Classic Eventing Nation

A Walk in the Park (Not Really): Preview the LRK3DE CCI5* Cross Country Course

By on Apr 29, 2023 7:00 am -

3, 2, 1, go! Have a great ride. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I feel I’m running low on descriptive phrases, because every time I sit down to write a preview of one of Derek di Grazia’s courses, the first thing that comes to mind is inevitably “classic Derek”. It’s probably not the most original idea to start every preview as such, so I’ll do some thinking on a different starter.

But it’s true. Each course designer has a signature style, made evident as you walk the carefully planned tracks and lines laid out for the competitors come Saturday. For Derek, the job is about making the most use of the undulating terrain that he knows so well here at the Kentucky Horse Park. He’s had the gig here since 2011, starting his thought process for the next season’s iteration nearly as soon as the final horse has crossed the finish flags.

“I think in little ways, the course changes every year,” Derek commented. “I like to think even though I think we certainly have features here which I think will always be used, and we’ll try to maybe develop some new ones here and there, but I think that it’s sort of how you lay it all out. It’s a matter of trying to mix it up each year and giving riders something new to look at, and also I think having something that’s different so that the the spectator to come every year we’re going to see a different course.”

One down, 27 to go. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The most valuable commodity in eventing is land. The 2023 CCI5* cross country makes excellent use of several hundred acres of bluegrass to create a track that suits a good galloper and allows riders to establish a rhythm early on rather than turning them in circles. The out-and-back nature of the track takes advantage of every elevation change and undulation — and if you’re Derek, you’ve spotted each of the above and strategically placed a fence in a way that makes even a straightforward table require a good bit of thinking and footwork.

Let’s dive in to Derek’s designs, which as always feature incredibly built and intricately carved designs by the building team led by Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer, Dave Leonard, Levi Ryckawaert, and Graham Schick.

The optimum time for the CCI5* track is 11 minutes, 26 seconds — 25 seconds longer than the 2022 track and the longest optimum time dating back to at least 2013. As a result, fitness will be a key factor (as it typically is), and riders will want to look after their horses early on in order to push through that final minute safely.

Fence 3, the Meadow Oxer. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Early Going

The competitors will have three fences to get them underway: The Red, White and Bluegrass (1), Cedar Lodge (2), and Meadow Oxer (3). These early fences are your typical rhythm builders, and shouldn’t cause any issues unless a horse is having difficulty establishing said rhythm early on.

Fence 4ABC, The MARS Sustainability Bay. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Down to Business

Our first combination question will come, as has been usual in past years, at fence 4ABC, the MARS Sustainability Bay. Riders will approach this question from a different direction this year, dropping in over a rolltop and kicking forward and up a steep include to a narrow table at B before a handy, right-handed turn to an angled brush at the C element. The forward-thinking nature of the striding here will encourage riders to get into their attacking pants early on, before the more complex questions come up later.

Fence 5, the Le Chameau Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A long gallop into the steeplechase field will bring the riders to the beautifully built Le Chameau Leap, a fairly innocuous upright rail over a ditch with a welcoming flat landing on the back side. This will give the riders a nice, boldness-boosting ride, which should set them up well after a left-handed turn to fence 6ABCD, the famous Park Question.

The Park Question is typically set up as a coffin complex, and in this year’s version we’ll see the competitors tested on their ability to organize and turn right to test their accuracy — they’ll only have a small handful of strides to make a clean right turn after popping the ditch at B to navigate two narrow and tall triple brush arrowheads. The B and C are set on *just* enough of a non-straight line to begin to separate the cream from the crop here, as riders who get popped out of position over the ditch will struggle to get through the brushes neatly.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Fence 7, the Fox’s Den, will sneak up on some unprepared combinations, as it’s set back into a small grove of trees and around a relatively blind right hand turn following a gallop up the hill. To add insult to injury, the fence is built to quite narrow specs, making it that much more of an accuracy question. Depending on the weather, shadows could play a factor here — one advantage of an overcast day.

The next combination — a new one on the track this year — will come up at fence 8ABC, where riders will get a good shot over the massive, airy Equestrian Events Trifecta triple bar. The B element is a 1.90m spread narrow table, followed by an open oxer. This line is on a slight downhill, which could pull a keen horse down into a drive-by, but there are several options for lines for riders to choose.

This is another marker of a Derek track: he doesn’t want the riders to be too married to a number of strides, instead he’d prefer that they ride the stride they feel and focus instead on keeping their line.

The infamous Ditch Brush. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Into the Infield

Here at Kentucky, horses and riders cross across three massive fields, each with its own sense of terrain and character. From the combination at 8, the riders will gallop down the hill into the infield where most of the tailgating and spectators can be found. They’ll first tackle the Ditch Brush (9), which generally won’t cause too many issues and if anything looks a bit shorter on the brush height than it has in previous iterations. It does make a great photo, though, so be sure to stop by for a few rides.

After the Ditch Brush, it’s on to the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge at 10ABCD, where Derek has made use of a BC element to really challenge riders to commit to a decision. Multiple letters on one fence indicate that the rider cannot opt for an option if they have difficulty at that element. It’s a bit of alphabet soup used by designers, and so riders will need to commit to one route or the other, as if they have an issue at the brush corner in the water here they’ll have to figure out a way to get over that fence before continuing on up a mildly steep incline to a narrow brush chevron.

From here, the riders will gallop up the biggest hill on the track en route to the back end and turning point at Pete’s Hollow (12ABC). A big log will welcome riders into the Hollow, after which they’ll roller coaster down a steep hill to navigate a pair of angled logs. There is only one route here, where typically you’d see a long route, and this will once more be an exercise not in counting strides but in managing the horse that’s underneath you. The angles required to keep a line between the logs will be a stiff challenge, additionally.

After a nice pull down the hill, a great opportunity for horses to take a breath and catch a second wind, riders will pop the Blade and Bow Bourbon Table at 13 before tackling the Narrow Knolls at 14AB. This question makes good use of the two mounds set on an angle, making this another right-handed accuracy question, with two wide and narrow tables to up the ante in terms of challenge.

Fence 15, the Wofford Rails, is my personal favorite fence on the track this year. It’s a new addition built and placed in homage to the late and loved Jimmy Wofford. It’s an interesting question, and while I think it’ll ride just fine, it’s by no means a gimme. On first glance, my thought was “huh, Jimmy gets a single fence. He might’ve wanted more of a challenge than that.”

And then I walked the line to approach the wide oxer. Just before the takeoff point, there’s a small undulation with a mild slope to the right. I’d be surprised if we saw any major issues here, but the shrewd placement of this fence will make it one that riders will need to have their line found and committed to in order to get a good shot. In other words, it’ll require some thinking and reacting to what’s happening under you — a core philosophy Jimmy instilled in his students throughout his entire career. I think he’d be pleased.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Into the Splash

Next, the riders will hop into the iconic Defender Head of the Lake at 16, 17 and 18. There’s always a good amount to do at this question, and what stands out to me at this version is the different types of jumps each fence will require. After a big drop in over a gorgeous carving of…trout? bass? tuna?…riders will need to quickly gather up and organize to make a neat hop over a second fish in the water. From there, they’ll make a left-handed turn to a set of upright rails (they’ll have the option to go to the left or the right side), which will require a neat, show jumping ride. From there, they’ll bound back into the water and gather up for a big bank out of the water, with one short stride before a meaty left-handed brush corner.

Adjustability will be tantamount here, and the horses will need to be paying attention and riders will need to be committed to their plan here to navigate this on the first try.

Wofford’s Rails at 15. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Turning for Home

After popping the Creekside Oxer at 19, the next challenge will be at the top of the hill on the way back toward home. The Normandy Bank at 20AB and 21 is another steering question, and at this point riders will be looking to get their horses home as they begin to tire. Adjustability is one of the first things you begin to lose when fatigue sets in, so the fitter and nippier horses will have an easier time getting up the bank and making a neat left-hand turn to a sharp angle of double brushes. Fortunately for some, the two brushes are separately numbered, so a greener horse or a tired horse could be eased with a circular route over the 20B and 21 elements if needed.

Three beefy combinations stand between this point in the course and the finish, though Derek has also included several single fences that should offer a let-up to encourage the horses home in good spirits. First up of the remaining trio of combinations is the gorgeously adorable corgi fence at Cosequin Cove (23ABC). You’ll want to kick for the B element, a 1.45m brush oxer out of the water, before turning left to set up for a hefty solid corner at the C element. Horses that have lost the rideability factor at this point in the course will struggle to sort their feet out, though there is an option to go long should you have an issue or a tiring horse here.

There will be three single fences to pick off before the final combination, and one that stands to pose plenty of trouble as the penultimate question on course. The Angled Trakehners (27AB) are set on three strides for the direct option, with another option placed as a long route. I’d guess we’ll see a few pairs opt for the safer route here. I’d personally prefer to see a frangible or MIM-clipped fence here at this point in the course, but the round shape of the trakehner logs tends to be more inviting for even a tired horse.

You’ve made it! Photo by Tilly Berendt.

From here, it’s a straight shot to the final jump, the welcome sight of the Lucky Horseshoe flanked by Land Rover Defenders. This is an inviting rolltop with brush on top that will be a sight for many sore eyes after a grueling 11 and a half minutes.

You can view the entire CCI5* track thanks to CrossCountryApp below or here. There are several videos featuring Derek’s commentary on various questions, so it’s worth a flip through.

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Want a virtual walk? Take a peek at our course preview reel on Instagram (click here if the embedded post below does not display in your browser):

Keep scrolling for a full gallery of fences on the 5* track.

The Lexington CCI4*-S riders will be the first to see tomorrow, and you can check out their shorter-but-still-stiff track below or here.

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Sara Kozumplik and her old hand partner, Rubens d’Ysieux, will be the first to see in the 4* at 9:15 a.m. EST. Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey will be the first to see at 1:20 p.m. in the 5*.

View 4* Ride Times
View 5* Ride Times

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 29, 2023 12:01 am -

Wakey, wakey it’s cross country day at the #BestWeekendAllYear! Team EN has been enjoying having such stacked entry lists in both classes this weekend and so many entrants from overseas who we’re delighted to see out and about enjoying the venue. It’s sure keeping things exciting, and we’ll be on the edge of our metaphorical seats to see how everything shakes out over Derek di Grazia’s courses today. Here’s wishing safe and speedy rides to all pairs. Don’t forget to stop and admire the dandelions.

Keep up with EVERYTHING by following @goeventing and checking out EN’s coverage of the #BestWeekendAllYear.

U.S. Weekend Action

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide]

Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer][Scoring]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. (Durham, NH) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Yorkshire’s Nicola Wilson determined to seize her ‘second chance’ as she prepares for emotional Badminton return

Sandra Auffrath reunites with Cornelia Dorr’s Daytona Beach 8 at Kentucky

Sydney Solomon Soaks Up Her First LRK3DE

Free Rein With: Jennie Saville

Sponsor Corner: We’ve got a special cross country day contest coming at you! Keep checking EN’s Instagram stories today to play Kentucky trivia for a chance to win a pair of Equilibrium Tri-Zone Impact Boots from World Equestrian Brands.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo model the Equilibrium Tri-Zone Impact Boots at Maryland last year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Morning Viewing: An admirable young equestrian who runs her own treat-making business won the World Equestrian Brands Meet and Greet with Hawley and Jollybo! She even made Jollybo her own special treats!

Yasmin Ingham Brings Down the House on Friday in Kentucky

By on Apr 28, 2023 7:05 pm -

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

If there was anyone who could’ve taken over the lead of the CCI5*-L at Kentucky, it would certainly be reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, and she certainly delivered today for over 13,000 spectators with her delightfully talented ride, Banzai du Loir.

Their dressage result of 22.1 was tantalizingly close to their best-ever International score, which was a 22 achieved in Pratoni, but still six points improved from their debut here in 2023.

“He felt absolutely amazing. He did absolutely everything I asked him. He had such a presence, he just felt like he was flicking his toes and it was super accurate, so I really could not have asked for any more of him today. I’m just so proud of him,” she said. “We’ve had a couple of practices at this now so we seem to have nailed his warm up. He loves this place. So he’s been super chilled all week, so actually, he’s made my life a bit easier than usual. We just took him for a little jump this morning, and just tried to loosen him up, and then we just came out and worked with Chris [Bartle] and Dickey [Waygood], just before his test. He just felt really loose and supple and on the ball.”

Riding high off their fairytale 2023 season, the options were endless for for Yas and the 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Nouma d’Auzay – Gerboise du Cochet, by Livarot) this spring, but after finishing second here last year, the British rider felt Lexington calling her back again.

“The thought process behind that was the fact that we came here last year, and he had such a great run, and it set us up so well for his success in Pratoni in the summer, so we’re hoping that it might just do the same thing this year,” she said. “And obviously, our plans over the next two years consists of aiming for the Championships, hopefully the Europeans in the summer and then looking ahead to Paris in 2024. So that’s our main focus over these next two years, to try and prepare as best we can for those events.”

Countryman Tom McEwen handed over only one spot on the leaderboard after the second day of dressage, and he finds himself in second place with JL Dublin going into cross country. On a score of 22.6, he’s generously given his World Championship teammate one second in hand. Similarly, Tamie Smith held on to top three with her dreamboat Mai Baum on a score of 22.6. You can read all about Thursday’s action at this link.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The five-star test was a big question mark for Will Coleman’s second entry, Chin Tonic HS. With scores as low as 19.4 at the four-star level, inquiring minds wondered if he could reproduce the same work on this stage. At just 11-years-old, the Hyperion Stud-owned Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ – Wildera, by Quinar) was slightly mind-boggled at the atmosphere, with tension sacrificing a few points here and there. Despite this, Will rode tactfully to produce a score of 25 for fourth place in Chin’s debut at the level.

“I think that the horse tried really hard. [He] definitely sort of shrunk on me a little bit in there. He’s been a lot of places, but there’s not many that feel quite like that on Friday afternoon. So all things considered, he’s still pretty green – it’s his first five-star. And so for this level, first time, I think I’m very happy,” Will said.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Amy Dragoo.

Another horse who reacted to the energy of the Rolex Stadium was Ocala Horse Properties’ and Deborah Palmer’s Miks Master C. Ridden by Liz Halliday-Sharp, the 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic – Qui Lumba CBF, by Quite Easy) is fifth on a score of 26.9.

“Certainly Mickey was feeling the atmosphere today — he was pretty amped up, and he is a very big, powerful horse, and [there were] just a few moments where he got a little bit mouthy in the ring, which I think really hurt the score, which is unfortunate,” Liz said of “Mickey” who is the highest-placed U.S. bred horse. “And I just sort of did the best I could with a big engine fresh horse today. This is his first five-star on the biggest atmosphere he’s been in and we haven’t even been together a year yet, so we’re still still learning some things.”

Previously campaigned through the four-star level by Maya Black, Liz and Mickey’s partnership has started to settle into a comfortable rhythm, and Liz thinks the world of him.

“His potential as an absolute world class horse is undoubtable. I believe in him, and I just think the world of him. When you’re sitting on something that beautiful and that special — I sort of had dreams about being able to pull out a 20 today, but I think it’s in there, we just have to do a little more training,” she said.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boyd Martin slotted himself into sixth place on a score of 28.3 with his Tokyo Olympics and double World Championship partner, Tsetserleg.

“He couldn’t have gone much better. It’s very rare you do a dressage test where you sort of come out and go ‘every movement was as good as I could have hoped,'” he said as he laid the credit with his two dressage coaches, wife Silva Martin and German Olympian Bettina Hoy. “Silva’s my dressage coach, and we know each other so well, that it’s important for me, obviously, to try and get other experts in here and there, and Bettina Hoy is obviously one of the best in the world. It’s sort of two people warming me up, which sounds confusing, but it’s really good stuff. They’ve been at me all week for shortening my reins and trying to get his frame out a little bit.”

The 16-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall – Thabana, by Buddenbrock) leaned into his years of experience, lighting up, rather than shying away from the crowd. “Thomas is so good under pressure. In the ring, where a lot of horses get nervous, he almost gets better. Like I said, before, I was thrilled with the way he went, and I couldn’t have hoped for much more,” Boyd said. “[He’s] so seasoned now, it’s just fine tuning every mark and trying to position the horse to sort of present him as best we could.”

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Another experienced pair, Buck Davidson and Carlevo are gunning to match, or hopefully improve, their fifth place finish here last year, and they’re off to a great start, in current seventh place on a score of 28.4.

“He’s pretty sleepy. Walking up here you’re sort of come on, Carlevo, let’s keep going,” Buck said of Katherine O’Brien’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Caresino – Ramatuelle, by Levernois). “He is a performer, but he’s got such a good brain. And he knows me, I know him. And it’s literally just trying to keep him interested and give him enough to do. He knows how to do everything, so we’re not going to train him. And his mind is so good you can rely on him.”

The next eight positions of the leaderboard remain claimed by Thursday’s riders: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z are eighth (29), Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz are ninth (30.4), Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 are 10th (30.6), Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26 are 11th (30.7), Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI are 12th (30.8), Will Coleman and Off The Record are 13th (31.2), Phillip Dutton and Z are 14th (31.9), and Zara Tindall and Class Affair are 15th (32.6).

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The next fresh face comes in the form of reigning Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L National Champions Doug Payne and Quantum Leap, a U.S. bred 12-year-old Zweibrucker gelding (Quite Capitol – Report to Sloopy xx, by Corporate Report xx) owned by Doug and his wife Jess. Their first phase score of 33.7 puts them in 16th place.

“For him, this is a pretty tough environment, and especially a bit windy and whatever — it’s definitely charged. I was really proud of him that was still, I want to say three and change [points] better than last year,” Doug said. “I think we’ve sort of got a system now as far as preparation goes. We kind of have to write off the first event or two of the year because he’s just wild, but then he starts settling in, and he’s just getting better and better. And the times that he can be confident about it, and he’s staying really relaxed, he has a lot to like.”

Sydney Solomon and Early Review CBF. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The only five-star debutant to come forward today was Sydney Solomon. Her test with Early Review CBF, a 14-year-old Hanoverian mare (Earl – Lois Lane CBF, by Le Primeur) owned and bred by Laurie Cameron, was sprinkled with a few exciting bucks through the flying changes, but nevertheless, Sydney was unbothered, soaking up the atmosphere of her first five-star. They’re in 35th place on a score of 43.3.

“As I went in there, I definitely felt her tense up, but honestly, some of it felt really good. Sometimes in the atmosphere, it really, really, really gets the best of us — especially in the canter work — and I at least feel like she held it together in the canter, other than in the changes, which sometimes that’s all you can ask. And I’m pretty green at the Advanced level, so I’m just excited for the rest of the weekend,” Sydney said. “We’re here for the cross country and the showjumping, so [my test] definitely could have been a lot better, but it could have been a lot worse. Overall, we got through it and I’m somewhat pleased.”

Tomorrow the four-star cross country begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by the five-star at 1:20 p.m. For questions about how and where to watch, click here.

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Lexington CCI4*-S Dressage Concludes with Double Dose of Halliday-Sharp and Smith + Kozumplik

By on Apr 28, 2023 3:40 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool. Photo by Abby Powell.

Dressage for the third annual running of the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian concluded this morning with a couple of changes to the leaderboard, but familiar names remain.

The top test of the day came from Liz Halliday-Sharp and 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Heritage Fortunus — HHHS Carlota) Cooley Be Cool, earning a mark of 25.5, an achingly close score to stablemate Cooley Nutcracker who retains the lead in this division on a 26.5.

“He changed behind first in his first change, which he never does, but I think he was just a bit excited. Had he not done that I think he would have been on the same score as [Cooley Nutcracker], which is super cool, because this is still his personal best at the level. I’m totally thrilled with him,” Liz said of her test.

Owned by Ocala Horse Properties and The Monster Partnership, “Dave” was sourced through Richard Sheane of Cooley Farm, as many of Liz’s horses are.

“Richard, when we found him, said this one will be a slow burner. He said he might not be a winner at the low levels, but he’s going to be a really top five-star horse,” Liz recalls, “And yeah, I actually totally agree.”

After two wins in the early season last year — one in the CCI3-S at Carolina International and the other in the CCI4-S at The Event at TerraNova — some time off over the rest of the 2022 competition season did “Dave” some good, helping him to mature.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“I think it was the making of him. He came out this year like a different horse, just more professional, lighter on his feet, and just really wanting to do the job,” Liz said. “He’s incredibly scopey, but he is very cheeky and very arrogant. So that’s kind of been the biggest training. He’s a lot like Cooley Quicksilver in that way — they’re quite similar horses like that, so it’s been a matter of sort of getting him on side and also just managing that.”

Speaking of Cooley Quicksilver, last year’s winner of this division: Liz opted not to bring him for a return trip to Kentucky to defend his title. Impressed enough by his winning performance in the Stable View 4*-S this spring and with a cap at four entries per rider over this weekend, Liz determined the gelding didn’t need the extra run here prior to taking another crack at the Luhmühlen 5* this year. This decision allowed her to bring Dave instead, who, at 10-years-old would benefit more from the extra prep and big atmosphere that Kentucky brings prior to making his 5* debut as he’ll travel alongside “Monster” to Luhmühlen this year.

Tamie Smith and Elliot V slip into equal fourth place at the culmination of the first phase. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Solaguayre California, Tamie’s mount in this division yesterday, now sits in third place with their score of 27.6. Not far behind them, however, is … Tamie Smith, this time with Elliot V, and also Sara Kozumplik aboard Rock Phantom. Elliot V and Rock Phantom both scored a 28.4 to share equal fourth place.

Elliot V came to Tamie through her student Louisa Southworth, who rode the gelding through the CCI2*-L level and then handed the reins to Tamie when it was time to go off to college. Lousia and her parents remain involved in the gelding’s future as members of the Elliot V Partnership which now owns the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Zavall VDL –Vera R).

“He’s super talented and he has all the ingredients, so we syndicated him and they stay part of it. It’s only been two years to solidify a partnership, so we’ve had our ups and downs with everything, trying to figure it all out. But he’s a super jumper and galloper and just trying to teach him the game,” said Tamie.

“It’s been a work in progress with him and getting him stronger. That big atmosphere is quite a anxious type of force, but he was so good. I’m really, really pleased.”

Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The third to last ride of the day was an emotional one. For one, Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom knocked nearly two marks off the gelding’s previous personal best at the level, dipping into the twenties for the first time.

Sara took over the ride on “Rocky,” a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Spirit House — Ballycroy Rose) roughly a year and a half ago from Nilson Moreira da Silva, who previously brought him to the four-star level. Sara and her long-time friend snap supported Edith Rameika were looking for a horse for Sara to fill the gaps between her young up-and-comers and her experienced campaigner Rubens D’Ysieux who, at 18 years old, Sara has retired from long-format events.

But the tears in Sara’s eye at the conclusion of her test weren’t really for her score; they were for longtime mentor and friend Jimmy Wofford, for whom she wore a green ribbon over heart. A patron saint of U.S. eventing, Jimmy lost his battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

An emotional Sara leaves the ring after her test with Rock Phantom. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“It sounds awful, but I’m kind of glad we lost him before this event because he was very proud of never missing this,” Sara told us. “He actually would have struggled to come in the COVID year because he was having quite a lot of chemo during that time. And so the year it didn’t run, he probably couldn’t have come that year. But he actually never missed it. He was here last year, and he was here the year before that. The impact he’s had on my life, I can’t describe.

Jimmy’s presence is synonymous with the Kentucky Three-Day Event thanks to his involvement over the years as a competitor, coach to so many, and commentator.

“He’s like a father figure to me, and to so many. It is a special place and he’s definitely here,” Sara said. “I think I’m only one little piece of it. You can talk to a thousand people here this weekend that would say the same thing.”

Tomorrow is cross country day and the four-star entrants will leave the start box first, beginning at 9:15 AM. As always, EN will be here to bring you along for the ride.

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Back At It: LRK3DE CCI5* Day Two Dressage Live Updates

By on Apr 28, 2023 12:53 pm -
Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Tilly Berendt. Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We finish up the CCI5* dressage today in Round 2 at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Follow along here and refresh periodically for live analysis and commentary!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

16:11 And that brings us to the end of Day 2! Here is a look at our leaders heading into tomorrow:

Brits Yasmin Ingham and Tom McEwen lead the pack in 1st and 2nd place with just one time fault separating them. Tamie takes the lead for the US riders in 3rd place with 24.2 on Mai Baum, before Will Coleman and Chin Tonic’s 25.3 in 4th, and a nice 1.6 points difference before Liz and Miks Master C in 5th place. Just 0.1 point separate Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg from 7th place Buck Davidson and Carlevo, followed by Liz’s second mount Deniro Z in 8th. Germany’s Sandra Auffarth and Woods Baughman on C’est La Vie 135 make up the tail end of our top 10 leaders.

Thanks for tuning in to our live updates – we’ll be back tomorrow for an excellent day of cross-country out on Derek Di Grazia’s course. Keep it locked in to EN for the full report and all the news from the #BestWeekendAllYear.

16:10 Chin’s head shoots up after the salute, seeming pleasantly surprised that all this applause is for him. An excellent finish to our dressage rounds here at the Kentucky Horse Park! They take a solid 25.3 score, gaining them a spot in the top five.

16:08 A bit of a skip at A gives the pair a slightly lower 6.5 for their flying change, but they bring it right back for a ground-covering medium canter. Chin easily pushes down into the sand for their stretchy circle. They’re definitely putting some pressure on our defending leaders!

16:06 Will keeps Chin very balanced through all their transitions, earning another 8 in their square halt at C. A lovely swinging walk leads into a smooth strike off into their canter transition.

16:04 That’s quite a bit of fancy prancing, and Chin shows off his big steppin’ as they earn a solid 8 in their first half pass. Gosh, this horse’s trot is impressive.

16:02 And finally, the horse we’ve been waiting for: Will Coleman and Chin Tonic.

– Holder of the lowest 6-run average dressage score in our field, Will and “Chin” were the champions of the CCI4*-S at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International this spring, scoring the lowest finishing score in the event’s history with a 19.4. This victory was a rare hat trick for Will, who had won the event the past two years on Dondante (2022) and Off The Record (2021). Will and Chin had a very successful international summer last year, with a 24.6 in the CCI4*-S at Luhmühlen and a 25.8 in the CCIO4*-S at Aachen. Will this “hyper-efficient” gelding give us another record score today? We’re on the edge of our seats!

Fun Stat Fact: There isn’t a 30 in sight on their FEI record, with their dressage marks trending more towards the mid- to lower-twenties.

16:01 A missed flying change drops a score of 1.7, Foxy seeming a bit amped as Jennie works to keep her together through the last few changes. Though starting their centerline “a bit like sailing into a headwind”, they finish with a solid downward transition on a score of 35.6.

15:59 Slightly lower scores in the halt and rein back for a bit of hesitation, and Jennie swings Foxy into the canter transition with an unfortunate disconnect, showing Foxy rushing into the faster gait.

15:57 Sporting her signature shining smile, Jennie is giving Foxy time to breathe through lovely suspended footwork at the trot. Strong marks in the high 7s are awarded to her extended trots that really push off the ground.

15:55 We are nearing the end with our penultimate pair, Jennie Saville aboard her final mount FE Lifestyle.

– Finishing up yesterday in 12th place with Stella Artois, Jennie has referred to “Foxy” as “the best cross country horse I’ve ever ridden”. Their 5* record has only continued to improve, placing 24th at Foxy’s debut here in 2021, 16th in 2022, and most impressively fifth at the Maryland CCI5* last fall. With a recent record dressage score of 30.1 in the Stable View 4*, we look forward to see how they fare today before what will likely be stellar cross country and show jumping rounds.

Fun Fact: Jennie gallops all her horses using a heart rate monitor, the data from which are all reviewed by a specialist at New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania.

15:55 A 28.4 brings Buck to 6th place, right ahead of Liz Halliday-Sharp’s Deniro Z.

15:52 Carlevo is a bit slow behind in his flying change and a bit tight in his stretchy canter circle, but has the mileage to pull off an excellent ground-covering second change. Big pats for Carl as they salute on a square halt.

15:51 A low 6 rating for a somewhat hesitant rein back, but a lovely extended canter across the diagonal brings a score of 8! If he stays where he is at the moment, he’ll move right into the top five.

15:49 This pair are no strangers to this arena as they rack in low-7 score averages in their first few movements.

15:47 Buck Davidson returns today on his final mount of the phase, Carlevo.

– Our annually-trending trailblazer led the pack yesterday with Erroll Gobey before slotting into 16th place with Sorocaima, but Carlevo easily has the most frequent-flier miles out of his three mounts this weekend – quite literally, as they’ve flown across the world for nearly 40 CCI4* runs together.

Fun Stat Fact: Buck and Carlevo took 5th place at Land Rover in 2022, and haven’t scored above the 20’s since 2020.

15:46 Big cheers from the crowd as Doug salutes to a 33.7 score, taking 14th place as he joins his team outside the ring.

15:44 In addition to being a strong pure showjumping competitor, Doug is also a top dressage rider and judge. His experience shows in the 7 points given to their left half pass as he urges the gelding to stretch.

15:42 Doug has piloted Quantum from a yearling, who successfully graduated as a champion of the Young Event Horse program. Just a little bit of underlying tightness at the walk, but a nice smooth transition into the canter keeps them in the high 6 scores on average.

15:41 Quantum exudes energy through his hooves, flicking out his front feet with proud excitement at the trot.

15:39 We now welcome Doug Payne and Quantum Leap to the ring.

– “Baby Quantum” certainly isn’t a baby anymore, as he and Tokyo Olympian Doug were our US 5* National Champions here at Land Rover 2022. This dynamite pair has taken a top ten finish in eight out of their last ten international competitions. Doug sure has his work cut out for him this weekend, with another entry in the 4* and one in the CSI 3* Show Jumping Invitational at the Horse Park as well.

Fun Stat Fact: Doug and Quantum have only had one cross country jump fault together in their entire FEI history.

15:38 Big cheers for their determination after making a lovely downward transition on the centerline. This world-class pair exit the ring on a 37.4, moving Hawley into 26th place.

15:36 Despite a handful of mid-5 scores for some hiccups, their average still maintains mostly high-6 points.

15:34 Jolly seems to be already thinking about tomorrow’s gallop, as she gives an unfortunate break to the canter in the second extended trot. You can still be rewarded for good transitions though, and Hawley pilots excellent ones following, despite the break.

15:33 The seasoned Jollybo knows her job as she shows the crowd a snappy first extended trot.

15:32 In the ring now is the female power-duo Hawley Awad and Jollybo.

– Jollybo is this weekend’s oldest horse in the field at 19 years young, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Known to be a rather spicy and opinionated lady, Jolly has been nothing but steady in her jumping phases over the years. Their dressage scores have continued in a downward trend as of late, so we look forward to seeing how this experienced California-based Canadian Team member fares in the Kentucky ring today.

Fun Fact: This will be the seasoned mare’s sixth trip down centerline for the Land Rover Event – twice in the 4* and the fourth time in the 5*.

15:31 David and Galileo Nieuwmoed earn a 35.6 to the sound of some cracking thunder as they leave the ring.

15:27 David pushes into a 7-point canter transition with some smooth lead changes. A nice rocking extended canter shows lovely transitions with good rhythm. Galileo gives some tail swishes during the canter half-passes that could be a bit more on angle.

15:25 I’m such a sucker for fancy black stallions, and Galileo is giving solid mid-6’s on the board (but 10s in my heart).

15:24 And Britain is back as David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed begin their test.

– This fancy young stallion is certainly eye-catching, and so are his recent competition records. Galileo took second place at his first CCI4* at Le Pin au Haras in 2019, and the pair finish sixth at their first 5* last year, making David the highest-placed Badminton first-timer at the event on only a few cross country time faults. As someone hoping for British team selection, David has certainly spared no praise for Galileo’s recent feats.

Fun Stat Fact: Galileo has only once received any cross-country jump faults, at the Bicton pop-up 5* in 2021.

15:22 A 43.4 score drops Zach and Direct Advance into 30th place on the board as they exit the ring to join their groom, former USEA President Max Corcoran.

15:20 Strong mid-6 scores in Zach and Roscoe’s swingy walk, but give a little “jiggy jog” into the canter transition. A bit out of balance from the extended canter, the lead changes come too early for this pair as they take low 2 and 3 scores in both changes.

15:17 The flashy Roscoe has some moments of unsteadiness in the half passes, but is overall giving a very nice show. He has a very cute floppy lower lip in all gaits!

15:15 After a quick arena drag, Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance will be our next pair in the sandbox.

– While Zach and “Roscoe” technically made their 5* debut last fall in Maryland, they still seek a completion at the level as Zach retired after just fence 9 on cross country due to the gelding sustaining a nosebleed. Zach has brought Roscoe along from his first-ever event to the top of the sport, and we’re excited to watch them here as they hopefully manage to complete their first 5*!

Fun Stat Fact: Roscoe has only dropped 6 poles in the duration of his international career.

14:58 One last short break before we start the third and final session of the day!

14:57 Palmer takes advantage a bit, with a few tight flying changes bringing low-5 score averages. A nice square halt at centerline brings them to a finish with a score of 39.8. He’s clearly ready for cross-country day already as he trots off to the exit ramp!

14:55 Meghan and Palmer are seeing solid mid-6’s on the board as he makes a lovely canter half-pass to centerline. His extended work is not quite as open as the judges are looking for, a bit tight behind the saddle, but they are definitely working hard.

14:53 Meghan is familiar to the 5* world thanks to her previous mount Pirate. She and Palmer start settling in to their work with some nice, steady footwork and a strong halt.

14:50 And up next we have Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent.

– Taking 11th place in last year’s Land Rover, Meghan and “Palmer” are known to live for cross-country day, where the off-the-track Thoroughbred really gets to open up the throttle. The pair took 17th place this March in the 4*-S at both the Event at Terranova and Carolina International. After an exciting 2022 season including Land Rover, Burghley, and Aachen, we’re looking forward to seeing the results of this season’s performance.

Fast Stat Fact: Palm Crescent is one of three OTTBs in the field this weekend, along with Buck Davidson’s Sorocaima and Jessie Phoenix’s Wabbit.

14:48 Daytona gives us a few “little explosions” due to her tenseness, and although not part of the test, at least she is giving us rather nice two-tempis while trying to stay on lead…! The electric audience causes a few unfortunate spooks as they finish down centerline. Props to Cornelia for keeping it together and managing this very spicy mare.

14:46 Low to mid-5s ringing through for Corny and Daytona as they try to power through the halt and rein back. We will likely need to hope for another post-cross-country leaderboard takeover as they lose 2 marks for Daytona changing leads much too early in the counter-canter.

14:44 Cornelia overshoots centerline by a tiny bit, and produces not quite the most extended trots in her rather tense mare.

14:36 After a quick break to move back on to schedule, our next rider to take to the ring will be Cornelia Dorr aboard Daytona Beach 8.

– Cornelia and Daytona scored a place on the silver medal-winning U.S. team in the FEI Nations Cup at Houghton International last year, debuting at the 5* level at Burghley where they finished tenth – even more impressive since they were in 50th place after dressage. This will lead us into a heavily-anticipated round today, as Daytona is known to be a bit “frustrating” in the dressage with a personal best score of 39 at Burghley. Will cross country tomorrow see another huge leaderboard leap?

Fun Fact: Daytona was previously owned by German rider Sandra Auffarth, currently sitting in 7th place on Viamant Du Matz after yesterday’s round.

14:32 We’re looking at a score of 36.6 as Nemesis leaves the ring to big pats from James.

14:31 A bit late behind in his first flying lead change, the second change sees Nemesis anticipating, transitioning about halfway between the corner and A for a 4-point average on the movement.

14:30 This horse can really flick his toes! A 5.7 on the hesitant rein back, but moving back into high-6 averages as they transition neatly into the extended canter.

14:28 Whether due to the electric atmosphere or the rumbling thunder, Nemesis has his eyes wide open as he moves into a slightly-stiff but steady half pass.

14:26 All the way from the West Coast, James Alliston and Nemesis enter the ring.

– Here for his CCI5* debut, Nemesis is the youngest horse in the field this weekend at 9 years old. The pair have just two finishes outside the top five since their Preliminary debut in 2020 – including a win at the recent Twin Rivers Spring International 4*-S – and they achieved a third-place finish in the 4*-S here last year. Their cross country and show jumping records are near-spotless, so we hope to watch them pull a competitive score in the ring today!

Fun Stat Fact: James has had 13 Kentucky starts since 2010 – the fifth most out of all but five of the riders here this weekend.

14:24 A few more bucking lead changes bring Sydney and Coco down centerline with a 43.3 score.

14:22 After some lovely circles, Sydney receives a wicked gasp from the crowd as Coco gives us her signature double-legged kick into the flying lead change, an accepting grin on her face. Our second change is much better, but still not quite the cleanest.

14:20 The judges are giving Sydney solid 6-6.5 point movements, with conservative but accurate footwork into the halt and rein back. Sydney actually used to ride the CBF-bred dam of Miks Master C, our previous horse in the ring.

14:18 Rookie pair Sydney Solomon and Early Review CBF give us a lovely canter down their first Land Rover 5* centerline.

– Our second 5* Land Rover Rookie pair has had a strong start this season, including a new personal best dressage score at Chattahoochee Hills. This pair has been together for nearly 10 years, so we look forward to watching their well-seasoned partnership. While their show jumping and cross country have been fairly fault-free, dressage has always been the weakest phase for “Coco”, as the mare has a tendency to throw a buck in the flying changes. Cross your fingers that we make these changes!

Fun Fact: This will be Sydney’s first time back at the Kentucky Horse Park since she was here for the North American Junior Young Rider Championships aboard her late mare, Lillian Pink.

14:15 And it’s 26.8 for Liz as she succeeds in pulling herself right back in to 4th place, bumping Boyd down to 5th. This gives us five sub-30 scores on the board.

14:14 Bobby Costello notes that Liz is a “craftsman in the ring” as she pushes Mickey through the end of a nicely relaxed test.

14:13 Though they scored a solid 8 point average for the halt, we are seeing mid 6’s in their walk. Mickey is working hard in these tough canter corners.

14:11 This Bromont winner is one of Liz’s newest partnerships, but you’d never know with this excellent harmony. Mickey’s collected trot makes him look so proud of himself.

14:10 After a very touching riders’ tribute to Jimmy Wofford, we are keeping the ball rolling as Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C enter the ring.

– The USEA leaderboard’s current top rider has been serving wins left and right with one of her newest 5* mounts, Kentucky first-timer “Mickey”. Liz praises him as “probably the best horse I’ve ever had”, and we can’t disagree. We can expect a highly-competitive score to be awarded within the next few minutes; if anyone can manage to win the weekend on a Kentucky newbie, it’s 2020’s USEA Eventing Rider of the Year. Let’s see if she succeeds in taking back her lead from Boyd aboard this 5* first-timer.

Fun Stat Fact: Liz and Mickey have placed in the top five in five of their seven most recent FEI starts.

13:46 7 points on a tail flick in the flying change, but this crowd favorite PanAmerican, Olympic, 5* champion pair is still serious competition. A 28.3 gives them 4th place, leading just ahead of Liz Halliday-Sharp before our break.

13:43 “Nothing but PBs for competitive horses” will lead these top riders into cross country tomorrow, as Boyd pushes Thomas into a rather cross-country speed extended canter.

13:42 Not quite square in the halt, Thomas still gives us some strong steps in the rein back. Scores are looking to the mid 7s during a very quality walk.

13:40 A very accurate, straight, confident halt at centerline before Boyd shows us how to go for it into a ground-covering extended trot.

13:38 Enter Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF to great applause.

– After bumping some menage boards yesterday aboard the young Contessa, Boyd returns to the ring with the seasoned fan-favorite: our boy Thomas. With a 27-point average score and the determination of a Team Silver World Medalist, we can tell Boyd is ready to lock in their best possible score today as a healthy buffer against any potential show jumping poles on Sunday – especially with coach and legend Bettina Hoy on the sidelines.

Fun Fact: Boyd and his wife (and dressage master) Silva recently announced their pregnancy with their third child.

13:35 Changing from right to left seems to be a bit easier for Covert Rights, dragging behind just a bit in their second flying change. A 35.7 score brings Colleen into 17th place.

13:34 A very square halt sees a mid 7 point average, but we get a somewhat stiff transition as this “fancy prancer” very eagerly takes to the canter.

13:32 Colleen is going for it with a very snappy extended trot. Their long-time partnership truly shines in the dressage ring.

13:31 Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are next to enter the ring.

– This will be Covert Rights’ seventh time down the 5* centerline. This pair has been producing several consistent sub-30 scores lately, including a 27.2 in March’s Event at Terranova, but has also been consistently holding a few show jumping poles by the end of recent events. With an impressive EquiRatings cross-country speed score of 91%, this pair could truly go either way.

Fun Fact: Covert Rights is part-Clydesdale; the only draft-cross taking the field this weekend.

13:28 An unfortunate small spook in the corner causes a lead change well before A, but Booli proceeds into a lovely stretchy canter circle.

13:27 Lance attempts a tiny half-step forward before the rein back, averaging mid 5’s on the board.

13:25 Lance is looking at the crowds just a bit as the angle of his first shoulder-in is just a hair off track.

13:23 Next to canter down centerline is Booli Selmayr on her long-time partner Millfield Lancando.

– This pair were 2022 Kentucky Rookies, and they are back and ready to battle this year. With a most recent international finish in 8th place at Morven Park’s 4*-L last fall, we hope to see them stick to their mid-30s dressage score trend here at their second 5*. In the leadup to Land Rover, Booli and “Lance” have seen top-ten scores at all three of their Advanced runs so far in 2023.

Fun Fact: Gentle giant Lance is a whopping 17.1 hands; “built like a bus” as Booli says.

13:22 And Yaz slots right in to first place! A 22.1 gives them just 0.5 points over current leader Tom McEwen.

13:21 Marilyn refers to this pair as a “harmonious picture”, barely affected by the Kentucky crowds. Seamless lead changes lead to a perfectly square halt on centerline. Simply lovely.

13:20 Yaz is creeping up on the leader with her accuracy. Banzai has a lot of swing in his walk, easily moving into the problematic counter-canter corner.

13:18 Banzai is relaxed and confident and ever as their score flashes averages in the mid to high 7’s. Now that’s an extended trot!

13:16 We now welcome the woman, the myth, the leading World Champion legend: Yasmin Ingham on Banzai du Loir.

– In addition to claiming victory at the World Championships at Pratoni last year, Yaz and Banzai also took a second-place victory here at Land Rover last year, behind Michael Jung. With Miche’s noted absence here this weekend, I guess we could say there is nothing holding this impressive young pair back from another victory.

Fun Stat Fact: Yasmin has won every single age title in the UK (under-16, under-18, under-21, and under-25), and she and Banzai claimed the world’s biggest equine age title at the Eight- and Nine-year-old Championship CCI4*-S in 2020.

13:15 Maxime gives us a half-hearted shrug with his salute, exiting on a 35.5 in 14th place currently.

13:13 Despite being rather seasoned for a young horse, already showing at Pau despite his young age, Carouzo definitely seems to be trying hard with some nice stretch in the canter circle. He seems a little tense, which is to be expected with the high-energy crowds.

13:11 The French rider and French Selle Francais gelding are the picture of elegance with lovely, smooth extended trots. Their halt wasn’t quite square before the rein back, and Carouzo breaks to the trot for just a step during their free walk.

13:09 Second in the ring are Friday’s French representatives, Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin.

– This marks Maxime and Carouzo’s second 5* together after rocketing up from 30th to 7th place at Pau in 2022 following cross country. Maxime was recently crowned the first Top 10 Champion of Indoor Eventing at the Sweden International Horse Show in November, as well as the winner of the CHI Geneva show in Switzerland a month later, on mount Boleybawn Prince.

Fun Fact: Maxime and his sharp jawline have been a hot topic here at EN for many years.

13:07 Just a shade off centerline, Emily and Barry manage a 38.7, falling into 19th position.

13:05 A little kick and a tail flick in the flying changes, with a point average around 6.5 on the board.

13:03 Barry seemed like he thought they were going into a canter after the reinback, but their solid partnership truly shines together as he proceeds in an orderly fashion.

13:01 Our Friday trailblazers are 5* Kentucky first-timers Emily Hamel and Corvett.

– This aptly named sports car has springs for legs, although we typically see dressage scores averaging in the high 30s. While we are interested to see where “Barry” lands today, we are definitely looking forward to watching Barry in the next two phases as he allows each jump his patented one-foot-minimum height clearance.

Fun Fact: Emily and Barry have their own illustrated children’s book titled “Big, Bold, & Brave”.

12:58 Hello EN readers, and welcome back to Dressage Day 2: Electric Boogaloo. We had an excellent show yesterday, and look forward to filling out the rest of the leaderboard this afternoon. We’ll see only four non-US riders between the white boards today.

Behind the Barn: Do You Know Tamie Smith? How About Liz Halliday-Sharp?

By on Apr 28, 2023 11:00 am -

The Behind the Barn series produced by Athletux and Josh Walker are always a ripe source of entertainment, and we’re catching up on a few of the episodes to kick off your Friday:

First up, enjoy this hilarious look at what the riders know about Tamie Smith (spoiler: not as much as they think!) and Liz Halliday-Sharp:

What about who the most competitive rider is? The nicest? The funniest? Best Hunger Games partner? Find out:

Would you beat the riders at Kentucky trivia? Try your hand:

To view all Behind the Barn episodes, click here!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Like Mother Like Daughter: Kaylawna Smith-Cook Tastes Kentucky Magic with 5* Test Ride

By on Apr 28, 2023 9:00 am -

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook came by the horse bug honestly. Daughter to Tamie Smith, she was basically indoctrinated in utero, and now at 27, Kaylawna is an Advanced-level competitor in her own right, and she kicked off the action this weekend as the test ride in the CCI5*-L at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian.

“It’s unbelievable. I’ve always wanted to ride here,” Kaylawna said. “I was actually entered [in the CCI4*-S] on my mare, and she wasn’t able to compete, so we decided to ask to do the test ride on my big guy that I’m taking to Tryon this year. It was just really nice to get back and get in the ring even though I wasn’t competing — to have that experience.”

Kaylawna Smith-Cook celebrates her test ride at Kentucky. Photo by Shelby Allen.

After her 4* entry had a poorly-timed injury, Tamie suggested she offer to do the test ride with her other Advanced horse, Passepartout, a 14-year-old German Sport Horse (Pasco — Preschel, by Pardon), who is aimed at the Tryon CCI4*-L next month. While she hasn’t made her 5* debut yet, Kaylawna grabbed this opportunity and ran with it, giving “Pasci” the challenge of a higher-level test in a larger than life environment.

“It was definitely a step up from the four-star test, but I would say my trot work was probably the best it’s been. I do feel like it was really, really great to get in the ring and now know that I can even be a little braver and that he’s on my aids,” she said.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Of course ringside was her mom, Tamie. “It’s been really awesome. Hopefully next year, she’ll be at the five-star as well,” Tamie said. “But to be at this level with your daughter, it’s really rewarding. I was helping her a little on the flat this morning — I’m getting the chills right now — just looking at her ride because she’s so good, and she’s way better than I ever was. But it was a really proud moment to just see how great she is. I mean, she has all the pieces she just lacks experience. So we’re working on that.”

Kaylawna spent her first years in the professional horse world working for Grand Prix dressage rider Niki Clarke before branching out on her own with a teaching and training program, which she runs out of the same facility as Tamie in Southern California.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

“We’re based off the same farm. I have my own business, she has hers, but obviously we work together as well,” she said, and who wouldn’t want to tap into the wealth of knowledge that Tamie has, but her mom has always pushed her to work hard for every single achievement.

“I would say it gets better by the years. We’re obviously mother and daughter and want to kill each other probably once or twice a week, but it’s amazing — especially now that I’m trying to compete at the four-star level to be competing against her and with her, it’s a bond that is really special,” Kaylawna said.

“I would say being her daughter is definitely a privilege, and it’s a great example to follow in her footsteps. I feel that she’s right there to guide me along with being my own rider and navigating through trying to become an upper-level rider. I’m really, really proud of her, and I’m excited to watch her this week and be right alongside her.”

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Dressage Day Two News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Apr 28, 2023 12:03 am -

Jimmy will be there in more than one way this weekend. Photo courtesy of Jon Holling.

Well, Tom McEwan made a splash yesterday for his first trip to Kentucky, and currently leads the pack with a 22.6, which is quite a bit ahead of the rest of the field at this point. However, there are three more days of action to go, and anything can and will happen.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Lexington, make sure you’ve downloaded the Scavenger Hunt appto be in with a chance of winning a 2024 4-Star Trailers two-horse trailer. That’s right, a brand spanking new trailer is up for grabs, which must motivate some serious scavenging. Happy hunting!

And if you just can’t wait ‘til Saturday to get a glimpse of the – now totally famous – corgi, join EN and Ride iQ for a FREE cross country preview on Friday at 4:30pm. Register here.

If you’re not able to make it to the Bluegrass State, you don’t have to miss out – you can watch all of the action from the comfort of your sofa. Find out how, here.

Will this be the event when I finally beat my non-horsey husband at Eventing Manager? The stats suggest it’s unlikely, but I’ll be ponying up nonetheless. Download the app, pick your team, spend $10,000,000 – simple. And if you want some insider info to help you make your selections, we’ve got your back. Check out the EN Form Guide here.

And whilst your head’s in predictions mode, it’s time to enter EN’s LRK3DE Pick ‘Em and Win competition. Entries close tomorrow (Thursday at 12:45pm EST / 9:45am PDT) so don’t delay. There’s just one question – Who’s going to win the 5*? There’s a cool prize from Achieve Equine for the US-based winner. Put your prediction in here.

Keep up with EVERYTHING by following @goeventing and checking out EN’s coverage of the #BestWeekendAllYear.

U.S. Weekend Preview

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide]

Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. (Durham, NH) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Is it too early to be thinking about Badminton? Okay, maybe just a little bit, seeing as we haven’t even gotten to the cross country at Kentucky yet, but just in case you’re interested in a nibble, here is a sneak peak at Piggy March walking the Badminton cross country course. [Piggy Walks Badminton 2023]

Before you start your livestream, check out this USEA podcast episode on all things Kentucky. USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown has a quick chat with last year’s USEF National Five-Star Champion and Kentucky third-place finisher Doug Payne. Payne shares about his earliest Kentucky memories, the prep work leading up to the competition this year, and how he is going to balance his very busy schedule with a horse in the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S, as well as a horse in the CSI3* Grand Prix that runs alongside the eventing competition. [Podcast of the Day]

Everyone knows the horse market is nuts right now, even for OTTB’s coming right off the track. As second careers become an increasingly important part of the Thoroughbred lifestyle, more people are curious about what drives an off-track horse’s value in its second career. In a recent study published in the journal Animals, Dr. Madalynn Camp of Illinois State University led a team of scientists who collected information on the sales of 170 Thoroughbreds via online sporthorse auctions between 2012 and 2020. The team was able to isolate a few elements that impacted price in the online auction market, and it wasn’t necessarily what I expected. [Factors for Thoroughbred Sales]

Best of Blogs: Dissociative Identity Order and The Horses That Made Me

Hey now, don’t forget to pay attention to the upcoming Kentucky Derby. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby has some exciting prospects, but a heavy favorite in Forte. However, we’ve seen more than our fair share of upsets from an unexpected long shot, and weather changes everything. Read more about what to expect and who to watch! [Kentucky Derby 2023]

Kentucky CCI5*: Tom McEwen Out in Front with JL Dublin After Thursday’s Dressage

By on Apr 27, 2023 7:44 pm -

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

What an exciting group of competitors we have coming forward to contest the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian. With a group of this caliber, no single entry stood out as the front runner during the lead up, but Great Britain’s Tom McEwen certainly made his mark on the first day, taking the lead of the class with JL Dublin.

The partnership between Tom and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado – Zarinna, by Cantano), who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. J. Lambert and Mrs. D. Johnston, is less than a year in the making as the Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist took over the ride after Nicola Wilson had a fall with “Dubs” that resulted in life-threatening injuries which forced her retirement from the sport. It was Nicola who piloted the horse through his International career through last year, and it’s her years of training that Tom credits for today’s result.

“It’s all thanks to Nicola’s amazing training and the partnership they’ve had. [I’m] very lucky to take the reins on him, and he’s such a picture to watch anyway, so to go and pull off the tests — he can do it very easily and actually still have a few things to push up on. It’s very exciting really,” Tom said.

“Dubs is the kindest person you could ever meet. If I could put him into personality-wise what you see in the arena is sort of what you get. He’s lovely, soft, kind, but with the personality and a huge showmanship. He loves just being on the stage. He’s a lovely, lovely person.”

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In his first trip to Kentucky — about which, Tom says all he knew of the state was “racehorses, bourbon, and tobacco” — Tom earned a 22.6 with a test that features several nines awarded from the Ground Jury of Christina Klingspor (SWE), Peter Shaw (AUS), and Angela Tucker (GBR).

Speaking about his first trip to Kentucky, Tom said: “To be honest, it’s probably one of the greatest talked about events that I’ve never been to. So it’s been a pleasure to be able to come and an even bigger pleasure to be able to start competing here. Everyone is so super friendly. So that is the first thing I would say, but the stadium, I mean, the TV doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s quite a brilliant experience. It’s much, much bigger. And of course, it’s beautiful. The course is designed so well and it’s beautifully carved. So yeah, it’s a stunning place to be and I’m very lucky to be here,” he said.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

California girl Tamie Smith held the lead through the middle of the afternoon on a 24.2 with her World Championship partner Mai Baum before taking one step down the podium to rest in second place at this point in the competition.

“I think it was one of his best tests to date. We’ve been working on just getting him stronger and being more in self carriage and being in front of my leg and he answered all the questions super. I really couldn’t have asked him to be better. I maybe had a couple of little tiny mistakes, but I was very pleased,” Tamie said.

Tamie and “Lexus,” a 17-year-old German Sporthorse gelding (Loredano – Ramira, by Leoni) owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell, spent their time very carefully over the winter, dedicating their focus to straight dressage competitions.

“I spent a lot of time this winter just getting him stronger and working with my dressage instructor, Johann Hinnemann, at home. I ended up doing the Prix St. George over the winter, and it was a really good exercise because I felt like that was his best test [today]. He really stayed in front of me,” she said.

Their partnership is nearly a decade in the making, but Tamie says that with each year it gets sweeter and sweeter. “I think with any horse as time goes on you hope to develop a very good trusting partnership and the quality has always been very much there, but his confidence and strength has — I think for both of us — has grown. I felt like the best way to describe it is like a hand in a glove. We think for each other — I think something and he does it; I look somewhere he goes like he’s just so with me,” she said.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Liz Halliday-Sharp, who currently leads the CCI4*-S division, claims third place in the five-star aboard Deniro Z. Their result of 29.0 wouldn’t be their best at the level — they achieved that here two years ago on 27.4 — but Liz was pleased to see that their hard work on the flying changes, which they’ve historically struggled with, has begun to pay off.

“He got three out of the four so I guess we should be excited about that. Actually at home they’ve been the best they’ve ever been this year and I would say I owe a lot of that to some training I’ve done with Shelly Francis lately. She really kind of changed the way that I teach the horses to do changes, and I think it’s made a huge difference to him.”

“Obviously it wasn’t our very best test today. Deniro decided something was terrifying with the camera on the first centerline which genuinely he’s never done that in my entire time with him. But here we are, it just shows they’re individuals and they can still do cheeky things,” Liz said of the Ocala Horse Properties’ 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zapatero – Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx). “But yeah, he is starting to really understand what he’s supposed to do with the changes. The right to left has always been harder for him. They’re physically very hard for him. At home he very rarely would miss the right to left this year now which is great. But when he’s feeling a little excited and a little snazzy, that’s usually when he leaps in the air or misses it. But here we are 15 years old and we’re still getting better, but at least he’s still learning.”

Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Another Kentucky first-timer, former World Champion Sandra Auffarth is in fourth place. Sandra is no stranger to the very top levels of the sport, having represented her country at each and every Olympics and World Championship since 2012, and her partner here this weekend, Nikolaus Prinz von Croy’s  Viamant du Matz, a 14–year-old Selle Français gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Heralina X, by Voltigeur le Malin X), helped Germany earn team gold in Pratoni last autumn. Despite his championship experience, this is a five-star debut for “Mat,” which he’s kicked off with a dressage score of 30.4.

Woods Baughman and C’Est La Vie 135. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Woods Baughman rounds out the top five with his and his parents’ C’est la Vie 135 on a score of 30.6. Growing up in the Lexington area, Woods certainly has a loud and proud cheering squad for his and the 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s (Contendro – Anette, by Aarking xx) performance in the first phase. “Contendro” certainly felt the atmosphere, showing his exuberance through the extended canters, but Woods has focused his warmup on producing relaxation through all possible conditions. 

“I did get a little too excited. That canter — the extend across the diagonal back, and then the counter-canter, the corner change — really is hard [for him],” Woods said. “[It’s about] just getting him really flexible because he’s such a big, stiff thing. Most of my warm up is in the walk and turn about the haunches, pretty much go side pass, and then back, and then small circle. Just keep moving him around and then do really long and low, and only the last five minutes I shorten the reins and put his head up and then he looks like a horse again.”

Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Five-star debutant Alina Dibowski stands in sixth place with Susanna Dibowski’s Barbados 26 on a score of 30.7. At only 22, Alina is the youngest rider in this year’s competition, but she’s got mileage that belies her age. She and “Baba,” a 14-year-old Polish Sporthorse gelding (Moravia – Babilonia xx, by Jape xx) represented Germany in the junior championship ranks before taking up the call up to compete as individuals at the 2022 World Championships in Italy. For her, this is a new opportunity to showcase their partnership on a world stage.

“We’re into our ninth year together, so we built a very strong bond. That’s why my dad is the groom on paper for the accreditation, but I do everything myself, so I think this is why we have such a strong connection. We grew into this together. At the start I didn’t even know that he may be capable or I may be capable of riding here in Kentucky. So I think this is something I just have with this horse and this is why I call him once a lifetime.

Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Great Britain’s Kirsty Chabert came over to Kentucky riding on her successes of 2022. After a heartbreaking elimination nearly at the end of the Badminton cross country course, Kirsty redirected to the 5* at Luhmühlen where she and her quirky mare Classic VI proved their mettle and finished second, and she’s chasing a similar fairytale here in the states.

“[It’s a] bit of a once in a lifetime — potentially — opportunity, the horse was in amazing form last year, so it’s an incredible experience to come and ride in such an atmosphere,” she said. “[We] got very established last year. We had a little hiccup at Badminton and sort of went away and rectified it, and then I can’t really fault the horse from then on, to be honest. She was second at Luhmühlen, she won two four-stars and a second in another one, so I feel like this year was the chance to come over.”

She and the 14-year-old Anglo European Sporthorse mare (Calvaro F.C – Indian Summer), who is owned by Carole Somers, John Johnston, and Kate Ward, are starting their American bid in good form with a 30.8 on the flat that has them in current seventh place.

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Team USA stalwart Will Coleman felt like he left points on the table after his 31.2-point dressage test with World Championship partner Off The Record, a 14-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding (Arkansas VDL – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio) owned by the Off The Record Syndicate. They’re in eighth place at day’s end.

“I just couldn’t really get them to breathe in there. He was just kind of holding his breath the whole time and felt like he was almost trying too hard. You know, just a lot of little mistakes. He swapped off his lead a couple of times, just anxious and tight and it wasn’t very good,” Will said. “It’s a shame, he’s been doing good work, I don’t know if he just didn’t have it in there. He never has really done a great test in there. It’d be nice if maybe we could school him in there a few times during the week, but they never let you do that here. I just can’t really get him over those demons in there. He just goes in there and holds his breath.”

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Phillip Dutton had the major competitive advantage of dressage coaching from Silva Martin to help he and the Z Partnership’s Z, a 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca Z – Bella Bouche B, by Babouche vh Gehucht Z), produce a 31.9 for ninth place. Though Phillip says he envisioned a slightly lower score, he’s thrilled with the work Z produced.

“He’s getting more mature. Silva Martin’s been helping me, she’s been a big help,” he said. “He went really well. As long as they keep marking hard like that throughout the competition — because 31, he’s always done better than that — but I think this is the best test he’s ever done. So I was pleased, very pleased.”

Zara Tindall and Class Affair. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Rounding out the top ten is another British entry, Zara Tindall riding Gleadhill House Stud LTD’s Class Affair. “Socks,” a 14-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding (Obos Quality 004 – Ruby’s Rosshaven Flight, by Laughton’s Flight) has proved to be a tricky personality for Zara, and that’s heightened at the five-star level.

“He hates people. This situation is literally his worst thing ever. He’s just a tricky horse, in his brain — you’ve got to be a bit careful with him. You’re not sure which side of the bed he’s gonna come out on. He’s really talented, but his brain kind of interferes a bit,” she said, and although her score of 32.6 is their highest at five-star level, Zara is the first to point out: there’s plenty more to do this weekend.

Looking at today’s scores in their entirety, the Ground Jury were in strong agreement in their judging, with the biggest spread being seen in Will Faudree’s results with Mama’s Magic Way, with a 4.62-point disagreement. They were similarly divided on Tamie Smith’s performance, with Christina Klingspor giving her a 78.65% from her spot at C, while Peter Shaw and Angela Tucker were in agreement on a 74.42% from their places at E and M, respectively.

The 5* will resume tomorrow at 1:00 PM with Emily Hamel and Corvett cantering down the centerline and we’ll be there to bring you all the action!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Liz Halliday-Sharp Leads Lexington CCI4*-S Dressage Day One

By on Apr 27, 2023 3:40 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Competition at 2023 edition of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian officially kicked off this morning with the first half of competitors in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S performing their dressage tests for Bobby Stevenson (USA) at C and Helen Brettel (GBR) at E. A familiar name — Liz Halliday-Sharp — leads the division at the conclusion of today’s 4* tests but her mount, Cooley Nutcracker, is a newer name on the eventing scene in the U.S.

Owned by the Nutcracker Syndicate (which consists of Liz, Deborah Halliday, Ocala Horse Properties, and Renee Lane) “Bali” is one of the most recent additions to Liz’s string of competitions horses, having just been acquired and imported in March of last year by way of his previous rider, France’s Astier Nicholas, who rode the gelding to a top 20 finish in the 7-year-old championship, which is set at the CCI3*-L, at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion.

“It was an exciting opportunity to find a nice young horse that maybe hadn’t quite won the world yet, which made him possible to acquire, to be honest,” Liz said.

“I know that Astier really believed in him, and so did we. It’s taken some training, and we still have a ways to go, but I really believe in him. I think he’s a five-star horse; I think he’s a team horse too.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Liz and Bali wasted no time starting their stateside campaign off with a bang: in their first seven competitions together they placed no lower than second, winning their first CCI3*-L together last summer at The Event at Rebecca Farm and then winning their Advanced debut at the Park Equine Kentucky Classique. The partnership that Liz has been able to build with the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Tolant R —  Ballyshan Cleopatra, by Cobra) has been key to their early successes as well as their leaderboard topping score today — a 24.5, a personal best for Bali at the Advanced/4* level.

“I think a lot of it with him is the teamwork and him trusting me, and the more that goes along, the better he is. Today was proof of that because this would have been huge atmosphere for him, and not long ago, he would have been very spooky. So he just really fought for me today. I’m totally thrilled. Today he was the best he’s ever been in the biggest atmosphere he’s ever seen. So this for me is showing everyone what this horse is going to be, and that’s so exciting.”

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

One of the final pairs to enter at A this morning, Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California, took over second place on the leaderboard by delivering a test worthy of a 27.6 — a nice improvement over their score of 31.5 in this class last year.

While Tamie had initially entered the 2-year-old Silla Argentino mare (Casparo — Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall) in the marquee class for this weekend, she later decided to run her in the 4*-S instead. There’s no doubt that the 2022 Morven Park CCI4*-L winner has talent in spades, but Tamie opted to give their partnership just a little more time to develop before they step up to the highest level, which they now plan to do later this spring at Luhmühlen.

“I think [the four-star] course would actually suit her probably a little bit better,” Tamie said, “but she’s greener and she needs more atmosphere exposure, so we decided that that would probably be a better avenue for her.”

Prior to being imported by owners David and Julianne Guariglia, Solaguayre California show jumped at the 1.35m level in her native Argentina and then began evening under the tutelage of fellow California-based event rider David Adamo before Tamie took over the ride at the Preliminary level.

“As anybody knows, it takes time to develop a partnership … but I feel like she really fights for me now. She just keeps trying. It’s funny, because the warm up — she can be quite naughty, but she always goes in the ring and she knows she enters at A and she just knows it’s a stage. So I’m grateful for that.”

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Squeaking in sub-30 for third place are Canadian pair Colleen Loach and Vermont, scoring a 28.9. The towering 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Van Helsing — Haptstutbuch Hollywood, by Heraldik xx) owned by Peter Barry didn’t quite meet their leading mark of 24.5 in this division here last year, but Colleen was nevertheless very pleased with his performance.

“He felt super in the trot work, great down the centerline, then when I walked, I heard a horse call from the warmup and he heard it too and he’s very reactive to that sort of thing. So he called back and then he got a little bit of tension as well. Then when we picked up the canter, he was very rideable and stayed with me.”

Colleen and “Monty” have had a long-standing partnership, having been together since the gelding was a four-year-old. The pair was selected to represent Canada at the World Championships last fall, but sadly the gelding aggravated some scar tissue in his final prep run at Bromont and the pair didn’t make the trip to Pratoni. Despite the disappointment, the veteran competitor is simply grateful to have her big chestnut happy, healthy, and ready to rock this year.

Twenty-five more pairs will finish out the 4*-S division tomorrow. Friday’s first down the centerline at 8:00 AM sharp will be reining USEF CCI3*-L National Champions Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair. For now here’s a look at your top 10 in this division. Stay tuned for the scoop on the 5* later this afternoon and go eventing!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Dressage Times] [5* Scores] [4* Dressage Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.