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Samantha Clark

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Lillian Heard – Making a Comeback at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 11:18 pm -

Lillian Heard and Share Option are completing a circle of sorts by returning to contest the CCI*** at Jersey Fresh this weekend

The nice thing about a relatively small field with the dressage spread over two days here at Jersey Fresh is that it’s given us plenty of time to catch up and chat to people for a little longer than we normally get a chance to; we always tend to think that we’ll see everyone at competitions and hang with each other, but then before you know it, they’re over, and you’ve barely passed the time of day. One of my great pleasures on Thursday was getting to know Lillian Heard a little bit better…

As an extra bonus, Lillian’s lovely mother is also here this weekend taking photos and has promised Eventing Nation the pick of the bunch, so we have that to look forward to next week as well. Wishing Lillian and ‘Whitey’ the very best of luck this weekend, and many thanks for taking the time to talk to us – Go Eventing!

Boyd Martin at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 10:30 pm -

Boyd with Lucy Baird and Lindsey Taylor watching Crackerjack warm up

Boyd’s a tough Aussie who put up with the pain in his ankle for as long as possible before undergoing surgery – [see his blog for gruesome pictures!] Perhaps even tougher for him though now is the recovery period which means a stint of no riding, and restricted exercise. Nonetheless he turned up at Jersey Fresh on Thursday in remarkably good spirits to cheer on his fellow tough Aussie Phillip Dutton who has kindly stepped up to the plate to catch ride his upper level horses.

Phillip riding Crackerjack in the CIC*** at Jersey Fresh; he also rode Pancho Villa in the same division later, and Caitlin is riding Steady Eddie in the CIC**.

Many thanks to Boyd for his time, and wishing him a speedy and safe recuperation. Go Windurra USA and Go (ringside) Eventing

Pancho Villa in the CIC***

Jessie Phoenix after Dressage at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 10:05 pm -

Jessie Phoenix showed her mettle this morning in the CCI*** dressage when just minutes before she was due to perform the first test of the day on her WEG, Burghley and Rolex mount Exponential he went inexplicably lame; she explains what it was all about in our video below, and then went on coolly and calmly to perform one of their best tests ever.  Jessie also has Erodium here at Jersey Fresh, and her Pan Am partner Pavarotti. I meant to ask her about Patras VR’s background which is interesting – she originally rode him, I believe, as a stallion to get him ready for testing or showing, and then again when he was for sale I think, and as luck would have it he found her way back into her life as a gelding and they have had a fantastic career so far. I will try and get the full story from her again as I fear I may have got some of the details wrong, but it seems like the organisers were keen to get the party started, and Jessie was anxious to go and walk the course so I didn’t want to keep her much longer.

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Many thanks to Jessie for her time, and congratulations on a good day at the office; wishing her and her team the best of luck this weekend. Go Phoenix Eventing and Team Canada!

 

 

Michael Pollard on Mensa, breeding & Chatt Hills

By on May 9, 2013 7:10 pm -

We’ve probably become somewhat accustomed to Michael Pollard being near the top of the leaderboard after the first phase and it’s certainly not down to luck – as he explained to me after yet another lovely test on Mensa he works hard on improving every single aspect of the test that he can. We also talked about breeding, and he was very good natured about me going on the offensive as far as OTTBs are as concerned and said he welcomes a good debate, so we may take it even further, but I have to concede he brings up some good points, and he admitted he’s ridden some lovely OTTBs and they do exist, so we’ll call it a truce!  As for Chatt Hills next weekend, who could argue that it’s anything but a boon for the US eventing calendar and I can’t wait to get down there and cover it for Eventing Nation and the Eventing Radio Show.

Thank you so much to Michael for his time; it’s always great to see him and his gorgeous wife Natalie, and I look forward to seeing him compete the stallion Halimey next weekend, but in the meantime, best of luck here at Jersey Fresh. Go Pollard Eventing!

Buck Team Talking at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 6:18 pm -

Buck Davidson warming up D.A Adirmo before a very nice test in the CCI*** at Jersey Fresh. The ear bonnets were a birthday present from Hawley  (Bennet Awad) who has a friend who custom makes them for her – he wore them on Reggie at Rolex and so then thought it might be fortuitous to bring them out again this weekend.  Buck actually had his last pre-Saumur ride last weekend, but is making a point of watching his team members compete, and generally fostering good team spirit ahead of the trip to France. I don’t think anyone would argue that he was a large part of why USA brought back the gold medal from Guadalajara at the Pan Ams, and he seems pumped up and positive to represent the USA again.  His team mates are Will Faudree who currently leads the CIC*** on Andromaque,  Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot who actually did an immaculate test bar one rather ill-timed temper tantrum, very frustrating but rather here than in France, and Marilyn Little on Smoke on The Water who worked beautifully this evening around the arena, and is down to ride in the CIC** tomorrow afternoon. (As a sidenote, Mr Medicott is here as a Non-Compete horse due to Marilyn apparently missing too much time off with her shoulder injury)

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I’m really excited about both our teams for Saumur, and Aachen a little later on this summer. The mood in the US camp is great, we have some terrific horses and riders on really good form, and I like the way everything seems to be gelling together so well, there really does seem to be a good energy at all levels.  Go Team USA and Go Eventing!

 

Jennie fires back at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 3:09 pm -

Jennie Brannigan put a disappointing Kentucky in her rear view mirror and came to Jersey Fresh with a smile, a great support crew as always, and laid down a super dressage test to make her intentions for not only this weekend known, but also more importantly, the Luhmuhlen 4* in a few weeks time. I caught up with her and Jackie Imholte earlier in the day, before Cambalda, or Ping, went out and nailed a 50 in the dressage to take the lead at the break.

Wishing Jennie, Jackie, Cambalda and owners Tim and Nina the best of luck this weekend, and of course in Germany. I hardly need to tell them to enjoy themselves as this crew have a fantastic attitude and whatever happens they’ll make the best of it, but let’s hope things go all their way. Go Team Brannigan and Go Eventing!

West Coast Flavour at Jersey Fresh

By on May 9, 2013 2:17 pm -

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail who travelled here in illustrious company

Jersey Fresh may not have the numbers that it boasts some years, but quite a few competitors have logged several hundred miles or more to get here; to wit brave U25 competitors Zach Brandt, above, and Mackenna Shea who immediately made their massive road trip worthwhile on the first day by taking the CCI*** lead.  I caught up with them both after their tests, as well as Tamie Smith who is here in a coaching capacity.

Thanks so much for chatting, and wishing all the left coasters the very best of luck this weekend, and crossing fingers and toes that the sunshine stays out for us all! Go California Eventing!

Boy With Dreams Part 3

By on May 3, 2013 4:37 pm -

It’s always a conundrum to know what to squeeze in between the Rolex Kentucky and Badminton CCI****s,  and this year at EN we have the perfect answer – GJM Eventing!  Gavin is back with another of his unique and amazing videos to update on his Spring season, and also give us some important fashion tips on how to get that Eventing in March in England look!  Gavin, we salute your dedication to the cause, and thank God for so many reasons that the weather has now improved in the UK!

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Gavin is on location at Badminton this weekend so we can look forward to his fashion review and much more to complement Jenni’s slightly more mainstream reporting. Thank you as always Gavin for sharing your wonderful East London perspective with Eventing Nation – Dream on! xxx

Rolex Rookie and Youngest Competitor Emily Renfroe

By on Apr 29, 2013 4:24 pm -

Emily Renfroe headed to Kentucky last week with her chestnut mare Walk The Line to be the youngest competitor at her first ever CCI****.   You’d imagine she would be nervous, but in fact it may have been her coach Kyle Carter who suffered the most, “He did shed a tear as I left the start box on Saturday!”  Jess Montgomery and I spoke to both Kyle and Emily a couple of weeks before the event for our Triple Crown Feeds Mentor Series on the Eventing Radio show, and  I caught up with her on a rainy Sunday afternoon after she’d just completed her first Rolex, and asked her how it felt.

 

 

A huge congratulations to Emily  and Walk the Line, and the whole Carter family who were in attendance to help and support her. We look forward to seeing you again next time out.  Thanks for chatting, Emily; thank you for reading, and Go Rolex Kentucky eventing!

Emily clears the penultimate fence at Rolex

 

Rolex Show-Jumping Pictures

By on Apr 28, 2013 3:45 pm -

Quimbo jumps clear and adds three time penalties to seal the deal, winning Andrew his first Rolex Kentucky title

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie rose to 2nd place with a double clear despite William breaking a finger on his left hand in the process, and finished on their dressage score.

Andrew couldn’t quite pull off the 1-2 a la Mary King, but finished third on Calico Joe; he said that jumping the last on him with three down he was as pleased and proud of him as jumping the last on Quimbo, freely admitting that Calico Joe “is no show-jumper!”

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM slipped to 4th place with two rails down

Lynn Symansky and Donner move up to fifth place with a splendid clear, AND won best turned out at the Final Horse Inspection AND she and William are the only pair to finish on their dressage score.

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Rolex Final Horse Inspection

By on Apr 28, 2013 12:37 pm -

Why we love eventing: Jennie (Brannigan) and Erin (Sylvester) share a moment

Ballylaffin Bracken loved posing for pictures; with rider Kristin Schmolze.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader

Ballynoe Castle RM

Buck and loyal owner Carl Segal discuss strategy

Sitting in 3rd place, OTTB Calico Joe

Team talking: David O’Connor and Jon Holling

The youngest competitor at Rolex, Emily Renfroe and Walk the Line

One step closer to completing her first CCI****

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle

Lauren takes Fernhill Urco for a walk

Hawley Bennet-Awad and Gin N’Juice

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton

Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star (with Caitlin’s mum bringing up the rear!)

Will Coleman and Holden (back up for Twizzel!)

Daniel Clasing and Houston

James Alliston and Parker

Jonelle Richards and The Deputy

Leslie Law

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries

Will Faudree and Pawlow

Will – best dressed man surely.

Sitting in pole position and the horse that everyone wants for Christmas: Quimbo, with Arthur

Austin O’Connor and Ringwood Mississippi

Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan

Mr and Mrs McDonald

Jan Byyny and Syd Kent

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie.

Off to watch the show-jumping, a bundle of nerves, don’t know how the riders cope.

Rolex Cross Country Pics: The afternoon edition

By on Apr 27, 2013 3:50 pm -

Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo cantered around Derek Di Grazia’s four star track at the  Kentucky Horse Park and hardly seemed to break a sweat. It’s almost scary how easy he’s made it look on both his horses.

Buck Davidson rode Ballynoe Castle RM around inside the time, his second double clear of the day and now moves into third  place behind Andrew’s two rides. As the US Rider closest to the optimum time (on Mar De Amor, lying 8th) he also wins a two year lease on a Range Rover courtesy of Land Rover. Funnily enough he told us he’d been eyeing them up earlier in the season and his girlfriend, Andrea had nixed the idea, “You need another car like you need a hole in the head!”

Jonelle Richards and The Deputy move into 7th place after a solid clear with just a couple of time faults.

Along with Buck, James also piloted three horses around the course clear today, and Tivoli moves into ninth place

Megan O’Donoghue and Pirate looked seriously impressive – and look at the smile on Megan’s face! Pirate galloped so easily and was leaving feet over each fence, just pinging over them, I got total goosebumps watching them go round.

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Rolex Cross country morning pictures

By on Apr 27, 2013 12:25 pm -

Andrew Nicholson and Calico Joe jumped clear and fast which means he can do no worse than a second place overnight; he’s our current leader at Saturday lunchtime but we have William Fox Pitt to come again on the dressage winner Chilli Morning, and Andrew has a chance to see if he can best himself on Quimbo currently lying second.  There were some super rounds – we have come to expect greatness from William and Andrew, and I’m looking forward to watching some Mary King magic after lunch, but we also saw some of our first timers rise to the occasion and look really impressive.

Our EN friend, Daniel Clasing rode Houston beautifully to finish clear inside the time

Kristin Schmolze is no stranger to Rolex but her stunning horse Ballylaffin Bracken is having his first crack at it and looked fantastic – what an exciting prospect for her.

Likewise Donner who made his first attempt look like the proverbial walk in the park. Despite riding with a splint on her hand, “the claw!”, they cruised round and although she was a bit slow picking up the knitting after this enormous jump in, (she said at The Fork that that would be her main concern) Donner is so bold, honest and genuine that he just locked onto the Goose coming out and never looked for a second as if he would do anything else.  Donner embodies everything I adore about OTTBs and I was absolutely delighted to see him go so well.

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Cross Country Morning at Rolex Kentucky

By on Apr 27, 2013 8:18 am -

The very first horse I saw on arrival at the Kentucky Horse Park was none other than the current leader Chilli Morning, looking very cool, calm and collected (does that sound like his rider too?) and out for a stroll with super groom Alex Van Tuyll. Of course his golf cart was following faithfully behind too – the entourage!  Could this be a lucky omen? I certainly hope so. It is cross country day here at Rolex Kentucky and EN is wishing for safe rides for everybody.  Go Chilli Morning and William Fox-Pitt, and Go Eventing!

Goodbye Dressage Hello Cross-Country

By on Apr 27, 2013 6:38 am -

Before  we wave goodbye the dressage phase of Rolex 2013 and usher in an exciting day of cross country I wanted to share some of the pictures I took, mostly from the warm-up arena.

William Fox-Pitt’s test on Chilli Morning was stupendous. As William remarked later Chilli has incredible presence but it’s coupled with very correct work, a calm confidence and of course the trademark Fox Pitt stamp of excellence.  Chilli is so relaxed, I watched him work in – gorgeous, but I’ve also seen him hacking out and being walked in hand and he appears to be a model citizen, rare enough in any horse let alone a four star fit stallion. Jenni remarked yesterday that he should he win this weekend he will be the first stallion to win the official Rolex CCI4*, and we now think he may be in fact the first stallion to ever win any four star at all should that happen.  (Note: Darren Chiacchia rode the Holekamp’s Trakehner stallion Windfall to victory in the 2004 “Modified Format” Rolex…the first short-format event, which ran alongside the official traditional-format CCI4*).

Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo, 2nd after dressage

Look at our gal Allie, hanging with the big boys! So incredibly proud of her, and crossing everything for a wonderful ride for her today.

The always incredibly popular Mary King is in 5th place currently with Fernhill Urco

Marilyn Little rode through what must have been shocking pain from her separated shoulder, and shares 5th place with Mary

Becky Holder and Can’t Fire Me, who looked so good on this cross country course last year, are handily placed in 7th.

However, if there’s a prize for best turned out and ‘Teddy’ doesn’t win it that’s daylight robbery!

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Rolex 2013 Quiz #1 Answer

By on Apr 27, 2013 6:27 am -

 

 

The answer is indeed Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda – Ping in the stable. Pictured above with rider Jennie Brannigan we wish Ping a speedy recovery and with tremendous admiration and respect for the way she’s handled everything this week, we look forward to seeing Jennie back again soon.  Caroline Andrews was the first person to answer correctly who wasn’t annonymous, so Caroline, please email me your address ([email protected]) and I’ll make sure the chinchillas reward you greatly!  Thanks for all the answers and please enter the next quiz, coming along later today. Go Rolex Kentucky and Go Eventing!

Jackie and Ping earlier this week

Quick Notes From the Friday Press Conference

By on Apr 26, 2013 11:43 pm -

 

With William leading after dressage on Chilli Morning, and Andrew Nicholson occupying 2nd and 3rd places, it only seemed right to bring up our local hero, Georgetown gal Allie Knowles who blew us all away earlier today on her lovely mare Last Call to score 43.3  and lie in  4th place. Girl Power!  Allie is a very impressive young woman.  If you’ve been following her via our training diaries here on EN, you’ll remember how grounded she is, hardworking and of course, quite a decent jockey!  However, today is the first time I’ve seen her betray any nerves, and it wasn’t in the arena, it was when she was standing next to Mary King, (“I can’t believe how close I am to my all-time idol!”) and then again later sitting in between William and Andrew and trying to answer questions about herself and her horse with her voice shaking!  We also just found out that Last Call has had a foal before she was imported, a very successful jumper born in 2003, Le Petit Prince; Allie told me she’d always had an idea that “Fergie” might have had a baby because she’s registered as a broodmare, and now we know!

William talked about his decision to bring Chilli Morning here to Kentucky rather than Badminton, and of course about that fabulous dressage, once again paying credit to Chilli’s former rider Nick Gauntlett, but also explaining that he’s worked very hard with Team GB Trainer Tracie Robinson over the winter.

Andrew told us his thoughts on the course, and also spoke about how pleased he was with Quimbo’s first effort at this level in the dressage.  All three riders are graduates of their respective pony clubs in three different countries, and when I asked Allie afterwards what advice she might have for Pony Club girls who’ll now want to emulate her, she said, “Just keep trying. Try again and again, don’t give up!”

Congratulations to the top 3, and all the other riders also.  EN wishes them all safe rides on Saturday, and we look forward to lots more exciting things to come on Eventing Nation.  Thanks for visiting us, come and see us at our tailgate party if you’re in the Park, otherwise we’ll be making it feel as if you’re here with us via lots of action on the site. Go the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event and Go Eventing!

Daniel Clasing walks the first water combination for us

By on Apr 26, 2013 5:33 pm -

We first spoke to Daniel at The Fork where he told us that he’d had Houston since he was a foal, and since then who could fail but to have a soft spot for them both!  After good runs at Southern Pines in the Advanced and at The Fork in the CIC***, he and Houston are well-prepared to tackle their first CCI**** together.  I caught up with him after his dressage on Thursday and asked him how he was feeling, “It’s the end of a long journey to get here, and it’s obviously really exciting. In my riding I try not to think about the magnitude of it all too much, the more you think about anything except the movements the more distracted you’re going to end up being so I’ve been trying to focus really hard on riding the test like any other test.  I thought we did a pretty good job in the dressage, I felt like we could have got a few more points but I feel like I kept my focus in the ring. When I walked down the chute and into the main arena I did feel slightly awed for a second, but then I told myself to snap out of it and go and do my job!” Daniel kindly agreed to have a look at the first water complex with us, the HSBC Water Park at 7a,b and c;

 

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Many thanks to Daniel for his time and wishing him the best of luck on Saturday. Go Daniel and Houston, and Go Rolex Kentucky Three Day Eventing!

Allie Knowles and Last Call Hit It Out of the Park

By on Apr 26, 2013 1:16 pm -

 

Allie Knowles kept a remarkable cool as she entered the Main Arena here at the Kentucky Horse Park and rode Last Call, both of them competing in their first CCI**** to perfection. With a massive entourage of friends and supporters, and I imagine an ever-increasing amount of fans she handles the pressure with maturity and poise, the only time I’ve ever seen her close to nervous was after Mary King’s test – Mary is her absolute idol she shared with me, and just standing so close to her was making her shake!  Luckily she showed no such sign in the main ring and now sits very handily in the top 3 at lunch time on the second day, sandwiched between legends Andrew Nicholson and Mary King — way to represent, Allie and we like the company you keep!

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Massive congratulations to Allie and her entire team – looking forward to seeing you rock it out on course Saturday. Go AK Eventing and Go Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.

Catching up with Team GB Performance Director Will Connell

By on Apr 25, 2013 9:57 pm -

Since I last spoke to Team GB Performance Director Will Connell quite a lot has happened in his life! He has kept himself busy winning all manner of medals at the last Olympics, the 2012 London Games – gold medal show-jumping, gold medals dressage, silver medal Eventing…. so he hasn’t made a trip out to the Kentucky Horse Park in a while.  I was delighted to catch up with him before William Fox-Pitt’s dressage to talk about whether he has taken a day off , or even had a moment to savour his success, and what does one do next?

Many thanks to Will for his time, and looking forward to seeing Team GB crush the opposition in Rio! Go Team GB and Go Eventing!

The Ladies behind Windurra USA

By on Apr 25, 2013 8:23 am -

Although Boyd may be the front man of Windurra USA, the whole operation would collapse without three very special women – his wife, Silva, a Grand Prix Dressage rider, Caitlin Silliman their assistant trainer and rider, and of course Barn Manager Lyndsey Taylor. Apologies to Lyndsey for not featuring her here, but we do expect to be able announce something exciting concerning an association between her and Eventing Nation next week. I caught up with Silva and Caitlin after the First Horse Inspection to find out how they’re coping.

[Link to video]

**note: due to high traffic volume, we are limiting the videos embedded on the site.  Please click on the link above to view.  Sorry for the inconvenience!**

 

Thank you so much to Caitlin and Silva for chatting and wishing them the very  best of luck this weekend. We’ll be checking in with them throughout the competition. Go Windurra USA and Go Rolex Three Day Eventing.

 

 

2013 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** First Horse Inspection

By on Apr 24, 2013 11:08 pm -

In my opinion Jan Byyny was definitely one of the best dressed ladies at the First Horse Inspection this afternoon. I simply can’t pick out one person because there were so many good looking combinations strutting their stuff despite the rapidly dropping temps and bone-chilling wind.

Jessie Phoenix and Exponential

Catch A Star, Caitlin Silliman and her mother

Emily Renfroe nails it at her first four star

Lynn Symansky (check out those shoes!)

and her horse, Donner!

Allie Knowles and Last Call

Erin Sylvester and no Boundaries

Hawley Bennet-Awad

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda

Kendal Lehari and Daily Edition

Marilyn Little – extra points for the awesome shoes, detail below, and for gritting her teeth and jogging up RF Demeter herself despite the separated shoulder.

Valentino, baby!

Shandiss McDonald

Shandiss’ horse Rockfield Grant Juan with freelance groom for the weekend Sandra

Pirate and Megan O’Donoghue

Jonelle Richards and The Deputy

Katie Ruppel, winner of the Dubarry Best Dressed Award, Fillies Edition

Winner of the Dubarry Best Dressed Colt Edition – Boyd Martin!

Andrew Nicholson

You can take the boys out of Australia but….! Boyd Martin and Clayton Fredericks

Buck Davidson rocking his trademark lucky red socks with yellow polka dots

Daniel Clasing and Houston

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle

It’s a family affair – John Alliston leading his son James’ Jumbo’s Jake

Mike Alliston leads Parker for his brother James

Peter Atkins and HJ Hampton

Ringwood Mississippi with Austin O’Connor and the crew!

The look of love! Will Faudree carries off the French Detective style with Pawlow.

William Fox-Pitt

Yogi Breisner with Chilli Morning and Seacookie

Yogi Breisner and Chilli Morning

Massive props to all the grooms who turned out every single horse immaculately, and full marks to the riders for looking so poised and glamorous, even in the freezing conditions.

Commiserations to Emily Beshear and all her connections; I spoke briefly to her husband Jeff who told me they had decided to err on the side of caution and that ‘Quincy’ will be absolutely fine. Meanwhile, Emily’s lovely grey horse River King will do the CIC*** at Jersey and then the CCI*** at Bromont. They hadn’t got as far as deciding future plans for Here’s To You yet. It was also nice to bump into Will Coleman and  Holden and say hello before they went out to walk the course – Will will be signing autographs in the Cavalor booth this weekend.

I wish I could have got photos of everyone – not pictured but definitely deserving of mentions – Mary King, naturally stylish and sponsored by Joules = always looks good and Becky Holder – flawless, her outfit was perfect and Can’t Fire Me looked amazing too.

Dressage starts Thursday morning at 10 o clock, and Reese Koeffler-Stanfield will perform the test ride at 9:30. We’ll be all ove r the Kentucky Horse Park tomorrow – the cross country, the barns, the live blogging of the dressage, hopefully some tradestands….Thanks for visiting Eventing Nation and Go Rolex Kentucky Three Day Eventing!

Rainy Rolex Wednesday Morning Update

By on Apr 24, 2013 2:14 pm -

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries smiling through the rain, although shortly after I took this photo it started to absolutely bucket down, and then came the thunder, and after that came the lightning. At that point it was almost time for the Rider Meeting so I called it quits and ran for cover!

Before that however I saw Buck Davidson working Mar De Amor with David O’Connor and looking very impressive – flawless changes, forward-going, relaxed – if he can pull that off in the ring – Look out!

Love Tivoli’s browband.  I haven’t seen this horse since Galway Downs at the end of 2011; he’s improved tremendously and I liked him then!  James is one of the most modest riders on the circuit, he’s always polite, chats, is helpful, thinks of everyone around him and takes excellent care of his horses, almost single-handedly (shout out to non-horsey brother Mike who’s helping this weekend!).  His whole family are wonderful too and once again have flown over to support him,  and they’ve adopted hosted many US riders when they stay in England.  I’m really hoping for a good Rolex for James, especially as he’s now independent and running his own business in California, which he told me he’s enjoying tremendously. You can follow his adventures via his blog for EN.

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There may or may not be a board in the US ‘command central’ with simply the words “Beat Fox-Pitt/Nicholson” but if there was such a board then surely Mary King’s name would also be on it?  Fernhill Urco returns to the Kentucky Horse Park two years after finishing 2nd here to Mary’s other ride two years ago – would you really want to bet money against this combination?

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Stanley – taking cover while watching Kristi on Rosie!

By the time poor Kristi Nunnink came down to work R-Star with David it was absolutely tipping down, and once the storm warnings started blaring they called it a day, and rescheduled for later.

Colleen plaiting Kilrodan Abbot ready for the Trot-Up this afternoon, while poor Dragon quakes in the corner of the stall, terrified of the storm – an older greyhound that Peter adopted- she was literally shaking!

A shout out to all the grooms who are working hard to prepare the horses for the First Inspection at 3pm in frankly, pretty horrible conditions – torrential rain and falling temps, sounds horribly familiar! However, although the forecast isn’t for warmer weather, it is supposed to dry out so we’ll be back a little bit later with all the action from the Jog (US lingo!). Thanks for visiting Eventing Nation and Go Rolex Three Day Eventing!