion Susan Oakes at Windurra yesterday, and naturally Boyd Martin couldn’t resist participating.

Mary Musheno kindly recorded Boyd’s side saddle lesson, so be sure to crank up your volume to hear Susan’s instruction and Boyd’s commentary.

The clinic received rave reviews — no surprise there considering Susan is something of a legend. The “Flying Irishwoman” holds the world record for jumping puissance aside at 6’8″ and recently brought her winning ways to the U.S., clinching victories at the Mrs. Miles B. Valentine Memorial Side Saddle Race and the Mrs. George C. Everhart Memorial Invitational Side Saddle Race at the Cheshire and Loudoun point-to-point races in the last month.

Susan won both races aboard Stephanie Boyer’s Fort Henry, who was previously owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, and Stephanie said this side saddle clinic is just one example of what she and her fiancé Ivan hope to bring to the Unionville eventing and foxhunting communities in their new business venture.

Ivan hunted the hounds for 12 seasons at Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds, and Stephanie whipped in for the last six seasons. Now they’ve teamed up to launch Grey Lake Stables, which offers training and sales of foxhunters, training of timber horses and retraining of off-track Thoroughbreds.

You can see more photos from the side saddle clinic on Grey Lake’s Facebook page. What do you think, EN? Would you follow Boyd’s lead and try riding aside?

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Texas Rose Water Complex

By Jenni Autry on Apr 19, 2016 5:30 pm -

We have a look at all of the Advanced and Intermediate competitors tackling the water complex at Texas Rose earlier this month thanks to RNS Video. Angela Grzywinski and Novelle and Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon both used this event as their final prep run for Rolex. Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III ultimately took the Advanced win on a final score of 66.9. Laura McEvoy and VIP won the Open Intermediate division on 36.8.

[Texas Rose H.T. Final Scores]

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Clayton Fredericks In Command of Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*

By Jenni Autry on Apr 15, 2016 6:00 pm -

Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made at Red Hills. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s a busy weekend down in Florida, with more than 450 horses competing in the Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival, presented by Equiventures, at the Florida Horse Park. Clayton Fredericks is in command of the Coast to Coast CCI2* after dressage, handily leading on 34.2 with FE Money Made, a 7-year-old Westphalian gelding he owns with Amanda Bernhard and Diana Crawford.

“Connor” is off to a memorable start in his CCI2* debut so far, as that score is 10 points better than he did at Red Hills last month, where he ultimately finished in fourth place in the CIC2*. The horse’s stablemate, FE Bowman, won that event, and “Bowie,” an 8-year-old Wurttemberger gelding owned by the same group, isn’t far off the pace at Ocala either, currently sitting third in the CCI2* on 41.6 after dressage.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection are breaking up Clayton’s stronghold at the top of the CCI2* leaderboard, scoring 40.5 to sit in second place. “Pippy,” a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Mary Ann Gadbhan, is competing in her first CCI since 2014 following a careful rehabilitation period after an injury.

Alex O’Neal and DJ, formerly known as “Get Real” prior to the FEI’s new name change rule, went early in the order of go for the huge 90-horse CCI* at Ocala yesterday, but their score of 33.4 still won the dressage after the division concluded today. The 8-year-old Dutch gelding Alex owns is competing in his first one-star at this event, coming off three consecutive Preliminary wins at Three Lakes, Red Hills and Carolina.

USEF Eventing 18 rider Karri Bellamy is sitting in second place in the CCI* on 36.5 with Cool Connection, her own 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding. They’re off to a great start in Karri’s first one-star as she looks to gain her qualifier with “Noodles” to represent Area I at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships this summer.

Lee Camiolo, 16, is also competing in her first one-star at Ocala with Caharron V.E., a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding she owns. Their dressage score of 37.8 has them sitting in third place currently and is a big jump from the 53.5 they scored in their FEI debut in the CIC* at Red Hills last month. The young riders are on top of their game in Ocala!

While there’s plenty going on in the FEI divisions at Ocala, there are also a number of riders making their final preparations for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Marilyn Little is leading the Open Intermediate division at Ocala with RF Demeter on 26.5 after dressage and show jumping.

She spoke to EN last month about her different approach to Rolex this year, only running “Demi,” a 14-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Raylyn Farms, Jacqueline Mars and Patrick Witte, at the Wellington Eventing Showcase, an Intermediate at Rocking Horse and now at Ocala in the lead up to Rolex.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the Wellington Eventing Showcase. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ellie MacPhail and RF Eloquence, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Sally Crane, are also heading for Rolex and are currently sitting second place in the Intermediate division on 26.7. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 10-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars, are in fifth on 31.5; “Patrick” is cross-entered at both Rolex and Jersey Fresh.

Ocala also held an Advanced combined test today for the Rolex pairs, with a single judge, Beth Barritt, scoring the riders on 2009 FEI Four-Star Test B, the same test that will be used in Kentucky. Liz Halliday-Sharp is still sore from her hard fall at The Fork on Sunday, but she gritted her teeth to ride Deborah Halliday’s HHS Cooley to the lead after dressage on 35.5 before withdrawing before show jumping.

Maya Black and Dawn Dofelmier’s Doesn’t Play Fair, who are coming off a big win at The Fork CIC3* this past weekend, won the Advanced combined test with a dressage score of 39.8. Buck Davidson and Carl Segal and Sherrie Martin’s Copper Beach finished second with a dressage score of 40.2, and Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot rounded out the top three on their dressage score of 41.5.

Tomorrow is cross country day, with the CCI2* division going first starting at 9:45 a.m., followed by the CCI*. Cavalor is sponsoring a wine and cheese party from 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the hospitality tent, with a special prize drawing for one lucky winner, so don’t miss that if you’re there.

EN’s good friend Thehorsepesterer is uploading more videos from today’s action to his YouTube channel right now. Click here for more information on the Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival, and click here to view live scores from the event. Equiventures also has more information at this link.

Ocala Horse Properties International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores

Friday Videos from World Equestrian Brands: Carolina Extended Highlights

By Jenni Autry on Apr 15, 2016 2:50 pm -

We now have extended video highlights from Carolina International thanks to our friends at EQSportsNet. Click play above to watch the CIC3* dressage tests and show jumping and cross country rounds for the top three, Allison Springer and Arthur, Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, and Lynn Symansky and Donner.

The CIC2* highlights video below shows the show jumping and cross country rounds for the top three, Will Faudree and Caeleste, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night, and Will Faudree and Hans Dampf.

Remember that you can you watch the full replay of all the action from Carolina International on EQSportsNet if you purchase a Full Access subscription for $25 per month. Click here for details on how to subscribe.

Walk the Badminton Cross Country Course with Harry Meade

By Jenni Autry on Apr 15, 2016 10:00 am -

It’s always an exciting week when the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials cross country preview video is released to the public, and this year we’re lucky to have Harry Meade joining Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes to take us behind the scenes for a sneak peek at Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s course.

England had a very wet winter and has also seen heavy rain in the past few weeks, but event director Hugh Thomas assured the media during Wednesday’s preview day that the competition will go on regardless of the weather. Considering the recent rain, it’s appropriate that Harry and Lizzie filmed the preview video while battling the elements, setting the scene for what very well could be the conditions come cross country day.

After the latest round of withdrawals from the event, North America currently has five combinations entered to represent Canada and the U.S. Boyd Martin is taking both Master Frisky and Crackerjack thanks to a Land Rover USEF Competition Grant. Buck Davidson has The Apprentice entered, and Libby Head will ride Sir Rockstar. Lynn Symansky confirmed this week she will forego Badminton to compete at Rolex with Donner.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee will compete as the sole pair for Canada. The U.S. has two combinations on the wait list who are also cross-entered at Rolex. Anna Collier and Gleaming Road are now sixth on the Badminton wait list, so there is a good chance they will get in to the competition. Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister are well down the wait list, but she confirmed to EN that they would compete at Rolex if they received a grant, which they did earlier this month.

Good friend of EN Pippa Roome published an excellent preview of the Badminton course on Horse & Hound, so be sure to check that out at this link. Leslie Wylie will be your boots on the ground for EN at this year’s event, teaming up once more with Lady Martha Sitwell to bring you gripping (and hilarious) coverage of Badminton.

Three-Time Burghley Winner Avebury Retires

By Jenni Autry on Apr 15, 2016 7:45 am -

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Rolex in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s a bittersweet day for eventing fans around the world as three-time Burghley winner Avebury has been withdrawn from the upcoming Badminton Horse Trials and officially retired from competing.

Ridden by Andrew Nicholson and owned by Mark and Rosemary Barlow, the 16-year-old British Sport Horse gelding is going out on a high note, having won the last four FEI events of his lengthy career, including clinching a fourth consecutive victory at Barbury last year.

“He’s sound and well,” Andrew said. “He just doesn’t quite feel like he used to and, as he owes us nothing, we thought it better to stop now.”

Known as “Buddy” in the stable — a nickname Andrew’s daughter’s Rebecca and Melissa gave to him as a foal — Avebury completed eight CCI4* events in his career, finishing Badminton three times and also delighting American fans when he competed at Rolex Kentucky in 2014.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Barbury in 2012. Photo by Samantha Clark.

“This is a day we were all dreading,” Rosemary said. “He has served us so well, and after his last gallop he wasn’t showing his normal exuberance and zest for life. Sadly old age has begun to catch up with him, and he deserves a well-earned rest. Avebury is a horse of a lifetime and owes us nothing.”

Andrew bred Avebury, by Jumbo of a Thoroughbred mare named Memento, who raced under the name Bairn Free before enjoying a brief eventing career with Andrew until she developed a cataract in one eye and had to be retired. Avebury was originally sold as a show jumper, but Andrew’s wife, Wiggy, bought him back as a 6-year-old and evented him.

“Rosemary Barlow wanted a new horse, so I said to her that I thought I knew of one,” Andrew said. “Wiggy went away for a few days, so I sneaked him up to the gallops to see what he could do. I was quite impressed, so I suggested Rosemary bought him for me to ride.”

That started the beginning of Andrew and Avebury’s illustrious partnership. Avebury won at every level during his career, in which he amassed an impressive 2,113 British Eventing points. He competed 71 times with Andrew and 11 times with Wiggy. Avebury won 27 events in his career with numerous other top placings.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury on their way to winning Burghley for a third time. Photo by Kate Samuels.

After winning Barbury for a fourth consecutive time last year, Andrew and Avebury were preparing for another go at Burghley when Andrew fell at Gatcombe, suffering a neck injury that prematurely ended his season.

Avebury’s only run in 2016 was at Great Witchingham in March, which he won. He will now enjoy his retirement at Andrew’s farm in Westwood, which has been his home for most of his life. “He’s part of the family and will stay here with us,” Andrew said. “Wiggy will ride him, and no doubt my daughter Lily will put her name down for a go.”

Andrew continued: “He’s got a cheeky side to him, but whenever you walk into the yard, he’s happy to see you. He loves his work and is very bubbly about everything. He’s still naughty to catch in the field — he gallops around squealing, but as soon as it rains, or he thinks something might be happening without him, he runs up and down the fence line yelling to be brought in.

“He has been an exceptional performer. He loves a big atmosphere and shows off in it and has always been a brilliant jumper and galloper. He has always been a winner, and I have to thank him for some of the greatest days of my career.”

[Avebury Has Been Retired]

Product Review: Toklat T3 Classics III Custom Color Pad

By Jenni Autry on Apr 14, 2016 7:00 pm -

Mia models the T3 Classics III Pad in a cross country cut with a Pro-Impact insert. Our custom pad is navy with navy binding and white piping. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Have you been dreaming of a customized pad in your personal cross country colors? Or how about a new dressage pad with binding and piping that coordinate with your helmet or jacket? Look no further! Toklat has rolled out a customizable version of its popular T3 Classics III Pad, and the color combinations are virtually endless.

While the fact that you can customize the colors of the pad is so much fun, another major virtue of this product is the high standard Toklat uses in making the pads. The top of the pad is made from a high-quality quilted polycotton that washes up beautifully, and the underside is made from a soft quilted cotton that is super comfortable for the horse.

From the moment you pick up this pad, you can tell it’s high quality. It’s thick enough to ensure comfort for your horse’s back as well as durability for many years to come, whether you’re in the dressage ring or cruising around a cross country course. I also love that the pad is cut high in the front to provide maximum wither clearance.

So many colors, so little time! Photo courtesy of Toklat.

Literally every part of this pad is customizable. It’s available in a cross country, all purpose, close contact, dressage and Euro dressage cut, with the cross country, all purpose and dressage cuts available in different sizes so you can find the right fit for your saddle and your horse.

You can order the pad without any inserts, or you can opt to add one of Toklat’s three inserts, which are made from Poron XRD, a breathable, shock-absorbing material that offers extreme impact protection, so much so that it’s used in many big-name athletic and footwear brands. Poron XRD can absorb 90 percent of the shock on your horse’s back during rides.

The real question is whether you can stop yourself from ordering more than one pad. Photo courtesy of Toklat.

The Extreme Pro-Impact insert is made from a thick 13 millimeter layer of Poron XRD that gives maximum musculoskeletal protection for the horse while minimizing the shock felt by the rider. That gives back relief to both horse and rider and gives you a more secure seat in the saddle. (Click here for a photo of the insert)

The Ortho Impact insert combines a 5 millimeter layer of Poron XRD with a 12 millimeter layer of medium density viscoelastic foam, which provides excellent musculoskeletal cushioning. This insert is a great option to compensate for saddle fit issues and uneven muscle development. (Click here for a photo of the insert)

The Pro-Impact insert is a thinner 5 millimeter layer of Poron XRD that still provides the same musculoskeletal protection and shock absorption in a more compact insert, which is ideal if you want protection for your horse’s back with less bulk. (Click here for a photo of this insert)

Color combination examples. Photo courtesy of Toklat.

If you choose to order a pad with an insert, the part of the pad that houses the insert is made from non-slip ETC fabric, which keeps the saddle in place without creating friction. And, of course, that part of the pad is color customizable too. You can choose colors for the base of the pad, the binding, the piping and the ETC top if it has an insert. Color overload!

The insert is removable via a Velcro seam that runs along the bottom of it, which is less bulky than having a Velcro seam along the spine. The pads are best washed in a front-load machine, though I have washed mine in a top-load machine with no problems. You can also brush the pad off, hose it down and hang it to dry if your husband is like mine and onto your game of washing pads at home.

Depending on where you order your pad, prices range from about $70 for a pad with no insert to up to $270 depending on the insert. I’ve personally been using the pad in a cross country cut with a Pro-Impact insert, which is my favorite Toklat insert and discussed more in depth in my review of the Matrix Competition Pad.

Because these pads are custom made to order, they take between two and six weeks to ship from the manufacturer. You can check the Toklat store locator to find a tack shop that offers these pads with custom colors. There are also websites online that are now offering the pads in custom colors, like Bit of Britain and Adams Horse Supplies.

Do you love this pad as much as me? Let me know which color combination you’d love to order in the comments below. Then click here to find a Toklat retail partner near you. Go Toklat. Go Eventing.

Thursday Videos from Nupafeed: Ocala Young Event Horse Action

By Jenni Autry on Apr 14, 2016 5:30 pm -

The Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival is well underway at the Florida Horse Park, with the competition kicking off yesterday with Future and Young Event Horse classes. Thehorsepesterer was on the scene to bring us behind the scenes with videos of these talented youngsters.

Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF won the 5-year-old YEH class on a final score of 78.99%. This horse, a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Jazz out of the Contango mare Bronte HVF, finished seventh in the 4-year-Old YEH East Coast Championships at Fair Hill last fall. Bethany also still actively competes the dam, Bronte HVF; they most recently finished fifth in an Intermediate division at Rocking Horse earlier this month.

We also have great videos of Debbie Adams and D.A. Got Game, who finished second on 78.19%. The Holsteiner gelding is by Cascani out of Uwita OHF. Shanon Baker and Carlingford Wells finished third on 78.13% and had the highest jumping score in the class. The Irish Sport Horse gelding is by the Thoroughbred stallion Clerkenwell out of Belleville Diamond, an Irish Sport Horse mare.

Be sure to follow Thehorsepesterer’s YouTube channel for more videos from Ocala, and click here for everything you need to know about the event, which is free to attend for the public. You can follow live scores at this link.

Early Look at the Rolex Cross Country Course with Derek di Grazia

By Jenni Autry on Apr 14, 2016 11:00 am -

Don’t miss this wonderful video as EN’s own Samantha Clark previews the Rolex Kentucky cross country course with technical delegate Tom Ryckewaert and course designer Derek di Grazia. The first four fences on the course are the same as last year, with an imposing new jump coming at fence five, the Keepers Brush, that riders will really have to sit down and gallop at to find the proper momentum.

The first water at the Creekside Cabins comes at fence 6ab, with a serious jump in and the familiar goose sitting in the water. The Curving Brushes are another new combination this year, replacing the keyhole at the mound complex with two skinny brushes on top of the mounds that are going to require a high level of accuracy.

Fence 18 is a brand new water complex called the Land Rover Landing, the fourth time horses and riders will enter water on the course. This is just past the halfway mark at about the seventh minute. The Lexington Duck Marsh is the final water complex late in the course, at about the 10-minute marker, with a “half pipe” going toward the ducks.

It’s so exciting to see some of the new surprises Derek has up his sleeve this year, and we can’t wait to see the full course in person. Only 12 days to go until the first horse inspection! Keep it locked on EN for all your #RK3DE news, and click here to catch up on all of our pre-Rolex coverage so far. Go Eventing.

SmartPak Asks A Non-Rider: What Is Bit Butter?

By Jenni Autry on Apr 13, 2016 3:15 pm -

What happens when you ask non-horse people to come up with an explanation for how Bit Butter is used? Hilarity ensues. The Studs and Stud Suds episode of Ask A Non-Rider still has to be our favorite, but this Bit Butter episode is a close second. Be sure to follow SmartPak’s YouTube channel for more great videos like this one.

[SmartPak Asks a Non-Rider: Studs and Stud Suds]

[SmartPak Asks a Non-Rider: Lunge Lines]

[SmartPak Asks A Non-Rider: Fake Tail Bags]

Derek di Grazia Named 2018 WEG and 2020 Olympic Course Designer

By Jenni Autry on Apr 13, 2016 10:56 am -

Derek di Grazia at the Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by StockImageServices.com.

EN is delighted to confirm that the USA’s own Derek di Grazia has been named the course designer for both the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont, Quebec, and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

“When you’re in this line of work, it’s the ultimate goal to be able to design just one of these championships courses,” Derek told EN. “It is quite an honor to be able to do this.”

Known for his safe, sensible yet tough courses, Derek has been one of the top designers in the U.S. for more than 15 years. He began designing the CCI3* and CCI2* tracks at Fair Hill International in 1999, adding the Bromont CCI3* to his resume in 2009. Derek became the new course designer for the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in 2011.

With his schedule now destined to be busier with these two new championships courses on his plate, Derek confirmed he will continue on with designing at Fair Hill, Bromont and Rolex. He also currently designs at Twin Rivers, Pine Top and Fitch’s Corner.

As a dedicated and much-loved part of the U.S. eventing community, Derek and Bea di Grazia received the Wofford Cup at the 2015 USEA Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As dedicated and much-loved members of the U.S. eventing community, Derek and Bea di Grazia received the Wofford Cup in recognition for their service to the sport at the 2015 USEA Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bromont will be a unique situation in that Derek will design for the horse trials, held annually in early June, while simultaneously planning and incorporating his vision for the 2018 WEG course.

“It’s going to be quite a different course from what you see now at the venue because of the construction and the build-out going into areas we haven’t used before, which is great because it makes it nice to have something fresh for the World Games,” Derek said.

“I’ve got a general idea of the track for 2018. Ideally we would like to start doing some of the work in the fall of this year, and then the majority of the work will be done the following year.”

The beginning stages of planning the 2020 Olympic course in Tokyo are also underway, and Derek flew to Japan last month for a site visit to Sea Forest, also known as Umi no Mori, in Tokyo Bay, where the cross country course will be built.

“The venue is a blank slate and will be a work in progress over the next few years,” Derek said. “It’s not a developed site yet, and we’re hoping to get work started there in the next year.”

High Performance Chair, Derek DiGrazia at Galway Downs (photo by Samantha)

Derek di Grazia chairs the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee and still competes actively at the two-star level. Photo by Samantha Clark.

As for who will build the 2018 WEG and 2020 Olympic cross country courses, Derek said that has yet to be determined and the bid process will begin soon.

Derek is the third American in history to design at a World Championships, joining Roger Haller, who designed the 1978 course in Lexington, Kentucky, and Neil Ayer, who designed the 1986 course in Gawler, South Australia.

His appointment to Tokyo also makes Derek the third U.S. course designer to lay out an Olympic track, as Neil Ayer designed the 1984 Los Angeles course and Roger Haller designed the 1996 Atlanta course.

In designing both the 2018 WEG and 2020 Olympic courses, he joins the elite group that has designed both a World Championships and Olympic track: Wolfgang Feld, Mike Etherington-Smith, Neil Ayer, Roger Haller, Pierre Michelet and now Derek di Grazia.

Derek is currently enjoying some time at home with his wife, Bea, and their family at Stillwater Farm in Carmel Valley, California, before heading to Lexington to put his final touches on this year’s Rolex course.

“There’s a lot to do in the next few years,” Derek said. “It’s going to be a very exciting time, and it will be a lot of travel, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Draw Order Goes Live for Rolex Kentucky

By Jenni Autry on Apr 12, 2016 7:00 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event released the draw order for this year’s event today, and Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive will be the first to go in dressage of the 90 pairs currently entered.

Last year’s winner’s Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST will likely go on the first day of dressage. Allison Springer and Arthur have the honors of being the final pair to go on the second day of dressage.

See below or click here for the full draw order.

1 Phillip Dutton and FERNHILL FUGITIVE
Owned by Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones (USA)

2 Bruce (Buck) Davidson and PARK TRADER
Owned by Carl and Cassandra Segal (USA)

3 Boyd Martin and STEADY EDDIE
Owned by Gretchen Wintersteen, Pierre Colin and Denise Lahey (USA)

4 Jessica Phoenix and ABBEY GS
Owned by Charlotte Schickedanz (CAN)

5 Lillian Heard and SHARE OPTION
Owned by Lillian Heard (USA)

6 Ryan Wood and FRANKIE
Owned by Steven and Karri Guy and Ryan Wood (AUS)

7 Holly Payne Caravella and NEVER OUTFOXED
Owned by Fox Syndicate (USA)

8 Lauren Kieffer and LANDMARK’S MONTE CARLO
Owned by Jacqueline Mars (USA)

9 Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and FERNHILL BY NIGHT
Owned by Deborah Halliday (USA)

10 Tim Price and BANGO
Owned by Numero Uno Syndicate (NZL)

11 Sara Kozumplik Murphy and FLY ME COURAGEOUS
Edith Rameika (USA)

12 Alexandra Knowles and THE DARK MARK
Owned by Jennifer Smith (USA)

13 Angela Grzywinski and NOVELLE
Owned by Angela Grzywinski (USA)

14 Mackenna Shea and LANDIOSO
Owned by Mackenna Shea (USA)

15 Colleen Rutledge and ESCOT 6
Owned by Colleen Rutledge (USA)

16 Katherine Coleman and COURAGE UNDER FIRE
Owned by Katherine Coleman (USA)

17 Ashley Johnson and TACTICAL MANEUVER
Owned by Ashley Johnson (USA)

18 Jennifer McFall and HIGH TIMES
Owned by The High Times Syndicate LLC (USA)

19 James Alliston and PARKER
Owned by James Alliston (GBR)

20 Courtney Cooper and WHO’S A STAR
Owned by Neal Camens and Courtney Cooper (USA)

21 Ellen Doughty-Hume and SIR OBERON
Owned by Ellen Doughty-Hume and Alistair Hume (USA)

22 Holly Jacks and MORE INSPIRATION
Owned by Holly Jacks (CAN)

23 Kyle Carter and MADISON PARK
Owned by Kyle and Jennifer Carter (CAN)

24 Nilson Moreira da Silva and MUGGLE
Owned by The Phoenix Syndicate, LLC and Nilson Moreira da Silva (BRA)

25 Maya Black and DOESN’T PLAY FAIR
Owned by Dawn Dofelmier (USA)

26 Katie Ruppel and HOUDINI
Owned by Katie Ruppel (USA)

27 Eliza Farren and BANTRY BAY’S DUBLIN
Owned by Eliza Farren (USA)

28 Anna Collier and GLEAMING ROAD
Owned by Anna Collier (USA)

29 Waylon Roberts and KELECYN COGNAC
Owned by Anthony Connolly and L. Skye Levely (CAN)

30 Kurt A Martin and DELUX Z
Owned by Kurt Martin and CarolJean Martin (USA)

31 William Coleman and OBOS O’REILLY
Owned by Four Star Eventing Group (USA)

32 Maddy Mazzola and MOJITO
Owned by Maddy Mazzola (USA)

33 Jordan Linstedt and REVITAVET CAPATO
Owned by Barbara and Jordan Linstedt (USA)

34 Michael Jung and FISCHERROCANA FST
Owned by Brigitte and Joachim Jung (GER)

35 Elisa Wallace and SIMPLY PRICELESS
Owned by Simply Priceless Syndication LLC (USA)

36 Lynn Symansky and DONNER
Owned by The Donner Syndicate LLC (USA)

37 Joe Meyer and CLIP CLOP
Owned by Madison Foote, Theresa Foote and Joe Meyer (NZL)

38 Elinor MacPhail and RF ELOQUENCE
Owned by Sally Crane (USA)

39 Allie Sacksen and SPARROW’S NIO
Owned by Allie Sacksen (USA)

40 Mikki Kuchta and RUBENS D’YSIEUX
Owned by Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate, LLC (USA)

41 Jonathan Paget and CLIFTON SIGNATURE
Owned by Frances Stead and Russell Hall (NZL)

42 Jessica Phoenix and A LITTLE ROMANCE
Owned by Donald Leschied (CAN)

43 Phillip Dutton and FERNHILL CUBALAWN
Owned by Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran (USA)

44 Kristin Schmolze and BALLYLAFFIN BRACKEN
Owned by Kristin Schmolze and Janet Geiler (USA)

45 Boyd Martin and SHAMWARI 4
Owned by Shamwari 4 Syndicate, LLC (USA)

46 Ryan Wood and FERNHILL CLASSIC
Owned by Fernhill Classic Syndicate and Ryan Wood (AUS)

47 Rachel McDonough and IRISH RHYTHM
Owned by Rachel McDonough (CAN)

48 Lillian Heard and LCC BARNABY
Owned by Lillian Heard (USA)

49 Bruce (Buck) Davidson and PETITE FLOWER
Owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin (USA)

50 Panda Christie and LITTLE LEO
Owned by Panda Christie (GBR)

51 Doug Payne and VANDIVER
Owned by Debi Crowley, Doug and Jessica Payne (USA)

52 Avery Klunick and IN IT TO WIN IT
Owned by Avery Klunick and Chip Klunick (USA)

53 Caroline Martin and QUANTUM SOLACE
Owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin (USA)

54 Marilyn Little and RF DEMETER
Owned by Jacqueline Mars, Patrick Witte and Raylyn Farms, Inc (USA)

55 Bunnie Sexton and RISE AGAINST
Owned by Bunnie Sexton (USA)

56 Selena O’Hanlon and FOXWOOD HIGH
Owned by John and Judy Rumble (CAN)

57 Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP PRIME
Owned by CML Horses, LLC (USA)

58 Sydney C Elliott and CISKO A
Owned by Carol Stephens (USA)

59 Holly Payne Caravella and SANTINO
Owned by Beth Groblewski (USA)

60 Sara Kozumplik Murphy and CATCHASCATCHCAN
Owned by Edith and Sean Rameika (USA)

61 Jennie Brannigan and CATALINA
Owned by Candace Kircher, Tim and Nina Gardner (USA)

62 Lisa Marie Fergusson and HONOR ME
Owned by Lisa Marie Fergusson (CAN)

63 Philippa Humphreys and SIR DONOVAN
Owned by Philippa and Peter Humphreys (GBR)

64 Sarah Cousins and TSUNAMI
Owned by Sarah Cousins (USA)

65 Matthew Brown and SUPER SOCKS BCF
Owned by Blossom Creek Foundation (USA)

66 Daniela Moguel and CECELIA
Owned by Aurelio Quinzan̄os & Jorge Eduardo Mtz. Castrejon (MEX)

67 Blyth Tait and XANTHUS III
Owned by Jane Lovell-Smith and Blyth Tait (NZL)

68 Hannah Sue Burnett and HARBOUR PILOT
Owned by Jacqueline Mars (USA)

69 Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and HHS COOLEY
Owned by Deborah Halliday (USA)

70 Kim Severson and FERNHILL FEARLESS
Owned by Kim Severson (USA)

71 Lisa Barry and F.I.S. PRINCE CHARMING
Owned by Lisa and Denise Barry (USA)

72 Sinead Halpin and MANOIR DE CARNEVILLE
Owned by Manoir De Carneville Syndicate, LLC (USA)

73 Alexandra Knowles and SOUND PROSPECT
Owned by Sound Prospect, L.L.C. (USA)

74 Tim Price and WESKO
Owned by Christina Knudsen and The Wesko Syndicate (NZL)

75 Barbara Crabo and EVEREADY
Owned by Barbara Crabo (USA)

76 Bobby Meyerhoff and DUNLAVIN’S TOKEN
Owned by Danica Meyerhoff (USA)

77 Laine Ashker and ANTHONY PATCH
Owned by Laine Ashker (USA)

78 Timothy Bourke and LUCKAUN QUALITY
Owned by Timothy Bourke (IRL)

79 Lauren Kieffer and VERONICA
Owned by Team Rebecca, LLC (USA)

80 Tiana Coudray and RINGWOOD MAGISTER
Owned by Jatial Inc. and Tiana Coudray (USA)

81 Emily Beshear and SHAME ON THE MOON
Owned by Deep Purple Eventing (USA)

82 Ryan Wood and MCLOVIN
Owned by Heather Sinclair and Ryan Wood (AUS)

83 Mark Todd NZB and CAMPINO
Owned by New Zealand Bloodstock and Mark Todd (NZL)

84 Bruce (Buck) Davidson and COPPER BEACH
Owned by Carl Segal and Sherrie Martin (USA)

85 Lillian Heard and FYI
Owned by Venesa Crumpley (USA)

86 Boyd Martin and BLACKFOOT MYSTERY
Owned by Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate LLC (USA)

87 Jessica Phoenix and PAVAROTTI
Owned by Don Good (CAN)

88 Phillip Dutton and MIGHTY NICE
Owned by HND Group (USA)

89 Colleen Rutledge and COVERT RIGHTS
Owned by Colleen Rutledge (USA)

90 Allison Springer and ARTHUR
Owned by Arthur Syndicate LLC USA

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: The Fork Intermediate Water Complex

By Jenni Autry on Apr 12, 2016 5:30 pm -

RNS Video was on the scene at The Fork taking video throughout the weekend, and we have a full look at the Intermediate riders through the first water complex on Tremaine Cooper’s cross country course. The course ran in reverse direction this year, and Waylon Roberts and Faolan, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Kelly Plitz, prevailed as the victors on a final score of 30.4. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from The Fork.

Why SpectraVET?

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SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

Who Jumped It Best? The Fork CIC3* Cross Country Edition

By Jenni Autry on Apr 12, 2016 11:30 am -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? The Fork CIC3* Cross Country Edition! Take a look at these 10 horses and riders jumping fence 9a, a big, airy log into the first water complex on Tremaine Cooper’s cross country course. Then vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture.

#TheFork: Website, Final Scores,EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jon Holling and Kildalton Cooley. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Leslie Law and Tre’ du Kernat. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kylie Lyman and Sacramento. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Anita Nemtin-Gilmour and Acrobat. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Cascani. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fab Freebie: Professional’s Choice Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots

By Jenni Autry on Apr 12, 2016 9:15 am -

The Professional's Choice Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots are available in black or white. Photo courtesy of Professional's Choice.

With the spring season in full swing, you’re likely taking inventory of all your gear right now to narrow down what you might need to replace or upgrade in 2016. If you’re in the marketing for new show jumping boots, EN took the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots from Professional’s Choice for a test drive and gave two thumbs up to the innovative design.

The outer shell of the boots is made from Pro Mesh TPU, a honeycomb, hex-patterned material that is extremely breathable and durable while also being lightweight. We also love the durability of the strike guard made of of Pebax, which stiffens on impact to provide superior protection and won’t shatter like stiff plastic or carbon fiber.

The inner lining of the boots is made from a neoprene-free, comfortable foam lining that is ideal for horse’s with sensitive skin and very easy to keep clean. The boots are also PVC-free and nearly odor-free thanks to the green standards Professional’s Choice uses when manufacturing them.

Mia models the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots from Professional’s Choice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The TPU fasteners on the boots make it super easy to find the right fit for your horse. The boots are available in one size in black or white, retailing at $102.95 for the front boots and $92.95 for the hind boots. Click here to read EN’s full product review experience with testing the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots.

If you like the look of these boots as much as we do, you’re in luck! We’re giving away a set of the boots as this week’s Fab Freebie on EN. To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. We’ll draw the winner on Saturday and announce the name in that morning’s Links post. Good luck! Thank you to Professional’s Choice for sponsoring this week’s giveaway.

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Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

Product Review: Professional’s Choice Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots

By Jenni Autry on Apr 11, 2016 5:00 pm -

Mia models the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots from Professional's Choice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Professional’s Choice has long been an industry leader when it comes to manufacturing boots that offer superior protection for our horses’ legs, and now they’re raising the bar once more with the all new Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots. These boots combine the best features in the Pro Performance line, making them a smart choice to add to your spring shopping list.

Let’s start with the the outer shell of the boot, which is made of a magical material called Pro Mesh TPU. This material features a honeycomb, hex-patterned design that makes it extremely breathable, and while the boots don’t feel very heavy, the Pro Mesh TPU is super durable. It will not absorb water, flexes to accommodate fetlock movement and also conforms beautifully to your horse’s leg, providing an excellent fit.

Then there’s the all new new strike guard on the boots, which is made from Pebax, another technologically advanced material. Pebax is flexible, making it comfortable for your horse to wear, but it also stiffens on impact for protection. That means the strike guard won’t shatter on impact like stiff plastic and carbon fiber you might find in strike guards on other boots.

Mia models the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The boots feature the same comfortable foam lining I love in the other Pro Performance boots in this line. The closed cell foam is a great alternative to neoprene and is perforated to ensure maximum air flow. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic while also resisting mold and bacteria growth. One of my biggest pet peeves in a boot is an inner lining that’s difficult to keep clean, but that’s not an issue with these boots. Just wipe down the lining and you’re good to go.

EN also gives two thumbs up to the fact that Professional’s Choice cares about protecting the environment, which is why the company uses a more minimalistic approach when manufacturing boots. For example, the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots are made with a special process that uses less glue. The boots are also neoprene-free, PVC-free and nearly odor-free.

The Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots are also available in white. Photo courtesy of Professional’s Choice.

The boots are available with TPU fasteners or hook-and-loop closures. I tested the version of the boots with the TPU fasteners and really liked how quickly I could put them on while easily getting the perfect fit. I tried the boots on different horses and found that it’s easy to fit a variety of different leg sizes with these fasteners. Plus, they look really sharp.

If you have a horse with sensitive skin that can’t wear neoprene, the Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots are an excellent choice. I love them for both schooling at home and the show ring, and the price is also affordable for a wide range of budgets. The boots retail at $102.95 for the front boots and $92.95 for the hind boots. They are available in one size in black or white.

Click here to order your own pair of Pro Performance Pro Mesh TPU Show Jump Boots, and then click here to check out the whole range of boots from Professional’s Choice. If you’re loving these boots as much me, you’re in luck! We’re giving away a set of boots as this week’s Fab Freebie on EN. Stay tuned for the contest, which goes live tomorrow morning.

Go Professional’s Choice. Go Eventing.

Boyd Martin, Katie Ruppel, Doug Payne Celebrate Wins at The Fork

By Jenni Autry on Apr 10, 2016 7:30 pm -

Katie Ruppel and Houdini. Photo by Jenni Autry,

It was a good day for off-track Thoroughbreds at The Fork, with two former racehorses ultimately taking the wins in both Advanced divisions. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery won the Advanced A division, with Katie Ruppel and Houdini emerging as the winners of the B division after being tied overnight for the lead following show jumping.

Boyd and “Big Red,” an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate, were the first Advanced pair out of the start box this afternoon, turning in a clear round with 6.8 time penalties to win the A division on a final score of 32.4. Blackfoot Mystery is heading for his first CCI4* at Rolex, and Boyd said the horse is feeling more than ready for the challenge.

“He felt fantastic. I feel like I‘ve got all the horses primed up for a great Rolex and Badminton,” Boyd said. “It was a tricky event this weekend because the ground was so disappointing due to a lack of rain. I’ve been pacing the horses all season with the idea of having a good blast this weekend, and I went somewhere in between.”

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd and Blackfoot Mystery started the weekend in second place on a dressage score of 25.6 and then jumped a clear round yesterday over Chris Barnard’s course in show jumping, which has historically been a challenging phase for them but is definitely trending in the right direction.

“It’s been getting better and better,” Boyd said. “I think I messed up a bit at Carolina. … This weekend he jumped really well. He can get a bit wild in the ring, especially in the second half of the course, and I lose some of the rideability. We’ve been doing gymnastic work with Richard Picken and getting him to use himself through his body and make him a bit quicker off the ground. It’s coming along just in time.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night, who seemed to have the win in the bag with a healthy lead heading into cross country, were three fences from home when “Blackie” got hung up on the rifle jump at fence 22a. She took a hard spill and was transported to Stanly Regional Medical Center for tests. She has since been released and is just fine aside from being very sore. Blackie received some stitches in his right front leg and is resting comfortably.

Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky also took second place in the A division on 33.1 with a clear round and 5.6 time penalties. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Steve Blauner will be going to Badminton thanks to a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant. Ryan Wood and Frankie, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Steve and Karri Guy, finished third on 35.5 with a clear round and 3.6 time penalties.

Allie Sacksen and spunky little Sparrow’s Nio were the only pair in both Advanced divisions to make the optimum time of 6 minutes and 39 seconds. “Neo,” a 13-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding Allie owns, was loving every second of their trip and eating up the ground the whole way around the course. They win EN’s Ride of the Day!

Looking to the Advanced B division, Katie Ruppel said yesterday that she was going to go as fast as Houdini wanted around Tremaine Cooper’s cross country course today, and they crossed the finish flags with a clear round and 8.4 time penalties to win on 38.1. Affectionately known as “Screwdini” because of his quirks, the 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Katie owns didn’t put a foot wrong today.

Ryan Wood and Frankie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I was leaving it up to him because the ground was a little bit hard. We’re so close to Kentucky, but I thought if he was jumping well and felt rideable, it’s good fitness for him to run on the hills,” Katie said. “I thought I would go for it a bit. He was adjustable and looking for the jumps and good in the combinations. He feels better than ever.”

As for her final strategy before Rolex, Katie said she will keep up their work in dressage and show jumping but will also let him school lower-level cross country fences. “We’ll set up some Preliminary combinations and get him feeling confident,” she said. “Sometimes if I jump him too big too often, he’ll start to doubt himself. I’ll let him do some easy cross country and have him feeling like Superman heading out of the start box at Kentucky.”

Caroline Martin and Effervescent jumped the fastest round in the B division in the horse’s Advanced debut, coming home clear with 6 time penalties to move up from seventh place after show jumping to finish in second on 40.3. Buck Davidson and The Apprentice were the final Advanced pair of the day to go, jumping clear with 8 time penalties to finish third on 41.6. Click here for a play-by-play of what went down on Advanced cross country.

Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Paul LeBlanc for Shannon Brinkman Photo.

Doug Payne and Lysander took the second CIC2* win of the horse’s career, leading wire-to-wire and sealing the deal with a clear cross country round inside the time to finish first on 37.0. The 9-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding Doug owns with Kristin Michaloski is very experienced now, but Doug has been waiting to move “Big Leo” up to Advanced until he’s positive the horse is totally ready.

“He has a great gallop, so I’ve been able to rely on that and take a fair bit of time to set up for combinations. I’ve been trying these last few runs to give him a little bit less time to reset and get back into a well balanced canter. He’s getting better with less and less input. I think long-term down the line it will help tremendously,” Doug said.

“This whole weekend was better. The show jumping was the best he’s been as far as confident and jumping well and comfortable. I want that to be a consistent thing before we move up. I want him to be completely bored with it first. We’re close, but we’re not quite there.”

Prairie Stipemass, Doug Payne’s super groom, shows off Lysander’s ribbon after he won the CIC2* at #TheFork. Shout out to all the hardworking grooms who make it possible for the riders to compete!

A photo posted by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on Apr 10, 2016 at 5:24pm PDT

Prairie Stipemaas, head groom and barn manager for Doug Payne Equestrian, might have been the proudest person at The Fork today, as this was the first big win for Big Leo since she joined their team. We have to send a huge shout out to all the hardworking grooms who make it possible for the riders to compete and the horses to do what they love!

Boyd Martin and the Shamwari 4 Syndicate’s Shamwari 4 finished second in the CIC2* on 48.1 with a double clear round in their final preparation for Rolex. Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s I Bella finished third on 48.9 with a clear round inside the time. Click here to view the final scores from #TheFork.

#TheFork: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair Dominate in The Fork CIC3* Victory

By Jenni Autry on Apr 10, 2016 5:00 pm -

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair defended their overnight lead in the CIC3* at The Fork with a speedy cross country trip — one of just four in the division to make the optimum time — to take the second CIC3* win of their career on their dressage score of 41.8. It’s taken time for this duo to return to their winning ways after Maya went back to the drawing board to work on the horse’s rideability, which makes today’s win all the more gratifying.

Maya and “Cody,” an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Dawn Dofelmier, are preparing to compete in their second CCI4* at Rolex in two weeks, and she came into cross country today with a very specific game plan. Using the hills on the course to her advantage to hone Cody’s fitness as they count down the days to Kentucky, Maya said she was very pleased with how he handled the track, breezing around to come home 15 seconds inside the time with the fastest round of the day.

“I wanted to have a good smart run on my part but also use this as a fitness run before Kentucky. I wanted to get around safely and confidently and use this to move forward. They have some great hills here, especially toward the end, so I really used that as a fitness run and really made him gallop up it and then take a breath before the bigger tables,” Maya said.

“I think this was a great run because moving forward I will be able to take away that the combinations that maybe walk a teeny bit long, I actually have to work harder about getting him back for them because they don’t ride long for him, they ride short. That’s something good for me to know going into Kentucky. I have to make sure he’s in the right balance for the combinations because he has such a huge stride for his size.”

At 15.2 hands, Cody’s size certainly doesn’t slow him down. He was a bit of a handful on course today, and Maya said she’ll be practicing a few long downhill gallops and then pull him up to check her brakes before Kentucky. “It’s fun to know that finally it feels like some of the pieces are coming back together again. The horse is very capable of winning at this level, so it’s nice to be showing that our hard work at home is paying off,” Maya said.

“I know him very well now, but it always changes. Every year is different. Now he’s just so much more confident than before. He’s always been a confident horse on cross country, so his over confidence now isn’t always to our benefit, so that’s what I have to work on between now and then to get him back in my camp a little bit.”

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, a 14-year-old Dutch mare owned by Team Rebecca, jumped clear with 1.2 time penalties to hold onto second place, finishing on a final score of 43.3. The 2014 National CCI4* Champions are looking in very good form as they prepare for a return trip to Rolex once more; they also delivered a personal best CIC3* dressage score this weekend of 43.3.

“The ground was quite hard, so I let her pick her own pace,” Lauren said. “She’s only run at Red Hills, so she was quite keen to get out there. Everything felt straight forward on her, and I feel good heading in to Kentucky. She’s quite fit, and I’m happy with where she’s at.”

As for what Lauren will be fine-tuning in the countdown to Rolex: “We’ll certainly be picking apart the Kentucky test and schooling individual movements. She’ll also have a cross country school to do sharp angles and corners. At this point it’s about trying to keep her sharp going into the event.”

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights delivered another of the four clear rounds inside the time to to move up from seventh after show jumping to finish in third place on their dressage score of 45.1. “CR,” a 10-year-old Clydesdale/Thoroughbred gelding Colleen bred, felt very rideable today, she said, which is exactly what she wanted heading into Rolex.

“There was a moment when he shifted his shoulders a little bit at the angled brushes, but he was really honest,” Colleen said. “He’s just so easy to ride and he’s so game for everything, so I’m thrilled with how he ran. I didn’t really ask him to go make the time, and he covered the ground super nicely.”

The Norwood area hasn’t seen much rain this week, and the gusting winds further dried up the ground, making for harder going than the riders wanted. But Colleen said the ground wasn’t as much of an issue for CR. “For him I thought the footing felt great. I wasn’t terribly concerned. My guys are a little more used to being on harder ground, and I thought it felt great. It’s great turf and great galloping hills, and (the grounds crew) did what they could.”

Phillip Dutton took the next three spots on the leaderboard, finishing fourth with Mighty Nice (49.1), fifth with Fernhill Cubalawn (50.5) and sixth with Indian Mill (51.4). Lauren Kieffer finished a second ride in the top 10 with Meadowbrook’s Scarlett in seventh place (51.8).

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Faudree and Pfun had just 1.6 time penalties to move up from 14th to finish in eighth place (52.9). Katherine Coleman and Longwood were the third pair to make the time, moving up from 30th after dressage to finish in ninth on 54.5. Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless round out the top 10 with a clear round and 1.2 time penalties (54.5).

The course rode fair smoothly across the board, with the majority of the division jumping clear rounds. Click here for a breakdown of where any trouble occurred on course. There were two falls on course. Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 when the horse added a stride at fence 9c, the duck coming out of the first water complex. Both Colleen and “Monkey” are fine, and she returned later in the division to ride CR.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Catchascatchcan were having a great go until he refused at the fence 9a, a big airy log jump into the first water, sending Sara out the side door. She confirmed to EN after the fall that she is totally fine. Sara was the only other rider to make the time in the CIC3* aboard Fly Me Courageous.

Stay tuned for more from #TheFork. You can catch up on all the Advanced cross country action in our live updates thread. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery won the A division on 32.4, with Katie Ruppel and Houdini winning the B division on 38.1. There was a scary moment when Liz Halliday-Sharp fell from Fernhill By Night at the third fence from home. “Blackie” is totally fine sans some stitches in his left front leg. Liz is nursing some bruises but is otherwise fine.

It wasn’t all a bad day for Liz, as she won the CIC* with Deniro Z on their dressage score of 34.3. Doug Payne and Lysander added another CIC2* win to their growing list of accomplishments, going clear and inside the time to finish in first place on 37.0. Click here for final scores in all the divisions. Then click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage so far.

#TheFork: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

The Fork Advanced Cross Country Live Updates

By Jenni Autry on Apr 10, 2016 12:30 pm -

Ryan Wood and McLovin. Photo by Jenni Autry.

CIC3* cross country has concluded here at The Fork, and we have a quick 10-minute break before the Advanced A and B divisions start. These divisions are not running in reverse order. Just like the CIC3*, there are many horses heading for Rolex or Badminton between the two Advanced divisions — I’m counting 34 — so this is a critical run for these horses and riders.

Click here to tour the CIC3*/Advanced cross country course with EN’s own Kate Samuels, who provides her thoughts on Tremaine Cooper’s track from a competitor’s perspective. The Fork also produced a drone flyover preview of the course, which features commentary from Tremaine.

There is no live stream or radio feed of cross country this year, but EN will be your boots on the ground to update you on what is happening in the Advanced divisions. Keep refreshing this page for updates.

#TheFork: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

12:45: We have several withdrawals from the Advanced divisions: Allison Springer and Arthur, Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace, Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley, and Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token.

12:55: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery are the first pair out of the start box and home clear and 17 seconds over for 6.8 time penalties.

12:59: Clear and 15 seconds over for Caroline Martin and Effervescent.

1:01: Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby are home clear. This is one of three horses Lillian has going to Rolex this year.

1:03: Ryan Wood and Frankie home clear and 9 seconds over for 3.6 time. This is one of three horses Ryan has going to Rolex.

1:06: Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux have fallen at the aqueduct jump at the second water. She is up and the horse has been caught. They are both ok.

1:07: Buck Davidson and Copper Beach were held briefly at the start of the course due to Mikki’s fall. We’re back underway now.

1:09: Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star are home clear in their final prep before their Rolex debut.

1:13: Buck Davidson and Cooper Beach are home clear. This is one of three horses Buck has entered at Rolex.

1:15: Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon have a refusal at the mound complex at fence 6. They are clear on the second attempt.

1:16: Holly Payne Caravella and Never Outfoxed had a runout at 6c, the second angled brush at the mound complex.

1:19: Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon are home with 20 jumping penalties.

1:21: Holly and Never Outfoxed complete with 20 jumping penalties.

1:24: Doug Payne and Vandiver finish clear with 19 seconds over, 7.6 time penalties. This is another pair heading to Rolex.

1:26: Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire come home with a clear round. This U.S. pair based in England made the trip across the pond to contest their first Rolex.

1:28: Boyd Martin and Master Frisky complete with no jumping penalties and 6.4 time. This pair is heading to Badminon next month. Boyd is currently first in the A division with Blackfoot Mystery and second with Master Frisky.

1:31: Lauren Kieffer has fallen from Landmark’s Monte Carlo at the mound complex at fence 6. She is up and ok and the horse has been caught.

1:34: Ryan Wood and McLovin are home clear. We have a brief hold at the start to fix the roping near fences one and two after Landmark’s Monte Carlo ran through it.

1:39: Liz Halliday-Sharp has fallen from Fernhill By Night at fence 22. We have a hold on course. Blackie is up and the medical team is with Liz.

1:47: Liz is up and ok. Blackie is being transported off the course in the horse ambulance as a precaution.

1:57: We are back underway now. Rachel Wilks and River King have now completed, as have Ashley Johnson and a Tactical Maneuver.

2:01: Avery Klunick has a great save at the first water when In It To Win It stumbled on landing in the jump in. They are clear so far.

2:02: Heads up to the riders that Advanced ride times are running about 15 minutes behind.

2:06: Avery Klunick and In It To Win It are home clear! (You can take a deep breath now, Mackenna!)

2:08: Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio are home clear and inside the time! Looking fabulous in their final prep for Rolex.

2:11: EN’s own Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir come home clear and 24 seconds over.

2:16: Holly Payne Caravella and Santino have completed with a clear round to make the time! 21 seconds under. They were flying out there!

2:18: Top three in the Advanced A: Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery in first, Boyd and Master Frisky in second, and Ryan Wood and Frankie in third.

2:19: Will Faudree and Caeleste jumped clear and came home right on the 7 minute marker.

2:21: Lillian Heard and FYI just completed with a clear round. Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration also finished with a clear round.

2:26: Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie are home clear, as are Justine Dutton and Jollybo and Daniela Moguel and Cecelia.

2:30: Sally Cousins has retired Tsunami after fence 11. Some of the riders are choosing to pull up before the back part of the course where the ground is harder.

2:36: Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy have fallen at a table at fence five. They are both up and ok and we won’t have a hold on course.

2:39: Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream are home clear in a time of 7:24. They were tied for the overnight lead with Katie Ruppel and Houdini, who are on course now.

2:43: Lauren Kieffer has withdrawn D.A. Duras.

2:44: Jennie Jarnstrom and Penelope picked up a refusal at fence 11, the aqueduct jump in the water. She then had two refusals at fence 12 and has been eliminated.

2:46: Katie Ruppel and Houdini are home clear. We are waiting on confirmation of their time.

2:49: Heads up to the CIC2* riders that cross country will be starting about 10 minutes late.

2:50: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are home clear.

2:55: Buck Davidson and The Apprentice are the last Advanced pair on course. They just finished clear in a time of 6:59.

3: Final results for Advanced B: Katie Ruppel and Houdini win, with Caroline Martin and Effervescent in second, and Buck Davidson and The Apprentice in third. Click here for final scores.

The Fork CIC3* Cross Country Live Updates

By Jenni Autry on Apr 10, 2016 9:30 am -

Go Maya! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Good morning from cross country day at The Fork! It’s another brisk, chilly day here in Norwood, North Carolina, which will make for good cross country conditions as horses and riders set out of the start box for their final preparation before Rolex. I’m counting 29 of 51 horses in the CIC3* alone that are heading for either Rolex or Badminton, so this is an important day.

The footing on cross country is quite hard due to a lack of rain in the area recently, and the grounds crew has been aerating and watering the ground to try to provide better going for the horses. With this event being such a critical one in terms of preparation for Kentucky, the consensus from many of the riders is that they intend to use today’s run as a fitness preparation, going as fast as the hard ground will allow.

Click here to tour the CIC3* cross country course with EN’s own Kate Samuels, who provides her thoughts on Tremaine Cooper’s track from a competitor’s perspective. The Fork also produced a drone flyover preview of the course, which also features commentary from Tremaine.

CIC3* cross country starts at 10 a.m. There is no live stream or radio feed this year, but EN will be your boots on the ground to update you on what is happening. Keep refreshing this page for updates from the CIC3*. I also will be running live updates for the Advanced, which starts at 12:45 p.m.

#TheFork: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

10: We’re underway! Phillip Dutton and Sportsfield Candy are first on course.

10:05: About 30 seconds over the optimum time for Phillip and Candy with a clear round.

10:07: We have reports coming in from the riders that the ground is still pretty hard, especially on the back part of the course. That’s going to heavily effect whether riders go for time.

10:08: Optimum time is 6 minutes, 39 seconds. Caroline Martin and Spring Easy are also home clear with 11.2 time.

10:11: Allison Springer and Cascani home clear with 12.4 time. Riders are definitely taking it easy with the hard ground so far, but none of the first three horses out of the box are aiming for Rolex.

10:14: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac, who are Rolex bound, jump clear with about 12 time penalties.

10:17: Kylie Lyman and Sacramento are home clear with 8 time penalties. That’s the fastest round so far.

10:18: Huge shout out to Brian O’Connor for providing such excellent announcing. It makes my job so much easier to run live updates!

10:19: Jessica Phoenix just made a super save when A Little Romance peeked badly at 9a, the big airy log into the first water. She got it done and made the corner work! Great ride.

10:20: Sydney Conley Elliot and Cisko A are our second fastest so far. Clear with 6 time penalties. A great final prep run for their Rolex debut.

10:24: Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark just had a runout at 16b at the Sunken Road. That’s the first trouble on course so far. They finish with 20 jumping and 7 time.

10:28: Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm home clear with 12 time. Another pair heading to Rolex and a cool little OTTB.

10:32: Leslie Law and Tre du Kernat home clear with 14 time penalties. The course is riding very smoothly so far.

10:35: Libby Head and Sir Rockstar are home clear in their final prep run for Badminton!

10:38: Caroline Martin finishes clear and 35 seconds over the time with Pebbly Maximus, a great run in his first FEI competition back since sustaining an injury at this event last year.

10:41: Clear with 5.6 time penalties for Phillip Dutton on Fernhill Cubalawn, his second ride of the day.

10:42: Philippa Humphreys has retired Sir Donovan at fence 13, the coffin.

10:47: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are home clear with 3.2 time. This is another pair gearing up for their Rolex debut.

10:48: Buck Davidson has pulled up Ballynoe Castle RM after the Sunken Road at fence 16. Both of them are ok and trotting off the course.

10:53: Just 3.6 time for Kurt Martin and Delux Z. A super clear round for this Rolex Rookie pair!

10:55: Bentley’s Best took a hard look at 9a with Jessica Phoenix, the big log into the first water, and then glanced off to the right of the big brush corner at B.

10:56: About 8 time for Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. That’s another clear round over Tremaine Cooper’s course, which is running in reverse direction this year.

10:57: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle have had a runout at the mound complex at fence 6.

11: Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best have completed with 20 jumping penalties.

11:02: Nilson and Muggle complete with 20 jumping and I believe 20 seconds over.

11:04: Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 fell at fence 9c, the duck at the first water, when the horse tried to squeeze in a final stride before the jump. They are both up and ok and walking back to stabling.

11:09: Jon Holling and Kildalton Cooley pick up a stop at the keyhole on top of the mound at 6a.

11:10: Katherine Coleman and Longwood are home clear and inside the time! Our first double clear!

11:14: Jon Holling has retired Kildalton Cooley on the back of the course.

11:18: Clear and 31 seconds over the time for Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. That’s his third clear round of the day in this division.

11:19: Caroline Martin has withdrawn Center Stage.

11:20: Jennie Brannigan and Catalina are home clear in a time of 7:13.

11:23: I’m also posting photos to EN’s Instagram during cross country, so don’t forget to check that!

11:27: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous’ time has been corrected. They are our second pair of the CIC3* to make the time!

11:28: Allison Springer and Mr Sydney Rocks and Sharon White and Cooley on Show are also home clear with time penalties.

11:31: Catchascatchcan stopped at fence 9a, the big log into the first water. Sara Kozumplik Murphy fell off but is ok. Both horse and rider are ok and Catch has been safely caught.

11:36: Eliza Farren and Bantry Bays Dublin have picked up two refusals at fence 11, the aqueduct jump into water at the Turtle Pond. They are clear on the third attempt.

11:38: Kylie Lyman and Lup the Loop are home clear and just 1 second over the time! This pair won the Advanced at Carolina two weeks ago.

11:39: Eliza and Bantry Bays Dublin have their third refusal on course at the coffin at fence 16. That is elimination, sadly.

11:44: Waylon Roberts is home clear with Bill Owen, his second ride in the division. 43 seconds over the time.

11:45: Sara Moore and Polaris pick up a runout at 6b, the first angled brush coming off the mound. They are clear on their second attempt.

11:47: Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless are home clear with 1.2 time penalties, which will move them way up the leaderboard. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn are currently leading, but there’s still plenty of action to come!

11:51: Sara and Polaris complete with 20 jumping in a time of 7:24.

11:52: Allie Knowles has withdrawn Sound Prospect.

11:53: Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill finish in a time of 6:58, which is his personal fastest round so far. That’s 7.6 time, so he’s now in first and second. He now has delivered four clear rounds in this division.

11:55: Justine Dutton just had a great save at the duck at 9c with Huck Finn. Well sat!

11:56: Just 3.2 time for Meadowbrook’s Scarlett and Lauren Kieffer for their super clear round. That moves them into third place provisionally.

11:59: Justine and Huck Finn are home clear with time penalties.

12:02: Anita Gilmour and Acrobat are home clear in a time of 7:26. We’re getting ready to head into the top 10!

12:05: Boyd Martin and Crackerjack finish clear with 2 time penalties. Crackers is rocking a very stylish pink FLAIR nasal strip.

12:07: Live scores are now popping up on EventEntries.com, so you can get accurate time penalties there!

12:08: Will Faudree and Pfun go clear with just 1.6 time to shoot up the leaderboard! He also jumped clear with Hans Dampf earlier in the division.

12:09: Current top four: Phillip and Fernhill Cubalawn, Phillip and Indian Mill, Lauren and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, Will and Pfun.

12:11: Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High are clear and home in 6:54, 15 seconds over.

12:14: Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti finish clear and 28 seconds over for 11.2 time penalties.

12:18: Ellie MacPhail and RF Eloquence have had two runouts at fence 6, the Uwharrie Bank Complex at the mound. She has elected to retire.

12:20: Lynn Symansky and Donner are home safe and clear in a time of 7:16, 37 seconds over. Shout out to her dad Steve, who is following along from Bahrain!

12:22: Covert Rights just took a giant Superman leap over fence 9a, the big log jump into the first water. This Clydesdale/Thoroughbred homebred owned and ridden by Colleen Rutledge is a cool dude.

12:25: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are home clear and inside the time! That’s our third double clear round of the day and moves her into the lead with just three horses left to come.

12:28: Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice are home clear 16 seconds over. That gives them 6.4 time penalties to slot into 2nd place behind Colleen and CR.

12:30: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica and overnight leaders Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair are sharing the course as the final two in the CIC3*.

12:32: Clear and 3 seconds over for Lauren Kieffer and Veronica to take the lead. Only Maya and Cody can dethrone them.

12:34: Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair home clear inside the time by 13 seconds to WIN! Lauren Kieffer and Veronica finish in second, with Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights in third.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night Go Low at The Fork

By Jenni Autry on Apr 9, 2016 6:00 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Not only did Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night go clear in show jumping today at The Fork to hold their lead in the Advanced A division on 19.4, but they’re also rocking the lowest individual score across all 11 divisions. The 25 mile-per-hour winds definitely upped the ante today, but Liz said “Blackie,” a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Deborah Halliday, handled the conditions well.

“He just had a little look at a couple jumps — not in a naughty way but he wouldn’t normally be spooky,” Liz said. “I thought (the course) was nicer than last year. The time was a bit easier as well. It was a little bit of a softer course than we had at Carolina, which maybe isn’t a bad thing going into Rolex. It’s nice for them to have a good confident jump round. All the distances rode well.”

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate, jumped clear to stay in second place on 25.6, with Allison Springer and Arthur, a 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Arthur Syndicate, also jumping clear to remain in third on 25.9.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Looking to the Advanced B division, overnight leaders Buck Davidson and The Apprentice had one rail down to slip to fifth place. Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Cooley Dream LLC, and Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini both jumped clear rounds to move up to a tie for first place on scores of 29.7.

Houdini, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, also led after the first two phases in the Poplar Place CIC3* two weeks ago, and Katie said she was thrilled with how he has performed so far this weekend despite the windy, chilly weather, joking that “It only took me 10 years to learn how to ride him!”

On Houdini’s dressage test, Katie said, “He and I are both pretty accustomed to Florida now, so anything below 65 degrees makes us both a bit nutty. I didn’t think he was as good as he was two weeks ago, but his baseline work his getting better and better and better. He’s more reliable in the ring, and I think he is finally starting to understand his job.”

Katie Ruppel and Houdini. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The horse can be very spooky, which Katie said made their round “a little exciting between the jumps at times. This weather doesn’t really suit him, but he’s really come along. Even when the conditions don’t suit him, he’s still really getting the job done. I’m really proud of him … He’s a hot little Thoroughbred. He’s got a ton of energy, so managing those things about him can be challenging, but I think I found a recipe that works.”

In the CIC2*, Doug Payne and Lysander came into show jumping with two rails in hand but didn’t need them, jumping a lovely clear round to remain in the lead on 37.0. “Big Leo,” a 9-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding he owns with Kristin Michaloski,” kept his composure beautifully in the wind — and then spooked badly at the triple while Doug was patting him after the round. Way to stick the landing, Doug!

Doug Payne and Lysander. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“I was really proud of him. He handled the course really well. Show jumping is something we’ve been working on for quite a long time, so it’s rewarding to have him as confident as he was in the ring,” Doug said. “Today was one of the best rounds he’s ever done as far as feeling really comfortable with what’s being asked. He was as confident as he’s ever been.”

Doug has plenty of time to play with on cross country tomorrow, as he’s leading by 11 points, but he still plans to set a good pace out of the start box. “As far as his development, one of his weakest points on cross country is being able to move along and be able to come back for the next combination,” Doug said. “I could cruise around at a medium pace and be fine, but for his benefit we’ll see if we can’t push the envelope a bit.”

Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by the Shamwari 4 Syndicate, jumped clear to move up to second place in the CIC2* on 48.1. Jennie Brannigan and I Bella, a 10-year-old Dutch/Holsteiner mare owned by Nina Gardner, put in a lovely round to crack the top three on 48.9.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Liz Halliday-Sharp is also still hanging onto the lead in the CIC* with Deniro Z, an 8-year-old Dutch gelding that jumped a green if adorable show jumping round this morning, trying his heart out the whole way. “He hasn’t been out in a while, but he jumped really well,” Liz said. “I was really proud of how all my horses jumped today.”

The top three in the CIC* remained unchanged from yesterday, with Sebastian, a 9-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding owned by Edy Rameika, jumping clear to hold second on 38.0. Selena O’Hanlon and Zephyr, a 14-year-old gelding owned by Kelly Demp, also went clear to stay in third on 43.5.

Keep checking back to this report for more beautiful photos from Shannon Brinkman Photography, whose team kept diligently shooting photos on a very cold, windy day long after Chinch waved the white flag and went inside to thaw out. We have to send a huge shout out to all the officials, volunteers, grooms and hardworking people who persevered on a long day.

If you missed the report on the CIC3*, which Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair now lead, click here to catch up. Don’t miss Kate’s full course preview with analysis from a competitor’s perspective, and click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage so far. Cross country starts at 8:30 a.m. and is running in this order tomorrow: CIC*, CIC3*, Advanced, CIC2*. Go Eventing.

#TheFork: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair Prevail Through Blustery CIC3* Show Jumping at The Fork

By Jenni Autry on Apr 9, 2016 4:30 pm -

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Winds gusted at up to 25 miles per hour at The Fork today, making for dramatic rounds as the riders and ring crew alike battled blustery conditions throughout the day. Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair ultimately prevailed over Mother Nature, jumping a stylish clear round to move into first place after overnight dressage leader Jessica Phoenix and an exuberant Pavarotti pulled two rails.

Chris Barnard’s course rode fairly smoothly for the majority of the division, with 25 of the 52 horses and riders jumping clear and inside the time — about 48 percent. With that many clear rounds, any rails down did prove costly. Ellie MacPhail and RF Eloquence, who were tied for second place overnight with Maya and “Cody,” slipped down to eighth place after pulling one rail.

Maya and Cody, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Dawn Dofelmier, led after the first day of dressage and now find themselves back on the top of the leaderboard. After having two rails down at Carolina International to drop out of a three-way tie for first place, Maya said she went back to the drawing board to combine different strategies that worked for her in the past.

“I know he’s capable of (jumping clear), but I feel like I’m finally bringing a few different things together, tweaking a few different things and taking a little bit of a style I was riding in last year with a bit of the rideability I’ve been trying to get this year. At Carolina I felt like I was trying to put him in a place where he was fighting me. He has his own free will, and it’s a little bit of a balancing act,” Maya said.

“Hopefully moving forward we can continue to work together. There are times when he has to become more rideable and times I have to let his balance come up. He’s a small horse. It’s helpful when he can bring his head and neck up before the fences and see what he’s going to do, as long as he can still stay rideable.”

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica and Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice jumped clear rounds to each move up two spots on the leaderboard into second and third places, respectively, on their dressage scores of 42.1 and 42.7. That’s the best CIC3* dressage score of Veronica’s career, and the 14-year-old Dutch mare owned by Team Rebecca jumped beautifully today, too.

“This kind of footing is not always her favorite, but she was great,” Lauren said. “I thought the course was good. It had lots of lines, lots of related distances and a couple of places where you had to make a decision. For the most part it rode pretty consistently and the rails were spread out.”

Reflecting back to yesterday’s personal best dressage test for “Troll,” Lauren added: “I thought the trot work was the best she’s ever had. She got pretty excited in the canter work. … She’s so much stronger than she has been in the past. She gets a little better every year. I just have to make sure to work her in enough at Kentucky.”

Lauren is moving a little gingerly this afternoon after falling with Landmark’s Miner’s Diamond in Preliminary cross country early this morning at fence 18, a cabin going into water. The horse is totally fine, and Lauren shook off any residual soreness to jump clear rounds with both Meadowbrook’s Scarlett and Veronica in the CIC3* soon after.

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip’s domination of the CIC3* continued today, as he jumped clear rounds with all five of his rides, though the windy conditions didn’t make it easy at times. A jump blew over right in front of Phillip and Fernhill Fugitive just as they were about to start their round. Kudos to the jump crew for working hard to keep jumps upright!

Looking to the rest of Phillip’s rides, David Garrett’s Indian Mill moved up to fourth place on 43.8, and Tom Tierney and Annie Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive now sits in fifth place on 44.7. Fernhill Cubalawn, owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, is in sixth place on 44.9 — giving Phillip four horses in the top six of the CIC3*.

Phillip said he thought Mighty Nice’s round was one of the best ever for the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the HND Group. “It wasn’t that difficult of a show jumping track, but it was a bit windy with a lot of distractions,” Phillip said. “I thought he kept his composure, and it sets us up well for the next couple of weeks (for Kentucky).”

As for Phillip’s thoughts on Happy’s dressage test yesterday: “I’m really excited about the way he’s going. He seems to be getting better and better. David (O’Connor) and I have a great working partnership on the flat. We have a plan for each horse and where to go and how to build on it from week to week, which is perfect for me.”

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Colleen Rutledge and her own Covert Rights delivered yet another clear round today to move up to seventh place on 45.1, continuing to prove that they’ve unlocked a successful strategy in this phase. Two off-track Thoroughbreds are rounding out the top 10 in equal ninth place thanks to clear rounds, with Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect LLC’s Sound Prospect and Lynn Symansky and the Donner Syndicate’s Donner both on scores of 46.7.

Despite the wind’s best effort to blow riders right out of the saddle, everyone managed to stay in the tack for CIC3* show jumping. We did have one bummer of a technical elimination when Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville, who won the CIC3* here in 2014, went off course. They picked up their final CIC3* qualifier at Carolina two weeks ago, so that won’t hamper their plans for Kentucky.

Click here to view the full live scores in the division and here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage so far. Stay tuned for more from #TheFork!

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