Classic Eventing Nation

Who Jumped It Best? The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event Edition

By on Apr 10, 2018 11:00 am -

The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event was only a preview to what we can expect come September at the World Equestrian Games. There is much work left to be done at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, but with a little imagination we can see the facility will be truly something, not just for WEG but well into the future of equestrian sports.

With that, let’s play another game of Who Jumped It Best? Check out these CIC3* horse and rider combinations over the Tryon 2018 liverpool and vote in the poll at the bottom of this post for which competitors present the best overall picture.

Will we see any of these same riders back in the Tryon Stadium in September? Only time will tell! Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

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

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

10 Questions with Imogen Murray, Age 24, on the Road to Badminton 2.0

By on Apr 10, 2018 8:45 am -

Image courtesy of Tim Wilkinson.

Imogen Murray, age 24, from Leicestershire, returns to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials a year on from being crowned the Highest Placed Under 25 Rider. Riding Ivan Gooden, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Young Convinced x Ballybrohan Diamond, by Coevers Diamond Boy), Imogen will be aiming to make it three-for-three double clears at CCI4* level.

One of only two combinations to jump a double clear at both Badminton and Burghley in 2017, Imogen and “Charles” were riding high last season. With abandonments aplenty at the start of the 2018 season they are not letting the weather put a dampener on their preparations with a personal best in the dressage at Burnham Market CIC3*.

“We had an incredible season last year,” Imogen says. “A double clear at Badminton was a bit of a dream come true, but replicating it at Burghley was just incredible. Charles is feeling very well and is in great form, despite the limited preparations, so we are all very excited for our first four-star of the year. We’ve worked hard on his dressage over the winter, which was seen in his personal best at Burnham and he’s in winning show jumping form, following a win in the B/C Handicap at Arena UK last week.”

Imogen Murray and Ivar Gooden. Image courtesy of Tim Wilkinson.

Get to know the leading under 25 four-star rider:

1. When did your first start riding and who was your first pony/horse?

“I first started riding when I was 4 at the local riding school, Witham Villa. I learnt on a pony called Topper, a British Miniature Spotted and also a very typical cheeky chap. My first pony I had at home was Misty, 10.2-hand Shetland Cross breed who was sold from the riding school as he made too many appearances in the accident book for naughty behavior — he possibly set the tone for the future and me being drawn to horses with a bit of something about them.”

2. When did you first decide to become a professional event rider?

“On the day I received my GCSE results — which were an almost full string of As. I was in the school playground and thought this really isn’t what I want to do. I did have to persuade my parents though, but I think they were fully aware – I was never going to go to university!”

3. Who has been your biggest supporter to date?

“My family. Mum really is the backbone of the yard, she runs the show! She is also chief plaiter and polisher … and has to ensure my stock is tied properly! Dad is chief funding provider. He tries to come to as many events as possible and is often seen pacing around the warm up arenas. I’ve also got a great string of owners, many of whom have been with me for a long time. They come and watch even when their own horses aren’t competing.”

4. What is your ultimate goal?

“It’s a very demanding sport, physically, mentally and financially. So, to be able to survive long enough in the sport at the top level to then be able to look back and have memories of great horses competing at some great venues.”

5. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“There’s been many over the years but the one that always sticks comes from Steven James, who trained me for many years — just as I was entering a dressage arena I would hear him say ‘bum in, boobs out, it’s show time!’ I never failed to enter down that centre line with a smile.”

6. How do you like to relax? 

“Sleep … I do love a good nap, or a good film.”

7. Favourite song?

“‘Build Me Up Buttercup,’ or anything from Disney.”

8. What piece of advice would you now give yourself 10 years ago?

“Don’t rush to get there, I’ve been incredibly lucky with some of the horses I’ve been able to ride. When you’re younger, you’re always racing to make that next step up, as you get older you realise without proper foundations it will soon come tumbling down.”

9. What do you do to stay fit, other than riding?

“Pilates. I have regular pilates sessions to help my core stability which is really important. In the summer I will also cycle and run when I have the time but more because I enjoy it than to stay fit.”

10. What advice would you give someone just starting their eventing career?

 “Learn from the best, and watch the best. And you can never work hard enough.”

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Chillax

By on Apr 10, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Today is National Encourage a Young Writer Day! We here at EN may be a little biased, but we think that riding and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly. Know of a young rider (or an adult rider for that matter!) who likes to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard? Tell them to submit to Eventing Nation! We love reader submissions!

National Holiday: National Encourage a Young Writer Day

Events Opening This Week: Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. (CT, A-1) Virginia CCI/CIC & H.T. (VA, A-2) The Spring Event at Woodside(CA, A-6) Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA, A-7) FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier (MD, A-2) Flora Lea Spring H.T.(NJ, A-2) Paradise Farm HT (SC, A-3) Willow Draw Charity Show (TX, A-5) May-Daze at the Park H.T.(KY, A-8)  Coconino Spring H.T. (AZ, A-10)

Events Closing This Week: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA, A-2) Fresno County Horse Park H.T. (CA, A-6) University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. (NH, A-1)

Tuesday News:

The Tryon International Equestrian Center offers many different vantage points for photographers and spectators. From the George Morris Arena to the White Oak property, a former golf course, there were Kodak moments abound over this past weekend as the property hosted The Fork Horse Trials and WEG test event. [Galloping On A Golf Course: Favorite Photos From The Fork]

Introducing the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event’s “Best Weekend” blog! The blog will be sharing fan memories, tips and things to know about the event. The initial entry gives us a look at a 1978 Time Magazine article about the inaugural event. [‘It was destined for greatness …’]

Fan-Favorites Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error have made it off the waitlist! The pair were eighth on the wait-list, which they didn’t make it off of last year, but following withdrawals by those already accepted into the 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, Ben and ‘Mr Mulry’, will now be able to compete. [‘We’re buzzing to go’: Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error will compete at Badminton]

Tuesday Video: Doug Payne’s secret to supple horses:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhO5iLHgP6I/?taken-by=courtlee26

Which product does Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton trust to keep his horses calm and focused at the biggest events in the world? Chillax. Learn more.

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Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: The Fork Advanced & 3* Show Jumping On Demand

By on Apr 9, 2018 5:00 pm -

If you’re a fan of classic rock and/or country music as well as show jumping, then you’re in for a real treat. The Chronicle TV live streamed the final phase Advanced and CIC3* divisions yesterday and they had some dynamite playlists streaming in the background. If you missed it — fear not! You can replay it on demand here.

The action kicks off at the 26:12 mark with Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre’s lovely double clear round set to Under Pressure by Queen, which clinched them second place in the Advanced A division. Another particular favorite  round of mine was Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie’s (38:09) set to slow Foghat’s Slow Ride — I bet you can’t help but nod your head along!

Once the Advanced tests have finished and after a break in coverage, the show resumes and we switch over to a country soundtrack at 1:24:13 with Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges, the first to go in the CIC3*. Phillip Dutton and Z enter the ring at 2:33:54 to throw down their winning double-clear ride. You can also catch the prize giving at 2:46:38. Enjoy!

Who Jumped It Best? The Fork Intermediate Edition

By on Apr 9, 2018 2:46 pm -

Although much of the focus was zoomed in on the WEG Test Event at The Fork CIC and Horse Trials, there were another 150+ horses competing at the Tryon International Equestrian Center this weekend.

The Open Intermediate division wrapped up the four-day competition. We were there with you until the last and now it’s time to play Who Jumped It Best?!

Check out these Intermediate competitors at The Fork and decide which horse and rider pair present the best overall picture. Vote in the poll at the bottom of this post. Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Live Stream, Results, EN’s Coverage

Alexandra Baugh and Mr Candyman. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lauren Kieffer and Lndmk’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Missy Miller and Quinn. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Beth Perkins and Handsome Harry. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Valerie Vizcarrondo and Favian. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino Dominate in Chattahoochee Hills CIC3* Win

By on Apr 9, 2018 12:18 pm -

Team Atlantic Domino! From left: Erin Jameson, Elizabeth Crowder, Mike Huber, Julia Spatt, and Jacob Fletcher.

Jacob Fletcher clinched the first CIC3* win of his career at Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials in Fairburn, Georgia, dominating across both days of competition with Atlantic Domino to top the leaderboard on a final score of 30.0.

Jacob and “Domino,” a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Dunlough Striker X Atlantic Amanda, by Glidawn Diamond) owned by Frank Fletcher and Fletcher Farms, were the only pair in the CIC3* to finish on their dressage score.

Jacob, who is based outside Little Rock, Arkansas, trains with Mike Huber and also worked diligently on his dressage with USEF Developing Coach Leslie Law and James Burtwell over the winter season.

“He was definitely sharp and fresh for dressage. Normally he’s a horse that I don’t give the judges a reason to give me less than a 7, and I try to see if I can sneak in a 7.5. I’ve been working on trying to sneak in some bigger marks, so I went for it a bit more this time,” Jacob said.

“The trot work was really good and flashier than usual, so he got some higher marks there. Then the ‘go for it’ strategy came out in the canter. I had two bobbles — he spooked at some of the decorations by the arena when I was doing the extended canter half-circles.”

Domino sat fourth after dressage and was also a bit sharp for show jumping later in the afternoon, but with the time riding right on Marc Donovan’s course, Jacob used it to his advantage.

“I tend to have 2 to 4 time penalties when I show jump him. We were all really tight on the leaderboard going in, so I wanted to make sure I was quick enough, and I probably took it a bit to the extreme worrying about the time,” Jacob said.

“I did go a little fast. It was probably more like a jump-off, but we made the time, so that was exciting. I’ve got to work on a happy medium with the speed. Coming out of the ring, Mike said, ‘You made it up in the turns — you didn’t have to go quite that fast!'”

Jacob and Domino’s fast and clear show jumping round boosted them up to lead after the first day of competition. Only five of the 22 pairs (23% of the CIC3* field) jumped clear and inside the time in show jumping.

Speed ultimately proved to be the deciding factor for the weekend, as Jacob and Domino were the only pair to catch the optimum time of 6 minutes, 6 seconds on Hugh Lochore’s CIC3* cross country course the next day to secure the win.

“To make time at any CIC3* you have to be riding on the edge, and I definitely do on Domino since he doesn’t have the highest gear. I don’t have to check him before any jumps, so the fact that he is really rideable helped us save time.”

Following the win at Chattahoochee Hills, Jacob and Domino will next go to Jersey Fresh International in Allentown, New Jersey to run the CCI3*. They last competed in a CCI3* at Galway Downs in 2015, though not because the horse was sidelined by an injury. Instead, Jacob had a lighter competition schedule while finishing his degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Arkansas.

Now that he has graduated, Jacob is working part-time selling insurance through his family’s business, Fletcher Insurance Group, while also running a training and sales business through 5o1 Sport Horses at his family’s Fletcher Farms.

Jacob’s return to a busier competition schedule has been very successful thus far. In addition to winning his first CIC3* at Chattahoochee Hills, he and Domino also finished second in the Red Hills CIC3* last month.

“It’s exciting that even though it feels like chaos with how busy I am, we’re still heading in the right direction,” Jacob said. “I’m hoping we have hit a place where we can be consistent now.”

Jacob hasn’t yet solidified his competition plan for the rest of the 2018 season beyond Jersey Fresh, but he said he is hoping to work towards competing in his first CCI4*.

Looking to the rest of the CIC3* leaderboard, Buck Davidson and Carlevo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Caresino X Ramatuelle, by Levernois) owned by Carlevo LLC, finished second on 39.5 in the horse’s final prep run before the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Sydney Conley Elliott and Cisko A, a 12-year-old Westphalian (Cayetano L X Rhiannon M, by Ribot) owned by Carol Stephens, finished third on 39.7 in the horse’s first run back at the level since the 2016 American Eventing Championships.

Looking to the Advanced division, Ellie MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Crane’s RF Eloquence, a 13-year-old Holsteiner (Contender X D-Ginger, by Grundyman xx), took the win on 38.7 in the horse’s final prep run for Kentucky.

Buck Davidson and Kentucky-bound Copper Beach, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Radolin X Cloverballen) owned by Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin, finished second in the Advanced on 40.2.

Lily Geelan and Luksor, a 16-year-old Polish gelding (Efez X Lektura, by Farnik) owned by Mary Beth Geelan, finished third on 46.5 in their Advanced debut.

Click here to view final scores from Chattahoochee Hills. Our friends at the USEA provided excellent coverage of the CIC3* and Advanced, so click here and here to read more from #ChattHills. Go Eventing.

Weekend Results Roundup: The Fork, Chatt Hills, CDCTA, Pine Hill, Spring Bay

By on Apr 9, 2018 11:44 am -

Spring Bay Horse Trials … or Winter Bay? Photo by Megan Moore.

Lots going on out there in the Eventing Nation this weekend, some of it colder than others! The Fork at TIEC & WEG Test Event in Mill Spring, North Carolina; Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. in Fairburn, Georgia; Spring Bay H.T. in Lexington, Kentucky; Pine Hill Spring H.T. in Bellville, Texas; and CDCTA Spring H.T. in Berryville, Virginia, all hosted events.

Here are few notes and a shout-out to winners from the weekend that was:

  • The weather at Spring Bay H.T. in Lexington, Kentucky, wasn’t so springlike this year. Spring Bay is the first Area VIII event of the year, and the show went on despite winter’s surprise encore. The ground jury allowed riders to wear their winter coats; Megan Moore, who snapped the photo above and won Open Training on Guinness, said she did her dressage test in a winter coat, earmuffs, multiple pairs and hand warmers! A word of reflection from organizer Mary Fike: “Everyone one of us involved with Spring Bay would like to thank all of the volunteers who braved the most interesting weekend weather with smiles and gracious sense of humor. And to all of the riders who supported us in spite of dire forecasts — you guys are the best! I am so glad that Sunday rewarded you all with some sunshine and a good day of sportsmanship. It was so good to see you all and I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming season!” Thank YOU, too, Mary, and everyone who braved what was hopefully winter’s last gasp!
  • Congrats to Julie Richards and Fernhill Copas, who posted the lowest finishing score of the weekend in the country. The pair added nothing to their dressage score of 17.9 to win the Open Training division at Chattahoochee Hills. Well-done …  please, somebody post a video of that flawless test!
  • Pine Hill H.T. hosted a small Area V Young Rider Team Challenge. Congratulations to the winning team of Isabel Puthoff with Bold Statement and Kaitlyn Spacek with The Great Tyrone!
  • Congratulations to Lindsey Stucker and Excalibur on winning the “Starter’s Award for Best Turned Out Cross Country Horse and Rider” at Chatt Hills. The pair, who finished fifth in Open Intermediate, looked sharp in their red and black cross country get-up, and props to groom Josie Irish.
  • EN’s unofficial award for best horse name of the weekend goes to Toasted Marshmallow, who finished sixth in her first USEA horse trial in Beginner Novice at Chatt Hills with rider Carlee Cefola. The roan Pony of the Americas, owned by Sarah MacKusick, is truly the color of toasted marshmallow and her precious little face is just what the world needs on a Monday morning after. #NailedIt

Photo by Sarah MacKusick Mills.

The Fork at Tryon and WEG Test Event: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

CIC One Star: Natasha Erschen & Fernhill Flutter (34.5)
CIC Two Star: Alexandra Baugh & Ballingowan Pizazz (40.4)
CIC Three Star: Phillip Dutton & Z (28.0)
Advanced Test A: Lynn Symansky & Under Suspection (37.5)
Advanced Test B: Lauren Kieffer & Veronica (36.9)
Open Intermediate: Lauren Kieffer & Landmark’s Monte Carlo (36.3)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Dylan Phillips & Fernhill Fierce (30.4)
Open Preliminary: Kathy Cain & Legal Limit (28.5)
Preliminary Horse: Doug Payne & Cascor (35.2)
Preliminary Rider: Maddy Luker & Shanghai Fury (75.4)
Modified: Sharon White & Juneau (31.5)
Open Training: Becky Holder & Wishful Thinking (33.9)
Open Training: Becky Holder & Wishful Thinking (33.9)
Training Horse: Kristine Burgess & Malvasia Istriana (31.5)
Training Rider: Coti Hausman & Quantico (30.0)

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CIC One Star: Clayton Fredericks & FE Coldplay (31.50)
CIC Two Star: Clayton Fredericks & FE Mississippi (35.0)
CIC Three Star: Jacob Fletcher & Atlantic Domino (30.0)
Advanced: Elinor MacPhail O’Neal & RF Eloquence (38.7)
Open Intermediate: Maddie Lichten & Yarrow (42.0)
Open Preliminary A: Matthew Ulmer & Uno Concerto (39.7)
Open Preliminary B: Matthew Ulmer & Wellview Mister Lux (35.4)
Preliminary Rider: Emma Jenkins & Fernhill Bijzonder (34.6)
Open Training: Julie Richards & Fernhill Copas (17.9)
Training Horse: Justine Dutton & Arctic Tiger (25.5)
Training Rider: Elizabeth Henry & Charlotte La Bouff (26.8)
Novice Horse: Lisa Borgia & Silmarillion (31.1)
Novice Rider A: Deb Grosenbaugh & Starry Night (26.7)
Novice Rider B: Gracie Montgomery & Fernhill Inspiration (31.2)
Open Novice: Susan Beebee & Westwinds Navigator (27.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Haley Miller & Mr. Melvin (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Brie Murray & Qui Vive (27.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Sher Schwartz & Gorse Hill Gem (27.2)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhU-99Onw3P/

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Live Results]

Open Preliminary 1: Skyeler Voss & Argyle (30.7)
Open Preliminary 2: Sharon Church & Rose and Crown (39.6)
Open Training 1: Emily Beshear & Templewood (24.5)
Open Training 2: Maegen Bingham & Norman (31.7)
Open Novice 1: Rebecca Hagy & Boogaloo (25.7)
Open Novice 2: Darrin Mollett & Beverly’s Get Even (29.0)
Open Novice 3: Carolyn Briggs & Kaiya (27.1)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Robin White & Shirefox Cadence (32.0)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Ellie Solms & Chastian’s Morning Mocha (28.5)
Introductory: Amy Parsons & Wren Wrouge (27.3)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVDEUKA_-A/

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Cynthia Bowers & Just The Ticket (106.9)
Open Training: Savannah Welch & Langcaster (33.8)
Open Novice A: Allison Anson & Into That Good Night (28.1)
Open Novice B: Christie Hovas & Doesn’t Give a Tucker (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Jillian Clark & Harper (32.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Emily Crews & Osta La Vista (28.6)
Starter: Irene Doo & A Racin’ Star (36.6)

Well Harper and JJ did it, 1st place in their Beginner Novice division at a rated show. So proud of their hard work,…

Posted by Greg Clark on Saturday, April 7, 2018

Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary A: Corinna Garcia & Gun Slingin’ Bully (55.9)
Open Preliminary B: Alexis Anderson & Holly Golightly (39.5)
Open Training: Megan Moore & Master Mind (30.2)
Training Rider: Maria Moraniec & Lady Business (29.7)
Training Young Rider: Olivia Hahn & Fernhill Rodger That (30.2)
Open Novice A: Amy Bunt & Recurrent (25.5)
Open Novice B: Marty Riney & War Melody (26.9)
Novice Young Rider: Emma Drury & Aberlour (21.9)
Novice Rider A: Madeline Bletzacker & Drummer Boy (18.3)
Novice Rider B: Beth Geiser & Tough Mudder (34.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Marty Riney & Calipari (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Marty Riney & Harry (24.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Mary Clare Owdziej & Deal Me In (26.4)
Beginner Novice Young Rider A: Rebecca Geldner & Dynamic Balance (30.6)
Beginner Novice Young Rider B: Leah Massa & Suspicious Alibi (23.6)
Open Starter: Laura Werner & Clooney (26.5)
Starter Rider: Emily Smith & Finn McCool (28.8)

Cross country helmet cam from Training YR winner Olivia Hahn:

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

Photo Gallery: Show Jumping Finale at The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event

By on Apr 9, 2018 9:59 am -

Sharon White and Cooley On Show kick through the finish flags after a clear show jumping round. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

Chris Barnard’s show jumping course in the Tryon Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center switched up the final results in The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event yesterday. While the overnight leaders, Phillip Dutton and Z, posted a double clear round to secure the win, downed rails and time penalties saw horse and rider combinations making big moves up–or down–the leaderboard.

It was a thrilling finale to an exciting weekend of eventing and has us looking forward to the FEI World Equestrian Games in September. Click here for all of EN’s Coverage of the WEG Test Event and check out a photo gallery below of all the CIC3* finishers in order of placing. Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Live Stream, Results, EN’s Coverage

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Apr 9, 2018 12:27 am -

Jess Payne and Baby Hudson walk the show jumping course together at The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event at Tryon International Equestrian Center. Photo courtesy Mary Pat Stone.

The EN Team would like to extend sincere congratulations to Luke Horah and Ellie Luther on their recent engagement! Luke just moved Ellie’s former two-star mare Fair Fiona (dam of Boyd Martin’s Advanced horse Ray Price) up to Training level with an eye on a fall one-star. Best wishes to Luke, Ellie and Fair Fiona!

National Holiday: National Chicken Little Awareness Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Live Stream, Results, EN’s Coverage

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Results]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Elinor MacPhail made some tack changes to encourage her ride, RF Eloquence, to improve his frame and run more efficiently across the country. The adjustment worked and the pair rocked around the cross country at Chattahoochee Hills to snag the win in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced division. [MacPhail O’Neal and RF Eloquence Seize the Win in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills]

Posting the only double clear cross country round in the division, Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino finished on their dressage score and clinched the win in the CIC3* division at Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials.  [Fletcher and Atlantic Domino Clean and Fast to Secure the Win in the Chatthoochee Hills Adequan USEA Gold Cup CIC3*]

If golf enthusiasts cringe at the idea of horses galloping down fairways, then how do horse people feel about gear heads cruising around a world-class cross country course? The tv show Top Gear recently test drove an SUV while hauling a horse box over various “obstacles” at Burghley Horse Trials. [Top Gear horsepower takes on Burghley Horse Trials]

Muddy going lately? Great Britain has been clobbered with wet weather resulting in numerous event cancellations this spring. Although some organizers and competitors have managed to carry on despite the less than ideal conditions, there may be something to learn along the way! [9 Things You Quickly Discover While Competing in Muddy Conditions]

Monday Video:

Phillip Dutton Pilots Z to First International Win at The Fork CIC3*

By on Apr 8, 2018 3:08 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Since stepping up to the Advanced level in 2016, Phillip Dutton’s rising star Z has twice come close to clinching a three-star win and settled for second place — but not today.

As the overnight leader and last horse to go, Z jumped one of seven clear rounds inside the time over Chris Barnard’s show jumping course to take the first international win of his career at The Fork CIC3* on a final score of 28.0 here at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Phillip and Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by the Z Partnership, could afford one rail down and still take the win, but the pressure was definitely on with the time allowed of 78 seconds riding very tight.

“There is an advantage of going at the end and realizing the lines you have to take to shave the time. Z is not at his best if I open him up too much to the jumps, so I had to cut the turns and shorten him at the jumps and rock him back a little bit,” Phillip said, adding with a smile — “Everyone said they were worried I would get time, but I didn’t!”

No pairs finished on their dressage score, though Z came the closest, adding just 0.4 cross country time penalties to win on a final score of 28.0, the only finishing score in the 20s. Z will compete in the Advanced combined test later in the week at Fair Hill International Horse Trials in Elkton, Maryland, before going on to contest his first CCI4* at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“He’s an up-and-coming horse. Trying to help him understand what to do in every phase is my job,” Phillip said. “The cool part for me is getting them to this level and hopefully the next level.”

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border sat fifth after cross country with a play-it-safe strategy adding 7.6 time penalties, but a fast and clear show jumping round today pushed them back up the leaderboard to finish in second place on 32.1.

“He started out jumping pretty high (on cross country). I was pretty careful. I wanted to make sure I gave him a good ride. He picked up and got better and faster,” Kim said.

“I still get really nervous (in show jumping) thanks to (Tipperary Liadhnan), but Cross is just fun. You just gallop, and he’s going to be good if he can do it.”

“Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, will now go on to Kentucky looking for his first CCI4* completion.

Sharon White and her own Cooley On Show stalked the leaderboard all weekend, sitting just outside the top 10 after dressage thanks to a personal best test. A clear cross country round with 3.6 time penalties moved “Louie” up to seventh after the second phase, and he added no penalties in show jumping today to scoot up to finish third on a final score of 32.9.

“He’s getting better as he gets stronger. He loves the sport and loves competing, so he’s a good competitor no matter what. My job is not to get in the way and let him be who he wants to be,” Sharon said.

“He really enjoys all phases. His dressage is getting a lot better. Cross country is just fun. He’s got such a good stride and so much scope. He loves it. Show jumping I thought was really interesting; the time was so tight and the scores were so tight. You see it as a challenge and see if you can do it.”

“Louie,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ricardo Z X Jogantina, by Grand d’Espagne), finished 13th at Luhmühlen last year in his first CCI4* completion and will now go on to Kentucky hoping to check the same box.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who won The Fork CIC3* last year and led after dressage, delivered a speedy clear in show jumping to move from eighth after cross country up to finish fourth on a final score of 33.0.

“Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars, finished fourth in her first CCI4* at Luhmühlen last year and will next go on to her Kentucky debut.

Phillip Dutton and Kentucky-bound I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sat third after cross country and had one rail down in show jumping to finish fifth on final score of 34.0.

Seventeen of 31 pairs (55% of the CIC3* field) added time on the clock in show jumping, and fast and clear rounds resulted in big jumps up the leaderboard.

After impressing with a top-10 finish in his CIC3* debut at Carolina International, Lisa Wall’s Getaway proved once again he’s a serious horse for the future with Doug Payne in the irons. “Flynn,” an 11-year-old Oldenburg by Contendro, jumped a beautiful clear in show jumping to move from 11th after cross country to finish sixth on 35.8.

Lynn Symansky debuted RF Cool Play at the three-star level here at The Fork with an equally impressive result. “Coolio,” a 10-year-old German Sport Horse (Condors Champion X Roxana, by Radscha) owned by the Donner Syndicate, jumped a super clear today to move from 15th after cross country up to finish seventh on 37.0.

Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg, an 11-year-old Trakehner (Windfall X Thabana, by Buddenbrock), had one rail down in show jumping to finish eighth on a final score of 40.7 in the horse’s final prep run before making his CCI4* debut at Kentucky.

Hallie Coon and Helen Coon’s Celien, an 11-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL X R Quicksilver, Hamlet), added 2.0 time penalties in show jumping to finish ninth on a final score of 42.9. This duo next heads to England for the Houghton Hall CICO3* and Bramham CCI3*-Under 25 as part of the Karen E. Stives European Emerging Athlete Tour.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL X Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, had two rails down to finish 10th on 79.73. We will next see them in the dressage test ride at Kentucky.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan were the only other pair in the field to deliver a clear show jumping round inside the time — in their three-star debut no less! “Simon,” a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Master Imp X Ardragh Bash, by Cavalier Royale) finished 20th on a final score of 51.3.

Click here to view final scores from the CIC3*. Click here to view all of EN’s coverage from The Fork and WEG Test Event. Stay tuned for much more! Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage