Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.
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It was a beautiful weekend for eventing over the last few days, and one such event that turned heads was the Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day at Southern 8ths Farm. Hosting a traditional three-day event, the Heart of the Carolinas attracts eventing enthusiasts of all ages to experience eventing at its roots.
Myself? I had a very horse-rich weekend. Saturday consisted of Badminton live updates, followed by a few hours at the barn, followed by the Kentucky Derby, followed by the $100,000 Grand Prix at the Del Mar National Horse Show. It was basically an experiment in how many types of horse sport I could fit into one day. I think I did pretty well.
Weekend Results:
Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials: Final Scores
Plenty of wrap-up stories coming out as we reflect on Badminton this weekend. Even though her weekend didn’t end the way she wanted, Danielle Dunn walked away with plenty of lessons learned. Check out her thoughts in her blog for Horse & Houndhere.
Introducing liverpools to young horses can be a tricky undertaking. Some of them will hop over with no qualms, while others will definitely assume that the liverpool is a horse-eating monster. You can find a lot of useful information on how to go about introducing them to your horse in this column with Sharon White.
Hot on Jumper Nation: We got to know Emily Moffitt, who is hard at work to make her dream of competing in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games a reality. What sparked her passion and what is her game plan? Find out here.
Monday Video:
Watch highlights of Andrew Nicholson’s historic winning weekend at #MMBHT:
Because if Michael Jung can joke about a fence this big, so can we. Photo via Michael on Facebook.
Welcome to cross country day at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials! I sincerely hope there are some other early birds out there who plan to join me watching cross country today, because let me tell you: I went to Starbucks last night, got a Venti iced coffee, hold the ice, and kept it in my fridge since even the Starbucks here isn’t open this early.
12:08 p.m.: And what a finish! Here is your top 10 after a very, very intense day of cross country. Stay tuned for the full report!
12:06 p.m.: 6 seconds for a 40.4 for Andrew, who did everything he possibly could to make that time. What an ending to this nail biter of a day!! Andrew will go into third behind Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam.
12:04 p.m.: Andrew cuts to the far right of the galloping lane to save ground on his final big gallop. He really wants that time!
12:02 p.m: Showing us how to save time by riding efficiently. Andrew turns in the air and kicks away from the Mirage Pond:
12:00 p.m.: Nereo slips once on the approach and again on landing for the Footbridge. Nailbiting! “This is vintage Nicholson” comes from the commentators.
11:59 a.m.: An all out push for the finish for Oliver, who moves from 47th into 6th at the moment with 13 seconds of time!
11:58 a.m.: Andrew and Nereo really shows his experience, getting out of Nereo’s way after a big jump into The Lake. Oliver Townend is really kicking for the time on ODT Ghareeb.
11:57 a.m.: Nereo is just so fun to watch. So keen yet quirky.
11:56 a.m.:
4 seconds over or less and ANDREW will take over the lead. He is on course. #MMBHT
11:54 a.m.: Tim Price ROCKETS up the board with the second double clear ride – he was in 34th after dressage! Literally almost bang on the optimum. It’s about time Tim had some good luck come his way!
11:52 a.m.: Louise Harwood and Mt Potts hit the second upright gate:
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 6, 2017
11:51 a.m.: Wilberry the Wonder Pony is getting lots of rides today! The latest is Tim Price.
11:50 a.m.: ODT Ghareeb loses his balance a bit after rubbing the big rail into The Lake but Oliver Townend gets himself righted and makes it out over B and C.
11:48 a.m.: Louise Harwood takes the long route at the Joules Corners with Mr Potts.
11:44 a.m.: “I am very proud of Bobby! He was a bit strong sometimes … but he saw the line, he right away jumped and was fluid and was pure fun, really,” Ingrid says.
11:40 a.m.: #*$#@*$#&$&#*@! Chris has a runout at the Hilden Water!
11:39 a.m.:
Cedric Lyard has retired on course with his second horse #MMBHT
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 6, 2017
11:38 a.m.: Chris Burton shows us why he is the undisputed Speed King with a gutsy ride through The Lake.
11L35 a.m.: Not quite the blazing fast round we were hoping for from Lauren, but most importantly she made smart decisions and got her horse home absolutely full of gas in the tank for tomorrow. Well done ladies!!
11:35 a.m.: Burto is away! Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen pick up a runout at the Corral.
11:34 a.m.: Lauren and Veronica still clear! Speed king Chris Burton is ready to go on Graf Liberty.
11:32 a.m.: Another “Good Girl” from Lauren through the Joules Corners. Veronica is really hunting these fences, ears pricked and still full of run.
11:31 a.m.: A lovely, straight trip through the Corral for Lauren and Veronica.
11:30 a.m.: A true master ride from Mark Todd to come home about 18 seconds over with NZB Campino.
11:29 a.m.: Lauren elects to be safe and take the long route at the very troublesome Hildon Water at 15.
11:29 a.m.: One of the more forward rides of the day between the two upright gates for Mark Todd and NZB Campino.
11:27 a.m.: A “Good girl!” from Lauren over the massive KBIS Footbridge.
11:26 a.m.: A split second to take a better look at the C of The Lake for Lauren and Veronica but they’re through!
11:25 a.m.: Lauren and Veronica are clear through the Staircase.
11:24 a.m.: It looks like they have taken Ingrid’s 11 away!
11:23 a.m.: Mark Todd is living a bit dangerously with NZB Campino, but if anyone can do it it’s Toddy!
11:23 a.m. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are away!
11:21 a.m: Another hung leg and a fall for Caroline Chadelat and Kadessia. They’re both up right away.
11:09 a.m.: Ingrid has been given 11 for activating a pin! We’re not sure where, and the replay they did show it doesn’t look like she hit one. She will most definitely be challenging this.
11:07 a.m.: And Ingrid takes the lead! She comes home just over the time but within her 9 second cushion to go into the lead on a 39.6. Just one second of time more and she would have tied or been behind Michael, to show how close this is!
11:06 a.m.: Relieved to hear that Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges are ok.
11:05 a.m.: Horseware Hale Bob is still jumping really well for Ingrid.
11:02 a.m.: Ingrid takes the long route at the Mirage Pond. We will see how that affects her clock. She has about nine seconds of time to play with to stay ahead of Michael Jung.
11:01 a.m.: Ingrid and Horseware Hale Bob are clear and fast through the Hildon Water at 15!
11:00 a.m.: Jonty Evans misses the last corner in the triple. Bummer! That takes another off of Michael’s tail.
10:58 a.m.: A knockout ride through The Lake for Ingrid!
10:57 a.m.: Horseware Hale Bob is a bit stuck getting down the double banks at the Staircase but they’re clear!
10:55 a.m.:
Sam Griffiths has been given 50 penalties for missing a flag at Shogun Hollow with Paulanks Brockagh #MMBHT
After 54 riders….48.1% have not completed!
Average time pens of completers: 35.5
Just 6 people within 30 seconds of the time. #MMBHTpic.twitter.com/85HV7NMCFB
10:16 a.m.: Laine Ashker is walking Simply Priceless out in the cooling area.
10:16 a.m.: Bonza King of Rouges looks to be walking comfortably after his fall.
10:13 a.m.: Yikes. Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges rotate over the C element of the Lake, but thankfully they’re both on their feet right away. James Sommerville also falls from Talent at the upright gates.
9:56 a.m.: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee sadly slip in between fences and fall to end their day early. I apologize for not knowing who this is but the frangible pin goes here:
9:54 a.m.: Johnny was very tired coming home for Elisa and they just couldn’t get the last jump done and Elisa falls just before the finish. Very disappointing for her.
9:51 a.m.: Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee are our next North American pair on course!
9:49 a.m.: Elisa is riding her tail off and Johnny is trying his heart out for her at the triple corners!
9:47 a.m.: Elisa clear through 19!
9:46 a.m.: The direct line through the Hildon Water at 15 and looking awesome!
9:45 a.m.: Elisa getting the job done! Go Johnny go!
9:43 a.m.: We finally see Elisa and she looks determined and fierce through the Hollow!
9:43 a.m.:
Yes! Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless are clear through the Shogun Hollow at fence 10 #MMBHT
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 6, 2017
9:26 a.m.:
Michael Ryan with Dunlough Striker (ISH) finish with 20 jumping and 42.4 time pens – total score 112.9 – into 17th place after 37 have gone pic.twitter.com/8nMEsLrII1
9:14 a.m.: Neatly through The Lake for Lynn and Donner. That’s got to give them a big confidence boost, given how tough that combination has been riding all day.
9:13 a.m.: Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker has a runout at the Shogun Hollow.
8:50 a.m.: Lucinda Green expresses how proud she was to see her daughter, Lissa, out there dominating her first four-star. So cute and what a legend to have as a mother!
8:46 a.m.: Joseph Murphy has given Sportsfield Othello a great ride and he just comes in 23 seconds over the time. Very smooth from this pair.
8:41 a.m.: When asked how many riders he thinks will go on to finish inside the time: “I hope not very many!”
8:39 a.m.: Michael says Sam was quite strong in the beginning, until the first water. This time, Michael says he got an “amazing feeling”! He says Sam got a little tired after 21 but that he is still fast and that he knows not to push him for the time because he can make it without pushing too hard.
8:39 a.m.: Lots of hanging legs at 15A, another save this time by Pietro Sandei and Mouse:
8:35 a.m.: A fall for Kathrine Coleman and Longwood at the Offset Oxer at 9. We didn’t see it, so we’ll update you when we know more. Bummer of a day so far for North America, let’s cheer hard for our remaining riders!
7:59 a.m.: Really impressed with Austin O’Connor’s tactful ride on his horse, who is making his four-star debut. Confidence building! Mark Todd commented earlier that the horse was learning a lot as he went around.
7:58 a.m.:
Jean Teulere and Matelot du Grand Val are on course now and looking good #MMBHT
7:54 a.m.: Lydia Hannon’s 20 has been removed! There was a question of presentation at The Lake (we think that might happen a few times today!) and she’s relieved! So thrilled for her.
7:53 a.m.: Unfortunately Sarah Parkes has fallen at fence 19, the big upright Corral. Some less than ideal distances throughout but a hung leg here made for an early end to their day:
7:51 a.m.: Mark Todd says watching and guest commentating is making him nervous for his next ride!
7:33 a.m.: Tina Cook says “I was properly worried this morning,” of this tough Eric Winter course.
7:31 a.m.: Shane Rose’s fall:
7:28 a.m.: Nicola Wilson retires Annie Clover at The Lake. Shane Rose falls from Shanghai Joe at fence 19 and is on his feet. Shanghai Joe jumped the line and peaced out. #shanghaijoeout
7:27 a.m.: Shane Rose is living quite dangerously, which seems to be the theme of the day:
7:25 a.m.: Dan Jocelyn and Dassett Cool Touch have a hairy moment but they’re making it work!
7:24 a.m.: Annie Clover and Nicola Wilson are on course!
7:23 a.m.: #9livesforNicolas
Astier Nicolas and Piaf de b’Neville are home clear with with 19.2 time penalties for 60.7 #MMBHT
— Eventing Worldwide (@EventingWWNEWS) May 6, 2017
7:21 a.m.: Astier Nicolas is really making our hearts race today, and not in a Maxime Livio way:
7:18 a.m.: Andrew Nicholson has his kids with him for his post-ride interview. We saw him shaking his head a lot on course, and he explains that the muscles in his neck get a bit stiff on course. Well, Andrew, I think that’s a pretty valid excuse considering what you’ve been through. #warriorstatus
7:18 a.m.:
Dan Jocelyn and Dassett Cool Touch are on course now #MMBHT
7:12 a.m.: Hannah Sue has retired after a stop at The Lake. It looked as if there was a moment of hesitation from Hannah in the water and she subsequently had a runout after choosing the left option. She jumped the option and then put her hand up. Bummed.
7:07 a.m.: Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are on course! Clear through the Staircase at 5. Tina Cook and Calvino II give us a masterful ride at the Corners:
7:07 a.m.:
Tina Cook and Calvino II just had a glance off at 17B at the Mirage Pond #MMBHT
7:06 a.m.: Andrew Nicholson and Qwanza are away, Oliver Townend and Samuel Thomas II has finished, the quickest so far even with a 20 on course. Just 6.8 time for him.
7:04 a.m.: Louise Harwood calls it a day after a stop at the Bullfinch out of the water at fence 22.
7:03 a.m.: Alex Bragg for the win!
ZAGREB the only one home so far with no jumping pens!
6:58 a.m.: Oliver Townend has a huge jump into The Lake with Samuel Thomas II, who stumbles but recovers. Oliver is quick to reroute to the option on the way out.
6:56 a.m.:
Just burst into tears seeing how pleased Alexander Bragg’s groom was to see her horse home safe. God, this is INTENSE.
6:51 a.m.: Louise Harwood tries to get the job done at the Mirage Pond:
6:49 a.m.: Louise Harwood and Whitson are living dangerously early on:
6:47 a.m.: Mark gets about 37 seconds of time but he showed us all how it’s done! Not the smoothest everywhere but these two really showed their experience to get around what is going to be a tough course.
6:44 a.m.:
Mark Todd and Leonidas II are clear through Huntsmans Close at fence 25 #MMBHT
As we gear up for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this week, the official Badminton YouTube channel posted this awesome throwback video from the archives.
What’s cool about this video is that you can see footage of several people who now are associated with the event in other ways in their competition days. We spy Eric Winter (course designer), Julian Seaman (Media Director), Hugh Thomas (Event Director), and many other officials!
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Sabrina Zetzsche and fischerRocana FST. Photo by JJ Sillman.
What is it like to work for the number one ranked event rider in the world? We were dying to find out, so we asked Sabrina Zetsche, who has worked for Michael for three years, some questions to get the inside scoop. Sabrina has groomed for Michael at many top events and show jumping competitions, but she definitely names Kentucky as one of her best memories.
Sabrina took the time out of her busy schedule yesterday to answer our burning questions, and we’d like to thank her for the insider’s view! Sabrina and fischerRocana FST will be flying out of Chicago today to go back home to Germany, so we’d also like to wish them both safe travels!
EN: How long have you been working for Michael, and what are your normal responsibilities?
SZ: I have worked for Michi for almost three years now. I started an apprenticeship in 2014. Since the first year, I’m the groom for Michi and when I’m not at the competitions, I have to take care of the horses at home and ride and work them.
EN: Do you ride or compete yourself?
SZ: At home I ride everyday between three and six horses. It always depends how many people we have and how many horses are at the competition. We have another groom which prepares the horses everyday for Michi at home.
Photo by JJ Sillman.
EN: Do you have a favorite horse of his, and if so, why is that one your favorite?
SZ: Well, we have so many nice horses in the stable! It’s really hard to have a favorite because all of them are beautiful and every horse has something different what makes it really special! But there is one mare, which is definitely one of my most lovely ones! It’s a showjumper and she’s called fischerChelsea. She’s not very easy to handle sometimes but if you got her heart she is going to do everything for you!
EN: What are Sam and Rocana like in the barn?
SZ: Well, you know, Sam and Rocana are the legends in the barn! They are absolutely special and awesome horses and I think they really know that. We have lots of superstars in the stable but these two have done the impossible. They are both really relaxed and calm in the barn. They know their job and what there is to do. I think they are really clever and know how to reserve energy for the important things.
EN: What advice would you give to other grooms to have the best care for their horses?
SZ: You must know the horses you take care of. Some horses are nervous in some situations, then you have to know what you can do to calm him down. Even if it was a long day, when the horse needs special care, it doesn’t matter if you have to spend 10 more minutes more in the stable.
EN: Does Michael have any superstition or traditions that he does before he rides?
SZ: I’m not really sure if he has some tradition that he does before he rides. I see always and everywhere riders who are totally excited and nervous right before a test. Michi is always totally relaxed and even makes jokes before he hops on the horse. I’m surprised over and over again this coolness.
Photo by JJ Sillman.
EN: Do you have a favorite memory of working for Michael? Maybe a certain show?
SZ: There are so many special moment when I’m at the competition with Michi. For sure, Kentucky was the most exciting and emotional thing since I have been grooming for Michael. The competition venue is awesome, all the people are very friendly and it is very well organized! It’s a big pleasure for me to come over here and join this event.
EN: How does it feel to be the top groom for the winning horse in Kentucky three years in a row?
SZ: It’s unbelievable! I’m a very emotional person and I was always so nervous before the tests. I couldn’t hold back my tears at all. It’s simply awesome. I’m so proud of Michi and Rocana because it’s incredible to win a 4* with one and the same horse three years in a row.
EN: What is a normal day like for you at a show?
SZ: It always depends if it’s a showjumping or eventing competition and how many horses we have. Normally I start between 5:30 and 6:30 in the mornings. I feed the horses, muck out the boxes and walk with the horses. We always make a plan in the evening for the next day. Then I know when I have to prepare a horse for the test and when I have time to walk the others or go grazing.
EN: What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned from spending time around Michael?
SZ: Michi is a really “normal” person. He is so successful but never arrogant to other people. The horses are no machines, he treat them like good friends. Now I have known him for almost three years but I’m always and always again impressed. Since I have known him, my motto is, “If you ever doubt, keep your goal in mind! If you have your goal, you can make the impossible possible!”
And finally, one last time for the people in the back:
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You know what they say: The early bird gets the worm. In this case, does the early horse get the Badminton trophy? We’ll know in just a few days time, but La Biosthetique Sam is all settled in and awaiting Michael Jung’s arrival from Lexington to get started on Badminton week! Jenni and Samantha will be our eyes on the ground this weekend, so keep it right here for much more from #MMBHT, because we just can’t stop the madness.
A total of 24 riders have been accepted off of the wait list for Badminton in anticipation of the big event this weekend. Sadly, crowd favorite Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error didn’t make it in. Nonetheless, it should be an exciting field and we look forward to following along this weekend. [24 Accepted Off Badminton Wait List]
As the weather gets warmer and the sun gets stronger, it’s time to really look at how the sun affects our horses. This helpful webinar on The Horse will give some tips on how to manage sun burn and photosensitivity, so be sure to sign up! [Protecting Horses from Suburn and Photosensitivity]
Let’s check in with this year’s crops of Rolex Rookies! The Chronicle of the Horse caught up with the riders who rocked around cross country for the first time this weekend, and you won’t want to miss out on what they said. [Catching Up with This Year’s Rolex Rookies]
Tuesday Video:
While Rolex was happening to the East, the West had the only Novice Three-Day Event in Area VI happening at the Fresno County Horse Park. This is the first time the long format has been run there in recent memory. John Marshall, owner and organizer of the Fresno shows, calls it the Yellow Watch West show because he generously donates a yellow Optimum time watch to the winner of each division. It’s John’s way of making Rolex weekend fun for those still on the West coast.
Check out this video recap from our friends at Ride On Video!
The support team behind every rider competing at Rolex this weekend was incredible, and perhaps Maxime Livio’s team was the most entertaining to watch! We’ve seen plenty of supportive leg kicks in our time, and this one is just as adorable as the rest.
Many thanks to JJ Sillman for capturing these shots after the fact, and congratulations to Maxime on such a great weekend.
You would look so great in this brand new cross country shirt! Chinch approved.
It’s time to decide this year’s Rolex Top Dog, presented by our friends at World Equestrian Brands! Each year, there are so many pooches at Rolex, so it seems fitting to honor them. We had a lot of great entries to choose from once again this year, and we’ve selected finalists to put before your vote.
The poll is now open, and the winning dog mom or dad will receive:
For anyone who has ever spent an hour shuffling through each division, filtering out ride times for your team to transfer onto the omnipresent white board that we all use at shows, this app is for you. Thanks to the developing prowess of Vince Oppedisano, event riders now have a new tool to use for ride time organization: an app called Ride On Time.
The idea was borne from Vince’s wife, Stacie, who rides with Marc Grandia in Washington. “This would have been summer of 2015 or so when the idea came about,” Vince said. “I thought the whole white board idea was so archaic, and Stacie thought that there had to be a way to create an app to streamline the process. It was chaotic when everyone had to use the board and no one had an idea who had to be at what time.”
Vince is a software developer, so naturally the project fell in his lap as a side project. But he took the idea and ran with it, and from that idea Ride On Time was created.
The user interface of Ride On Time is very sleek and simple. Simply pull up the app (at this time, a Facebook account is required to log in) and view the schedule of events. You can then select the event you’ll be at, and then either search for a specific rider or browse each division and select riders that way.
Once you have selected your rider, click “Add to Schedule” and watch the Schedule tab of your app fill in with ride times that are in chronological order and color coded by phase.
To add even more detail and customization, you can also select times for tacking up and warming up, which is perfect for both grooms who are busy getting horses ready and coaches who need to know when to meet their next student at warm up. You can ask the app to send you notifications at each selected time.
For teams, this app is also great because you can share the schedule you’ve built with others. That way all of your riders and team members (which includes parents, friends, spouses, etc.) can stay on track and not have to build their own schedule. It’s a win-win for the organized eventer!
So far, Vince has had great feedback for his efforts. At this time, there is no Android version of Ride On Time available, but it is in development with an anticipated launch in the coming months. Vince is also looking ahead to possibly integrating scores and other customization options within the app.
“It’s been really fun for me to develop,” he said. “This is (my wife’s) world, not mine, but it’s been very educational and getting the feedback and the people reaching out to say thank you has made everything worthwhile.”
Ride On Time integrates data from Start Box Scoring; at this time, there is no integration with Event Entries because of the difficulty to compile data. Given that many ride times for events using Event Entries are separately hosted on the individual event’s website, this presents an obstacle.
We’re thrilled with the efforts that Vince and Stacie have made to make event organization even easier for riders and coaches, and we look forward to seeing what else is coming down the pipe. Here’s to making the OCD eventer in all of us very, very happy!
To download your own copy of Ride On Time Equestrian and get started, click here.
In honor of Rolex this year, we challenged you to Pay It Forward to a person who has had an influence on your riding career, whether it be big or small. You all turned in some really great, inspirational nominations, and it was very difficult for us to narrow the field down.
Enter to win a pair of Medici Tall Boots from Tredstep Ireland!
We’ve selected five finalists from the entries on Instagram, and now it’s time for you to vote! Check out the stories below and then vote for your favorite Instagram user’s name in our poll. The poll will close on Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST and we will update this post with the winner’s information.
In true Ze Terminator form, Michael Jung clinched a hat trick for the history books today in Rolex Stadium, winning his third Rolex Kentucky in a row aboard fischerRocana FST — the first time the same rider and horse have won three consecutive times. The previous Rolex three-time winner was Kim Severson and Winsome Adante, who won three times in four years.
It’s been an epic weekend in Lexington, and we’d once again like to thank each and every one of you for making Eventing Nation your one-stop shop for all things #RK3DE. Stay tuned for more from Rolex, and we’re already looking forward to seeing all of you next year, April 26-29!
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack, Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection, and Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photos by Leslie Threlkeld.
An unsung storyline of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event this weekend, the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge crowned its winning team this afternoon. The Nations Team Challenge is a way for riders to compete in a team environment, and with an additional $20,000 in prize money on the line, there was plenty to compete for.
Teams were selected to represent each nation based on their FEI World Ranking and the top four rankings per country went on to represent their nation in the Team Challenge. Mixed nationality teams were also allowed if a country did not field enough riders for a team.
The results of the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge are as follows (the dropped score is in parentheses):
1st Place: Team USA – 179.2
Boyd Martin / Crackerjack
Hannah Sue Burnett / Under Suspection
Phillip Dutton / Fernhill Fugitive
(Lauren Kieffer / Vermiculus)
2nd Place: Team New Zealand/Germany/France – 180.3
Michael Jung / fischerRocana FST
Maxime Livio / Qalao Des Mers
Joe Meyer / Clip Clop
(Tim Price / Ringwood Sky Boy)
Phillip Dutton, Maxime Livio, Michael Jung and Zara Tindall. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
It’s hard to believe another Rolex has come and gone, and we’re bringing you the top quotes from the final press conference as we wrap up yet another #BestWeekendAllYear.
Here is what the top placing riders had to say about their weekends here in Lexington:
Michael Jung:
On his show jump round with fischerRocana FST: “This is a very wonderful horse. fischerRocana is absolutely a top horse. The mare is so much fighting for me, we get a very nice partnership and I know everything that she needs to motivate her. She gives me a very, very good feeling in the warm-up, that gives you a good feeling before such a tough jumping competition and in the course then I had a very good feeling, the problems started a little bit on the white combination. She was a bit spooky and maybe I used my hands a bit too much. And then I had not enough power in the triple combination, and then we had still two more jumps. That makes me a bit nervous, but in the end it works and I’m very very thankful for my whole team and for my horse.”
On what he looks for in a three-day horse: “The best thing is when the horse is nearly perfect in dressage, jumping and cross country! Definitely you need a very powerful horse, maybe in the beginning a bit more difficult, but in the end at a big four-star competition like this you need the power. And in the end, you have to work with that horse many years to get a good partnership— like fischerRocana — a lasting partnership to get better and better and I think that’s the way.”
Maxime Livio:
On the “pressure cooker” situation he entered the ring in: “All the time, you feel pressure when you come to the ring, especially when you are competing four-star with all the top riders. With my horse, I just have to speak to him and be good with my ride and if I do that, the pressure goes on because the horse is very careful and he’s very strong enough. I know if I focus on my riding, the horse will do his best so of course the pressure was here, but just because I want to be good for my horse. After that, I think it’s good for me to start to put pressure on Miche (the room laughs). I think all week, my horse was 100%, I was maybe 90% on dressage so after that I had no regrets. He gives me his best in life. So I’m very happy.”
Zara Tindall:
On how it feels to finish this weekend after such a disappointment here in 2015: “I’m obviously very lucky to come back here. It’s great to be up here with these guys. I tried to put the pressure on and it didn’t work. But my horse was fantastic, all through the competition, and he jumped great today. He’s been a fantastic horse for me and I loved riding him all weekend. Being in Kentucky at Rolex, it’s such a fantastic competition and thank you for having me.”
On what she looks for in a three-day horse: “William (Micklem) bred my horse, so I’m very thankful to him. He has all the qualities I’d love to find again in a horse. He’s a great galloper and a really fantastic jumper and he’s got all the heart you could ever want in a horse.”
Phillip Dutton:
On the emotions he’s had to manage this weekend: “It’s not easy. Lee Lee is in rehab at Bryn Mawr and I’m very glad for the live streaming because apparently she’s really enjoyed watching. It’s a struggle, and it’s something I hope you all don’t have to go through. But luckily, everyone has been great in the horse world and have really bonded behind us. It really is truly a great family. We’re just battling on. I think with time, she’ll be back here hopefully next year.”
On what he looks for in a three-day horse: “Especially having four-stars like this one, you definitely need a horse that can gallop and who are comfortable to gallop at 10, 11, 12 minutes.”
On Mr. Medicott’s incredible performance this weekend: “I was quite unsure about what to do, whether I should bring him. He’s been off for two years, but there wasn’t much else for him the rest of the year, I didn’t think, that’s that suitable. A horse like this … a lot of the events are beneath him, if you know what I mean. I think this is a pretty appropriate event for the horse to come to. And for him to show so much heart; I probably didn’t have him quite fit enough, and I only had one Horse Trial on him now in two years, but he’s such an incredible horse. I’d say this will be his last time at this level, so this is a great way for him to finish.”
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.
It’s almost time to get underway with the exciting finale of the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. We’ve got 39 pairs to see this afternoon jumping in reverse order of go.
Defending champion Michael Jung has just a rail in hand over French rider Maxime Livio with Qalao Des Mers. A similar situation arose at Pau last year, where Maxime was the eventual winner.
Keep refreshing this page for live updates. Let’s get this party started!
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3:13 p.m.: I can’t believe we just witnessed this. Three Rolex wins in a row. Four wins at Kentucky Horse Park. This man is INCREDIBLE.
3:11 p.m.: Well, he used his rail in hand but HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!! ZE TERMINATOR WINS!
3:11 p.m.: How cute is this??
3:07 p.m.: Zara’s team celebrates:
3:07 p.m.: Here we go. My palms are sweaty. Maxime is in.
3:05 p.m.: Zara Phillips jumps the last and is the third double clear of the day! With that, a European is guaranteed the win, another year without a win for the U.S. But how thrilled are we for Zara!
3:04 p.m.: Top three time! Here come Zara Tindall and High Kingdom.
3:03 p.m.: A rail and some time moves Matt down into fifth and moves Phillip into the top U.S. position.
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3:00 p.m.: Just one rail to move Hannah Sue into at least sixth with Under Suspection! Now we move on to Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF who are in line for the USEF National Championship.
2:28 p.m.: We’re into the top 5 now, starting with Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection.
2:57 p.m.: Just ONE second of time for Phillip and Mr. Medicott. What a comeback for this awesome horse!!
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2:55 p.m.: Now we will see Phillip’s last ride, Mr. Medicott.
2:55 p.m.: Poor Tim has four down and seven time for an 80.2 to drop them out of the top 10.
2:52 p.m.: Boyd has one down and is guaranteed a top 10, currently in 8th, with Crackerjack on a 61.4. Now we will see our resident speed demons, Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality.
2:38 p.m.: Kurt Martin is our second double clear of the day! He even had a plank fall down as he went over a fence, but it caused no distraction, thankfully!
2:35 p.m.: Jessie Phoenix has one rail down and seven time for a final score of 83.7.
2:29 p.m.: Lillian Heard has a heartbreaker of a rail down at the last with LCC Barnaby but a lovely round for a finishing score of 78.3.
2:29 p.m.: And Madeline completes her first Rolex! One rail down and 9 seconds of time for a final score of 88.5.
2:25 p.m.: PS Arianna looks to have plenty of spring in her step today:
2:24 p.m.: Two down and one time for Phillip and Fernhill Fugitive to put them on a 63.0. Time will tell how that will affect his final standing. Next in will be Madeline Backus and PS Arianna.
2:21 p.m.: Two down and one second of time for Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me to put them into 21st. Phillip Dutton returns again out of order with Fernhill Fugitive, currently in seventh position.
2:19 p.m.: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me will jump for 20th position or better now.
2:18 p.m.: A bit of a right drift gets Ellen in trouble for two down and a couple of time to finish on a 94.5. The first fence seems to be a bit of a bogey.
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2:04 p.m: Buck has one rail down with Flower to finish on an 89.3. We now will go to a quick break for a ring drag and will pick back up with the top 20 at 2:15.
2:01 p.m.: Buck Davidson and Petite Flower will wrap up this first session of jump rounds.
1:58 p.m.: Jennifer McFall and High Times are clear with just 3 seconds of time. I am SO thrilled for this pair, who has been working so hard on their show jumping. This is the best I have ever seen “Billy” jump. Jen goes to her stick for the liverpool oxer and gets the job done.
1:56 p.m.: Will and Pfun are our first double clear!! A 97.1 to finish the day. Jen McFall and High Times are in next.
1:55 p.m.: Will Faudree is trying really hard to be the first double clear.
1:53 p.m.: Woodge Fulton has a big smile on her face after having just the first down! She picked up a considerable amount of time because she took the scenic route to one of the fences, but who cares!
1:52 p.m.: Holly has had an infectious smile on her face all weekend. Well done!
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1:48 p.m.: Kelly Prather shakes her head as she finished with four down and three time with Truly Wiley, but she’s got a completion under her belt! Next up will be Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken.
1:43 p.m.: Phillip has two down and picks up a second of time with I’m Sew Ready, which will likely prove to be costly at the end of the day.
1:42 p.m.: And Holly Jacks Smither has her first Rolex completion as well! She has one rail down and one time with More Inspiration for a final score of 105.9. Now we’ll see Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, jumping out of order, who are currently on 10th place.
1:39 p.m.: Aidan Keogh and Master Tredstep’s miss:
Aidan Keogh and Master Tredstep.
1:38 p.m.: One down for Clark and Glen, putting them on a final score of 110.0. Now it will be the turn of Caroline Martin and Spring Easy, our first Rookie pair to see.
1:37 p.m.: I have no shame, none at all.
1:35 p.m.: Aidan Keogh and Master Tredstep swim through the big oxer that is the third to last question, but they’re completed with just that one miss. Next in will be Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. John Kyle accidentally calls him “Phillip Montgomery,” and Karen comments that that would be “quite a rider.”
1:33 p.m.: One rail and one time for West Coast pair Andrea Baxter and Indy 500. This is Andrea’s first Rolex completion, go girl!
1:31 p.m.: One down for Lillian and Share Option, jumping out of turn, for a final score of 80.0. Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 are our next to see with one down so far.
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1:27 p.m.: It can be done! Will has one rail down but demonstrates that the time can easily be made and comes home in 90 seconds.
1:26 p.m.: Will comes in with a bit more pace than we’ve seen so far, he might be the first to make the time.
1:25 p.m.: Next we’ll see Will Coleman and Tight Lines, who come in on a two day score of 117.2.
1:24 p.m.: Three rails and one second over the time allowed for Katie Ruppel and Houdini. Karen O’Connor confirms that the time allowed will remain at 93 seconds.
1:22 p.m.: Two down and three time for Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy. The time allowed is 93 seconds, we’ll see if there is an adjustment.
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1.19 p.m.: FernhilL Classic goes bowling with Ryan Wood and has five rails down. Never really looked settled into a good rhythm, sadly. Bummer. They finish on a final of 144.2.
1:17 p.m.: A great ending to Bobby’s weekend:
Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token.
1:17 p.m.: What an emotional moment for Bobby, whose horse will now retire from upper level competition.
Bobby Meyerhoff is our first to complete with one rail and 9 time for a 151.9 #RK3DE
1:14 p.m.: Bobby and Dunlavin’s Token are underway, and they’ve got the first fence down unfortunately. Clear since then so far.
1:13 p.m.: We’re running a bit behind, and Bobby Meyerhoff has had a bit longer of a warm-up than anticipated. We’re getting set now though and he’s coming down the ramp.
Capturing the perfect moment. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
It’s the final day of Rolex, and it’s been a whirlwind of a weekend. It’s hard to believe that it’s already almost over, but before we get too far ahead of ourselves we have the final horse inspection this morning followed by show jumping at 1 p.m. EST.
If you’re behind on what happened yesterday, catch up in our cross country report here. Refresh this page for the latest from the second horse inspection. Best of luck to all!
8:57 a.m.: Sadly, Vandiver has not been accepted by the ground jury. That completes our final horse inspection, and we’ll see you back at 1 p.m. for the grand finale.
8:54 a.m.: Vandiver is being presented for re-inspection.
8:28 a.m.: Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 accepted! Most of the horses are looking super relaxed (perhaps a touch tired) this morning, but Indy shows a bit of sass coming back towards home.
Andrea Baxter and Indy 500.
8:26 a.m.: Whew! Share Option is accepted.
8:25 a.m.: It’s a packed house for the jog this morning!
8:24 a.m.: Kurt Martin and Delux Z are accepted, and now Lillian Heard is re-presenting Share Option.
Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Each year, Land Rover features their Best Ride of the Day award at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Encouraging riders to aim for the optimum time, the prize for the American rider who comes closest is a two-year lease on a Land Rover Discovery Sport. Pretty neat, right?
This year, it was Erin Sylvester’s turn to take a spin in the Land Rover after coming home bang on the optimum time with her CCI4* first-timer, Mettraise. Owned by Spike and Jeanne Sylvester, Mettraise is a 13-year-old unraced Thoroughbred mare by Metfield (Seattle Slew) out of Spin A Yarn (Huckster)
Check out the video below. Congratulations, Erin! Well ridden.
From left: Derek di Grazia, Maxime Livio, Michael Jung, Zara Tindall, Matthew Brown, Erin Sylvester. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
The post-cross country press conference at Rolex is always a special event, as we get to really hear what the riders thought of their rides. We compiled some must-read quotes from the top four riders, as well as from the winner of the Land Rover Ride of the Day award, Erin Sylvester, and course designer Derek di Grazia. Read on for more!
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Michael Jung:
On how he felt his ride on fischerRocana went: “You never know exactly what happens in every situation; you still make a plan for your ride. I feel in the warm-up fischerRocana was not very perfect feeling with the weather, which makes me very nervous before the start. But she galloped really well and jumped everything very powerful, which gives me a good feeling.”
On what the secret to their success is (at least the parts he will let on about!): “We have a very good partnership and that’s the most important thing in this sport is you know the horse and the horse knows the rider and you trust each other. You have to be very quick in every situation and find a way out of the difficult situations, and in the end everything worked very well and I’m very happy that we are both very healthy and we finished.”
On this year’s course vs. last year: “I think the gallop was a bit nicer, we had a bit more soft turns so the gallop path worked really well. Every course is a bit different so I think this year, maybe a bit more easy, but in the end was really tough to ride. But it was a very nice course and also I like much more the beginning, I think that was much better for the horses to get a bit more time to come in a good rhythm.”
Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Maxime Livio:
On how he felt about his first trip around the Bluegrass: “I am super happy with my horse. He starts like he starts every time, very fast, very strong. I’m super happy, exactly what I wanted everywhere. The conditions were very nice, the ground was superb.”
On why he decided to come to Kentucky this year?: “Why not? No, but I wanted to know how my horse traveled by plane.
On whether or not he thinks tomorrow will be a Pau repeat: Glances over at Michael, “Winning all the time must be very boring!”
Zara Tindall and High Kingdom. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Zara Tindall:
On how she felt High Kingdom handled the task at hand today: “I had a great ride. A few years ago, I didn’t do anything out there. I had a great ride, he galloped straight. He was very good through all the combinations and did pretty much what we planned to do all the way around and he kept galloping in the heat — we were a little worried about how he was going to cope with the heat.”
On her reaction to a bit of rain: “I was very happy for the rain last night. I did a little rain dance in my room when I heard it!”
Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Matt Brown:
On his plan for cross country: “My only plan going out was to take each exercise one at a time. I was maybe thinking about taking some options, but after jumping into the Head of the Lake I just realized I just need to trust this horse and know that he’s going to jump every question. I didn’t give a great jump to the table into the Head of the Lake and he already likes to jump a little careful, so we got the four strides there, but he jumped it great. After that combination, I was like ‘Ok, I need to trust that my horse knows what he’s doing,’ and it got easier to do that as we went through the course.”
On an unexpected issue on course: “He unfortunately jumped out of both of his front shoes somewhere before the Head of the Lake, but I think that there was a few jumps where I thought I saw a good distance and he kind of backed up. Knowing now that he didn’t have his front shoes, I think he was probably making some good decisions.”
On how “Flaxen” came out of the day: “I did find it hard to find good ground toward the end of the day when most people had been galloping. He was quite tired at the end, but that horse is nothing if not all heart, so I asked for more and he kept giving it to me. I’m really happy with him.”
Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Land Rover Optimum Time Winner Erin Sylvester:
On making the optimum time: “This is her first four-star and I did not go out with a plan to hit the optimum time. At the last big combination, I thought maybe we could do it.”
On how it felt to have a newly minted four-star horse on course: “The conditions were good for her, she likes to have deeper going, it seems to make her more confident and she was great. She definitely had spots where she felt green and not picking up on stuff 100% but she tries very hard to lead the way and digs in after the jumps and loves to gallop away. She came in well and I look forward to jumping her tomorrow.”
Course designer Derek di Grazia:
“I think that there were a lot of really great rides, I think all of these riders here had great days and I want to congratulate all of them for that. I think the horses all looked really good. As Michael has said, in the beginning it gave them a chance to get into a rhythm and then sort of from the Head of the Lake on, you know, you really sort of had to stay on the game. There were continuously things to do from there all the way to the finish. Because of that, I think that’s what in the end made the time a little harder. That’s what I think.”
Another cross country day is in the books at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and we’re still not quite ready for it to be over. So let’s keep the party going with a look around today’s social media posts. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a hefty one! Be sure to use #RK3DE in your own posts to be included!
Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Our intrepid reporter Samantha Clark has been hanging out at the finish line all day to catch up with the riders as they complete the cross country. Here are some reflections from the riders throughout the day, many thanks to Samantha!
The top 15 share their thoughts below, and you can view the rest of our interviews here.
Leslie Law shares his thoughts on the day:
Michael Jung (38.7, 1st Place):
Maxime Livio (44.6, 2nd Place):
Zara Tindall (46.6, 3rd Place):
Matt Brown (47.8, 4th Place):
Hannah Sue Burnett (50.8, 5th Place):
Phillip Dutton – Mr. Medicott (53.6, 6th Place):
Doug Payne (53.8, 7th Place):
Tim Bourke (57.2, 9th Place):
Boyd Martin – Crackerjack (57.4, 10th Place):
Phillip Dutton – I’m Sew Ready (60.1, 11th Place):
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
And suddenly the moment we’ve all been waiting for has come. It’s cross country day at Rolex Kentucky! We’re thrilled to be bringing you another open thread today, so keep this page bookmarked so that you can keep up with the action as it happens. Also be sure to follow along on Twitter @eventingnation.
Our trailblazers will be the very seasoned James Alliston and Parker, who will be the perfect pair to really show us the way this morning. We’ll close the day with Buck Davidson and Petite Flower later this afternoon.
Don’t forget, for those of you out and about at Rolex, you absolutely must stop by our infamous tailgate! Let the mimosas flow, it’s cross country day! The tailgate is located at spaces S240 and S241, near the jog strip and announcer’s tower overlooking the infield. More info can be found right here. Also, be sure to download our brand new shiny EN app so that you can grab some free swag at the tailgate.
As always, we’re wishing safe, clear and fast rides to all, and remember, we’re all #LeeLeeStrong today.
2:06 p.m.: Here is your top 20 heading into tomorrow’s show jumping finale. Matt is our top American, and it’s all Europeans in the top three spots. I have to give a shout out to my coach, Hawley Bennett-Awad, for moving into the top 15 on a mare she’s had less than a year. Made us proud, coach!
2:05 p.m.: Big pats and cheers for Flower as Buck closes the day.
2:04 p.m: Holly Jacks Smither on her ride:
2:03 p.m.: Buck gets it done:
Buck and Flower showing their grit.
2:03 p.m.: Honestly, aside from the blip at the Teton Rails, this is one of my favorite rides of the day from Buck and Flower. She has gotten more and more game as time goes on.
2:02 p.m.: Phillip talks about Mr. Medicott’s triumphant return:
2:01 p.m.:
Tim Bourke & Luckuan Quality win the Biggest Mover Award. Up 30 spots to 10th place thanks to fastest round of the day #RK3DE
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1:46 p.m.: A lovely ride through the Moguls for Phillip and “Cave.” Karen O’Connor comments that this is a phenomenal horse to ride on cross country. Remember, this is a former ride of hers!
1:44 p.m.: Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott are away!
1:44 p.m.: Two clear rounds for the Payne duo today! Here’s what Doug had to say:
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1:42 p.m.:
Stay cool everyone!
1:41 p.m.: Holly Jacks has evidently been given a 20 at the Frog Pond but John Kyle says it was perhaps unwarranted because she took the option. We’ll see what happens when scores are confirmed.
1:40 p.m.: Bummer of an end for Boyd’s day:
Boyd and Steady Eddie.
1:40 p.m.: Look at that smile from Rookie Woodge Fulton!
1:39 p.m.:
Holly Jacks-Smither takes the option at fence 7 at the Frog Pond with More Inspiration. All clear #RK3DE
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1:13 p.m.: Ryan Wood chats with Samantha at the finish:
1:11 p.m: Woodge Fulton will be our next starter out. Michael is almost home, he is going to miss the time! 11:21. Maybe he is human. That’s still good for first though, naturally.
Michael Jung.
1:11 p.m.: No big deal.
Casual.
1:09 p.m.: Roxy is so responsive to Michael and always looks so game, no matter what. This is so incredible to watch. Roxy gets a little close to the one stride brush near the end but of course she makes it.
1:08 p.m.:
Michael Jung is as casual as can be about taking flyers with Rocana. Not wasting any time. Clear through 20 at the Normandy Bank #RK3DE
1:08 p.m.: Michael changes nothing and just kept coming to the skinny skinny chevron at the Land Rover Landing, showing us all how it’s supposed to be ridden! Textbook.
1:06 p.m.: Lillian Heard is out with LCC Barnaby. Michael stays in the backseat over the C element of the Hollow and gets the job done.
1:06 p.m.: Hannah Sue talks about her ride with Under Suspection:
1:05 p.m.: Michael really has to work to get the Head of the Lake done but he’s through as only Ze Terminator can do!
1:04 p.m.:
Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST ping through the Frog Pond at 7. Looking fabulous as expected #RK3DE
12:41 p.m.: A big cheer from the crowd at the finish for Clark and Glen, who have to just be so devastated. We love you, Clark! Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection are now on course.
12:40 p.m.: Clark runs into trouble again at the second to last.
A second runout on course for Clark Montgomery and Loughen Glen, at the second to last, 27b Horse Park Barns #RK3DE
12:38 p.m.: Bobby is continuing on while the Ground Jury makes sure the refusals hold up rather than pull him up erroneously.
12:37 p.m.: Clark loses his stirrup after the Land Rover Landing and had a bit of a miscommunication coming to the Footbridge but they’re over and on their way home. We should see him focusing on getting home and not pressing for time now. So bummed.
12:36 p.m.: Heartbreaking. Clark Montgomery has a runout at the Land Rover Landing, the skinny chevron.
12:36 p.m.: Evidently Bobby picked up three refusals and were eliminated around the course. Bummer.
12:35 p.m.: Clark is clear through the Hollow, once again using all of his aids to steer and be as efficient as possible through the turning questions.
12:34 p.m.: Aidan Keough and Master Tredstep are on course and have a runout at fence 4. Bobby Meyerhoff had a runout at the Normandy Bank.
Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon complete with 20 jumping penalties and 11.2 time penalties #RK3DE
12:33 p.m.: Clark has a bit of a unbalanced landing off the table into the Head of the Lake but picked Glen up and made it look easy on the way out! Here’s a gallop shot:
Clark and Loughan Glen.
12:32 p.m.: Clark is seeing those big bold distances to the gallop fences a mile away. Looking super confident!
12:32 p.m.:
Clear with 14.4 time penalties for Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me #RK3DE
12:31 p.m.: The crowd is behind Clark every step of the way as they make their way around.
12:30 p.m.: Lovely through the Mighty Moguls at 4 for Clark and Glen.
12:29 p.m.: Kurt Martin chats with Samantha:
12:29 p.m.: And our leaders are away! Go Clark!
12:28 p.m.: Ellen cuts it close!
Ellen Doughty Hume and Sir Oberon.
12:27 p.m.: Holly Payne chats about her quick ride:
12:26 p.m.: Bobby Meyerhoff is on course with Dunlavin’s Token for their swan song run.
12:25 p.m.: Ellen saves a big jump into the Head of the Lake but doesn’t make it to the fish. She stays on though! Our next starter will be Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. No pressure, buddy!
12:24 p.m.: Jessica Phoenix talks about her ride with Pavarotti:
12:23 p.m.:
Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 pick up a stop at 18AB, the first chevron brush at the Land Rover Landing #RK3DE
12:09 p.m.: Bummer. Rachel McDonough has taken a swim at the Head of the Lake after Irish Rhythm lost his footing on landing. They tried to make it over the fish but Rachel couldn’t hang on. Not fun! They both look fine.
12:07 p.m.:
Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm are on course now, clear through fence 5 #RK3DE
11:48 a.m.: The feed is really not loving the West Coast riders as Jen McFall has also disappeared from the feed but report is that she is clear, I believe.
11:48 a.m.: Try not to swoon while you watch this:
11:48 a.m.:
Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley complete with 20 jumping penalties and 20.8 time penalties #RK3DE
11:45 a.m.: HOLY CRAP. Lauren is officially Ms. Stickablility after Vermiculus almost faceplants into the Head of the Lake. She lost her way to the brush in the water but wow, what a save.
11:44 a.m.: Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are getting ready to head out of the box.
11:43 a.m.:
Just 10.8 time penalties for Caroline Martin and Spring Easy even with 40 jumping penalties! #RK3DE
11:42 a.m.: John Kyle puts it best about Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus: We’re hoping for an exhibition round today. Get it done, Lauren!
11:40 a.m.: Kelly Prather has a runout with Truly Wiley at 23. A lot of lengthening to the base of this really skinny chevron which is causing the horses to misread.
Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley
11:38 a.m.: Caroline has another problem at 23, the Park Question.
11:37 a.m.:
A runout for Caroline Martin and Spring Easy at fence 18AB, the narrow chevron brush at the Land Rover Landing #RK3DE
11:37 a.m.: Jennifer McFall gets a last minute pep talk from coach Hawley Bennett and she and High Times are off
Hawley and Jen McFall.
11:36 a.m:
Problems at 18 for Jenny Caras.
11:34 a.m.: Jenny goes to her stick coming towards the end of the course with “Forty.” He looks like he might be a bit checked out here, they’ve had another problem and has retired. Bummer.
11:32 a.m: Just a few time for Hawley Bennett and Jollybo! 11:33 is their time. Welcome back, Hawley! Jenny Caras has a runout at 18AB.
11:31 a.m.: Caught a glimpse of Hawley towards the end of the course, and Jollybo is still looking quite keen and not the least bit tired.
11:30 a.m.:
Ham it up, Maxime!
11:30 a.m.:
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo are still going guns blazing. All clear through the Park Question at fence 23 #RK3DE
11:28 a.m.: Jenny Caras is having a lovely go with Fernhill Fortitude. Hawley Bennett has unfortunately disappeared from our feed because the cameras have not switched views but reports are she’s having a stellar ride. Caroline Martin is now on for her Rookie run.
11:27 a.m.:
Hawley Bennett-Awad giving us a super show on Jollybo. Positive, forward, attacking. We love it! #RK3DE#girlpower
10:57 a.m.: Madeline is home CLEAR! I am so thrilled for this kid. Well deserved! In some sadder news, Bunnie has called it a day after a runout at 18.
Madeline makes it home!
10:56 a.m: Get Lillian and Katie’s thoughts on their rounds:
10:55 a.m.: Selena had probably one of the best rides so far through the Mighty Moguls.
Selena and Foxwood High.
10:54 a.m.:
Bunnie Sexton takes the long route at the Frog Pond, fence 7, and gets it done #rk3de
10:51 a.m.: Wow, what a lovely horse in PS Arianna! She trips just before the giant oxer at the Teton Rails but hunts the fence and makes it over beautifully. Chills!
Madeline and PS Arianna.
10:49 a.m.: Bunnie Sexton is on course with Rise Against!
10:48 a.m.: Boyd tells Frankie that he still didn’t sleep really well last night. Celebrities, they’re just like us! Here are Phillip’s thoughts on his round:
10:46 a.m.:
Boyd Martin and Crackerjack are home clear on 11:39, our fastest round so far. Optimum time is 11:17 #rk3de
10:45 a.m.: And our first Rookie is on course, sporting her traditional pink! I think she was late to the box, but Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna are on their way!
Madeline Backus
10:44 a.m.: Boyd looks like he might have had the fastest so far. Crackers looked a tad tired but was still jumping really well at the end. Well done!
10:43 a.m: Sinead reminds us that later in the course you cannot ask for big adjustments on a tired horse, you just don’t have the horse under you.
10:43 a.m.: Boyd really showing Crackers the way towards the end of the course:
Boyd getting it done with Crackers.
10:43 a.m.: Bummer. Courtney Cooper has retired after a second refusal at 10C, the second water.
10:41 a.m.: Our new starters are Sally Cousins and Tsumani. Lillian Heard is home provisionally clear!
Lillian over the last.
10:39 a.m.:
A second refusal on course for Katie Ruppel and Houdini at 20c, the skinny log at the Normandy Bank #rk3de
10:25 a.m.: Laine Ashker comes out to help coach Buck Davidson out after he parts ways from Park Trader. They both look fine but what a bummer. We’ve only had two finisher so far: Joe and Phillip Dutton.
10:24 a.m.:
Will Coleman walks home on OBOS O’Reilly.
Buck walks home.
10:23 a.m.: Crap! And Will Coleman has retired on OBOS O’Reilly as well:
Oh no! Buck Davidson and Park Trader have parted ways at 4A, the rails at the jump in to the Mighty Moguls #rk3de
10:19 a.m.: Phillip goes to his stick on the out of the Hollow with I’m Sew Ready to just get the extra push off the ground needed.
Phillip and I’m Sew Ready.
10:17 a.m.: Our new starters are Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly. Phillip Dutton is giving us a master class as he crushes the Head of the Lake. Will is at the Mighty Moguls.
10:16 a.m.: Clip Clop takes a peek at the Lake.
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.
10:14 a.m.: Phillip has a textbook ride through the Moguls at 4.
10:13 a.m.: Our new starters are Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Joe Meyer is officially our first to make it past the Head of the Lake! A bit of a hairy ride in but he gets the job done.
10:12 a.m.: Joe really has to sit up and help Clip Clop out over 7A, the same fence where Jessie had trouble. They’ve scrapped their way through through.
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.
10:08 a.m.: Jessie puts her hand up after a stop at fence 7A, the Frog Pond. Looking for our first completion now with Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.
Jessie retires.
10:06 a.m.: Jessie adds two strides to the C element of fence 4 but makes it work with the huge scope of A Little Romance.
Jessica Phoenix and A Little Romance.
10:02 a.m.: Our trailblazers James Alliston and Parker are on course! They just made fence 4, the first big combination, look easy.
James Alliston and Parker.
9:58 a.m.:
9:55 a.m.: Sinead Halpin will join John Kyle in the commentator’s booth this morning, which will make for some excellent remarks as we get ready to cheer on our first pair out of the box. Safe, fast and clear to all!
9:54:
9:30: We’re counting down to the start! Just 30 minutes to go now. Preview each fence on course here.
Who are the power couples to watch on cross country today? Don’t miss Maggie Deatrick’s analysis of the cross country powerhouses of Rolex here and EquiRatings’ weekend preview here.
Check out a preview of the course for today with designer Derek di Grazia:
One of my favorite thing to do while running EN’s open threads is to peruse social media. Let’s face it, I’m a bona fide social media stalker so writing these wrap-ups is basically second nature. Consider yourself stalked, EN!
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Overheard at Rolex: "[Michael Jung] looks more relaxed during dressage than I do on the toilet." Gross, but not wrong. #rk3depic.twitter.com/9cQnoYsokb
We were treated to some really spectacular riding today at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and the hard workers at US Equestrian have uploaded the top three tests to YouTube for our viewing enjoyment. You can also peruse their channel for more fun videos from the weekend that will continue to upload each day.
While tomorrow’s cross country is sure to shake the tree a bit, let’s all take a moment to appreciate what a truly correct dressage looks like. Don’t tell my horse, but he’s in for a lot of circles next week!
In a moment that was sure to bring the house down from the moment it was announced, Allison Springer and Arthur took the Rolex stage one final time ahead of Arthur’s retirement from competition to contest one final dressage test this afternoon.
It was a packed house full of adoring fans, and Allison and Arthur entered the arena with their typical poise and focus. While we aren’t sure what the test would have scored, it was lovely from the beginning and surely would have been near the top had it been a part of the judged rides.
If it was emotional for those of us watching, it was tenfold for Allison. “I cried every step of the way down that ramp,” she said. “Coming around the turn to the warm-up, I cried a bit. I got it together to have a nice final warm-up, but it was so emotional to go in there and hear everyone cheering.”
As much as this horse means to Allison, it is still special to her that Arthur has touched so many lives throughout his career. “All of the letters I’ve gotten over the years from people who have had difficult horses or who just have had that special bond mean so much. And what a gift to be able to learn from such an amazing animal.”
While Arthur will no longer event, Allison confirmed that he’s received the thumbs up to still dabble in pure dressage or show jumping. Allison is entertaining the idea of competing in Prix St. Georges level dressage with him, and she’s looking forward to enjoying life with her horse. “He’s certainly not ready to retire, and he doesn’t know that his weekend is over. He’s been staring at that cross country all day.”
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Allison is quick to thank the village that has supported her and Arthur over the years, including the grooms who have had him in their care as well as her veterinary team that has been with her from day one. “I am just so blessed to have had so many wonderful people supporting us,” she said.
And, for anyone wondering what Allison’s score would have been, she was informed that her test was available to be picked up, so she has told EN that she will let us know when she finds out her score! Not that we are judges, but we thought it looked pretty competitive.
Social media immediately exploded with love for the liver chestnut, with whom Allison has worked to the tune of 38 FEI completions, including a USEF National Championship and an overall second place finish at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in 2012, as well as a sixth place finish at Burghley later that year.
Clark Montgomery and Michael Jung. Photos by Jenni Autry.
It’s no surprise that two of the best dressage event horses in the world are currently nearly neck and neck for the lead heading into cross country at Rolex Kentucky. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen were just shy of a personal best, scoring a 33.6 for the lead, followed by Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST on a 37.1.
While there is a tiny bit of breathing room (less than 10 seconds of time for tomorrow’s cross country test) at the top, it’s certainly still any man or woman’s game at this point. Nevertheless, we thought it would be interesting to break down the top two tests to see exactly where Clark gained a scoring advantage from the judges.
Here is a look at each test broken down by judges’ marks at each movement, collective marks, and total penalty points and percentage:
Clark Montgomery:
Michael Jung:
For the sake of surface analysis, we did a progressive average to find out where each pair really had their best trend as well as their lowest. From a pure numerical standpoint, here is the breakdown of averages for each rider:
Some notes that are of interest:
Clark Montgomery started his test at a 73% with his first centerline, halt and salute. From there, he progressively trended up, only losing a hair of traction (if you can call a +75% “losing traction”) in his walk and the beginning of his canter work. He ended on an average of 76.4%, not including collective marks.
Michael Jung started strong and lost traction throughout the rest of his test. His first centerline, halt and salute earned him a 9 from Nick Burton at M, and his starting percentage was a 75%.
Michael lost the most amount of momentum in his walk work. Looking back at the live stream, which featured Marilyn Payne as a guest commentator during this test, a few comments were made about Michael giving fischerRocana FST perhaps a bit longer of a rein that necessary. This is speculation, of course, without seeing the judges’ remarks, but Marilyn did make a comment about this.
Both riders’ highest average marks from the three judges came during their flying changes towards the end of the test, across center line.
Collective marks notwithstanding, Clark had an overall score average of 75.8%, while Michael averaged 73.4%. You can see the final percentages above that include the collectives.
Michael received two nines during his test, both from Nick Burton: his first center line and his halt prior to the rein back.
Clark received four 9s and one 10 (two of the 9s and the 10 from Nick Burton, the other two from Christina Klingspor) on the following movements: Extended trot, his second flying change, his second center line flying change, and his final halt, which received the 10.
While these two scores are certainly not “neck and neck”, it’s still fascinating to break down the averages and see exactly how each pair managed their tests. We could go even farther into detail, but my math skills stop right about here.
Take a look at the top two tests here so that you can do your own comparison!
Maggie Deatrick also contributed to this report.
