Classic Eventing Nation

60 Seconds With Lynn Symansky Ahead of the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky 3DE

By on Apr 25, 2018 6:50 pm -

Donner was four-star fresh at the first horse inspection! Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lynn Symansky and Donner are no strangers to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. This year marks their fourth crack at the iconic four-star event — they were 5th here in 2013, 12th in 2015 and 17th in 2016.

Lynn and Donner, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred (Gorky Park x Smart Jane, by Smarten), are fan favorites and veterans of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team. This preview video shows the pair settling into the Kentucky Horse Park and lends insight into what it’s like to tackle the centerpiece of the cross country course, the Head of the Lake.

“Riding into the Land Rover Kentucky Head of the Lake is one of the most exciting parts of being an eventer on this cross country course,” Lynn says. “You come in and you have the entire crowd cheering for you, the adrenaline is up, your horse is fired up, and it is just a spectacular feeling to go through clear and head back to the end of the course.”

Lynn and Donner canter up the centerline at 2:02 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Here’s wishing them a happy event!

#LRK3DE Links: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

 

Stage Set for a Game of Snakes and Ladders at Kentucky

By on Apr 25, 2018 6:45 pm -

We are delighted to have Diarm Byrne of EquiRatings here at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event providing analysis on each day of the competition. Keep checking back for exclusive statistics from EquiRatings, and be sure to follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

How will the removal of the dressage multiplier affect three-time Kentucky winner fischerRocana FST? Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will be the first four-star since the removal of the dressage multiplier. The result of the removal of the multiplier is that dressage scores will be more tightly bunched going into the jumping phases. At this level, cross country will the most influential phase — with dressage just behind and then show jumping (dressage is still the main influencer when you look at the sport across all levels).

We are going to see much lower scores in the first phase; a 45 in the old system is a 30 now — so expect those top horses to be scoring in the 20s. If you want to break a dressage record, you need to hit the teens in the first phase, with Bettina Hoy’s 2009 dressage score on Ringwood Cockatoo being translated to a 19.2 dressage score in the new system.

But jaw-dropping dressage scores won’t be enough at this venue — it will be about finishing on that score. Make no mistake: This will be a test of who can add the least to their dressage score. Every second lost on the cross country course and every pole down in the show jumping is likely to see snakes and ladders on the leaderboard that we are not used to. Even the day before it begins, the data is suggesting this promises to be one of the most dramatic Kentuckys in recent years.

This will not be a dressage competition

The last time someone came from outside the top five after dressage to win at Kentucky was 2006 when Andrew Hoy and Master Monarch scored a 53.1 dressage and won. He was the only horse to finish on his dressage score (FOD) that year.

In recent years we have seen people get close to the front and stay there:

Position after dressage:

  • 2017 Winner: FISCHERROCANA FST – 2nd after dressage
  • 2016 Winner: FISCHERROCANA FST – Leader after dressage
  • 2015 Winner: FISCHERROCANA FST – 4th after dressage
  • 2014 Winner: BAY MY HERO – 2nd after dressage
  • 2013 Winner: QUIMBO – 2nd after dressage

However, the removal of the multiplier means things will be tighter going into Saturday morning, and there are many opportunities to add to that dressage score. Over the last three seasons, the average jumping clear rate in the cross country here is just 51% — and when you look over 10 seasons, it sits at 53% to make it the toughest of the four-star venues.

This is suggesting we are likely to see about 1 in every 2 get home without jumping penalties on cross country. The other 50% tends to split reasonably down the middle, with 25% being eliminated or retiring and 25% completing with jumping faults. Sunday will bring lots more people adding to their dressage score. In the last two years, a total of eight combinations have not added any show jumping faults! Eight! from 93 combinations! More on that in your Sunday update.

#LRK3DE Links: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Photo Gallery: A Spectral Color Display at Kentucky First Horse Inspection

By on Apr 25, 2018 6:34 pm -

Will Coleman’s Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The First Horse Inspection at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event kept us holding our breath as numerous horses were sent to the hold box and another handful showed off their fitness with impressive airs above the ground. In the end, one horse was spun and another withdrawn. Forty-six horses will move on to dressage. Click here for the full jog report.

It’s always fun to see what outfits the riders come up with for this, the only four-star first horse inspection in the Western Hemisphere. Some give a nod to their signature cross country colors or native country (we love Canadian Hawley Bennett-Awad’s red accents on her shoes and Tim Bourke’s three-piece green suit for Ireland. It may be a cool gray day in April, but flowers were blooming bright on the jog pad.

#LRK3DE Links: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Grey Skies and Bright Horses: #LRK3DE Jog Day Social Media Roundup

By on Apr 25, 2018 5:08 pm -

Dark rainclouds couldn’t keep the four-star ponies and their riders from shining bright on the jog strip today. We’ll be bringing you social media roundups every day for he rest of the competition, so don’t forget to use the official hashtag #LRK3DE on your posts, tweets, and ‘grams — you could be featured in an upcoming edition.

#LRK3DE Links: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

#landroverkentuckythreedayevent #sassypants #smartpak #wearesoready #funatthejog

A post shared by Danielle McNamara (@daniemcnamara) on

@wallaceeventing is SUCH a girl. #lrk3de

A post shared by Timothy D. Harfield (@timothyharfield) on

Phish looking good and fresh before the jog!

A post shared by Will Coleman Equestrian (@willcolemanequestrian) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiAYyWVgeuW/

The Z Partnership's Z and John and Kristine Norton's I'm Sew Ready are settled in at The Kentucky Horse Park for the…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Tuesday, April 24, 2018

These two… Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wundermaske #lrk3de #eventing #bromance

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46 Horses Accepted in Dramatic Kentucky CCI4* First Inspection

By on Apr 25, 2018 5:02 pm -

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Forty-six combinations will start the competition at at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event following the first horse inspection on an overcast afternoon here in Lexington, Kentucky.

The inspection was not without drama, as the ground jury of Christian Landolt (SUI), Jane Hamlin (USA) and Sue Baxter (GBR) sent seven horses to the holding box: Caroline Martin’s mount Spring Easy, Joe Meyer’s mount Johnny Royale, Erin Sylvester’s mounts Mettraise and Paddy The Caddy; Colleen Loach’s mount Qorry Blue d’Argouges, Sara Gumbiner’s mount Polaris, and Allie Knowles’ mount Sound Prospect.

Johnny Royale was withdrawn from the holding box. Mettraise was sadly not accepted upon re-presentation to the ground jury. The remaining five horses were all accepted.

We saw a number of fresh, fit horses, with Joe Meyer’s mount Clip Clop and Oliver Townend’s mount Cooley Master Class both kicking up their heels. As always, Lynn Symansky’s mount Donner provided quite the finale as the final horse in the order to jog — nothing runs like a deer!

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We had two guest Olympians jogging horses for injured riders in Leslie Law and Karen O’Connor. Leslie jogged both Spring Easy and The Apprentice for Caroline Martin, who is nursing a foot injury she sustained at Carolina International last month. Karen O’Connor jogged RF Scandalous for Marilyn Little, who is also battling a foot injury she sustained last November at the Ocala Jockey Club.

Stay tuned for a full photo gallery from the first horse inspection, as well as the winners of EN’s Unofficial Jog Awards.

Dressage starts tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. EST with Buck Davidson and Park Trader as the first down centerline. Click here to view ride times. Dressage will be shown live on USEF Network. Click here for details on how to watch live.

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s #LRK3DE coverage so far. Go Eventing.

Kentucky: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Elisa Wallace, Simply Priceless Arrive at KHP

By on Apr 25, 2018 4:46 pm -

The 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event competitors have been settling into their home for the week at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Elisa Wallace and the Simply Priceless Syndicate’s 17-year-old Thoroughbred Simply Priceless arrived at the venue yesterday for their fifth four-star and third crack at Kentucky.

Drive right in the front gate with Elisa and “Johnny” and take a quick tour of the grounds in these two clips. We’re pretty sure Elisa will be vlogging all week so watch and subscribe to her YouTube channel for updates from Kentucky.

The #BestWeekendAllYear is finally here! If you’ve been paying any attention to the EN homepage, coverage has already begun in earnest. Keep it locked on EN for live updates, breaking news, and much (much) more from #LRK3DE.

Kentucky: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Get Your Shop On at LRK3DE

By on Apr 25, 2018 12:00 pm -

We all know that the shopping that can be done during #LRK3DE is something to behold — and if we’re being completely honest, the shopping is part of what makes it the Best Weekend All Year! There’s even more shopping to be done just outside of the Kentucky Horse Park … if you’re in the market for a new event prospect.

If watching the four-star ponies gets you inspired to look for your next eventing superstar, look no further than the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) in Lexington, conveniently located just around the corner from the Horse Park. Here are three currently available OTTBS at MMSC that could be just what you’re looking for:

Photo via Marker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Iwishitwouldrain (GET STORMY – WISHFOREMORE, BY MT. LIVERMORE): 2014 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare

This gorgeous little dapple-gray mare would certainly be an eye-catcher at any event! Though she did win one of her five starts, she was solidly out of the money the rest of the time and has retired without any limitations. Her caretakers say she has a kind, warm temperament and her personality is anything but gloomy!

View Iwishitwouldrain on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Eiteljorg (JAZIL – NANYEHI, BY CHEROKEE RUN): 2012 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Pronounced “eye-til-yorj,” this handsome gelding has 11 starts on the track and just shy of $10k in winnings. The staff at MMSC still has some getting to know him to do, as he is a very recent arrival, but he seems to be a personable and athletic gelding. He has yet to be ridden off-the-track, but doesn’t seen to have a fear of fences, as he willingly canters over a small cross rail during liberty work!

View Eiteljorg on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Astrologist (DISCREET CAT – FORTY GREETA (ARG), BY ROAR): 2013 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

Will the stars align for you and Astrologist? This five-year-old still has a little growing up to do, but as he matures he looks to be a great partner for someone in his next career. He’s an athletic guy, with an impressive jump and floaty trot, plus he managed to earn almost half a grand in just five starts on the track.

View Astrologist on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

It’s Go Time! EN’s Team Picks for Kentucky 2018

By on Apr 25, 2018 10:27 am -

Can Michael Jung win a fourth year in a row with fischerRocana FST? Photo by Julia Rau.

Jog day at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is upon us! With the first horse inspection at 3 p.m. this afternoon and dressage kicking off tomorrow, the EN team is ready to make our picks for horses and riders we think will stand out in six categories: Big Winner, Top American, Top Canadian, Spoiler Alert, Top Thoroughbred and Best Mare.

We also have two special guests this year making picks in commentator extraordinaire John Kyle and stats guru Diarm Byrne.

Note: There is only one rookie this year in Sara Gumbiner and Polaris. These predictions also exclude Veronica and OBOS O’Reilly, who are both going to Badminton instead.

Kentucky: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

SHELBY ALLEN

Big Winner: Phillip Dutton and Z. I’m calling it! Let’s have an American winner. After a 10-year gap, and with a new special horse, I think Phil can get it done.

Top American: Phillip Dutton

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. They’re in great form and have the cross country record to back it up. He’ll want a good result with the World Equestrian Games on the horizon.

Spoiler Alert: Cooley Cross Border and Kim Severson. If all the stairs align, they could take it all, but their track record makes it hard for me to definitely give them the win — no matter how much I love them!

Top Thoroughbred: Lynn Symansky and Donner. This is Donner’s 9th four-star, so this pair has the backing of experience. I think this could be the weekend all the pieces come together for a top 5 finish.

Best Mare: fisherRocana FST. I think losing the dressage coefficient will bump her off her throne in the final phase. Still a top performer — I think she will be the best mare.

JENNI AUTRY

Big Winner: Chris Burton and Nobilis 18. This pair set a UK dressage record at Burghley in 2016, so expect them to be leading or very close to it after the first phase. Burto is one of the fastest cross country riders in the world, and I think his four rails down at Burghley (when he still won) were an outlier. Looking to his international record, the horse has had two rails on two other occasions — all the rest are clears. Jumping on a surface on the final day should make all the difference.

Top American: Phillip Dutton with Z. He has an ideal draw early on Thursday morning when the main stadium will be quiet, and he can finish on his dressage score. With the dressage coefficient removed, we are looking to horses who can finish on their dressage score as the ones to watch. This horse can do it in his four-star debut.

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac. Look for speedy Waylon to make the time on cross country or come close to it with this horse. Rails on the final day remain a question, but I’m looking for a big performance from them this year.

Spoiler Alert: Pawel Spisak and Banderas. If you haven’t heard of this Polish pair, take note. On paper they can deliver strong performance in all three phases and challenge the very top of the leaderboard. Did I mention Pawel trains with Michael Jung? I’m looking at a potential top five finish.

Top Thoroughbred: Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. There are so many strong dark horse combinations in this year’s field. Paddy the Caddy makes his CCI4* debut as a horse who can finish on his dressage score. Erin won the Land Rover Ride of the Day for hitting bang on the optimum time last year. Look for her to challenge the time again with this horse. I’m calling a top 10 finish.

Best Mare: fischerRocana FST with Michael Jung. The removal of the dressage coefficient is interesting when you look at horses like Rocana. Without it, she would have won the 2014 World Equestrian Games but lost at Kentucky last year. If she wins, she will make history as the first horse to win four times at a single CCI4* venue.

DIARM BYRNE

Big Winner: fischerRocana FST

Top American: Phillip Dutton and Z

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac

Spoiler Alert: Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus

Top Thoroughbred: Donner with Lynn Symansky

Best Mare: fischerRocana FST

SAMANTHA CLARK

Big Winner: fischerRocana FST

Top American: Phillip Dutton and Z

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac

Spoiler Alert: Chris Burton and Nobilis 18

Top Thoroughbred: Donner with Lynn Symansky

Best Mare: fischerRocana FST

MAGGIE DEATRICK

Big Winner: fischerRocana FST, but by the skin of her teeth this year. Between the loss of the coefficient for dressage negating her strength in that phase and good weather deteriorating the advantage she gets from getting close to time when few others can, she’ll have a much narrower margin on Sunday to get the win this time.

Top American: The numbers are telling me Z will top the Americans, which could be a bit of a stretch in the horse’s first four-star….but then again, it’s Phillip Dutton in the irons. His dressage score has been dropping pending his ability to hold it together, and he’s proven the ability to finish on his dressage score at the CCI3* level. Can he do it for his first time at the CCI4* level?

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac will use speed to their advantage to fly up the ranks on phase two, but will be limited by what the horse can pull out on phase three. Still, speed combined with their ability to be strong enough on the flat to stay within shouting distance of the dressage leaders will keep them as the top Canadians.

Spoiler Alert: Cooley Cross Border of course. Our most recent American Blenheim winner has all the pieces if everything goes well. Fitness will be a big question as well as grit to get the job done. If he and Kim Severson can get through the cross-country phase (and if they can, they will be fast too), then this show is likely theirs for the taking.

Top Thoroughbred: Paddy the Caddy will be the spoiler for this category for me over Tight Lines and Donner. His record is just so consistent in the two jumping phases, proving he can stay on his dressage score multiple times. And that dressage score is super consistently within reach of the leaders as well. In a year where dressage is weighed less in relation to jumping phases, staying on what you get is all-important.

Best Mare: fischerRocana FST obviously, but excluding her RF Scandalous has a good shot of making the top ten. Like Cooley Cross Border, fitness will be a huge question for her, and while she’ll show jump clear on day three, she has yet to get closer than 12 seconds over optimum at a CCI3* or CCI4*.

JOHN KYLE

Big Winner: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST

Top American: Will Coleman and Tight Lines

Top Canadian: Hawley Bennett-Award and Jollybo

Spoiler Alert: Pawel Spisak and Banderas

Top Thoroughbred: Donner with Lynn Symansky

Best Mare: fischerRocana FST

ABBY POWELL

Big Winner: I️ can’t choose, I️ can’t choose! I️ certainly don’t want to root against Michael and Rocana because they’re amazing, but I️ think this could be someone else’s year. I think 2016 Burghley winners Chris Burton and Nobilis 18 could steal their crown.

Top American: It could be a bit of a stretch given this is the horse’s first four-star, but Phillip Dutton and Z have a very impressive track record for clear rounds and top finishes.

Top Canadian: Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac are a great pairing and they’ve been on their game lately.

Spoiler Alert: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous are total wildcards for me. If Marilyn and Kitty successfully complete cross country, chances are they’ll be up there on the leaderboard.

Top Thoroughbred: I’m rooting for the “underdogs.” Simply Priceless with Elisa Wallace has improved with each showing at Kentucky. If she can keep the Black Dragon contained on the flat, I think they are a force to be reckoned with.

Best Mare: Queen of Kentucky, fischerRocanaFST.

KATE SAMUELS

Big Winner: I’m voting Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border because I’ll be completely overwhelmed with giddy happiness if it happens for them this weekend, and they have all the right pieces to make it happen.

Top American: Duh, Kim & Crossy.

Top Canadian: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, tiny mare power!

Spoiler Alert: Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class … it’s hard to bet against Oliver honestly

Top Thoroughbred: Paddy the Caddy, because he’s adorable and Erin is fast across the ground on Saturdays.

Best Mare: RF Scandalous, sorry FischerRocana, but you’ve had your time in the spotlight.

LESLIE THRELKELD

Big Winner: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Why bet against a trend?

Top American: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Following a banner 2017 and a second place finish at The Fork CIC3* this month, they look primed to take a top placing. Plus I want it for them SO BAD.

Top Canadian: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Fierce and fearless.

Spoiler Alert: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Fourth at their four-star debut and ten FEI wins on their record. If Kitty can go quick enough on cross country they will be hunting down the top of the leaderboard.

Top Thoroughbred: Lynn Symansky and Donner. Where they fall short on the flat they make up for over fences. But like a fine wine this partnership just keeps getting better with time.

Best Mare: Queen Rocana

LESLIE WYLIE

As caboose of this train and a contrarian by nature, this year I’m refraining from picks and simply wishing every last horse and rider a safe, happy 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Let’s do this thing. Go Eventing!

Kentucky 2018 at a Glance: Meet the Horses

By on Apr 25, 2018 9:00 am -


Want to know what this year’s field of horses looks like, but got places to be? Fear not! We’ve poured over the databases and crunched the numbers so you don’t have to! Once again, EN is proud to present you with our Kentucky at a Glance series.

Kentucky: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Keep it locked here as we bring you more!

Kentucky: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

EN’s 7th Annual Kentucky Top Dog Contest, Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 25, 2018 8:37 am -

Dorsey, a past Top Dog contestant. Photo submitted by Robin Corr.

Keep your children on a leash and your dogs in focus! Sniffing, wagging, splashing, napping — and hopefully not chasing Buck Davidson — the pooches will be on parade at Kentucky this year.

Capture one with your camera in EN’s always popular 7th Annual Kentucky Top Dog Contest, presented by World Equestrian Brands. This year the lucky winner will take home a Mattes Half Pad!

Here are a few faves from past years to help you hone in on the hounds:

Indy, 2017 Top Dog Contest winner! Photo submitted by Rachael Leneweaver.

2015 Top Dog Lincoln in his Land Rover (Land Rover not included in prize).

Claire Ryner’s Macy.

Stephanie Sills’ Aiken

Kaylen Moon’s Tucker

Caitlin O’Shea’s Sophie

The winner will receive a Platinum Collection Mattes Half Pad with Rear Trim in your choice of dressage or all purpose style. This amazing prize is valued at $238 and made possible thanks to our longtime partner World Equestrian Brands.

Contest Details:

Send your puppy pic to [email protected] with the subject line “Top Dog.” One entry per person.

Deadline: Sunday, April 29, 5 p.m. EST