Classic Eventing Nation

Burghley Open Thread: Michael Jung and Sam Lead, All U.S. Riders Complete

By on Sep 5, 2015 6:02 am -

Good morning and welcome to Burghley cross country day — the moment we’ve all been waiting for! I will be updating this thread as often as possible to get you as close to live on the action as I can. With the absence of a live stream, we have to improvise a bit, but we will report on all of the action as it happens, so stay tuned!

Here are your withdrawals prior to cross country:

Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello
Francis Whittington and Fernhill Highlight
Alex Postolowsky and Islanmore Ginger
Pippa Funnell and Second Supreme (8:50 AM EST)
Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet (9:12 AM EST)

And your U.S. ride times:

Lynn Symansky and Donner – 12:20 p.m. local / 7:20 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 13.2 time)
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch – 1:44 p.m. local / 8:44 a.m. EST (40 jumping, 46.4 time)
Tim Bourke (IRE) and Luckaun Quality – 2:00 p.m local / 9 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 35.6 time)
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights – 3:00 p.m. local / 10 a.m. EST (CLEAR with 28.4 time)

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores,Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview,  Fence Statistics, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

12:30 p.m. EST: Many, many thanks to Nico Morgan Photography for providing these great shots from today!

12:24 p.m. EST: We’re still not exactly sure how he righted this! It does appear that he stopped to fix the stirrup, so he appears to have gotten it back for the remainder of the course. Here’s Tim Bourke’s stirrup fail:

tim bourke stirrup 2

tim bourke stirrup 3

tim bourke stirrup 4

tim bourke stirrup 5

12:18 p.m. EST: Some more highlights from Lainey and Al’s round:

lainey montage

12:12 p.m. EST: Lainey Ashker and Anthony Patch’s unfortunate early stop:

lainey 20

12:10 p.m. EST: The videos are finally uploading faster, so we’ll have GIFs incoming from our U.S. riders!

11:31 a.m. EST: Thanks to Mary Pat Stone for this ridiculous shot of Tim Bourke’s equipment fail today. We were able to see later that it appears he fixed and reclaimed his stirrup. Amazing! Stay tuned for more shots from this incident!

Photo courtesy of Mary Pat Stone.

Photo courtesy of Mary Pat Stone.

11:12 a.m. Here is a great source of audio from today!

11:02 a.m. EST: Here is your leaderboard following cross country. Additionally, the U.S. (and U.S. based Irishman!) rankings are as follows: Lynn Symansky 20th (60.9), Colleen Rutledge 30th (74.9), Tim Bourke 45th (100.6) and Lainey Ashker 54th (135.2).

Screenshot (94)

11:00 a.m. EST: And that’s a wrap on a very exciting cross country day at Burghley! We will be working hard on your end of day report, press conference quotes, and much more so keep it locked right here on EN. In the meantime, take a look back through our open thread to catch up on what you missed. Also, the rides are uploading as we speak to Burghley.tv, so we basically have the rest of your day planned. You’re welcome.

11:00 a.m. EST:

10:59 a.m. EST:

10:58 a.m. EST: Husband and wife duo Tim and Jonelle Price will hold second and third respectively after cross country. How’s that for wedded bliss??

10:55 a.m. EST: An uncharacteristic runout for Armada with Oliver Townend at the Trout Hatchery means Michael Jung will officially hold the lead with La Biosthetique Sam going into show jumping.

10:55 a.m. EST: Mark Todd doing what Mark Todd does. #legendary
mark todd

10:54 a.m. EST:

10:54 a.m. EST:

10:51 a.m. EST: Drat!! So sorry, Nicola.

10:51 a.m. EST:

10:49 a.m. EST: Hear William Fox-Pitt’s thoughts on his “mental error” on course today with this LloydBell interview.

10:49 a.m. EST: On to the next, Tim!

Screenshot (93)

10:48 a.m. EST:

10:46 a.m. EST:

10:46 a.m. EST:

10:45 a.m. EST: Only Armada can challenge the lead now, here are the current standings with three more to go:

Screenshot (92)

10:44 a.m. EST: Just three left to see today: Hasty Imp, Annie Clover and Armada.

10:43 a.m. EST: Plus 20 jumping and some time

10:43 a.m. EST: A little trip down memory lane for you…

10:41 a.m. EST: Jonelle has to be one of my favorites to watch on cross country. Her round at WEG was just priceless. I mean, you can’t get just 4 time penalties on a course that’s taking victims left and right and not gain a few fans, right?

10:40 a.m. EST:

10:39 a.m. EST:

10:38 a.m. EST: Charlotte Agnew and Out of Africa Two have a bit of trouble at the Anniversary Splash bounce out.

Charlotte Agnew and Out of Africa Two

10:38 a.m. EST: We’re getting GIF happy over here!

Jodie Amos and Wise Crack

10:37 a.m. EST:

10:37 a.m. EST: No kidding!

10:37 a.m. EST:

10:36 a.m. EST: Talk about redemption!

10:33 a.m. EST: Ze Terminator is at it again — and determined to stay in the tack this time!

10:32 a.m. EST:

10:29 a.m. EST: The SOLE double clear of the day so far belongs to Chris Burton and TS Jamaimo!

10:29 a.m. EST:

10:28 a.m. EST: Paul Tapner and Vanir Kamira doing work in their round earlier today:

Paul Tapner

10:27 a.m. EST:

10:26 a.m. EST:

10:25 a.m. EST: A look at the end of Andrew James’ round with the 10-year-old Movistar, who was contesting his first CCI4*. Seriously questioning the decision-making in this round — a clearly exhausted horse who can barely stay on its feet. Here’s hoping he’s recovered ok at least.

Andrew James

10:23 a.m. EST:

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10:09 a.m. EST: And one last look at Lynn and her fabulous OTTB coming home!

lynn finish

10:09 a.m. EST:

10:08 a.m. EST: The door should be wide open here as it seems William will be picking up some decent time.

10:08 a.m. EST:

10:07 a.m. EST: From the Horse & Hound live blog:

Screenshot (87)

10:06 a.m. EST:

10:06 a.m. EST: Still confused on what went down here…

10:04 a.m. EST:

10:01 a.m. EST:

10:01 a.m. EST:

9:58 a.m. EST: More Lynn and Flying Deer!

Lynn better

9:57 a.m. EST:

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9:55 a.m. EST:

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9:51 a.m. EST: We are also just minutes away from our third and final U.S. pair: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights! USA! USA! USA!

9:50 a.m. EST:

9:49 a.m. EST: Fernhill Pimms is a CCI4* first-timer. Can he pull it off?? No place like Burghley for your first time, eh?

9:47 a.m. EST: Current standings with 56 riders gone:

Screenshot (86)

9:46 a.m. EST:

9:45 a.m. EST Lynn gettting it done at the Cottesmore Leap!

Lynn and Donner

9:44 a.m. EST:

9:44 a.m. EST: Pippa Funnell talks about her ride on Redesigned with Horse & Country:

9:43 a.m. EST:

9:42 a.m. EST: After a few hairy moments, Shady Grey is getting his groove on.

9:30 a.m. EST:

9:29 a.m. EST: No wonder he went quick!

9:24 a.m. EST:
Screenshot (85)

9:22 a.m. EST:

9:21 a.m. EST:

9:20 a.m. EST: Lynn’s round is now up on Burghley.tv! We’ll add GIFs to this post, but you can watch it here and see her post-ride interview here.

9:17 a.m. EST:

9:16 a.m. EST: Did the press kits come with blood pressure meds?

9:12 a.m. EST:

9:10 a.m. EST: That’s what we like to hear, Tim. Way to keep things exciting!

9:09 a.m. EST:

9:08 a.m. EST:

9:08 a.m. EST:

9:07 a.m. EST: Sage advice. #ToddIt

9:06 a.m. EST:

9:06 a.m. EST: Either that or he never misses leg day.

9:05 a.m. EST: Oh no!!

9:04 a.m. EST:

9:03 a.m. EST: Let’s go Tim and Obie!

9:02 a.m. EST:

9:02 a.m. EST:

9:01 a.m. EST: Such an unfortunate blip for Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen who just lost it a bit here:

Andrew Hoy

9:00 a.m. EST:

8:59 a.m. EST: Lainey and Al are home with 40 jumping and 46.4 time. She’ll be gutted with those 20s but she’s completed her first Burghley cross country.

8:58 a.m. EST:

8:57 a.m. EST:

8:56 a.m. EST:

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8:55 a.m. EST: Always interesting to see which fences are causing the most trouble. Fence by fence stats here.

8:55 a.m. EST:

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8:49 a.m. EST:

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8:46 a.m. EST:

8:46 a.m. EST Kick on, Lainey!

8:45 a.m. EST:

8:44 a.m. EST: See what Lynn Symansky had to say about her cracking round!

8:44 a.m. EST:

8:42 a.m. EST: Mark lives life on the edge.

8:41 a.m. EST:

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8:37 a.m. EST:

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8:35 a.m. EST:

8:30 a.m. EST: Speaking of legends, it’s SO strange to not have Andrew Nicholson here. #speedyrecovery

8:29 a.m. EST:

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8:27 a.m. EST: Game face, girl. You got this!

Off we #GOALGO

Posted by Valerie Ashker on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:26 a.m. EST: And here come the heart palpitations again…

Off we #GOALGO

Posted by Valerie Ashker on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:25 a.m. EST: Yep.

8:24 a.m. EST:

Bit of a update before Mark heads out. So far we’ve had 18 clear rounds….but noone has made the time. Six…

Posted by Eventing NZ on Saturday, September 5, 2015

8:22 a.m. EST:

8:21 a.m. EST: Thanks to LloydBell Productions for these great interviews! Audio from Chris Burton here:

8:17 a.m. EST: Hear Paul Tapner’s thoughts from his first ride:

8:16 a.m. EST: We’re just about 30 minutes out from our second U.S. pair, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch! #internationalAl

8:16 a.m. EST:

8:15 a.m. EST: A hairy moment on course for Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh.

Sam Griffiths

8:14 a.m. EST: I thought it was strange that we only really saw any talk of one stop. Scores show Eliminated still at the moment.

8:13 a.m. EST:

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8:05 a.m. EST:

8:05 a.m. EST:

8:04 a.m. EST:

8:03 a.m. EST: Wow! What a great ride from Pippa Funnell on Redesigned at the Anniversary Splash!

redesigned

8:01 a.m. EST:

7:59 a.m. EST:

7:59 a.m. EST:

7:58 a.m. EST:

#burghleyhorsetrials #rangerover #crosscountry #eventing

A video posted by @h313nw on

7:56 a.m. EST:

7:56 a.m. EST:

7:53 a.m. EST: Can’t really see what happened with Ben Way and Galley Light – a pin has been dislodged, glad to see they were both on their feet.
ben way

7:50 a.m. EST:

7:49 a.m. EST:

7:48 a.m. EST:

7:47 a.m. EST: Quick shot of Lynn from our friends at Horse & Hound!
lynn

7:47 a.m. EST:

7:46 a.m. EST: Great shot from earlier today!

Pippa Funnel coming home #lrbht

A photo posted by Vee and Bear (@veeandbear) on

7:45 a.m. EST: Current scores:
Screenshot (84)

7:44 a.m. EST:

7:43 a.m. EST:

7:42 a.m. EST:

7:40 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at what happened with Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Such a shame.

Images via Burghley.tv.

Images via Burghley.tv.

7:40 a.m. EST:

7:38 a.m. EST: You go, Lynn.
Nailed-It

7:37 a.m. EST:

7:36 a.m. EST:

Screenshot (83)

7:36 a.m. EST:

7:33 a.m. EST:

7:32 a.m. EST: THEY DID IT! Our first U.S. pair crushes the course and comes home clear with 13.2 time! You can all release those held breaths now. Whew! On to Laine and Al at 8:44 EST!

7:32 a.m. EST:

7:31 a.m. EST: DONNER! DONNER! DONNER! Almost home!

7:30 a.m. EST:

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7:20 a.m. EST:

7:20 a.m. EST: Commence hyperventilating…

7:19 a.m. EST: Man, no one is safe!

7:18 a.m. EST: A glimpse at Oliver Townend and Dromgurrihy Blue’s cracking round:
Ollie 2

7:16 a.m. EST:

7:12 a.m. EST:

7:11 a.m. EST: Videos are beginning to load on Burghley.tv! Ollie Townend and Murray Lamperd’s rounds are up here.

7:10 a.m. EST: Paul Tapner and Vanir Kamira added to the list of 20s, but they’re home safely.

7:09 a.m. EST:

7:07 a.m. EST:

7:00 a.m. EST: For inquiring minds, I’ve been refreshing Burghley.tv every few minutes and no videos have popped up just yet. Lead time I think was about an hour, so any minute now…

7:00 a.m. EST:

7:00 a.m. EST: Ok, ok. I’m done. Maybe.

6:59 a.m. EST:

6:57 a.m. EST: When someone tells you Michael Jung fell off:

via GIPHY

6:57 a.m. EST:

Sam Griffiths looking impeccably stylish through the leaf pit. #lrbht2015 #burghley2015 #eventingworldwide

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:54 a.m. EST:

6:52 a.m. EST: It’s probably because I’m not fully awake yet, but for some reason Meg’s Facebook post below made me think of this:

6:52 a.m. EST: Our U.S. trailblazers will head out of the box in just about 30 minutes!

Good luck good luck good luck. #longestwalkever #stablingtostartbox Lynn Symansky

Posted by Meg Kep on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:50 a.m. EST:

6:50 a.m. EST:

6:49 a.m. EST: Speaking of beast mares. Let us not forget this mare crushed the Badminton-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named in 2014 to take home the win. Yes please.

6:47 a.m. EST: Three eliminations, two completions with stops (Austin O’Connor & Louise Harwood) in the first 45 minutes. Should be an exciting day, to say the least!

6:46 a.m. EST:

6:45 a.m. EST: Hear what trailblazer Oliver Townend thought of the course in this interview audio.

6:45 a.m. EST:

6:42 a.m. EST: I believe this is where Michael and Rocana fell. My heart really is broken. This is what it feels like.
Screenshot (81)

6:41 a.m. EST:

6:41 a.m. EST:

6:38 a.m. EST: It appears Michael Jung is up but walking with a limp after his fall from Rocana. What a shame!! We’ll keep you updated on his status with Sam, his second ride.

6:38 a.m. EST:

6:37 a.m. EST: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS WORLD?

6:37 a.m. EST:

6:36 a.m. EST:

6:36 a.m. EST:

6:35 a.m. EST: #EventerProblems?

6:34 a.m. EST:

6:32 a.m. EST:

6:31 a.m. EST: Ollie Townend has the quickest round so far (still early going, mind you) with 5.6 time penalties as the trailblazer. That guy, man. He can ride some cross country.

6:30 a.m. EST:: Ze Terminator is coming, Ze Terminator is coming! Michael Jung and his first ride, fisherRocana FST are set to start in just a few minutes. I can’t wait to see how this mare crushes this course. #marecrush

6:29 a.m. EST:

6:28 a.m. EST:

6:26 a.m. EST: Dee Hankey shows on the live scores as Eliminated. 18 seconds over for Murray Lamperd and Under the Clocks.

6:25 a.m. EST:

6:24 a.m. EST:

Obie is set to go at 2pm local time today! The beast is ready to tackle the course!

Posted by Bourke Eventing on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:22 a.m. EST:Our newest starter is Chris Burton and his first ride, Haruzac. I have not seen anything on Dee Hankey and Chequers Playboy, who were set to start before Chris.

6:21 a.m. EST

Louise Harwood looking great out on course. #lrbht2015 #burghley2015 #eventingworldwide

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:18 a.m. EST

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6:15 a.m. EST:

The course can be ridden! Oliver has taken all the straight routes and gone beautifully…attacking the tricky Trout…

Posted by Eventing NZ on Saturday, September 5, 2015

6:14 a.m. EST:

6:11 a.m. EST:

Oliver Townend looking strong across country! #eventingworldwide #burghley2015 #lrbht2015

A photo posted by Eventing Worldwide (@eventingworldwide) on

6:13 a.m. EST

6:10 a.m. EST: Louise Harwood and Mr Potts are your next starters on course.

6:08 a.m. EST: Fun fact, Ollie Townend is the only rider with three rides this weekend. 8 other riders have two rides, although Francis Whittington has just one now with the withdrawal of Fernhill Highlight.

6:06 a.m. EST:

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6:03 a.m. EST:

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6:00 a.m. EST: Our first pair, Oliver Townend on Dromgurrihy Blue, is on course! This pair scored a 45.8 in the dressage for 24th place.

Lucinda Green’s Thoughts on Land Rover Burghley Cross Country

By on Sep 5, 2015 5:29 am -
Lucinda Green at Burghley 2015 Photo by Nico Morgan

Lucinda Green at Burghley 2015. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Many thanks to Lucinda Green, a two time former winner of Burghley and of course six time winner of Badminton and medals too numerous to mention, for sitting down to chat quickly about the big, bold course the riders will face shortly. Lucinda thinks …

“It’s a cracker. It’s as big a course as I’ve seen, and I’m thrilled because the standard has to be raised at the top end in order for the sport not to just dwindle into a show-jumping and dressage competition. My worry is that the horses and riders are not going to be prepared because the events below this have become tamer and tamer.

“This year particularly we had Luhmühlen CCI4* that was no way a qualification for this, Saumur which was more like a two and a half star and Badminton which wasn’t a four star in the vein it needs to be.  We’ve had two good three stars at Bramham and Tattersalls and furthermore the Advanced One Day Events don’t really ask enough because there’s always another one you can go to that will be easier. Therefore horses are going to get their qualifications and have got here really possibly not ready.

“Also I think fitness wise people don’t realise how fit they’ve got to be and this is a serious course because it’s maximum stretch the whole time, and the idea behind a four star is there shouldn’t be too many let-ups and there aren’t. Mentally I think the riders and the horses are going to get very tired, so I’m delighted because I think it’s a very brave course and I think there’s a lot of flow to it if you are prepared to go the straight ways, there’s a lot of flow and I don’t think it’s unfair — the horses can see what they’ve got to do, there’s not a trick.”

The Trout Hatchery on the Land Rover Burghley 2015 XC course Photo by Samantha Clark

The Trout Hatchery on the Land Rover Burghley 2015 XC course. Photo by Samantha Clark.

“Probably the most difficult fence is the Trout Hatchery because it happens so quickly and the horses will be tired, most of the other fences aren’t happening as quickly as that. It’s very demanding and I am absolutely delighted that it is, but I am slightly nervous that it will cause too much trouble and then Burghley as a course will be blamed when in fact what should be blamed is the steps below it aren’t sufficient.”

"I wouldn't mind sitting on the mare of Michael Jung's" Fischerrocana FST Photo by Samantha Clark

“I wouldn’t mind sitting on the mare of Michael Jung’s” fischerRocana FST. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Which horse would Lucinda pick to ride around the course?

“I wouldn’t mind sitting on the mare of Michael Jung’s [fischerRocana FST] because I think she’s been taught to find her way across country and think for herself, and hopefully she’s scopey enough! She’s certainly scopey enough to jump a fence as big as this, but there’s thirty of them.

“The other thing I shall be very interested to see is Michael Jung I don’t think will ever have hit a course that demands such a level of fitness so I’ll be interested to see if his horses are fit enough. He’s such a consummate professional and such a brilliant man that I can’t believe they won’t be, and I know where he lives on the Bavarian hills so I think they’ll be fine.

“There’s another horse I’m looking forward to watching — Cooley Business Time with Georgie Strang, I think that’s a really, really good little horse, it’s the first time here for both of them so it’s a big ask. I wouldn’t want anything too big because I’d want to be able to keep up a rhythm and just keep galloping, and they’d be able to just shorten their own stride if they were wrong and get over the fence; a great, big rangy horse will get quite tired I would think, from being pulled together all the time.”

Many, many thanks to Lucinda for her time and words of wisdom. Cross country starts within an hour and we’ll be live tweeting as well as joining Horse and Hound‘s live stream commentary. Wishing all the riders and their teams the very best rides today, safe and speedy, and fingers crossed for a good day’s sport. Go Lucinda Green the legend, and Go Eventing at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Cross Country Day.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Sep 5, 2015 12:01 am -
Elise's first horse show selfie with her coach Hawley Bennett. Photo from Hawley'Bennett's Facebook page Elise's first horse show selfie with her coach Hawley Bennett. Photo from Hawley'Bennett's Facebook page

I still haven’t mastered the horse-show selfie. I typically find myself squinting in to my iPhone, trying to get a decent angle. Then of course, my pony moves and some how I bump it over to video. I usually end up with 5-10 seconds of sky, my chin, a blur of pony and some mumbled “dammit, hold still”. One day I will master the horse show selfie. It’s going to take quite a bit of practice to catch up with Elise and Hawley in selfie-skills though!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, XC Start Times, Live Scores, XC Fence Report, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

U.S. & Canada Weekend Action:

Aspen Farms H.T.  [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Chardon Valley H.T.  [Omnibus Listing] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

The Event at Santa Fe H.T.  [Omnibus Listing] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Wit’s End August H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Joseph Murphy will reroute to European Championships

Big Time H/J Drugging Drama, Colvin sues USEF: Brigid Colvin v USEF

Lifeguard kicked by wild horse on Assateague Island

One dead, one injured on Texas horse farm

Their grandpa’s St Paul Police Horse was Dan Patch’s granddaughter

Scottsdale police receives reports of horse abuse

Saturday Video:

Friday Results Recap: Five Points, Copper Meadows, Aspen & Breda

By on Sep 4, 2015 4:45 pm -
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo courtesy of Allie Conrad Photography. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo courtesy of Allie Conrad Photography.

We’re seeing lots of competitive dressage scores today after dressage completed for the Advanced and CIC3* divisions at the weekend’s headlining events. We have two Advanced and one CIC3* event running this weekend: Advanced at Five Points and Aspen Farms and CIC3* at Copper Meadows. Plus there’s another Big B going on this weekend in addition to Burghley — Breda in The Netherlands!

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice will take the lead in the Advanced at Five Points on a score of 27.1 in the Irish gelding’s first competition back since Rolex. That puts them just ahead of Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, who are our predicted pick for the win this weekend.

Kim and Cooley Cross Border earned a 28.4 nod from the judges ahead of Sharon White and Clifford M, who scored a 29.1 but was withdrawn from the Advanced division later in the afternoon along with his stablemate Cooley On Show. Sharon has been battling a herniated disc in her back, and we’re sending her positive healing thoughts.

That withdrawal moves Michael Pollard and Halimey into third place overnight on a score of 29.6 in his first Advanced start since March — he most recently placed second in the CIC2* at Richland Park. Michael also had a rocking day in the Open Intermediate, where he scored a 19.2 with Boris O’Hara, a 9-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Kathleen McDermott. I think we need to start keeping a record of Michael’s sub-20 dressage scores — how low can he go?

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery, one of his newer rides that he recently acquired from Kelly Prather, sit in fourth with a score of 30.0. This is Boyd and Blackfoot Mystery’s second start together, the first at Advanced, so it will be exciting to see how their partnership has progressed early on. Boyd also rounds out the top five with Steady Eddie on a score of 30.4.

Click here for full scores from Five Points.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Natalie Kuhny.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum lead the Copper Meadows CIC3* after show jumping. Photo by Natalie Kuhny.

Copper Meadows

Over on the West Coast, it’s all Tamie Smith in the Professional’s Choice CIC3* at Copper Meadows. Tamie and the Ahearn family’s Mai Baum, who we’ve predicted to win this division, scored a 41.3 in dressage and then jumped a clear show jumping round to lead after the first two phases.

“Lexus” is prepping for the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* this fall (for which they just received a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant) so Tamie will be looking to keep the 9-year-old German gelding on the right track as he aims for his first CCI3*.

Andrew Baxter and Indy 500, who won the CIC3* here in June, are sitting in second their dressage score of 57.5 after also jumping a clear round. Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III moved up one spot to third on their dressage score of 60.9 after jumping a clear show jumping round.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Ride On Video have once again partnered up to bring us videos from Copper Meadows. Click here to watch dressage and show jumping highlights and then click here to watch a preview of Hugh Lochore’s CIC3* track. (Isn’t Frankie an adorable eight-month prego?)

Click here for scores from Copper Meadows.

How many Corgis does it take to walk a cross country course at Aspen Farms? Thanks to Aspen for sharing this photo by Ashley Shaw Colonel!

How many Corgis does it take to walk a cross country course at Aspen Farms? Thanks to Aspen for sharing this fun photo by Ashley Shaw Colonel!

Aspen Farms

A smaller division of four is contesting the Tin Men Supply Advanced at Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington. You can take a look at Chesna Klimek’s fence-by-fence cross country course preview that we posted earlier here.

Mary Burke and Prince William are your Advanced leaders, scoring a 35.2 for the overnight lead. This is Mary and Prince William’s first full Advanced together — they finished second in the Advanced/Intermediate at Whidbey Island in July.

“For our first Advanced he was very rideable and relaxed which made for a smooth and accurate test,” Mary said after the test. “I was pleased the areas that I have been working with him in dressage have improved. I am looking forward to doing the Advanced cross-country course tomorrow. I am also very excited to be participating in my first Gold Cup Series event and want to thank all the sponsors that make it possible.”

Mary Burke and Prince William lead the Aspen Farms Advanced division. Photo by Tim O'Neil.

Mary Burke and Prince William lead the Aspen Farms Advanced division. Photo by Tim O’Neil.

Karen O’Neal and Hollywood Diva are placed second after the dressage on a score of 39.7, followed by Marc Grandia and Fernhill Eagle to round out the top three. You may remember Fernhill Eagle as a former ride of Phillip Dutton’s — they placed 11th at Rolex in 2013 and 12th in 2012. This is the first step up to Advanced for Marc and Fernhill Eagle as a pair.

There’s another very familiar name out at Aspen this weekend in Gin & Juice, who is returning to competition for the first time since competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games with former rider Hawley Bennett. Sara Mittleider has now taken over the ride on the 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare; Sara and “Ginny” scored 18.9 to lead the Open Preliminary division overnight.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Breda. Photo via Liz's Facebook.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night at Breda. Photo courtesy of Liz.

Breda

Liz Halliday-Sharp has both her top mounts Fernhill By Night and HHS Cooley out in the CIC3* at Breda in the Netherlands this weekend, and she’s positioned very well after dressage. Fernhill By Night is in second place in the 47-horse field on a personal best score of 36.1, sitting behind Pia Münker and Louis M, while HHS Cooley is in sixth on 44.7.

Cooley is returning to competition following a minor injury at The Fork in April, so it’s great to see him back out and about. Liz said on her Facebook page that she was very pleased with both horses, who held it together despite the fact that the FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies were being held right next to the dressage ring!

Click here to see scores from Breda.

Five Points H.T.  [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Aspen Farms H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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David O’Connor Breaks Down Team USA’s Burghley So Far

By on Sep 4, 2015 4:17 pm -
U..S Team Coach David O'Connor watching one of his riders prepare for dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials today. Photo by Samantha Clark. U..S Team Coach David O'Connor watching one of his riders prepare for dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials today. Photo by Samantha Clark.

U.S. Team Coach David O’Connor was kind enough to stop and chat this afternoon at Burghley once all the dressage was over and discuss the U.S. performances thus far, and his expectations for them cross country on Saturday. On the whole he was pleased with the way the first two days panned out for Team USA.

“I thought the quality of all of them was good, but there were little things that took away from the scores being under 45. It’s not that electric of a ring; I think it’s intimate enough that it’s not that electric. Sometimes the big rings at places like Kentucky can be more electric because everything is so far away. But with smaller rings like this, they don’t tend to change as much as they can in other rings. The horses I thought all performed and went well, it was just little mistakes that kept them from being below 45, which to me is the big mark.”

Comparing Burghley today to say, eleven years ago when Andrew Hoy won on Moonfleet as we talked about yesterday in the press conference,  David is in agreement that the depth of quality has increased exponentially.

“There were always one or two people or horses that were playing dressage at this level. Now there are 18 or 20 that are playing at a very high level. It’s not just the quality of it, it’s more the numbers of people who have risen to that level. That’s changed the competitiveness, and that’s a very healthy thing for the sport.”

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights in the dressage phase at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights in the dressage phase at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Speaking of the good old days, David did of course fondly remember Giltedge — who passed away yesterday at 29 years of age — and maintains he would have been a competitive horse today, although he never brought him to Burghley,

“I never thought that this was his course, it wasn’t his type of course. He wasn’t the fastest horse in the world but he was so competitive in his mind, he tried so hard in everything that he did, he was SO competitive, he just loved being in the game but I never brought him here. This is not the course for every horse; you can have Olympic Champions and World Championship horses that will win those but they aren’t all Burghley horses.

“I think Giltedge would be just as competitive today, in a general market in the sport, there’s no question because he was very consistent in the dressage, in the 30s — a 41 was a bad score for him. He always jumped clear in the show jumping, and the cross country he just hammered on it, so I think he would have been very, very competitive today as he was then. He had all his changes; none of it would have been an issue.”

The cross country, of course, looms large tomorrow, in fact it looms enormous (click here to preview the course), but David is hopeful that the squad here this weekend will get the job done,

“We walked the course yesterday. I’ve been around it three times already. They’ve been walking it on their own today, and we’ll come back to talk about it this evening. It’s a fitness course. Going the other way around, I think the terrain will have more of an effect than it has in the past years, so it could play very much into these Thoroughbreds in lots of ways. It will be a big day tomorrow.”

Lynn Symansky and her OTTB XC specialist Donner the Deer. Photo by Samantha Clark

Lynn Symansky and her OTTB XC specialist Donner the Deer. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Lynn Symansky and Laine Ashker are of course both sitting on OTTBs, or ex-racehorses as they’re better known over here, and David wants them to capitalise on their opportunity to make a move,

“I really want Lynn to think about going for it and being very competitive; it should be a very good day for her. I think with Colleen’s horse being the youngest, she will need to go out and try to make it a good day for him. If he’s getting impressed, she might need to take some longer routes. I think Lainey is going to go for it. Even though it’s her first time here, it’s an older horse and this is why she brought him. I think she’ll take a crack at it.”

Laine Ashker and her OTTB Anthony Patch on the eve of Land Rover Burghley cross country day. Photo by Samantha Clark

Laine Ashker and her OTTB Anthony Patch on the eve of Land Rover Burghley cross country day. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Nervously anticipating a full day tomorrow and hopefully a successful one for our U.S. riders and adopted Irishman. Eventing Nation will be joining the Horse and Hound live stream again at this link, but also live tweeting the cross country from our Twitter account for anyone who can’t be chained to a laptop all day. There is no live stream for Burghley, but you can watch on demand video soon after each rider completes at this link.

Many thanks to David and all the U..S riders for their time and patience talking to EN this weekend; fingers crossed for some celebratory interviews popping up online this time tomorrow. Go Cross Country fast and safe, Go Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and Go Eventing!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, XC Start Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Burghley Dressage Day 1 Highlights

By on Sep 4, 2015 3:00 pm -

The bar was set high on the first day of dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Michael Jung set the standard that went unchallenged until today with his Rolex winning mare, fischerRocana FST, earning a 34.2 to set the early lead.

It’s a tightly bunched leaderboard, as we all expected, and Burghley has put together a great video highlighting the sandbox action from day one. As we know now, it’s Michael Jung and William Fox-Pitt with Fernhill Pimms sharing the lead at the moment, and our three American ladies are holding down the fort with positions in the top 35.

Samantha Clark has done a bang up job with her coverage of the event so far, and you can catch up on all of the reports here. Stay tuned for much more to come this weekend from Burghley!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

Wrapping Up the Dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

By on Sep 4, 2015 1:07 pm -
William Fox Pitt and Fernhill Pimms share the Burghley dressage lead with Germany's Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Samantha Clark. William Fox Pitt and Fernhill Pimms share the Burghley dressage lead with Germany's Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Samantha Clark.

As we head into the cross country on Saturday Michael Jung retains his Day One lead on fischerRocana FST but shares it overnight with William Fox-Pitt on four star first timer Fernhill Pimms. Australia’s Sam Griffiths moves into third place on his faithful campaigner Happy Times. Australia’s Andrew Hoy slips a place to fourth, and Tim Price and Oliver Townend occupy equal fifth position on Ringwood Sky Boy and Armada.

Sam Griffiths and Happy Times move into 3rd place after dressage at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015 Photo by Nico Morgan

Sam Griffiths and Happy Times move into 3rd place after dressage at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2015. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Sam Griffiths now has two horses in the top 15 as Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh lies 14th after the first phase, and both did personal bests today, “I’ve been really pleased with how they’ve gone today, but as you know tomorrow is another day. It’s a pretty daunting course but they’re both quite experienced horses.”

“I’ve been working hard on the dressage with Happy Times and it’s nice to know that even as you’re getting older you can still improve, or at least that’s what I like to think! It’s a massive course out there, and I think Mark Phillips has been quite fiendish with what he’s done, there are lots of corners and narrow places where you could run out, and I think it will be a course where you’ll never feel really good until you’ve finished it because there are so many places you can get caught out.”

“I always feel that the cross country at Burghley is the toughest in the world – it’s the terrain, the size of the fences and the intensity, it’s the ultimate test, they’ve got to be amazing horses to do this and luckily I’m sat on a couple. Anyone who gets round is on a really good horse.”

William Fox-Pitt acknowledges the crowds as he leaves the arena on Fernhill Pimms

William Fox-Pitt acknowledges the crowds as he leaves the arena on Fernhill Pimms. Photo by Samantha Clark.

William still seems in awe of his horse’s performance today at it’s first four star, “I was delighted with him; the fact that he coped so well with the atmosphere and the four flying changes — it’s a big step up and you have to admire a horse when they take that challenge and do so well. He’s a lovely horse to ride on the flat, he’s very easy and comfortable and he loves showing off, and I think there’s more to come which is exciting. “

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross country, “I think Mark Phillips has been very brave, everyone’s got their work cut out for them. It’s a big step up for my horse, I think he’s ready for the challenge but you never know until you ask the questions. He came here to hopefully put in a good performance and show me he’s one for the future, I just want him to go well, I don’t necessarily expect him to go clear inside the time but I want him to rise to that challenge and enjoy himself.”

At the moment William is planning on taking all the straight routes, but he has walked all the alternatives just in case, “He’s a very brave horse, he’s athletic and able but he’s quite green and he can be quite cheeky so it will be a case of just feeling how he is and if he needs a bit of an easy option at some stage I’ll certainly take it.”

Michael Jung and Fischerrocana share the Burghley dressage lead wtih William Fox-Pitt on Fernhill Pimms

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST share the Burghley dressage lead wtih William Fox-Pitt on Fernhill Pimms. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST could not be beaten today, but is looking ahead to the cross country tomorrow, “I have two very good horses and we’ve had a few good runs this season so I’m not too nervous, but it’s always very special when you leave the start box for a four star course. You need to be very concentrated, you need to have a good feeling for the horse, for the condition also of the course, it’s a special moment. I think the conditions are perfect, we have good weather, we have perfect ground, we have a nice beginning of the course but then it gets very tough.”

La Biosthetique Sam also did a nice test but fluffed one canter change, “I am very happy with Sam, he was very good in the beginning and then we had a little mistake in the first flying change but all in all we had a good round.”

Oliver Townend and Armada impress again to move into fifth place after dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Photo by Nico Morgan

Oliver Townend and Armada impress again to move into fifth place after dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Oliver Townend got the best score on his third and final horse, the quirky Armada, “We’re as good as we could be expeccted with all three: first horse was better than expected, second horse as expected, he was just green and he will be a good horse one day, and Armada — the good bits are getting better and better and the other bits are still there, but at the same time he’s getting closer every year. I think he got 68 the first time he came here!”

“Armada is a very good cross country horse, touch wood, but obviously getting older and occasionally I have to do things I never used to, like give him a squeeze, but I’m just happy to be here.  It’s the toughest Burghley I’ve ever seen, it’s the biggest Burghley in my living memory but I am looking forward to it.”

"It doesn't get any smaller but it does get more doable each time we walk it!" Laine and Valerie Ashker walking the Burghley XC with Lauren Sherill.

“It doesn’t get any smaller but it does get more doable each time we walk it!” Laine and Valerie Ashker walking the Burghley XC with Lauren Sherill. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Cross country starts at 11am Saturday morning and Lucinda Green agrees with practically everyone about the course, “It’s a corker!” She’s promised us a course preview in the morning so we’ll try and hold her to that if she stays still long enough.  In the meantime, we still have an update on Tiana Coudray to come later.

Spoiler alert — she’s now the proud part owner/rider of the 2015 5 year old Burghley Young Event Horse Champion. Hoping that all the riders manage to get some sleep tonight, not sure if I will! Thank you for making Eventing Nation part of your Burghley experience. Go Eventing at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Dressage Times, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

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U.S. Hall of Fame Event Horse Giltedge Dies at 29

By on Sep 4, 2015 12:20 pm -
David O'Connor and Giltedge on their way to winning the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2001. Photo used with permission from Shannon Brinkman. David O'Connor and Giltedge on their way to winning the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2001. Photo used with permission from Shannon Brinkman.

The international eventing community has lost a legend in Giltedge, who died yesterday at his owner Jacqueline Mars’ Stonehall Farm in The Plains, Virginia, at a ripe age of 29 years old. Inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2012, the quirky Irish Sport Horse gelding will be remembered as one of the most highly decorated and influential horses in U.S. eventing history.

One could say Giltedge’s legendary partnership with David O’Connor would never have come to fruition without William Micklem, who spotted the horse in Ireland and recommended that Karen and David try him in 1994 as an 8-year-old. Karen ultimately decided to choose a different horse, Prince Panache, for herself, but David ended up with Giltedge, who was then called Giltex.

“He looked the part — leggy, lean and the most fantastic look in his eye,” David recalled at the horse’s USEA Hall of Fame ceremony in 2012. “This wasn’t the most fantastic horse I’d ever seen. He was a good mover, not great. He was a good jumper, but not with endless scope … But William said, ‘You have to get him because he’s going to come into his own under your system.’ So we did.”

It’s a scene William still recalls very clearly: “As Karen and David O’Connor tried Giltedge in Eric Smiley’s yard in the north of Ireland, I knew they were not convinced he was good enough, so they had to take a risk and trust my judgement, but I had no doubt how special he was,” William said.

“Two years earlier I had seen him at Rademon Horse Trials for the first time and saw him use his huge intelligence and great jumping technique to save himself from a difficult situation on the cross country.  He was always so quick to asses a situation and always so courageous.”

 

 

Giltedge’s breeding had also caught William’s eye: “He was by Glen Bar, who was by the extraordinary Thoroughbred stallion Bahrain, but was also 25% Irish Draught, which is often forgotten. I believe Giltedge’s longevity and intelligence spring from his Irish Draught genes and that he was the equal of those other great Irish eventing legends bred the same way: Kilkenny, Carawich, Eagle Lion and Custom Made.”

While breeding plays an important part in any great horse, William knows David’s relationship with “Tex” ultimately cemented their names in eventing history. “It was the outstanding partnership that David formed with him that took his talent to a new level,” William said. “Without doubt they were one of the world’s great eventing combinations, and Giltedge thoroughly deserved his place in the USEA Hall of Fame.”

In their storied career together, David and Tex won at least one medal each time they represented Team USA at major championships between 1996 and 2002, establishing themselves as the go-to anchor pair that could always be counted on in team scenarios during this period of U.S. eventing.

Together they won the following medals: team silver, 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; team bronze, 1998 Rome World Equestrian Games; individual silver and team gold, 1999 Winnipeg Pan American Games; team bronze, 2000 Sydney Olympic Games; and team gold, 2002 Jerez World Equestrian Games.

 

 

In all, David and Tex won 21 events in their career, including the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in 2001 and Fair Hill CCI3* twice in 1995 and 1997, marking themselves as an extremely consistent combination. The horse only pulled one show jumping rail in all of the CCI events he ever completed, and his owner Ms. Mars spoke very fondly of him at the 2012 USEA Hall of Fame ceremony.

“Tex has always had and always will have a special place in my heart because he is a little engine that is ‘I think I can,’ and he did, but he never could have done it without the big engine of David pushing him along,” Ms. Mars said. “They were a fabulous team, and although David had other great horses, Tex was there for him at the right place at the right time in David’s team career.”

Like many of the great ones, Tex was well known for his quirks, which longtime O’Connor Equestrian Team groom Max Corcoran recalled today. The horse never did tolerate cross ties, and he was a head shaker, though David discovered that if he allowed Tex to scratch his nose right before he went into the ring, he would keep his head quiet during his dressage tests.

As one of the most famous stories about Tex goes, the horse was fully tacked up and waiting in his stall when David tried him in Ireland in 1994 because, as the OCET team discovered upon bringing him home to the U.S., Tex hated having his head touched for bridling, braiding or any other activities involving his ears — something Max remembers well.

 

 

“One of my first away events with Karen and David was to Red Hills in 2002. Vanessa Roman was one of David’s grooms at the time and was there looking after Tex. He hated his ears being touched, and it took her three hours to braid him. She couldn’t get the top two braids done, so David did them. Tex only really ever trusted a few people to be up by his ears and only had his forelock braided for three-day events, and the braid stayed in all weekend from Wednesday to Sunday,” Max said.

“He taught me a ton as far as looking after horses — how taking your time was critical, how there are many ways to accomplish something, how to listen to the horse. I thank Tex for all he did for the U.S. and for David, for teaching so many of us valuable lessons about horsemanship, that not all horses are the same and reminding us to be patient.”

David likes to tell the story of Tex’s final competition of his career at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, where the horse served as pathfinder for the U.S. team on a grueling cross country course and ultimately helped Team USA win gold. Following the medal ceremony — and after nearly a decade of reluctantly tolerating having his forelock braided for competitions — Tex turned to the wall of his stall and rubbed off his entire forelock in one fell swoop.

Tex deserved a grand retirement after everything he achieved, and that’s exactly what he received at Ms. Mars’ Stonehall Farm, officially retiring at age 16 and attending Rolex one final time in 2003 for his retirement ceremony. David used him in demonstrations around the U.S. for several years after, riding at different events without a bridle — just like Tex always wanted.

 

 

Tex lived out the remainder of his days under the wonderful care of Sue Clarke, enjoying a large field at Stonehall with the rest of the “Fab Four” and fellow OCET Olympic horses: Prince Panache, Custom Made and the late Biko, who died last year at 30 years old.

There are many people to thank for playing key roles in Tex’s life: Pat Harris, who overhauled Tex’s nutrition program when he struggled with tying up; his vet crew of Kent Allen and, later in his life, Paul Deihl and farrier Paul Goodness; Ed Gibney, Sam Burton, Colleen Roberts (née Hayduck), Sue Clarke, Max Corcoran, and, of course, David and Karen O’Connor and Ms. Mars.

David learned the news of Tex’s passing while at Burghley coaching Team USA. When asked about his favorite memory of one of the greatest horses in U.S. eventing history, David said he’ll always remember Tex’s one-of-a-kind personality and competitive drive to excel as an event horse.

“He wasn’t the fastest horse in the world, but he was so competitive in his mind. He tried so hard in everything that he did. He loved being in the game,” David said. “You know the expression ‘he was a gentleman and a scholar’ — Tex was both. He thought about things in his own way. He was a beautiful horse every day.”

Rest in peace, Giltedge.

Click here to watch Ms. Mars and David O’Connor speak about Giltedge in his 2012 USEA Hall of Fame induction ceremony, including how they decided to change his name from Giltex to Giltedge.

Colleen Rutledge & Covert Rights Sitting Just Outside Burghley Top 20

By on Sep 4, 2015 10:33 am -
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights on their way to a top 25 score in the dressage at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Photo by Samantha Clark Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights on their way to a top 25 score in the dressage at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Photo by Samantha Clark

Covert Rights showed real flashes of brilliance in his Land Rover Burghley dressage test this afternoon, an exciting sneak peek of how much more is still to come from this lovely, young horse and although owner/breeder/rider Colleen was pleased overall with his performance, she admitted it’s her nature to always want more and so was rueing what might have been.

“I’m never happy! He’s got so much more potential in there and I’m a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to realise it today. He’s coming along and developing his ability to handle the astmosphere and it’s going to be a work in progress for a while. Am I happy I stayed in the ring? Absolutely! He gave me the best test he could today, but me being the rider that I am I always want more.”

After a beautiful entry and halt to start with (earning a 9 no less!) CR broke into canter in the medium trot, a result of him actually getting a bit quiet and behind her leg, Colleen said, but overall there was plenty to like, and now she looks ahead to the real test tomorrow.

“This is Burghley so this is never a dressage show. I’m excited to see how he copes when he goes out tomorrow; he does like big fences and he does like good questions and there’s plenty of both so can we string them all together? We’ll have to see! I absolutely love coming here, it’s a dream, to be able to come over and be a part of this history is just fantastic. It’s an amazing venue, an amazing course, everything is just unparalelled and it’s just fantastic.”

William Fox-Pitt and Fernhill Pimms tie for the lead at Burghley after a beautiful test Photo by Samantha Clark

William Fox-Pitt and Fernhill Pimms tie for the lead at Burghley after a beautiful test. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The atmosphere was buzzing still from the first test after lunch — William Fox-Pitt on Fernhill Pimms whose 34.3 provisional score was later amended to 34.2, tying him for the lead on Burghley first-timer Fernhill Pims with Michael Jung and his Rolex Kentucky winner fischerRocana FST.

Fernhill Pimms’ test was a sheer delight, but for one slight bobble in the change (three 4’s, which cost him the outright lead) but otherwise flawless, and William earned three 9s for his riding. Afterwards he thought that except for Chilli Morning’s test, this was probably one of his best scores at a four star, and he was especially pleased considering it’s the horse’s first  appearance at this level.

“I’m delighted, I think that’s a big deal for a first time four star horse; there was a great atmosphere in there and he really went his best, that’s all I can say, he couldn’t have done any better yet, it’s the first time he’s done that four star test in a competition so it bodes very well. He’s just got a lovely attitude and a presence, he’s lovely to ride. I’m hoping the next two days will be just as easy as that but I’m not sure they will!”

William has walked the course a few times already, “I think it’s quite a brave course; Mark Phillips certainly hasn’t backed off. I think the course this way round is going to be tougher, I think we all do. There’s a lot to jump — the first three fences are fine and then the rest…you’ve got to be up for it. I’ll find out a lot about my horse tomorrrow, he’s inexperienced to be here but I believe he’s mentally ready, he’s physically ready but he’s never seen anything like that. I’m hoping he’s genuine and goes through the flags and come home happy with him, and the rest is a bonus!”

Michael Jung is about to go so we’ll be back with the last report from Burghley dressage soon. If you missed the morning report, click here to read comments from Laine Ashker and Tim Bourke. Lynn Symansky and Laine Ashker are holding on to spots in the top 30 with some of the heavy hitters still to come.

Don’t forget to join Anna Ross Davies and Pippa Roome in the Horse & Hound live blog for top notch commentary here. Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of #LRBHT so far, and click here to watch videos on demand via Burghley TV. Thanks for visiting Eventing Nation today and Go USA at Burghley and Go Four Star Eventing!

#LRBHT: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Dressage Times, Schedule, Burghley TV, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, @samanthalclark

Aspen Farms Advanced Cross Country Course Preview

By on Sep 4, 2015 9:00 am -
Fence 6AB. Photo by Chesna Klimek. Fence 6AB. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

The final qualifying division for the Adequan Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series kicks off this weekend at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington. Once again Tin Men Supply stepped forward to sponsor the Advanced division — the only of its kind in Washington state. The winner will take home $2,000 from Tin Men Supply and a host of other prizes.

Tremaine Cooper designed this year’s Advanced cross country track with 23 numbered questions over 3,800 meters with an optimum time of 6:40. Tremaine took advantage of Aspen Farms’ natural terrain to create unique questions over the turf. Spectators will surely enjoy watching the competitors jump through the Kerrits’ mound keyhole and several one-of-a-kind A/B combinations.

The show crew has taken extra care to prepare the footing this year. After an entire summer of record-breaking hot and dry weather conditions, many celebrated the arrival of recent rainstorms. The course has been aerated and topsoil and sand added in certain places to ensure ideal conditions for Saturday’s cross country competition.

Only four competitors will take on the Advanced division this year. Mary Burke will be looking to pilot her OTTB gelding, Prince William, to a successful finish in his first attempt at Advanced. They are fresh off their win in the Intermediate USEA Area VII Championship division at Caber Farm Horse Trials.

Karen O’Neal is no stranger to Aspen Farms’ Advanced track. This year she’s riding Barbara Flynn’s warmblood mare, Hollywood Diva, in the mare’s first Advanced. Hollywood Diva has had success at Intermediate this summer with both Karen and her daughter, Patience O’Neal.

Allison Sparks and Mystic Mojo join the field with confidence after a successful completion of their first CIC3* at Rebecca Farm in July. Rounding out the field will be Washington-based rider, Marc Grandia, aboard Team Rebecca LLC’s experienced gelding, Fernhill Eagle.

Over 300 competitors will vie for more than $24,000 in cash and prizes at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. The most competitive division is shaping up to be the Cornerstone Forest Products Intermediate, which offers $1,500 for the winner. The class attracted 20 starters, including many pairs experienced at the level.

Follow full show coverage on Aspen Farms Horse Trials’ Facebook page, and click here for ride times and results. Advanced dressage starts at 10:30 a.m. PST today. Keep scrolling to view a full photo gallery of Tremaine’s Advanced cross country course. Go Aspen Farms. Go Eventing!

Aspen Farms: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Facebook