Classic Eventing Nation

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We were treated to yet another record set by German Olympic champion Michael Jung much earlier than usual in the drawn order on Thursday at Defender Kentucky. While his record-setting (again!) 18.6 earned with fischerChipmunk FRH (Contendro I – Havanna, by Heraldik, owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee für Reiterei e.V., Klaus & Sabine Fischer, & Joachim Jung) now might leave some of the competitors yet to come feeling like they’re riding for second, there is just something special about witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime combination — who really don’t campaign heavily and certainly don’t do a ton of 5*s, particularly during a major championship cycle.

Believe it or not, the test wasn’t the world record beater — the top two scores currently stand from the Paris Olympics, where Michael actually earned one of those with this horse (a 17.8). The record currently belongs to Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52, who also laid down a teens score in Paris with a stunning 17.3.

But back to Kentucky and today. This score will go down as the third lowest 5* score on record (since tracking begin in 2008) and also the new lowest score at Kentucky (beating, lol, himself), and for his part Michael was, naturally, pleased with the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding. This winter, he prepped a little differently than he ordinarily would, traveling to Italy to do some CSI1* show jumping competition rather than campaigning him at events.

“Normally I’d have more prep events, but there weren’t many good options near home, and we had a dry spring,” Michael elaborated. “So I focused on training and galloping at home. I trust Chipmunk — he doesn’t need a lot of competition to be ready. He had a longer break after Paris, and I started really focusing on his training again in February—building up his endurance and muscle. He’s in great shape now.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

At this point in their partnership, Michael and Chipmunk certainly know each other well, and that does shine through in these incredible scores they’re able to achieve together. “He’s the kind of horse you dream of having,” he said. “He’s lovely to ride in dressage, and at home he’s very uncomplicated — once you get to know him. He seems calm on the outside, but he’s actually quite sensitive inside. It took a while after I got him to build a real partnership. But once you understand him, he’s so easy and relaxed.”

That relaxation is key: among a total of five 10s earned from judges Christian Steiner at C, Anne-Mette Binder at E and Peter Gray at M, one of those came from Peter for the collective mark which judges the harmony between horse and rider. The pair also earned 10s, all from Christian Steiner at C, on the first movement (their entrance, halt, salute, and first collected trot), movement 14 (transition to collected trot, track right), movement 20 (serpentine of three loops with a flying change), and movement 24 (flying change). Interestingly, though, the judges were actually the most in “disagreement” on Michael’s score, to the tune of a spread of 12 percentage points between the highest and lowest total percentage score. Christian at C was the most generous with his marks, while Anne-Mette Binder was the lowest.

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Paris Olympian Clarke Johnstone (NZL) makes his return to Kentucky for the first time since the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, where he earned a team bronze medal for the Kiwis. He brings forward his Paris horse, Menlo Park (Berlin – Faerie Queen, by Rock King) and currently sits equal second with Tim Price (NZL) on a score of 28.4, a tick or two higher than the 25.7 earned in Paris and the 26.3 earned in the horse’s first 5* at Pau last fall, but certainly still well within their competitive average on the flat.

“It was a really solid test,” Clarke said of Menlo Park, who is owned by the rider and Jean & Rob Johnstone. “A couple of little things could have been better, but overall, ‘Jacko’ was really rideable and focused. I always say the bigger the stadium, the better he goes — and this is about as big as stadiums get. So I’m really proud of him. He was a good boy. I think this test was pretty comparable to the one in Paris. I made one mistake there, too, but Jacko was maybe a bit more energetic in that atmosphere. It was actually raining during our test in Paris, and that seemed to freshen him up. Today, I felt like I had to encourage him a bit more, which may be where we lost a few marks. But it was still a tidy test — and there’s a long way to go in the weekend.”

“It’s been 15 years since I was last here — at the World Championships in 2010,” Clarke said later in the press conference. “I’ve wanted to come back ever since. As [Michael] said, it’s a stunning venue, and everyone is so welcoming. It’s a real privilege to return after all these years.”

Clarke has also changed up his prep a little this year, having been pleased with the 15-year-old British Sport Horse’s performance at Paris. Like Michael, he also spent some time show jumping in the off-season, traveling to Spain to compete on the Sunshine Tour (a path often taken by Tim and Jonelle Price, as well as others). “I was pleased with Paris overall — great dressage and cross country, though I had a rail in show jumping,” Clarke mused. “Since then, I did a month of show jumping in Spain and had a couple of Intermediate runs and a four-short in England. It’s been a dry spring, which suits my horse; he prefers firm ground. He’s not the fastest but has good stamina, so I’ve focused on getting him as fit as possible for Saturday’s long, hilly cross country.”

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price is well-sat to make a strong run this week with three horses, two of which sit in the top five after today’s competition. The 11-year-old KWPN Jarillo (Dantos – Fiorilla, by Alicante), owned by Lucy Allison, Francis Stead, and James and Rachel Good, is the highest-placed today, sitting equal second on a score of 28.4. It’s a little above the 27.2 this horse earned in his 5* debut at Pau, where he went on to finish ninth despite the horrendous weather conditions, but Tim was pleased with the horse’s development as he steps up to an arguably tougher, in some ways, second 5*.

“That day was really tough,” Tim said. “But I was impressed with how well he coped. He did feel tired at the end, but sometimes horses need to experience that to build stamina. He’s come out this year stronger and more established. I just need to feel my way around and give him a smart ride — hopefully Pau set him up well for this weekend.”

“This is a young horse — green and unpredictable — but super talented,” Tim said of his test today with Jarillo. “For him to go in there, focus on me, stay on the job, and even have an element of relaxation — I was really happy with that. He can be easily distracted. I stopped to take his boots off and he was staring off at a golf cart way in the distance. He’s a bit of a skylark, but in the arena today, he really tuned in.”

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Happy Boy (Indoctro – W. Amelusina 17, by Odermus R), a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Tim alongside Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, is seeking his first 5* completion after withdrawing from competition at his two starts in 2023 (Luhmühlen and Pau). He’s had another year of experience in the time since, culminating in a win at the Blenheim 4*-L, which is a truly challenging 4*-L that really sets the mark of whether a horse shows the mettle for the 5* level. He squeaked in under the 30 mark with a 29.1, an improvement over his Pau score of 32.9, to sit fourth overnight.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boyd Martin will be the best-placed U.S. rider going into Friday, riding his first of three rides, the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor), early in the day to the tune of a 29.8 to round out the early top five. It’s not quite a personal best for “Bruno”, who’s starting his fourth 5* this week and first one at Kentucky, but just a hair-breadth over the 29.5 he earned at Pau last fall and also a shade lower than his Paris Olympics score of 30.5.

“Bruno went really well,” Boyd said. “I was really pleased with him. He’s such a nice, quiet, laid-back horse, and I thought the energy in the ring today was just right. It was one of our better tests. Still a few little things to tidy up, but overall I was really happy. He’s a pretty laid-back character, and he’s a bit of a veteran now, so he knows the drill. He understands when to hold it together and when he can breathe a bit. He kind of knows the test at this point, so he’s a pleasure to ride.”

We’ll now look ahead to the second half of the field tomorrow, which for the 5* will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET with Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Other “ones to watch” tomorrow (though no one is highly likely to threaten Michael’s record today) include Monica Spencer and Artist, potentials to at least take over the second spot, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri, Harry Meade and Graffenacht, and Boyd again with Commando 3. You can see who goes when here. Stay tuned for our live blog coming at the start of the 5*, and catch up on today’s blog here.

Don’t forget to look for our utterly ridiculous Chinch in a backpack starting tomorrow for our Chase the Chinch challenge if you’re here on site! Learn more about it here.

As always, Go Eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

The stage is set… Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It is happening. The Best Weekend All Year is upon us and I’ll be bringing you all of the action, as it happens, from Kentucky Horse Park where the 5* competition is about to get underway.

The field is hot, hot, hot 🌶️ that’s for sure, and we are in for one heck of a long weekend of sport. Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you won’t miss a thing.

Going today we have the reigning Olympic champions (incidentally, they’re also previous Kentucky champs), stalwart 5* campaigners – including a trio of winners – and rookies alike, all vying to get their name at the top of the leaderboard as they head into Saturday’s cross country. It’s going to be a good one, you know it! Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here.

Before we head out between the white boards, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

As you know, here at EN we are ridiculously happy to wear our fingers down to tiny stumps in order to feed eventing nerdsters such as yourselves every scrap of info, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky so kindly throws up. You’ll find all of our blood-soaked content and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.

With all that said, it’s time to kick on and go eventing! Let’s do this thing…

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT:

EN’s classic full round-up will be along as soon as our ground team have wrangled the riders for their reactions, consulted with Chinch, and edited the whole thing down from 6 million words to a more digestible 5.5 million – eyes on the website for that dropping as soon as super-humanly possible.

Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what went down between the white boards today…

It’s an international domination at the top of the leaderboard thus far at Kentucky, with the Kiwis coming in large. Somewhat expectedly, the reigning Olympic champions are way out in front – if Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH finish on their dressage score of 18.6 they’ll smash their own record for the best ever finishing score at 5*. They’ve got an enormous 9.8 penalty lead as things stand. Nothing, however, separates New Zealand compatriots Jesse Campbell and Tim Price, riding Menlo Park and Jarillo respectively, in joint-second place on a score of 28.4. Tim’s right behind himself with Happy Boy on 29.1 in fourth. The best of the US comes courtesy of Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, who sit in fifth on a score of 29.8.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

❓ Trivia Time: What do Kentucky competitors Harry Meade, Buck Davidson and Olivia Dutton (who goes in the 4*) have in common? Answer at the end of this summary…

Whilst the scores are obviously important in the grand scheme of like, winning the whole dang thing, we all know that eventing is about so much more than just numbers. So here’s a run-down of some of the other goings on in the dressage ring at the Horse Park this afternoon:

🌟 Twinkle Toes – First to go Jarillo kicked up the sand and Sinead Halpin Maynard in the commentary box wondered whether he’d kicked off a shoe. It didn’t distract him from pulling a solid sub-30 test out of the bag with Tim Price to sit in joint-second place on a score of 28.4 though, in what was a neat and tidy performance overall.

📸 Say Cheese – This one’s surely shared between Clarke Johnstone and Jennie Brannigan. Clarke had every reason to grin as he made his way through his test with his Paris ride Menlo Park. He’s 7 for 7 in terms of the world’s 5* starts now and on top of that, both he and his horse performed with ease in the dressage ring this afternoon. Flowing, smooth, and straight into joint-second on the leaderboard. Jennie isn’t often without her trademark smile in the ring and there were plenty of reasons for her to be happy with recent Carolina 4*-S winner FE Lifestyle today. There were some lovely highlights where he showed how supple and strong he is, with a little tension creeping into the later stages as he started thinking about cross country. He forgot all about that as he stopped for a scratch on the way out of the ring. What a cute guy. Overall, they presented a picture of a horse and rider who know each other inside out – real partnership and harmony – and scored 34.

💩 Bathroom Break – Claus 63 punctuated his early trot work with a lil’ poop, but he didn’t miss a beat in what was sweet test that showed him to be happy and confident in his work. He’s sitting on a score of 32.3 with Sharon White.

🤝 Nice Guy Alert – He may be a total eventing superstar, but Boyd Martin remains a nice guy, stopping to shake hands with the Pony Clubbers assisting in the arena, which earned him a huge clap from the crowd. He’s currently best of the US in 5th spot with Fedarman B, who worked really hard for Boyd today. There was just the one bobble in an otherwise smooth and accurate test, when ‘Bruno’ anticipated the cue for the pirouette and thought it was the signal to trot. But Boyd’s a pro and they were quickly back together, finishing up on a sub-30 score of 29.8.

💃 Dancing Queen – Jonelle Price’s mare Hiarado looked fit and impressive as she strutted round the ring to finish up in 6th spot on a score of 30. They had a tiny mistake early on in the walk, when ‘Jools’ looked to lose a little balance, but the relaxation was consistent and, although she may be a feisty kinda gal, she’s a fierce competitor and remained calm and focused throughout her test. An exciting one to watch.

🎇 Fireworks Alert – Not quite, but almost… Lauren Nicholson did a great job of holding things together with her 5* debutant I’ll Have Another. He started up with a very swishy tail and broke into canter in the early trot work. Lauren of course rode like a total pro. There was a little jog step in the corner before the first pirouette, which actually came up nicely, but he was rather cross about having to do a second – the first was good enough, thank you very much! Lauren kept a lid on things though and they ended up on a score of 44.6. She must’ve breathed a sigh of relief when she halted at the end.

😬 Eek – Another eek moment came via Harry Meade and his first of two rides at Kentucky, Et Hop Du Matz. There was tension from the outset and the second pirouette in particular was sticky. There was a fair bit of tail swishing going on in the canter work and ‘Hoppy’ really did seem like he was living up to his name. But Harry was just, well Harry. Cool, calm, collected as ever and just very sympathetically riding the horse that was underneath him today. They finished up on a score of 34.2.

But the biggest story of the day is certainly sitting at the top of the leaderboard, and looking likely to stay there for the foreseeable future:

🔨 Record Breaker – Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk have put down a record-breaking dressage score at Kentucky are on track to break their own record for the lowest-ever 5* finishing score. Quite, quite possibly. If all goes to plan cross country that is. And the poles stay up in the show jumping. There’s a long way to go but there’s no denying the utter talent of this pair who deserve to be as far up there as they are after that brilliant dressage test.

Meanwhile, the first half of the 4* competitors got their Kentucky underway. Here’s how things are looking in that equally super-competitive field:

1️⃣ 🇺🇲 Sitting in top spot overnight is Phillip Dutton and Denim with a score of 25.6.

2️⃣ 🇺🇲 In second place at this point in proceedings is Molly Duda and Disco Traveler on a score of 27.7.

3️⃣ 🇺🇲 Rounding out the top three is Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake on a score of 27.9.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

Keep it locked onto EN for full reports coming your way and join me back with the live blog from the 5* dressage at 1pm EST / 7pm CEST tomorrow.

Until then, go eventing!

❓ Trivia Time Answer: They’ve all got Olympic gold medalist dads, so eventing truly is in their genes 👖

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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4:20pm

And so there we have it. The first day of 5* dressage at Defender Kentucky is in the bag and we have ourselves a leaderboard.

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Heading up today’s competition is Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH who totally delivered the goods and then some to sit on a score of 18.6.

2️⃣ 🇳🇿 In second spot overnight is Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park who produced a truly lovely test for a score of 28.4.

2️⃣ 🇳🇿 In joint-second, and Clarke’s compatriot, is Tim Price and Jarillo, who got the day going with a sub-30 score of 28.4.

4️⃣ 🇳🇿 It’s a Kiwi 2-2-4 after the first day’s dressage with Tim Price also up there with Happy Boy in fourth, on a score of 29.1.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.

I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow, typing ‘til my fingers fall off. Thanks for joining.

It all kicks off at 1pm EST / 7pm CEST when Boyd Martin and Luke 140 will get the second day of Kentucky 5* underway.

Ears forward ENers, and go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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4:04pm

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz

Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz. Photo by Eventing Nation.

Harry’s rounding things off for the first day of dressage in the Kentucky 5*. Who’ll be leading overnight? We’ll soon see…

This striking gelding is known as ‘Hoppy’ at home 🐸 Less hop more flow today though, please. You can hop to your heart’s content after the dressage is in the bag.

They’re beautifully straight up the center line and have a solid enough halt to start. They set off into trot and the horse doesn’t look super relaxed at the start of his test. The extended trot is light and strong.

The halt at C is similar to the first, steady, and the reinback is accurate. The horse seems a little more relaxed in the walk and steps out nicely for Harry. There’s some tentativeness coming into the pirouette and Harry pushes forward. The first pirouette is better than the second, which is a little sticky. They didn’t look like easy movements for this horse.

There’s quite a bit of anticipation coming into the canter work and a fair bit of tail swishing. Harry’s such a pro though and he’s riding very sympathetically, as ever. The canter isn’t so free and easy as it could be. Hoppy by name and hoppy by nature. Harry’s riding brilliantly, this doesn’t look like an easy ride. He’s better in the lateral work and the scores improve slightly for that. They turn back onto the center line and halt square, but not quite securely. This horse is looking forward to the cross country.

Overall this didn’t look easy to ride, but of course, Harry did a great job. There or thereabouts for what would be expected for this horse in terms of the score.

Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz score 34.2.

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3:56pm

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Happy Boy

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This is our penultimate combination of the day.

Will Tim be a happy boy at the end of his test? All three of Tim’s horses looked super fit and ready at the horse inspection yesterday. Eyes on…

They come dead straight up the center line and halt securely for a 7. The trot work is elegant and light and the extended is very nice.

Tim’s such a master of riding a dressage test. Everything is very accurate and he’s eking every mark out of this horse. Another good halt at C and a very clean and tidy reinback.

The walk work is easy and relaxed, very obedient and calm. Happy Boy picks his head up a little on the aid for the first pirouette, just anticipating slightly. But it’s less than a second before he’s totally back on Tim’s side.

This is shaping up to be a very accomplished test. It looks so easy for both the horse and the rider. Scores are trending in the 7s and it’s looking to be another sub-30 score.

Unfortunately the second change is a smidge late behind and the score drops a touch. Will that affect the score?

They come back around to the center line and halt quietly. A very nice, easy test overall from a master dressage rider with his willing partner. Sub-30…? Yes, and into the top-5.

Tim Price and Happy Boy score 29.1.

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3:48pm

🇺🇸 Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another

Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s only two others to go after I’ll Have Another, who, incidentally, is known as ‘Hendrick’ in the barn. Don’t mind if I do! 🍸

Hendrick’s swishing his tail as he comes up the center line and we see all of that cross country excitement as he breaks into canter in the corner. Lauren’s a total pro though and quickly settles him. As the trot progresses he seems to settle a little better.

He works in a nice rhythm in the lateral work and scores improve slightly. The halt is quiet, but not square, and the reinback is accurate enough.

They head out into walk and Lauren does a great job of relaxing the horse. He has a little jog step in the corner but then navigates the first pirouette very calmly. There’s a tail swish into the second though and he shows he’s getting a little cross. They go into the trot work and Hendrick would much rather be cantering. Lauren stays calm and convinces him to trot.

The go into the canter work and Hendrick seems happier at first. The head comes up as they go along the short side at C though. Lauren’s keeping a lid on things. This looks like a difficult ride.

There are times when the horse looks relaxed but then he seems to remember the occasion. They turn back onto the center line and Lauren must be breathing a sigh of relief as she halts.

They walk out of a long rein. Some tricky stuff going on, but also some very nice moments.

Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another score 44.6.

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3:40pm

🇺🇸 Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Rookie combo alert! ‘Mumbles’ is making his 5* debut aged 18. What a cool achievement 🌟

They come quietly into the ring and get their test off to a very solid start. There’s something so special about watching a longtime partnership working together. Mumbles is trying really hard. He’s not the flashiest or biggest mover in the field, but he’s clean and accurate and is clearly confident in his work.

Mumbles is so relaxed in there. His ears are flopping back and to as he listens to Arden. Very cute. The halt at C is secure and the reinback is accurate. Scores in the 6s on the whole so far for this test.

The walk is very relaxed. Mumbles is being so obedient and trying so hard for Arden. The pirouettes happen and they set back off into trot. He’s thinking about the canter work though. There’s quite a bit of anticipation and he almost sets off on the wrong lead but Arden puts him right.

The extended canter is a little tentative for such a fast horse – Arden obviously couldn’t let him go. Things are getting a little more tense as this test goes on. The first change is late. The scores are dropping slightly. But Arden’s calmly riding the horse that’s underneath her and she’s done a great job of holding her horse together. She knows him so well.

A nice test on the whole, with some very good work at the beginning. It’s so great to see these older guys really showing what they can do, and truly lovely to watch such a solid partnership in action.

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times score 43.3.

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3:32pm

🇩🇪 Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera

Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re down to the final five combinations of the day.

‘Phantom’ is owned by no fewer than five Böckmanns. That’s a whole lotta Böckmanns.

They get their test off to a very fine start with a solid halt for a 7. They set off into the trot work and the horse looks to be rideable and listening to Calvin. Everything’s very precise and accurate and Phantom’s soft and relaxed.

The halt at C isn’t as good as the first but the reinback is very neat and tidy. Phantom stretches into the contact in the extended and is very relaxed. Scores are creeping up.

The first pirouette is neat and tidy and so is the second. This is a very nice picture of a horse and rider in harmony with one another. Phantom looks to be very happy and confident in his work.

They set off into canter and it’s more of the same. This test has been very consistent throughout.

Oh, the first change is unlucky, and then the second one doesn’t quite happen either. They’re expensive. But Calvin doesn’t miss a beat. The third change is better. They come back round onto the center line and finish up with a square halt.

Loose reins and a big pat for Phantom. Overall this really was an easy test to watch. Horse and rider trying hard together. Unlucky with those changes. There’s ladies in the crowd screaming ‘Go Calvin!’. Indeed. The score’s slow coming in, but here it is…

Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera score 30.2.

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3:24pm

🇺🇸 Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Cam’ had a successful career on the track before turning his hoof to eventing with Buck 🏇 Less gallop more dancing today though, hey Cam? Save the speed for cross country.

Cam picks his head up as he halts at the beginning of his test, just to check we’re watching him. He sets off into trot and is doing everything Buck asks of him.

Scores are in the 6s for the initial part of the trot work. They lose a little rhythm in the half pass. Cam is kind of tight and that tension really shows up in the reinback. His head comes up and it looks a little tricky.

There’s clearly a lot of excitement bubbling under the surface in the walk work but he’s keeping a lid on it.

There’s more fractiousness in the first pirouette and Cam’s really got the bend a little off. The second is slightly better. Scores drop a little in this part of the test.

They get off into canter and the mistakes continue to creep in. There’s a fair bit of tension here but the horse is fit for cross country, that’s for sure. They continue on performing each movement but things don’t look easy. The turn back onto the center line is sticky. They halt at the end of their test and Buck looks a little disappointed. Cam gets a pat for his efforts today. Just wait ’til cross country day and we’ll see what this Thoroughbred can really do.

Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima score 42.1.

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3:16pm

🇺🇸 Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

FE Lifestyle is, understandably, known as ‘Foxy’ in the barn 🦊 Just look at that gleaming orange coat. Foooxxxxyyyyy.

Jennie’s wearing her characteristic grin as she comes up the center line. They make a good halt and set off into a bouncy trot. This really looks like a horse and rider in total harmony. Foxy is soft and beautiful and balanced. It’s lovely to watch.

Foxy is supple in the lateral work and is pulling in 7s on the whole.

The halt at C isn’t quite square behind and the score drops a little. They set off into a relaxed enough walk, not quite as relaxed the trot work though.

They navigate the first pirouette but it’s a little tentative. It’s the same for the second. But they’re both very neat and tidy. They go back into a stunning trot. It’s a real highlight for this horse.

They set off into canter and Foxy isn’t quite as smooth as in the trot work. There’s a little tension creeping in but Jennie’s doing a masterful job in keeping a lid on everything. The scores drop a little for the first changes but the last one is neat.

The come back around onto the center line and finish up with a square halt. Foxy shakes his head and stops for a scratch on his knee as he walks around the ring. Lots of lovely pats from Jennie and a very relaxed horse at the end of his test – really great to see.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle score 34.

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3:08pm

🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Hiarado

Jonelle Price and Hiarado. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

‘Jools’ finished 7th on her 5* debut at Pau in 2023 and Jonelle’s a 5* winner. A pair of feisty mares – I wouldn’t bet against ‘em!

They’re dead straight up the center line. Jools looks super fit and so powerful. They get off to a solid start with 7 for the halt. They set off into the trot work and Jools is so impressive. The extension is strong and the transition at the end is so smooth. The mare’s showing good suppleness in the lateral work.

The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is accurate. There’s a little mistake early in the walk as Jools breaks into trot a little, she’s a bit unbalanced on the turn. She’s relaxed though and walks out nicely for Jonelle.

The first pirouette is very neat and Jonelle rides perfectly into the second on this long horse. A really nice job for both of those movements.

The get off into canter and everything looks easy and accurate. They lengthen down the long side and then show a neat half pass into the first change, which is very good. The second and third are equally as good. There’s a little tension in the serpentine which shows up as a lack of straightness, things are bubbling up as the test nears the end.

They’re sudden into the final halt. Hiarado looks to have been working hard for Jonelle. A really solid test overall.

Jonelle Price and Hiarado score 30.

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3pm

🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

When he’s chillin’ at home,‘Six’ has been spotted sitting in the field, literally sitting like a dog 🐕 You do you, Six!

They come up the center line and aren’t the neatest into the first halt, but it’s correct when it happens. The early trot work is clean enough, but there’s not much extension going on. The horse looks quick – a bit rushed really.

The halt at C is better than the first and they set off into walk. The walk is accurate and the scores improve slightly on the trot. They navigate the pirouettes but they’re a little sticky. A tough move for this horse. They go back into trot and it’s more relaxed than at the beginning of the test.

The canter work looks to come easier to this horse than the trot. Unfortunately the first change doesn’t really happen for her and the second is late behind. Six picks his head up as he canters along the top of the arena but Caroline gets him back. They come back onto the center line and come to an abrupt halt. Sinead in the commentary box jokes that this is the fastest round so far.

There were some nice things going on in this test, and some mistakes.

Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen score 39.8.

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🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 3pm EST when the second session will see us out. Back in a bit! 🚜

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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2:34pm

🇺🇸 James Alliston and Karma

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This pair were 12th in the 5* last year. Can they break into the top-10 this time around? The mare’s a beast out on cross country, so don’t write her off if she’s not hassling the leaders after this phase. We all know eventing’s not a dressage competition…

They make their way up the center line and we can see a little of that sauciness bubbling away under the surface. She’s listening but James is having to ride sensibly.

She looks to be relaxing a bit as the trot work progresses and the halt at C is secure. The reinback is a little rushed. Scores in the 6s so far for this pair.

The walk is actually quite relaxed on the whole. Karma’s staying with James and the scores improve a little. He holds her quiet for the first pirouette and navigates the second. That was good riding of the horse that’s underneath him.

They strike off into canter and we can clearly see this mare’s spirit – she looks like a fun cross country horse. James is managing this really well. She’s so active that it’s tricky to hold her back in the movements a little. The changes are all really clean and accurate.

They turn back onto the center line and halt square. Big smile from James and a big pat for Karma. He looks really pleased with her. Overall, a good test from them.

James Alliston and Karma score 37.7.

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2:26pm

🇳🇿 Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Clarke’s checking off the elusive box of competing at all seven of the world’s 5*s with his Kentucky start 🌟

Clarke’s grinning as he comes up the center line. They have a great first halt and set off into their trot work.

Menlo Park looks relaxed and happy in the ring and is showing some really smooth trot movements. Scores are consistently in the 7s so far.

The halt at C isn’t quite square behind but the reinback is accurate. The extended walk is relaxed. This test is a real easy watch. It all looks easy and calm.

The first pirouette is very good and accurate, so is the second. 7s for them. Menlo Park gets off into his canter work and it’s the same, lovely picture. The horse is happy, they’re working as a partnership and everything looks easy.

The first change is very good and so is the second. Very clean and accurate. This test has been trending in the 7s throughout.

They halt to end their test and Clarke gives Menlo Park a big pat and a little hug. He looks delighted with his horse and their performance. He’s so relaxed, what a cool guy.

Very nice overall. Sub-30? Yes. Into =2nd with teammate Tim Price.

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park score 28.4.

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2:18pm

🇩🇪 Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Olympic Champions, Kentucky winners, EquiRatings’ favorite for the crown this time around… Here’s Michi and ‘Chip’. Michael’s actually won Kentucky four times already, will he make it five this week? Quite possibly… He’s sat on the best dressage horse in the field, so that’s a pretty sound start.

OK, here we go…

They, of course, come dead straight up the center line and halt square for an 8. Chip is soft and relaxed and impressive. The early trot work is pulling in 8s across the board. He’s not flashy in the extended but it’s just so balanced and fluid and Michael is so, so accurate in every single cue.

The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is good enough for another 8. They’ve not been under 8 yet. The walk isn’t massive but it’s relaxed and accurate. Ooo, the first pirouette is the best we’ve seen so far by a little margin – 8 for that.

The canter is more of the same quality. The extended is so easy and Chip is so responsive when Michael asks him to come back. The flying changes aren’t flashy, but they’ve very correct for 8s. This test has been so very accurate – every single step. Not extravagant, but so accurate. The harmony mark is also 8.

Beautiful work from a beautifully produced horse ridden by a beautiful rider. Into the lead they go… Wow! It’s sub-20 by some margin… If this is his finishing score he’ll break his own record…

Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH score 18.6.

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2:10pm

🇺🇸 Sharon White and Claus 63

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This guy’s known as ‘Claus the Mouse’ at home because of his super-cute tiny ears 🐭

Sharon and Claus get off to a great start with a square halt. The sun’s out in Kentucky now and Claus is sparkling.

Ooo, he takes a little bathroom break as he gets going in the early trot work. He doesn’t miss a beat though. The extended trot is lovely. Claus looks very supple and happy in his work.

The halt at C is good and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a relaxed walk. Their trending score is looking like one of their best.

Oh, Claus shows some anticipation before the first pirouette and goes to trot. Sharon brings him back though and they navigate the two pirouettes fine. Into the canter work now and Claus looks happier.

The canter work isn’t quite pulling in the same scores as the trot work. The first change is clean but the second wasn’t quite as good. He’s quite bouncy in the canter but he gets the final change really nicely.

There’s a big cheer as they come a little suddenly into the final halt. Claus looks like he’s worked really hard for Sharon. A good score coming in for this pair, surely. Yup, solid. A good start to their competition.

Sharon White and Claus 63 score 32.3.

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1:54pm

🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Let’s hear it for the spotty ponies! ‘Lacey’ is one fancy lady 💃

The raincoats are starting to come out in the stadium as Jessie and Lacey come up the center line. The early trot work is neat and tidy. This horse doesn’t have the biggest movement but she’s accurate and the scores are around 6.5 so far.

The halt at C is steady and the reinback similar really – everything’s accurate but nothing’s flashy. Lacey has a little look around in the walk but Jessie’s supporting her. She gets a little upset after the first pirouette and breaks into trot but Jessie brings her back and they complete the second. There was some anticipation going into the first, it seemed.

They set off into the canter work, which is a similar style to the trot. When she extends the canter improves but the collected work is a little more tricky for her. The first change is tense and tight, but happens, the second more-so. Lacey’s building up more tension as this test nears the end. The third change is better.

The final halt is square once Lacey steps sideways into it. She looks very pleased with herself as she walks on a long rein out of the ring. Big pats from Jessie.

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent score 36.8.

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1:46pm

🇺🇸 Emily Hamel and Corvett

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Next up we have ‘Barry’ AKA ‘Corvett Airlines’ 🛫 Hopefully we’ll have to wait ‘til Saturday to see Barry fly high though.

Barry’s the joint-oldest horse in the field at 18. It’s such a testament to the program at home to have these older guys looking so great and still competing right at the top of their game.

Barry makes his way round the ring looking relatively relaxed. He’s doing everything Emily asks but you can see a little something something bubbling away, but Barry’s trying really hard.

The halt at C is square but they come off the rail in the reinback – it’s accurate though.

Barry sets off in a calm enough walk but his head comes up a little. Emily brings him back though. They navigate the two pirouettes accurately and then set back off into trot.

Barry’s taken to swishing his tail a little as he anticipates the canter work. He gets a clean transition and seems happier. Emily’s having to motivate Barry in every step of this test. She’s doing a lovely job of riding the horse that’s underneath her, an old friend who she knows inside out.

They halt for the end of their test and Barry’s done a good job overall. It’s not their best test but this is Barry’s ninth start at the level. He’s got eight completions behind him. What a huge achievement. There’s a big cheer as they leave the ring – well-deserved.

Emily Hamel and Corvett score 38.6.

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1:38pm

🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Fedarman B

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oh boy(d), ‘Bruno’ looks beautiful as he canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Boyd’s got his game face on.

They’re dead straight up the center line and halt super square for an 8. Bruno’s very settled and accurate in his trot work at the start of his test. He’s really working hard for Boyd and looks like a total pro.

The halt at C isn’t quite as good as his first halt. Bruno’s not quite straight in the reinback and swishes his tail a bit. Boyd cajoles him back though and they set off into a relaxed walk, on the whole.

There’s a little mistake coming into the first pirouette when Bruno thinks he’s going into trot. Boyd’s on it though and they navigate the tight turn round. The second one’s better.

Bruno’s very relaxed in his canter work. He powers down the ring in the extended and then comes back to Boyd softly. The changes come through but they’re not accurate enough for the big marks. The average scores drop a little.

The final halt isn’t as good as the first. Bruno looks tired at the end of that test, he really did work hard for Boyd. A good enough score coming in for them… Yup, sub-30! Big cheers for Boyd and Bruno. Boyd stops to shake hands with the Pony Clubbers assisting in the arena. Good guy.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B score 29.8.

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1:30pm

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Jarillo

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

‘Milo’ was looky, looky, bouncy, bouncy at the horse inspection yesterday. Less of the looky today please.

The competition begins with potential drama… thunderstorms are forecast ⛈️ C’mon Kentucky weather, be kind to us.

And we’re off! Tim and Jarillo enter the ring up the center line and get their competition off to a stylish start with a square halt. Jarillo is so soft, so supple, ‘the definition of elasticity’ Sinead in the commentary box says.

Tim’s really showing us how to ride a dressage test, of course. They have another square halt at C. Jarillo obviously finds the walk work a little more difficult. Tim’s encouraging him to take his nose forward as he’s got a little tight. He relaxes into it as things go on though.

Jarillo navigates the tricky pirouettes. He could have been a little smoother but he does a neat job.

The canter work is very tidy, until there’s a slight bobble and Sinead wonders if he’s kicked a shoe off. The flying changes come up for them, with Tim really giving us a masterclass in helping a horse within a movement.

They come back up the center line and produce another neat halt.

A very nice test to start us off. Sub-30. In the mix, surely.

Tim Price and Jarillo score 28.5.

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Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We started off Defender Kentucky week with a side of unfortunate drama this afternoon as the 35 CCI5* entries came forward to present to the Ground Jury, presided over by Christian Steiner (AUT) and joined by Anne-Mette Binder (DEN) and Peter Gray (CAN).

Late in the order came Jennie Brannigan with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Twilightsgleam, who was to start his sixth 5* competition this week. “Comic” (also known affectionately as “Grandpa”) was initially sent to the holding area to re-inspect, and after Jennie presented again the Ground Jury took a lengthy amount of time to come to a decision. Sadly, the decision was not to accept the 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding forward to competition.

Jennie was, understandably, emotional about the situation, made somewhat more stressful earlier on when the announcer had a delay in letting her know that her first ride, FE Lifestyle, was accepted.

“I love this horse so much, and he already has given me so much,” Jennie told EN. “He doesn’t owe us a single thing, and really, wholeheartedly, if he is not quite right, we would never want to run him. We have struggled with his feet over the years, but I pride myself on being a good horseman, and so I am more embarrassed than anything. I’ve not sure I have ever been spun at a jog. The most important thing, though, is that there will ALWAYS be another horse show. There will NEVER be another Grandpa. The Gardners are such experienced owners and have always supported his every need to keep him happy and healthy. He is my heart horse, and I would never want him to run if he isn’t 100%, and I am the most emotional about that. We love him, and we will always put him first.”

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Beyond that, the rest of the inspection was without any drama (well, not if you ask Dyri, who was CLEARLY ready to show people exactly how athletic he is), and all remaining 34 horses were accepted and will move on to dressage starting tomorrow afternoon.

You can find ride times for dressage for both the 4* and 5* here. We’ll be back later on with Tilly Berendt’s (in?)famous Golden Chinch Awards, to be sure to check back!

Go Eventing.

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]