Classic Eventing Nation

The Bromance of Will Coleman and ‘Phish’: A WEG Tribute

By on Sep 14, 2018 3:12 pm -

As someone who has seen the jam band Phish an embarrassing number of times in concert, I have long been a devotee of Will Coleman’s World Equestrian Games mount Tight Lines, AKA “Phish.”

“I was really into Phish when I was younger,” Will told us a while back. “I love music and most of my horses are band- or music-related names. And he just seems kinda like a groovy dude so we called him Phish.” (Fun fact: Will’s three-star mount Off The Record is named after a My Morning Jacket song.)

For years I have been threatening to pen an ode to Tight Lines comprised of Phish lyrics, completely unintelligible to all but approximately <0.004% of our readership. And with Will and Phish representing Team USA in the WEG this week, the time is now.

The following ode to Will and Phish is embedded with references to about 40 Phish songs, a fraction of the band’s enormous catalogue. Apologies in advance to 99.996% of you reading. This one goes out to you, Phish the horse, and you alone.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines (USA). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

When Will Coleman and Phish got called up to represent Team USA at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the pair followed the lines going south to Mill Spring, North Carolina. Upon arrival Phish, the sort of outdoorsy dude who doesn’t believe in deodorant, was scrubbed into shape by his groom Sara Holz. “We’re all in this together, and we love to take a bath,” she chirped, cheerfully untangling his dreads and sudsing him up.

Limb by limb, Phish’s team checked him over heading into the Wednesday horse inspection. Will muttered a cryptic warning to Phish to keep it together: “Whatever you do, take care of your shoes.”

Phish looked at Will quizzically, to which he clarified, “I mean, just keep your shoes on, OK buddy? I don’t want to have to deduct the carrots from your pay.”

The pair passed the first horse inspection with flying colors, and were the fourth pair up the centerline and first U.S. combination (setlist Will<Boyd<Lauren<Lynn<Phillip).

Hold the wheel, read the sign, keep the tires off the line, Will thought. Just relax, you’re doing fine.

Phish knew that this was the show of life, er, the show of a lifetime, and he buckled down to work. “I can bend in sixty-eight ways,” he said, strutting his stuff. He was a good boy, even though his heart was already out on the cross country track. Phish is no fluffhead but he is a free spirit, and bouncing around the room of the 60×20 arena he felt a little constrained. “Stop, go, stop a lot, go a little … man, sometimes I feel like a slave to the traffic light down here,” Phish groaned mid-test.

“I know this isn’t nearly fast enough for you,” Will whispered when his back was turned to the judges. “But bro, just focus on the connection. We gotta send this score backwards down the number line.”

“These circles are getting smaller all the time,” Phish sighed. “I need a new way to express myself.”

Nonetheless, they waded through the velvet sea of movements, putting in a solid score for Team USA. But all the while, Phish was waiting for the time when he could finally say, “This has all been wonderful, but now I’m on my way.”

William Coleman and Tight Lines (USA). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

With phase one in the rearview, it was Will and Phish’s time to shine: Party time! They were to be Team USA’s cross country trailblazer, with Will using all his experience to feel out the time, which can turn elastic out there on course.

In the box, Phish’s engine was revved: “I see the path ahead of me. In a minute I’ll be free.” 3, 2, 1 … have a great ride!

I wanna feel my feet leave the ground! he thought approaching fence #1. Set the gearshift for the high gear of your soul. You’ve got to run like an antelope, out of control!

“A little control is good, buddy,” Will reminded him, sensing the squirming coil beneath him.

Will and Phish are birds of a feather when it comes to cross country, and they stole time from the faulty plan to deliver a fast, clear round for Team USA. After a hot, humid run, the vet box’s misting fans made Phish feel like he was stepping into a freezer.

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning, and Sunday morning dawned bright and clear (author’s note: I know there’s a hurricane coming but this is my phantasy, OK?), no hurricane in sight. Final horse inspection: check. “We keep it rolling!” Phish whinnied.

“This is the end,” Will said, nodding his head in agreement. “My only friend, the end.”

Phish hummed a mumbly little tune as they began working up for show jumping: “Rye, rye, Rocco. Marco Esquandolas!“

Will raised an eyebrow: “Boy, man. You didn’t dip into that green hay this morning, did you buddy?”

Phish didn’t seem to hear him: “Wash uffizi, drive me to Firenze.”

“Your mind’s got a mind of its own,” Will sighed, giving Phish a scratch on the neck. “Hey, it’s OK. I’ve lost my mind just a couple of times, too.”

The pair sailed around the course, leading Team USA to the gold! Parading around the ring for their victory gallop, Will waved at the cheering crowd while Phish leapt from side to side with a worried look on his face: “Things are falling down on me, heavy things I could not see…”

Will: “They’re just roses, buddy. The crowd is throwing roses at you.”

Phish: “The roses are free?”

Will: “Nah, buddy, we worked real hard for these roses, but I couldn’t asked for a better partner. It’s not an experience if you can’t bring someone along.”

Truth. The end. And best of luck to Will, Phish and the rest of Team USA this weekend! 

 

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day Two, Afternoon Sessions

By on Sep 14, 2018 12:06 pm -

Welcome back to the second day of eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games! Yesterday we watched as half of the horses put on their dancing shoes, and today the second half of the field has their chance. Click here to see the order of go with ride times for today and here for all the details on how to watch live, with live scores here.

The competitors are performing 2017 FEI 4* Test B, which was used for the first time this year. At this point, anyone who has ridden in a 4* this year has had a chance to perform this test, but competitors who haven’t made it to a 4* in 2018 will be trying it out for the first time.

A huge change in dressage scoring this year is the loss of the 1.5 multiplier on the penalty marks, making the scoring a straight conversion to penalties. An average of 70.0% from the ground jury translates into 30.0 penalty points, instead of 45.0 as it would have in previous years. This will cluster the competitors closer together after the first phase, making the jumping phases more influential.

Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark, Andrew Bennie of New Zealand and Jane Hamlin of the United States make up the ground jury.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

FRIDAY MORNING, AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Wega. Photo by Leszek Wójcik/LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials.

Sara Algotsson-Ostholt (SWE) and Wega: This incredibly experienced horse has the longest 3* record in the field, having first competed at the level in May of 2009. The experience shows, as this pair hasn’t scored below 70% on a 3/4* test since May of 2011. They broke the 75% barriers in four of thirteen 3/4* starts from 2011 through 2018. They’ll be challenging for second place.

Aiming for: 26.2

Expected: 26.8

Ride Time: 1:43 p.m.

Bill Levett and Lassban Diamond Lift (AUS). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bill Levett (AUS) and Lassban Diamond Lift: Bill and this young horse put in a personal best of 24.1 at Barbury Castle in 2017 and haven’t gotten back to the 75% mark since. It will be a big ask for Lassban Diamond Lift to get back to that mark for his first 4* test, but a solid 3* average of 29.8 will keep him in the game.

Aiming for: 29.1

Expected: 29.8

Ride Time: 1:50 p.m.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and SAP Hale Bob OLD: A pair who needs no introduction, these two own the best 3/4* score in the field, an 18.2 scored at the 2016 CIC3* at Wiesbaden. They’ve scored over 75% in eight of their last nine 3/4* competitions, regressing just slightly to a 25.2 in their most recent start at Strzegom in early August.

Aiming for: 24.7

Expected: 26.3

Ride Time: 2:34 p.m.

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Samantha Clark

Ros Canter (GBR) and Allstar B: This pair has the distinction of owning the best 4* dressage score in the field, scoring a 23.9 at Badminton this past May. Although sparsely competed at the FEI levels over the past two years, Allstar B has the third best 3/4* dressage average over the last twelve months. Despite that, their Badminton score was a personal best at all levels, but this is one of eleven horses in the field whose 4* average is better than their 3* average.

Aiming for: 25.4

Expected: 28.0

Ride Time: 2:50 p.m.

Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Karin Donckers (BEL) and Fletcha Van’t Verahof: Karin and Fletcha Van’t Verahof own the third best 4* score in the field, scoring a 24.9 at Badminton in May of 2017. They’ll be right up there with the top of the field if they score in line with their 4* average of 27.3. This is one of the eleven horses in the field whose 4* average is better than their 3* average.

Aiming for: 27.3

Expected: 27.6

Ride Time: 2:58 p.m.

Shane Rose and Virgil (AUS). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Shane Rose (AUS) and Virgil: Shane Rose and Virgil are no stranger to the 20s and have broken 70% in both of their 2018 outings. Despite that, they haven’t managed to break the 70% barrier at the 4* level yet.

Aiming for: 27.3

Expected: 32.1

Ride Time: 3:06 p.m.

Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Ennis (IRL) and Horseware Stellor Rebound: These two have a 3* average (29.3) and a 3* personal best (24.3) in the top ten of the field. They haven’t quite been able to replicate those scores at the 4* level though, so will be pushing for a personal best at 4* this weekend.

Aiming for: 29.3

Expected: 31.2

Ride Time: 3:45 p.m.

OTHERS OF NOTE

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Foxwood High with Selena O’Hanlon and Jonelle Price with Classic Moet have both achieved a 20s score at the 4* level. Tresor Mail and Sidney Dufresne have broken the 75% barrier at the 3* level, while Phillip Dutton and Z just put in a personal best of 27.1 in their last outing.

19.9! Watch Highlights of Julia Krajewski’s Leading WEG Dressage Test

By on Sep 14, 2018 12:02 pm -

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH wowed the crowd yesterday at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, taking the lead on a fabulous score of 19.9. The fact that it was Chipmunk’s first time performing a CCI4* dressage test made the performance all the more impressive. Watch the video above for highlights from the test.

The only pair who can possibly take over the lead today is Ingrid Klimke with SAP Hale Bob OLD, who have averaged 20.6 in dressage so far this season. You will absolutely want to tune in live to watch their test at 2:34 p.m. EST.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

WEG Friday Dressage Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

By on Sep 14, 2018 8:11 am -

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’re back. We’ve only almost lost one reporter due to heat exhaustion (It’s like really, really hot + humid here). And we’re ready for day 2 of dressage at WEG!

Official kick off time is 9 a.m. with Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne for France. Click here to see which pairs to keep an eye out for this morning.

ICYMI: Julia Krajewski is sitting pretty over 7 points ahead of the pack. Catch up on yesterday’s reports at this link.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

4:38 p.m. What a day! Stay tuned for the full report (And you’re seeing that right: USA is in 3rd)

4:35 p.m. Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger score 32.8 for Sweden.

4:29 p.m. 

4:28 p.m. Final rider! Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger for Sweden.

4:24 p.m. Raf Kooremans and Henri Z earn a 27.7 for the Netherlands in their first 4* test. These scores are tightly bunched.

4:22 p.m. 

4:19 p.m. This is a dreamy walk by Henri Z and Raf Kooremans, and right into a bang on halt.

4:14 p.m. Will Yoshi get to that sweet spot at 28?

4:12 p.m. You’ll remember that Yoshi lead the dressage after the 2012 Olympics!

4:11 p.m. Yoshiaki Oiwa is here fresh off a win at the Asian Games, and ready to rep Japan with Calle 44.

4:06 p.m. 10m Circles are looking a little more like 7m circles, but solid trot work nonetheless.

4:04 p.m. The French are defending Olympic gold medalists, and now they’ve got their final rider, Sidney Dufrense in the ring.

4:00 p.m. 

3:57 p.m. Go Ireland!

3:53 p.m. 

3:52 p.m. 26.3 for Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound. Now the top-placed Irish rider.

3:49 p.m. Really fab halt + reinback for Sarah.

3:47 p.m. Eyes are shifting to the team results as we see these final team representatives. Now we’ve got Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound for Ireland.

3:46 p.m. Jonelle Price and Classic Moet have scored a 30 as the final rider for New Zealand. Equirating’s Sam Watson says points lost in the canterwork for this powerhouse pair.

3:40 p.m These two are on an upward trajectory. Classic Moet looking very correct, trying to stay around those marks of 7.

3:39 p.m. Jonelle Price and Classic Moet begining their test with super trot work.

3:25 p.m. Alright, folks. I know the live scoring website is down for some. Here’s the top 22 ahead of the final group:

3:24 p.m. Great test for Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Coronel MCJ. They’ve scored a 29.4 as the final Brazilian rider.

3:19 p.m. 

3:18 p.m. Officially world record status:

3:15 p.m. Shane Rose and Virgil score 29.4 for Australia

3:12 p.m. Aw! Shane reaches up to give Virgil a little scratch on his ears after the test.

3:10 p.m. Shane Rose in for Australia aboard Virgil.

3:05 p.m. Arg — live scoring sites currently down. Will update you as soon as I get the marks.

3:00 p.m. Karin is trending right around 27, so accurate with their 4* average.

2:58 p.m. 

2:56 p.m. Ros Canter and Allstar B just above their 4* PB on 24.6, moving Team GBR into second place at the moment.

2:54 p.m. Wow this is lovely. Trending around 24.

2:52 p.m. The heavy hitters don’t stop. Here comes Ros Canter and Allstar B.

2:50 p.m. Phillip Dutton and Z post a 27.6 as the final pair for the US! Many teams have one more rider to come, but at the moment US stands in second.

2:49 p.m. As expected the crows goes wild for Phillip!!

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2:48 p.m. Boyd Martin is on the commentary and confirming that Phillip’s bronze medal has made him more competitive than ever.

2:45 p.m. Phillip Dutton and Z looking good. They score a 9 for the halt at A.

2:44 p.m. Wow Ingrid and Phillip back to back is too much for my heart!

2:40 p.m. Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD score a 23.3 for second place!

2:35 p.m. Hard to see on the stream, but Ingrid is giving Bobby quite a few pats throughout the test. So sweet!

2:31 p.m. Here comes INGRID!

2:30 p.m. 35.7 for Manuel Senra Chover and Cruising.

2:27 p.m. Spain’s Manuel Senra Chover and Cruising with a very accurately start.

2:13 p.m. Drag break until 2:26, but don’t miss this next section. We’ll see Phillip Dutton and Ingrid Klimke.

2:10 p.m. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High earn a 30.7 for Canada.

2:08 p.m. Nothing but North American love on the live stream! Will Coleman has nothing but praise for all that Selena has done with Woody.

2:06 p.m. Great start for Selena. Solid trotwork.

2:04 p.m. Let’s go Selena!!

2:03 p.m. 32.5 for Bill Levett & Lassban Diamond Lift after quite a bit of discrepancy from judges.

2:02 p.m. 

1:56 p.m. Welcome to the top 3, Sara. She and Wega with a 25.9!

1:51 p.m. Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Wega smashing this test.

1:50 p.m. If you’re following the drama surrounding the endurance competition… Noelle Floyd is live streaming a press conference concerning the cancellation NOW.

1:46 p.m. Theo Van de Vendel (NED) and Zindane score 38.8.

1:40 p.m. 

1:36 p.m. 34.9 for Italy’s Simone Sordi and Amacuzzi

1:32 p.m. Now we welcome Italy’s Simone Sordi and Amacuzzi. Before eventing, Simone was known for as a flat racing jockey.

1:30 p.m. Will Coleman is on the livestream now, saying that the breezes today make the ringside ferns start moving.

1:29 p.m. Another new PR! Patricia Ryan and Dunrath Ecplise (IRL) earn a 30.8.

1:26 p.m. Lots of expression (and tail swishing) for Dunrath Eclipse in the canter lengthening.

1:23 p.m. 

1:22 p.m. Recent U.S. transplants Felix Vogg and Colero  score a 28.6 to tie with Chris Burton and Cooley Lands.

1:21 p.m. Afternoon weather report:

1:19 p.m. Felix trending right around 30.

1:15 p.m. We now welcome Felix Vogg and Colero who we’ve been lucky enough to have in the states since early this year.

12:19 p.m. We’re on a lunch break now. We’ll be back at 1:15. Check out the standings in the meantime:

12:10 p.m. Louise Svensson Jähde and Waikiki 207 with 32.4 for Sweden.

12:06 p.m. Louise trending around 33. Very solid test so far.

12:02 p.m. Last to go before the lunch break: Louise Svensson Jähde and Waikiki 207 for Sweden.

12:00 p.m. Merel Blom and Rumour Has It N.O.P. earn a score of 31.6 for the Netherlands.

11:59 a.m. Well done for Merel. Her test was trending 3 points below their 4* PB.

11:56 a.m. 

11:51 a.m. Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma d’Allou (JPN) go for 33.7.

11:47 a.m. 

11:44 a.m. Thibaut Vallette Lt Col and Qing du Briot ENE HN with a 25.6 to slot into 2nd.

11:43 a.m. Even through the canterwork, still trending mid 20s for Thiabut.

11:42 a.m. He’s definitely brining the heat so far.

11:41 a.m. 

11:39 a.m. Another for France, Thibaut Vallette Lt Col and Qing du Briot ENE HN with trot working trending as low as 23.7 in the first parts of the test.

11:37 a.m. 28.4 for Italy’s Stefano Brecciaroli and Byrnesgrove First Diamond, which is currently 9th.

11:35 a.m. Loosing some marks in the canterwork, but still trending sub-30.

11:34 a.m.

11:32 a.m. Italy’s Stefano Brecciaroli and Byrnesgrove First Diamond are trending in the 24-26 point zone by the midpoint of the test.

11:31 a.m.

11:30 a.m. 

11:29 a.m. These riders are dropping 4* PRs left and right. Padraig McCarthy and Mr. Chunky go for 27.2.

11:06 a.m. Another drag break. Meet back here at 11:22.

11:05 a.m.  Tim Price and Cekatinka score a super 27.2 for New Zealand. That puts him in 4th.

11:03 a.m. Tim currently trending at 27.8, which would be just behind Emma McNab

11:02 a.m. 

10:59 a.m. 

10:58 a.m. Lots of cameras coming out for Tim Price who is up next. Spectators seem pretty pumped to see the recent Burghley winner.

10:58 a.m. Marcio Appel Cheuiche and Iberon Jmen earn a 37.9 for Brazil.

10:56 a.m.

10:55 a.m. Marcio & Iberon Jmen began eventing in 2013, and now here at WEG in 2018. What a story!

10:53 a.m. Large gust of wind drops a sprinkling of sawdust on the spectators.

10:52 a.m. 

10:51 a.m. Brazil’s Marcio Appel Cheuiche is next with Iberon Jmen.

10:48 a.m. Lots of Fernhill Tabasco fans out there. He scores a smashing 27!

10:48 a.m. 

10:43 a.m. 

10:41 a.m. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Alpaga d’Arville score 35.8.

10:40 a.m. The first was a bit sticky, but the changes are getting progressively better through the test for Lara.

10:37 a.m. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Alpaga d’Arville now in the ring for Belgium.

10:33 a.m. 28.4 for Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. That’s good for 6th at the moment.

10:32 a.m. Hate to see the late final change for Tom, but otherwise a very nice test.

10:28 a.m. Here comes Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser — a pair who have a real chance at shaking up the leaderboard.

10:24 a.m MIC DROP! 28.3 for Donner and Lynn!

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

10:22 a.m. Donner trending at 28.5 now.

10:19 a.m. Good intention fans misread Lynn Symansky’s quiet signals as waves, and the crowd gets a little excited to see Donner. Luckily for Lynn they did quiet!

10:17 a.m. Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida score 30 for Germany.

10:16 a.m. The deer is coming!

10:13 a.m. This continued jackhammering as background noise during Andreas Dibowski’s test really sets a nice feel around the stadium…

9:56 a.m. Quick drag break!

9:53 a.m. Gonzalo is trending right as expected on 33.2.

9:52 a.m. 

9:50 a.m. Wafting smells of a fire? are swirling around the ring. Not sure if this is restaurant-based or construction-based.

9:48 a.m. Spain’s Sij Veux d’Autize and Gonzalo Blasco Botin.

9:47 a.m. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti score 33.

9:43 a.m. An uncharacteristic break to trot in the canter work for Pavarotti, and then a bit of a wild change. Shame the effect I’m sure that will have on her score.

9:42 a.m. As always, Pavarotti is a pleasure to watch in the dressage.

9:41 a.m. Eventing stats nerds: Get ready.

9:39 a.m. 33.3 for Pauliina Swindells and Ferro S.

9:38 a.m. Here come Canadian queens Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti.

9:37 a.m. The crowed loved that test for Pauliina!

9:36 a.m. 

9:33 a.m. Finland’s Pauliina Swindells & Ferro S showing off the horse’s super expressive movement.

9:32 a.m. Eventers, we love you:

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It's a great start to Day 2 of Dressage

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9:30 a.m. 30.6 penalties for Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz. That will be 15th for now.

9:30 a.m. I’m sitting right on the diagonal, and let me tell you Sandra’s last change was as straight as an arrow.

9:29 a.m. 

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9:25 a.m. German domination continues today. Sandra Auffarth’s test has a certain “I’ve won WEG before, I’m not afraid to do it again,” kind of vibe to it.

9:23 a.m. Henrique earns a provisional 37.9.

9:20 a.m. On site today? Please join us in using the hashtag #OverheardAtWEG. I’ve already heard so many interesting things… Let’s chronicle it!

9:19 a.m. 

9:18 a.m. A very forward test so far from Henrique.

9:16 a.m. Brazil’s Henrique Plombon Pinheiro flashes quite a grin down the centerline to start his test with Land Quenotte Do Feroloto.

9:13 a.m. Oh, dear. Dan seemed to miss a few movements of the test. The judge has rang the bell and he’s back on track.

9:09 a.m. Well done on the first medium trot for Dan Jocelyn and Grovine de Reve. The crowd gives a little golf clap for him.

9:06 a.m. 27.2 provisionally for Astier Nicolas. That just slightly breaks his 3* PB with this horse (27.4).

Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

9:02 a.m. Loving the start for this one. Vinci de la Vigne is a young horse, but he doesn’t seem very concerned with the atmosphere.

8:55 a.m. Good morning lovely readers! It’s just barely 9, and we’re already sweating. I know, I know — TMI, but I really can’t understate how humid it is. Yes, it’s hot too, but the combination with the humidity is taking us to an unpleasant part of the heat index. Keep that in mind as you’re watching from home today.

8:10 a.m. Check this space for all the latest starting around 9 a.m.

 

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day Two, Morning Sessions

By on Sep 14, 2018 7:00 am -

Welcome back to the second day of eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games! Yesterday we watched as half of the horses put on their dancing shoes, and today the second half of the field will get their chance.

Quite a few of the heavy hitters ended up in the Friday sessions, so this preview will be split between morning and afternoon. Check back at lunch for a quick preview of those going later in the day. Click here to see the order of go with ride times for today and here for all the details on how to watch live, with live scores here.

The competitors will be performing 2017 FEI 4* Test B, which was used for the first time this year. At this point, anyone who has ridden in a 4* this year has had a chance to perform this test, but competitors who haven’t made it to a 4* in 2018 will be trying it out for the first time.

A huge change in dressage scoring this year is the loss of the 1.5 multiplier on the penalty marks, making the scoring a straight conversion to penalties. An average of 70.0% from the ground jury translates into 30.0 penalty points, instead of 45.0 as it would have in previous years. This will cluster the competitors closer together after the first phase, making the jumping phases more influential.

Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark, Andrew Bennie of New Zealand and Jane Hamlin of the United States make up the ground jury.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

FRIDAY MORNING, MORNING SESSIONS

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Tom McEwen (GBR) and Toledo de Kerser: This pair has broken into the 20s in seven of their 15 3/4* starts, two of their four 4* starts, and have never had a score worse than 33.5 in their 3/4* career.

Aiming for: 27.8

Expected: 31.0

Ride Time: 10:27 a.m.

Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emma McNab (AUS) and Fernhill Tabasco: Emma and Fernhill Tabasco have scored over 70% in 12 of their 15 starts at the 3/4* levels since 2016, but one of the two times they failed to reach that threshold was in their last outing at Le Pin au Haras CIC3* in early August. Still, this pair is ranked in the top five in the field for personal bests and averages at 3*/4* level and is another whose 4* average is better than their 3* average.

Aiming for: 26.7

Expected: 27.3

Ride Time: 10:43 a.m.

Tim Price and Cekatinka. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tim Price (NZL) and Cekatinka: Tim “borrowed” the ride on Cekatinka in 2017 while his wife Jonelle was on maternity leave and managed to keep the ride for this season. They’ve danced their way to one of the top 10 3* averages in the field — 29.2. They’ve been chipping away at that average recently as well, dropping their 12-month average to a 28.2.

Aiming for: 28.2

Expected: 28.8

Ride Time: 10:59 a.m.

Stefano Brecciaroli and Byrnesgrove First Diamond (ITA). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) and Byrnesgrove First Diamond: Stefano only paired up with this former Andrew Nicholson ride this year, clocking in three starts at the 3* level since March. In just those three starts they’ve managed to have the fourth best 3* dressage average in the field, sitting on a 28.0. Consistency has been the name of the game for these two, with a personal best of 27.0.

Aiming for: 28.0

Expected: 28.0

Ride Time: 11:30 a.m.

Thibaut Vallette and Qing du Briot ENE HN. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Thibaut Vallette (FRA) and Qing Du Briot ENE HN: This horse’s 3* personal best of 23.2 is in the top five of the field and his 4* personal best of 25.8 is in the top four. His 4* average sits behind only SAP Hale Bob OLD when looking at horses with multiple 4* tests. He’s also one of the 11 horses in the field whose 4* average is better than their 3* average.

Aiming for: 25.8

Expected: 26.6

Ride Time: 11:38 a.m.

OTHERS OF NOTE

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix with Pavarotti and Padraig McCarthy with Mr Chunky have both proven an ability to get into the 20s at the 4* level, while Louise Svensson Jahde with Waikiki have gotten close to cracking 75% at the 3* level.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Friday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Sep 14, 2018 12:03 am -

Totally team Chipmunk.

Sorry, all the other riders today, I know it’s unpatriotic of me, and I know there are a lot of really good eventing horses to come … but I’m totally Team Chipmunk all the way. I’ve been stalking this horse for years now, and I am completely obsessed with him. Not only is he unbelievable on the flat, but the horse can jump too! The modern event horse personified. Also a very, very adorable rodent. Memes await you, Chipmunk the horse.

National Holiday:  National Virginia Day (whoop whoop!)

U.S. Weekend Preview:

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

There is a bottomless pool of puns about Tim and Jonelle Price, but only because of their last name. How often are a husband and wife on the same WEG team? Probably about as often as that husband and wife winning 3/4 four-star events in the same year, I guess. Personally, with their strong cross country records and the glamorous year they’re having, I wouldn’t bet against them. [Will The Price Be Right?]

How does team selection work, anyway? Don’t worry, The Event College is in session at Tryon with Chair of the USEF Eventing Selector’s Working Group Bobby Costello giving a detailed video interview on the process for the United States. It’s some seriously complicated stuff that is constantly ongoing for each championship selection every two years. [Team Selection with Robert Costello]

What do riders from the different countries have to say about the WEG cross country course? With Tryon as the first year with the WEG running as a 3* cross country course, it will be intriguing to see how the course runs and how it affects the final standings. Also, you know, the hurricane thing might have some sort of impact. [Riders React: Tryon Cross Country Course]

So you’ve landed the working student job of your dreams. Congrats! Welcome to slavery the barn! JK, kinda. Working student jobs are the backbone of our industry, it’s where you learn if being a professional rider is for you, and how the professional riders keep their barns going while teaching the next generation. Elise Fleischman penned a great guide for working student newbies on how to get the most out of your time in the barn. [Working Student Survival Guide]

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Tryon2018 Thursday Social Media Roundup

By on Sep 13, 2018 9:39 pm -

Thumbs up, y’all — dressage day one at #Tryon2018 (or #WEG2018, idk, people are using both) is in the books! Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg, a.k.a. Thomas, a.k.a. the little Trakehner that could are officially in the house, and of course I’d be remiss to mention the sub-20 dressage score that our leaders, Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH, are sitting on. There are still some heavy hitters coming tomorrow, but I don’t think Chipmunk is going down without a fight.

Let’s take a peek around social media to see what went on both in and out of the arena on Thursday:

View this post on Instagram

That smile says it all, everyone stay safe and have fun at the World Equestrian Games! Photo by @tryon2018 #equestrian #equestrianstyle #huntleyequestrian #hunter #jumper #equitation #western #dressage #polo #horseracing #horselovers #horseshow #equine #equestrianfashion #modernclassic #classic #polished #horsesofinstagram #huntley #boots #rootd #teamhuntleyeq ・・・ We're kicking off day 2️⃣ of #Tryon2018 by celebrating the horse and celebrating the sport with the first rider from the Aussie posse, Andrew Hoy! He and "Vassily de Lassos" began the morning with a great test in the dressage phase of the Mars, Incorporated Eventing competition. "I'm absolutely thrilled, because he could not have produced a better test than he did today." 🇦🇺 #AussiePosse 📸 Tryon 2018

A post shared by Huntley Equestrian (@huntleyequestrian) on

Meanwhile on the cross country course, it’s all very serious business …

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo Gallery: Sizzlin’ Moves On Day 1 of WEG Dressage

By on Sep 13, 2018 6:57 pm -

The first day of dressage is a wrap at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, and it was a hot one. Despite intermittent cloud cover, the strength of the sun combined with high humidity made for a stifling day. The action in the ring was equally hot (hello 19.9, Julia Krajewski!) with more heavy hitters up to bat tomorrow. With two team rotations down and two to go, it’s still anyone’s game. Go eventing.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Day 1 at Tryon: Julia Krajewski Delivers for Germany, Boyd Martin 2nd for USA

By on Sep 13, 2018 6:34 pm -

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH have been tipped as one of the favorites for individual gold in the lead-up to the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, and they showed us exactly why on the first day of dressage here at Tryon.

EquiRatings confirmed their leading score of 19.9 is the third best we have ever seen at a World Championships, slotting in behind Bettina Hoy and Woodsides Ashby (13.9) and Pippa Funnell and Supreme Rock (19.1) at Jerez in 2002. It is also the third time they have scored in the 19 range this season, as we also saw spectacular tests when they won Bramham CCI3* and Aachen CICO3*.

Chipmunk FRH, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Havanna, by Heraldik I) owned by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, has been on flying form all year, but with today being his first time performing a CCI4* test, Julia said she wasn’t sure if a sub-20 score would be attainable.

“I’m quite relieved because obviously everybody knows that we can do a 19 in dressage. Nobody tells you they expect it, but secretly they joke about it, and you feel the pressure a little bit,” Julia said.

“It’s all about preparation, and with Chipmunk it’s about preparation until the last day because if he peaks too early then he’s good but not as good. I’m very happy that I obviously did the right thing in the last couple of days. He was so relaxed and calm and with me. I’ve had him since he was 4, so it’s a really nice feeling to feel that your horse is so with you and trusts you.”

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

At the conclusion of the first day of dressage, Julia and Chipmunk have a comfortable 7.2-penalty lead over second place, which is occupied by Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg for the home nation on 27.1.

Boyd entered the arena to huge cheers from the crowd just as Julia’s leading score was flashed on the scoreboard, and then the cheers continued as he circled the arena before starting his test. The spectators — the vast majority being Americans judging by their decibel level — were rooting for their home team, and rather than upsetting “Thomas,” the cheers actually seemed to pep him up.

“Your biggest fear is not giving your best in the moment, and Thomas was awesome out there,” Boyd said. “He can fall behind the leg a bit, so I quite enjoyed the cheers. I had to giggle to myself, which probably killed my nerves for a second. Then I sort of had to get tunnel vision, then the bell rang, and you have to do it movement by movement by movement and try not to think ahead of results or past blunders in the test.”

Thomas, an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall X Thabana, by Buddenbrock) bred here in America by Tim Holekamp, absolutely rose to the occasion. His score of 27.1 is a career personal best for the horse across all international levels, and bests his CCI4* test at Kentucky by 4.1 marks.

“I’ve been dialed in for this (test) for a long time now, so we’ve gone through those movements for months and months with (my wife) Silva, (dressage coach) Scott Hassler and (U.S. chef d’equipe) Erik Duvander,” Boyd said. “This week I’ve fumbled every movement but also did it well a couple of times, so you just hope that in those seven minutes that you can execute every movement and get it right.”

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Clover Echo X Royal China, by Cavalier Royale) owned by Jayne McGivern, scored 27.8 for third place to lead the way for the British team.

“He’s still not the most experienced and there’s still more to come from him, but he’s got an amazing brain, and so you can be quite brave and I always give it a good go,” Piggy said. “We had one mistake at the beginning where he cantered out of the first halt, which is really annoying. It’s quite nice to nail an entry and get the judges thinking it’s good. On the whole I’m delighted. I think he’s given it his all, and that’s all we can do.

At the conclusion of the first day of dressage, Germany leads the team competition on 50.1. Australia sits second on a team score of 58.4 with two pairs in the top 10 in Chris Burton and Kate Walls’s Cooley Lands (fourth on 28.6) and Andrew Hoy and Paula and David Evans’s Vassily de Lassos (ninth on 29.8). France sits third on 59.4.

Tina Cook and Billy The Red round out the top five as individuals for Great Britain on 29.1, a solid test after a bit of an up-and-down run of form in the first phase this season. (He even scored a 10 for one halt in the test!)

As to how the ground jury of Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Jane Hamlin (USA) and Andrew Bennie (NZL) scored today, they were feeling more stingy in the morning session and marked an average of 1.06 penalties above the expected scores for the riders. They were more generous in the afternoon session, with riders scoring an average of 1.53 penalties below their expected scores.

We’ll be bringing you all the behind-the-scenes details for both the U.S. and Canadian teams here at WEG, plus our North American-based riders who hail from other countries. The U.S. team sits sixth after day one on 62.7, with Canada in 14th on 74.6.

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus, an 11-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Serazim X Wake Me Gently) owned by Jacqueline Mars, are representing the U.S. as individuals at WEG and scored 32.6 for 20th place.

“It’s easy to forget that he’s still pretty green and that he hasn’t been in a lot of atmosphere,” Lauren said. “He actually didn’t feel hot; he was just a bit of a pony. I think that it’s a long week of just sitting here, and I think that he’s just a bit fed up with it, but the quality of the work is still really good. (The judges) definitely still kept wanting to throw me scores.”

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and The Jollybo Syndicate’s Jollybo are representing Canada as individuals and sit in 22nd on 32.7, a personal best score across all levels for the 14-year-old British-bred mare (Jumbo X Polly Coldunnell xx, by Danzig Connection xx).

“I was really proud of her,” Hawley said. “She handled the pressure like a champ, and she actually just got a little tired in that last canter. I think I was on her maybe five or 10 minutes too long, but I’m not used to riding in heat and humidity, so it’s hard to balance that. She did nothing wrong, so I’m thrilled.”

This is Hawley’s third WEG for Canada, and she gave all the credit to the team behind her for getting here to Tryon. (She also had a certain reporter a bit misty-eyed as she pointed to the blue ribbon she wears on her shadbelly in memory of Roger Haller — “He was really, really special to me and like a mentor.”)

“It’s just having the right people around you at the right time,” Hawley said. “I have an unbelievable family; my best friend is here; I don’t even like to say the word groom — she’s my helper; and (my coach) Buck (Davidson) is only a phone call away. He literally called me five minutes before (my test). That to me is more important than anything. If I can mentally get right then I’m going to be great.”

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

With Canada drawn as the first to go in the team competition, Colleen Loach and Peter Barry’s Qorry Blue d’Argouges had the honor of being the first pair down centerline this morning. The 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Mr. Blue X Hardie Du Bourg, by Count Ivor xx) scored 34.4 to sit in 25th place.

“He was awesome,” Colleen said. “I couldn’t have asked for more. Dressage isn’t his strongest phase for sure. Usually our weakness is flow and having all the movements flowing together in the test, and I think this was our best one yet.”

William Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Will Coleman and The Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines are the pathfinders for the U.S. team. “Phish,” an 11-year-old French-bred Thoroughbred gelding (Turgeon X Merindole, by Tel Quel), scored 35.6 for 28th place.

“No one is watching him trot around here and thinking he might be a dressage horse,” Will said. Given the atmosphere and how this would be his weakest phase by a long shot, he was good. He’s going to get better with time, but he’s still relatively green and needs to get stronger. He’s a Thoroughbred and he’s here really for Saturday and Sunday. He’s a good jumper. That’s where we’ll focus now.”

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are making their championship debut for Canada and sit 39th on a score of 40.2. “Tali,” a 12-year-old Welsh Sport Horse gelding (Brynarian Brenin X Dream Contessa xx, by Royal Chocolate xx), was bred in Canada by Carol McDonald. Lisa bought Tali as a 4-year-old after owning his full brother, “who was one of the most incredible horses. I thought, I have to go get the next one!”

Dressage would not be Tali’s favorite phase — “if there was a sport with only cross country, that would be his sport” — but Lisa said she was happy with how hard he tried in his test. “He got a little tense but he started coming back to me,” she said. “He’s been a challenge. He teaches you a lot, like how to be patient, but it will come. He’s 12 this year and really just starting to come into his own.”

Daniela Mougel and Cecelia, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare (Connecticut X Penny Stock, by Spend A Buck) owned by Aurelio Quinzaños and Jorge Eduardo Mtz. Castrejon, sit 35th on 37.1, the best score ever recorded by a Mexican rider at a World Championships. (Be sure to follow EquiRatings on Twitter for more stats like that!)

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Magnum X Momos Girl) owned by L & N Equestrian, are pathfinders for the Brazilian team and sit 41st on 41.4.

The action continues tomorrow with day two of dressage starting at 9 a.m. EST. Click here to view start times. Click here for details on how to watch live. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from Tryon so far and — y’all already know what I’m going to say next — stay tuned for the latest and greatest from WEG. Go Eventing.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Can’t Miss Quotes from Day One of WEG Dressage

By on Sep 13, 2018 6:26 pm -

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo (GBR). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

After watching half the field today, we’re blown away by the caliber of horses and riders here in Tryon. They’re putting it all on there — fighting for every single point. Let’s check in with a few of today’s riders:

Rider’s thoughts on their dressage tests…

Julia Krajewski (GER): “I am absolutely thrilled. I must not overdo my preparation with him, and he trotted in and felt really good. Maybe something really good was going to happen today, and he felt awesome during the test. He has done good dressage tests before, but to produce it in such an atmosphere on this day, the people went crazy.

“It is not a personal best. He has had scores of 19 something before, but it is not just push a button and get 19. With a horse like him that can really do it, it is about the detail. I am so proud. He is only 10. I had to stop the tears when I finished the test. It is an amazing feeling.”

Mark Todd (NZL): “It wasn’t as good as I had hoped, but realistically with this horse this is only his second season of proper eventing, and he went in there and he just got a little bit distracted and had a few little ragged moments here and there and a couple of mistakes that you can’t afford to do at this level.We came here knowing he was a bit green in this phase, and hopefully he can make up for it in the jumping and not add to it.”

Chris Burton (AUS): “I’m really happy with him (Cooley Lands), he did a lot right you know but he’s still got a long way to go and we can always improve on personal performance but I am so happy with him, he tries really hard. I’m so pleased, what can I say.”

Alex Tua Hian (CHN): “I’m very happy. There’s a chance we will be dead last or near the bottom but this horse will be one of the youngest and certainly the greenest and most inexperienced and it was a question whether we bought him here or didn’t bring him here, we knew he was going to be well out of his depth for the dressage but he’s such a fighter jumping and such a fighter on the cross country that we thought for him for the future, to give him a chance here without any pressure or expectations, was a good investment.

“It was definitely the right decision, for us the dressage was about surviving and not looking like a total fool and actually the horse tried, he made lots of mistakes but we knew that was going to happen.”

Lauren Kieffer (USA): “He was alright, he’s still a bit green so he had a couple of bobbles but they really like him and where he was good, the quality was really good so it’s more him just getting into these big atmospheres more and more and I think he will just keep getting better and better.”

On their team… 

Will Coleman (USA): “There is a real chemistry with this team. Everyone gets along and is really supportive of one another. I do think it is a strong team. We have got strong characters, big riders and some big cross country horses.”

Chris Burton (AUS): “The Australian team is the best. They are fantastic, they’re so supportive and we’re a great group of friends, the high performance panel runs so smoothly these days and for me it is a privilege to be a part of such a fun team.”

Tina Cook (GBR): “Obviously I’m very disappointed [about being named the individual], I love being part of a team, this is my fifth world games and there’s nothing better than being part of the British team, but I still am in many ways. Because of Billy the Red’s attention and my injuries in the Spring, everybody else has got better than me this year so I have to accept being an individual but I have a chance to go for an individual medal, we are very much team though.”

On the cross country course… 

Piggy French (GBR): “I’ve walked the course, it’s there to be jumped. It’s a championships so we are ready under different pressure and it’s just about getting the job done. There’s plenty of places where we can make mistakes and have sillies so we’ve just got to be on it and hope the weather is alright for us, I think it’ll be the luck of the draw what stage of the day you go; whether it’s very sunny or very wet or not so I think we are in the hands of that a bit as well.”

Sam Watson (IRL): “It is all very jumpable, but there are a lot of combinations. It is a test of concentration, and it could well turn into a test of stamina as well. There are a couple of meaty complexes in the middle of the course where I think line will be very important.

“[Horseware Ardagh Highlight’s] job is to deliver on Saturday and be a good pathfinder for the team, and you can see from his temperament that that is really what he wants to do.

Blyth Tait (NZL): “It’s very impressive and the going is amazing, so no complaints there. There’s a couple of very difficult combinations, a couple of complicated combinations but we were potentially expecting to be really frightened and on a very quick look, we feel that ridden well it should ride well. Obviously we’ve got the hill at the end and who knows what factor the weather will play.”

Alex Tua Hian (CHN): “I think it (cross-country course) looks awesome, it looks absolutely awesome. They’ve done an amazing job, there are lots of interesting options out there, there are a few fences that have us riders scratching our heads over what we are going to do but that is how a championship course should be. It has options for the lesser nations and the lesser horses and riders to complete and get round so I think Mark Phillips has given us exactly what we needed.”

On championship performances… 

Andrew Hoy (AUS): “I have been in this sport for so long, you can be on a high for one second, and then the next second it can change. It is step by step. We have really good riders and really good horses, and it is just up to everyone putting in a personal best.”

Gemma Tattersall (GBR): “It is a complete privilege and honor to be the pathfinder for the team. We have a great partnership and I am just excited to get out there, get going, get the job done and then enjoy the day.”