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Jenni Autry
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Jenni Autry

Achievements

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

10 Things You Need to Know About Maya Black

By on Sep 23, 2014 12:00 pm -
Maya Black shows off her swag from winning the Plantation Field CIC3*. Photo via EN's Instagram. Maya Black shows off her swag from winning the Plantation Field CIC3*. Photo via EN's Instagram.

Maya Black has taken the East Coast by storm since relocating from the West Coast in January with Doesn’t Play Fair, with whom she just won the CIC3* at Plantation Field International Horse Trials this past weekend, catapulting them into the spotlight as a serious combination to watch for the future.

But Maya is no stranger to EN readers. You’ll remember we featured her a year ago in EN’s Got Talent, just before she and “Cody” did their first CCI2* at Galway Downs — you can read those posts here and here. We’re unabashedly #teammaya around these parts, so here are 10 things you need to know about this rising star.

1. She’s from Washington State: Hailing from Clinton, Wash., Maya grew up on Whidbey Island and learned the ropes of eventing there. And though she did one nine-month working student stint on the East Coast in the past, she’s about to surpass the longest amount of time she’s ever been away from home.

2. She works for Jan Byyny: After discussing her goal to move up to the Advanced level in 2014 with Jan Byyny at least year’s USEA Convention, Jan invited Maya to be a working student at Surefire Farm in Virginia. She’s been working there since January, as well as competing some of Jan’s young horses, and has no plans to leave at this point.

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

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

3. Her farriers own Doesn’t Play Fair: Jon and Dawn Dofelmier originally found “Cody” — who was bred by Half Trak Farm and is sired by Camiros, out of a Coriander mare — as a 5-year-old and sent him to Maya for training to become a Novice horse for Dawn. They realized how much talent he had and decided to see how far he could go through the levels. Jon and Dawn still fly over from Washington state to Virginia to shoe Cody.

4. This is her first season going Advanced: She has previously produced two horses through the two-star level, but both incurred injuries before making it to Advanced. So she started over again with Cody — and has been really careful with him in the process, only going for time on rare occasions. They did their first Advanced at Pine Top in February.

5. She’s almost 6 feet tall: As a taller rider, and with Cody being 15.3 hands, Maya said fitness is really important to her, as is making sure her upper body and core are strong so she doesn’t throw him off balance. She’s also had to learn how to position her upper body to help him get the most scope he can over jumps.

6. Cody is extremely quirky and spooky: You wouldn’t think it when watching Cody tackle a big cross-country course, but he’s actually really spooky and difficult. Among his dislikes are things next to or above his head, going between things or next to things, living in a stall and being around other horses. That’s how he got his show name; he “doesn’t play fair.”

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

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

7. She’s been slowly making a name for herself: Maya and Cody were named to the 2012 USEF Developing Riders List and were invited to the 2014 Winter/Spring Training Sessions. They graduated up to the National category on the Summer/Fall lists, and we should see them on the National list again for the 2015 Winter/Spring training sessions.

8. She’s heading to Fair Hill next: Maya and Cody did their first CCI3* at Bromont in June, and now they had to Elkton, Md., for the toughest CCI3* on American soil at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. Which brings us to the next thing to now about her …

9. She’s now qualified for Rolex: After placing fifth in the Bromont CCI3* in June and winning the Plantation Field CIC3*, Maya and Cody are now qualified to tackle their first Rolex next year. She plans to see how Fair Hill CCI3* goes first before making a decision on aiming for Kentucky.

10. Her mom cried when she jumped a clear round: With her parents back home in Washington state, they don’t make it east to watch her compete very often, but they were able to see her go at Plantation Field thanks to the PRO TV live stream. Maya said her mom burst into tears when she jumped a clear show jumping round on Saturday. We can only imagine the kind of celebration that went down when she won the whole dang thing on Sunday.

Best of luck to Maya and Cody as they head to Fair Hill and look ahead to Rolex. Go Eventing.

Michael Jung Breaks Collarbone in Fall at 1.50-Meter Jumper Class

By on Sep 22, 2014 4:30 pm -
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST at Luhmühlen. Photo by Jenni Autry. Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST at Luhmühlen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Michael Jung broke his collarbone in a fall from The Dürer TSF at the final fence of a 1.50-meter jumper class at Donaueschingen in Germany on Friday. He underwent surgery on Saturday and will likely be out for the rest of the eventing season, he posted yesterday on his Facebook page.

Post by Michael Jung.

Even Ze Terminator falls off, folks. There’s hope for the rest of us yet. We wish him all the best as he heals and hope he can get back in the saddle soon. You can leave a get well comment on his Facebook page above. In the meantime, we’ll hack Sam and Rocana for you, Michael. It’s no problem at all.

Justine Dutton Jumps to Victory in PRO Bareback Puissance

By on Sep 22, 2014 3:00 pm -
Justin Dutton and Casino Royale. Photo by Alec Thayer. Justin Dutton and Casino Royale. Photo by Alec Thayer.

Always a highlight of the festivities at the Best. Event. Ever., the PRO Bareback Puissance once again delighted spectators during the Sunday lunch break. Jennie Brannigan, who offered commentary during last year’s puissance, rode Stella Artois, joined by Waylon Roberts and Fair Fiona, Justine Dutton and Casino Royale, and Priscilla Godsoe and Sandro D’Amoury.

Priscilla went out first, then Waylon and Jennie took down the top block on the 5’11” wall to give Justin the chance to take the win. Justine successfully cleared the 5’11” wall with Casino Royale to win the $1,000 prize presented by everyone’s favorite vet Kevin Keane and Sports Medicine Associations of Chester County.

Justine has ridden Jollybo — who we just profiled last week in EN’s Got Talent — in the bareback puissance in the past, but since the mare was also competing in the CIC2* over the weekend, Justine needed another mount. “Cubby,” an Irish Sport Horse gelding she imported from England for a client four years ago, stepped up to the plate.

“I knew he was a pretty good guy, pretty laid back and a good jumper, but I didn’t think he could do that,” Justine said of clearing 5’11” to take the win. As for how much she practiced: “I hopped on him last week and jumped him bareback over a vertical a few times. We got to 1.35 meters and stopped, and he seemed to jump that OK, so we figured we’d give it a try.”

Justine also rode in the bareback puissance at Great Meadow, where riders could choose to take off a piece of clothing to get another shot if they dropped a rail or had a refusal. As to which puissance she liked better, Justine said, “I’m just glad I got to keep my shirt on this time!”

Many thanks to Alec Thayer for graciously letting us use his photos for a gallery from the PRO Bareback Puissance. Click over to his Ab3 Photography Facebook page and website to see his other great photos from the weekend. Go Eventing.

Plantation Field Links: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [PRO TV]

Eventers Go Dancing With the Stars at Plantation Field

By on Sep 22, 2014 12:00 pm -
Taking a bow after the finale. Photo by Jenni Autry. Taking a bow after the finale. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Plantation Field International Horse Trials is well known for its amazing parties, but organizer Katie Walker seriously outdid herself with the Saturday night competitor and sponsor party, which featured a “Dancing with the Stars” theme. She invited actual members of the DWTS dance troupe — Serge Onik, Allen Genkin, Amanda Spivack and Alla Kocherga — pair up with riders for a dance off.

Serge partnered with Sinead Halpin, Allen with Lynn Symansky, Amanda with Clayton Fredericks, and Alla with local jump jockey Jody Petty. The esteemed judges panel of local foxhunter Stevie Hayes, Phillip Dutton’s super groom Emma Ford and chair of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee Bobby Costello gave scores to each pair.

Clayton Fredercicks and Amanda Spivack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Clayton Fredercicks and Amanda Spivack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

After the troupe’s demonstration, each dancer and rider pair had 15 minutes to come up with a routine to dazzle the crowd of 350 spectators that packed the VIP tent. Lynn and Allen were first out and completely brought the house down. She was dancing so fast that she’s practically a blur in all my photos. Girl’s got moves, ya’ll.

Then Jody and Alla took the stage with an impressively choreographed routine. Jody’s something of a local celebrity known for his dancing prowess, so the crowd absolutely went wild for his performance. Sinead and and Serge followed next with some bangin’ dips and spins, followed by Clayton and Amanda, who held their own in what turned out to be a very close competition.

Ed Golloway receives the marks from the esteemed judges panel. From left, Stevie Hayes, Emma Ford and Bobby Costello.

Ed Holloway receives the marks from the esteemed judges panel. From left, Stevie Hayes, Emma Ford and Bobby Costello.

The judges all ended up awarding the same combined score of 11 to each pair, so all eight of them came back out onto the dance floor for one finale dance, with all of them dancing for the win at the same time. It can only be described as a rousing spectacle akin to what you’d see on “Moulin Rouge” — totally out of control.

Though Lynn Symansky’s energetic performance wowed the crowd, Jody and Alla really stole the show, with Jody flipping her around more times than I could count. Jody and Alla each took home a disco ball trophy and eternal glory as the winners of Dancing with the Stars, Eventer Style.

Many thanks to Katie for putting on the Best. Party. Ever. at the Best. Event. Ever. — she ending up paying the DJ for an extra hour when everyone was having too much fun to go home. And word on the street is next year’s theme is already in the works, and it’s going to be equally fantastic. Go Plantation Field.

Plantation Field Links: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [PRO TV]

Just Another Day in the Life of Buck Davidson

By on Sep 22, 2014 9:00 am -
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve paid homage before to Buck Davidson’s prowess at piloting so many horses around at big events, and with 10 horses entered at Plantation Field Horse Trials this weekend, he had a very busy final day. A dusty Buck gave us a behind-the-scenes look at just another day in his life after the event concluded.

“It started off great in the morning,” Buck said. “Tiger Lion jumped great in the Intermediate cross country. Then in the two-star, I was going fantastic on the little 6-year-old mare Riviera. She’s a little green, and when she came up to the last combination, I thought she was right there for the corner, but she ducked out and then she ducked out again. Then I had a runout on No Remorse coming out of the foundation.”

Then it was back up the hill to the main arena for Advanced show jumping, where Buck pulled three rails with Wiley Post and hit the dirt when Mar de Amor slammed on the brakes at fence five. “He throws me on the floor at home all the time,” Buck said.

“When I rode him at Kentucky (in 2013), that’s about the most nervous I’ve ever been. I thought, ‘I’m going into show jumping in the top 10, there’s 30,000 people here, and I’m going to fall off.’ Thank goodness I didn’t. With all of the horses, you try to do the best you can, and you want them to look good and succeed, and I’m not sure I can replicate what I did in Kentucky that year,” when the horse finished 9th.

Buck had to quickly shake off the disappointment of the fall from Mar de Amor to go back down the hill to ride his third horse in CIC2* cross country, as he sat tied for the overnight lead aboard Be Mine, an 8-year-old Rheinlander gelding often referred to as “Little Reggie” since he’s like an overgrown pony.

Owned by Lisa Darden, she purchased Be Mine as a 3-year-old dressage prospect, who quickly showed he had no interest in being a dressage horse. “He’s basically quiet until he’s not, and then hang on, because he’s going to buck, and he’s going to spin, and he’s going to have a good time,” Buck said.

A depiction of a day in Buck's life. Illustration by Lindsey Kahn.

A depiction of a day in Buck’s life. Illustration by Lindsey Kahn.

Lisa sent the horse to Buck to evaluate, and after they unsuccessfully tried to sell him, Be Mine did his first Novice in January. He’s flown through the levels since, winning the Bromont CCI* in June and now winning the Plantation Field CIC2* — definitely a quick progression through the levels, and Buck said he’s well aware of that fact.

“This whole weekend has been about trying to do the right thing,” Buck said. “I think mentally the reason he’s here is because he’s a bit of a bastard. He needs to be challenged, and he’s good enough.” Be Mine’s owner, Lisa Darden, fully supported the decision to move him up to the two-star level at Plantation Field.

Buck said he couldn’t think of another horse he’s ever had that moved up the levels so quickly and with such a high success rate. “I will pull the reins back eventually and not keep pushing; we’ll leave him at Intermediate for a bit,” Buck said.

“He’ll probably go to the Fair Hill CCI2* or Galway Downs. He did the one-star at Bromont, and he did that easily, and he did this very easily, but he doesn’t have a base of fitness from the years of doing it. Galway is probably a little easier on them. I talked to Lisa, and we’ve got good hills here (in Pennsylvania), so we’ll try to pick the right place for him.”

As Buck said, “trying to do the right thing” has been an overarching theme of the weekend after comments began to surface online criticizing his decision to compete Ballynoe Castle RM in the CIC3* at Plantation Field, just three weeks after the horse retired on course at the World Equestrian Games.

“I talked to (Ballynoe Castle RM’s owners) Carl and Cassie Segal at length about it,” Buck said. “I didn’t even know people were all upset. All I can say is I felt like the horse wanted to do it. If I have a bad day or things don’t go the way I want, I’m not going to go on vacation. I want to get back to work and do what I do, and then I’ll take a break.”

Buck said his father, Bruce, also asked him why he had decided to run “Reggie” at Plantation Field. “I said, ‘Dad, I think he just wants to do it, and he came up to me after and said, ‘I’m glad you did that; it was the right thing to do.’”

As for WEG, Buck said the decision to retire was simple: The horse was just winded and out of gas. “It’s a judgment call, every single time I have a horse is a judgment call. I’ve been wrong plenty of times, but I know Reggie better than I know every other horse,” Buck said.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Jenni Autry.

His longtime groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray flew up from Florida to personally make sure Reggie was ready to go this weekend. “Kathleen would literally pull his shoes off if it wasn’t right,” Buck said. “Even when I got on in the afternoon, I asked her if he’s good, and she said, ‘He’s ready.’”

Buck, who led the CIC3* overnight with Reggie, cantered around to pick up 7.6 time penalties to ultimately finish in third place. “I didn’t kick him. If he had made the time, it wouldn’t have mattered. All that matters is when we came to the last fence and he had his ears up. He had his ears up the whole way. He’s a competitor, and he loved being out there.”

Indeed, Team Davidson was all smiles at the awards ceremony at the end of the day, with Carl especially beaming with pride. After completing cross country, Reggie officially became the highest point-scoring horse in the history of the United States Eventing Association.

“We’re in it together, and we love the horse more than anybody who’s talking about it, and we think this is what he wanted to do,” Buck said. As for Reggie, Buck said he was bouncing around and happy after coming off cross country. The horse had his shoes pulled off last night and will now officially begin his vacation.

So what’s next for Buck? He’ll bring his usual menagerie to the American Eventing Championships, Morven Park and the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International before heading to Pau CCI4* in France with The Apprentice and Galway Downs in California to officially wrap up his season.

And he’ll also be squeezing in a wedding to Andrea Leatherman on Nov. 8 — “If I don’t fall off before then,” Buck said. Congrats to Buck, Carl, Cassie, Lisa, Kathleen and the whole BDJ team on a great weekend at Plantation Field, where Buck practically grew up, no less.

Go Eventing.

Plantation Field Links: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [PRO TV]

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda Run Away with Plantation Field Advanced

By on Sep 21, 2014 6:00 pm -
Get it, girl. Get it, girl.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda absolutely ran away with the small but mighty Advanced division at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, clinching the win with two double clear jumping rounds today to seal the deal on 32.4, a full 18 points ahead of Lillian Heard and Share Option.

Cambalda has been doing his gallops at a racetrack, and Jennie said in Thursday’s press conference that it’s made all the difference with his fitness. He jumped a beautiful clear show jumping round in the fog this morning and then easily cruised around the cross country, the only horse to make the optimum time of 6 minutes, 19 seconds.

“Ping” now heads to the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, where Jennie has unfinished business after a runout at the big double corners in the main arena stymied their run at a win there last year. As Jennie said in this interview, Ping is coming into his prime years at 12 years old, and we’re looking forward to seeing them pull out all the stops at Fair Hill next month.

Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lillian and Share Option moved from eighth place up to second after cross country with a clear trip and just 2.4 time penalties. “Whitey” is preparing to tackle the Pau CCI4* next month, which will be the second four-star of their career together; they completed their first attempt at the level at Rolex Kentucky in the spring with one runout on cross country.

Sally Cousins and Westerly round out the top three on a score of 51.0, jumping clear and picking up 7.2 time penalties on cross country. A jumping machine, this horse just does it for fun, and while his disdain for dressage will generally keep him from taking home the win, he’s almost a lock to go clear across the country.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, who led after dressage, ran into some uncharacteristic trouble in show jumping, where they dropped two rails to slip down to fifth place on the leaderboard. Jumping clear with 15.6 time penalties bumped them up one spot to finish in fourth place on 55.4.

Lindsey Beer and El Paso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lindsey Beer and El Paso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Last year’s Fair Hill CCI2* winners Allie Sacksen and Sparrow’s Nio round out the top five on a score of 66.9, moving up from 16th after dressage. They pulled four rails in show jumping this morning, and this phase continues to give them grief, but Allie said it was better than his round at Richland Park.

Like many of the riders this weekend, Allie has her sights set on the Fair Hill CCI3*, and she said getting out to run and jump would be good to help “Neo” get settled and ready for the big event. They had the third fastest trip of the division, jumping clear with 3.2 time penalties.

Holly Jacks and More Inspiration were unfortunately eliminated on refusals, and both Katy Groesbeck and Courtney Cooper fell on course; both riders were up and OK. Buck Davidson parted ways from Mar de Amor at fence 5 in show jumping, ending his day early.

So how did Maggie’s By the Numbers predictions play out? She correctly guessed that Jennie and Ping would win, and she also proceeded to correctly guess the entire top five, though the exact placings were rearranged due to Lauren and Veronica having rails in show jumping. Not too shabby, right?

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores] 

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Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair Win Plantation Field CIC3*

By on Sep 21, 2014 4:00 pm -
Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry. Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In a fairytale finale to an exciting weekend at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, Pacific Northwest superstars Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair have won the star-studded CIC3* division, jumping clear on cross country and coming home with just 3.6 time penalties to seal the deal on a score of 52.5.

Buck Davidson and U.S. World Equestrian Games team horse Ballynoe Castle RM, the sentimental favorite to win this weekend, jumped clear with 7.6 time penalties to slip down to third place on a score of 55.3, with his stablemate Copper Beech moving into second place on 52.9 with one of just two double clear trips in the division.

Boyd Martin and fellow U.S. WEG team horse Trading Aces, who looked full of running today, finished fourth on a score of 56.1 with 4.8 time penalties, with Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star jumping clear with 4.8 time penalties to finish in fifth place on a score of 60.6.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caitlin and “Hoku” had unfinished business at this event after a mishap in the water complex last year, which thwarted their trip to Boekelo CCIO3* in the Netherlands. Since then, Caitlin and the mare have been on a comeback tour, and when a friend asked me on Thursday to make a pick for a top finisher in the CIC3*, I said Caitlin. We couldn’t be happier for her.

Sharon White and Wundermaske finished sixth with 11.6 time penalties in one of their final prep runs before the Pau CCI4* next month, and she had an unfortunate runout with her other ride, Under Suspection, at the brush corners at fence 12, which caused the most trouble by far in this division.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries finished in seventh place on 66.6 with a fast trip on 7.6 time penalties and looked very much in the zone at the final water complex, and Tik Maynard and the lovely mare Sapphire also had a fantastic trip across the country to finish on 67.2 with 9.2 time penalties.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie, Maggie’s sleeper pick for the weekend, finished in ninth place with a smooth trip and 13.2 time penalties, and Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace round out the top 10, with mom Sherrie Martin whooping and hollering when they crossed the finish line clear with 8 time penalties.

Just two pairs made the time: Buck with Copper Beech and Tim Bourke with Luckaun Quality. The brush corners at fence 12 caused the most trouble by far, with at least six pairs having runouts there by my count. Thirty-five pairs jumped clear, a large percentage of the 51-horse field.

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dasha Ivandaeva and Autorytet and Jimmie Schramm were eliminated on course due to one too many refusals. Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out were the only combination to retire on course. Nilson Moreira de Silva and Muggle and Helen Hayn and Aqua Tom fell one after the other at fence 15, the new footbridge, which led to lengthy holds on course. All the horses and riders involved are OK.

We’ve just wrapped up the awards and press conferences for the CIC3*, CIC2* and Advanced division, which Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda won in dominant fashion. I have much more to bring you from Planation Field, so stay tuned for more coverage from the Best. Event. Ever.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Course Preview]

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Plantation Field CIC3* Cross-Country Live Updates + Live Stream

By on Sep 21, 2014 12:33 pm -

CIC3* cross country is about to kick off at Plantation Field International Horse Trials! You have three great options to follow along: keep checking back to this post for EN’s live updates, follow us on Twitter @eventingnation and watch the PRO TV live stream above. Click here to preview all the fences on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course. Go Eventing.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Course Preview]

12:26 p.m. EST: We’re off! Boyd Martin and Master Frisky are the first out on course in the CIC3*.

12:29 p.m. EST: Phillippa Humphreys and Sir Donovan had a big miss at the big table at fence 5 but recovered nicely. 12:32 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready have a runout at the skinny on top of the hill at the ruins at fence 18b.

12:36 p.m. EST: Holly Payne picks up a runout at the angled brushes at fence 14 with Santino. She’ll return later in the afternoon with Never Outfoxed.

12:41 p.m. EST: The final water complex, which caused so much trouble last year and has been totally redone for this year, is riding beautifully. Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace just made quick work of it.

12:43 p.m. EST: John Kyle of FEI TV fame is here commentating with Ed Holloway, and he just said he agrees this really is one of the Best. Event(s). Ever. My work here is done.

12:45 p.m. EST: I’m listening to Spencer Sturmey and Samantha Clark’s excellent commentary on the PRO TV live stream with one ear bud, and Spencer has a bit of a crush on the lovely dun Glendening Avis. You’re in good company, Spencer. We love this mare, too.

12:48 p.m. EST: Whitney Weston and Rock On Rose setting a blistering pace and looking full of running.

12:49 p.m. EST: Big congrats to Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe for a lovely round. They’ve had some ups and downs this year, and Chloe looked locked on the whole way around.

12:52 p.m. EST: Luckaun Quality redeeming himself after a boisterous dressage test earlier in the weekend with a cracking clear round time with Tim Bourke.

12:53 p.m. EST: Whitney Weston takes the long route at the second water complex to tack on a bit of extra time — a very nice round overall.

12:56 p.m. EST: Nilson Moirera da Silva fell from Muggle at the Lilybridge Footbridge at fence 15, which is a new fence this year sponsored by Erin Sylvester’s family. He’s up and OK.

12:57 p.m. EST: We have a hold on course while the grounds crew tends to the footbridge after Nilson’s fall.

1:07 p.m. EST: Just Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality have made the optimum time of 6:03 so far. They made it home one second under the time.

1:08 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly also redeeming themselves after the horse melted down in dressage on Friday. A lovely ride on last year’s Bromont CCI3* winner.

12:58 p.m. EST: Remember you can tweet your questions to PRO TV hosts Samantha Clark @samanthalclark and Spencer Sturmey @SpencerSturmey during the live stream.

1:12 p.m. EST: We’re also now hearing that Helen Hayn had a bad fall from Aqua Tom at the Footbridge just after Nilson’s fall at the same fence, which is why the hold is stretching on for so long. It’s being announced that she is awake and talking.

1:15 p.m. EST: We’re back underway with Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody back on course.

1:20 p.m. EST: I have confirmation that Helen Hayn is OK after falling from Aqua Tom at the footbridge at fence 15.

1:25 p.m. EST: The Apprentice pulled Buck Davidson the whole way around the course for a great clear. He’s prepping to head to France for the Pau CCI4* next month.

1:29 p.m. EST: The coffin at fences 8 and 9 is riding well overall but a bit sticky — requires a confident coffin canter through there.

1:30 p.m. EST: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me pick up a runout at the brush corners at fence 12. The door is wide open to the right there.

1:34 p.m. EST: Dasha Ivandeava and Autorytet had trouble at the brush corners at fence 12. And she also picked up another runout at fence 14a at the angled brushes, which is sadly elimination for them in their first CIC3*

1:35 p.m. EST: Taryn Nolte and Cleverly had a stop in the final water complex at the end of the course, which is the first bit of trouble we’ve had on that part of the course.

1:37 p.m. EST: Sharon White and Under Suspection also picking up a runout at the brush corners at fence 12. A shame considering their preparing to go to Boekelo CCIO3* next month with their Land Rover Competition Grant.

1:38 p.m.: Jodi Hemry and In Style having a smart trip around this course to come home with a clear round. Well ridden. Hearing loud cheers from the finish as she crosses the flags!

1:40 p.m. EST: John Kyle saying this is some of the best ground you’ll see at this time of year in the States. The grounds crew did a great job of aerating, and the turf here is very old and established. Just another thing that makes Plantation Field the Best. Event. Ever.

1:43 p.m. EST: Nora Battig and Steppin’ Out also have a runout at the brush corners at fence 12. Those were riding really well at the beginning of the course and now are causing a lot of trouble.

1:47 p.m. EST: Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect have picked up two runouts on course, though I don’t have confirmation as to where those happened.

2:01 p.m. EST: Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries are absolutely flying around the course. They might be our second pair to make the time.

2:03 p.m. EST: We’re into the top 20 now, and it’s still anyone’s game!

2:10 p.m. EST: Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star having an amazing ride and look like they’re another pair with potential to make the time.

2:15 p.m. EST: Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy picked up their first runout at the brush corners at fence 12 and were eliminated on refusals later on course.

2:19 p.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights had a stop at the angled brushes at fence 14.

2:22 p.m. EST: Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery had a runout at the brush corners at 12a.

2:23 p.m. EST: It looks like Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star have taken the lead!

2:30 p.m. EST: Trading Aces looks to be setting a very good pace out on course with Boyd Martin.

2:32 p.m. EST: Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair look very smart through the final water. It looks like they’ll be close to making time.

2:35 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM set a more conservative pace on course to give Maya the win! Buck second with Copper Beach and third with Ballynoe Castle RM. Stay tuned for the full report.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine Win Plantation Field CIC2*

By on Sep 21, 2014 12:00 pm -
Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It came down to the wire in the Plantation Field International Horse Trials CIC2*, with Will Faudree and his new ride Caeleste jumping double clear to give Buck Davidson and Be Mine just .6 penalties of breathing room as the last pair out on course. He could afford one second over the optimum time of 5:58 but no more than that, and Buck and Be Mine flew home well within that to win on their dressage score of 42.4.

The win is particularly notable considering the horse just did his first Novice at Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials in January. He’s flown throw the levels since, winning the Bromont CCI* in June and now adding a Plantation Field win to his growing list of accolades.

It wasn’t an easy morning for Buck, as Mar de Amor dumped him at fence 5 in the Advanced show jumping right before he headed over to run two-star cross country. In addition to Be Mine, he also had Riviera and No Remorse in this division, so Buck didn’t have much time to shake it off. But Be Mine gave him a beautiful ride; he’s a super scopey jumper who seems to love his job.

Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will and Caeleste finished second on 43.0 in just their fourth event together. A 7-year-old Holsteiner mare formerly ridden by Kitty King, Will imported the mare from England earlier this summer and has been nothing but impressed with her ever since, he said after his dressage test on Friday. You can read all about the mare in this interview.

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie moved up from fourth place to finish third on 44.3 with 1.6 time penalties. She said earlier in the weekend that with this being the mare’s first two-star, she wasn’t planning to go out and focus on time, and if Indie needed a few extra strides after the jumps to feel comfortable with the questions, she would give her that time.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who were sitting tied with Buck and Be Mine overnight, had a runout at the water complex before ultimately retiring on course. Doug Payne and Lysander also had an uncharacteristic glance off at the corner at 18b to drop them down the leaderboard.

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sixteen combinations jumped double clear out of the 80 who set out on Tremaine Cooper’s cross-country course. Aside from Kim, Jessica Bortner-Harris was the only other rider to retire on course. Andi Lawrence fell from Armani IV, the only rider to come unstuck on course. Stephen Rodgers and Rugby Road were the only pair to be eliminated on course.

The PRO Bareback Puissance is underway now, with Jennie Brannigan looking to defend her title from last year. Then CIC3* cross country starts at 12:26 p.m. EST, with Boyd Martin and Master Frisky first out on course. You can follow along live with the PRO TV live stream here. The broadcast starts at noon EST with a cross country preview.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Maya Black Looks Ahead to Fair Hill with Doesn’t Play Fair

By on Sep 21, 2014 10:30 am -
Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

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

Though Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair just moved up to the Advanced level this year, they’re quickly making a name for themselves at the biggest events in the country, and they’re on track for a very good showing again this weekend at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, sitting in second place after show jumping in the CIC3* on a score of 48.9.

But first they’ll have to conquer Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country course. After finishing fifth in their first CCI3* at Bromont in June, Maya and “Cody” ran the CIC3* at Richland Park Horse Trials, where they fell at a table late in the course — the first mandatory retirement either one has ever had.

“I’m not 100-percent sure what happened,” Maya said in yesterday’s press conference. “It was kind of a fluke thing. I think he maybe caught a hind boot, and we just landed really short off the back side. It happened really quickly.”

Thankfully, they both walked away totally unscathed, and now she’s ready to face her first time going cross country since the fall. “I don’t really plan to do anything completely different,” Maya said. “My plan is still to go out and put in a consistent ride with good balance.”

Maya’s goal for the fall is run the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, so she her focus is a consistent run that can prove confidence building for both of them. Sitting in equal third place after dressage, Maya and Cody have been quietly stalking current leaders Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM all weekend at Plantation Field.

“By far he was the hottest in the ring for dressage than he’s ever been, but with Fair Hill being the goal this fall, fitness has been a really big component of our preparation,” Maya said. “I’ve been lucky to use the gallop at the O’Connors; that’s been really helpful for him.”

Maya said she arrived to the venue late Thursday night, so she didn’t get to familiarize Cody with the setting before dressage. “That combined with the atmosphere — it was a lot for him,” Maya said. “He just had more mistakes. Consistency is really important, and we got more 4s and 8s with a few 9s.”

After their move up to Advanced at Pine Top in February, Maya and Cody have struggled to jump clear show jumping rounds. They pulled it off at Carolina International in March, and they pulled it off for a second time yesterday with a lovely double clear.

“I was really pleased with him,” Maya said. “I feel like the show jumping has improved the most this year. In the past, his spooky side has been a bit challenging. He’s risen to the occasion as they jumps have gotten bigger.”

Maya has been based with Jan Byyny in Virginia since the off season, and her parents and Cody’s owner Dawn Dofelmier, who live across the country in Washington, were able to watch her clear show jumping round live yesterday thanks to PRO TV’s broadcast. Dawn supports the idea of Cody going to Rolex next year if all goes well at Fair Hill.

“We’ll see how the fall goes,” Maya said. “I’m not qualified at this point, but it’s not something I’m saying no to.” But first thing’s first, she’ll be looking to jump clear around cross country today. We’re sending all the EN karma to Maya and Cody for a good trip this afternoon. Stay tuned for much more from Plantation Field.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Paige Crotty and Cooley Dawn Raid Lead Wire to Wire in Plantation Field CIC*

By on Sep 20, 2014 7:00 pm -
Paige Crotty, Ryan Wood and Sara Kozumplik Murphy show off their swag. Photo by Jenni Autry. Paige Crotty, Ryan Wood and Sara Kozumplik Murphy show off their swag. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Area I Young Rider Paige Crotty and Cooley Dawn Raid led wire to wire in the CIC* at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, adding just 1.2 time cross-country time penalties to her dressage score to clinch the win on 43.4 in the 50-strong horse field.

A 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding sourced by Richard Sheane and purchased from Ashley Adams, Paige’s family bought “Freddy” in February with the hopes of qualifying for the Area I CCI* team at the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships this year.

She accomplished that goal, but they unfortunately parted ways on cross country, and Paige injured her thumb in the fall and ultimately needed surgery. Plantation Field was her first event back since the fall and injury — talk about redemption!

“I’ve had a lot of good lessons and rides coming in to the event, so I was pretty confident, but there are definitely nerves,” Paige said. “On cross country, he was really good. He was very confident and very honest through all the questions.”

Paige said she had to push him a little bit for time, and she ended up being three seconds over the optimum, but she was extremely happy with how he handled Tremaine Cooper’s course. They’ll head to the Horse Park of New Jersey next to do the Prelim there in preparation for the Virginia Horse Trials CCI* this fall.

Ryan Wood and Sara Kozumplik Murphy, who finished second and third with Powell and Delta Queen, respectively, said they wish Paige would choose a different fall CCI* with Freddy, as they’re also aiming their horses there, and he’s proven now that he’ll be a tough horse to beat.

An 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding bred and owned by Ryan’s longtime supporter Ilona English, Powell added just one rail in showing jumping to his dressage score to finish in second place on 49.6.

“He started his career as a dressage horse in Wellington, and then I started eventing him about 18 months ago,” Ryan said. “He was really good on cross country. I nursed him around the first two minutes, and once we got to the second minute, he felt really good, and he came well under the time.”

Powell is a big horse at 17.2 hands, but Ryan said his size doesn’t affect his athletic ability. “For a tall horse, he’s athletic and light on his feet, so he really wouldn’t be your typical horse that size. He can shorten his stride as well as lengthen on course,” he said.

If Powell is a big horse at 17.2 hands, Sara’s mare Delta Queen, or Bertha as she’s better known, is a beast at nearly 18 hands; she finished third on her dressage score of 50.9. Dutch-bred out of a Thoroughbred mare, Sara found the mare though Linda Zang as a 6 year old, and her longtime owner Edy Rameika purchased her.

“I have her a little too fit right now,” Sara said. “She’s such a big mare, and I wasn’t sure what to expect on cross country. And then with the temperature drop on dressage day, I lunged her and she was really up, and she’s usually not like that. Every day she’s been a bit keen.”

Bertha just moved up to this level in March, and she thinks she’s the queen, Sara said. “She was really super on cross country. She cruised around and was 10 seconds under the ride. Horses go fast when they’re rideable, and she’s very rideable.”

Sara noted that Plantation Field keeps getting better and better, and we couldn’t agree more. We have to give a huge shout out to the organizers, volunteers and officials for raising the bar once again on the Best. Event. Ever. And on that note, I’m off to the Dancing With the Stars party. Go Eventing.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

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Kim Severson and Buck Davidson Share Plantation Field CIC2* Lead

By on Sep 20, 2014 6:00 pm -
Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry. Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson, Buck Davidson and Marilyn Little took a three-way tie on a score of 42.4 into the CIC2* show jumping at Plantation Field International Horse Trials this afternoon, and both Kim and Buck jumped double clear with Cooley Cross Border and Be Mine, respectively, to take the tie forward to cross country tomorrow.

Cooley ran his first CIC2* at Virginia Horse Trials in May, and he picked up just the third runout of his otherwise spotless cross-country record, so Kim will be looking to clean that up as she tackles Tremaine Cooper’s course tomorrow. Kim said she likes the course in yesterday’s press conference, though she said there are a few combinations where it’s difficult to get a read on the striding.

Be Mine just did his first Novice at Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials this January and has proceeded to rocket through the levels since. He was 7th in his first CIC* at Chattahoochee Hills in May and then won the Bromont CCI* the following month. “He just keeps trucking along,” Buck said, and he’s confident the horse is ready to step up to two-star cross country tomorrow.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous shared the overnight lead after dressage, but the mare dropped two rails today to move down to sit in equal 11th place. “Kitty” struggles with confidence in this phase, and Marilyn said after their round that the mare hit a jump in warmup and scared herself. She has a lot of jumper shows in her future to get confident and settled, Marilyn said.

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF West Indie. Photo by Jenni Autry.

But Marilyn is still enjoying a spot near the top of the leaderboard with RF West Indie, who sat in fourth place after dressage and moved up to third today with a clear round. Marilyn said the dressage score of 42.7 should have been in the 30s, as the mare missed three movements in the test. “She’s had a lot more good experiences than Scandalous has and a lot more time with me, so our partnership is much more solid,” Marilyn said.

This is Indie’s first two-star, so Marilyn said the goal on cross country will be to make sure the mare has a confidence-building experience. “The time on the approach is important so she really reads things well and goes away from the combinations understanding what she just jumped, and if that takes a few extra strides, that’s fine.

“It’s never a dressage competition here,” Marilyn said. “There are always time faults on cross country. The fraction of a point we’re struggling for on the centerline goes away in a second on cross country because time is such a factor. On a horse like Indie, I’m going to have to let that go a bit.”

Thirty-three of the 83 pairs entered in the CIC2* jumped double clear show jumping rounds. CIC2* cross country starts bright and early tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. EST and runs through 11:20 a.m. EST, so the stage is set for an action packed morning here at Plantation Field. Go Eventing.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

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Watch PRO TV’s Replay of Plantation Field CIC3* Show Jumping

By on Sep 20, 2014 3:00 pm -

PRO TV aired its inaugural broadcast during the CIC3* show jumping this afternoon at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, and the full playback video is already available online for your viewing pleasure. Click above to watch all the action, and click here to read the full report on what went down. What do you think of the broadcast, EN? PRO TV heads to Galway Downs next, and they’re looking for your feedback, so leave your thoughts in the comments below. Go PRO TV!

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM Take Plantation Field CIC3* Lead

By on Sep 20, 2014 2:00 pm -
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM took the lead in the Plantation Field International Horse Trials CIC3* this afternoon thanks to jumping double clear over Marc Donovan’s show jumping track. Buck’s mom Carol clucked along to “Reggie” at each fence, with big smiles all around from owners Carl and Cassie Segal after they clinched the clear. Buck sat in second place on a score of 47.7 after dressage, and overnight leaders Kelly Prather And Blacknight Mystery dropped two rails, which slips them down to fifth place.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair also jumped clear to break the tie for third place with Buck and Copper Beech, who dropped one rail to move to fourth place on 52.9, while Maya and “Cody” sit just 1.2 points behind new leaders Buck and Ballynoe Castle RM in second place on 48.9. Boyd Martin and Trading Aces’ clear round moves them from equal eighth place up to third on 51.3; they’re another pair favorited to take the win this weekend along with Buck and Reggie, and they sit in good position to put pressure on Buck and Maya.

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

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

Boyd has two more rides in the top 10 with Crackerjack, who jumped a lovely clear round to move from 11th up to sixth place on 53.7, and Steady Eddie, who also jumped clear to move from 17th to 10th on 55.5. Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights dropped one spot on the leaderboard from sixth to seventh place on 54.4 with just the last rail down, and Sharon White is sitting in the top 10 with both her rides, with Wundermaske and Under Suspection pulling a rail each for eighth and ninth places on 54.7 and 55.3, respectively.

With just 14 of the 51 entries jumping double clear, Marc’s course caused quite a bit of trouble, with rails falling throughout the course. As we usually see on his courses, he provided an option at fences 7ab. The route to the left took riders over a seahorse oxer with seven strides to a two-stride daisy combination — by far the faster of the two routes. The left route took riders over the seahorse oxer with eight strides to a grey coin in and out, then a tight rollback turn to a vertical.

Four combinations jumped clear with time penalties, with 17 pulling one rail and 16 pulling two or more rails. Thirteen pairs had time penalties, and the track proved to be a course you definitely needed to go out and attack, with forward riding being rewarded handsomely. Local riders Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star and Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy had especially nice textbook rounds in preparation for the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* — well done, ladies!

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In addition to the riders already mentioned, the following combinations jumped double clear: Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter, Kurt Martin and Anna Bella, Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace — with mom Sherrie enthusiastically riding every jump right along with her! — Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe, Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me, Dana Widstand and Relentless Pursuit, and Kendal Lehari and Totally Frank.

Live scores are running behind due to some technical issues, so see below for phone photos in the meantime. In other news, the inaugural broadcast of PRO TV has been hailed a huge success, with viewers from all over the world turning in to watch the live stream of show jumping and hear Samantha Clark and Spencer Sturmey’s expert commentary. The playback video is being uploaded as I type, so check back soon for the full footage.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

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Who Jumped It Best? Plantation Field Prelim Edition

By on Sep 20, 2014 12:00 pm -
John Bourgiun and Fernhill Ballinaboola. Photo by Jenni Autry. John Bourgiun and Fernhill Ballinaboola. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Plantation Field Prelim Edition! The CIC* and Open Prelim divisions did show jumping early this morning before heading out on cross country. This is the second time the brand new EN jump — designed by none other than Brody Robertson Show Jumps — has been used in a competition, and, just like at Richland Park, Marc Donovan has used a liverpool underneath it.

The EN jump was also the second jump on the course, so horses didn’t have much time to get settled before tackling the scary liverpool. It did cause a few problems in Open Prelim A, so it will be interesting to see how the CIC3* riders fare later in the day. Check out these eight photos from the Open Prelim A division and vote in the poll below for who you think jumped it best. Go Plantation Field.

Nicholas Hansen and Will Smith. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nicholas Hansen and Will Smith. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Becky Harring and Marshal Cody. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Becky Harring and Marshal Cody. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mardi Herman and Go Gilda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mardi Herman and Go Gilda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Laura Jones and Magnificent Toy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Laura Jones and Magnificent Toy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mikaela Kantarowski and Ringfort Swan Song. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mikaela Kantarowski and Ringfort Swan Song. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Amy Mulhern-Sierant and Jet Set Guy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Amy Mulhern-Sierant and Jet Set Guy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Anna Welch and Lone Star III. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Anna Welch and Lone Star III. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Watch Plantation Field CIC3* Show Jumping Live on PRO TV

By on Sep 20, 2014 10:30 am -

PRO TV unveils its new live stream format today with Plantation Field CIC3* show jumping, which starts at 11:52 a.m. EST. But you can tune in before that, as PRO TV will be showing highlights from yesterday’s CIC3* dressage action starting at 11:40 a.m. EST. Click above to watch the live stream player.

Co-hosts Samantha Clark and Spencer Sturmey will be taking your questions during show jumping, so be sure to tweet at them using the hashtag #PROTV with your questions to @samanthalclark and @spencersturmey. Check back later in the afternoon for a full report and photos from CIC3* show jumping at the Best. Event. Ever.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Kim, Buck, Marilyn Share Three-Way Tie for Plantation Field CIC2* Lead

By on Sep 19, 2014 7:45 pm -
Which two-star leader saw these Burberry nails on Pinterest? Which two-star leader saw these Burberry nails on Pinterest?

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, and Buck Davidson and Be Mine are all sharing a three-way tie for the lead on a score of 42.4 in the CIC2* at Plantation Field Horse Trials.

We talent spotted Cooley Cross Border long ago on EN’s Got Talent, and he certainly lived up to expectations today, though Kim said he spooked at the flags that line the main arena, which surprised her.

“He is amazingly weak being only 7; he still has a lot of holes,” Kim said. “There are a lot of things that will in the future not be missed because he’ll be more rideable. He’s a good boy, and he won’t do anything wrong. I just don’t have a lot of control over what happens (in dressage) right now.”

In regards to Tremaine Cooper’s CIC2* cross-country course, Kim said she’s more worried about the Prelim course, which is pretty intimidating for the level. “The two-star course is good; I like it,” Kim said. “There’s a couple places where it’s sort of hard to know how it’s going to ride with striding.”

Kim thinks the gate on the way out of the Stonehenge complex, which has caused quite a bit of buzz in the barns so far this week — is a hard question for the two-star horses. “I’m lucky because he looks for the jumps and is good like that,” she said.

Kim is settling in after just returning home from the World Equestrian Games in Normandy with Fernhill Fearless, where she picked up 20 penalties on cross country but jumped a beautiful clear round in show jumping the next day — one of just a handful of clears.

That’s made even more miraculous by the fact that “Sparky” has ultimately been diagnosed with a broken coffin bone, which sounds much more serious than it actually is in reality. “He was sound by the time he got home,” Kim said. “He’s totally sound now, and he’ll have his regular holiday.

“I’ve had horses with this injury before, and they come back just fine. It’s much better than a tendon or suspensory … He’s amazing. To jog up and do show jumping with a clean round is pretty amazing.” What a trooper! We’re sending our best wishes to Sparky.

Marilyn Little led overnight after the first half of two-star dressage yesterday, and the performance was good enough to still put her at the top of the leaderboard today with Scandalous, AKA Kitty, who Marilyn named herself after importing the mare from Germany earlier this year.

As for the name, Marilyn said she picked it “because it seemed appropriate. You talk about armchair quarterbacking — that’s been since the day I walked into the sport. It’s for all the people out there who just have things to say.”

This is a very new partnership for Marilyn, and she said “Kitty” can be extremely sensitive. “We’re working out a few things like how to get the bridle on,” Marilyn said. “It takes imagination. Also, picking up the canter with the inside leg — things like that you think isn’t a big deal.”

Marilyn said she was pleased with the test, though she knows she left a lot of points on the table. “She’s smart, so she’s very open to learning. In dressage, she’s very much a professional,” Marilyn said. In contrast, the jumping phases have historically presented the most challenges for the mare.

Marilyn’s plan is to find a rhythm early and keep the mare settled in the start box on cross country. “She wants to be good, and she wants to do it right. If she were a human, she’d be nervous before the test, but not during the test.” So Marilyn will work on making the start box a positive experience.

Buck Davidson said he was very proud of how Be Mine handled his test today. “He’s got a lot of talent and has a pony attitude every once in awhile,” Buck said. “I was a little nervous with the wind; I thought he might buck me off. It’s a big atmosphere for him, and it’s a hard test for a baby. He really kept trying and kept trucking.”

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]


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Buck Davidson, Boyd Martin Respond to Criticism On Competing Horses After WEG

By on Sep 19, 2014 6:59 pm -
Big pats for Reggie after his test this morning. Photo by Jenni Autry. Big pats for Reggie after his test this morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This post has been updated with comments from Boyd Martin.

There’s been quite a bit of chatter this weekend about Buck Davidson and Boyd Martin running Ballynoe Castle RM and Trading Aces in the CIC3* at Plantation Field Horse Trials this weekend after both horses retired on cross country at the World Equestrian Games. Buck responded to the criticism in this afternoon’s press conference:

“I’ve had this horse his entire life,” Buck said. “It’s a weird feeling, but it almost feels like he has unfinished business. He’s chewed a fence down (since he’s been back from Normandy), which is something he’s never done before. He’s playing around in the field too much.

“He went the distance of a horse trials (at WEG before he retired at fence 31). He never really caught his breath. He wasn’t exhausted; he was just winded. And within two minutes of walking home, he was fine.

“I hope that I do the right thing every single time, and I’m not perfect. I might jump the first fence and stop. I might make the time. I might not even go. You can’t make everyone happy all the time, but the people who are in the know — the owners, the grooms — are happy that the horses here this weekend are fit and ready to go.

“My job on every single horse is to decide how fast to go and do the best I possibly can do. If I thought I was going to hurt any horse, I wouldn’t go on any of them. I have gone out and had things go wrong; of course I have, and my job is to take care of my horse.

“I see him running around the field and having a good time. He’s not that horse. When it’s time for a break, he goes out in the field, and it’s like he knows” that it’s time for a break,” Buck concluded. But that’s not the case this time around, he emphasized, which is why he’s made the decision to run this weekend.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I spoke to Carl and Cassie Segal, Ballyenoe Castle RM’s owners, this afternoon, and they fully support the decision for “Reggie” to run here at Plantation Field this weekend. Kathleen Blauth-Murray, Reggie’s groom, also supports the decision and has flown up from Florida during her vacation specifically to be here.

Boyd Martin also graciously agreed to respond to the criticism:  “Oscar has only done two events since Rolex. One was Great Meadow, and one was 6 1/2 minutes around the WEG cross-country course,” Boyd said. “He’s fully fit, sound and his spirits are high. Obviously I had my vet check him over closely after WEG, and we’re aiming to get him back on track.

“I was considering putting him in the Intermediate here, but my coach Phillip (Dutton) said he didn’t think there would be any benefit in doing that to get him going again. In the back of my mind, I definitely haven’t given up on this horse.

“I think depending on how everything goes (at Plantation Field this weekend), I’d probably go back and do a three-star on him, either at Fair Hill or Galway Downs, just to make it easier on him to get going again.

“At the end of the day, he got sick of the big jumps and mud at WEG. He didn’t collapse or anything like that. Part of all this is being a horseman. I’ve thought long and hard about it, and I ultimately believe there would be no benefit to putting a fully fit and sound horse out in a field for a couple months.”

Draw your own conclusions, EN. All I can say is that both horses looked in the zone and ready to go today during dressage. The best vets in the country have cleared the horses to run this weekend, and they both have incredibly devoted teams attending to their every need.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery Sneak in to Lead Plantation Field CIC3*

By on Sep 19, 2014 5:00 pm -
Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It seemed like no one would catch Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM in the CIC3* dressage at Plantation Field Horse Trials, as they went first this morning and set the early standard, scoring 47.7 to lead through most of the day. But Kelly Prather and Blackfoot Mystery snuck in to take the lead at the end of the day on a score of 45.0, which beats their previous best score in this test by nearly 8 points.

“I was really happy with the test,” Kelly said. “He’s a great horse and just learning the level. He’s done two Advanced and did the CIC3* at Richland, so he’s green enough, but he wants to do whatever I ask. He stayed really relaxed and rideable today.” One mistake in the half pass kept this test out of the low 40s, but it was a lovely performance and a personal best.

A 2004 17.2-hand chestnut Thoroughbred gelding bred in Kentucky (Out of Place X True Mystery, by Proud Truth), “B” raced three times in 2007 before Lisa Peecook bought the horse and took him to California, where he started his career in eventing. Kelly, a California native who came east to Ocala in the winter of 2013, bought the horse last year.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I’d like a clean round tomorrow (in show jumping), and it depends on what the ground is like” as to whether she goes for time, Kelly said. “He’s a Thoroughbred, so he’s kinda easy to quick on. The goal is Fair Hill CCI3*, so I want a nice, clear round in good fashion.” Congrats to Kelly, and we look forward to seeing much more of her on Eventing Nation.

At the conclusion of dressage, Buck and Ballynoe Castle RM sit in second place on 47.7, and he also has The Apprentice and Copper Beach tied for third place on 48.9 — AND Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair are sitting on the same score, also in equal third. Talk about a bunched up leaderboard!

Buck said he was happy with Copper Beech’s test. “He’s only 8 and he won the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh this year, and he was a bit taken back by that, so I took him Prelim after,” Buck said. “I didn’t want to put the pressure on him like Reggie had when he was 8 and second at Jersey and then listed as an alternate for the Olympics. His life was pressure from Day 1.”

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

So Buck said he pulled “Sean” back from this level and didn’t think about potentially being listed for the U.S. World Equestrian Games squad. He’s a one-ride type of horse when it comes to dressage, Buck said, so he rode him this morning and hopped on five minutes before his test. “He’s just still 8, and he’s growing,” Buck said, so he’s not in a rush when it comes to the big picture with this horse.

As for Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross-country course — which we posted photos of this morning that you can see here — Buck said, “I think it’s a course that every designer in American should walk. I think we’ve gotten too Mickey Mouse in this country — spinning around and doing circles. You can get into a rhythm, and there’s not some trick out there.

“One thing about Mike is he’s a genius about this stuff. It’s not easy — that’s for sure — but it’s very well presented. You can get in a rhythm and go forward and enjoy this amazing countryside, which we’re so lucky to have. It has a nice feel to it. At some events in America, you don’t even have any idea of where you’re going.”

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

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

Quite a few riders mentioned to me today that they have their eye on Pacific Northwest superstar Maya Black, and it’s been exciting to follow her debut at the Advanced level this year. She handled a very fit Doesn’t Play Fair today like a pro and is sitting in good company going into show jumping tomorrow.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are also enjoying a spot near the top of the leaderboard, sitting in sixth place on 50.4, and that would have easily cracked the 40s had it not been for CR feeling his oats — like we’ve seen with many of these horses today. She lost him in the medium, and Colleen said Plantation falls at a point in the season when the horses are so fit that they don’t quite know what to do with themselves.

Come Fair Hill, these horses will be more settled and perfectly poised to tackle the challenging track there — and that’s the goal for the vast majority of these riders this weekend. Colleen is one of the riders hunting for the qualification she needs to run at Fair Hill, and we’ll be sending all the EN karma to her and the others in the same position. Stay tuned for much more from Plantation Field.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

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Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM Hold CIC3* Lead at Plantation Field Lunch Break

By on Sep 19, 2014 12:44 pm -
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve just wrapped up the first half of the 50-strong CIC3* division at Plantation Field International Horse Trials, and, as expected, Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM are leading the way at the lunch break on a score of 47.7. After retiring on cross country at the World Equestrian Games, Buck said yesterday that “Reggie” is feeling fit and ready to go. He also said several factors will determine if he runs cross country on Sunday.

First, the ground needs to be in good condition, and unfortunately Unionville hasn’t had much rain at all this week; we expect the grounds crew will be aerating quite a bit over the next two days. Second, Buck needed to get a dressage score that puts him in good position to clinch the win. He checked that first box today, and now we’ll wait to see how the ground looks coming Sunday morning. If Reggie does run, he’ll be hard to beat.

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Trading Aces, who also retired on cross country at WEG with Phillip Dutton in the irons, is also competing this weekend, and we expected him to challenge Reggie for the big win. Boyd Martin, who hasn’t competed the horse since Red Hills in March, left some points on the table today, with Oscar getting a bit tense in the canter work and the changes looking fiesty. But the score of 51.3, which puts them in equal second place, will still have them in striking distance.

Sharon White and Under Suspection are sitting on the same score, and “Pippy” is another horse looking very fit, which led to some fussy moments in the test. She’s heading to Boekelo CCIO3* next month, and Sharon will have a few things to work on before going to the Netherlands, namely the halts and changes, which tacked points onto the score today.

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd also holds fourth place with Crackerjack on a score of 53.7, as well as equal sixth place with Master Frisky on 55.8 — not a bad day in the office. Crackerjack’s test was especially nice, and this is his first attempt at the CIC3* level with Boyd, as Phillip rode the horse in his three-star debut last year at Jersey Fresh. Bred with a lot of Thoroughbred blood — he’s by Aberjack — this is definitely a horse to keep your eye on this weekend.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon round out the top five in the early going on a score of 54.9. Emily just pushed for a bit too much in the first medium trot, and “Delta” got away from her. She settled nicely after that break to canter; the mare is still pretty green to this level, so the other little blips along the way are understandable and will continue to smooth out with more time.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We have to give a shout out to Caitlin Silliman, who said Catch A Star was keenly aware of her surroundings yesterday while hacking around the grounds. The horses who live locally like “Hoku” know exactly where the cross-country course is at this venue, and Caitlin expertly handled the mare today for a score of 55.8, which ties them for sixth place with Boyd and Master Frisky.

With Fair Hill just around the corner and many of these horses running their final prep here at Plantation Field, we’re seeing some exuberant displays of fitness from pairs like Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly, who wanted nothing to do with the little white box today. Tim Bourke also struggled to handle a very excited Luckaun Quality, and Lisa Barry did a very good job of piloting a fiery F.I.S. Prince Charming.

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re on the lunch break now, with plenty of heavy hitters still to come in the afternoon group. We could see very good scores from consistent combinations like Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights, Sharon White and Wundermaske, Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Spectators are filling into the grounds, and the chilly morning has thawed out to a lovely afternoon, with a light breeze blowing and the sun shining. Stay tuned for much more from Plantation Field.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

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Liz Halliday Sharp and Fernhill By Night Lead Ballindenisk CIC3*

By on Sep 19, 2014 10:30 am -
Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Boekelo last year. Photo by Jenni Autry. Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Boekelo last year. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s a busy weekend across Eventing Nation, with Plantation Field International Horse Trials taking place in the States and a large contingent of North Americans also competing in Ireland at Ballindenisk International Horse Trials. At the conclusion of dressage, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are leading the Mervue Equine Ireland CIC3* on a score of 43.2.

Liz and “Blackie” have a healthy lead over Izzy Taylor and Thistledown Popopski in second place on 47.8, followed closely by Oliver Townend and Dunbeau on 48.0. Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee continue their good form after their controversial dismissal from the Canadian World Equestrian Games squad, sitting in fourth place on 48.2. Tiana Coudray and Kinnordy Rivaldo are sitting just behind them in fifth place on 48.2.

The Johnson & Perrot Land Rover CCI3* division is small with just 19 horses, but packed with some heavy hitters. Tim Boland and GV Billy Elliot currently lead on 43.0, with Clare Abbott and Euro Prince in second on 43.8 and Oliver Townend and Skyhills Cavalier rounding out the top three on 47.6. Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino re-routed to Ballinendisk after parting ways at Blenheim last weekend and are sitting in sixth place on 49.4.

Aoife Clark and Rienroe Lucky Ranger lead the Castlemartyr Resort CIC2* on 38.1., and Kathryn also had a good day for Canada in this division, sitting in second place on 43.6 with Cooley Eclipse. Jules Stiller recently tied the knot with with Brian Cournane — congrats! — and she’s sitting in fourth place on 44.4. Jacob also has a ride in this division, sitting in 21st on 57.5 with Willunga.

Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Free Flight lead the Heineken CCI1*, with Liz and Cooley Master Courage in sixth place on 41.6. Jules also has a horse in this class, Leamore Hightale, who is in 25th place on 62.5. Stay tuned all weekend as we bring you all the news from both Plantation Field and Ballindenisk. Go Eventing.

Ballindenisk International Horse Trials: [Website] [Live Scores]

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Plantation Field CIC3* Cross-Country Course Preview

By on Sep 19, 2014 8:59 am -

Mike Etherington-Smith makes his glorious return to U.S. course design with this year’s Plantation Field International Horse Trials CIC3* course. He takes over for Tremaine Cooper, who is still designing the courses at all the other levels, and Mike has made a number of changes from last year’s course, which you can see here.

As the final prep track before many of these CIC3* riders face Derek di Grazia’s notoriously challenging Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* course, it’s important that Plantation Field get horses and riders on their toes. Mike’s course certainly does that, and it’s challenging but fair.

Two key combinations to note come at fences 12 and 20, both set on a forward two strides, with fence 12 having the door wide open to the right, and fence 20 leaving plenty of room for error with two skinnies. The course is going to reward aggressive, forward riding, which is exactly the type of momentum riders will need to carry forward to Fair Hill.

The final water complex, which caused quite a bit of trouble last year, has been totally overhauled since last year’s debacle, and while I’m not a huge fan of up banks out of water, I think this one is presented well, with a comfortable one-stride distance out of the water and up and over the arrowhead.

The course will make for a very exciting day on Sunday, especially for spectators, as the coffin complex at fences 8 and 9 and the first water complex at 10 are clustered close together, making for a great viewing experience. What do you think of Mike’s new CIC3* course, EN? Weigh in with a comment below.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Day One in the Books at the Best. Event. Ever.

By on Sep 18, 2014 6:18 pm -
Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Jenni Autry. Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve just wrapped up the first half of the monster CIC2* division here at Plantation Field Horse Trials, and Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous lead the way on a score of 42.4. Recently imported from Germany, the 9-year-old Oldenburg mare is a seriously impressive mover, and Marilyn was able to work with the USEF to transfer the mare’s qualification in order to compete in the CIC2* this weekend, with the ultimate goal being the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI2* next month. Marilyn talks all about the mare in this profile we ran last month.

Will Faudree and Caeleste are sitting in second place in the CIC2* on 43.0. A 7-year-old German Sport Horse mare produced in England by Kitty King, Will found out about “Mouse” when Clark and Jess Montgomery told him they thought he would really like the mare. He flew over to England the next day, rode and vetted her the following day, and his longtime owner and supporter Jennifer Mosing generously agreed to buy her the day after.

“I love mares, and she’s a little pocket rocket,” Will said. “She’s little and fiery and opinionated but in such a great way, and she knows when to go to work and is very happy to go to work.” She stepped up to Intermediate at Fair Hill in August, as Will said she was extremely well schooled coming from Kitty, and he’s been thrilled with the progress she’s made since coming into his program.

“John Zopatti has been based at my farm this summer up from Florida, and I’ve had him helping me in dressage,” Will said. “She’s made huge progress from when we first started with her back in May, especially just on balance. I was very happy with her test today, as it was an improvement from Chatt Hills.”

Phillip Dutton and Atlas round out the top three in the early going on a score of 45.0. “It’s been a little bit of a quick turn around to get back into the saddle with Atlas because I just got back on Monday night from Blenheim,” Phillip said. “Kaitlin Spurlock and Waylon Roberts have done a great job keeping him in work while I’ve been away, and I thought he did a nice test.” Poor Phillip has been battling a cold for the last week, so we’re sending him all the EN karma to get well soon.

In the Open Intermediate, Matt Flynn leads the way with Baronto on a score of 30.8. This horse is one of Lindsey Taylor’s charges in her new role with Flynn Sport Horses, and she said today it’s been a nice change of pace to be looking after just two horses this weekend as opposed to Boyd Martin’s menagerie. The horse put his head down and went right to work, and he’s going to be a cool one to watch for the future.

Lauren Kieffer continued her good day with Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, scoring 31.3 to sit in second place in Open Intermediate, followed by Michelle Warro and Not Without Me, sitting in third place on 32.1. “Banks” is an off-track Thoroughbred with a great rags to riches story, which we ran on Horse Nation earlier this summer. It’s definitely worth a read, so click here to learn more about Michelle and Banks — and check out the redesign while you’re at it!

We already recapped the small but mighty Advanced division earlier today, so click here to read the full report. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are sitting in first on a score of 31.8, followed by Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda in second on 32.4. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man and Buck Davidson and Mar de Amor tied for third place on 33.2. Lauren and Jennie were kind enough to swing by the press tent for a chat at the end of the day, so click below to hear their thoughts on their tests.

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]