Clark and Universe
After Clark’s final halt, there was no question he and Universe would go into the CIC*** lead: Universe was in the zone, his changes were by far the cleanest, and his test was the most expressive we’d seen. They’ll head into cross-country with a well-earned 4-point lead (40.8) over Hannah and Harbour Pilot (44.60).
Buck and The Apprentice
The Apprentice showed some serious wingspan in his mediums, and I know Buck loves the way this horse jumps. They’re sitting solidly in third on a 47.20.
Sinead and Tate
Sinead and Tate laid down a very consistent, rhythmic test. They didn’t make any mistakes, and I got the sense Sinead wasn’t engaging all the engines. They’re tied for sixth on a 49.60 with Boyd and Trading Aces, who aside from a few bobbles in the halts, looked like a seasoned partnership.
Rebecca and Riddle Master
Team Canada should be thrilled with Rebecca and Riddle Master, who were flashy and focused, scoring 48.4 for fourth. Both Exponential and Ginny were a bit tense; Ginny showcased some serious expression early in their test, but then lost a little balance and focus.
And then there was Neville, who came into the ring looking like a million bucks—but right as the whistle blew, something unsettled him. He bolted, and Boyd did everything he could to regain composure, but the tension ultimately got the better of their test. Boyd has since confirmed that they experimented with a new, shorter warm-up this morning, hoping to push for more in the ring. He’d already planned against running Neville cross-country tomorrow, and now plans to re-do his test in the ring at 6:30 tomorrow morning following a longer, rounder warm-up. Despite not running cross-country, Boyd is planning to show jump Neville Sunday. They’re currently planning to run cross-country at the Bromont CIC*** in a few weeks before heading to the Hartpury CIC*** this summer, assuming all goes well.
CIC*** Dressage Leaders:
1. Clark Montgomery/Universe – 40.80
2. Hannah Burnett/Harbour Pilot – 44.60
3. Bruce Davidson Jr/The Apprentice – 47.20
4. Rebecca Howard/Riddle Master – 48.40
5. Will Faudree/Pawlow – 49.40
6T. Sinead Halpin/Manoir de Carneville – 49.60
6T. Boyd Martin/Trading Aces – 49.60
8. William Coleman III/Cool Connection – 54.00
9. Boyd Martin/Neville Bardos – 54.20
10. William Coleman III/Vancover – 54.60
[Scores]
CCI*** is about to begin.
