Boyd Martin’s dressage test with Neville Bardos at Jersey Fresh a few weeks ago was, for lack of a better word, fresh. The trick with Neville is to find a balance between energy and too much tension. Boyd found just that today here at Bromont and Neville looked on top of his game in the dressage. Ever the resilient horse, Neville has been battling trailer sickness from the ride to Bromont all week, but you would never have known that watching him go to work on the judges today. Boyd was kind enough to speak with me about his tests with Neville, Remington, and his plans for running tomorrow depending on how Neville is feeling. Boyd also mentioned his hopes that the selectors will choose to send all three of his top horses (Nev, Otis, and Remi) to England for the lead up to the Olympics. The interview was all the more fun with Neville’s many syndicate owners looking on and cheering as his score was announced during the interview. Check out Neville’s awesome test:
The rain has officially started at Bromont. Go Neville.
Boyd Martin and Remington were first to ride after the lunch break in the Bromont CIC3* and they took control with a beautiful test, leading to a roar from the crowd and scoring a 39.0. Boyd told me later in the day that it was the first time Remington had broken into the 30’s. They remained atop the leader board until late in the afternoon when Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Rovano Rex jumped into the lead. The 17 hand bay Hanoverian gelding had one more inch of bounce in his step than Remington and he was a bit more consistent than Comet. Boyd and Neville Bardos ended the day with quiet and steady trot work and silky smooth changes to move into third. The USA holds the top 9 spots in the Bromont CIC3* heading into the cross-country.
CIC3* Dressage Results:
1. Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Rovano Rex 38.6
2. Boyd Martin and Remington 39.0
3. Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos 42.0
4. Karen O’Connor and Mr. Medicott 43.0
5. Becky Holder and Courageous Comet 44.8
6. Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot 45.2
7. Allison Springer and Arthur 46.0
8. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice 46.8
9. Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM 47.2
10T. Selena O’Hanlon and Colombo (CAN) 47.4
10T. Will Faudree and Andromaque 47.4
[Bromont Live Scores]
–Marilyn and RF Rovano Rex withdrew from Rolex after a brilliant cross-country ride due to a minor knock sustained on course. Rovano Rex is back in action with a vengeance at Bromont and he just topped all but two of the very best horses in North America on the flat. Marilyn didn’t give the judges any chance to take points away and her aids were almost invisible. Rovano Rex’s withdraw from Rolex put his opportunity for Olympic selection in serious question, but the US selectors and coach Mark Phillips were paying rapt attention to his dressage test.
–Karen O’Connor and Mr. Medicott sit in 4th behind Boyd’s two rides. I showed their test a lot of love in our interview post with Karen earlier this afternoon. When I watch a dressage test, I want it to be first and foremost undeniably forward, and I want to see all of the movements to flow together effortlessly–that’s what I saw from Mr. Medicott today. As an aside, Mr. Medicott’s barn name is “Cave,” after the Irish town in which he was born.
–Phillip’s best horse in the dressage, Mystery Whisper, is resting comfortably at home this weekend. Phillip demonstrated that he has a very nice backup ready to go in Mighty Nice and they moved into 8th on a 46.8.
—8.8 points separate the top 10 of the CIC3* after the dressage. The same number of points separate the next 16 places.
–Will Coleman’s typically perfect position showed off Twizzel’s excellent gaits but they had too much inconsistency, including a break to the canter in their extended trot, to draw the really great marks from the judges. They head into the weekend on a 51.4 and tied for 14th.
–Buck Davidson was all smiles and clearly very proud of his horse after his test with Ballynoecastle RM. They are 9th after the dressage, 8.6 points off of Marilyn’s lead. I’m fascinated to see how the selector’s approach “Reggie,” but as of right now Buck is making it hard to leave him off of the flight to England.
–Canada’s Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master suffered several uncharacteristic and significant bobbles in their canter work to really hurt their score. I’m not sure if Riddle Master “Rupert” was just getting wound up under the pressure or I would even wonder if he was bothered by a fly. Rebecca worked hard to ride through the tough moments and they finished on a 54.6.
–Whitney Weston and Rock On Rose followed Remington’s test with a very nice effort. Boyd used to ride Rock on Rose and “Lusty” still has that characteristic red mare energy in the dressage. Whitney did a wonderful job keeping her calm. Quite a few of the horses were feeling very fresh–it was a windy day and there is always a lot of atmosphere with raised seating areas surrounding the Bromont dressage arenas.
–Hawley Bennett-Awad with Gin N Juice and Selena O’Hanlon with Columbo had the two best rides for Team Canada. I thought that Micheline Jordan also rode really well aboard Irish Diamonds–they are one of several pairs competing for that last Canadian team spot.
–Becky Holder rode Can’t Fire Me this afternoon. Can’t Fire Me’s test was more consistent but less flashy than Comet’s and the judges appear to have preferred flashy. Can’t Fire Me is in 15th on a 50.0.
–Karen O’Connor and Mandiba’s lead held up throughout the rest of the CCI2* rides and they will hold a 0.8 heading into Saturday.
Your CIC3* afternoon photo gallery, click each photo to enlarge:
Karen O’Connor has had a busy but very success Friday including two Bromont CCI2* dressage rides and Mr. Medicott in the CIC3*. Karen’s veteran partner Mandiba is currently leading the CCI2* on a 43.9 and her other ride, RF Amber Eyes, is currently in the top 5 as the CCI2* dressage continues this afternoon at Bromont. Karen was kind enough to take a few minutes to discuss her dressage ride on Mr. Medicott, her plan to run Mr. Medicott on the cross-country tomorrow, Mandiba’s comeback, her emotions from the passing of Dick Thompson earlier this week, and riding Mr. Thompson’s horse, RF Amber Eyes, this weekend.
Mr. Medicott’s performance was forward, correct, and, most of all, effortless. He scored a 43.0 performing what I thought was the picture of a nice flowing eventing dressage test. Karen and Mr. Medicott are in second behind Boyd and Remington with 9 CIC3* rides left this afternoon.
Check back soon for a full recap with pictures and videos of the afternoon CIC3* rides. Go eventing.
We are at the lunch break in the CIC3* division with 16 rides in the books. Becky Holder and the superstar Courageous Comet took the lead early this morning on a 44.8 and no one from the morning session was quite able to catch them. A few slight inconsistencies in Comet’s test were overpowered by his great movement. It’s a familiar sight to see the OTTB at the top of the leader board and I’ll be interested to see how the 44.8 holds up with a bunch of great dressage horses getting ready to compete this afternoon including Riddle Master, Mr. Medicott, Twizzel, Can’t Fire Me, and the list goes on and on.
–Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot presented their usual picture of consistency and accuracy to score a 45.2 and move into second at lunch time. Will Faudree and Pawlow produced a similarly consistent and accurate test and I was surprised they didn’t score a bit better than their 49.5.
–Allison Springer with Arthur and Clark Montgomery with Loughan Glen were the two morning pairs that I felt had the best chance to catch Becky and Comet, but they fell just short with a 46.0 and 48.0 respectively. Loughan Glen’s presentation was lovely but his score suffered from a few bobbles in accuracy. Arthur worked his way through the test with ears pricked and he might have been a bit too stiff to let the judges give him the really high marks that we are used to.
–Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbot received huge cheers from his hometown Canadian crowd. Peter lives about 20 minutes from Bromont and he is hosting Boyd and Silva this weekend at his house. Peter scored a respectable 54.0, which won’t place very well but only because this is such a fantastically talented CIC3* field.
–Crowd favorites Jan Byyny and Inmidair also drew big cheers when they completed a very smart and accurate test.
–Canadian rider Hawley Bennett and 5 O’Clock Somewhere delivered a lovely consistent test that drew all smiles from the Team Canada connections looking on. They scored a 52.0 to put them in solid position heading into the cross-country tomorrow. They were the highest placed CIC3* Canadians of the morning group. Hawley will ride the experienced mare Gin N Juice in the afternoon session.
Your CIC3* Friday morning photo gallery, click on each photo to enlarge. Special apologies this morning to Vancover:
Wendy Lewis and Mastercraft (USA)
Nicole Parkin and Lexus (CAN)
Jan Byyny and Inmidair (USA)
Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott (CAN)
Allison Springer and Arthur (USA)
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen (USA)
Jessica Hampf and High Society (CAN)
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle (USA)
Michelle Mueller and Amistad (CAN)
Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot (USA)
Will Faudree and Pawlow (USA)
Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (USA)
Hawley Bennett-Awad and 5 O’Clock Somewhere (CAN)
Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Demeter (USA)
Vancouver (USA)
Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere (USA)
The internet is still giving us problems despite all efforts from the wonderful folks at Bromont and our friends at EventEntries.com. Stay tuned for much more from Bromont as rain clouds are forming above the venue. Go eventing.
Karen O’Connor and RF Amber Eyes own the very very early lead in the CCI2* at Bromont. With over 40 pairs in the division, the CCI2* leader board is sure to change throughout the day. The weather here in Quebec, Canada is partly cloudy and cool but mercifully dry.
My pick to win the CCI2* is Jan Byyny and Why Not, apologies to Jan for my momentary typo in picking them to win the CCI3* yesterday. This pair is so good they can win two divisions at one competition. The CIC3* begins at 9:20am ET. My pick for that division is Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. Rebecca and “Rupert” have looked dialed in all week. You definitely don’t want my Belmont pick, I wasn’t given the gift of picking the races. In fact, I have been paid by the owners of I’ll Have Another not to pick him to ensure that he will win.
Lastly, we have a special message from Buck Davidson, who asked me to pass along to Charissa Leatherman and Joedy Tran that he is sorry he couldn’t be there today. “I’m thinking of you, congratulations on your wedding day. Love, Buck“
Stay tuned all day for the latest from Bromont in Canada, Bramham in England, and everything else going on around Eventing Nation. Internet issues at Bromont are starting to crop up, so apologies in advance. Go eventing.
Will Coleman is riding Twizzel in the CIC3* for a spot on the US Olympic short list. He is also riding former Bromont CCI* winner Zipp in the CCI2*, and he is also riding Vancover in the CIC3*. Will is one of the US riders who has permission from the selectors to not ride cross-country and when I spoke with him it sounded like he was leaning towards saving Twiz from jumping around the Bromont course. Will is both one of the most natural and best educated riders in North America, making him a great person to walk courses with as you can see in the video above. For much more from Will be sure to follow him on Twitter and like his Facebook page. Go eventing.
Course designer Derek Di Grazia is known for safe, sensible, and tough courses. This year, Derek’s sixth designing at Bromont, features some exciting changes including significantly improved footing drainage and of course the addition of a CIC3* track. In addition to being a course designer, Derek and his wife Bea also coach out of their Stillwater Farm in Carmel Valley, Caifornia. For more from Derek be sure to visit his website. Thanks again for speaking with us Derek and go eventing.
Just six pairs competed in the CCI3* afternoon session at Bromont. Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison of Ocala, Florida moved into the CCI3*on a 46.0. I didn’t mention Jon and Downtown Harrison (“Will”) in my CCI3* preview and I clearly should have. Will was forward, rhythmical, and accurate, and they absolutely deserved the 46.0. Jon even rode through a giant black fly that landed on Will in the beginning of the test. When Jon left the arena he gave the “OK” sign with his hand to indicate the size of the fly–Rick Wallace turned to me and said “I guess I’m going to wear fly spray tomorrow.” Jon and Will had terrible luck last year to barely miss a trip to the Pan American Games and it’s great to see them having a quality weekend so far here at Bromont. In other news, I was fascinated to hear Bromont’s multilingual announcer Geoff Morgan announce that Jon is a big Miley Cyrus fan. This one’s for you, Jon.
Michael Pollard and Hanni moved into second, just behind Jon and Will. Phillip Dutton and Atlas, owned by Tom Tierney, are third behind Michael after a test that was a picture of relaxed movement. It’s safe to consider Atlas another nice horse on the flat for Phillip. Phillip’s veterinarian and regular advanced competitor Kevin Keane moved into 8th on a 58.2. Kevin and Fernhill Flutter get better every single time I see them. EN writer Jessica Bortner-Harris stepped into 9th, one spot behind Kevin, aboard Win The War. Mark “Bug” down as a horse to watch if you are going to be out on the cross-country on Saturday.
Bromont CCI3* Dressage Scores:
1. Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison 46.0
2. Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni 48.2
3. Phillip Dutton and Atlas 49.6
4. Danielle Dichting and Tops 51.2
5. Boyd Martin and Trading Aces 51.6
6. Buck Davidson and The Apprentice 53.0
[Full Bromont Scores]
Your CCI3* photo gallery, with the usual apologies to the riders for terrible photos. Photo snobs, avert your eyes. Click on each photo to enlarge:
Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win The War
Callie Judy and Call On Me (USA)
Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison
Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter (USA)
Phillip Dutton and Atlas (USA)
Diana Burnett and Shigatzi (CAN)
The CCI* division continues this afternoon and Alexandra Green and Falkonet of Tennessee are the current leaders. See below for a recap and videos of the morning CCI3* rides. The CIC3* dressage begins at 9am ET Friday morning. Go eventing.
Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni are sentimental favorites here at Bromont and they didn’t disappoint in the dressage, taking the CCI3* lead into the lunch break on a 48.2. Hanni was the first to jump out of the Pollard Eventing trailer following the tragic accident two weeks ago and she is competing for her stable mates who didn’t survive the accident. The “Hanni Badger’s” Bromont preparations were obviously disrupted, but Michael and Hanni buckled down for a great performance. Six horses are left to ride in the CCI3* after lunch, starting back up at 1:14pm ET.
–Danielle Dichting and Tops produced the best test I have seen from them to date–it was relaxed and very accurate. They scored a 51.2 for second at the lunch break. This pair can really jump well on the cross-country and they have to feel confident with that performance going into Saturday.
–Kristin Schmolze gets our official Eventing Nation toughness award for Thursday (and perhaps the entire competition). She has cracked ribs that have her walking very gingerly on the ground, but they didn’t stop her from grinding out a good test with Ballylaffin Bracken. I’m a big fan of this horse and this pair for the future.
–Boyd and Trading Aces are still building their partnership. This CCI3* will be a big test for them this weekend, but “Oscar” showed considerable promise on the flat today, sitting third at the break. I expect Boyd will take him around the cross-country with a quiet, educational ride on Saturday.
–I spoke with Sally Cousins following her dressage test with Westerly. Sally was kind enough to chat about purchasing Westerly from Charlie Plumb, riding in a helmet, and eventing as a family sport. For more, check out her website. Thanks for the interview Sally!
–After chatting with us, Sally warmed up her student and competitor in the CCI3*, Julia Wendell. Julia rode the beautiful Cavendish and even though their score suffered big time from tension in the canter I was super impressed by Cavendish–the 18 hand dark bay gelding makes a wonderful picture in the dressage.
–Buck Davidson and The Apprentice were good, but not great to finish the dressage on a 53. The Apprentice can jump the moon and I’m very excited to watch him on the cross-country.
–Caitlin Silliman finished on a 61.80. They looked fantastic and ready to win while circling the arena before their test, but the beautiful grey mare got tense in the arena and their accuracy suffered. But, no worries for Caitlin: the most important phase for this promising young pair is the most important phase for any young pair–cross-country.
–Your CCI3* morning photo gallery, with photos taken in the most ridiculous manner possible. Click on each photo for a larger version:
Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star
Leslie Law and Zenith ISF
Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni
Buck Davidson and The Apprentics
Julia Wendell and Cavendish
Elissa Gibbs and Medici
Sally Cousins and Westerly
Amy Ruth Borun and Santa’s Playboy
Danielle Dichting and Tops
Erin Flynn Tamplin and Royal Ruckus
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces
Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken
The CCI* is also on lunch break, with Canada’s Shandis Wewioria and Prince Mayo leading on a 46.9. Lindsay Beer and El Paso of Ontario are the only other pair to have jumped in front of Buck and Santa’s Keeper.
A busy weekend of eventing all over the world is well underway now. I will bring you coverage of Bromont including all of the US and Canadian short list selection info. Samantha Clark is in England this weekend for the Bramham CCI3*, which has big implications for European Olympic selection. For all things Bramham, check out SamanthaLClark.com and we will be cross-posting a bunch of the cool stuff here on EN. Here are a few random notes from Bromont as the first few CCI* horses are working through their dressage tests.
–The Bromont CCI3* field is characterized by talented but inexperienced horses. Boyd, Buck, and Phillip all have one horse each and they all fall under that talented but inexperienced category. I really like *Buck Davidson and The Apprentice to do well this weekend. However, I have to go with my heart and pick Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni to win, we’ll all be cheering them on this weekend. Look out also for Diana Burnett and Shigatzi of Canada to put on a big show on Saturday.
–The Bromont CCI3* cross-country course is tough–it is technical and very big. I mentioned in our course photo gallery that the high performance horses are entered in the CIC3*, which makes for an overall less experienced CCI3* field and therefore a more impactful cross-country phase. I feel more strongly that the CCI3* cross-country is going to ride really tough each time I talk with riders about the difficulty level of the course.
–Turning to the CIC3*, that division is all about Olympic short list selection. 12 Canadian and 21 US pairs are competing in the CIC3*. Around 7 Candian and around 10 US pairs will get selected next week to fly to England for further Olympic preparation. Winning is not the goal–getting to the Olympics is the goal, and as a result each high performance pair will have a slightly different set of goals and standard of success.
–The Canadian high performance situation is pretty straightforward. In my opinion, Rebecca, Selena, Hawley, and Jessica (even with yesterday’s broken collar bone) are all on the team unless they do something incredibly stupid on Saturday. That fifth and final spot is up for grabs to any Canadian pair who steps up in these last weeks before the Olympics to impress the selectors. At this point I think there are at least 6 pairs who could step up to take that spot and probably 3 of those will get a chance to make the short list and fly to England. The goal for this weekend for these pairs “on the bubble” is a solid performance to convince the selectors to send them to England.
–The US selection picture is much more wide open. Boyd, Sinead, and Phillip all look really good right now, especially with Manoir De Carneville and Mystery Whisper bubble wrapped and not even attending Bromont. A few weeks ago I listed 17 pairs who I felt had the best shot at making the USEF short list of approximately 10 pairs who will fly to England for final selection. Here is an update for that list along with what I feel each pair needs to do this weekend to make the flight to England:
Will Coleman and Twizzle — After a 5th at Rolex 2012, Will and Twiz need to stay sound, avoid bad luck, and get around clear, and I believe they will be short listed. Phillip Dutton with Mighty Nice and Fernhill Eagle — Stay sound–which goes without saying for all of the remaining pairs. I believe that all the selectors are looking for this weekend is which of these horses should join Mystery Whisper on the flight to England. Boyd Martin with Remington and Otis Barbotiere — Same story as Phillip’s two–who will join Nev on the trip to England? Becky Holder with Can’t Fire Me — Becky had a great weekend going at Rolex before being pulled up with a cut on Can’t Fire Me a few fences from home. She needs to show that Rolex was no fluke and that Can’t Fire Me can show jump well after a tough XC round, something she didn’t have a chance to show the selectors at Rolex. Allison Springer with Arthur — Some might say that Allison and Arthur are a lock to make the flight after a second placed finish at Rolex, but I believe they need a good cross-country ride to continue to prove they can deliver under pressure on Saturday. Karen O’Connor with Mr. Medicott — After a 4th at Rolex, Karen needs to show the selectors that her partnership with Mr. Medicott has continued to develop–a top 10 should be fine to get a plane ticket. Marilyn Little-Meredith with RF Demeter — In a strange twist of fate, Marilyn needs a good show jumping round after pulling two three rails at Rolex. The Olympic format utilizes two show jumping tests so that phase is very important for selection. Demeter’s stable mate, RF Rovano Rex is back in action this weekend and definitely could get into the selection mix with a good performance. Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper — When will this horse lose? Michael Pollard and Jude’s Law — Sadly, the trailer accident two weeks ago took Jude’s Law. Michael still has a chance at the short list with a perfect weekend aboard his 2011 Pan Am horse, Hanni, in the Bromont CCI3*. Buck Davidson and Ballynoecastle RM — A top 10 quality weekend should get this veteran pair on the flight. Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville — Two words–bubble. wrap. Tate is already in England. Will Faudree with Pawlow and Andromaque — If I was the selectors I would want Will’s experience on the flight over to England, but Will needs a good performance on each horse. I like his odds to get at least one horse selected and I expect him to come up big under pressure this weekend. Boyd and Neville — From what I have heard, Neville was still feeling a bit under the weather from his trailer ride to Canada on Wednesday. I know Boyd planned to run him cross-country here this weekend, but depending on how Neville feels that plan might change. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen — No one doubts that Clark and Loughan Glen can come up big in the dressage and show jumping. They need a foot perfect cross-country round to make the selectors happy.
–In terms of the always present selection event question of who will run cross-country on Saturday, my understanding is that all Canadian Olympic hopefuls will run. The US situation is much more varied with different riders having different options/instructions from coach Captain Mark Phillips and the selectors. My general feeling is that quite a few US pairs will decide not to run or to run an abbreviated course, especially those that had really good runs at Rolex. If a big number of US pairs decide not to run then the selectors will have to evaluate their performance on a sliding scale.
The CCI3* division is underway and will end with EN blogger Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win The War at 1:54pm. Go Bromont.
The Bromont CCI* field is full of bright rising stars for Canada, including Jordan McDonald
Buck Davidson and the OTTB Santa’s Keeper, owned by Buck and Carl Segal, took the early lead in the Bromont CCI* on Thursday morning. Santa’s Keeper is a 6 year old race horse who raced out of Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. The pair moved into a the lead on 49.7 with an accurate ride from Buck–see video of their test below. I mentioned on Tuesday that Santa’s Keeper was bucking a few times in a schooling session with Buck, but he was all business today and very composed for a young horse. Canada’s Haley Armstrong-Laframboise and the 12 year old Canadian Sport Horse Roksolana delivered a 54.1 for second in the early going. There are over 50 rides still to go in the CCI* so the leaderboard is sure to see big changes throughout the day.
Boyd Martin was kind enough to take a moment during his course walk with Canadian Team hopeful Peter Barry to show us how he plans to ride the CCI3* 26A&B (CIC3* 20A&B) combination. Boyd offers some great insights including the importance of watching early rides to adjust your plan whenever possible and the importance of adapting your ride for combinations at the end of a course. As always, for much more from Boyd be sure to check out his website and blog and be sure to like his Facebook page. Go eventing.
Dick Thompson, who passed away earlier this week, had a profoundly positive influence on many aspects of eventing. One of the influences that I saw first hand was in the development of my longtime friend from our Area VIII Young Rider days, Hannah Burnett. Mr. Thompson purchased St. Barths for Hannah to ride when Hannah was in that tenuous career stage after her first four star and without a horse of the future. Hannah’s partnership with St. Barths has allowed her to develop into a consistent and respected upper level rider. Hannah was kind enough to share some memories of Mr. Thompson with us as well as her thoughts about riding Harbour Pilot “William” this weekend at Bromont. Go eventing.
Colleen Loach is doing double duty this weekend, grooming Kilrodan Abbott and riding Freespirit in the CCI1*
With over 150 horses entered at Bromont, the Wednesday afternoon first horse inspection lasted two hours. The ground jury switched for each division but the spectators didn’t and by the end I think most of us were cross-eyed from watching so many horses trot up and down the jog strip. All in all the horses looked ready for action, although I thought the CCI* ground jury was perhaps a bit lenient, especially early on. A few photos and notes from each division:
In breaking news, CCI* ground jury member Christian Landolt (left) isn’t wearing crazy-colored pants
CCI* Notes: The CCI* is the largest field at Bromont. Two horses were held–Say You Do and Samson VIII. Say You Do was spun after representing and Samson withdrew from the hold after a stray nail was found in his hoof. We hope Samson gets that taken care of and is back to feeling good soon, that’s tough luck for him and his rider, Tiffany Cunningham.
CCI2* competitor Diamond Cut was spun last year at Bromont for sarcoids, but after having surgery he passed with flying colors today
CCI2* Notes: Two horses were held in the CCI2*, and both Wynella Wolverine and Namaste were spun by the ground jury upon reinspection. Jessica Phoenix and Erodium withdrew as it was confirmed that Jessica has a broken collar bone following her accident with Exponential in a jump school this morning. The good news for Team Canada is that with seven weeks to go until the Olympics there is enough time for Jessie to get back in action and compete at London.
CCI2* competitor Rick Wallace gets my vote for best dressed, rocking the three piece suit while jogging Ultimate Victory
CCI3* Notes: 18 pairs presented at the CCI3* jog and all 18 will move on to the dressage. Leslie Law and Zenith ISF were held but passed upon reinspection. Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star were asked to represent but passed after that. Your CCI3* photo gallery is below, including the other photos from this post. Apologies to the competitors for my terrible photography skills, especially to Amy Ruth Borun.
Phillip jogged Ballylaffin Bracken for Kristin, who is recovering from broken ribs
Boyd Martin and Trading Aces
Erin Flynn Tamplin and Royal Ruckus
Danielle Dichting and Tops
Amy Ruth Borun and Santa’s Playboy
Sally Cousins and Westerly
Elissa Gibbs and Medici
Julia Wendell and Cavendish
Buck Davidson and The Apprentice
Michael Pollard and Hanni
Leslie Law and Zenith ISF
Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star
Diana Burnett and Shigatzi
Phillip Dutton and Atlas
Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter
Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison
Callie Judy and Call On Me
Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win The War
It’s a beautiful evening here at Bromont. The CCI* dressage starts at 8am and the CCI3* dressage starts at 10am Thursday morning. Go eventing.
I had the opportunity to watch a few of the Canadian jump schools on Wednesday morning. Although that session was marred by Jessica Phoenix and Exponential’s fall, Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master put on an excellent educational session with coach David O’Connor. After the lesson David told me that his main focus with “Rupert” today was keeping him coming forward to the jumps rather than getting behind Rebecca’s leg and adding strides. As with any Wednesday jump session, David kept the number of jumps to a minimum. Also, as a quick high performance note, as of today, the Canadian Team plans to run all of its hopefuls across the cross-country as a final run before Olympic selection next week.
You won’t find a more beautiful look out of a start box anywhere in the world
Bromont course designer Derek Di Grazia and his team of Bromont course builders have done another spectacular job preparing the courses here at Bromont. The jump craftsmanship rivals anything I have seen in all my years as an eventer. Footing. I didn’t notice the footing for the first four jumps, which is to say it is exactly what I would expect and want from Bromont. If it rains any more this week the footing could potentially get a bit slick in lower parts of the course.
Notably, the CCI3* and CIC3* courses are quite a bit different. The Olympic hopefuls that do decide to run cross-country will enjoy a much lighter track since they are in the CIC3* division. With so many top horses in the CIC3* instead of the CCI3*, I expect that the CCI3* scoreboard will be significantly jumbled up on Saturday. In stark contrast to Rolex, the first two major 3* combinations are tests of straightness, and I think that will let the horses settle into much more of a rhythm early. And now for your CCI3* course photos, click on each photo for a larger view:
As a quick note, the 2012 horse trials is being held next weekend rather than during the three-day. The good news is that we won’t have a repeat of last year when I was probably a bit too honest to two training level young riders. They came back wide eyed from their first course walk and I told them that the training level corner was the biggest training corner I had ever seen and that I would be flat out terrified to ride it on a training level horse. Go eventing.
Jessica Phoenix and Exponential are Canada’s best jumpers and one of the best jumping pairs in the world, but their journey to the London Olympics suffered a setback Wednesday morning when they fell at an oxer while jump schooling at Bromont. All signs following the accident pointed to a broken left collar bone for Jessica and she is being taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Canadian coach David O’Connor asked Jessica to push for a deeper spot in a 6 stride right turning (oxer to oxer) line and Exponential arrived at five and a half strides, leaving long, catching his legs in the fence, and sliding onto his side. Jessica and Exponential “Tucker” both got up quickly but both were visibly shaken. Tucker was a bit off in the walk, which we hope is just a bit of soreness from the fall. He walked back to the barns for examination from Canadian Team vet Dr. Christiana Ober. The most important and good news is that Jessica and Tucker walked away from the fall.
The pair was having a great lesson up until that point and the fall was just one of those moments in eventing when things are fine one moment and then a second later you are laying on the ground. Jessica was her usual classy, tough, and composed self after the tumble. The broken collar bone has by no means been 100% confirmed by a doctor and here’s to hopes that initial signs of a broken collar bone are wrong and Jessica can be back to jump school Pavarotti this afternoon. The Olympics are still six seven weeks away, which is enough time to come back from a broken collar bone, especially for someone as tough as Jessica, so the major concern in the Olympic picture today is just making sure that Tucker is fine. We will have much more from Bromont including more from the Canadian jump schools this morning and any updates on Jess and Tucker as we get them. Go Jessica and Tucker.
—- 12:55pm Update: I spoke briefly with David who told me that initial indications are that Exponential just strained a muscle. He told me that there are no indications of structural damage. Tucker is resting comfortably in his stall. Still no word from the hospital regarding Jessica’s collar bone.
3:38pm Update: We have received word that Jessica’s collar bone has been confirmed broken. Fortunaley there are still seven weeks until the jog at the Olympics, giving her more than enough time to heal and early indications are that this will not affect her selection.
Announcer Brian O’Connor was kind enough to send us a few reflections on the passings of fellow announcers and eventing legends Dick Thompson and Jim Ligon this week.
—- Photo by Samantha
From Brian:
The Eventing Nation has lost two great men this week…Dick Thompson and Jim Ligon…both terrific guys, great supporters of equestrian sports, and, most notably, both announcers for eventing. We have a very small group of professional announcers, both men and women, and to lose two so close together is a great loss. Both of these guys were very good at what they did and what they brought to our sport(s).
Dick, as mentioned in a previous post here on EN, was a loyal and avid owner for Karen, and was instrumental in making the Radnor 3 Day and the Atlanta Olympic Games the great successes they were. He announced many events up and down the East Coast for many years and was a great character in Area II.
Jim Ligon, who comes from one of the best and strongest Pony Club families that has EVER been, was a great announcer, a past President of Pony Club, was the founder of the President’s Cup for Pony Club Games….competitions both held at Rolex and Fair Hill CCI weekends. Both of these men were close friends of mine (and so many others) and to not let you know how much we will all miss them would be a mistake on my part. These guys were good…and proud of it. I am very pleased and proud to be part of the profession that they exemplified and also of their commitment to making it right. God speed to both of you. You guys were “clear over the last and inside the time…double clear.” All the best and God Bless.
Evening is a wonderful time at events, with the sun setting on the horizon after a long day, horses grazing on the lush green grass, and maybe a beer or two being cracked in the barns. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. After a great performance at Rolex, an appearance on prime time NBC, a new three-star horse, the Luhmuhlen CCI4* coming up next week, and Olympic short list selection looming, we had a lot of catching up to do with Boyd Martin. Boyd, as always, was kind enough to take time out of his busy grazing schedule with Trading Aces to chat with Eventing Nation. Thanks Boyd and good luck this weekend! For much more from Boyd be sure to check out his website and blog and be sure to like his Facebook page. Go eventing.
The helmet visors that were handed out in the rider packets are all the rage here at Bromont, especially when used without a helmet, as demonstrated by Shanon Kinsley. I strongly suggest that all of the riders use them in such a way when unmounted this weekend–all the cool kids are doing it.
With the majority of the approximately 150 Bromont competitors arriving on Tuesday the barns have started to fill up and the practice arenas are bustling with horses. The first mission for the riders upon arrival is to make sure their horses are settled in for a weekend of hard work. Most of the rides I watched today were focused on a relaxed and stretching progression through basic movements. Boyd mentioned to me that Neville was feeling a bit under the weather after his arrival last night but he is looking better today. The mood at Bromont is a little more tense than previous years with the majority of US and Canadian high performance pairs getting ready to ride for their Olympic dreams this weekend.
Here are a few pictures and observations from Tuesday:
The first step after moving in is a barn inspection by the FEI vet with a quick examination of the horse. Next up is usually getting your packet/number and then perhaps a walk or quick ride for the horses.
I was thrilled to see Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star looking spectacular in their lesson with Silva Martin. Catch A Star “Hoku” of course suffered sever burns in the True Prospect Fire last Memorial Day weekend, but after a remarkable recovery the mare looks absolutely superb and I am hoping for great things from them this weekend in the CCI3*.
Wendy Lewis and Mastercraft of New Jersey looked great working their counter-canter loops.
Buck and his CCI* partner Santa’s Keeper worked through a few fresh bucks this morning, drawing a few smiles from around the warmup arena including from Buck’s dad Bruce. Buck told me after the ride that Santa’s Keeper is an OTTB from Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. The Thoroughbred is really striking to watch and I’m excited to keep an eye on them this weekend.
Trading Aces is a recent addition to Boyd’s arsenal of top horses. They are competing in the CCI3* this weekend and although Trading Aces won’t factor into Olympic selection this year he is definitely a horse to keep an eye on for Normandy 2014. Jude’s Law was a half brother to Trading Aces and I see much of the same reserved but very strong athleticism in Trading Aces that I saw in Jude. Boyd took a lesson from his wife Silva with straightness as the main focus.
It was all business for Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni. The team at Pollard Eventing has done a fantastic job of rallying together after the tragic trailer accident that took three of their top horses. Everyone will be cheering Michael and the “Hanni Badger” along this weekend in the CCI3*.
Becky Holder worked Comet through a few movements before taking him for a long hack.
Karen warmed RF Amber Eyes up with some canter two-point. I love this technique to get horses with a sensitive back moving and supple.
The track around the Bromont cross-country course is well used for long hacks. Many of the of the riders took their horses for a walk to relax and stretch after their flat work today.
“You don’t mind if I do some gardening with this giant gas weed wacker during your dressage lesson, do you?”
The first horse inspections begin at 3:00pm ET on Wednesday. I want to end with a shout out to the entire EN Team for holding down the EN compound and feeding the chinchillas while I fight spotty internet and cell phone reception in Canada this week.
Mr. Thompson and Karen O’Connor looking on as his horse, St. Barths, won at The Fork in 2010
The beautiful day here at Bromont is darkened with the sad news that longtime eventing supporter Richard “Dick” Thompson has passed away. Mr. Thompson’s family will issue a statement shortly, which we will add to this post below. Mr. Thompson was a perennial champion of our sport as an organizer, announcer, and owner. He has owned numerous horses for riders ranging from Jimmy Wofford to the O’Connors to Hannah Burnett. I spoke briefly with Karen O’Connor here at Bromont and she was kind enough to share some of her memories with us:
“The Thompson family was one of the first to support and back riders, starting with Jimmy Wofford. When Jimmy retired he made the connection between the Thompsons and myself in 1984 and the Thompsons have been strong supporters ever since. To lose Dick is huge for the eventing and Radnor community and he is going to be sorely missed.“
Mr. Thompson owned many horses over the years including the crowd favorite Biko. He also helped organize the Radnor Three-Day Event and was a beloved announcer throughout Area II. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to the Thompsons and all of their connections today.
Mr. Thompson congratulating Hannah Burnett and St. Barths on their Fair Hill CCI3* win in 2010
Good evening from beautiful Bromont! It was an absolute delight to be greeted with smiles and true Canadian hospitality upon our arrival at the venue for the 1976 Montreal Olympic equestrian events. After a drive that began at 4am in Michigan, the horses are happily settling in amidst the lush country side that is the setting for perhaps my favorite North American event of the year. The drive to the Bromont CCI3*, CIC3*, CCI2*, and CCI1* is long (10+ hours) for most competitors, but the journey is well worth it with a history of good footing and great courses. I would estimate that about 20 horses have already arrived to prepare for the event that starts Wednesday with the first horse inspection. Bromont is also the final spot on the road for the US and Canadian Olympic hopefuls before the short lists will be announced early next week. I’m happy to report that the courses look superb from afar. I bid you an exhausted farewell and promise to return tomorrow with much more from Canada. Ali will be along shortly with news and notes.
On Thursday we brought Mike Ryan’s course walk from the Tattersalls CCI3* in Ireland and today you can see how it rode for him aboard Dromgurrihy Blue in tha above video. The pair finished with 11.2 time penalties and finished the event in 14th place. Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero won the CCI3* at Tattersalls by four points with 2.4 time on the cross-country and one rail in the show jumping.
