Whitney Weston and Rock on Rose – clear and fast, in fact Whitney told me she’s going to have to start researching a different bit for her next ride!
By virtue of clear jumping rounds cross country within the time, Amber Levine cemented her tied lead after the dressage on Oz Proof of Purchase, and Hawley Bennet-Awad moved into second place on SplendoroftheSun. Two time penalties dropped Max McManamy down two places to overnight 3rd place, but she said she was thrilled with her ride on Project Runway (video to come later), and James Alliston moved up into fourth place with a fast clear on Tivoli. The conditions are fabulous – the footing is perfect, the sun is out but it’s not too hot at all and there’s still a brisk breeze. I’d write more, in fact I’d write all day, but CCI*** is set to begin in minutes and I want to bring you all the action. You can check scores here, and follow @galwaydowns on twitter for live action updates. More later, Go eventing!
Max McManamy is thrilled with her ride despite two time penalties.
Sara Mittleider retains her lead in the CCI* going into tomorrow’s show-jumping. The cross country rode pretty well all morning, The warm up was moved, but otherwise the going was really good; as Robert Kellerhouse told me, yesterday’s rain did all the work that they would have done themselves watering and rolling. The footing in the arena was still wet this morning, but the sun is bright and strong, and conditions couldn’t be better. Burt Wood, the course builder and his crew have been busy since the early hours, and remain so all day, taking care of the approaches and landings, and the communication and organisation seems to be tip-top today.
The top 6 remains unchanged after dressage going into the final day on sunday, although the three that were tied for third have been organised into placings. You can check scores here. Problems that occurred on course seemed fairly evenly spread out, although if there was one bogey fence perhaps it was at fence 4a and b, an oxer to a vertical in a little pen situation, the first question on course, and there were reports of the Pro-log at 10, before the steps down, getting a constant bashing and looking somewhat the worse for wear.
Bea Di Grazia on Lads Night Out
Derek not far behind, and very swift too!
Alyssa Phillips and Exploring
Gina Miles and Sunsprite Patronus. More photos and hopefully video coming later. Go Galway Eventing!
Sara Mittleider retains her lead in the CCI* going into tomorrow’s show-jumping. The cross country rode pretty well all morning, The warm up was moved, but otherwise the going was really good; as Robert Kellerhouse told me, yesterday’s rain did all the work that they would have done themselves watering and rolling. The footing in the arena was still wet this morning, but the sun is bright and strong, and conditions couldn’t be better. Burt Wood, the course builder and his crew have been busy since the early hours, and remain so all day, taking care of the approaches and landings, and the communication and organisation seems to be tip-top today.
The top 6 remains unchanged after dressage going into the final day on sunday, although the three that were tied for third have been organised into placings. You can check scores here. Problems that occurred on course seemed fairly evenly spread out, although if there was one bogey fence perhaps it was at fence 4a and b, an oxer to a vertical in a little pen situation, the first question on course, and there were reports of the Pro-log at 10, before the steps down, getting a constant bashing and looking somewhat the worse for wear.
Bea Di Grazia on Lads Night Out
Derek not far behind, and very swift too!
Alyssa Phillips and Exploring
Gina Miles and Sunsprite Patronus. More photos and hopefully video coming later. Go Galway Eventing!
London Olympic hopeful Nina Ligon works Butts Leon at the CCI*** Galway Downs, wearing Charles Owen.
Charles Owen is a company steeped in history, but yet at the very forefront of an industry that is constantly changing – reevaluating safety and improving technology, materials and education of the riding public to make the sport as safe as possible.
Roy Burek’s grandfather, Charles Owen, started the company exactly one hundred years ago, and Roy spends a great deal of his time staying current on the very latest developments so that Charles Owen remains one of the leaders. On his return from Europe he was delighted to visit Galway Downs where Charles Owen is a sponsor for the first time, on his way up the Royal Winter Fair in Canada. We stopped to chat about the weather, (hey, we’re Brits, we can’t help it!) but also safety of course.
Roy spoke to the Training Three Day competitors at their briefing, and I have to admit, having never been a fan of the “one fall and you’re out” rule, I found his arguments quite persuasive, and was also surprised and impressed that he would dive into that controversy!
Many thanks to Roy for spending time with us. I absolutely urge you to take your helmet to a Charles Owen stand for a fitting if you see one at your event, especially if it gives you an excuse to talk to Roy, as he’s a wealth of knowledge on all sorts of subjects and makes great company. Also, did you know that Charles Owen makes body protectors, (as worn by Phillip Dutton) and even gloves? It’s been another bonus sitting in on some of the Training Three Day briefings/lectures and sharing their enthusiasm, and also picking up a few new tips along the way! Go safe eventing!
Many thanks to all the volunteers today who braved the elements all day cheerfully. Buck Davidson told me he had to go to Sports Authority after his first ride to buy a rain coat as it never occurred to him to bring one with him. Guess what colour it was – yes, luckily they stocked red and I’m sure it will be a good investment!
Of course, Buck leads the CCI*** on Ballynoe Castle, but he had to wait until the very end of the division to ride Park Trader, a 9 year old who he rates highly, in fact to quote him directly, “I’d say he’s as good as anything I’ve sat on”, high praise indeed. Buck joked that although he’s disappointed it’s not a dressage test, he’s looking forward to attacking the cross country course, and presumes that the show-jumping will also be up to height and difficult on sunday as is the norm at Galway. Buck talked about Ian’s courses harking back to Ian’s riding days 20 odd years ago, to watch videos back then, and sitting back and kicking on! Those are his words not mine, because I may be fuzzy on details, but Ian told me earlier this afternoon that he was thrilled when Dubarry awarded him the boots for best dressed rider at the trot-up at Rolex in 2007,but they’ve finally given up the ghost and the wellies he was wearing today had a big hole in them!
I was happy to meet Nate Chambers this afternoon, especially after I’d admired his dressage test earlier, and he is relishing the thought of riding the cross- country on his partner of some eleven years now, the unstoppable Rolling Stone.
The rain continued pretty relentlessly all day, as did the dressage and some horses coped better than others.
Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage
Poor Debbie Rosen, The Alchemyst especially seemed to be hating the weather, the footing and just about everything today, and she rode tactfully and positively to get the best out of him that she could.
Tamra Smith did very well to keep a lid on Mar de Amor who sits in 7th place. At times in the trot he looked like he was going to get more and more tightly wound, and his knee action became more pronounced but she was able to ride him through it in the canter, and her accuracy and cool head prevailed.
Jordan Lindstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind
Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight
Smart Move and Lisa Marie Fergusson. In a completely amateur assessment I’d estimate it was about half and half riders who wore helmets versus those who wore top hats, but of those who chose to wear helmets I’d definitely venture to bet Roy Burek of Charles Owen was a happy man today, because they were definitely the most popular brand.
Mara Depuy, last of the single horse riders in the CCI*** made a really nice go of it and I thought she might have been placed higher than 14th.
Merel Blom on her second ride, Rumour Has it. With him in 8th place, and Umberto in 4th, she has two in the top 10 going into the cross country phase.
James Alliston on India McEvoy’s Jumbo’s Jake. I caught up with him after the press conference to chat about his rides today, and see what he’s thinking about for next year.
On our first day at Galway, Lily and I talked to James and his parents, then we bumped into Ian and Jenny, Patricia and Angela out on the cross country, Roy Burek wandering around, Mike Tucker announcing at the trot-up, the list goes on and on, but Lily looked at me, and exclaimed at how many English people there are here, (apologies to Ian and Jenny!), and even more specifically Gloucestershire, it’s practically a reunion!
I felt sorry for Nina Ligon too as Jazz King was another horse who looked like he was hating the conditions and didn’t want to play at all.
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and Nabouco de Lessey showing tons of promise, I like the look of this horse a lot.
I missed everything at Galway Downs this morning thanks to a faulty tyre on my rental car, but Mike Huber, a three day eventer with a wealth of experience and now an equally accomplished coach and trainer in Texas saw almost every single one, so he very kindly let us pick his brains after the last horse had gone.
Many thanks to Mike, and everybody who talked to me. I want to thank so many people today, everyone at Galway really, hard to single anybody out, it’s been a great day and everybody’s looking forward to two more exciting days of competition – Go Three Day Eventing!
PS. I was happy to meet Cherie Chauvin’s mum today. Cherie was recently was our EN profile of the week, and I met her at the Hagyard Midsouth Three Day, and this is Muffin who is training to be an event doggie!
Many thanks to all the volunteers today who braved the elements all day cheerfully. Buck Davidson told me he had to go to Sports Authority after his first ride to buy a rain coat as it never occurred to him to bring one with him. Guess what colour it was – yes, luckily they stocked red and I’m sure it will be a good investment!
Of course, Buck leads the CCI*** on Ballynoe Castle, but he had to wait until the very end of the division to ride Park Trader, a 9 year old who he rates highly, in fact to quote him directly, “I’d say he’s as good as anything I’ve sat on”, high praise indeed. Buck joked that although he’s disappointed it’s not a dressage test, he’s looking forward to attacking the cross country course, and presumes that the show-jumping will also be up to height and difficult on sunday as is the norm at Galway. Buck talked about Ian’s courses harking back to Ian’s riding days 20 odd years ago, to watch videos back then, and sitting back and kicking on! Those are his words not mine, because I may be fuzzy on details, but Ian told me earlier this afternoon that he was thrilled when Dubarry awarded him the boots for best dressed rider at the trot-up at Rolex in 2007,but they’ve finally given up the ghost and the wellies he was wearing today had a big hole in them!
I was happy to meet Nate Chambers this afternoon, especially after I’d admired his dressage test earlier, and he is relishing the thought of riding the cross- country on his partner of some eleven years now, the unstoppable Rolling Stone.
The rain continued pretty relentlessly all day, as did the dressage and some horses coped better than others.
Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage
Poor Debbie Rosen, The Alchemyst especially seemed to be hating the weather, the footing and just about everything today, and she rode tactfully and positively to get the best out of him that she could.
Tamra Smith did very well to keep a lid on Mar de Amor who sits in 7th place. At times in the trot he looked like he was going to get more and more tightly wound, and his knee action became more pronounced but she was able to ride him through it in the canter, and her accuracy and cool head prevailed.
Jordan Lindstedt and Tullibards Hawkwind
Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight
Smart Move and Lisa Marie Fergusson. In a completely amateur assessment I’d estimate it was about half and half riders who wore helmets versus those who wore top hats, but of those who chose to wear helmets I’d definitely venture to bet Roy Burek of Charles Owen was a happy man today, because they were definitely the most popular brand.
Mara Depuy, last of the single horse riders in the CCI*** made a really nice go of it and I thought she might have been placed higher than 14th.
Merel Blom on her second ride, Rumour Has it. With him in 8th place, and Umberto in 4th, she has two in the top 10 going into the cross country phase.
James Alliston on India McEvoy’s Jumbo’s Jake. I caught up with him after the press conference to chat about his rides today, and see what he’s thinking about for next year.
On our first day at Galway, Lily and I talked to James and his parents, then we bumped into Ian and Jenny, Patricia and Angela out on the cross country, Roy Burek wandering around, Mike Tucker announcing at the trot-up, the list goes on and on, but Lily looked at me, and exclaimed at how many English people there are here, (apologies to Ian and Jenny!), and even more specifically Gloucestershire, it’s practically a reunion!
I felt sorry for Nina Ligon too as Jazz King was another horse who looked like he was hating the conditions and didn’t want to play at all.
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and Nabouco de Lessey showing tons of promise, I like the look of this horse a lot.
I missed everything at Galway Downs this morning thanks to a faulty tyre on my rental car, but Mike Huber, a three day eventer with a wealth of experience and now an equally accomplished coach and trainer in Texas saw almost every single one, so he very kindly let us pick his brains after the last horse had gone.
Many thanks to Mike, and everybody who talked to me. I want to thank so many people today, everyone at Galway really, hard to single anybody out, it’s been a great day and everybody’s looking forward to two more exciting days of competition – Go Three Day Eventing!
PS. I was happy to meet Cherie Chauvin’s mum today. Cherie was recently was our EN profile of the week, and I met her at the Hagyard Midsouth Three Day, and this is Muffin who is training to be an event doggie!
Inevitably, and sadly, the main story will be the weather today, and although the rain fall was largely consistent throughout the day, the footing deteriorated as the day progressed and temperatures fell. Young Dutch rider Merel Blom who held on to her lead on Umberto for a large portion of the day was a breath of fresh air when I spoke to her after her second test, and I hope she achieves her goals of qualifying for London here, and we see her at the Olympics next year.
Buck stole her lead shortly after lunch with a beautiful test on Ballynoecastle RM, showing their relationship together, their experience and professionalism.
Michael Pollard also rode a lovely test on the stunning grey Jude’s Law to move into 2nd place, hard not to think of Icarus when you see him on a floaty white grey, who incidentally Michael tells me is absolutely fine, back home in Georgia with no real injuries apart from being sore and bruised.
James Alliston and India McAvoy’s Jumbo’s Jake put in a nice workmanlike test to slip into 3rd place ahead of Merel. I squeezed under the umbrella with James’ mum and dad to watch his test, and after a rather large glass of wine forced on me by his mum earlier, I was glad to see the judges agreed with us, we thought his test was marvelous, despite his mum saying dad John can’t tell Jake apart from an Apaloosa!
The running commentary alone was priceless and it wasn’t just the wine that had me in giggles, but James’ dad, “Come on, son, Nail the Finish!” He must have heard us, although I thought we were terribly discreet! More from Galway later, go eventing!
Inevitably, and sadly, the main story will be the weather today, and although the rain fall was largely consistent throughout the day, the footing deteriorated as the day progressed and temperatures fell. Young Dutch rider Merel Blom who held on to her lead on Umberto for a large portion of the day was a breath of fresh air when I spoke to her after her second test, and I hope she achieves her goals of qualifying for London here, and we see her at the Olympics next year.
Buck stole her lead shortly after lunch with a beautiful test on Ballynoe Castle RM, showing their relationship together, their experience and professionalism.
Michael Pollard also rode a lovely test on the stunning grey Jude’s Law to move into 2nd place, hard not to think of Icarus when you see him on a floaty white grey,who incidentally Michael tells me is absolutely fine, back home in Georgia with no real injuries apart from being sore and bruised.
James Alliston and India McAvoy’s Jumbo’s Jake put in a nice workmanlike test to slip into 3rd place ahead of Merel. I squeezed under the umbrella with James’ mum and dad to watch his test, and after a rather large glass of wine forced on me by his mum earlier, I was glad to see the judges agreed with us, we thought his test was marvelous, despite his mum saying dad John can’t tell Jake apart from an Apaloosa!
The running commentary alone was priceless and it wasn’t just the wine that had me in giggles, but James’ dad, “Come on, son, Nail the Finish!” He must have heard us, although I thought we were terribly discreet! More from Galway later, go eventing!
Stephen Bradley used all his considerable experience to bring out the best in In The Fog, and was understandably thrilled with him after the test.
I haven’t seen a drop noseband in a long time, perhaps since my hunting days, and In the Fog reminds me of a good old-fashioned, honest hunter, in the best way. I’d love to see him go really well for Stephen and Charlotte on Saturday. From the few riders I’ve talked to so far, the CCI*** course here at Galway, designed of course by Ian Stark, is demanding tons of respect.
Nate Chambers did a lovely test on Rolling Stone who is looking fantastic. The ring is quite “busy”: quite close to the Training Three Day ring next door, quite close to the VIP tent which is fairly noisy, and quite closely flanked on all sides by the banners and railings. Have I mentioned the weather? It’s raining on and off, sometimes light, sometimes a monsoon, and the wind has been equally varying and some horses cope better than others. The footing, as Stephen mentioned is deep and slippery.
Kristin Schmolze rode a great test but Cavaldi showed some tension in the walk and changes
Kadi Eykamp and Double Rivers Dillon, loved this horse.
Buck Davidson came in after a brief break and once again, experience seemed to pay dividends: Ballynoe Castle brought it – calm, flowing, accurate and an absolute joy to watch, it was no surprise to hear Mike Tucker announce that they’d moved into the top spot ahead of long-time leader Dutch rider Merel Blom on her first ride Umberto. Buck, and owner Carl, were wet and delighted.
Dressage continues until almost 5pm this afternoon and it looks like the weather is set to do the same. Thanks for staying with the Nation and Go Eventing
Gina Fiore and Ferral Errol battle the elements but put in a nice test regardless. Galway Downs are doing a superb job on the live scoring, you can keep tabs on that right here, and a massive thank you to them for sharing their internet hot spot so that I can type ringside, and keep you updated as much as possible. The @galwaydowns twitter feed is also giving live coverage of the dressage and now that I’m connected I’ll try and keep you supplied with more pics – if only we hadn’t ever mentioned the weather, and if only Enterprise put in a fraction of the effort that Galway Downs does for customer service then perhaps I’d have seen some of this morning’s dressage instead of spending it at America’s Tires. No more ranting, more dressage in the rain at Galway! Go all weather eventing!
Stephen Bradley used all his considerable experience to bring out the best in In The Fog, and was understandably thrilled with him after the test.
I haven’t seen a drop noseband in a long time, perhaps since my hunting days, and In the Fog reminds me of a good old-fashioned, honest hunter, in the best way. I’d love to see him go really well for Stephen and Charlotte on Saturday. From the few riders I’ve talked to so far, the CCI*** course here at Galway, designed of course by Ian Stark, is demanding tons of respect.
Nate Chambers did a lovely test on Rolling Stone who is looking fantastic. The ring is quite “busy”: quite close to the Training Three Day ring next door, quite close to the VIP tent which is fairly noisy, and quite closely flanked on all sides by the banners and railings. Have I mentioned the weather? It’s raining on and off, sometimes light, sometimes a monsoon, and the wind has been equally varying and some horses cope better than others. The footing, as Stephen mentioned is deep and slippery.
Kristin Schmolze rode a great test but Cavaldi showed some tension in the walk and changes
Kadi Eykamp and Double Rivers Dillon, loved this horse.
Buck Davidson came in after a brief break and once again, experience seemed to pay dividends: Ballynoe Castle brought it – calm, flowing, accurate and an absolute joy to watch, it was no surprise to hear Mike Tucker announce that they’d moved into the top spot ahead of long-time leader Dutch rider Merel Blom on her first ride Umberto. Buck, and owner Carl, were wet and delighted.
Dressage continues until almost 5pm this afternoon and it looks like the weather is set to do the same. Thanks for staying with the Nation and Go Eventing
Gina Fiore and Ferral Errol battle the elements but put in a nice test regardless. Galway Downs are doing a superb job on the live scoring, you can keep tabs on that right here, and a massive thank you to them for sharing their internet hot spot so that I can type ringside, and keep you updated as much as possible. The @galwaydowns twitter feed is also giving live coverage of the dressage and now that I’m connected I’ll try and keep you supplied with more pics – if only we hadn’t ever mentioned the weather, and if only Enterprise put in a fraction of the effort that Galway Downs does for customer service then perhaps I’d have seen some of this morning’s dressage instead of spending it at America’s Tires. No more ranting, more dressage in the rain at Galway! Go all weather eventing!
Many years ago, Robert Kellerhouse had the idea to run an event to fill a void he saw opening up in the West Coast Eventing Community that he and his friends were so passionate about, and never dreamed that it would turn into the Galway Downs of today.
Of course events like this take enormous amounts of organisation, and Robert is lucky and smart enough to have hired some of the best in the business. Not only does he have GB Course Designer Ian Stark, GB Commentator Mike Tucker, GB Media Samantha Clark (!) and many more for an international feel, he’s got one of the best Event Secretary’s going – Christina Gray, who as Director of Competition at Rolex, and with many years of experience running her own company knows her way around any gymkhana, and with a West Coast history, hardly needs persuading to return to California in November!
The event this year is apparently bigger and better than ever, but as it’s my first visit I can’t be the judge of that. I can say that despite Robert not wanting me to mention the weather any more because he’s positive we’ve jinxed it, it’s been glorious and I’m ready to move to Cali in a heartbeat! Many thanks to Robert and Christina for their time. Here’s to a safe and successful event, and to West Coast Eventing. Go and buy your Rolex Tailgating Tickets, woohoo, and Go Eventing!
One thing that’s hard to miss about the West Coast eventing community is how tightly knit it is – they’re a loyal bunch of riders who support each other in a tough sport, made perhaps tougher by their geography. When I spoke to Robert Kellerhouse he talked his pride in the the strength of the Young Rider Programme out here, but everyone loves a comeback, and not just the West Coasters, but we’re all especially happy to see Olympians Amy Tryon and Gina Miles competing here again “in their own back yard”. I was sorry to miss Amy’s test but I do have Gina’s in the CCI* on Sunsprite Patronus, and I’m hoping to catch up with Amy for a chat if her riding and coaching schedule this weekend allow.
Wising all comers a great weekend at Galway Downs regardless, and looking forward to a healthy East Coast/West Coast competition! Go Galway Eventing!
One thing that’s hard to miss about the West Coast eventing community is how tightly knit it is – they’re a loyal bunch of riders who support each other in a tough sport, made perhaps tougher by their geography. When I spoke to Robert Kellerhouse he talked his pride in the the strength of the Young Rider Programme out here, but everyone loves a comeback, and not just the West Coasters, but we’re all especially happy to see Olympians Amy Tryon and Gina Miles competing here again “in their own back yard”. I was sorry to miss Amy’s test but I do have Gina’s in the CCI* on Sunsprite Patronus, and I’m hoping to catch up with Amy for a chat if her riding and coaching schedule this weekend allow.
Wising all comers a great weekend at Galway Downs regardless, and looking forward to a healthy East Coast/West Coast competition! Go Galway Eventing!
Many years ago, Robert Kellerhouse had the idea to run an event to fill a void he saw opening up in the West Coast Eventing Community that he and his friends were so passionate about, and never dreamed that it would turn into the Galway Downs of today.
Of course events like this take enormous amounts of organisation, and Robert is lucky and smart enough to have hired some of the best in the business. Not only does he have GB Course Designer Ian Stark, GB Commentator Mike Tucker, GB Media Samantha Clark (!) and many more for an international feel, he’s got one of the best Event Secretary’s going – Christina Gray, who as Director of Competition at Rolex, and with many years of experience running her own company knows her way around any gymkhana, and with a West Coast history, hardly needs persuading to return to California in November!
The event this year is apparently bigger and better than ever, but as it’s my first visit I can’t be the judge of that. I can say that despite Robert not wanting me to mention the weather any more because he’s positive we’ve jinxed it, it’s been glorious and I’m ready to move to Cali in a heartbeat! Many thanks to Robert and Christina for their time. Here’s to a safe and successful event, and to West Coast Eventing. Go and buy your Rolex Tailgating Tickets, woohoo, and Go Eventing!
For nearly everyone, Thursday at Galway Downs was incredibly busy. The CCI*** had their briefing at 10am, then began the lengthy first horse inspection of all the three day divisions. Dressage began in Ring One at 2pm for the CCI* with Steeplechase, and then at 3:10pm for the CCI**, while in Ring 2, the CCI* Dressage ran solidly from 1:30pm until 5:45pm. Slotted in between somehow was a Steeplechase training session with Ian Stark for the Training Three Day Riders which garnered glowing reviews from everyone I spoke to who participated. Carolyn Hoffas was one of the competitors who we caught on her way back from the training track, and she told us what advice she’d received from Ian.
There was also course walking to be done, and after the dressage a tour of the Roads and Tracks, and a Welcome Calcutta party. Dressage resumes bright and early friday morning, but the overnight leaders in the classic format CCI* are Barbara Crabo and Over Easy, and in the short format CCI* it’s Sara Mittleider with Harry Houdini. The CCI** lead was split between Max McManamy on Project Runway and Amber Levine on Oz Proof of Purchase. For full results click here.
I didn’t get a chance to see much of the dressage on thursday afternoon, but I did manage to record Gina Miles’ test on her CCI* horse Sunsprite Patronus. Hey, if you’re only going to tape one test it might as well be that of an Olympic Silver medalist! It’s still uploading so with a bit of luck it will be ready by the London Olympics, but if hell freezes over things speed up and it’s ready quicker I’ll post it as soon as I can.
Gina was wonderful and introduced Lily to her daughter Taylor, and Jennifer McFall’s daughter, also Taylor, back at the barns later, who in turn introduced us to Sunsprite Patronus, aka Patrick, who is smaller than he appears when Gina’s on him, of course much, much smaller than McKinlaigh and ridiculously cute, also a bit naughty – as soon as we turned our backs he snuck under the stall guard and followed us down the shed row! A huge thank you to Gina for being so friendly and making Lily’s day.
Gina and Patrick at the First Horse Inspection
The First Horse Inspection
Sigourney Jellins and House Music in the CCI*
Derek Di Grazia and Lad’s Night Out in the CCI*
Alyssa Phillips and Exploring in the CCI*
Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions in the CCI*
Maria Schatz and Joe in the CCI* were sent to the holding box but passed on re-inspection
Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight, in the CCI***
Smart Move and Lisa Marie Fergusson in the CCI***
Katherine Sulzbach and Wallenda in the CCI*
Jennifer McFall and High Times in the CCI*
Amelia Priesthoff and The Perfect Crime in the CCI*
Suzy Elliot and Ferngully in the CCI*
Matthew Brown and Aida in the CCI*
Wendy Webb and T.H. Royal Flush in the CCI*
Rebecca Braitling for Australia and Vanador PR in the CCI*
Tamra Smith with Krystie Bush’s Top Secret in the CCI*
Canada’s David Ziegler and Peninsula Top Man in the CCI*
Bryn Hamel and Cavalier Clover Boy in the CCI*
Lynne Partridge and El Cid in the CCI*
Alistaire Ruggiero and Clifton Damascus in the CCI*
California Style!
Kaleigh Holland and True Dynamite for Canada in the CCI*
Maddy Mazzola and Man on a Mission III
Project Runaway, Joint Overnight Leader in the CCI** for Max McManamy
Geriann Henderson’s Kingslee in the CCI**
Amy Tryon is such a tough and popular competitor all over the world, but no-one is happier to see her back in the game than the West Coast crowd. Here with Slewdelu in the CCI* with Steeplechase.
John Michael Durr and Warrick III in the CCI**
Katherine Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man in the CCI**
James Alliston on arguably the best behaved of his four horses at the trot-up on thursday afternoon. This was Tivoli in the CCI**, originally an Oliver Townend ride as James explained later,
Parker was probably the worst behaved, but at least James got to show off his agility, and he might well have a future in hurdling!
James and Parker negotiate the Obstacle Course Jog Lane
Canadian Sabrina Glaser-Levere and Yuri Zhivago in the CCI**
Jordan Taylor and Cambridge in the CCI**
The other joint overnight leader in the CCI**: Oz Proof of Purchase and Amber Levine
The beautiful Lusty aka Rock on Rose with Whitney Weston in the CCI**
Max MacManamy and Project Runway
Shannon Lilley and Forgotten Emblem in the CCI**
Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken in the CCI**
Kristin and Cavaldi who goes in the CCI***
Cindy Marvin and Dee Dee Chaser in the CCI**
Team Buck Davidson prepping three horses (Titanium, Ballynoe Castle RM, and Park Trader) for the CCI*** trot-up. All three passed, all three (and Buck!) looked immaculate.
Maris Burns and Young Gun in the CCI**
Yves Sauvignon and Sanssouci in the CCI**
Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against in the CCI**
Angela Grzywinski and Novelle in the CCI**
Canadian Kiyomi Foster and Tasman Sea in the CCI**
Jeanine Allred and Snap Decision in the CCI**
Aaargh, Buck doesn’t have his lucky socks on – but all’s well that end’s well, all 3 of his horses were accepted.
All the way from the Netherlands, Merel Blom and Umberto Db in the CCI*** to try and gain those all important Olympic qualifications for next year
Phillip Dutton and Mike Huber watch the proceedings
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon in the CCI***
Wonderful to see The Good Witch out again with Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe in the CCI***
Jennifer’s second ride in the CCI*** couldn’t be more different, a big, striking French gelding, Nabouco de Lessey
Olivia Loiacono and Subway, my choice for best turned out but that’s because I’m biased. Once you’ve watched this short interview you might be too, and extremely jealous when you learn that Olivia scored the best groom for Galway, AND perhaps the best job to follow it…
Wishing both Olivia and Lisa the best of luck this weekend, and I can’t wait to hear more reports from England.
A dapper Stephen Bradley (as always) and a very slimline ( not as always, Stephen said they’ve been trying really hard!) In The Fog, in the CCI***.
Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone in the CCI***
Kadi Eykamp and Double Rivers Dillon in the CCI***. You can find out more about Kadi, courtesy of EN’s Abbie, here.
Sir Donovan and Katie Ruppel in the CCI***
Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage in the CCI***
John Michael Durr again in the CCI***, this time with Iona Grey
Mara Depuy and Fun Maker in the CCI***
Bluetooth?
A pug called Boo
Cavaldi working really nicely on the flat on thursday afternoon for Kristin Shmolze and
under the eagle eye of Phillip Dutton
The Point Two Air Vest Indian Camp Corners (well, actually just one of them in this picture), Fences 11 and 12 on the CCI*** with more decoration on them than yesterday. Will keep adding pictures as I go along and as internet connection and battery life allow! Thank you for reading, and go california eventing!
For nearly everyone, Thursday at Galway Downs was incredibly busy. The CCI*** had their briefing at 10am, then began the lengthy first horse inspection of all the three day divisions. Dressage began in Ring One at 2pm for the CCI* with Steeplechase, and then at 3:10pm for the CCI**, while in Ring 2, the CCI* Dressage ran solidly from 1:30pm until 5:45pm. Slotted in between somehow was a Steeplechase training session with Ian Stark for the Training Three Day Riders which garnered glowing reviews from everyone I spoke to who participated. Carolyn Hoffas was one of the competitors who we caught on her way back from the training track, and she told us what advice she’d received from Ian.
There was also course walking to be done, and after the dressage a tour of the Roads and Tracks, and a Welcome Calcutta party. Dressage resumes bright and early friday morning, but the overnight leaders in the classic format CCI* are Barbara Crabo and Over Easy, and in the short format CCI* it’s Sara Mittleider with Harry Houdini. The CCI** lead was split between Max McManamy on Project Runway and Amber Levine on Oz Proof of Purchase. For full results click here.
I didn’t get a chance to see much of the dressage on thursday afternoon, but I did manage to record Gina Miles’ test on her CCI* horse Sunsprite Patronus. Hey, if you’re only going to tape one test it might as well be that of an Olympic Silver medalist! It’s still uploading so with a bit of luck it will be ready by the London Olympics, but if hell freezes over things speed up and it’s ready quicker I’ll post it as soon as I can.
Gina was wonderful and introduced Lily to her daughter Taylor, and Jennifer McFall’s daughter, also Taylor, back at the barns later, who in turn introduced us to Sunsprite Patronus, aka Patrick, who is smaller than he appears when Gina’s on him, of course much, much smaller than McKinlaigh and ridiculously cute, also a bit naughty – as soon as we turned our backs he snuck under the stall guard and followed us down the shed row! A huge thank you to Gina for being so friendly and making Lily’s day.
Gina and Patrick at the First Horse Inspection
The First Horse Inspection
Sigourney Jellins and House Music in the CCI*
Derek Di Grazia and Lad’s Night Out in the CCI*
Alyssa Phillips and Exploring in the CCI*
Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions in the CCI*
Maria Schatz and Joe in the CCI* were sent to the holding box but passed on re-inspection
Jolie Wentworth and GoodKnight, in the CCI***
Smart Move and Lisa Marie Fergusson in the CCI***
Katherine Sulzbach and Wallenda in the CCI*
Jennifer McFall and High Times in the CCI*
Amelia Priesthoff and The Perfect Crime in the CCI*
Suzy Elliot and Ferngully in the CCI*
Matthew Brown and Aida in the CCI*
Wendy Webb and T.H. Royal Flush in the CCI*
Rebecca Braitling for Australia and Vanador PR in the CCI*
Tamra Smith with Krystie Bush’s Top Secret in the CCI*
Canada’s David Ziegler and Peninsula Top Man in the CCI*
Bryn Hamel and Cavalier Clover Boy in the CCI*
Lynne Partridge and El Cid in the CCI*
Alistaire Ruggiero and Clifton Damascus in the CCI*
California Style!
Kaleigh Holland and True Dynamite for Canada in the CCI*
Maddy Mazzola and Man on a Mission III
Project Runaway, Joint Overnight Leader in the CCI** for Max McManamy
Geriann Henderson’s Kingslee in the CCI**
Amy Tryon is such a tough and popular competitor all over the world, but no-one is happier to see her back in the game than the West Coast crowd. Here with Slewdelu in the CCI* with Steeplechase.
John Michael Durr and Warrick III in the CCI**
Katherine Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man in the CCI**
James Alliston on arguably the best behaved of his four horses at the trot-up on thursday afternoon. This was Tivoli in the CCI**, originally an Oliver Townend ride as James explained later,
Parker was probably the worst behaved, but at least James got to show off his agility, and he might well have a future in hurdling!
James and Parker negotiate the Obstacle Course Jog Lane
Canadian Sabrina Glaser-Levere and Yuri Zhivago in the CCI**
Jordan Taylor and Cambridge in the CCI**
The other joint overnight leader in the CCI**: Oz Proof of Purchase and Amber Levine
The beautiful Lusty aka Rock on Rose with Whitney Weston in the CCI**
Maggie Deatrick and Divine Comedy in the CCI**
Shannon Lilley and Forgotten Emblem in the CCI**
Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken in the CCI**
Kristin and Cavaldi who goes in the CCI***
Cindy Marvin and Dee Dee Chaser in the CCI**
Team Buck Davidson prepping three horses (Titanium, Ballynoe Castle RM, and Park Trader) for the CCI*** trot-up. All three passed, all three (and Buck!) looked immaculate.
Maris Burns and Young Gun in the CCI**
Yves Sauvignon and Sanssouci in the CCI**
Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against in the CCI**
Angela Grzywinski and Novelle in the CCI**
Canadian Kiyomi Foster and Tasman Sea in the CCI**
Jeanine Allred and Snap Decision in the CCI**
Aaargh, Buck doesn’t have his lucky socks on – but all’s well that end’s well, all 3 of his horses were accepted.
All the way from the Netherlands, Merel Blom and Umberto Db in the CCI*** to try and gain those all important Olympic qualifications for next year
Phillip Dutton and Mike Huber watch the proceedings
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon in the CCI***
Wonderful to see The Good Witch out again with Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe in the CCI***
Jennifer’s second ride in the CCI*** couldn’t be more different, a big, striking French gelding, Nabouco de Lessey
Olivia Loiacono and Subway, my choice for best turned out but that’s because I’m biased. Once you’ve watched this short interview you might be too, and extremely jealous when you learn that Olivia scored the best groom for Galway, AND perhaps the best job to follow it…
Wishing both Olivia and Lisa the best of luck this weekend, and I can’t wait to hear more reports from England.
A dapper Stephen Bradley (as always) and a very slimline ( not as always, Stephen said they’ve been trying really hard!) In The Fog, in the CCI***.
Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone in the CCI***
Kadi Eykamp and Double Rivers Dillon in the CCI***. You can find out more about Kadi, courtesy of EN’s Abbie, here.
Sir Donovan and Katie Ruppel in the CCI***
Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage in the CCI***
John Michael Durr again in the CCI***, this time with Iona Grey
Mara Depuy and Fun Maker in the CCI***
Bluetooth?
A pug called Boo
Cavaldi working really nicely on the flat on thursday afternoon for Kristin Shmolze and
under the eagle eye of Phillip Dutton
The Point Two Air Vest Indian Camp Corners (well, actually just one of them in this picture), Fences 11 and 12 on the CCI*** with more decoration on them than yesterday. Will keep adding pictures as I go along and as internet connection and battery life allow! Thank you for reading, and go california eventing!
Please note that most of these pictures were taken before the day before the course was officially open for walking, and as you can see some of the jumps don’t have their flags up yet, and some have more decorations added since. I’ll add more photos periodically, and hope to do some “video walks” of some of the trickier combinations with a few of the riders, and also with course designer Ian Stark, if time allows.
Temperatures are forecast to drop significantly on saturday and sunday, as is the wind. Wishing everyone safe rides cross country; Go eventing!
Please note that most of these pictures were taken before the day before the course was officially open for walking, and as you can see some of the jumps don’t have their flags up yet, and some have more decorations added since. I’ll add more photos periodically, and hope to do some “video walks” of some of the trickier combinations with a few of the riders, and also with course designer Ian Stark, if time allows.
Temperatures are forecast to drop significantly on Saturday and Sunday, as is the wind. Wishing everyone safe rides cross country; Go eventing!
What a wonderful sight as we drove in this morning: The Santa Fe Hunt out on exercise with Gary (english, of course!). Based at Kingsway Farm, and owned by Mr Payne, their main quarry is coyote. I feel almost at home, almost!
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Titanium and Buck Davidson. Buck told me that Ty has such sensitive skin that he was wearing the towel to stop his leg from rubbing his sides and making them sore.
This photo of Ty is especially for Joanie Morris who couldn’t be here this weekend because of her enormous Margarita hangover, and also that little horse show and series of races in Kentucky (The Breeders Cup and the Alltech National Horse Show of course. We miss you, Joanie, but none so much as Titanium!)
What a wonderful sight as we drove in this morning: The Santa Fe Hunt out on exercise with Gary (english, of course!). Based at Kingsway Farm, and owned by Mr Payne, their main quarry is coyote. I feel almost at home, almost!
Hawley Bennet hacked from her farm literally just across the road with Alyssa Phillips on Digby, aka the former Jessica Phoenix ride Exploring, competing this weekend in the CCI*.
Maria Schatz and Joe, also in the CCI*
Olympic Medalist Gina Miles on her CCI* entry Sunsprite Patronus
Maya Black in the CCI** on Konyagi
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon in the CCI***
Exploring and Alyssa Phillips again, just because!
Park Trader going for a hack
I think everyone is relieved that there is barely a breath of wind today, and conditions could hardly be more perfect. I caught up with Michael Pollard by the refreshments, who was not drowning his sorrows after a hard night at the casino, but was loading up on black coffee, perhaps after spending too long there trying to win back his losses!
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon again
Shelley Thomas and Intrepid in the Sr Training Rider
Lynne Partridge and El Cid on the big chestnut with a friend, I apologise for not catching the number.
Merel Blom and Rumour Has It, who has come from the Netherlands to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games
Lots of Canadian lurve, always!
Auburn Excell Brady on Caboose
2nd most preferred mode of transport. Actually not, Lily would much rather ride a moped or a golf cart but we are hoofing it on our own two feet this weekend, trying to make up for the enormous carbon footprint Enterprise is making when it gave the two of us a gigantic minivan, or as they’re called in England – a peoplemover! I was tempted to cancel our hotel room and camp in it, but after the dust storm yesterday was glad of our shower. Trot up starts shortly, will try not to ramble, and keep it relevant. More from Galway Downs soon, thanks for reading and Go eventing!
What a wonderful sight as we drove in this morning: The Santa Fe Hunt out on exercise with Gary (english, of course!). Based at Kingsway Farm, and owned by Mr Payne, their main quarry is coyote. I feel almost at home, almost!
">
Titanium and Buck Davidson. Buck told me that Ty has such sensitive skin that he was wearing the towel to stop his leg from rubbing his sides and making them sore.
This photo of Ty is especially for Joanie Morris who couldn’t be here this weekend because of her enormous Margarita hangover, and also that little horse show and series of races in Kentucky (The Breeders Cup and the Alltech National Horse Show of course. We miss you, Joanie, but none so much as Titanium!)
What a wonderful sight as we drove in this morning: The Santa Fe Hunt out on exercise with Gary (english, of course!). Based at Kingsway Farm, and owned by Mr Payne, their main quarry is coyote. I feel almost at home, almost!
Hawley Bennet hacked from her farm literally just across the road with Alyssa Phillips on Digby, aka the former Jessica Phoenix ride Exploring, competing this weekend in the CCI*.
Maria Schatz and Joe, also in the CCI*
Olympic Medalist Gina Miles on her CCI* entry Sunsprite Patronus
Maya Black in the CCI** on Konyagi
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon in the CCI***
Exploring and Alyssa Phillips again, just because!
Park Trader going for a hack
I think everyone is relieved that there is barely a breath of wind today, and conditions could hardly be more perfect. I caught up with Michael Pollard by the refreshments, who was not drowning his sorrows after a hard night at the casino, but was loading up on black coffee, perhaps after spending too long there trying to win back his losses!
Nina Ligon and Butts Leon again
Shelley Thomas and Intrepid in the Sr Training Rider
Lynne Partridge and El Cid on the big chestnut with a friend, I apologise for not catching the number.
Merel Blom and Rumour Has It, who has come from the Netherlands to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games
Lots of Canadian lurve, always!
Auburn Excell Brady on Caboose
2nd most preferred mode of transport. Actually not, Lily would much rather ride a moped or a golf cart but we are hoofing it on our own two feet this weekend, trying to make up for the enormous carbon footprint Enterprise is making when it gave the two of us a gigantic minivan, or as they’re called in England – a peoplemover! I was tempted to cancel our hotel room and camp in it, but after the dust storm yesterday was glad of our shower. Trot up starts shortly, will try not to ramble, and keep it relevant. More from Galway Downs soon, thanks for reading and Go eventing!
So far all the stereotypes about California seem to be running true – it’s beautiful weather, warm and sunny with zero humidity, everyone is friendly and helpful, and Lily and I are never going home! I bumped into Stephen Bradley this morning collecting his packet, and he was inclined to agree that it’s pretty marvelous here; he’s on his first trip out west, and reports that In the Fog (CCI***) traveled out here well and arrived on monday. A very nice girl, native of Las Vegas but who lives here in California now told us that the strong winds were the Santa Anas, and they would be gone tomorrow, as if it were a bad thing, and although they did whip up the dust quite a lot, as Stephen said, at least it’s a warm wind.
Everyone here is rather laid back! The facility got busier throughout the day today with trailers arriving, and horses working on the flat in the sand arenas, or hacking around the area, some of them taking advantage of the training track for a pipe-opener or just a leg stretch.
Perfectly colour-coordinated for the landscape: Tonje Kearney on Kodiak
With a training three day and a CCI* with Steeplechase on the docket there are lots of horses, and seven different cross country courses laid out, almost ready to be walked. Lily and I walked around most of the CCI***, and were delighted to be almost run over by Ian Stark in a golf cart. Driving almost the same way he used to ride cross country he had Ground Jury member Angela Tucker, FEI Technical Delegate Patricia Clifton and his wife Jenny hanging on for dear life, and I caught up with him for a few brief words later,
Ian will also do a Training Three Day Steeplechase School tomorrow afternoon, and the CCI*** course will be officially open at noon so we’ll post our jump pictures online then.
Although Christina Gray does a brilliant job as Director of Rolex, she seems to be losing to a magnetic lure of these Western events where she honed her trade, and it’s always a lovely surprise to see her smiling face in the office, as Secretary of this event, and as well at Rebecca Farm a few months previously, but I’m embarrassed to admit I think I’ve now seen her more this summer at away games than in Kentucky!
Much more to come from Galway, perhaps later, but definitely tomorrow and all weekend. Thanks for visiting Eventing Nation, and go West Coast eventing!
