Classic Eventing Nation

Woods Baughman, Maya Black and James Alliston Lead 4*/3* Divisions at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 24, 2021 1:00 am -

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Hope Carlin.

The FEI competition at Rebecca Farm continued today with the CCI3*-Long, CCI4*- Short, and CCI4*- Long dressage. With scores ranging from the mid 20s to the low 30s, the standings in all divisions are tightly packed.

Woods Baughman & C’est La Vie Lead CCI4*-L

Woods Baughman and his self-owned horse, C’est La Vie 135, a 13-year-old Hanoverian, scored a 31.1 to lead the CCI4*-L. Woods said that his horse “felt pretty good all the way around. He was a little in my hand too much but had a good test.” Woods also said that his horse is a cross country machine and the cross country course looks really solid for the level.

Woods, who trains with Sharon White on the east coast, is enjoying his first trip to Montana. He said he’s been enjoying seeing a new mountain each day because the wildfire smoke has been clearing and revealing more of the peaks. Woods also found some fame on Instagram today when Hope Carlin turned one of her photos into a faux-GQ cover page featuring Woods and his horse at the first horse inspection. “The Eventing Issue” featured the tagline “Look sharp and ride smart.” Woods certainly has both things covered!

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Hope Carlin.

Erin Kellerhouse and her self-owned Woodford Reserve, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, stand in second place with a score of 31.3. Erin was happy with “Woody” today because he often “warms up really well and then gets super revved up in the ring” but today he stayed really relaxed. When talking about the cross country course, Erin said that riding at this level always makes her a bit nervous because “anything can happen … you have to be on it.”

James Alliston and Paper Jam. Photo by Hope Carlin.

Currently standing in third place with a score of 32.8 are James Alliston and Paper Jam, a 12-year-old Hanoverian owned by James’ wife, Helen Alliston. James said “Jammers” can “get a bit lit up [in the dressage ring] but he likes it here and stayed relaxed in the ring today.” When asked if the name Paper Jam is a nod to the 1999 film Office Space, James said he didn’t know and had never seen the film, but wants to watch it after he returns home to California. Eventing Nation will be waiting for his film review and follow-up.

Maya Black & Miks Master C Have Edge in CCI4*-S

Maya Black and Miks Master C. Photo by Hope Carlin.

The top three after dressage in the CCI4*-S are all well-known names within the eventing community. Maya Black and Miks Master C lead the division with a score of 25.8. “Mickey” is a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Laurie Cameron. Maya said he was a good boy and that, even after a long haul from the east coast, he “went in and stayed really relaxed and obedient.” Maya is hoping to run a CCI4*-Long this fall with Mickey, and the course here at Rebecca Farm should be a good test for him at a new (to him) venue.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Hope Carlin.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver stand in second place with a score of 28.8. Liz said “The Monster” is a bit out of practice because this was his first test since Land Rover Kentucky in April. “He is quite wiggly and quite cheeky, but actually all in all the movements were quite good.” Liz was slotted to ride for Team USA in Tokyo, but changed plans to attend Rebecca Farm when Deniro Z was withdrawn from Olympic participation. Despite her disappointment, Liz said she is enjoying Montana and will plan to return next year with several horses.

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500, her 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare, are veteran competitors at Rebecca Farm, as they have been competing here together for about nine years. After scoring a 33.1, Andrea said “she [Hundy] is an old pro these days, but really is learning the game and the drill and is trying hard… and I finally got a good test out of her here.” Andrea joked that she needs to remind herself that she’ll be riding Hundy on the CCI4*-S course, while Hundy’s son, Laguna Seca, will be running the CCI4*-L.

James Alliston & Nemesis Out Front in CCI3*-L

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo courtesy of Hope Carlin.

In addition to his third place standing in the CCI4*-L, James Alliston also stands in first place in the CCI3*-L with Nemesis, a 7-year-old Canadian Warmblood owned by Alliston Equestrian. Commenting that Rebecca Farm can be quite a “buzzy” atmosphere, Nemesis is a relaxed sort of horse. “He could have gone a bit more forward, but he made no mistakes.” He’s a young horse and this is his first CCI3*-L, so James was quite happy with a score of 30.3. Nemesis is half Thoroughbred, so he should handle the galloping well, although the jumps will be a challenge for him as a young horse that is inexperienced at this level.

Auburn Excell Brady and BSP Tuxedo. Photo courtesy of Hope Carlin.

A score of 32.3 puts Auburn Excell Brady and her self-owned BSP Tuxedo in second place. “Tuxy Buns” is a 12-year-old Oldenburg and Auburn said it “was actually a bit surprising that he was so relaxed.” Auburn is excited to be here – her horse is “keen but can be a bit spooky,” although “he is capable” of doing well on the challenging course.

Jennifer McFall and Stoneman. Photo courtesy of Hope Carlin.

Rounding out the top three, Jennifer McFall and Stoneman, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Cheron Laboissonniere, scored a 32.7. Jennifer said they have “been working through some tension and performance anxiety” but that “Stoney” was really good and relaxed today. She is looking forward to cross country, but commented that “the first water is the hardest thing on the course – it’s big jump in, you have the crowd on the hill, and a vertical gate out.” The other riders agreed with that assessment and noted they will need to ride with precision on Ian Stark’s course on Saturday.

The FEI divisions begin cross country on Saturday at 9:50am local time. For 2021 ride times and results throughout the weekend, please visit the website here.

Admission for this family-friendly spectator event is free, with full concessions and a large multi- interest shopping fair, as well as a free Kid Zone that includes pony rides, PonyUp! (Horsemanship 101 classes for kids), face painting, arts and crafts, and more. A one-time, recommended $10 parking donation per car to support Halt Cancer at X and a full weekend pass is available with a $25 donation.

To access Rebecca Farm, from the junction of Highways 93 & 2, travel two miles north on Highway 93 to Reserve Loop and go west two miles, then south on W. Springcreek Rd. The entrance is 3/4 mile on the right.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Volunteer, Halt Cancer at X, Live Stream, Show Photographer, EN’s Coverage

This week’s coverage is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products – and you can win some cool KPP swag and receive a discount on product all year long just by entering through this simple survey. Good luck!

Saturday Links from Trefonas Law

By on Jul 24, 2021 12:01 am -

Watching the Olympic opening ceremony is a surefire way to give me the goosebumps. Every. Single. Time. Something about that whole message of unity and all the national pride from all around the world really gives me the feels. I just wish that message of unity and kindness were more consistently prevalent outside of the Olympics as well.

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Halt Cancer at X] [EN’s Coverage]

USPC Festival Eventing Championships: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T.: [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Harry deLeyer, 93, Dies; He Saved a Horse and Made Him a Legend

A Puzzle Before The Games: How Equestrian Teams And Their Horses Get To The Olympics

Eventing group focuses on inclusivity

Chasing the Elusive Olympic Dream – But at What Cost?

Liz Halliday-Sharp: A Change of Pace

Saturday Social Media: You really need to check out Alex Hua Tian’s Instagram story as he and the Chinese delegation gather for and make their entrance at the opening ceremony.

Saturday Video: Andrew Hoy has been to an Olympics or two (actually nine to be exact) before, but one was extra special as he was selected to be the flag bearer for Australia at the 1996 Games in Atlanta:

Trefonas Law is an immigration law firm located in Jackson, WY. We are able to provide advice and assistance on a variety of immigration issues including employment based visa services, athlete visas, family based immigration, among others.

Flying High in Big Sky Country: Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L XC Course Preview

By on Jul 23, 2021 8:07 pm -

Photo by Erin Tomson.

Riders heading out on the CCI 4*-L cross country course on Saturday will face a challenging track and set of fences designed by Ian Stark. The course begins with an apt salute to Team USA as they prepare to run the course at the Tokyo Olympics next week.

Photo by Erin Tomson.

The riders have two big, solid gallop fences to start them off, but things become more challenging quite quickly at #3 and #4. #3 is massive solid table on frangible pins. Ian explained that he didn’t want the riders coming at it too fast, so he placed it to be at a related distance to #4 – a path that includes downhill terrain and a bending line to a narrow table. Ian’s intention was to get the riders thinking early in the course, although he says he decided to be nice by numbering them separately rather than presenting it as an A/B combination. If the horses fly over #3, the rider can choose to circle and rebalance before presenting to #4.

Photo by Erin Tomson.

After going through the gulley, the riders will navigate the first combination on course at #5ab, and then take a long run all the way around the back corner of the property and over a brush table at #6. While the combination at #7ab might look straightforward, Ian demonstrated the best line to take for optimal striding. Ian provided a reminder that “the horses are so used to jumping skinny and narrow fences, it’s really no problem for them. But it is up to the rider to get the line right.”

Photo by Erin Tomson.

Ian Stark has a reputation for designing cross country courses that are horse-friendly, but rider frightening. #11ab, which is a bounce drop into water, certainly fits that description! An impressive new brush fence in the center of the water follows immediately at #12. Ian has given the riders an alternate line, which includes a one-stride drop into water and an easier fence out; however, he said it would eat up quite a lot of time. The riders then make a left hand turn up and back down the hill to jump the hanging brush at #13, followed by a big log drop back into the water at #14. Spectators watching from the hill on Saturday will be in for a treat as they watch these skilled horses and riders navigate Ian’s questions at the main water complex!

Photo by Erin Tomson.

Photo by Erin Tomson.

Photo by Erin Tomson.

The second half of the course takes riders out around the far corner of the property again, before galloping back to jump into water again at the bayou, #22abcd. Ian said the combination should ride easily, but the horses may be tired by this point in the course, so it is up to the riders to keep the energy rolling. The bayou is followed immediately by another challenging combination at #23abc, the log table followed by brush to brush skinnies.

Ian said he originally considered placing an A/B combination there, but then thought to himself and said “no I think I need to make this tougher” (for the 4*L). Because the log table is so big and downhill, “it tends to make them take a massive jump.” They should land balanced and continue straight “in four and then two committed strides” to the brush fences. “If I was being really nasty and this were a 5*, then this second brush would be on the same angle as the first one. Then they’d have no choice but to ride this on a four to a two [strides]. Then that would be a 5* question.” About the 4*-L line he set, Ian said “You need a really reliable horse” to ride the line exactly as it’s designed, but Ian also showed how to use bending lines to make more space between each element.

Photo by Erin Tomson.

The final three fences on course provide a straightforward and simple finish, although Ian cautioned riders to never take the last fence for granted! His advice is to be prepared and to ride equally smart from start to finish. We look forward to seeing how the course rides on Saturday!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Entries & Ride Times, Volunteer, Halt Cancer at X, Live Stream, Show Photographer, EN’s Coverage

This week’s coverage is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products – and you can win some cool KPP swag and receive a discount on product all year long just by entering through this simple survey. Good luck!

Friday Video from SmartPak: The Olympic Opening Ceremony (In Two Minutes)

By on Jul 23, 2021 7:00 pm -

Today, the Tokyo Olympics officially got started with a pared back but poignant opening ceremony, which took place in the almost totally empty main stadium. Though it was missing the packed crowds and extensive theatrics of ordinary Olympic years, it was still an exciting start to the weeks of sport to come, replete with deft nods to the struggles of the past 18 months and a celebration of hope in all its forms.

We also got a first look at many of the athletes competing in Tokyo, as each team paraded with a select handful of competitors – including several event riders, such as Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal and Louise Romeike, France’s Tom Carlile, the Swiss eventing team, Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, and more.

If you weren’t able to catch all two hours of the ceremony, though, never fear: the BBC has condensed the best bits, including select moments from the performances, a glimpse at some of the team fashion statements, and Tonga’s most lubricated abs, into this bitesize two minute highlights reel.

For real, now: Go Tokyo!

ETA: It looks like BBC’s video has gone unavailable, so enjoy this alternate version from E! News.

Volunteer Nation: Six Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Jul 23, 2021 3:30 pm -

Shout-out to the United States Pony Club! Speaking for myself (graduate H-A TVPC, where my peeps!?!) it was truly where it all began. A great way to support these young riders is to volunteer, whether at Festival, a regional rally or your local pony club event or activity. If you aren’t already hooked in, just reach out! I promise they’ll be appreciative of the offer and will more than likely find a way to put you to work! To connect with your local club, visit the USPC national website here.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

 

USEA Events

Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (July 21st, 2021 to July 25th, 2021)

Hunt Club Farms USEA Recognized Horse Trials (July 22nd, 2021 to July 31st, 20210)

Other Events

USPC Festival Championships (July 19th, 2021 to July 24th, 2021)

Fair Hill International Derby Cross (July 22nd, 2021 to July 24th, 2021)

Stone Gate Farm July Mini Trials (July 24th, 2021 to July 25th, 2021)

July POP (July 25th, 2021)

Go Eventing Volunteers!

Today in Tokyo: Dressage Team USA All Clear at First Horse Inspection

By on Jul 23, 2021 1:30 pm -

From an FEI press release with additional information from a US Equestrian press release.

America’s Adrienne Lyle and Salvino at the Dressage horse inspection today in the stunning Baji Koen Equestrian Park where the equestrian events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games get underway with the Dressage Grand Prix tomorrow morning. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.

Brazil’s Joao Victor Marcari Oliva and his 12-year-old stallion Escorial will be first into the arena tomorrow morning when the Dressage Grand Prix gets equestrian action underway at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Dressage horse inspection took place this morning at Baji Koen Equestrian Park, and from the 72 listed, a total of 70 horses were presented to the Ground Jury with two held over for further re-inspection tomorrow morning at 09.30 — the 14-year-old Hot Chocolat vd Kwaplas ridden by Isabelle Pinto for France and the 15-year-old grey gelding Sultao Menezes ridden by Portugal’s Carlos Pinto. Members of the Olympic Ground Jury included Susan Hoevenaars (AUS), Francis Verbeek (NED), Janet Foy (USA), Andrew Gardner (GBR), Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), Magnus Ringmark (SWE), and President of the Ground Jury Katrina Wuest (GER).

The Grand Prix is the Team and Individual qualifier and will take place over two days, tomorrow 24 July and Sunday 25 July. A draw took place after today’s horse inspection, and the 15 teams will go in the following order: Denmark, Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, ROC, Austria, Belgium, France, USA and Germany. Team Germany are defending champions and are chasing down their 14th Olympic team title.

Photo via US Equestrian.

Team USA 

All three team combinations of the U.S. Dressage Team passed the First Horse Inspection.

Sabine Schut-Kery (Napa, Calif.) and Sanceo will lead with the first ride for the team on Saturday, July 24, at 9:15 p.m. JST / 8:15 a.m. EDT. Adrienne Lyle (Wellington, Fla.) and Salvino will follow in the first group on Sunday, July 25, with their ride at 6:21 p.m. JST / 5:21 a.m. EDT, and Steffen Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Suppenkasper will enter the ring at the end of Group F at 9:42 p.m. JST / 8:42 a.m. EDT. Traveling reserves Nick Wagman and Don John were withdrawn before the First Horse Inspection.

After arriving safely at the venue in Tokyo, Don John sustained a minor injury. He has continued to show improvement, but after further evaluation with the team veterinarian, the decision was made to withdraw him before the start of competition out of extraordinary precaution, and though it is believed he would have passed the horse inspection if presented, the team felt that he should not be considered to compete to ensure he has the proper time to fully heal.

U.S. Dressage Team Ride Times & Results

Saturday, July 24

  • 9:15 p.m. JST / 8:15 a.m. EDT – Sabine Schut-Kery & Sanceo

Sunday, July 25 

  • 6:21 p.m. JST / 5:21 a.m. EDT – Adrienne Lyle & Salvino
  • 9:42 p.m. JST / 8:43 a.m. EDT – Steffen Peters & Suppenkasper

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Gio. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.

Groups

Athletes are drawn in six groups, with three groups per evening. A total of nine athlete/horse combinations will go in the first group that includes Australia’s Mary Hanna with Calanta and Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry with Everdale, with competition starting at 17:00.

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal will be first to go when the second 10-strong group take their turn at 18:36, and Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour and Bohemian will conclude this session.

Rounding up the day will be another group of 10, with Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera last into the arena at 21.42.

Another three groups of 10 will compete on Sunday to identify the top eight teams that will go through to Tuesday’s team medals decider, with world number one Isabell Werth last to go on the mare Bella Rose. And, for the individuals, the top 18 will going through to next Wednesday’s Freestyle for the individual medals.

Japan’s Shingo Hayashi with Scolari 4. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.

Great praise

The top-class facilities at the Japan Racing Association owned Baji Koen, which include air-conditioned stabling, a stunning competition arena and beautiful training areas for the horses, have drawn great praise from the athletes who are now looking forward to superb sport over the coming days.

There’s a mix of excitement and relief that these Games, which have been doubly-challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) outbreak in mainland Europe, are at last about to begin.

“We are so grateful to be here in Tokyo and owe a big debt of thanks to our hosts, the people of Japan, and of course to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the IOC for maintaining their belief in the Olympic Games and finding the route to deliver them in a safe and secure way”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and our horses are ready, our venues are superb, we have amazing volunteers and we’re ready for top Olympic equestrian sport, starting with the Dressage Grand Prix tomorrow!”

Live results and start lists are available here.

Panoramic view of the Baji Koen Equestrian Park. Photo by FEI/Christoph Taniere.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

#RoadToTokyo: Settling In, Sunshine and Sushi!

By on Jul 23, 2021 11:30 am -

First off, a big birthday shout-out to Team USA alternate Tamie Smith! She’s having a memorable one, no doubt. We hear it’s also Evie Dutton’s birthday as well — happy birthday and safe travels to Tokyo, Evie!

It looks like the squad is settling in well, stretching their horses’ legs and enjoying the amenities. Glad also to see that they’ve wasted no time in getting familiar with the sushi capitol of the world.

One also imagines Boyd sneaking out to visit one of Tokyo’s world-famous cat cafés (if quarantine restrictions allow). There are over 50 of them in the city, and yes, they’re exactly what you imagine: cafés where you can sip coffee or tea while surrounded by cats. Photos or it didn’t happen, Boyd!

Here are a few more snaps from other equestrian teams:

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

August Bromont CCI-S A Go As Border Opens Up

By on Jul 23, 2021 9:00 am -

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials on the calendar for August 13th to 15th, 2021 are pleased to announce that starting August 9th, Canada is expected to begin allowing entry to US citizens and permanent residents who are currently residing in the United States.

All travelers must use the ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. All travelers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.

Entries are open and divisions are starting to fill up already.

Competition over the weekend will include the CCIO4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, Open Training, and Open Preliminary at the iconic venue, Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, site of the equestrian events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

Held the third weekend of August in the charming village of Bromont, Quebec, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Bromont along with the Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event is within easy driving distance of Montreal, Quebec and Burlington, Vermont. This scenic area offers great dining, shopping, entertainment, and golf options. The Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, which hosted the equestrian events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

For those riders who have yet to experience competition at Bromont, you’re in for a treat. Derek Di Grazia of Carmel Valley, California, FEI cross-country course designer at Bromont since 2009 and the course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, will set a challenging track with the help of Canadian course builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer.

Information regarding the event is availble on our website at https://bromontcci.com and linked to our social media. Reach the event secretary at [email protected].

Friday News & Notes Presented by Horse First

By on Jul 23, 2021 12:03 am -

Montana sunset. Photo by Bec Braitling.

One day, I keep telling myself, I’ll make it out to Rebecca Farms for their summer horse trials. Maybe I won’t have the gumption to drag my horse halfway across the country (especially as my current horse has a tendency to scalp himself on long journeys) but perhaps next year I’ll go for the reporting. And the sunsets. And the overall vibe. Rebecca Farms 2022!

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Halt Cancer at X] [Live Stream] [Show Photographer] [EN’s Coverage]

USPC Festival Eventing Championships: [Website] [Entries & Ride Times]

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Horse Park of New Jersey II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Silverwood Farm H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Michael Jung made Eventing history by becoming the first to hold the European, Olympic, and World Championship titles at the same time. Now, he has his sights set on an individual hat-trick in Tokyo, partnered with Fischer Chipmunk, and we all know he won’t leave anything on the table. Only two other riders have won two Olympic titles in Eventing, Charles Pahud de Mortanges won both Amsterdam 1928 and Los Angeles 1932 riding Marcroix, and Mark Todd won Los Angeles 1984 as well as Seoul in 1988 with the legendary Charisma. Can Michael Jung beat ANOTHER world record and win three Olympic gold medals?? [Tokyo 2020 Eventing Preview]

Lack of riding time is a common complaint among adult amateur equestrians. Between professional careers, family commitments, and an often-overwhelming number of other responsibilities, riding for a short time, even a few days a week can be tough to fit in. But, even if you only have a short time to devote to working with your horse, there’s a lot that can be accomplished in less than an hour with some longeing and riding exercises. [7 Riding & Longeing Exercises For A Time Crunch]

 Does Phillip Dutton feel extra pressure with the added mantle of being the oldest American at the Olympics? Nah. Pretty much standard stuff for him. In his seventh Olympic appearance, Phillip won an individual bronze at Rio in 2016, making him the oldest American medallist since 1952. He credits his longevity to his dedication to core strength and balance. [Team USA’s Oldest Olympian]

Best of Blogs: We Have To Fix Our Audience Problem Before We Can Fix Our Sponsorship Problem

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International Dressage rider Abi Lyle has been using Horse First Products on her horses. Read what she has to say about…

Posted by Horse-First Winners on Thursday, July 22, 2021

Tommy Greengard Sets the Pace in Day 1 CCI2*-L Dressage at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 22, 2021 6:46 pm -

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.

The FEI competition kicked off to a strong start today with the first day of CCI2*-L dressage, which continues on Friday. The top three riders are veteran competitors at Rebecca Farm, although their horses are all fairly new to the level.

Tommy Greengard and his self-owned horse, Joshuay MBF, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, scored a 25.4 to lead the division. Tommy said that his horse was super today and that, although Josh isn’t really a “natural dressage horse, he really lights up in the ring in all the best ways. He is naturally very relaxed and he allows me to show him off in the ring. And he doesn’t get too bothered by atmosphere.” Tommy also said they’ve been working hard for a long time to improve the suppleness that’s introduced in the lateral work at the 2* level, and Josh was really with him all the way today.

Tommy, who rides and trains in California, enjoys the change of scenery, terrain, and footing here in Montana. He said they essentially run the same four events over and over again in California, and the footing is primarily sand. It’s really good for the horses to come here and be able to hack, exercise, and run cross country on grass.

Maya Black and Double Diamond C. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.

Maya Black and Double Diamond C, a 6-year-old Hanoverian owned by Laurie Cameron, stand in second place with a score of 27.0. Maya was proud of his performance today saying, “He’s a young horse – he’s six – and he was as good as he could be for where we’re at right now.” Maya drove her horses out from the east coast and was thrilled with how well he traveled and settled in after arriving in Montana on Saturday, particularly because this is only his third event that is a long distance from home.

Although Maya trains in Virginia now, she is originally from Washington State and still considers Rebecca Farm to be a local event. One of her favorite things about competing at The Event is spending a week with her friends from home. She said Rebecca Farm has a different feel and
atmosphere than any other event she has been to and there is nothing quite like the homecoming feeling for her. In addition to riding her two FEI horses, Maya has been enjoying some evening swims at nearby Foys Lake.

Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill. Photo by Hope Carlin Photography.

Currently standing in third place with a score of 30.9 are Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Arnell Sport Horses. Lauren said he is normally quite spooky at the judges’ boxes and cameras, but “today he really held it together.” She said she was nervous- heading into the ring because the warm-up didn’t go as well as she hoped, but ultimately he tried really hard and “it was one of his better tests.” Lauren thought perhaps he enjoyed being first in the ring, or maybe he just knew it was an important ride.

Lauren agreed with Maya’s comments about The Event at Rebecca Farm being a unique and special venue. She loves the atmosphere and people here in Montana, and that The Event feels special. Lauren is also particularly looking forward to having more open space and time to roll on cross
country. Her horse can come out of the start box a little strong, so this should be a good course for him with plenty of room to open up his stride.

All three riders are feeling good and looking forward to cross country. Tommy said his horse is “a phenomenal jumping horse … I just want to get in a good rhythm and try my best to support him but not interfere with him. He’s ready to do the job and it’s just fun to be back up here and to let him run on the grass.”

Maya and Lauren both agreed about being excited to run on excellent grass footing this year, as well as having a longer course that allows more room to gallop in a steady rhythm and jump out of stride. All three riders have experience competing on courses designed by Ian Stark, so they know to expect some “rider terrifiers” out there. Maya noted that they jump through the saloon in the old west town at the very end of the course, which is potentially tricky on a horse that might be a bit tired as well as looky at key-hole type jumps.

However, these riders also appreciate the care and planning Ian puts into his courses to make them horse friendly. The CCI 2*- L division begins cross country at 1 p.m. local time on Saturday.

CCI2*-L Photo Gallery by Hope Carlin Photography:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Entries & Ride Times, Volunteer, Halt Cancer at X, Live Stream, Show Photographer, EN’s Coverage

This week’s coverage is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products – and you can win some cool KPP swag and receive a discount on product all year long just by entering through this simple survey. Good luck!