Classic Eventing Nation

Photo Gallery: The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event Cross Country

By on Apr 7, 2018 6:19 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The “White Oak” course — one of two cross country courses at the Tryon International Equestrian Center — is built on an Arnold Palmer designed golf course. The long, manicured fairways just scream for galloping horses. It’s a unique and dreamy setting for a wandering photographer, but one can also view nearly the entire course from the main water complex.

I followed the flow of traffic today, making my way around the bulk of the course. Here’s a photo gallery of every finishing CIC3* combination. If you’re looking for more show photos, check out official photographer Shannon Brinkman’s website here.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

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

The Fork at Tryon: Whitney Mahloch, Lauren Kieffer Lead Advanced + CIC2*/1* Roundup

By on Apr 7, 2018 5:59 pm -

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Deep indigo storm clouds loomed on the horizon but ultimately kept their distance from The Fork and WEG Test Event at Tryon today. It made for a cool, overcast day of sport — here’s a roundup of what went down in the Advanced, CIC2* and CIC1* divisions. (Check out our CIC3* report here.)

Advanced Test A 

Two divisions of Advanced are running this weekend, giving competitors the option of riding Advanced Test A or Advanced Test B.

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind rose from 6th after dressage into the lead of Advanced Test A after posting the fastest cross country time in either division. Whitney and “Milo” collected just 2.4 time penalties and will advance to show jumping on a score of 33.8.

“We don’t usually worry about the time too much,” Whitney says. “He covers a lot of ground and moves pretty quick, so it’s not usually a big issue for us.”

Whitney, age 27, and Milo have a great story. She has had the now 12-year-old off-track Thoroughbred (Military x Smart Balance, by Beau Genius) since he was 3 and developed him herself. He was bred by the University of Kentucky and pulled off the track after raking in a whopping $140 in three starts; Whitney purchased him for $500 as a sophomore in college from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in Putnam, Indiana. They moved up the levels together and are holding their own at the top of the sport, most recently finishing in the top 10 at Red Hills last month.

“This is my first time here (at TIEC) so I was getting to know the track a little bit,” she says, praising Milo for today’s performance. “He was quite good. Some of those tough corners I added a little stride in there to make sure we were really accurate, but he was great and brave.”

Lynn Symansky occupies the next two spots on the leaderboard with Under Suspection and Donner respectively, who were one-two after dressage but picked up a smidgen of time today.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Advanced Test B

Dressage leader Will Coleman withdrew his two entries, Obos O’Reilly and Boris O’Hara, before cross country, as was his original plan. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Team Rebecca, LLC, inherited the lead and held onto it through cross country, picking up 10.8 time penalties.

“It was my first time here so it was all new to me, but both the horses I was on (Veronica in Advanced and Vermiculus in the CIC3*) are quite experienced,” she says. “They’re heading into Kentucky and Badminton so I wanted to be quick and efficient, but it was important to me that they stay rideable.”

Of the course, she says, “Walking it you kind of felt like there were a lot of gallop fences, but you didn’t get to just settle into the gallop with the golf course undulations so that was really good to learn about the course. It thought rode overall quite well, although I think Mark [Phillips] is probably luring us into a false sense of confidence at this point — it’s probably not going to ride like that in September!”

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie rose from 5th to 2nd; Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy are 3rd.

Advanced Test A top five after cross country:

Advanced Test B top five after cross country:

CIC2* 

Boyd Martin was one-two heading into show jumping and he retained both positions, albeit with a reverse of his horses. Contessa moved from 2nd to 1st when On Cue pulled a rail to drop to 2nd. Boyd and Contessa, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare (Contender x Veritas, by Esteban), are looking for a happy result after the misfortune of a flag penalty in the Red Hill CIC2* last month. Joe Meyer and Buccaneer sit third.

CIC2* top 10 after show jumping:

CIC1*

Rebecca Brown and Dassett Choice tiptoed into the CIC1* lead when dressage leader David O’Connor and Cooley Dream pulled a show jumping rail, dropping to 2nd by a tenth of a point. Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Sebastian round out the top three.

Rebecca, of Dallas, Texas, has been to TIEC to coach students at the American Eventing Championships but this is her first time competing here herself. She and “Junior,” her own 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Caricello x Vilja, by Hemmingway), turned in a clear round with no time to lead the division on a 29.7.  “Junior is awesome. He is just the best,” she says of her horse, whom she has developed from the Novice through two-star level.

Rebecca and Junior won the CCI2* at Colorado Horse Park last year and placed 2nd in the CIC2* at Texas Rose. This year’s they’ve been traveling east to challenge themselves and up their game. “It’s been kind of a hard transition to East Coast eventing,” she says, explaining that the busy atmosphere of Carolina International got the best of his attention span. “He just needs miles and that’s why we’re here.”

She says tomorrow’s cross country course looks great for her horse, and they’ll be doing their best to hang onto the top spot on the leaderboard. “I’m planning to go fast!” she laughs. “I would really like to beat David — no offense to David.”

Somebody’s got to, Rebecca! We unfortunately didn’t catch any photos of Rebecca, but here’s a video of her dressage test from yesterday:

 

Junior fancy prancing at The Fork ❤️

Posted by Rebecca Christine Brown on Saturday, April 7, 2018

CIC1* top 10 after show jumping:

Other overnight horse trial division leaders include:
Open Intermediate: Bobby Meyerhoff & Almanac (29.3)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Amanda Beale Clement & Fernhill Hustler (29.9)
Open Preliminary: Jordan Linstedt & Peter Parker (29.8)
Preliminary Horse: Doug Payne & Cascor (27.2)
Preliminary Rider: Maddy Luker & Shanghai Fury (38.0)
Modified: Sharon White & Juneau (31.5)
Open Training: Becky Holder & Wishful Thinking (33.9)

And for a few divisions, the final winners are already in!
Open Training: Becky Holder & Wishful Thinking (33.9)
Training Horse: Kristine Burgess & Malvasia Istriana (31.5)
Training Rider: Coti Hausman & Quantico (30.0)

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Phillip Dutton and Z Rocket to The Fork CIC3* Lead After Cross Country

By on Apr 7, 2018 5:38 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z lead after cross country! Photo by Jenni Autry.

The clock proved to be the key factor on cross country today at The Fork CIC3*/World Equestrian Games Test Event here at Tryon International Equestrian Center, with Phillip Dutton and Z rocketing to first place on 28.0 after crossing the finish just 1 second over the optimum time.

Phillip said Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by the Z Partnership, is “point and shoot” to ride on cross country and handled the rolling terrain with ease across Capt. Mark Phillips’ course.

“The goal was to step things up a little bit from what I’ve been doing as far as speed goes, but keeping him within himself,” Phillip said. “The course I thought in general rode well. Because of the golf-course terrain you’re working all the time with your lines and the different ups and downs. He’s a bit of a freak of a horse so it was pretty fun going around.”

Z is aiming for his CCI4* debut at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Phillip said he was especially pleased with the horse’s dressage test yesterday, which placed him seventh heading into cross country, as he can struggle with tension in the first phase.

“You never know until you get to a four-star whether they are a four-star horse,” Phillip said. “So far he has shown everything I could ever hope for that he’s going to be ready for it.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato jumped clear with 3.2 time penalties to move from fourth after dressage up to second place on 29.9. “Capato,” a 15-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Annabelle, by Amoroso) owned by Jordan and Barbara Linstedt, competed at The Fork last year, as well as the American Eventing Championships, so Jordan was very familiar with the track.

“I couldn’t have asked him to be any better. He came out of the box ready to run and felt exactly the same to the last fence,” Jordan said. “Mark always designs such a good course that is galloping, so it’s a perfect course for Capato. He’s run here now three times and the course is similar, so I had a little bit of a leg up on that.”

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton gave us a masterclass in cross country riding today, piloting all three of his horses into the top five. I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sat third after dressage and added 3.6 time penalties to remain in third place after cross country on 30.0.

Fernhill Cubalawn, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, looked all class in his first run at the level since 2016. “Cuba” added 3.2 time penalties to move from 10th up to fourth place on 31.5.

As for what today revealed about what we can expect for the World Equestrian Games cross country course come September, Phillip said a rideable horse will be key.

“I think it showed today with quite a straightforward course that the time is hard to get,” Phillip said. “You want to be able to ride through the terrain and not be shortening up and helping your horse, so you want a nice, balanced, rideable horse.”

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kim Severson had the confidence-boosting run she was looking for with Cooley Cross Border in his final run before Kentucky. “Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, added 7.6 time penalties to slip from second after dressage to fifth on 32.1.

Speed queen Katherine Coleman was one of three riders to catch the optimum time of 6 minutes, 16 seconds, which moved her from 20th up to sixth place on 32.4 with Kentucky-bound Longwood, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Limmerick X Cavale de Or, by Cavalier Royale) owned by KC Eventing Ltd.

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sharon White rocked around with her own Cooley On Show, adding 3.6 time penalties to move from 11th up to seventh place on 32.9. “Louie,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ricardo Z X Jogantina, by Grand d’Espagne), is another horse in the field using The Fork as a final prep run for Kentucky.

Dressage leader Marilyn Little stuck with her plan to focus on rideability and control with RF Scandalous, a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars. “Kitty” added 8.8 time penalties to slip to eighth place on 33.0 in her final prep run for Kentucky.

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, jumped clear with 4.0 time penalties to move from 12th up to ninth on 33.4.

Lisa Marie Fergusson leads the way for Canada after cross country with her own Honor Me. “Tali,” a 12-year-old Welsh Sport Horse (Brynarian Brenin X Dream Contessa), sped around just 2 seconds over the optimum time to move from 23rd up to 10th place on 35.5.

Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality, a duo renowned for their speed across the country, delivered the fastest rounds of the day — 5 seconds inside the time — to move from 27th up to 13th place on 36.9.

Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Steady rain overnight made for good going today on cross country, with the riders agreeing the footing was perhaps still a tiny bit firm but significantly improved thanks to the rainfall.

Capt. Mark Phillips’ CIC3* course rode very smoothly overall, with only four pairs having jumping penalties to give us an 89% clear jumping rate.

The corner combination at fence 11b and 12 caused the most trouble. Sara Kozumplik Murphy retired Rubens D’Ysieux after two refusals at the corner at fence 11b. Jessica Phoenix retired Bentley’s Best after two refusals at the corner at fence 12.

Colleen Rutledge made the optimum time with Covert Rights but was assessed 50 penalties for missing the flag at the corner at fence 12. She lodged an official inquiry with the ground jury to appeal the penalties, but her inquiry was not successful.

Sam Elsenaar and Banbury Sky were the only pair eliminated on course following three refusals at fence 5b, a triple brush.

Click here to relive all the cross country action in EN’s live updates. Click here for the fence report courtesy of Rechenstelle, the official scoring system of the World Equestrian Games.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s show jumping finale, Z has only had one rail down in his 11 runs at this levels. Click here to read about the other strong show jumping combinations in the field.

The final horse inspection for the CIC3* is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. EST tomorrow. Click here for the order for the final inspection. Show jumping will start at 11:15 a.m. EST and will be shown on the live stream at this link.

Stay tuned for much more from The Fork! Go Eventing.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Final Inspection Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Cross Country in Motion at The Fork and WEG Test Event at Tryon

By on Apr 7, 2018 3:00 pm -

We have gotten pretty spoilt with our eventing live streams, and while we’ve been able to follow much of the in-ring action at TIEC this weekend (see “How to Watch“), the cross country course isn’t set up for virtual spectating quite yet.

Alas, we’ve got at least a few clips to watch thanks to social media — and of course you can check out EN’s cross country live updates and stay tuned for a full report soon. Until then, here are a few videos to keep you satiated!

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRyoVFlS5q/

Those are some big jumps #crosscountryjumping #eventing #tryon

A post shared by Michelle Abel (@michelleaabel) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRvJF1hL0t/

Beautiful day to at @tryonresort watching The Fork and some @cooleyfarmhorses on cross country!

A post shared by Leandi Kruger (@downfeatherphotography) on

Wow

A post shared by Ashley Goodlett (@agoodhorse) on

Go Eventing.

The Fork CIC3*/WEG Test Event Live Cross Country Updates

By on Apr 7, 2018 9:44 am -

Fence 6 – Lucky Clay’s Water. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Good morning from Tryon International Equestrian Center! We are counting down to the start of CIC3* cross country at 10:45 a.m. EST here at the The Fork Horse Trials and World Equestrian Games Test Event.

Cross country will not be live streamed, but EN will be running live updates. Keep refreshing this page for the most up-to-date information. Live scoring can be viewed here.

Click here for a fence-by-fence preview of Capt. Mark Phillips’ course. The optimum time is 6 minutes, 16 seconds. Every single pair jumped clear cross country rounds at The Fork CIC3* last year, but only two pairs made the optimum time.

Click here for the cross country starting order. Rain has been falling since last night here in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The current weather forecast is predicting steady rain throughout the day. EN wishes safe cross country trips to all! Go Eventing.

10:55: Clear with 8.8 time penalties for Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound, our pathfinders on course.

11: Clear with 3.6 time for Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, his first of three rides.

11:04: Clear with 4.0 time for Doug Payne and Getaway.

11:06: What a horse! Sir Patico MH slipped jumping up the bank at 6C and was so genuine to go on to jump the corner at 7. Well sat for Cornelia Dorr!

11:10: Clear with 4.0 time penalties for Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z.

11:13: Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH are home clear with 4.4 time.

11:17: Clear with 4.8 time for Johnny Royale and Joe Meyer.

11:22: Katherine Coleman and Longwood are the first pair to make the time! 1 second inside — that will move them well up the leaderboard.

11:25: Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes are home clear with 12.8 time penalties.

11:28: Clear with 10.4 time penalties for Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus.

11:32: Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Wundermaske jump clear with 21.2 time penalties.

11:35: Rachel McDonough and 19-year-old Irish Rhythm are clear with 8.8 time penalties.

11:39: Sharon White and Cooley On Show are home clear with 3.6 time penalties — definitely one of the faster rounds of the day.

11:42: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are home clear with 0.8 time penalties — the second fastest so far!

11:43: Lynn Symansky opts to take the left-hand route to the duck in the water with 3* first-timer RF Cool Play.

11:48: Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play are home clear with 4.8 time penalties.

11:50: Clear with 9.2 time penalties for Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude.

11:55: Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato jump clear with 3.2 time penalties.

11:59: Overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous are home clear with 8.8 time penalties to slip down the leaderboard. Jordan and Capato are now the pair to beat.

12:03: Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are clear with 12.0 time penalties.

12:07: Clear with 3.2 time penalties for Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn.

12:13: Autumn Schweiss and Oakport Strauss complete clear with 5.6 time penalties.

12:14: Kim Severson opts for the left-hand route over the duck at the water with Cooley Cross Border.

12:20: Clear with 7.6 time penalties for Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border.

12:21: Five pairs left to go can take over the lead if they are fast enough on the clock! Jordan Linstedt is still leading provisionally.

12:23: Hallie Coon and Celien are home clear with 5.2 time penalties.

12:28: Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality are the second pair to make the time — 5 seconds inside and the fastest of the day!

12:32: Clear with 10.0 time penalties for Ashley Kehoe and Kiltealy Toss Up.

12:35: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg are home clear with 6.0 time penalties.

12:40: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights have been marked as missing a flag at the corner at fence 12, but she made the time. We will see if the 50 penalties stand — if they are removed she would be the new provisional leader.

12:44: Clear with 4.4 time penalties for Andrew Hoy and Basmati in the horse’s 3* debut.

12:49: Daniela Mougel and Cecelia are home clear with 10.0 time penalties.

12:52: Sam Elsenaar has retired Banbury Sky after two stops at 5b.

12:53: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan are home clear.

12:56: Sara Kozumplik Murphy has retired Rubens D’Ysieux after a runout at the corner at fence 12.

1:05: Clear with 10.0 time penalties for Cornelia Dorr and Louis M.

1:08: Clear with just 0.8 time penalties for Joe Meyer and Clip Clop.

1:12: Jessica Phoenix has retired Bentley’s Best after two refusals at the corner at 11B.

1:14: Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges are clear with 7.6 time.

1:17: Phillip Dutton and Z jump clear with 0.4 time penalties to take the lead at the conclusion of cross country!

1:45: EN has confirmed that Colleen Rutledge is protesting her 50 jumping penalties for missing a flag at fence 12. If her protest is successful, she will move into second place.

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Drawn Order Goes Live for Land Rover Kentucky CCI4*

By on Apr 7, 2018 8:11 am -

Oliver Townend and Cooley SRS have been drawn first to go. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The drawn order for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event has been released! Oliver Townend and CCI4* first-timer Cooley SRS has been drawn as the first to go of the 58 starters.

Three-time defending winners Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST are #15 and will go early on Thursday for the first day of dressage.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo are #58 and will be the final combination to go on the second day of dressage, as well as the last pair out on Derek di Grazia’s cross country course.

With 18 days to go until the first horse inspection on Wednesday, April 25, we already have several notable withdrawals. William Fox-Pitt has withdrawn Fernhill Pimms. Kurt Martin has withdrawn DeLux Z. Katie Ruppel has also withdrawn Houdini.

The current number of 58 starters includes six combinations that are also cross-entered for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica; Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn; Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly; and Oliver Townend with all three of his horses, Cooley SRS, Cooley Master Class, and MHS King Joules.

If Oliver elects to run Cooley SRS at Badminton instead, Buck Davidson and Park Trader will be our pathfinders in the #1 position.

Click here to view the full drawn order for Kentucky. Go Eventing.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Apr 7, 2018 12:01 am -

Surely I can’t be the only one that loves planning, can I? I just sat down and mapped out my horse’s conditioning plan for the next couple months. Trot sets, dressage days, jump days, hacking – I love it! A beautiful color-coded calendar full of horsey plans just makes heart so stinking happy.

National Holiday: The inaugural National Handmade Day

Major Events:

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Starting Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

U.S. Weekend Action:

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Results]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

PODCAST: Get the Scoop on the USEA Educational Activities Program

Ringside Chat: Andrew Hoy Talks Young Talent, WEG Test Event And Fatherhood

Scientists Study the Perception, Usage of Horse Training Aids

‘We tried’: controversy rages over one-day event cancellation

The Trouble With Mud

From Dinky Trot to Fancy Trot with Mica Mabragaña

Saturday Video: A silly stubborn Mustang!

https://www.facebook.com/wallaceeventing/videos/10155404234452621/

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Four Weeks ’til Badminton

By on Apr 6, 2018 4:30 pm -

Libby Head and Sir Rockstar at Badminton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Imagine it: in exactly four short weeks’ time it’ll be the evening before cross country day at Badminton. We’ll know who our leaders after the dressage are; we’ll know if we have a chance of seeing another Grand Slam attempt, as 2017 Burghley winner Oliver Townend will have already contested Kentucky, and we’ll be armed with course previews, performance statistics, and, for those lucky enough to attend the event in person, armloads of shopping to see us into arguably one of the most exciting Saturdays in sport.

That is, of course, if the rain stops: the United Kingdom has been subjected to relentlessly poor weather, resulting in over 30 lost days of competition so far — including the CIC3* at Burnham Market, which was one of the final stops on the long road to Badminton for many of the entered combinations. We’ll see them next week instead, at Lincolnshire’s Belton International Horse Trials, where, we hope, they can get in the match practice they need to tackle the formidable course at Badminton.

Eric Winter. Photo by Kit Houghton/Badminton.

The course itself is always one of the biggest talking points in the lead-up to the competition. Designer Eric Winter returns this year for his sophomore effort, after his bold, old-fashioned course last year was widely praised for embracing classic cross country riding. But his lips, and those of event director Hugh Thomas, are sealed for now — we’ll have to wait until next week to see what’s in store for our intrepid horse and rider combinations. We’ll be bringing you all you need to know about the course, so keep it locked onto EN!

Today, let’s turn our focus to someone else — someone who, perhaps, goes unnoticed by the spectators, but whose role in the great machine of Badminton Horse Trials is vitally important. Paul Farrington MRCVS is the official Veterinary Delegate at the event, which means that he is responsible for upholding the FEI’s commitment to putting horse welfare at the forefront, throughout the competition. His Badminton begins as the horses arrive, and he ensures that each one is free of infection or viral disease, and that its paperwork and vaccinations are up-to-date before it can enter the stables.

His presence is most felt by the public at the two horse inspections, in which one veterinarian assists the ground jury in making a decision on each horse’s suitability to compete, whilst another mans the holding box, ready to perform additional inspections on any horses not passed straight away. Throughout the competition, too, he’s hard at work — looking out for any lamenesses, ensuring that equipment used doesn’t impinge upon the horses’ welfare, and carrying out dope tests. The eagle eyes of a veterinary delegate — particularly one as experienced as Farrington, who has worked an enviable list of FEI events — can not only help to avoid welfare issues through the week, but can spot and prevent longer-term damage, too.

Over to Paul himself who, in our Friday video, supplied by the good folks at Badminton and brought to you, as ever, by the brilliant World Equestrian Brands, shows you around the beautiful historic stables at the event and explains what, exactly, makes it such a momentous occasion.

Stable Stories from our Veterinary Delegate

"The atmosphere, the wonderful stables, the masses of people – its just the most wonderful spectacle" – our Veterinary Delegate, Paul Farrington takes us around the legendary Badminton stables and explains the importance of his team at #MMBHT #FridayFeature #Badmintonstories

Posted by Badminton Horse Trials on Thursday, April 5, 2018

Party in the Sandbox: Dressage Snapshots from The Fork at Tryon

By on Apr 6, 2018 3:00 pm -

Dressage needn’t be stuffy. Horses just wanna dance! Loosen up your stock tie and enjoy these footloose, good-timin’ postcards from The Fork at Tryon as shared to Instagram by press, riders and friends.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Friday Dressage Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

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

#TGIF #wegtestevent #tryon2018 #twohearts #gocanada

A post shared by Samantha Clark (@samanthalclark) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhO7W7rH-7q/

Cooley Quicksilver and @lizhallidaysharp warming up for Dressage…

A post shared by Brandon Osborne (@osborne820) on

You know what to do, EN. Keep it here for all the latest! Go Eventing.

 

Defending Winners Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Hold Lead at The Fork CIC3*

By on Apr 6, 2018 2:34 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous held their CIC3* dressage lead from the first day at The Fork Horse Trials/World Equestrian Games Test Event, topping the leaderboard on a personal best score of 24.2 as we look ahead to tomorrow’s cross country here at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

“Kitty,” a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders and Jacqueline Mars, is the defending winner of The Fork CIC3*, but Marilyn said she is unsure if she will put the pedal down on Capt. Mark Phillips’ course tomorrow.

“There are so many fly fences. I’m sure plenty will make the time, and I’m just not sure this is the event to push her,” Marilyn said. “We’ve been working on rideability and control, and it will be easier for them to just get going out there. … She’s been pretty calm, so it’s nice to see that she’s changed a lot in a year. We’ll see how she feels in the warm-up.”

When she’s not riding Kitty, Marilyn is sporting a walking boot and riding around on her scooter, affectionately named “Wanda,” here at The Fork. She is still nursing the foot injury she sustained at the Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* last fall, as doctors ultimately discovered more soft tissue damage in January. She has elected to forgo surgery for now to stay on track with her plan to compete at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and ultimately aim for a spot on the U.S. WEG team.

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

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who set a record dressage score of 20.8 at Carolina International Horse Trials two weeks ago, were trending to go ahead of Marilyn’s leading score through much of the canter work in their test today. Bobbles in the flying changes resulted in a final score of 24.5 for second place.

“He was really good in his rhythm and in his frame for the most part,” Kim said. “I missed both my flying changes, which has just been quite a thing with me and him. We still have little things to fix like everybody.”

Kim and “Cross,” an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate,” were leading the CIC3* at Carolina following show jumping, but an unfortunate fall in the water ended their bid to win. Kim said she has schooled water twice since then, and Cross has felt confident and game on for the task at hand tomorrow.

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready, a 14-year-old KWPN (Lupicor X Jarda, by Elcaro) owned by John and Kristine Norton, sit in third place after dressage on a personal best score of 26.4.

“We’ve been trying to get him reaching in his neck and not being tight in his neck,” Phillip said. “You have to be patient in the warm-up because he doesn’t give you the greatest feeling in the beginning. A lot of times in the past I’ve reacted to that and tried to fix him too quickly. A long warm-up is quite good for him because over time he just loosens up anyway.”

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Jordan Linstedt and Barbara Linstedt’s Revitavet Capato, a 15-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Annabelle, by Amoroso), sit in fourth place on 26.7.

Jessica Phoenix and Bentley’s Best. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jessica Phoenix leads the way for Canada with both of her rides in the top 10. Bentley’s Best, an 11-year-old Trakehner (Hirtentanz 2 X Hauptstutbuch Baronesse XIII, by Eichendorff) owned by the Bentley’s Best Group, sits fifth on 26.9. Don Good’s Pavarotti, a 16-year-old Westphalian (Pavarotti Van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland), is sixth on 27.2.

Phillip Dutton has all three of his rides in the top 10. The Z Partnership’s Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), scored a personal best of 27.6 to sit seventh in preparation for his CCI4* debut at Kentucky. Fernhill Cubalawn, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, sits 10th on 28.3.

As for whether Phillip thinks it’s an advantage to compete in the same arena that will host dressage for eventing at the WEG come September: “That’s one of the reasons I sent my entry in.”

Looking to the rest of the top 10, Cornelia Dorr and her own Louis M, a 13-year-old Rheinlander (Lissabon 29 X Angelique M, by Abanos), scored 28.0 to sit in eighth place.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux, a 13-year-old Selle Francais (Balougran X Davidoff Silver Shadow, by Mr Blue) owned by the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate, scored 28.2 for ninth place.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We have two members of the WEG ground jury presiding over the CIC3* at the test event in Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA). On the first day of dressage, the ground jury marked 1.99 points below the expected average scores at the level for these combinations. On the second day, the ground jury marked 1.65 below the expected average scores.

As the official WEG Test Event, the CIC3* here at The Fork is taking place in the long format with two horse inspections. Following two days of dressage, cross country will take place tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. EST. The final horse inspection for the CIC3* is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. EST Sunday, with show jumping at 11 a.m. EST. Sunday’s show jumping will be shown on the live stream at this link.

Cross country will not be shown on the live stream, but EN will be running live updates. Click here to preview the CIC3* course. Looking to tomorrow’s forecast for cross country, rain is currently predicted to begin overnight tonight and continue steadily through the day. As a result, the grounds crew has held off on watering the footing on the course, which is currently walking a bit firm.

Scroll down for a full gallery from the second day of CIC3* dressage. Stay tuned for a full recap of today’s dressage action across other divisions. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage from The Fork so far.

We have much more to bring you from the WEG Test Event, including an update on how construction is progressing at Tryon as we count down to the big dance in September. Go Eventing.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, XC Order of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage