Rowdie Adams on RF Blitsfee who has a huge, scopey jump, lying 5th in JYROP after jumping clear with some time xc. Rowdie, who could be eventing’s version of Reed Kessler rode with a tact and sensitivity that far belied her young years and was a pleasure to see.
Today has been a frustrating one for many riders, and for me also. Having arrived at the showgrounds later than I would have liked, but anticipating a long day I relented and let my kids have some linger over breakfast, we then had to leave much earlier than I wanted to because poor Lily’s eyes became terribly swollen due to allergies and I wanted to get her some medicine and inside before we ended up spending the night in the ER.
Lily Barlow rode Grayboo into 2nd place after xc
Having said that we did see most of the Junior and Young Rider Prelim divisions and I’m glad to say I was really impressed by their riding. As we stood by the water complex near the end, which I think was pretty complicated at this level, you could tell that most of them must have walked the course with a coach, or had some good advice, made a plan and were executing it.
Kacie Dannehower and Fable at the water
To be honest, the prelim divisions which started at 8am this morning probably got the worse of the going, but as Jon Holling explains, it really wasn’t that bad and did nothing but improve steadily throughout the day. The jump judges were really proactive about raking the take-offs and landings, and the course building crew were busy laying down extra stone dust and peanut shells, yes, peanut shells – Hell, we’re in Georgia after all! at every opportunity.
Peanut shells – when used correctly (not too thick a layer) they can provide great footing in squidgy spots, and also are more environmentally friendly than woodchips or shavings as they leech less nitrogen into the soil, or something! Also, the peanut shell mountain – how cool is that? Actually, quite smelly, as Harry will attest – he conquered that one, and the gravel one too. And so back to Jon Holling…
Many many thanks to Jon for his time, and to Jen who is indeed a dynamo and a treasure.
Benita Strini, in 6th place overnight, rode beautifully on Sammy Jo
Michelle Mercier, currently leading JYROP B, took advantage of Intrepid’s less extravagant jumps into the water to make tight turns, and was the only one we saw turn immediately right off this bank and gallop out that way, probably shaving off a second or two. It did seem that, especially jumping in for the first time, the horses would see a way out straight ahead and the bolder, bigger jumping horses got punished by having to work harder to make the left hand turn to the bank.
The next generation of JYROP – Eventing offspring
Allison Thompson and Knockraha in the PR division, currently lying 3rd
Sydney Conley Elliot and SafarriO, leading Prelim Horse B.
Congratulations to all those who competed today and I hope you get a good night’s rest. Advanced report and pictures coming next – another dose of Benadryl too. Hope to be back in the morning to watch some stadium, not sure if I have the nerve to drag Lily and Harry back out on xc before our endurance drive home, and school on monday morning! Thanks for visiting Eventing nation as always, it’s nice to know we’re in such good company, and go eventing!
