While Pine Top kicked off the U.S. three-star season last weekend, California is heating up with their own circuit, with Twin Rivers running the first CIC3* on the West Coast this year. While the division is a bit sparse with only four entries, there are some big implications, as Twin Rivers is the final North American FEI event that individuals can earn points towards Olympic rankings. Because the division is so small, I’m only picking the winner today, as well as a pair of horses to keep an eye on in the Advanced division.
The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. The cross country course designer is Derek di Grazia and the show jumping course designer is Jose Nava. Derek di Grazia is a prominent designer on both sides of the country, and designs Rolex and Fair Hill among other events. Jose Nava designs exclusively on the West Coast, and most of the pairs here are familiar with his designs.
Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.
WINNER
Barb Crabo and Eveready: Eveready is entering an astonishing ninth year competing at the three-star level. He first competed at this venue in the CIC3* in September of 2007 and has competed in at least one three-star every year since, except for 2010. In a truly remarkable career, it would be icing on the cake for this pair to win here where it all started.
Eveready has only done this test once, scoring a 52.8 last summer at Rebecca Farm. Although often a clear jumper, this horse does average one rail over Jose Nava’s courses. At Derek di Grazia’s Woodside course in 2013, this pair went clear with only 1 second over optimum time. Matching that pace would give them the win with a score in the high 50s.
Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Jenni Autry.
ADVANCED DIVISION
Number of entries: 6
Pairs to watch:
- Mackenna Shea and Landioso
- Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster
