Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

In nearly 70 career USEA and FEI competitions, Jenny Caras’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse Fernhill Fortitude (Courage II X Misty Matilda, by Clover) has never won an event. They made their first win count today with a hard-fought CCI3* victory in the MARS Incorporated Bromont CCI Three-Day Event.

“Forty” has not consistently show jumped clear but today left all the rails up to put the pressure on overnight leader Lynn Symansky. Jenny has been incredibly focused on her show jumping, working with both Richard Picken and Phillip Dutton. She said today’s success has been a combination of hard work and “a really genuine horse.”

“It wasn’t the prettiest round I’ve ever jumped on him but he was trying really hard, and I think he knew that he wasn’t supposed to have one down today,” Jenny said. “I found myself in a similar position at Jersey (Fresh) a few weeks ago and it didn’t go my way there. You do it long enough and some days you win and some days you don’t. I couldn’t be happier with how he jumped today.”

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jenny and Forty opted not to make a second appearance at the Kentucky Three-Day Event this year. “The plan was to come and try to win Bromont. I didn’t actually think that would happen but it feels great.” Of her longtime partner, with whom she achieved her first CCI3* win today, Jenny said, “He’s like putting on an old shoe. He’s my best buddy.”

As the winner of the CCI3* division, Jenny received $3,300, a cooler from Sandridge Saddlery and the Todd Sandler Perpetual Trophy, given in honor of Todd Sandler, an aspiring young Quebec event rider who tragically passed away in a car accident.

Jenny would like to thank her owners, coaches Phillip Dutton and Richard Picken, and boyfriend Waylon Roberts — “he’s actually a really good groom.” She’d also like to thank her parents, Paula and David, as well as grooms Bronwyn Watts and Emma Ford for all their help and support.

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection (Contender X Naomagic I, by Exorbitant xx) entered the ring without a rail in hand and unfortunately added 4 penalties to their score to finish second.

“She won the warm-up. She was jumping out of her skin,” Lynn said of Mary Ann Ghadban’s 14-year-old Holsteiner mare. “Honestly I really can’t be too upset. I don’t know her very well. It was a last-minute decision to come here and she hasn’t run since Tryon (in April).”

In only their third appearance as a pair at the three-star level, Lynn and “Pippy” are now qualified as a combination for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. The mare has previously competed to the CCI3* level with Sharon White and the CCI4* level with Hannah Sue Burnett. In Germany, she also competed at the CCI2* level with Dirk Schrade and CCI* level with Philipp Kolossa. 

“She’s a pretty amazing horse to have gone from rider to rider, and she puts in 100 percent,” Lynn said. “I cannot take all the credit for her success this weekend, and she’s made it pretty easy to form a relationship with her in a pretty short amount of time.”

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Felix Vogg and Colero (Captain Fire X Bonia, by Bormio xx), a 10-year-old Westphalian owned by Jürgen Vogg, added 1 time penalty to an otherwise faultless round to finish third on 40.4. Colero typically jumps better indoors than out, Felix said, but he was pleased with his performance today. They are now qualified for WEG as a pair, and Felix feels confident they will be selected for the Swiss team.

“It was really a good event because he learned a lot and made a huge step up. He’s not that experienced so for me it was a perfect event,” Felix said. Of his thoughts on Bromont, he said, “I like Bromont a lot because of the cross country, as well the ring here. It’s good for the horses. They learn something.”

Boyd Martin and Contessa Win CCI2*

Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It was down to the wire in the CCI2* as the last four to jump — all mares — show jumped fault-free. Leading after cross country and with no room to spare a mistake in the final phase, Boyd Martin and Club Contessa’s Contessa (Contender X Veritas, by Esteban) produced a beautiful clear under pressure to win in the mare’s CCI2* debut.

“Today confirmed my belief that this is a real future star in my string,” Boyd said of the 9-year-old Holsteiner mare. “She still needs to spend some time at this level but she just has that ‘wow’ factor.”

He’s confident Contessa has what it takes to go eventing at the highest level: “Gallop, jump, presence, attitude, soundness. She’s one of those horses I look forward to sitting on every day.”

Dana Cook and FE Mississippi. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clark Montgomery and Caribbean Soul finished second on 32.4. Dana Cooke was thrilled with FE Mississippi’s gorgeous clear for third on 33.6. They placed third and also received the Best Presented Horse Award for the division, sponsored by Akka Legacy. Shelby Brost and Crimson moved up from 10th after dressage to finish fourth on their dressage score of 33.7.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Mystery were double clear in the final phase, moving up from sixth place to fifth. They switched places with Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q, who dropped a single rail.

Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game added four penalties to finish seventh on 39.3. Charlotte Collier and Clifford M vaulted up the leaderboard with two fault-free jumping phases to move from 29th after dressage to eventual eighth. Likewise, Will Coleman and Don Dante went from equal 24th to ninth with one rail down in show jumping.

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best Take Hometown CIC2* Win

Jessica Phoenix and Bentleys Best. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will Coleman and Off the Record could afford a few time penalties but not a rail today. Unfortunately they had one down, which meant Jessica Phoenix and the Bentley’s Best Group’s 11-year-old Trakehner Bentley’s Best (Hirtentanz 2 X Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, by Eichendorff) took the CIC2* win by 0.1 penalty points, finishing on their dressage score of 30.0.

“To have our family here and win in front of the hometown crowd and hear our anthem on Canadian soil is pretty awesome,” Jessica said.

“I was really proud of him all weekend. He was a little bit unsettled in dressage but his movement I thought was the best he’s ever had. Cross country he just ate it up. Show jumping is always so fun on him. He’s such an athletic horse and really loves doing that job.”

Although Bentley’s Best has competed at the three-star level, Jessica said he is her top horse for the Pan American Games next year, so she wants to get him really solid at the two-star level. She has her eyes on the Fair Hill International CCI2* in October but will return to Bromont to run the CIC2* on August 17-19, which is a new FEI date for this venue.

“I wish we had a Bromont every month,” Jessica said. “It’s so awesome to be able to compete FEI in your own country, and it’s really important to develop our horses — being able to drive a short time and have this level and caliber of competition is what we need more in this country.”

Will Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Anna Loschiavo and Prince Renan, fresh off a CIC2* win at Jersey Fresh, put in three good phases, finishing on their dressage score of 30.8 for third place. Lauren Kieffer and Paramount Importance added just 0.8 time penalties on cross country and finished fourth on 32.5. Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect round out the top five on their dressage score of 33.5.

Greta Schwickert and Matchless moved up from 18th after dressage to finish sixth. Will Coleman and Soupçon du Brunet unfortunately picked up 11 penalties on cross country for activating a frangible pin, but they were otherwise foot perfect to finish seventh.

Allie Knowles and Business Class had two down today, finishing eighth. Ariel Grald and Monbeg Nola show jumped clear, finishing ninth. Boyd Martin and Contestor had three down, dropping out of the top five to place 10th.

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B Jump Under Pressure to Win CCI*

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Only one rail separated the top eight after cross country and with rails flying, the pressure was on the top placed riders. Annie Goodwin said yesterday that her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington X Paulien B, by Fedor) is a “phenomenal jumper” but she wasn’t sure how tired he would be after cross country. As it turned out, she had no reason to worry. “Bruno” jumped a super clear to win the Bromont CCI* and the Law Family Perpetual Trophy.

“We pulled him out of the stall this morning and he was very happy to be moving and grooving,” Annie said. “It’s an honor to be here. It’s always been a dream and especially to walk home with the win, I can’t ask for anything more.”

The pair have experience at Intermediate but backed down a level to reboot their confidence. “I think we did that today. He’ll have a good break and then come back out for Intermediate and hopefully back up to Bromont for the (August) CIC2*.”

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King were tied for second heading into the final phase and jumped clear to finish on their dressage score of 27.2. Will Faudree and the lovely FRH Ramona likewise finished without additional penalties, moving up one place each phase to end up third on 29.4.

Colleen Loach had a banner week with all four of her CCI* horses finishing in the top 10. Three of them finished on their dressage score. Foreign Quality finished fourth on 30.0. Vermont added one rail to finish sixth on 31.2. FE Golden Eye was seventh on 32.3, and Rune Stone was eighth.

Katlyn Hewson-Slezak and Fernhill Choco Royale added one rail today to finish ninth on 35.5. Jimmie Schramm and CCI* first-timer Eclaire round out the top 10 with just one rail to add today for a final score of 36.0.

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Ledger Family Award is given to the top placed amateur rider in the CCI* division who has a full-time job outside of the equestrian world. The winner this year, receiving a trophy, commemorative cooler and a check for $1,000, was Abby Maude, an interior designer in New York by day and devoted eventer by night. She and Stonehaven Dream finished 11th in the CCI*.

The Best Groom Award was also given in the CCI* and awarded to Jeannie Lussier, the groom for Colleen Loach. The ground jury noted that all four of horses ridden by Colleen were impeccably prepared for presentation. Jeanie received a $200 gift certificate from Laura’s Tack Room.

It’s been another incredible week in Bromont, Quebec. This is hands down one of my absolute favorite competitions and I look forward to it every year, as do the riders.

“We don’t have a lot of venues like this,” Lynn said. “It’s a proper test on fantastic footing at a great venue.”

Thank you to the sponsors, especially title sponsor MARS Incorporated, for their support and to the generous contributions from the Government of Canada, Government of Quebec and City of Bromont. Thanks also to the organizing committee and their staff for their generosity, hospitality and the incredibly hard work they put in to making this event great. Au revoir!

Bromont CCI: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

Lynn Symanksy and Under Suspection. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Only seven of the 19 CCI3* combinations to start cross country at the MARS Incorporated Bromont Three Day Event came home without jumping penalties, and time was the ultimate factor in determining the leaders.

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection were clear with just 2.4 added time penalties to move into first place on a two-phase score of 34.6.

The fastest ride of the division belonged to Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. They added 2.0 penalties to move up from eighth to second on 36.9.

The leader after dressage, Felix Vogg of Switzerland, piloted Colero to a clear round, but with 9.2 time penalties added, they dropped to third on 39.4.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan made a big move from 13th after dressage to fourth, adding 8.0 time penalties to sit on 46.3.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf held their fifth place position, adding 13.6 time penalties for a two-phase score of 47.0.

Doug Payne gave CCI3* first-timer Getaway a masterful ride. 17.6 time penalties dropped them from second to sixth but Doug is absolutely delighted with this promising young horse.

Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C were sixth going into cross country and only dropped one placing with 17.6 added time.

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As we mentioned in the course preview, Derek di Grazia set a track that would test whether competitors could hold an accurate line or risk a fly by.

Six horses finished with 20 penalties, one finished with 40, and another three retired on course after multiple refusals or runouts.

The new combination at 14ABC was the most influential jump on course, with one horse refusing the log off a turn at B and four horses ducking out of the corner at C.

Fence 14ABC

The sunken road at 25AB also caused a few problems, with several horses running out of the brush corner at B including Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux, who had been in second place after dressage.

Fecne 25B

Competitors went through the first water complex twice, once at 4AB and again at 10ABC. Buck Davidson got tipped off Erroll Gobey over the drop in at 4A. He was up right away and fine other than being a bit soaked. Cartender de Nyze launched over the A element and Kaitlin Clasing couldn’t quite get reorganized in time for B. They picked up 20 penalties there.

At least two horses had problems at the second water, with Boyd Martin’s ride Steady Eddie running out at the brush wedge in the water. Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH had an amazing save over 4A but then an awkward line to the angled duck at 10C resulted in 20 penalties.

Ema Klugman fell from Bendigo late on course but she was reportedly up and okay. [Update: Ema’s score has been updated from Rider Fall (RF) to Mandatory Retirement (MR) for a horse fall. Bendigo is reportedly uninjured.]

Check out our Twitter @eventingnation for a play-by-play of the CCI3*. The two-star is still under way on cross country so stay tuned for more from Bromont!

Bromont CCI: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

CCI3* leader Felix Vogg, of Switzerland, said the MARS Incorporated Bromont Three Day Event cross country course “is one of the most beautiful places in the world” and “perfect for eventing.” We couldn’t agree more.

There are many things to love about the Parc Équestre Olympique de Bromont.

The hack loop…

…the serenity…

…the lush green gallops…

…and of course, the views.

Peaceful though it may be, Will Coleman rightly stated, “It’s not a cupcake course.” Known to be a challenging but fair test of horse and rider, competitors finishing well here will go home better educated and brimming with confidence.

This year’s course follows the same path we’ve seen the last couple of years but with some new technical questions asked by Derek di Grazia. Accuracy will be paramount and there are plenty of opportunities to fly by a B or C element and pick up 20 penalties.

It’s a good galloping track allowing the horses to move on and get into a good rhythm. Fitness is critical, however, as there is plenty of terrain to negotiate along the way.

Derek talks us through the first combination on course, the water complex at 4AB:

Here’s a look at the coffin:

At the halfway point, check out the new combination at 14ABC:

And another potentially influential accuracy test at 18AB:

We’ve witnessed some weird course walks around Bromont with Le Chinch over the years. Yesterday morning, however, we let the little guy sleep in while we took an early morning look.

Beautifully presented by builders Jay Hambly and Dylan Barry, the course looks stunning, the footing feels absolutely perfect, and the riders know what they have to do to get the job done. Keep scrolling for previews of the CCI3*, CCI2* and CCI1* tracks thanks to CrossCountry App.

The action begins at 8:30 a.m. Follow live scores at the link below and keep it locked on EN for more from Bromont.

Bromont CCI: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Many thanks to CrossCountryApp for these course maps!

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Switzerland’s Felix Vogg initially came to the U.S. to spend the winter and early spring season preparing to compete at the WEG Test Event at The Fork in April. After the Carolina International in March, however, he decided to stay through the summer in anticipation of hopefully competing at the World Equestrian Games with his top horse, Colero (Captain Fire X Bonia, Bormio xx), a 10-year-old Westphalian owned by Jürgen Vogg.

During the last several months, Felix has experienced the best of U.S. eventing, competing all over the East Coast while basing out of Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton’s farms in Unionville, Pennsylvania. He made the trek up to Quebec, Canada to compete this week at the MARS Incorporated Bromont Three Day Event, an excursion that is so far going his way, as he and Colero lead the CCI3* division after dressage on 30.2.

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Felix said he like the trot work but the horse “got a bit weak” in the canter. “But the lead is the lead and I was happy that he was quiet.” Almost too quiet, however. Felix said Colero was fresh in the warm-up but backed off once he entered the ring.

“In a three-star test they have to want to do it and you have to attack it a little bit more,” he said. “He’s still a little bit of a green horse and when a lot of things come together in a test or a big ring, he gets a bit — not scared — but a little bit shy.”

Felix is loving his first trip to Bromont. “The cross country is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s perfect for eventing.” He’s also enjoyed the trademark friendliness of Canadian culture combined with the closeness of the eventing family. “It’s a little bit you’re with your own family here. It’s not against each other, it’s with each other.” Indeed, he’s felt very welcomed everywhere he’s gone throughout his North American journey. “That’s why I stayed here.”

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux (Balougran X Davidoff Silver Shadow, Mr Blue) tied Doug Payne and Getaway for second place on 31.2. While pleased overall with their performance, Sara felt as though she left some points on the table while trying to contain the 13-year-old Selle Français gelding’s enthusiasm in the ring.

“Cantering down the centerline I thought he wasn’t going to halt.” She said the lateral work felt rushed and there were small mistakes such as jigging in the walk and taking only four steps instead of five in the rein back. “It’s a great thing to be such a princess that I can do a test like that and feel like it wasn’t a very good test for where we are. That’s a nice place to be in but I wanted it to be a little better.”

Sara attributed Rubens’ energy to his high level of fitness which won’t come amiss in the second phase. “If he’s going to be one thing today I’d rather he was too up than too dull with what they have to do out there tomorrow.”

The pair finished second in the 2017 Bromont CCI3* but added 13.6 time penalties on cross country. She walked the course this year with time in mind and feeling that she has a stronger, fitter horse to get the job done.

“It’s going to be interesting to go out there and feel the difference between this year and last year,” she said. “I had good course walk thinking about hugging the rope and being neater and efficient. Rubens is not a massive striding horse but he’s rideable and a good jumper so I can be tidier.”

Doug Payne and Getaway. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Doug said that Lisa Wall’s 11-year-old Oldenburg Getaway was the “best he’s been” in dressage. “This spring he’s become more and more relaxed every outing. I think he’s just starting to full understand what the game is. As he becomes more comfortable he becomes more rideable, and I think there is a lot of room for him to continue to improve.”

The main arena at Bromont has a big atmosphere and is a good challenge for young horses. Doug dropped his reins while circling the ring and let Flynn have a few moments to stretch his neck and relax before starting the test. “This was a very good indicator for where he’s at. He’s an exciting horse to have.”

Named for his previous rider, Matthew Flynn, “Flynn” had run Preliminary before coming to Doug in 2016. They spent a full year at 2017 and this year have finished in eighth and sixth at the Carolina International CIC3* and The Fork WEG Test Event CIC3*. This is the son of Contendro’s first CCI3*. 

“If he’s feeling really good then we’ll take a shot at (time),” Doug said of tomorrow’s cross country plan. “He has a very good gallop and his shortcoming is if he starts to get a tired he takes longer to adjust.” Fitness will be the big test and they had a good prep run on the hills at Virginia Horse Trials two weeks ago. “It’s a pretty challenging course. It will be great for the horses. It’s very fair and the ground is really good.”

With only one horse in the entire competition, Doug has been able to enjoy all that Bromont has to offer, from the food to the other sporting activities. “I haven’t played this much golf in a long time.”

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

In fourth place after dressage is Lynn Symansky and Mary Ann Ghadban’s 14-year-old Holsteiner mare Under Suspection (Contender X Naomagic I, Exorbitant xx). They are the pair picked to win by both EN and EquiRatings, who crunched the numbers to discover that victory here would move Lynn into seventh place provisionally on the FEI Eventing World Rankings ahead of Luhmühlen.

Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables’ 12-year-old Oldenburg Hans Dampf (Heraldik xx X Look CR, Looping) round out the top five with a 33.4. Mara DePuy and her and Mary Clark and David Regamey’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood Congo Brazzaville C (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve X Mexico M, Highline) are close by in sixth with 34.4.

Matthew Flynn and Wizzerd (Wizzerd X Amai, Oklund), a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Flynn Sport Horses, are just a 0.1 penalties behind in seventh. Jenny Caras and the Fernhill Fortitude Syndicate’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse Fernhill Fortitude (Courage II X Misty Matilda, Clover) scored 34.9 for eighth place.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie (Jetball X Tudnela), a 15-year-old Australian Thoroughbred owned by Pierre Colin, Denise Lahey and Gretchen and George Wintersteen, placed ninth with a dressage score of 35.8. Alexandra Sacksen and her 15-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred Sparrow’s Nio (Grange Finn Sparrow X JB) round out the top ten with 36.3.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As is becoming standard with the new scoring system that disregards the 1.5 FEI coefficient, the scores after dressage are tightly packed. Tomorrow’s cross country course designed by Derek di Grazia features no small amount of accuracy questions combined with long gallops and hefty terrain. It will be a true test of fitness and time penalties will have a heavy influence on the scores.

“It’s not a dressage competition,” said Felix, whose horses have added swimming to their fitness routine while Stateside. “The questions they built are really nice but you have to ride it and it’s a little bit tricky. I think the biggest or hardest thing will be the fitness. The fittest horse will be quite happy tomorrow.”

“I’ve always loved Derek di Grazia’s courses. Bromont just gets better every year,” Sara said. “That is a seriously beautifully built (course). It’s going to be perfect footing. It could not be any better.”

Will Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Cealy Teltey.

Will Coleman claimed the CCI2* lead yesterday with TKS Cooley and today took command of the CIC2*, scoring a 26.1 with the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record (VDL Arkansas X Drumagoland Bay, Ard Ohio).

“He’s slowly becoming more professional in his attitude and his work ethic,” Will said of the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse. “He’s coming along. I’m really pleased with the horse’s progress particularly over this spring. He’s had a pretty consistent year and we just hope that can continue.”

“Timmy” moved up to Advanced this year, winning his debut event at the level at Carolina International and finishing second in his first CIC3* at Fair Hill. Had Bromont offered a CIC3* this week, Will said he likely would have run Timmy in that division, but the CIC2* is still a good test as he builds towards a fall CCI3*.

“You come up here and know you’re going to get a good course, you’re going to get good ground and you’re going to get a great dressage and show jumping phase. Even though it’s only a CIC2* I think it will still be a good run for the horse,” Will said.

“There is still plenty to do out there. It’s not a cupcake (cross country) course. Hopefully it will just give them a good positive start to the fall campaign.”

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will is also sitting fifth in the CIC2* with the Conair Syndicate’s 12-year-old Anglo Arab Soupcon du Brunet (Zandor Z X Bikadine, Neouredine du Lirac). He’s coming back from an injury and Will said he was a bit more nervous in the ring, but a 30.2 is not far from the top.

Matthew Flynn and Flynn Sport Horses’ 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood Get Lucky (Van Gogh X Ranna, Wagennar) were close behind Will and Timmy with a 26.7 for second place. In their first two-star as a pair, Jenny Caras and her 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse Trendy Fernhill (Ars Vivendi X Cruseings Girl, Cruising) tied Jessica Phoenix and the Bentleys Best Group’s 11-year-old Trakehner Bentleys Best (Hirtentanz 2 X Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, Eichendorff) for third place on 30.0.

We’re looking forward to a full day of cross country tomorrow starting with the CCI* at 8:30 a.m. The CCI3* will start at 11:15 a.m. followed by the CCI2* and ending the day with the CIC2*. A preview of the CCI3* course is coming soon. Stay tuned!

Bromont CCI: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

CCI3* top ten after dressage: 

CIC2* top ten after dressage: 

Will Coleman and TKS Cooley. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As the penultimate pair to head down centerline in the MARS Incorporated Bromont Three Day Event, Will Coleman and TKS Cooley (Vivaldo Van Het Costersveld X Badgerhill Cruise, Cruising) threw down a 31.7 to take over the CCI2* lead.

“We were aiming for right around 30,” Will said. “He has a lot of quality and I think really highly of the horse … He’s got miles to go but he’s got a lot of the right ingredients and now it’s up to me to produce him.”

Will said “Tommy,” an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the TKS Cooley Syndicate, is capable but green, having undergone colic surgery that set him back some months. He completed two CIC2* events this spring and is making his CCI2* debut this week.

“It’s nice to be in a good position heading into Saturday, but he’s young and this whole event is going to be about his development. We’d love to win but we really have the future in mind with him. We’ll go out there and be competitive and try to give him a good go, but we’re really excited about this one for down the road.”

Will Coleman congratulates TKS Cooley on a job well done. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will has been jet setting between the U.S. and the U.K. as he prepares OBOS O’Reilly for Tattersalls CCI3* and he said it’s been a challenge having only sporadic rides on the young horses. Will’s wife, Katie, and their staff have been keeping the horses going at home when Will is overseas. “It’s a team effort” that’s paying off.

Will and Tommy will have little room to spare going into cross country, and Derek di Grazia’s courses here at Bromont are always a good challenge.

“(Bromont) is a really special place for developing your horses. I know it is a challenging course and this horse is a bit green, but they grow up a lot from doing something like this,” Will said. “It’s a real test. If you really want to take a horse potentially to a four-star one day they’ve got to see a test at every level. I think you get that here. That’s why we come.”

William Ward and Grando. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Boyd Martin with Club Contessa’s 9-year-old Holsteiner mare Contessa (Contender X Veritas, Esteban) and William Ward with Donald Devine’s 9-year-old Westphalian Grando (Grasco X Queen Live, Quo Vados I) jointly led the division for most of the day but will settle for equal second on 32.0.

Jenny Caras and her 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse Fernhill Full Throttle (Cyrano X Euro Glory, Euro Clover) are fourth after dressage on 32.3. Sitting in fifth on 32.4 is Clark Montgomery and the Caribbean Soul Syndicate’s 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare Caribbean Soul (Cimarron Secret X Ogygian’s Dasier, Ogygian).

Only two points separate the top ten CCI2* combinations, and the remaining division scores are incredibly close. With such little separation, time will be a huge factor on Saturday’s cross country.

Arden Wildasin and Watch Out. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The leaders changed throughout the day in the highly competitive, 44-horse CCI* division, and the top eight all scored under 30. Arden Wildasin and Watch Out (Concorde X Henske P, Lorenz) were the first to go in the last group of the day. Whereas some horses couldn’t shake their tension through the wind gusts and waving flags, Arden and “Walter” thrived on the atmosphere. They earned a 26.8 to take over the lead.

“I never thought that I would be on top. I am very much surprised, but he’s a horse that always tries and always loves to perform,” Arden said of the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by her father, James Wildasin. “It’s always so much fun going into any ring with him because he’s a true partner.”

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Arden has a strong partnership with Walter having ridden him since 2009. In fact, Bromont was their first competition together at Training level. They competed through the CIC2* level before Arden took a couple years off eventing and focused on dressage. During that time, she competed Prix St. Georges and went to the 2014 NAJYRC with Phillip Dutton’s 2012 London Olympic mount, Mystery Whisper.

Walter also spent some time in pure dressage, competing up to Third Level. When Arden returned to eventing, Walter came, too. “He’s always been a fantastic horse to do eventing. He’s always put the foot forward and told me what he wanted to do,” Arden said.

Bromont is on Arden’s calendar each year and she said it is worth the 13-hour drive. This year she brought a “string of chestnuts” with three CCI* entries. “This venue is fantastic for the horses. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to come back every single year, and we’re very fortunate to have something like this.”

Hear! Hear!

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

In second place after dressage is Annie Goodwin and her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington X Paulien B, Fedor) on 27.1.

Tied for third on 27.2 are Colleen Loach with Peter Barry’s 6-year-old Hanoverian Vermont (Van Helming X Hauptstutbuch Hollywood, Heraldik xx) and Holly Jacks Smither with Candy King (Grafenstolz X Eye Candy, Moothyeb), an 8-year-old show jumper turned eventer.

Rounding out the top five on 29.4 is Will Faudree with Jennifer Mosing’s 8-year-old Hanoverian mare FRH Ramona (Royal Classic X Sunny Santana, Sunlight xx).

Like the CCI2*, the scores in the CCI* are tightly bunched, with 10 points separating the top 30.

The CCI3* and CIC2* horses will hit the sandbox tomorrow. Stay tuned for more from Bromont!

Bromont CCI: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

CCI2* Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI1* Top 10 After Dressage:

Jessica Phoenix and Dr. Sheldon Cooper, representing Canada at the Bromont CCI3*. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ah, Bromont. From the mountain views to the quaint downtown to good food (yes, poutine!) and friendly atmosphere, the MARS Incorporated Bromont CCI Three Day Event in Bromont, Quebec, Canada is a special destination.

This year I managed not to get lost on backroads with nothing but French road signs to guide me and swooped into town just in time for the first horse inspection which saw all horses presented in the CCI*, CCI2* and CCI3* pass with little drama.

All 19 CCI3* horses were accepted with no holds, although the ground jury did ask Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection to jog twice. The CCI3* and CIC2* horses will have an extra day to settle in before dressage on Friday. In the CCI2*, 32 horses were presented and passed with flying colors.

In the 45-horse CCI* division, three horses were held but accepted on reinspection: Bruce Lamb’s Gamble, Jessica Ruppel’s Hippique Abu, and Nikki Negrea’s Liberty. The CCI* along with the CCI2* will kick off the competition tomorrow  at 9:00 a.m. EST.

Bromont CCI: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage