Samantha Clark

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Weekend Quiz Question

By Samantha Clark on Mar 11, 2012 9:41 am -

I nearly forgot, what with all the Red HIlls excitement, but I think I have a pretty good one for you this weekend, dear Eventing Nation! Do you know who these four star legs belong to?

Here’s a clue: you should probably be thinking not a horse, and most likely a man, but that’s all you’re getting! Good Luck and Go Eventing!

Red Hills CIC*** Trot Up

By Samantha Clark on Mar 11, 2012 9:31 am -

FEI Steward Joe Carr looking extremely dapper

All the horses presented passed the trot-up this morning, most of them looked fabulous although Marilyn Little-Meredith had to suffer through a nerve-wracking few minutes when Rovano Rex was held for re-inspection, but then accepted, as did Sara Kozumplik with Manolo Blahnik. Sadly Rachel Jurgens did not present Ziggy. The CIC* horses also all went forward to show-jumping with just one horse held and then passed on re-inspection which was Kate McQuilken’s Revelry. All the CIC** horses passed without incident.

Revelry, passed upon re-inspection

Susan Gray and Webster from the CIC*

(John Kyle and I were partial to his face so I had to put his picture in!)

Danny Warrington and Will Smith, as per a twitter request. I have been trying really hard to talk to everyone that you requested and have a few video interviews to upload, either at the airport where the internet will be faster, or once I get home. Thank you for all the tips and suggestions, and keep them coming!

William Penn was so fresh this morning that Phillip had to jump the white rails for a few strides and jog on the other side of them so as not to be trampled by him, before jumping back over them before the end of the lane! Have I mentioned yet that he’s some kind of a superhero?!

Michael Pollard and “the Hanni Badger”

Karen O’Connor and Veronica

“Mr M”!

Diana Burnett and Shigatzi

RF Demeter and Marilyn Little-Meredith

Fabulous pair Selena O’Hanlon and Colombo – my photo really doesn’t do her justice, she looked stunning today, you can’t see the subtle glitter on her shoes, and it’s just not very flattering altogether for which I apologise and you’ll just have to take my word for it.

The girls all looked great today – it’s hard to come out at 8:30am and have both you and your horse looking good, much easier for men I think to just throw on a coat and tie, but without exception today they all nailed it, all of course completely different which is what makes it so much fun to watch too, and as my grandmother says “one man’s meat is another man’s poison!”

Case in point – Allison Springer always looks immaculate, and Arthur not too shabby either!

Manolo Blahnik, passed on re-inspection, and then Sara Kozumplik was jumping her prelim horse barely 20 minutes later!

and lovely Llewellyn!

Henny looked in super form – and look at his face! He just seems to have an old soul this horse, or something! He pricks his ears and seems to know what to do before Peter asks him, he’s something pretty special alright!

Mystery Whisper, the horse that everyone’s talking about.

Tops looked fantastic this morning, and I think I forgot to mention yesterday how impressed I was, not only by Tops who I love, but how well Danielle DIchting rode – really positive, forward and mature riding, this really is an exciting combination.

And another lovely pair, Dr Kevin Keane and his lovely Fernhill Flutter

Phillip Dutton trots Ben up, he told us yesterday he tried not to think of how many miles he covered on all of his horses

Double Rivers Dillon and Kadi Eykamp – what a stamp of a horse

Katie Ruppell looked as if she could jog straight to a wedding or a garden party from the trot-up, very pretty outfit, and no problems for her and Sir Donovan.

Preliminary show-jumping is already underway and we’ll be bringing you as many pictures and reports as fast as we possibly can. If you have questions during the day you can tweet me and I’ll do my best to answer them. Until then, to steal John Kyle’s line, Stay Classy Tallahassee and Go Eventing!

Weekend Quiz Question

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 10:36 pm -

I nearly forgot, what with all the Red HIlls excitement, but I think I have a pretty good one for you this weekend, dear Eventing Nation! Do you know who these four star legs belong to?

Here’s a clue: you should probably be thinking not a horse, and most likely a man, but that’s all you’re getting! Good Luck and Go Eventing!

CIC*** Red Hills Cross Country

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 10:00 pm -

If there had been any doubt previously that Phillip Dutton is a superhero today was proof that he is indeed some kind of superman! Eight clear rounds cross country from eight rides, including a commanding lead in the CIC***. Phillip remarked at the press conference that riding so many in a way gives him a bit of an advantage, but he has to be careful not to get complacent when they’re all going so well. The top four riders at the press conference this afternoon all commented on what a unique course Red Hills is, how it mirrors what they’ll see in Greenwich terrain wise and crowd wise, and what a great job all the organizers, volunteers, community and of course Designer Hugh Lochore, and builder Tyson Rementer have done.

Michael Pollard, chasing Phillip’s cape tails, rode two beautiful clear rounds on Hanni and then Icarus, and jolly nearly made it a treble until Wonderful Will slipped right near the very end of the course unseating him. Luckily neither of them are worse for wear, and Michael told us he was thrilled with all three.

Karen O’Connor and the lovely little mare Veronica. I spoke briefly to Karen after her ride and she told me Veronica is getting smoother and faster all the time.

Diana Burnett and Shigatzi jump into the second water

Marilyn Little-Meredith and Rovano Rex jump into the second water, modeled on the one that riders will see at Greenwich later this summer. Marilyn had a bit of a sticky moment coming out over the C element, and had to sit tight. She explained that as a former show-jumper (FORMER, my words, I do consider her an eventer now, I think she’s earned her stripes!) terrain and water is still a bit foreign to her and difficult to judge, and here she had both to deal with. Marilyn rode for three strides coming out, should have tried for four, and ended somewhere in the middle. As usual, she was very frank about it, and also very complimentary about her horses, her team, the course and her competitors.

Sara Kozumplik said Manolo Blahnik was pretty strong today so she was a bit slower than she wanted to be but she was still very happy with him, and the plan is to head for Rolex later in the spring.

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Prelim XC at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 9:02 pm -

Joe Meyer started the Open Prelim Division off this morning on Ruthie Harbison’s Violet Rain. I spoke to him later in the day, which will be up at some point this weekend, but he told me and if you look carefully you can see, this little mare has no shoes on!

Jessie Phoenix and Executive Decision

Tyson Rementer, possibly (disclaimer) the most handsome course builder in the US!

Randy Ward and Jameson, he unfortunately fell off later but is fine.

Curtis Barbour and Tagaelen

[Click below for much more] (more…)

Advanced Cross country Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 8:39 pm -

Karen and Marilyn watch the first few rides through the second water in the Advanced before going to get their horses ready for the Intermediate and Two Star Division

The Second Water Feature, modelled on ESJ because it’s just not the same here without him and we all miss him and wish he was here.

Christa Gandolfo and Governaire – they’d had trouble at the corner just before this, and then went straight on instead of turning left, but came back and sorted themselves out, but probably not their best day.

Sara Kozumplik and one of my favourites, Tatton Winter, clear round his second advanced

Phillip Dutton and Atlas – thinking ahead to the next jump

Canadian Nicole Parkin’s experienced Lexus was perhaps the most impressive in this section and looked like he’d be a blast to ride, he made it all look very easy,

and look how much fun they’re both having! Having said that, I wish I’d managed to get a better picture of Leslie Law’s stunning Zenith ISF, he was also very eye-catching in this, only his second advanced run. I couldn’t help feel but what an advantage he has with Leslie as a jockey to give him nothing but confidence, and he certainly doesn’t want for ability. Leslie, like Phillip, turns in his head before he’s landed, it’s almost second nature for him, and a real lesson in cross country riding to watch – incredibly economical, always moving forward, it’s hard to see him make any real adjustments, he just picked up a great forward relentless rhythm and kept coming.

Doug Payne on Running Order looked great too, and had good rides on his other horses as well. I was recently asked by one of my horse-racing twitter friends “who is a rising star in the eventing world?” – to name just one and with no parameters is much harder than you’d think, and in the end I told her Doug. Of course I can think of lots, but to narrow it down and only select one…who would you pick?

Rock on Rose (Lusty) looked full of run at the end of the course, and I know Whitney was thrilled with her after their misunderstanding at the double of corners at Rocking Horse.

Werner Geven and Vandiver

Phillip catch riding The Apprentice for Buck

Buck was busy as usual all day helping various riders, walking courses, driving golf carts. He told me yesterday he had to get his collar bone re-xrayed and I presumed there must be a very good hospital here in Tallahassee, so when I saw him again later in the day I asked him if he’d been yet, and he replied no, no, he was waiting for the treating vet to arrive! I should have known! Full results are here, don’t forget to “spring forward” tonight, and we’ll have masses more Red Hills, well, trot-up and show-jumping anyway, for you tomorrow! Get a good night’s sleep and go eventing!

CCI*** Red Hills Cross Country

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 6:13 pm -

If there had been any doubt previously that Phillip Dutton is a superhero today was proof that he indeed some kind of superman! Eight clear rounds cross country from eight rides, including a commanding lead in the CIC***. Phillip remarked at the press conference that riding so many in a way gives him a bit of an advantage, but he has to be careful not to get complacent when they’re all going so well. The top four riders at the press conference this afternoon all commented on what a unique course Red Hills is, how it mirrors what they’ll see in Greenwich terrain wise and crowd wise, and what a great job all the organisers, volunteers, community and of course Designer Hugh Lochore, and builder Tyson Rementer have done.

Karen O’Connor and the lovely little mare Veronica. I spoke briefly to Karen after her ride and she told me Veronica is getting smoother and faster all the time.

Diana Burnett and Shigatzi jump into the second water

Marilyn Little-Meredith and Rovano Rex jump into the second water, modelled on the one that riders will see at Greenwich later this summer. Marilyn had a bit of a sticky moment coming out over the C element, and had to sit tight. She explained that as a former show-jumper (FORMER, my words, I do consider her an eventer now, I think she’s earned her stripes!) terrain and water is still a bit foreign to her and difficult to judge, and here she had both to deal with. Marilyn rode for three strides coming out, should have tried for four, and ended somewhere in the middle. As usual, she was very frank about it, and also very complimentary about her horses, her team, the course and her competitors.

Sara Kozumplik said Manolo Blahnik was pretty strong today so she was a bit slower than she wanted to be but she was still very happy with him, and the plan is to head for Rolex later in the spring.

I still love this little horse, Llewellyn and Brittany Kart

The fantastic HJ Hampton, aka Run Henny Run, the helmet cam is up, and I hope to have my chat with rider Peter Atkins up soon too. Henny cruised round as if he was out for a canter in the park, just pricked his ears and jumped whatever Peter pointed him at, and then we found out he was the fastest horse of the day, the only combination to make the time, very very impressive.

Mystery Whisper – he certainly ticked all the boxes today. It’s beginning to look more and more like Phillip will be driving home in a Mercedes tomorrow.

Great to see Icarus flying around back on form

Rachel Jurgens and Ziggy who unfortunately had a glance off at the corner right after this

Dr Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter completed their first 3* very nicely

Mr Medicott and Karen O’Connor. Karen said she’s learning more about him each time she rides him, and they looked to be pretty tight today out on the cross country

Phillip Dutton and Ben

Kadi Eykamp and the amazing bunny-like Double Rivers Dillon – hop hop!

Selena O’Hanlon on A First Romance

Katie Ruppel and the consistent Sir Donovan.

It’s getting dark and there aren’t any lights in the media tent so the advanced pictures and my videos with Peter, Sara and Joe are going to have to wait, but I’ll get to them as soon as possible. All the live scores from Red Hills are here, have a safe night and go eventing!

Prelim XC at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 4:44 pm -

Jessie Phoenix and Executive Decision

Tyson Rementer, possibly (disclaimer) the most handsome course builder in the US!

Randy Ward and Jameson, he unfortunately fell off later but is fine.

Curtis Barbour and Tagaelen

Hannah Sue Burnett on Woodbury

Dana Carlin and As Time Goes By

Ashley Dalton and Blank Czech

It was great to see Heather Gillette back out competing, above on Opera Groove, and also Our Questionnaire went really well in the Open Intermediate. She pulled up G-Star early in the Open Intermediate after she told me she was having brake problems after a huge confidence boost following a win last time out!

Lesley Grant-Law and What Law, above and below

Jennie Jarnstrom-LaManna and Cape Town

Karen O’Connor and Smilla

Sara Kozumplik and the impossibly cute Cavalier All Dun, apologies for cutting off his head! “Dusty” was imported from England by Joe Meyer and Ruthie Harbison and skipped around the course like it was pony club, and then I found out that it was his first time out at this level. What a star! I did talk to Sara at the end of the day too, and hope to have that video up as soon as possible.

Joe Meyer again, this time on Alexander

Lara Borson Knight and the fantastic and consistent Shooby Do – we spoke to Lara at the Mary King convention. Lara works at the Secretariat Centre at the Kentucky Horse Park, and Shooby Do, an alumni of the programme is one of the 8 horses in the prelim divisions eligible for the Jockey Club TIP incentive.

Jorja Miller on Spring Express

Rebecca Willner and Troubadour Hall, another nice OTTB eligible for the TIP incentive

Elaine Shults and Rain or Shine

Check out these quarter marks! Katie Bryant and EM Aquataine – fierce!

Miguel Sarmiento and Calvino

April Simmonds and Impressively Done

Sarah Finkel and her OTTB and TIP horse Deep Sea

Joe Meyer on the third of his four prelim rides, Lough Rynn

Jessie Phoenix on A Little Romance who is related to Selena O’Hanlon’s very nice A First Romance (they’re by the same sire which also has Romance in the name but I’m having a blonde moment, yes only a moment, I’m sure there’s another Canadian eventer out there by him too, but…)

Doug Payne on Kilimanjaro

Hallie Glennie and Macinaw

Stephanie Baer and Zohar

Andrew Palmer and Cardinali

Zeb Fry and Artful Way – guess what? Another nice OTTB that’s eligible for the Jockey Club TIP incentive

I promise this is the last picture of Joe Meyer cross country today, but I am looking forward to sharing my interview with him with you, and also to reading his blogs for PRO which I have no doubt will be wonderfully entertaining.

Whitney Weston on her Jockey Club TIP horse Gin Fizz

Huge props to course designer Hugh Lochore for a job well done, and the same to builder Tyson Rementer; everyone I talked to, riders and officials were full of praise for it. John Kyle and Nigel Casserley were fantastic all day long, tag-teaming each other and cracking me up, it’s not just me, John is high-larious! Now before I get too giddy I’m going to crack on with the 3* pictures and also try and bring you some videos too. Go Eventing Forever!

Cross-Country Buzz at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 10:12 am -

The chicken and the rooster decorating the coop at Fence 15 on the CIC***. The action started well before the action started officially at 9am this morning – fence judges and volunteers were being briefed on site by 7am, the commentators – a crack team of the golden voices of Rolex Nigel Casserly and the London 2012 Eventing Olympics John Kyle were testing testing at about the same time, and riders were walking courses even before then. Of course, I was out and about too, and it was only this morning, seeing all the riders walking all the different courses that I fully appreciated a) the enormity of the organisation and huge effort that goes into putting on an event of this scale – bravo to everyone who helps make it happen, every tiny cog in the wheel is vital, it boggles my mind thinking about it, and b) seeing how many times the courses cross each other and intertwine – no wonder the riders were getting a last minute walk in, if they want to save precious seconds they need to know exactly what line they’re taking through those trees before they’ve landed and turned, it’s exciting.

I was lucky enough to bump into Rachel Jurgens walking the CIC*** course; Rachel rides Ziggy, and is a delight. We chatted briefly and then I let her carry on and continue in peace so she could concentrate but she kindly told me a little bit about her horse Ziggy, and how she hopes to ride the new combination, although separate fences at 11 and 12.

Afterwards Rachel told me how much she enjoys eventing, and that this morning the atmosphere in the barns was electric, that special cross country day feeling, the quiet anticipation, excitement, nerves…Many many thanks to Rachel for chatting, wishing everyone safe rides today wherever they’re riding, Go cross country safely and speedily and Go Eventing!

Allison Springer after dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 8:49 am -

The press conference after dressage day at Red Hills: CIC*** leader Phillip Dutton was running slightly late and arrived just after I took this, but from the left, Marilyn Little Meredith, tied for 2nd place with Allison Springer in the middle, and Michael Pollard in fourth and fifth places. Allison was kind enough to stop on her way out of the park later that night and talk about her test, and also the cross country course, as well as her relationship with Arthur.

Many thanks to Allison, and wishing them a safe and speedy ride across country. Go Red Hills and the chance to win a Mercedes for a year, oh yeah! Go Eventing!

Cross country Buzz at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 10, 2012 8:23 am -

Allison Springer after dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 11:10 pm -

Many thanks to Allison, and wishing them a safe and speedy ride across country. Go Red Hills and the chance to win a Mercedes for a year, oh yeah! Go Eventing!

Let’s meet Kadi Eykamp’s Horses

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 10:55 pm -

Australian native turned Texan Kadi Eykamp led the dressage in the CIC** at Red HIlls on Double Rivers Really Cool, and although she admits her test in the CIC*** on Double Rivers Dillon wasn’t her best, it certainly wasn’t as bad as all that! Kadi was kind enough to introduce me to her horses before she rushed off to walk the cross country.

Wishing Kadi the very best of luck this weekend, and looking forward to seeing her at Rolex later this spring. Many thanks to Double Rivers Really Cool for being so patient – it was almost tea time, and he thought he was getting fed, but sadly for him just interviewed by me! Kadi told me he’s perpetually on a diet so takes his mealtimes very seriously! Good luck Kadi, and go eventing!

Friday Dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 9:55 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper take the overnight lead in the CIC*** – ESJ was right, about that anyway. Today was the first time I’ve seen the horse up close and personal, and he is all that, and more, he’s lovely, all class. Phillip told us in the press conference that being here since Wednesday and giving the horse a chance to adapt to his surroundings definitely helped his score today. The scary thing for everyone else is that there still looks like there’s room for improvement to be made within this partnership, and I can’t imagine just how good they’ll be, yes by July, but give them a couple of years together and really let them cement a relationship.

Phillip also rode Ben in the CIC*** to move him into 6th place, and was pretty much constantly doing a dressage test in one ring or another all day – you can check out all the scores here.

Diana Burnett, here on Diamond Cut 16th , rode two nice tests and sits in 11th on Shigatzi

How wonderful to see lovely Icarus back, I love this striking grey thoroughbred, there’s something about his sweet earnest face, and he always tries so hard, I just want to steal him away and mother and smother him!

I know Peter Atkins has been working hard all winter on his dressage with Jim Koford amongst others, and excuse the terrible picture, but they really did look hugely improved.

Dr. Kevin Keane, the galloping vet, is doing his first CIC*** on Fernhill Flutter here, and apart from a break in the canter did a solid test.

Kyle Carter rides Chesterlands Knockout in the CIC**

Brittany Kart on Llewellyn; I happened to be standing next to Michael Pollard while he was going and I remarked how much I liked this horse but didn’t know anything about him, and…Michael imported him! He told me Kyle Carter loved him but he’s actually quite small, and that the first person who tried him jumped a line of huge oxers, and then Llewellyn kept going and jumped a massive hedge straight out of the arena and back to the stables! That would have been a done deal for me, I would have whipped my cheque book out right there and then, but apparently not, and now Brittany Kart is the lucky rider! I wish them a great weekend, and hope to report more good news over the next two days.

Manolo Blahnik is one of Michael’s favourite horses on the cirucuit, but today he was a bit naughty for Sara Kozumplik in the dressage; hopefully he’ll redeem himself tomorrow and sunday as I have it on good authority that he’s an out and out jumper!

Karen O’Connor keeping the lid on, just barely, a very tense and spooky Mr Medicott. Mr Medicott looked very fresh trotting around the outside of the arena and it was always going to be touch and go if she could hold it together for the test, but Karen was doing an amazing job doing just that until a burst of applause for the rider next door during her trot half-pass sent Mr Medicott way over the edge, and scooting across the ring. After a brief exchange with the judges at C, she repeated the movement, and managed to contain the tension that bubbled just barely below the surface for the rest of the test. Horses and atmosphere, funny how some will rise to the occasion and do a better test because of it, and some will come undone and need gentle handling with kid gloves. So many horses evolve too as they mature, or as they become fitter during the season, so hard to judge it just right for those precious few minutes in the ring – how do you manage? Is there a precedent for repeating a movement in dressage? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it done before.

RF Rovano Rex is a very impressive horse to watch, and Marilyn rode him really, really well. She doesn’t seem to get nervous, but really rides the test, and all the movements, perhaps she approaches it like a course of obstacles, perhaps that’s just her nature, whatever it is, it’s certainly working, and with a little more polish and finesse each time I see her, who knows what they can achieve by the time they get to Rolex.

Rowdie Adams in the CIC** did a lovely test despite a massive spook right before she entered the arena, however she held No Money Down together both mentally and physically and it was pretty impressive to see.

Maybe I’ve been chatting to Max Corcoran too much (except I haven’t at all hardly!) but I think Veronica was robbed! Karen rode a smooth and accurate test which was willing and forward, and it looked beautiful to me – she sits in 7th on 43.8, less than a point ahead of her stablemate Mr Medicott. What do I know?! Anyway, there’s a full day of cross country ahead of us tomorrow so we have plenty to look forward to. Go Red Hills and Go Eventing!

Doug Payne, and yes, Bacon, after Tali’s dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 9:41 pm -

Doug Payne and Crown Talisman warming up to tie for 2nd place after the dressage in the CIC**. Doug was kind enough to sit down and chat for a couple of minutes after his test, but Bacon, who may be getting used to the limelight after starring in several Youtube videos of his own, was not very happy about the arrangement. If you haven’t already, you should most definitely listen to Doug’s podcasts and check out his website, facebook page and follow him on twitter – he is undoubtedly the eventing king of all new media!

After we talked I watched him do a simply stunning test on Running Order, and for once I had to agree with my neighbours who were watching, loudly, when they commented that Doug looked just like Mark Todd! Running Order scored a 30.3 and sits in 2nd place in the Advanced behind Jessie Phoenix.

Running Order getting ready to go in – listen to Doug’s podcast to hear Michelle (attending to RO’s hooves!) sing like an angel, not kidding!

Thanks to Doug and Bacon for chatting, best of luck this weekend, and go eventing!

Alexa Kim Perkiel

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 9:29 pm -

Alexa Kim and Apres Ski sit in 2nd place overnight

Alexa did a very nice dressage on Friday morning on Apres Ski in the CIC**, and was kind enough to stop and chat briefly after her test. Thanks to @eventersmom for the tip, and thank you to everyone for your suggestions, I am trying my hardest to hunt everyone down!

Well Done Alexa Kim, and best of luck this weekend! Go Eventing!

Friday Dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 5:43 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper take the overnight lead in the CIC*** – ESJ was right, about that anyway. Today was the first time I’ve seen the horse up close and personal, and he is all that, and more, he’s lovely, all class. Phillip told us in the press conference that being here since wednesday and giving the horse a chance to adapt to his surroundings definitely helped his score today. The scary thing for everyone else is that there still looks like there’s room for improvement to be made within this partnership, and I can’t imagine just how good they’ll be, yes by July, but give them a couple of years together and really let them cement a relationship.

Phillip also rode Ben in the CIC*** to move him into 6th place, and was pretty much constantly doing a dressage test in one ring or another all day – you can check out all the scores here.

Diana Burnett, here on Diamond Cut 16th , rode two nice tests and sits in 11th on Shigatzi

I know Peter Atkins has been working hard all winter on his dressage with Jim Koford amongst others, and excuse the terrible picture, but they really did look hugely improved.

Dr Kevin Keane, the galloping vet, is doing his first CIC*** on Fernhill Flutter here, and apart from a break in the canter did a solid test.

Kyle Carter rides Chesterlands Knockout in the CIC**

Doug Payne, and yes, Bacon, after Tali’s dressage at Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 4:50 pm -

Running Order getting ready to go in – listen to Doug’s podcast to hear Michelle (attending to RO’s hooves!) sing like an angel, not kidding!

Thanks to Doug and Bacon for chatting, best of luck this weekend, and go eventing!

Alexa Kim Perkiel

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 4:17 pm -

Alexa Kim and Apres Ski sit in 2nd place overnight

Well Done Alexa Kim, and best of luck this weekend! Go Eventing!

Red Hills CIC2* Update

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 1:38 pm -

Kadi Eykamp leads the CIC** on her absolutely stunning Double Rivers Really Cool, I loved this horse so was glad to see his score confirm my suspicions! Their test was lovely – forward going and yet calm and relaxed, and he moves SO beautifully, just floats!

Alexia Kim Perkiel on Apres Ski (above) and Doug Payne on Crown Talisman (below) are tied for second place, and coincidentally I have interviews with both of them waiting to be uploaded, but currently the internet here in the media tent at Red Hills is down so we’ll have that a bit later; according to the expert it’s because of the solar flares. There’s always something!

Marilyn Litte-Meredith started her day well with a lovely 2* test on RF Smoke on the Water, an eye-catching dappled steely grey, even since I saw her at Rocking Horse Winter II just a couple of weeks ago her dressage riding has improved, and I know that she spent a week of that fortnight down in Wellington show-jumping! Do not underestimate Marilyn’s determination to get this right, and I think that’s why it’s surprising not only to me but to a number of the riders and others I’ve talked to that once they meet her they can’t believe how “down to earth” and nice she is, direct quotes.

RF Smoke on the Water and Marilyn Little-Meredith. Yikes lunch time over, got to go eventing, more later!

Lunchtime update, Friday Red Hills

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 12:56 pm -

Marilyn Litte-Meredith started her day well with a lovely test on RF Smoke on the Water, an eye-catching dappled steely grey, even since I saw her at Rocking Horse Winter II just a couple of weeks ago her dressage riding has improved, and I know that she spent a week of that fortnight down in Wellington show-jumping! Do not underestimate Marilyn’s determination to get this right, and I think that’s why it’s surprising not only to me but to a number of the riders and others I’ve talked to that once they meet her they can’t believe how “down to earth” and nice she is, direct quotes.

RF Smoke on the Water and Marilyn Little- Meredith. Yikes lunch time over, got to go eventing, more later!

Red Hills 2012 CIC*** XC Preview

By Samantha Clark on Mar 9, 2012 10:50 am -

The attention to detail here at Red Hills is second to none – the sponsors’s signs are out everywhere, the flowers decorating the cross country are stunning and as for these teddy bears, and some of the other jump “embellishments” – I’ll try and bring you a different photo each day, the chickens are incredibe, I think they are real, just stuffed! I just had a quick whiz around the cross country this afternoon upon arrival, and although there’s plenty to remind one of last year, it is a little kinder, and as course designer Hugh Lochore told EN a couple of weeks ago, a little less technical. The footing is superb, and there’s plenty of places to make up time here by taking economical tracks between the trees, and knowing exactly where you’re going, and as the time is so hard to make, every second saved will count. I’m hoping to have another walk around in between dressage, and hopefully get some of the riders to share their views, and also some pictures of the other courses, but in the meantime, here’s the CIC***

Coming quite early on, I remember this combination causing some trouble last year

The Galloping Vet – Dr. Kevin Keane checks out the CIC*** course

The Armadillo Coffin is largely unchanged from last year – a wide ditch, and on forward striding. I’ll try and get a rider to “walk” it with us on video.

[Click here to see the rest of the course]

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Welcome to Red Hills 2012

By Samantha Clark on Mar 8, 2012 11:16 pm -

What a treat to drive into Red Hills Event for the second year running – if I had a dollar for every person who told me how much they love it here! Funnily enough it reminds me a lot of an english event; the first clue is the road signs from a few miles out, not quite those lovely yellow AA signs that we get at home but still, better than nothing which is what I’ve had to get used to most of the time over here, not much fun when you’re as directionally challenged as I am! The second similarity is the blue skies and sunshine, and gently glowing (because I’m a lady!) whilst I walk the course in early March, just like Tweseldown. Well, okay, only one of these statements about English eventing is true! Nonetheless, there’s just something about Red Hills, let’s let Canadian Eventing Phenom and Pan Am Gold Medalist try and explain the allure,

Sadly, I was too slow to catch eventing’s elite offspring on camera, maybe if I can lay off the wine tonight and start drinking coffee really early tomorrow I’ll have more luck, but I doubt it! Hopefully if the internet connection allows, we’ll bring you some CIC*** cross country course photos soon, and dressage starts bright and early Friday at 8am.

Phillip Dutton helps Dr Kevin Keane doing his first CIC*** on Fernhill Flutter

Woohoo! Go Red Hills and Go Eventing!

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