Classic Eventing Nation

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Marilyn Little wasn’t sure how the colder temperatures this afternoon would affect RF Scandalous, who is definitely a Florida girl who prefers not to experience being cold (I can relate to that, Kitty) – but she needn’t have worried as she marched down the ramp to throw down a lovely effort worth a 21.7 nod from the judging panel of Christina Klingspor, Peter Gray, and Bobby Stevenson. This is very nearly a Kentucky record, though a bit short of Bettina Hoy’s 19.2 (or a 28.8 on the old scoring system that was in place at the time) earned in 2009. Lucinda Fredericks also scored a 21.5 (on the new system) here in 2009.

Naturally, as most riders are, Marilyn was quick to point out areas where she felt she could have earned a few more points. This pair performed this test (CCI5* test B) a year ago in Wellington, where they earned a 19.9, and Marilyn said she had hoped to get a bit closer to that mark in order to give “Kitty” a little bit of breathing room come Saturday.

The addition of the mare now being five-star fit, the cooler temperatures, and a glimpse of the cross country in warm-up gave Kitty a “sense of Saturday”, Marilyn said, conceding that this mark was “fantastic” considering the circumstances (“considering the circumstances” – Marilyn, I once got a 47 on a Beginner Novice test. I’ll take your 21.7! These perfectionists, I tell you). “She just said, ‘I’m ready, let’s do it!’ so I was able to push a bit.”

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Nonetheless, it was a strong start to a weekend that Marilyn has been looking forward to, albeit with a tinge of sadness as she is doing her first five-star without the support of her longtime friend and mentor, the late Packy McGaughan. In his honor, though, she’s focused on the task and knows there’s a lot to do this weekend. Above all, though, she echoes the sentiment of the other riders: gratitude.

“We’re always thrilled to come to Kentucky, but this year we’re so blessed to come to Kentucky,” she said.

A common theme that emerged in mixed zone interviews today was that this is, without a doubt, one of the deepest fields the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5* has seen – and one of the toughest cross country courses to go with it. Add in some forecasted rain and, well, let’s just say this won’t be a dressage show.

“It’s a real five-star test,” Marilyn said of the track. “When I walked it, I thought, ‘I’m really glad I’m riding (Kitty). It’ll be tiring early on and for horses that are a little shocked, it’s going to come up hard and fast in the beginning. She’s very experienced and so now I’ve got to do my job and be as efficient as I can, put as few footprints on the course as I can and just let her do her job.”

Marilyn has been working hard honing RF Scandalous'(Carry Gold – Richardia, by Lario) warm-up routine and working with the 16-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders as well as Ms. Jacqueline Mars to the point where at Stable View last month she said she finally felt like the mare was letting her drive. As a result, they’ve gotten quicker across the country, and they’ll get to practice their improved rideability on Saturday.

Watch the test:

It’s no surprise to see some of our overseas entries breathing down on our leaders’ necks after day one, and it’s Oliver Townend, twice a winner here in as many years, and Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class (Ramiro B – The Swallow, Master Imp) who earned the same score (hey, he’s consistent, eh?) as their last trip here, taking a 24.1 into cross country.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“I’m very very happy with him today. I think that’s the best test he’s done at Kentucky,” Oliver said. “I think he’s on pretty much exactly the same score as he was last time but at the same time it’s a different test which possibly doesn’t suit him quite as well. But at the same time very very happy and he felt very relaxed in there. He’s probably one that does miss the crowd a little bit because he is a very laid-back character and it does him no harm to have a bit of atmosphere. You don’t worry about him blowing up, you worry about keeping him going. He’s had a very quiet life and a quiet career. We just quietly get him ready and he seems to take to the plane journey and he seems to take to everything. He needs very little training in terms of dressage, it’s more about keeping him fit and happy and enthusiastic and he loves his job very well.”

Oliver’s had a light prep – as have his other British compatriots – to start the season as British Eventing saw the start of its season canceled due to ongoing coronavirus complications. With events only running for designated Elite level riders beginning March 22, the onus fell to the riders to do their fitness prep without a lot of runs. This isn’t so unusual for Oliver, though, as he typically can be found running his top horses on a lighter schedule.

“It’s probably been difficult mentally more than anything else because it’s been a little bit start-stop with the ‘is it on or is it off’ with Kentucky and Badminton,” he reflected. “It kind of takes the wind out of your sails a little bit because this is obviously what we’ve worked our whole lives for. But when it’s back on the wind went back into the sails. Then it’s how the hell are we going to pay for this. But we got that, we’re here, we can’t afford the flight home unless it goes well (haha). It’s very very special to be here. With the horses, at this stage they know the job very well so it’s just having them mentally and physically as ready they can be and we’re very happy with where they’re at.”

William Fox-Pitt and Oratorio. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s a warm welcome to another British competitor and a three-time winner here, William Fox-Pitt, who in all interactions this weekend has just been absolutely tickled to be back here competing after not making the trip since 2015. In between, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and made a miraculous return to competition – at the top level, too – and now just says he’s quite grateful to be here with the opportunity to compete again. He will sit in third place overnight with Oratorio II on a score of 27.9, one of the best dressage scores the horse has earned in international competition.

Oratorio II (Oslo Biats – Cinnamon Brûlée, by Topanoora) is a special horse for William, though he found his way back to his string in a bit of circuitous way. Bred by William and a progeny his former four- and five-star horse, Oslo, he crossed the heavier stallion with the lighter Thoroughbred former point-to-pointer Cinnamon Brûlée to produce a bloodier horse.

But when Oratorio was three and his owners offered the ride to William, he turned it down. Surely, he’d be retired by the time the horse was ready to go conquer the world. Why “waste” the ride on him?, he thought. So he recommended the horse go to Laura Collett, who did a world of a job producing him through his early international careers. At that point, he’d become a big and strong horse and it became apparent that he might be better suited for a male rider. Just like that, and with William firmly not retired, Oratorio found himself a new partner.

William says he’s feeling a bit on the underprepared side coming into this weekend, having just run a couple of Intermediates and an Advanced before hopping on the plane. “I’d like to be a little more prepared,” he said. “We couldn’t even go and do an indoor show jumping round, so we’re a little underprepared I would say. Our season didn’t really start until April. I think I went cross country schooling in March.”

To that end, William’s putting faith in his horse’s experience (and his own, though he’s too modest to say it) and breeding. While not the most experienced in the field at the level, Oratorio does have a Badminton top-15 finish under his girth. “Horses don’t forget,” William commented. “They’re amazing animals. They can do nothing for a long time and hopefully he’ll just switch into that mode. But with it being so ‘lukewarm’ in Britain, nothing very big and exciting, you certainly walk around a course like this and think, ‘oh, the jumps are quite big.’ It’s just about getting back into it and remembering that’s how the real world is.”

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin took command early on in the afternoon aboard the Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern – Highlight, by Heraldik xx), whose score of 28.2 isn’t an FEI personal best but is nonetheless a damn good five-star debut. Boyd actually lost his stirrup for about five movements in the test, but in all the pair put in one of the nicer tests of the early sessions.”To be honest, he can be hot in the dressage and he was quite settled today, so I was pretty pleased with him,” Boyd said. “Cross country is going to be the deciding factor,” he said, electing not to get too “wound up” about the dressage, though it’s surely a nice feeling knowing you’ll at least be within striking distance come Saturday.

“(The course) looks like the biggest thing that this horses will ever see in his career so far, so I’ve got a mission ahead of us,” he said of Derek di Grazia’s track.

Tim Price and Bango. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tim Price, part of the three-rider New Zealand contingent in Kentucky this week, was hoping for a personal best aboard the Numero Uno Syndicate’s Bango (Garrison Royal – No Sale, by Don Tristan), but the pair’s score of 31.5, while solid enough for early fifth place, won’t quite catch the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding’s five-star personal best earned at Burghley in 2019 (29.6). In all, though, Tim says he was pleased.

“Probably 90 percent of it was the bet was the best work he’s given me,” Tim said after his ride. “He’s been working well all week, so I’ve been looking forward to having a personal best. It’s close to a personal best for him, but just a couple of little bits and pieces, that’s all it takes to knock you back a few marks, but that’s kind of the nature. He’s red-headed and he’s a blood horse that wants to gallop, and we’re just trying to bide our time until cross country day.

Tim will be looking for a bit of redemption come Saturday, as his last trip to Kentucky with Bango in 2016 saw them part ways just a few fences from home. They’ve since Burghley three times, including a fifth place finish in 2019, so that additional experience will no doubt be called upon when it comes time to leave the start box.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Coleman and the 14-year-old Thoroughbred Tight Lines (Turgeon – Merindole, by Tel Quel) saw some marked improvement in terms of relaxation in their test today, and it’s a testament to the time Will has put into “Phish”, who isn’t what you would label as “easy-going” or “chill” on most days.

“I think maybe we’ve both matured a little bit,” Will, who stopped by the mixed zone with his adorable daughter, Charlie, mused. “In general, we prioritize his relaxation as the foundation of everything we’re doing in his training and I think we’ve been pretty consistent about that for the last couple years. I think our whole program has sort of embraced that approach. Certainly a more like him with his racing background and his high-blooded nature, it’s sort of necessary for us to kind of give him that extra time when he needs it and be a little bit conciliatory on certain things. So I think we’ve been on a good trajectory the last couple years and we’re just trying to get a little better every day.”

Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We were over the moon for our Rookie riders today, and Fylicia Barr finds herself in quite good position with her $500 Craigslist mare, Galloway Sunrise (Duty Officer – Coco Chanel), who earned a 32.4 to sit seventh overnight. It was a heck of a debut for Fylicia, who was impressed with her mare for going in there and putting the work in. “I’m so excited for her, she just works so hard,” Fylicia said. “She went in and just did all the movements and kept a straight head and I couldn’t ask for more than that.”

What about the data? Let’s bring in Maggie Deatrick to do some crunching:

Approximately two-thirds of the field scores at or over expected today, with the overall average score 1.15 points above expected. The first session saw the biggest disparities, with pairs in that session seeing on average 2.68 penalties above their expected scores, while the remaining three sessions average less than three-quarters of a point above expected.

On average, the judges saw a 2.69 difference between pairs, with all pairs seeing a difference at minimum of one percentage point. Eleven competitors saw a difference of at least 3 points or more, with Wizzerd and Cooley On Show having at least 5 points between their highest and lowest percentages. Robert Stevenson seemed the most reluctant to hand out marks at the highest end of the scale, offering the lowest marks for all but three pairs who scored sub-33.

A visual breakdown of RF Scandalous’ dressage scores.

Despite the drama of RF Scandalous laying down the lowest score of the last decade at this venue, her score was well within the expected range considering the average of her last three outings was a cool 22.4 penalties. Cooley Master Class however came and did exactly what he did two years ago, lay down a score equal to his personal best at this level and flirting with his personal best overall at A/4/5*.

A visual breakdown of Cooley Master Class’ dressage scores.

While many might think that Oliver Townend duplicating his score from 2019 was predictable, but the reality is that 2019 was the second-best test the horse had ever done at the top levels, and it was followed by a more typical 27.6 at Euros the following fall. It is quite the feat to come back in 2021 and equal that, particularly when your scores were trending in the opposite direction. This score, as it did in 2019, improves his chances tremendously, moving Cooley Master Class from the competing for the top ten to likely favorite to win.

Three other Rookies also made their debuts today: Emily Hamel and Corvett (38.1 – 25th), Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie (38.4 – 26th), and Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara (44.9 – 29th).

The show is far from over as we’ve only seen half of the pairs in both divisions. Though Marilyn’s mark might be hard but not impossible to chase down (looking at you, Mai Baum!), we’re likely to yet see some hefty shuffling in the ranks before we move ahead to cross country.

Notable rides tomorrow in the CCI5* that could threaten these early top placings include Phillip Dutton and Z, Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, and Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF – though at this point it’s certainly still anyone’s prerogative to come in and steal the show.

We’ll be coming back tomorrow with lots more from the final day of dressage. We’ll also have a photo gallery to publish this evening as well as more social media, some cross country thoughts from designer Derek di Grazia, and much much more. Thanks for tuning in with us! Go Eventing.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Live Scores, CCI5* Live Scores, 5* Dressage Ride Times, 4* Dressage Ride Times, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

2021 marks Vandiver’s fifth crack at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. The now 17-year-old Trakehner’s first go-round was in 2015 with former rider Werner Geven; he finished 22nd in 2016 with Doug Payne,  at the second horse inspection in 2017, and rebounded for a top five finish in 2019 and the title of Reserve CCI5*-L National Champion. Now, hot off a CCI4*-S win at The Fork at TIEC, they are striking out on the bluegrass once again.

Doug and “Quinn” went in the first group of 5* dressage this afternoon, scoring a 34.5. We asked him after his test to talk about what this event means to their partnership.

“Kentucky is sort of a Super Bowl of the sport, especially in this country,” he said. “To have something of this caliber and quality is amazing having the opportunity to ride a horse here this many times is really rare so you’ve got to be thankful for that.”

We always enjoy experiencing cross country vicariously through Doug’s Cambox — “Cambox has been excellent,” he said — and affirmed that he’ll be taking it around Kentucky once again on Saturday. Until then, let’s relive their successful five-star debut together in 2016, wherein they jumped around clear with 16 time penalties …

… and 2019. For their last run here, Doug went a step further in overlaying USEF Network footage alongside his Cambox footage so that we can both ride the course from his point of view and watch them from the ground at the same time. That year, they stormed around Derek di Grazia’s cross country course adding just one time penalty to their dressage score. Their partnership is evident as they expertly slice-and-dice their way through the course and, yes, they did jump some of the flower decorations along the way!

Best of luck to Doug and “Quinn” this weekend!

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Live Scores, CCI5* Live Scores, 5* Dressage Ride Times, 4* Dressage Ride Times, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cambox Horse North America (@camboxhorsenorthamerica)

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Welcome to day one of dressage here at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian! It’s rather strange not to be opening up our live updates first thing in the morning, but the CCI4*-S horses and riders took their turn in Rolex Stadium first, leaving the afternoon open for the marquee CCI5* division.

Tilly Berendt and I will be tag-teaming these live updates over the coming days, and we’ll kick things off today with our first pair to see, New Zealand’s Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera at 12:23 p.m. EST. We’ll see horses in groups of seven or eight, concluding at 4:53 p.m. EST with 2018 and 2019 Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class and Great Britain’s Oliver Townend.

If you want to follow along in true eventing nerd fashion, please take a moment to download a copy of EN’s Ultimate Form Guide to LRK3DE, available as a digital download for just $5 and absolutely full of incredible information, data analysis, graphs on strengths and weaknesses, and much more.

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Live Scores, CCI5* Live Scores, 5* Dressage Ride Times, 4* Dressage Ride Times, Schedule, North America Live Stream, Worldwide Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

5.05 p.m. EST: Here’s the leaderboard at the end of the first day of dressage. There’s a seriously tough challenge set for tomorrow’s competitors – but there are a couple who could make a huge impression. Stay tuned for the full report!

5.04 p.m. EST: “I think it was a better test than last time, but it’s a more technical test,” says Oliver, who says the course is the toughest he’s seen at Kentucky. “I’m very happy with the horse, and this won’t be a dressage competition.”

5.01 p.m. EST: It’s a 24.1 for Oliver and Cooley Master Class – the same score they got here in 2019. They’ll sit second overnight.

4.59 p.m. EST: Just a quick reminder that this isn’t even Oliver’s ‘good’ dressage horse here this week.

4.58 p.m. EST: The first change has to be the best one we’ve seen so far today. The second looks pretty excellent too.

4.56 p.m. EST: Only two horses and riders have won Kentucky three times: Kim Severson and Winsome Adante, and Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. If Oliver wins again this year, only two horses will have won this event since 2015.

4.55 p.m. EST: This horse is truly the Mr Perfect of Oliver’s string, and it’s easy to see why: he comes in with his working hat well in place and absolutely desperate to please his rider. The trot extensions are relaxed and expressive.

4.53 p.m. EST: 32.3 for Will Coleman and Tight Lines sees them go into fifth. One horse and rider left to go, and it’s only our two-time defending champions Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. No big deal, then.

4.51 p.m. EST: Clean changes here – again, that’s the commitment to accuracy coming into play. He’s back here with a point to prove after the flag debacle of 2019, when the biggest issue any of us had was that that rule was a pain in the bum.

4.48 p.m. EST: This horse really proves that Thoroughbreds can MOVE — but Will is also incredibly savvy about his accuracy, with no marks being thrown away unnecessarily.

4.47 p.m. EST: Tight Lines is looking very, very appealing in the trot extension – Will Coleman gives a masterclass in how to channel the energy.

4.45 p.m. EST: The changes haven’t been quite accurate here and will likely prove expensive. Jonelle’s going to be hoping for some serious rain for Saturday so she can make a serious move up the leaderboard after scoring a surprising 35.1.

4.42 p.m. EST:  Jonelle manages the walk bit of this test exceptionally well. Also, can we talk about Jonelle’s hands? The Prices have hands delicate enough to operate on a butterfly. I don’t care if that analogy works or not.

4.40 p.m. EST: What a treat to see this very cool Badminton-winning mare in what could be her last five-star. They’ll be hoping to get her to Burghley – a track that suits her well – this autumn, but nothing is guaranteed with horses, and ‘Molly’ is 18 now.

4.38 p.m. EST: Oh my god, ANOTHER Price test?! We can’t bloomin’ well get rid of them today! (I kid, I kid – next in the ring is Jonelle Price with Classic Moet, my pick for the top-placing mare this week.)

4.36 p.m. EST: That’s the first bit over and done with for Zoe and Zara, who are here to run and jump. They’ve put a 44.9 on the board but we fully expect them to climb during Saturday’s tough challenge.

4.34 p.m. EST: Slightly tricky in the walk work – K.E.C. Zara really wants to break into trot. Now that she’s in the canter, she looks slightly more ready to focus.

4.32 p.m. EST: Time for another of our six rookies – this time it’s Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara. This mare looks fit and eager – and rather like she’s wondering where on earth her adoring fans have gone.

4.29 p.m. EST: A bit of a deep breath for Emilee after a lovely final halt – now it’s time for them to focus on the fun stuff. It’s a 34.3 for them.

4.28 p.m. EST: A post-test debrief with new Kentucky leader Marilyn Little:

4.27 p.m. EST: Jakobi is slightly predisposed to overbending in the half-passes and his changes are, well, exuberant – but Emilee is super tactful and is managing him well.

4.22 p.m. EST: Emilee Libby and Jakobi next in. Or is that Emili Libbee and Jakoby? Emily Libbi and Jakobee? In any case, she’s making her return to Kentucky, who last came here when she was a fresh-faced nineteen-year-old.

4.20 p.m. EST: Quite a lot of tension in this test for Nilson and Martini, who will be looking forward to this weekend’s challenge.

4.19 p.m. EST: And here’s debutant Fylicia Barr:

4.16 p.m. EST: Time for some multitasking, folks – let’s watch some interviews while we watch Nilson. Here’s Sharon White:

4.14 p.m. EST: Into seventh on 32.8 for Meghan O’Donoghue and Palmer, who were very accurate and committed to prove that you don’t need a seriously flash mover to get a competitive mark. Nilson Moreira da Silva is up next, riding Magnum’s Martini and representing Brazil.

4.12 p.m. EST: Palmer looks great in the stretchy circle. This strikes me as a horse who would love a bit of Yoga with Adrienne.

4.10 p.m. EST: We’re back for the final session of the day, and Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent are our first pair in the ring. This is a very smart-looking OTTB.

3.55 p.m. EST: Here’s the top ten as we head into the final break of the day:

“She’s wonderful in the heat — we’re from Wellington, so this is really chilly for us,” says Marilyn. “It affected us a little bit — but this is a really fun test to ride on her. She’s a real technician and I’m very lucky. She wouldn’t be the most confident horse by nature but she’s very courageous.”

3.53 p.m. EST: Woweeeee, that’s a 21.7 for Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous – a new Kentucky lead. That’s going to give Oliver Townend and Tamie Smith a job to do!

3.51 p.m. EST: A tasty square halt before the reinback – very correct and statuesque. Have we swapped over to Spanish guitar music now? The flamenco vibes are strong and inexplicable.

3.49 p.m. EST:  The trot work is looking typically expressive and balanced for RF Scandalous thus far, though perhaps missing a tiny bit of the sparkle she can show. But sparkle comes with risk — if you push for that little bit more, you can end up with a break into canter. Sometimes, if you’re on a serious first-phase performer, it’s best to play it safe and trust that you’ll be rewarded sufficiently anyway.

3.47 p.m. EST: 32.4 puts Fylicia Barr into provisional fourth in their first CCI5*! Now it’s time for our last pair before the break – and this should be a huge test. Next in the ring is Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who like to flirt with those sub-20 marks.

3.45 p.m. EST: A HUGE cheer for Fylicia — despite the lack of crowds — after she finishes that lovely debut test. Our favourite bit? The floppy, happy ears. Extra marks for those, please.

3.44 p.m. EST: Fylicia and Sunny look like they’ve been here a million times before – very cool, calm, and workmanlike. Not too shabby for a gal and her CraigsList horse – and a genuine inspiration for all of us who have devoted ourselves to unlikely horses.

3.41 p.m. EST: Kentucky debutants Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise in the ring now. Fylicia only paid $500 for this feisty mare, who gave her a bit of a tricky time early on but has blossomed into a star. They won Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L in 2019, so it’s incredibly exciting to see them here this week.

3.40 p.m. EST: An update from Mike Pendleton, who Sally has collared in the mixed zone:

3.39 p.m. EST: 40.4 for Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale, who had a bit of a tricky day in the sandbox. Onwards and upwards, folks.

3.36 p.m. EST: Better work from Johnny after he was able to move on up in the medium canter. This isn’t a horse who’s been brought here to lead the dressage, anyway – he’s a running and jumping horse who Joe lovingly describes as a bit of a dumb jock, because he just wants to go fast and chase that adrenaline rush. I can relate.

3.34 p.m. EST: A bit of a tough time in the trot work for Joe and Johnny, who looks quite against the hand. Some wobbles in the walk work, too – just not quite on the same page there.

3.31 p.m. EST: 35.6 for Sharon and Cooley On Show! US-based Kiwi Joe Meyer is next up to bat with Johnny Royale.

3.30 p.m. EST: Poor Sharon. Going off-course is rough. I once nearly got eliminated in a test for going wrong three times, which was also a bummer, because I hadn’t actually forgotten the test – I was just riding it so abysmally that the judge could no longer work out what I was doing.

3.28 p.m. EST: Uh oh, Sharon has forgotten her stretchy circle! This must be the most oft-forgotten movement at this level.

3.27 p.m. EST: Some really nice walk work from Sharon and Cooley On Show, though he struggles with the rein-back as well – honestly, find me a horse who looks like he enjoys that movement. I’ve never seen it look like anything other than an embarrassed camel shuffling backwards out of an occupied bathroom stall.

3.24 p.m. EST: It’s always interesting to see how different five-stars around the world choose their arena music. Kentucky has gone for some vaguely ominous classical music; if you head to Luhmühlen, they pick songs specific to each rider and you’ll definitely hear this at least once:

3.23 p.m. EST: 35.7 for Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby; they’ll have come here very aware that they’ll work on climbing through the weekend. Next up is Sharon White with her longtime partner Cooley On Show. Unicorn vibes are strong.

3.21 p.m. EST: It’s busy down in the mixed zone – here’s what Tim Price had to say:

3.17 p.m. EST: Barnaby looks like he wants to be a bit fussy in the mouth, though he’s stretching to seek the contact well in the walk.

3.15 p.m. EST: We’ve got a score now for Kurt Martin and DeLux Z – they go into seventh place on 33.3. Now we’ve got Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby in the ring. We last saw this seasoned pair at Burghley at the end of 2019, where they stormed around for a great finish in what was an insanely tough year.

3.13 p.m. EST: Steady Eddie has had way too much fun in there – the canter work really progressed and looked super by the end, the final halt was nice, and the second the job was over he put his party pants on. They get a 38.5.

3.09 p.m. EST: A couple of moments of tension in this test, which we’re used to seeing from Steady Eddie (a misnomer perhaps?). But the mileage Mike will be getting is worth way more than a clear round in the dressage.

3.08 p.m. EST: It’s so exciting to see Steady Eddie back in the ring here with rookie Mike Pendleton, who works for Boyd and took the ride over in 2019. What an extraordinary amount of experience this horse brings to the equation – an amazing chance for this up-and-coming rider.

3.05 p.m. EST: “He’s a very loveable horse – he’s been with me since he was three. He came in for breaking and he never left because I liked him so much,” says a rather soppy Tim of Bango. He says the good bits of his test felt like the horse’s personal bests, but they were marred by his tension when he spotted the big screen in the ring – but he’s taking the positives and looking forward to a good week.

3.03 p.m. EST: Another one to just get a bit tense and wobbly in the walk. That rein back is a seriously tough movement and it can really impact the rest of the test – which means that some horses end up losing marks through their canter work, too. Lux looks like he’s taken some snippets of tension into that.

3.01 p.m. EST: Kurt and Lux’s average from their last three Advanced and four-star tests is a 35.5, and that’s looking about right for what we’ve seen so far. Some really nice, relaxed work, but those sub-30s aren’t being given freely.

3.00 p.m. EST: Kurt Martin and DeLux Z in next. This is one of the best jumping horses in the field, and undeservedly flies a little under the radar. His team at home probably with he was a little less talented, mind you – he’s known as ‘Flight Risk’ because he likes to escape his stable or jump out of his paddock and take himself on adventures.

2:58 p.m. EST: 31.5 for Tim and Bango. Our Ultimate Form Guide put them on a 31.9 – it’s been fascinating today to see which horses are under- or overperforming.

2:57 p.m. EST: Tim, like wife Jonelle, will be hoping for heavy rain on Saturday — Bango is a proper Irish lad and thrives in boggy conditions. After those little bobbles in the walk, he’ll probably need to think about how he can climb.

2:55 p.m. EST: The walk work will be a little — dare I say it? — Price-y here. There’s just a wee bit too much enthusiasm for the job, which is admirable considering we’re in the going-in-circles bit. Canter work is looking better though – Tim has probably got the softest hands in the world, and it shows in how secure his horses are in the contact.

2:54 p.m. EST: It’s admittedly reassuring to see that even five-star horses rub out half their manes over the winter. I’ve been to Tim and Jonelle’s Wiltshire farm, and like most Kiwi riders, they’re really keen on a lot of turnout there – even if it means a bit of a mane rub here and there.

2:51 p.m. EST: First in after the beverage break will be the second of approximately 487 rides for the Price family this week – it’s Tim this time and his stalwart campaigner Bango. He might not have been as resolutely high-profile as Ringwood Sky Boy, for example, but Bango has been here, there, and everywhere, and he really knows his stuff.

2:46 p.m. EST: Hi folks! Your faithful British correspondent Tilly Berendt here, tapping in so Sally can go down to the mixed zone and get some juicy gossip out of the riders. I, for one, am TERRIBLY EXCITED to chat about some horse prancing with you guys this afternoon. Hope you’ve all got good snacks and drinks to hand. If not, may I suggest one of my delicious (and dangerous) Kentucky-themed beverages? My favourite is the Jollybo-bon Smash. Go hard or (and) go (stay) home.

2:26 p.m. EST: “Louie Pi” has quite a deliberate way of going, very correct. He’s another one that doesn’t look too perturbed by the big arena atmosphere.

GIF via USEF Network.

2:25 p.m. EST: A 37.8 for Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Next in will be Lauren Nicholson (nee Kieffer) and the stunning Paramount Importance.

2:18 p.m. EST: Next in will be our lone Mexican representatives, Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Danny compares Cecelia to a “Karen” or to Miranda Priestley from The Devil Wears Prada, to give you a sense of personality! “The service in this barn sucks, I need a manager!” I am referencing my Ultimate Form Guide to pull in these fun facts – see for yourself here.

2:18 p.m. EST: A look at the current top 10:

2:16 p.m. EST: “It’s great to be back here; you guys have done an incredible job getting this show on the road because not much is happening in the UK,” William said after his test. “(Oratorio) hasn’t been to a big party in a long time. He was really good, there’s nothing more I could’ve asked.

“It means the world, I’ve been producing him all his career and he hasnt done anything for so long so im excited to have a competition of this caliber to come to and aim to. It’s just fantastic here, when you come back, you just remember how magical this place here. its a big part of our eventing calendar.”

2:14 p.m. EST: Wizzerd shows his extended canter after some exuberant changes. A 32.8 for Matt and Wizzerd.

GIF via USEF Network.

2:09 p.m. EST: Next in will be Matt Flynn and Wizzerd, making their second appearance in Kentucky.

2:06 p.m. EST: Oratorio is putting in perhaps the most relaxed test we’ve seen so far. His ears were basically flopping the whole time! That relaxation pays off, and they earn a 28.0 to just squeak into the lead ahead of Boyd and Long Island T. Oratorio was averaging a 27.7 in his last three runs, so he’s right on target.

GIF via USEF Network.

2:01 p.m. EST: Peep that helmet! Looking good William.

1:59 p.m. EST: Corvett is ready to jump!

gIF Via USEF Network.

1:53 p.m. ET: Low key, every photographer here is excited to shoot “Barry” as he pings over the jumps.

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

1:50 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak looks thrilled! A nice, obedient yet from this pair. We’ll soon see a familiar face here, William Fox-Pitt and Oratorio II. Of note this weekend is the fact the top hats, as of this year, are no longer permitted in the dressage. William is a traditionalist at heart, so it’s going to be strange (but great!) seeing him in a helmet for the first time at this venue! But first!! A debut from Emily Hamel and Corvett.

GIF via USEF Network.

1:46 p.m. EST: Phillip checks in with the mixed zone after his ride on Fernhill Singapore:

1:45 p.m. EST: In honor of Karl’s test…

1:44 p.m. EST: Hear from Boyd after his test with Long Island T:

1:43 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Canada’s Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes making their debut here together.

1:41 p.m. EST: Hawley and John liken this test with its intensity to a short-format cross country, with no time to regroup between movements. Got a tense horse? Good luck? Got a five-star fit horses? Sayonara. We’re seeing that really come in to play today. Liz Halliday-Sharp wraps up a lovely test with a bit of tension from the young Cooley Quicksilver, scoring a 34.0.

GIF via USEF Network.

1:39 p.m. EST: Doug checks in after his test with Vandiver:

1:37 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Liz Halliday-Sharp with the five-star debutant, Cooley Quicksilver.

1:36 p.m. EST: A quick scratch for “Foxy” after a solid test! They’ll score a 34.8 for fourth place early on.

1:33 p.m. EST: Hawley Bennett-Awad now joins John Kyle in the commentary booth.

1:32 p.m. EST: “Foxy” looks to be fairly relaxed in this test, and Jennie as always looks happy to be here!

1:30 p.m. EST: And we’re back underway with Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle.

1:28 p.m. EST: Doug says he’s honestly a bit disappointed in the mark, given how good Vandiver has been coming into today. “He was just lit to start, I’m proud of him though…I think he got a bit more rideable and softer,” he said. “He’s been pretty consistently good everywhere. He’s come out this spring as strong as he’s ever been. It is what it is, I think. That’s the life with horses.”

1:25 p.m. EST: An interesting note about Vandiver’s score, as Maggie Deatrick ran the numbers: Vandiver’s score may seem high for him but in fact is dot on his average at the 5* level.

1:19 p.m. EST: We’ll resume at 1:29 with Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle.

1:18 p.m. EST: Vandiver will take a higher score, a 35.3, than what Doug will have wanted into the next phase, but we know this horse is a strong jumper.

1:15 p.m. EST: A bit more spookiness from Vandiver than what we’re typically used to seeing, but he executed some clean changes that will bump the score down (up? eventing dressage is weird) a bit.

1:13 p.m. EST: Doug and “Quinn” show their half-pass. Vandiver is showing just a bit of tension here, as are most horses, but we know Doug’s capable of coaxing the best from an excited horse. You’re 16, Quinn!!

GIF via USEF Network.

1:10 p.m. EST: Next in are Doug Payne and Vandiver, who are averaging a 27.5 in their last three runs. This partnership is among the most experienced at this level this week.

1:08 p.m. EST: A 39.4 and a new personal best for Leah and AP Prime – this pair will likely be a fun one to watch on Saturday!

1:07 p.m. EST: “He’s a nice, beefy looking Thoroughbred, isn’t he?” Allison Springer says on the live stream about AP Prime. He indeed is, and he looks fantastic in his first five-star appearance since 2018.

1:06 p.m. EST: #BREAKING: The challenge has been issued, Will.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing)

1:04 p.m. EST: Peep that Ultimate Form Guide being used as a reference for the commentators! That definitely means you need it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing)

1:02 p.m. EST: A 35.0 for Fernhill Singapore, definitely a touch high but surely will see even more to come from this younger talent. Next in will be Leah Lang Gluscic and her superstar OTTB, AP Prime.

12:58 p.m. EST: A lovely half-pass from Fernhill Singapore:

GIF via USEF Network.

12:56 p.m. EST: Pats for Jak and a 34.5 for this pair.

12:56 p.m. EST: Next in will be Phillip and Fernhill Singapore, his first ride of the weekend. This pair is averaging a 27.1 in their last three runs – look for a competitive score here too, no doubt.

12:54 p.m. EST: I actually didn’t notice, but Boyd lost his stirrup for a few of the last movements, but lucky his legs are about 8 feet long so the stirrup is basically an afterthought.

12:53 p.m. EST: A peek at EN headquarters here in the media center! I’m all set up for my live updates with our Ultimate Form Guide, a GIF-making app, an order of go, and enough coffee and water to keep me surviving.

12:52 p.m. EST: Trending about 65% for Buck and Jak as they come into their final change and up centerline. His changes were clean, a great way to end the test despite the tension.

12:51 p.m. EST: Buck is working hard to coax Jak into some relaxation – he’s certainly fit and ready to go cross country but he’s trying to listen as well as he can.

12:50 p.m. EST: A look at which judge is where for the five-star:

12:47 p.m. EST: We will next see the first of Buck Davidson’s rides, Jak My Style, who will be seeking his first five-star completion this weekend. Jak is a sweet guy who often takes owner Kat Cuca for hacks, but trust me he can turn it on when he needs to!

12:46 p.m. EST: And a 28.2 – nearly an FEI personal best for Long Island T. Not a bad debut at the level!

12:44 p.m. EST: A really solid test for Long Island T, who we should see slot easily into the very early lead here. A look at his final extended canter:

12:41 p.m. EST: Boyd and Long Island T are averaging a 31.1 in their last three Advanced/four-star runs and are well-known for scoring well on the flat.

12:40 p.m. EST: We go now to the first ride for Boyd Martin and Long Island T, or “Ludwig” as we like to call him. He’s off to a solid start, connected in the bridle and coming through his hind end.

12:39 p.m. EST: A 37.8 for Will and DonDante. If you’re a scoring nerd, the scoring updates will allow you to see each movement and judge’s marks for each pair. Click here to see live scores.

12:36 p.m. EST: DonDante, making his five-star debut in the chilly wind, is a bit nervous today – as we anticipated – but Will gives him a tactful and quiet ride.

12:30 p.m. EST: A 35.6 to start the day for Grappa Nera and Jonelle, her first of three rides. We’ll next see Will Coleman and the absolutely stunning DonDante.

12:24 p.m. EST: And we are off with New Zealand rider Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera!