Classic Eventing Nation

EN TRENDS:

Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers Win Pau, Boyd Martin & Welcome Shadow 13th

By Lorraine Jackson on Oct 16, 2016 12:00 pm -

Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Today Michael Jung found himself in a position he knows very well: The last rider to go on the last day of competition with little room for error. But a dark bogey fence near the end of the course and the penultimate fence on course dropped Michael and fischerRocana FST to third place, and Maxime Livio of France and Qalao des Mers claimed victory by finishing on their dressage score in front of a jubilant French crowd.

“I’ve finished second at this level before, so finally to win is very special,” Maxime told reporters. “I’ve had a marvelous time at Pau – the ground was well prepared, the courses were great and my horse performed well.”

Michael Jung and fischerRocana. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung and fischerTakinou. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

As our friends at Equiratings pointed out, Michael has a bit of a complicated history show jumping at Pau, leaving the door open for a flawless performance like the one laid down by Maxime and Qalao des Mers:

3 appearances in the Pau 4* SJ arena for Jung. A fence on every occasion. Last year it cost him the win. Can he defy his stats this time??

— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) October 16, 2016

But Michael was ever the diplomat, pleased to finish second and third aboard fischerTakinou and fischerRocana, respectively. Michael went early on in the order aboard Takinou and brought home four faults, but nonetheless an impressive finish for the gelding’s first four-star outing and one that proved difficult to beat, even by his own stablemate.

“It is always disappointing to have a fence down, but I am happy with both my horses,” he said.

Nicola Wilson (GBR) and One Two Many had a very scrappy round, with the Irish Sport Horse gelding digging in between fences and launching high with no sign that the four-star track had tired him out. But he also seemed to be eyeing the crowd a bit, and they had an early rail as well as the very last fence on course. While it dropped them off the podium, their previous days’ efforts were still good enough to secure fourth place; the pair’s best ever four-star finish.

Alexander Bragg of Great Britain rounded out the top five aboard Zagreb with a beautiful clear round that appeared to leave Alex overjoyed and a touch misty-eyed. This is his rookie year at the four-star level with his first attempt and completion coming last month at Burghley aboard Redpath Ransom, and now a fifth place finish aboard his second four-star mount, Zagreb. This is definitely one to watch in the future!

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

American Boyd Martin certainly didn’t have the day he was hoping for when his sixth place mount Crackerjack was spun at this morning’s inspection, but his second mount Welcome Shadow rose to the occasion today. The 11-year-old mare owned by Gloria Callen added just one rail to her score, finishing thirteenth in her four-star debut.

“She was green today, but she tried her little heart out,” Boyd told EN. “It was a respectable result and I’m glad we brought her over here. I think she will learn a lot and should come out for Rolex next year a much more seasoned horse.”

Adding a rail or two today was a positive finish for most horses, as the course definitely challenged the remaining competitors after a challenging cross country test on Saturday. There were seven clear rounds out of today’s 35 starters, and 15 horses with eight or more faults. Astier Nicolas was one of the victims of today’s course, dropping from what could have been a second place finish had he gone clear to finishing with twelve faults in 17th place.

Crackers was not the only horse spun this morning; Katie O’Sullivan’s (IRL) Cooley Blue Flame was also not accepted. Sonja Johnson (AUS) and Parkiarrup Illicit Liaison, who had been in tenth place, withdrew before show jumping, as did Roberta Fox (GBR) and Fleet Street, who were in 38th.

Pau is the first leg in the FEI Classics Series, which aims to unite the top end of the international eventing circuit by way of the world’s six four-star events. The series champion collects $40,000, so it’s a rather worthwhile endeavor. Maxime will collect 15 points and lead the series for his performance today with last year’s winner Michael Jung hot on his trail with 12 points. The next four-star event on the calendar is Adelaide, the first weekend in November.

Pau Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Show Jumping Order of Go

CCI4* Etoiles de Pau Top 15:

65 Horses Move to Show Jumping After Fair Hill Final Inspection

By Jenni Autry on Oct 16, 2016 9:45 am -

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sixty-five horses in all will go on to show jumping at the The Dutta Corporation Fair Hill International following this morning’s final horse inspection in Elkton, Maryland.

The CCI2* horses presented to the ground jury first, with just one horse, Rebecca Hoos’ mount Little Cruz, sent to the holding box. Little Cruz was accepted upon re-presentation. McKena Knott withdrew Flanigan prior to presenting. All other horses were accepted, sending 34 pairs forward to two-star show jumping.

The CCI3* horses presented next, with 31 horses moving to show jumping. It’s a heartbreaking end to Booli Selmayr’s CCI3* debut with Jaeda, who was so impressive yesterday with a clear cross country round and just 2.8 time penalties. Booli withdrew the mare from the holding box. All other horses were accepted.

CCI2* show jumping starts at 10:30 a.m. EST, with CCI3* show jumping at 1:30 p.m. EST. Keep it locked on EN as we count down to the finale at #DuttaFHI. Click here to catch up with all of EN’s coverage so far.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Crackerjack Not Accepted at Pau CCI4* Final Horse Inspection

By Jenni Autry on Oct 16, 2016 7:00 am -

From left, Lucy Boynton Lie, Mike Pendleton, Crackerjack and Boyd Martin at Pau 2016. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It’s been a disappointing morning in France for Team USA, as Lucy Boynton Lie’s Crackerjack was sadly not accepted at the final horse inspection at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4*. “Crackers” was sitting in sixth place overnight after a clear round and 2 time penaltie with Boyd Martin across Pierre Michelet’s cross country course yesterday.

“He looked pretty good last night when I left the barn,” Boyd said. “I arrived first thing this morning, and he was definitely a bit off. We changed his shoeing and I hopped on and rode him, and we felt like we got him to a good place. The first time he trotted I thought he looked pretty good. They the ground jury asked me to jog him a second time, and he had one or two bad steps.

“Then we went to the holding box, and the holding vet said she couldn’t feel or see anything that concerned her, so I thought we were in business. I trotted him up again, and he was really good on the way up and then had one or two funny steps on the way back. The ground jury had a long hard talk and unfortunately gutted him.

“I felt like we should present him because in my opinion he was fit to jump, but he did show a funny step here and there. It’s very disappointing because we felt like we could have had a top finish since he’s a great show jumper. Lucy funded this trip and loves the horse, so it’s also heartbreaking all around for the whole team.”

The small bit of good news is that Boyd does not think Crackerjack suffered a significant injury. We have to send a big thank you to the Kiwi and Team GB vets, both of whom have been helping Boyd and super groom Mike Pendleton with Crackerjack today.

Craig and Gloria Callen’s Welcome Shadow was accepted at the final horse inspection and now has a monumental task ahead as the sole U.S. horse in the competition. “Shadow” jumped clear with 5.2 time penalties on cross country yesterday and currently sits in 13th place.

Boyd said Shadow “pranced out of the stable this morning and looks in good form for today’s jumping.”

Show jumping starts at 8:30 a.m. EST and will be shown live on FEI TV. Click here for the show jumping order of go, and check back later today for a full report. Go Eventing.

Pau Links: Website, Live Scores, Show Jumping Order of Go

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By Lorraine Jackson on Oct 16, 2016 12:00 am -

“Soupçon… clearly channeling his inner elegance in preparation for his dressage test in a few hours” – Via Will Coleman Equestrian

I have so many love feelings for Soupcon du Brunet right this moment. First, because the above is pretty much how I feel every selfie I’ve ever attempted has turned out, and I feel a connection to that. Second, because this is also the face I make when I’ve been shorted a hamburger I’m owed (which happens more often than you’d think). Third, because Señor Soup just went double clear around the Fair Hill CCI3*, and I think that’s pretty darn spectacular. I guess what I’m saying is, I wouldn’t kick ol’ Soupy out of my bed for eating crackers. Shall we get on with the news?

Pau Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Show Jumping Order of Go

U.S. Weekend Action:

#DuttaFHI: Website, Ride Times,Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Ocala Fall Event H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

All Seven Irish Clear on Cross Country at Four-Star in France

Virtual Stroll Through Mary’s Tack Store in Del Mar

Flashback Friday on Jumper Nation: Nelson Pessoa and Special Envoy

Driving Poorly Near a Horse Trailer Makes You a Jerk, Part 1: Let’s Talk Damages

Backing for Two Studies On the Subject of Support Limb Laminitis

Sunday Video: A little vintage Fair Hill and Morven Park, circa 1991!

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois Storm to Fair Hill CCI2* Lead

By Jenni Autry on Oct 15, 2016 8:00 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Time made all the difference in the CCI2* at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, with Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois jumping one of the nine clear rounds inside the time in the division to just edge Emily Beshear and Silver Nighty Lady for the top spot on the leaderboard after cross country.

After Emily and Silver Night Lady jumped clear with 2.0 time penalties, Jennie and Stella Artois could only afford one second over the optimum time of 8 minutes, 49 seconds to take the lead. The 8-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare Jennie owns with Beth Battel was foot perfect today to beat the clock and storm to first on 44.5.

“My main goal was just to give the horse a good go. … She’s always been the horse who probably is one of the most talented horses I have, but I’ve yet to have that day where you put it all together. I didn’t even look at my watch the last two minutes because my main focus was really to give the horse a good go and just hopefully be as quick as I could. I’m just really trying to enjoy the fact that it was a good go for her and a safe day,” Jennie said.

“The mare is a very bold horse and very honest. The only problem I’ve ever had on her was at Jersey Fresh when she fell at that final combination, so for me it’s just about rideability.”

Emily Beshear and Silver Night Lady. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily and Deep Purple Eventing’s Silver Night Lady now sit just 0.5 penalties behind Jennie and Stella Artois in second place on 45.0. “I thought it looked like (the course) was one that was going to allow for a lot of galloping, but you definitely had to make sure that you had the communication for the technical jumps,” Emily said.

“There were plenty of big jumps. I think it proved whether a horse is going to be able to move up to the next level, and I think we definitely had nearly perfect ground at Fair Hill, so that seemed to make it easier for the horses at the end to keep galloping,” Emily said.

Emily added that she thought Derek de Grazia’s course rode very well: “It definitely encouraged forward riding, but I feel like Derek really set us up to be successful in our forward riding and gave you approaches that made you sit up and balance while you went forward.”

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monaco, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse/Thoroughbred stallion owned by Jacqueline Mars, jumped clear and inside the time to move up one spot on the leaderboard to third place. With two top-10 finishes at CCI2* events both in the U.S. and England, Landmark’s Monaco is very competitive at this level and proved that once again on Derek’s course today.

“It was a very instinctual course because the ground changed so much, and certainly jumping into combinations your eye would see something but the ground would change and it would disappear, so you actually had to ride off your instinct and ride forward with a short neck so they had options,” she said. “You actually couldn’t dictate what your step was doing in there, so certainly it had a different kind of feel, but I think it was really educational.”

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Meghan O’Donoghue and Rich N Famous sat tied for Lauren and Landmark’s Monaco after dressage. While Meghan and Rich N Famous also jumped clear and inside the time, Lauren was closer to the optimum time to give her the edge on the leaderboard. Meghan and Rich N Famous now sit in fourth on 48.2.

The next three pairs on the leaderboard all delivered double clears. Will Coleman and Boris O’Hara moved from 10th to fifth on 48.9, Dom Schramm and Bolytair B moved from 13th to sixth on 50.3, and Maya Simmons and Archie Rocks jumped up from 16th to seventh on 51.1.

Matt Flynn and Wizzerd picked up 6.8 time penalties to remain in eighth place on 54.9. Holly Payne Caravella and Bruisyard Hall added 5.2 time penalties to their clear round to move from 15th to ninth on 56.0. Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage round out the top 10 thanks to a double clear round to remain on their dressage score of 56.3 and move 20 spots up the leaderboard.

We have to send a big shout out to the other pairs that delivered clear rounds inside the time: Will Coleman and Gideon (11th), Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills (12th) and Lizzy Jahnke and Princeton (13th).

For a play-by-play of what happened where on course, check out EN’s live updates here, and you can also see the fence report courtesy of scoring guru Rick Dunkerton here. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage so far.

Fair Hill concludes tomorrow with the final horse inspection at 8:30 a.m. EST. CCI2* show jumping starts at 10:30 a.m. EST, with CCI3* show jumping at 1:30 p.m. EST. Click here for all of EN’s Fair Hill coverage.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Christian Landolt, Marilyn Little Address Fair Hill Blood Concerns

By Jenni Autry on Oct 15, 2016 8:00 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous at fence 17 on the CCI3* course. Photo by Jenni Autry.

As we reported earlier today, Christian Landolt, president of the Fair Hill International ground jury, confirmed in a press conference following cross country that officials received reports of blood in RF Scandalous’ mouth at fence 20 on the CCI3* course.

The ground jury confirmed that blood was visible at fence 22. Technical delegates stationed at fences 23 and 24 also confirmed that “yes, there was red, but there was nothing running or gushing,” Christian said.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous completed the course clear with 4.8 time penalties to sit in second place on a score of 46.3. Christian said officials chose not to stop Marilyn and RF Scandalous on course to evaluate the blood because they were five fences from completing the course when the ground jury confirmed the blood.

“With barely a minute of cross country to go, the easiest was just to let her finish and get the vet to look at her at the end, because we would have actually had to have a vet involved anyway. It was easier for everybody for her to finish if there was no interruption of her cross country,” Christian said.

“At the finish the vet was informed there might have been some blood, and on inspection she saw nothing. There was no open wound and no blood or anything. That’s the information we were given, so there isn’t really a case. Clearly the mare bit her tongue or something like that, but … the vet couldn’t find anything, any fresh injury or any fresh blood on the horse at the finish.”

FEI rule 526.4 Blood on Horses states as follows: “Blood on Horses may be an indication of abuse of the Horse and must be reviewed case by case by the Ground Jury. In minor cases of blood in the mouth, such as where a Horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip, or minor bleeding on limbs, after investigation the Ground Jury may authorize the Athlete to continue.”

Marilyn also addressed the visible blood in the press conference and said she did not see any blood in RF Scandalous’ mouth when she dismounted after completing the course. “When I got off the horse, the vets were there and were taking her temperature, and there wasn’t anything evident at that time,” she said.

Marilyn also explained RF Scandalous’ bit in detail, clarifying that the bit she competed in today is a “smooth straight-bar pelham, no joint, no hinge, just a plain leather noseband. … It has a snaffle rein because I just happen to ride the first half of the course on the snaffle rein, and then in the CCIs I use a bit more of it as well, and she seems to like it. There’s nothing on it that can cut her; it’s quite wide and smooth with no hinges and no joints.”

In responding to the visible blood, Marilyn commented: “Obviously I want her to be as comfortable as she possibly can. That’s why I’ve chosen that bit. It allows me to balance her, and yet it’s a very smooth mouthpiece with a nice soft, loose leather noseband. I think she goes well in it, and I want her to be as comfortable as she can.

“If she bit her tongue, it could have happened at any time. I can’t help that, but if (the ground jury) want I can look into ways to keep that from happening in the future. It didn’t seem to alter her performance, and I hope it doesn’t happen again.”

In responding to a question about when the ground jury would make the decision to pull up a horse on cross country due to visible blood, Christian said the officials consider: “When does (the blood) become red? And also, do you have blood on the body? Which means that it would have been bleeding for quite some time and therefore would be dripping.”

#DuttaFHI: Website, Ride Times, Order of Go, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter Cruise to Fair Hill CCI3* Lead

By Jenni Autry on Oct 15, 2016 6:00 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little started cross country day at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International sitting first and second in the CCI3* with RF Scandalous and RF Demeter, respectively, and she ultimately swapped the two on the leaderboard after delivering one of the 14 clear rounds inside the time with “Demi.”

RF Demeter, a 14-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Jacqueline Mars, Raylyn Farms and Patrick Witte, now sits in first place on her dressage score of 44.6, with RF Scandalous, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders, Jacqueline Mars and Robin Parsky, adding 4.8 time penalties to slip to second place on 46.3.

With RF Demeter hunting for CCI redemption following Rolex Kentucky this spring and RF Scandalous making her return to the level following an injury at Boekelo last fall, Marilyn said she couldn’t be happier to still be topping the Fair Hill leaderboard after cross country with these two mares.

“I was hoping that Demi would be very good today and she was, from start to finish. She jumped very well, was focused and looking for the fences. I had a little bit of a ‘cross country moment’ at the second water. She just got a little slow with her front end, but she’s a wonderful sport. She picked herself up and went off to B, and that’s just her experience and her heart. She gave me a great run around and was able to slow up a bit at the end and come in under the time,” Marilyn said.

“Scandalous is green to the level and got a little excited before going into the startbox, so I started a few seconds late and … had a hard time settling into the rhythm, so we started a little slower than I would have liked, but it was the right thing for her. It’s only her second run at the CCI level, and it rode around very true for her. She’s a very courageous horse, and she was nice and straight and finished comfortably.”

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Christian Landolt, president of the ground jury, confirmed in the post-cross country press conference that officials received reports of blood in RF Scandalous’ mouth at fence 20, and the ground jury confirmed that blood was visible at fence 22. Christian said officials decided not to stop Marilyn and RF Scandalous on course to evaluate the blood because they were five fences from home, opting instead to evaluate the mare in the vet box after she completed the course.

EN will be publishing a full report on the blood later tonight with quotes from Marilyn Little and Christian Landolt, so keep checking back.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear had a cracking day at Fair Hill, jumping clear with 1.2 time penalties aboard Deep Purple Eventing’s Shame on the Moon to move from sixth place up to third on 48.1. The 10-year-old Trakehner/Thoroughbred mare finished seventh at Blenheim CCI3* last fall and has struggled to find her cross country mojo a bit this year, but “Delta” put that firmly behind her today.

“She came out this year much bolder and less focused, so I’ve had some stupid run-bys just with her not being focused, so I was really determined at the beginning and concerned about the first water and the angled brushes, just making sure I got her eye on it. Then I’ve also had trouble with her at the end when she tires listening to me and getting a little haphazard in her jumping form, so I was probably a little more defensive with her at the end of the course than I needed to be,” Emily said.

“But she was awesome, and I definitely set up for a few things more than I needed to because she listened much better than I thought she was going to, just based on her history, and she had tons of gallop left and jumped all the hard stuff as well as I could have asked, so I’m thrilled with her. I feel like I’ve got my girl back!”

While the Elkton, Maryland area usually battles downpours during this time of year, the weather lately has been mercifully dry, giving us fast ground for horses and riders to cruise around Derek di Grazia’s course. We saw 14 clear rounds inside the time in all, along with a number of other trips that nearly caught the optimum time of 10 minutes.

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Mackenna Shea and her own Landioso moved from eighth up to fourth place on 49.1 with a clear round and just 0.4 time penalties. Buck Davidson cracked the top five with a clear round inside the time, moving from 10th up to fifth on 49.4 with Carl and Cassie Segal’s Park Trader.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Mary Ann Ghadban’s Under Suspection picked up 2.8 time penalties to move one spot on the leaderboard to sixth on 49.6. Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo stormed around double clear to move from 14th to eighth on on 52.2. (His full brother Landmark’s Monaco jumped double clear in the CCI2* to move to third; stay tuned for that report!)

Phillip Dutton has two rides in the top 10, with John and Kristine Norton’s I’m Sew Ready jumping clear with 1.6 time penalties to move up two spots on the leaderboard to seventh on 50.8 and Plantation Field CIC3* winner Mr. Candyman jumping clear and inside the time to move from 15th to ninth on 52.9.

No one has a bigger smile in Maryland tonight than Jenny Caras, who jumped clear and inside the time with her own Fernhill Fortitude but was then marked as being technically eliminated for missing a flag at the final water. After further review (thanks to photos by Lawrence J. Nagy — go photographers!) the decision was overturned, and her clear round was re-instated to boost her up to equal 10th place on 53.5.

Will Coleman and the Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines, who win the USEF CCI2* National Championship at Fair Hill last year, are also sitting in 10th place on 53.5 thanks to a clear round inside the time.

Three cheers for the other pairs that delivered double clears: Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus (tied for 15th), Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent (tied for 15th), Will Coleman and Soupcon de Brunet (17th), Sharon White and Cooley On Show (18th), Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic (21st), Joe Meyer and Clip Clop (22nd), Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack (24th), and Erin Sylvester and Campground (31st).

We saw three rider falls and two horse falls in the CCI3* with no major injuries. Julie Richards was taken to a local hospital to treat a shoulder injury after she fell with Urlanmore Beauty at fence 22, but she is expected to be released soon. For a play-by-play of what happened where on course, check out EN’s live updates here, and you can also see the fence report courtesy of scoring guru Rick Dunkerton here.

Stay tuned for much more from EN, including a full report on the CCI2*, which Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois are leading after cross country. Click here for live updates from the two-star. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage so far.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Draw Order, Ride Times, Order of Go, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Fair Hill Social Media Wrap: This Is What You Came For

By Sally Spickard on Oct 15, 2016 5:55 pm -

What a day! It’s always so incredible to reflect on a day such as this, when everyone is safely tucked away in their stalls and the sport has truly enjoyed a day of highs. While not everyone had their best day today, everyone made it home safe and sound, and that is the goal at the end of every day. Let’s give three cheers to course designer extraordinaire Derek di Grazia for his shrewd, challenging, yet fair course design and to the riders who navigated one of the toughest tracks in the country like the pros they all are.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Draw Order, Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

And with that, here’s a look at today’s social media posts from a thrilling cross country day at #DuttaFHI:

CHEERS! to my CCI XC Queen! Words cannot express how I feel about this mare. Jaeda flew over the cross country today and was the happiest I ever felt. She only got a by tired until the very end where I took it easy coming home. Jaeda my dear, I love you to pieces #mightymare #eventing2016 #ottb #bestfriend #poweredbyblueseal @eponia_usa @bluesealfeeds @fairhillint

A photo posted by Booli Selmayr (@booliselmayr) on Oct 15, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

#duttacorp #fairhillinternational Done for the day. #viptent #fhi

A photo posted by Anthony Trollope (@trollope) on Oct 15, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

Clear Xc sitting in 9th heading into Sj tomorrow. #duttafhi #xc #bruisyardhall #ottb #horsesofinstagram

A video posted by Holly Payne Caravella (@hollypayneequestrian) on Oct 15, 2016 at 2:34pm PDT

Well done to sit that caught leg @rdmeyerhoff! Beautiful day for some cross country at #duttafhi

A video posted by Annette Gavin (@hastilow_usa) on Oct 15, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT

#fairhillinternational #duttafhi

A photo posted by Vann Gregory (@vanngregory) on Oct 15, 2016 at 2:47pm PDT

Michael Jung Now Leads Pau on fischerRocana, Boyd Martin and Crackerjack Sixth

By Lorraine Jackson on Oct 15, 2016 1:30 pm -

Michael Jung and fischerRocana. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Historically, it was the practice of commanding officers in battle to always have a second horse ready and waiting should your first horse tire, and it seems Michael Jung has made a careful study of the art of war. While he and overnight leader fischerTakinou had a beautiful four-star debut for the gelding over the soft footing at Pau, it added 8.8 time faults to their score to drop them to fifth going into show jumping. But no matter. He’d already put in a nearly flawless performance on the smart and elegant fischerRocana to maintain his lead in France’s four-star event. They added just .4 time faults in one of the fastest rounds of the day to lead the crowd on a score of 44.2.

“Rocana was wonderful – she is so simple to ride – and Takinou gave me a good feeling for his first time at this level,” said Michael of his two rides.

Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

They’ll have pressure tomorrow, however, as they are topping France’s Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers by just 1.1 points after the pair put in one of only two double clears of the day. They came home to uproarious applause from the French crowd and look poised to put up a strong fight tomorrow.

Nicola Wilson and One Two Many. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

In fact, it ought to be a battle among all the best-finishing horses, as less than a rail separates the top five which includes Nicola Wilson and One Two Many, Jock Paget and Clifton Signature, and Michael’s second mount, fischerTakinou.

American Boyd Martin sits just outside this group on Crackerjack in sixth place after putting in a strong and flowing run over the 32 elements and 45 jumping efforts to add just two time penalties to their score. They’ll move on to show jumping on a 49.7.

“I’m thrilled with how both horses went. It was the best four-star run I’ve had on Crackerjack,” Boyd told EN. “He was quite settled most of the way around. I was able to make the turns and keep the fences coming up in stride. He doesn’t have the best wind, and I had to ease up off him through the last few fences just because I felt like he was running out of gas.”

Boyd Martin and Crackerjack. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Boyd’s second ride of the day aboard Welcome Shadow was also a strong finish for the United States’ only Pau entries. The pair added 5.2 time penalties to jump from 25th place after dressage to 15th on a score of 57.1.

“Shadow definitely felt a notch greener than Crackers. She’s such a trier and an honest mare. I felt like I had to balance her a little bit more for some of the fences, which cost me a bit of time, but she’s a great horse and both of them really tried hard today.”

Boyd made it clear that despite many clears on course and great results for his horses, it was no walk in the park to get there.

“It was a proper four-star track, a little similar to Rio in that is was not super huge but had lots of angles and turns and accuracy questions. It really tested your riding ability and your horse’s training. I knew what I was in for so I’ve been cross country schooling a lot at home, and it paid off today. With it being the first four-star for Shadow I was very pleased. It was the best four-star run Crackers has had; he’s getting better and better.”

Irishwoman Camilla Speirs made one of the biggest placement moves of the day, as she and Portersize Just a Jiff added only 1.6 time faults to launch from 32nd place to just outside the top ten in 11th. Nicola Wilson did almost identically well on her second mount Annie Clover, moving from her tied 32nd position to move into 12th. Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo were the only other combination to make the time today, moving from 44th to 22nd.

There were two retirements on course today (Ben Vogg with Bellaney Castle and Emily Lochore and Hexmaley’s Hayday) and seven rider falls.

A quick snapshot of the XC day at Pau. Michelet not such a menace today! #Pau pic.twitter.com/eZZa6TVHxs

— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) October 15, 2016

Laura Collett on Palmero 4 were the highest-ranked pair to take an unfortunate tumble when they parted ways at the bright and vertical palette fence; they had been in eighth place after dressage. Tim Price and Xavier Faer parted ways near the end of the course to have a disappointing end to their otherwise cracking round. They had been sitting in 11th place after dressage.

The faults were spread relatively evenly around course today, and the infamous WEG fish that plagued many-a-world-class rider at Normandy in 2014 was mostly a non-factor in today’s outing. One of the toughest questions came very early on at three and four, a brushed log atop a hill to a narrow corner that proved a bit hard to read. (You can see a course preview courtesy of our friends across the pond at Horse & Hound.)

Kirsty Johnston and Opposition Detective had one of the most spectacular saves of the day at 24 and 25, a log drop into water straight to a corner that could be jumped to the left or right. Kirsty lost her seat a bit in the first landing, but her inspiring steed was completely locked on the corner brush to the right and she hung on for dear life to clear the element. She took a moment to re-situate herself before galloping on and giving Opposition Detective a heap of well-deserved pats and encouragement.

Among the rookies, Cathal Daniels of Ireland aboard Rioghan Rua were the talk of the town, adding just 3.2 time penalties to their dressage score to currently sit in 14th place behind a sea of veteran four-star riders and recent Olympians.

With sticky moments here and there and a bit of deep footing to contend with, there may be some developments overnight, but overall the ground seemed to hold up remarkably well despite the significant rain the venue got earlier in the week. Keep it locked on EN for all the updates.

Pau Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Instagram

Pau CCI4* Top 15:

Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* Live Cross Country Updates

By Jenni Autry on Oct 15, 2016 12:15 pm -

Photo courtesy of Alissa Norman/Fair Hill

Good afternoon from the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International! It’s turning into a perfect warm day here in Elkton, Maryland, and CCI3* cross country starts at 12:30 p.m. EST. There is no live stream or radio feed, but I will be running live updates on this page to keep you up-to-date with all the action. Click here for the order of go. Keep refreshing for updates.

Click here to check out a drone flyover preview of the CCI3* course courtesy of Jamie Rees, and you can see photos of each fence on both courses in the Fair Hill program here (click the button on the cover to skip to the fences). Fair Hill’s going is usually sloppy from rain, but this year we’ve been blessed with dry weather and have fast ground.

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s #DuttaFHI coverage so far and here to check out our behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram. Go Eventing.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Draw Order, Ride Times, Order of Go, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

12:35: Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready are home clear with 1.6 time penalties as our trailblazers.

12:39: Holy clear round! Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo stormed around clear and inside time to deliver our first double clear.

12:44: Will Coleman and Soupcon de Brunet jumped clear and 8 seconds inside the time. Our second double clear!

12:47: Home clear with 5.2 time for Will Faudree and Pfun.

12:51: Justine Dutton has sadly been eliminated after three refusals with Huck Finn.

12:53: Overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous are home clear with 4.8 time penalties. That means RF Demeter, Powell and Charlie Tango can pass her with speedy rounds.

12:55: Erin Sylvester and Campground are also home clear and inside the time by 10 seconds! Our third double clear.

1:02: Adrian Jones and Magnificent Toy sadly parted ways at 24a at the Springhouse Water when the horse took a huge leap in. They are both ok.

1:06: Madeline Backus and PS Ariana are home clear with 5.2 time penalties in their first Fair Hill CCI3*!

1:11: Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic are home clear! Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 are clear through 17. Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo are clear through 9.

1:14: Double clear for Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic. Our fourth double clear!

1:16: Home clear with 1.6 time penalties for Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6.

1:17: A hairy moment for Hawley and Jollybo at the second corner in the main arena, but she is clear!

1:19: Gina Economou and Calidore picked up two stops at the Frog Pond at fence 5 but are clear on their third attempt.

1:20: Clear with 1.2 time penalties for Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo!

1:24: Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border are home clear with 4 time.

1:25: Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack are clear through 11.

1:26: Gina Economou has retired Calidore at the angled brushes at fence 15.

1:30: Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack are home clear and inside the time to become our fifth double clear!

1:33: Lisa Marie Ferguson and Honor Me are clear through the main arena at 17 and looking super.

1:35: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are clear through 12. Mackenna Shea and Landioso are clear through 3.

1:36: Lisa Marie Ferguson and Honor Me are home clear with just 2 time penalties.

1:38: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are home clear and inside the time. Our sixth double clear!

1:44: Mackenna Shea and Landioso are home clear with .4 time to move up to second.

1:45: Jen McFall and High Times are going great guns and clear through the main arena at 17!

1:48: Jen McFall and High Times are home clear with 14 time. Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman are clear through the main arena.

1:51: Phillip Dutton is home clear and inside the time with Mr. Candyman to become our seventh double clear.

1:53: Jordan Thompson and Femme Fatale picked up a runout at the Frog Pond at fence 5.

1:55: Buck Davidson and Park Trader are home clear and bang on the optimum time. Our eighth double clear!

1:56: Two runouts for Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus at the first corner in the main arena. They are clear through the option.

1:58: Jordan Thompson and Femme Fatale picked up runout at 10c, the Chesapeake Water.

2: A third refusal on course for Jordan and Femme Fatale at the angled brushes at fence 15. That is sadly elimination.

2:02: Sharon White and Cooley On Show are clear through the main arena at fence 17.

2:08: Clear and inside the time for Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Our ninth double clear!

2:11: Kelly Prather and Truly Wiley are working their way to the end of the course. Just three to go.

2:12: Home clear with 4 time penalties for Kelly and Truly Wiley. Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon are clear through the main arena at 17.

2:15: Heather Morris and Charlie Tango pick up a runout at the Deer Stand at fence 6.

2:18: Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon are home clear with 1.2 time penalties to move into second place.

2:19: Heather Morris has retired Charlie Tango after a second runout on course, 10b at the Chesapeake Water.

2:20: Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection are home clear with 2.8 time penalties.

2:24: Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude are clear through the main arena at fence 17.

2:27: Clear and two seconds inside the time for Jenny and Fernhill Fortitude. Our 10th double clear!

2:31: Booli Selmayr and Jaeda are home clear in their first CCI3*! Just 2.8 time penalties. Go girl!

2:32: Amber Levine fell from Carry On at fence 15. She is up and ok and the horse is fine too.

2:35: Julie Richards and Urlanmore Beauty are clear through the Dutta Farmyard in the main arena at fence 17.

2:38: Julie Richards and Urlanmore Beauty have fallen at the cottages at fence 22. We will have a hold on course.

2:41: Bobby Meyerhoff and Dunlavin’s Token had a runout at fence 10 at the Chesapeake Water and retired. Lillian Heard and Arundel have been held on course after the main arena.

2:42: We have confirmation that both Julie and Urlanmore Beauty are up and ok. The medical team is looking at Julie still, but she is ok.

2:46: We are still under a hold and expect to be back underway shortly.

2:48: We are back underway. Lillian and Arundel are clear and heading to the final water.

2:50: Colleen Rutledge is on course with Roulette in his CCI3* debut.

2:53: Lillian Heard and Arundel are home with 14 time penalties.

2:57: Colleen and Roulette are clear through the main arena. Ryan Wood and Powell are clear through fence 8.

2:58: Colleen and Roulette fell at the the cottages at fence 22. Both are up and ok.

2:59: Ryan Wood and Powell have fallen at the Hollow at fence 12 after the ditch. They are both up and ok.

3:03: Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus and Will Faudree and Hans Dampf are both on course now.

3:07: Hans Dampf took the flag from 17a with him in his tail but all clear over b. He’s going super with Will Faudree!

3:08: Caroline Martin and Pebbly Maximus are home clear and inside the time. Our 11th double clear!

3:12: Will Faudree and Hans Dampf are home clear.

3:16: Marilyn Little and RF Demeter jumped clear and three seconds inside the time to secure the overnight lead. Our 12th double clear.

3:19: Phillip Dutton fell from Z at the Frog Pond at fence 5. He is totally OK.

3:20: Justine Dutton picked up a runout at fence 12 with Jak My Style.

3:21: Joe Meyer and Clip Clop flew home 12 seconds inside the time to become our 13th double clear.

3:22: Justine Dutton and Jak My Style picked up a refusal at the first corner in the main arena at fence 17a but went clear on the direct route on their second attempt.

3:23: Buck Davidson and Carlevo picked up two stops at fence 6 and he opted to retire.

3:25: Justine Dutton has been pulled up after fence 22. We believe she also picked up 20 penalties at fence 15, so her refusal in the main arena meant elimination.

3:30: Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras and Will Coleman and Tight Lines are are final two on course.

3:36: Just two seconds over the time for Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras! They add just 0.8 time penalties to their dressage score.

3:42: Will Coleman and Tight Lines are home double clear! That’s our last home clear and inside the time.

Here’s the top 10 after cross country:

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Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* Live Cross Country Updates

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