Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday at the 2020 MARS Great Meadow International was already slated to be a jam-packed day, but Mother Nature pushed the boundaries even further with a heavy, afternoon storm that delayed the competition by over two hours.

How much did it rain, you ask?

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#rainraingoaway #showjumping delayed ⛈#greatmeadowsinternational ⚡️📷shannon Brinkman

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Once we finally saw a rider back in the area, daylight became a commodity, so the officials elected to let half the division jump today (32 pairs), and the second half of the group will resume show jumping at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Despite seeing only half the field, the division leader remains decided ahead of the final cross country phase with Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous delivering a clear round to stay atop the four-star class.

This is sixth consecutive clear round for the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold x Richardia, by Lario), who is owned by Mrs Jacqueline Mars, Mr & Mrs Phoebe & Michael Manders. They remain on a score of 21.8.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Though the leader is known, many heavy hitters in the top ten are still to come tomorrow. We can expect Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, The Cross Syndicate’s 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller x Whos Diaz, by Osilvis), to be no worse than third place before cross country after a clear round on 22.1.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Liz Halliday-Sharp put herself in a favorable position with The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver. She and the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Womanizer x Kylemore Crystal) were eighth after dressage and went clear today (26.1).

Erin Kanara and Paddy the Caddy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Erin Kanara (née Sylvester) and Frank McEntee’s Thoroughbred powerhouse Paddy The Caddy also delivered a foot perfect trip today to hold a two-day score of 26.5.

Hannah Sue Burnett was all smiles with Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot after a clear round to remain on their dressage result of 26.8.

Last year, the four-star division saw only 12 clear rounds. Today 23 of the 32 pairs achieved that feat for a massive clear rate of 71.9%. We’ll have to wait and see how the second half of the field affects this rate tomorrow. Show jumping resumes at 7:30 a.m. The cross country phase will follow at 11:14 a.m.

Don’t miss a second of the Horse & Country live stream all day tomorrow.

Go eventing.

#MARSGMI:Website, Schedule, Live Stream, Entries, Ride Times, Order of Go, 8/22 Updated Order of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Sharon White was all smiles on the final day of the first ever CCI3*-L at the MARS Great Meadow International with her rising star Claus 63.

Sourced by German eventer Dirk Schrade, Claus, an 8-year-old Holsteiner (Catoo x Tina II) has been in Sharon’s program for two years, but their budding partnership has proven mature for its age.

“I’m not one to rush a horse, I’ll never be accused of that,” Sharon laughed.”He suits my style because he’s very sensitive, so I take it as a compliment when I am told my horses look easy to ride because that’s just time and dedication.”

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

This weekend was a big test for the up-and-comer, his first three-day at this level, and Sharon couldn’t ask for more. He had double clear show jumping round to win on 31.1, leading the division from pillar to post.

“He is quite a competitor. He tried so hard today not to touch a rail. He rubbed one and then he just went for it,” she said. “I think [this win] actually sets him up really well. He could do a few Advanced this fall easily, so therefore he’d be ready to do a four long next spring. He’s a super horse, so I can pick and choose a little bit now and just make sure he goes to good venues, and things like that that will educate him and develop him.”

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I know he’s just blinking but I really think he could do it with his eyes closed 😂 @shannonbrinkman 📸🧡

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Kimmy Cecere and Jessica Bortner-Harris’ Bishop de Selah left all the poles up to grab second place. She and the 11-year-old Zweibrucker/Thoroughbred (Begat Pfaythe x Slew Dinkum) finish on their dressage score of 33.7.

One pesky rail dropped Young Rider Benjamin Noonan and his own Keep Kitty, a 9-year-old Hanoverian (King Julio x Hauptstutbuch Emelie), into second place. The pair finish on a score of 35.2.

Charlotte Collier piloted her own Fidelius 35, a 10-year-old Oldenburg (Fidertanz 2 x Happy Hour) to a fourth place finish. This duo went double clear yesterday, but lowered on fence in the show jumping for a result of 39.7 points.

Alexandra Baugh and I Spye were the third and final pair to achieve a fault free trip around Chris Barnard’s track. A final score of 39.9 gives them fifth place. Sixth place was earned by Katherine Brown and her own Carnaby. They dropped two poles for a score of 42.2.

Also lowering two, Rebecca Brown and her Fernhill Fortitude finish in seventh place on a result of 42.7. Jorgen Olijslager finished in eighth place with Nick Olijslager’s Northern Quest Lady’s Man after having two rails (67.1), and our final finishers Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street, who is owned by the rider, are ninth after two rails (70.1).

While a small field, we saw only 33.3% of riders jump clear. If you want to relive the minute-by-minute action, check out our live updates.

#MARSGMI:Website, Schedule, Live Stream, Entries, Ride Times, Order of Go, 8/22 Updated Order of Go, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

After a thrilling show jumping contest and a hefty delay caused by Mother Nature for our CCI3*S riders at MARS Great Meadow International, it’s time to see the premier class of the weekend battle it out on Chris Barnard’s testing track. The time allowed will be 83 seconds with 12 numbered fences consisting of 15 jumping efforts.

Some changes have been made to the schedule in light of the nearly three hour weather delay we experienced this afternoon. Now, the first half (34 horses total) of the CCI4*S will show jump this evening, with the second half jumping at 7:30 am ET tomorrow. David O’Connor says he expects cross country to still begin around the same time (I will confirm final times ASAP), which means we should see the first horse out on course around 12 noon ET. An updated Order of Go can be found here.

As usual, you can follow the action live with a Horse & Country TV+ subscription and/or refresh this page periodically for the latest.

Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Live Scores]

8:43 am ET: A beautiful clear for Deniro Z to add nothing to his dressage score of 24.2. This will make for an lady led leaderboard, with the top four spots belonging to women heading into cross country. 16 seconds separate the top 10, so we’re surely in for a thrilling finale starting at 11:15 am. The field will run in reverse order for even more excitement. I’ll be back with you for CCI3*S cross country at 9 am ET!

8:41 am ET: One thing that bears the mark of Phillip’s extensive experience is how much of the arena he uses to settle his notoriously forward and sometimes sensitive horses. For as quickly as the questions seem to come up on Chris Barnard’s track, Phillip still finds the time to settle each ride in between fences. A good reminder to take a breath and take stock of where you’re at – the fences don’t have to come in a big blur! A clear round should move Fernhill Singapore up. Last in will be Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z. I’m a big fan of this one!

8:40 am ET: Three down and 1.6 time for a score of 45.8 for Holly and Candy King. We’ll see Phillip back in with Fernhill Singapore, sitting on a dressage score of 27.4.

8:37 am ET: One down for Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay to give them a score of 30.6 heading into cross country later today. Next in will be Holly Jacks Smither and her second ride in this division, Candy King. They bring in a score of 32.2.

8:35 am ET: Charlotte and Clifford get a little close down the diagonal gymnastic type line, but they make it work and turn in a clear round.

8:33 am ET: A clear round for JM Durr and the real trier Tilikum. Next we will see Charlotte Collier and Clifford M. This pair should be a speedy one to watch on cross country later. They’ll come in with a score of 36.5.

8:30 am ET: Jennie adds another clear round to her books for the weekend with Stella Artois. This will move her into third place! Next up, John Michael Durr and Tilikum on a score of 35.5.

8:29 am ET: I believe I heard Brian O’Connor mention a time fault for Maya but I could be wrong. She was otherwise clear. Next in will be Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois on a score of 25.2.

8:27 am ET: Bummer! That pesky second vertical in the treble comes down for Off the Record to drop them out of the second spot. That shuffles Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border up into second on their score of 22.1. Next in will be Maya Black and Miks Master C on a score of 28.1.

8:26 am ET: Second placed Will Coleman and Off the Record take the ring next. They’re right behind Marilyn on a score of 21.9.

8:25 am ET: Landmark Monte Carlo motors around and has two rails down.

8:23 am ET: Sinead talks about the fine line between getting the horse out in front of the leg without letting them run past you and lose balance. A rail down for Caroline and Danger Mouse will drop them down a bit. Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo are the next in. This will be a fun pair to watch on cross country. They bring in a score of 30.4.

8:20 am ET: Two rails down for Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. The triple combination is riding a bit tougher today, with the middle rail rubbing and/or coming down quite often this morning. Next in will be Caroline Martin with Danger Mouse on a score of 28.8.

8:18 am ET: Will Faudree and the super mare Caeleste will add no penalties to their dressage score of 32.9. Next in will be Fylicia Barr with Galloway Sunrise, winners of the Jersey Fresh CCI4*L last year.

8:17 am ET: A great clear for the super jumper C’est La Vie 135!

8:15 am ET: Next in will be Fair Hill CCI3*L winners Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 on a 25.8.

8:14 am ET: Business Ben gets a bit fresh and strong with Allison to lower a few rails. This is one that perhaps would have benefitted from running cross country first.

8:13 am ET: Allison Springer and Business Ben are next forward on a score of 31.1.

8:12 am ET: Cute jumper, this Flash Cooley horse. Reminds me of a Ferrari. A clear round for this pair!

8:11 am ET: A nice clear for Phillip and Z. Next will be Liz Halliday Sharp with Flash Cooley, on a score of 30.8.

8:09 am ET: One down and a second of time to add for a score of 40.3 for Katherine Brown and Victor Z 54. Next in will be Phillip Dutton and Z on a score of 27.9.

8:06 am ET: A clear round for Kevin and Sportsfield Candy!

8:04 am ET: Jennie Brannigan and Alyssa Phillips’ Bliss III add no penalties to their dressage score of 27.9. We’ll see Kevin Keane with Sportsfield Candy in the ring next looking to bolster their dressage score of 31.1.

8:01 am ET: I love that “slingshot” effect around a turn when the rider sees a nice forward stride – it makes for a great jump. Lillian is another with a forward style of riding that really serves her well on cross country. A lovely clear for CharmKing to add nothing to the dressage score of 29.8.

7:59 am ET: Leah Lang Gluscic and her veteran partner, AP Prime, look like a million bucks this year. They’ve been chipping away with some help from Karen O’Connor, and the off-track Thoroughbred just continues to look better. Just a single bummer of a rail down and I believe some time to add to their dressage score of 36.7. Next in we’ll see Lillian Heard, piloting Holly Payne Caravella’s CharmKing.

7:57 am ET: Sinead tells us the cool story of Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times; Arielle’s mother, Chris, purchased the horse as a three year old when she didn’t have the budget to buy something “made”. Chris, Sinead, and Tik Maynard all had a hand in producing the horse through the levels, and now Arielle has the ability to continue to progress as a young rider. Great team effort! One down for this super pair.

7:55 am ET: Clear for Alyssa and her super jumper Oskar. Next in will be Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times on a score of 36.4.

7:52 am ET: Missy Miller and Quinn add two rails to their dressage score of 38.8 for a two phase score of 46.8. Next in we will see Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, coming forward with a dressage score of 30.7.

7:51 am ET: Emily Hamel and her unique jumper Corvett are our next in. This horse has a very exuberant jumping style that often jumps the pair right out of the camera frame, but they’re super fun to watch. They add one rail to their score of 37.0.

Boing!

7:48 am ET: Karen talks about the importance and value of producing young horses correctly that can go on to be successful with other riders. She references Daniel Clasing as one such rider who has the ability to produce horses with the right mouth and right brain to be finished by others. Daniel is in the ring now with MW Gangster’s Game, on a score of 27.0; they’ll add one rail for a two phase score of 31.0.

7:47 am ET: Just one rail down, the red and black vertical at fence 4 that had a few weird issues yesterday, for Sydney and Early Review C. It looked like perhaps the horses weren’t quite reading it right.

7:45 am ET: Two down for Jules and Cooley O. We’ll see Sydney Solomon and Early Review C in next with a score of 43.5.

7:43 am ET: One down with one second of time for a score of 41.2. Next in will be Jules Batters and Cooley O on a score of 33.1.

7:41 am ET: Our first clear of the morning for Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan! They’ll remain on their dressage score of 35.3. We’ll see Lauren Lambert and Fantastique next in on a score of 36.8.

7:40 am ET: These first few rides have seen a few more poles on the ground than yesterday. Could be the fog, could be the course’s “easier” reputation from yesterday, could be the early morning…any number of factors. Next in we’ll see Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan. As an FYI, Emily Beshear and Deal With It have withdrawn.

7:37 am ET: One down for Vermiculus to drop them down a hair for a 29.6 heading into cross country later on. Next in will be, out of order, Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way, coming in on a score of 38.0.

7:35 am ET: Two down for Victoria. Next in will be Lauren Kieffer and the Anglo Arabian Vermiculus, on a score of 25.6, currently in sixth. Check out the fog during Victoria’s ride:

7:33 am ET: It’s very foggy this morning! We’re getting ready for the start with our first horse on course. We’ll get started a bit out of order with Victoria Garland and FE Capricino, coming forward on a score of 41.1.

7:19 am ET:

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Last day at Great Meadows.

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8/23 7:13 am ET: Good morning, all! Here’s a look at the remaining order of go for this morning’s show jumping finisher:

7:31 pm ET: Here’s an updated look at division start times tomorrow:

Updated start times for #MARSGMI tomorrow:
7:30 am ET: CCI4* SJ (2nd half)
9 am ET: CCI3*S XC
11:15 am ET: CCI4*S XC

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) August 22, 2020

7:20 pm ET: That’s a wrap on the first part of CCI4*S show jumping! Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous will safely hold their lead, but the majority of the top 10 still remains to be seen after tomorrow morning’s finish. Then we’ll move ahead to cross country at approximately 11:15 am ET. I will work on confirming an updated timetable and update our links accordingly. I’ll also continue updates on the CCI4*S show jumping on this same thread beginning at 7:30 am ET tomorrow. Thanks for tuning in!

7:18 pm ET: Like the badass that she is, Erin finishes the second half of her course without her right stirrup, adding another clear to Paddy the Caddy’s outstanding record.

7:15 pm ET: Our last pair to see this evening will be veteran campaigners Erin Kanara and Paddy the Caddy. They bring forward a 26.5 which places them inside the top 10 after dressage.

7:13 pm ET: Ally KGO puts in an athletic stretch over the oxer at three and then has an unfortunate stop at the vertical at fence four. Karen and Sinead surmised that perhaps the mare spooked herself a bit with the big effort at three. This has been a lovely horse for Caitlin to produce, we’ll certainly see much more from this pair. They’ll go forward to tomorrow with a score of 43.9.

7:09 pm ET: Alyssa Peterson and R-Perfect Storm have the last rail down for a heartbreaker. They’ll go forward on a score of 48.8 with two down. Next in will be Mia Braundel and Cashmere, who lower 4 rails for a two phase score of 60.7. Our penultimate pair of the day are Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO.

7:07 pm ET: A lovely clear from Kim and “Crossy”! We love seeing this pair back in action this year.

7:06 pm ET: Next in will be Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border coming in on a score of 22.1 in third place overnight.

7:05 pm ET: A nice shot in to the diagonal line for Kaelen:

7:03 pm ET: A handful of rails and a stop for Whitney and Military Mind. They’ll look ahead for some redemption tomorrow! Next in will be Kaelen Speck with Sweet Rebellion on a score of 34.8.

7:00 pm ET: Sinead points out that there definitely could be a strong advantage to the fact that these horses are jumping fresh, ahead of cross country. With a more gymnastic feeling track full of related distances and combinations, it could easily take much more out of horses coming in to this phase last. Of course, some horses are also less rideable when they haven’t exorcised their demons on cross country yet.

7:00 pm ET: Phillip Dutton and Sea Of Clouds add nothing to their dressage score of 32.4 with a confident clear round. Next in will be Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind bringing forward their dressage score of 32.2.

6:58 pm ET: No penalties added for this keen pair!

6:55 pm ET: Jennie and Twighlightslastgleam rub the second element of the triple and the last fence, but they’re home clear to add nothing to their 33.3 dressage score. That’s 17 clear rounds so far with 9 more riders to see this evening. Next we’ll see Lucienne Elms and Diamond Duette on a score of 36.1.

6:53 pm ET: One rail down for Lauren Nicholson and Paramount Importance. Next in are Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam, a horse she’s produced since his younger years. This one has a gallop you’ll want to watch tomorrow!

6:50 pm ET: Buck demonstrates what’s known as the “driving rein” with Errol Gobey, which helps provide some additional elasticity in the elbow. This pair turns in yet another clear! Now we’ll see Lauren Nicholson with Paramount Importance, coming in on a dressage score of 32.7.

6:48 pm ET: Karen walks us through the diagonal line on this track which features an oxer on the in and the out and a two-stride in the middle. Challenging and intimidating to see, but riding overall quite well. A lovely clear added from Annie and Federman B. That’s our 16th double clear of the day! For comparison, last year’s CCI4*S had 12 double clear rounds in total. Next in will be Buck Davidson returning with Errol Gobey on a 34.5.

6:47 pm ET: Will and TKS Cooley will add no penalties to their dressage score of 35.2 with a clear round. Now in will be Annie Goodwin and Federman B on a score of 36.6.

6:46 pm ET: Nothing can stop me I’m all the way up…

Will Coleman and TKS Cooley.

6:45 pm ET: Another clear for Hannah Sue and Lukeswell! That’s a total of four double clear rounds today for Hannah Sue, well done!

6:42 pm ET: Two rails down for Holly and “Morris” for a two day score of 44.4. Next in will be Hannah Sue Burnett on a quick turnaround with the very talented Lukeswell bringing forward a score of 33.6.

6:41 pm ET: Next in will be Canadian pair Holly Jacks Smither and More Inspiration. Fun fact, Holly also dabbles in boxing as her second sport of choice!

6:40 pm ET: Big fan of this horse’s pleasant expression. Liz and Cooley Quicksilver will be no worse than eighth going into tomorrow’s finale with nothing added.

6:49 pm ET: A clear round for Ema and Bendigo! Next in are Liz Halliday-Sharp with Cooley Quicksilver on a score of 26.1.

6:37 pm ET: Nothing added to Blackfoot Mystery’s dressage score of 30.2 with Phillip. Next in will be Ema Klugman and Bendigo on a score of 41.8.

6:35 pm ET: Mallory Hogan and Clarissa Purisima get the biggest cheer of the day so far with a clear round! A 40.4 will be their score heading into cross country. Next in are Phillip with Boyd’s Rio’s partner, Blackfoot Mystery.

6:33 pm ET: Colleen Rutledge is thrilled with a clear round with 1.2 time aboard Covert Rights. This horse’s show jumping career has had some ups and downs, and this round should be a great boost for this pair. They’ll go forward with 29.7.

6:32 pm ET: Marilyn and “Kitty” add another clear to their resume to retain their lead heading into tomorrow’s finale.

6:31 pm ET: A great quote from Sinead: “The horses don’t mind what decision you make, as long as you make the decision.”

6:27 pm ET: One down and one second over the time allowed for a two day score of 41.9 for Lillian and LCC Barnaby. Next in will be overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. They do not have a rail in hand on their dressage score of 21.8. Will Coleman and Off the Record sit in second breathing down their necks on a 21.9.

6:26 pm ET: Another clear! Emily and Olney Uncle Sam make quick work of Chris Barnard’s track to add no penalties. We’ll now see Lillian Heard and one of my personal favorite cross country horses, LCC Barnaby.

6:24 pm ET: Yet another clear laid down by Tim Bourke and Quality Time to add nothing to their dressage of 38.3. Now in are Emily Beshear with Olney Uncle Sam who bring a score of 34.1 to the show jumping. We’ve skipped Lucienne Elms and Mistralou in the order of go.

6:23 pm ET: Like a fine wine, “William” and Hannah Sue Burnett just keep solidifying their partnership. A masterclass and a little bit of 17 year old play at the end!

6:20 pm ET: Jennie Brannigan and I Bella add another clear to the pile to remain on their dressage score of 40.1. Next in will be Hannah Sue Burnett and her veteran partner, Harbour Pilot, coming in on a 26.8.

6:18 pm ET Another clear, this one for Will and Don Dante.

6:15 pm ET: Clear inside the time for Will and Jennifer Mosing’s Pfun, who is such a nice classic jumper. Lovely! Next up are Will Coleman and Don Dante on a score of 40.8.

6:13 pm ET: Another strong clear from Liz and “Blackie” as we now move to Will Faudree and Pfun on a score of 35.0. The time allowed has been adjusted to 81 seconds (originally 83).

6:12 pm ET: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are our next pair in, on a score of 31.7.

6:11 pm ET: A masterful ride for Phillip and Luke. Sorry, Boyd, I don’t think your horse has much scope to spare…

6:09 pm ET: One down for Buck and “Sean” for an overnight score of 35.7. Next in will be Phillip Dutton filling in for Boyd Martin aboard Luke 140. This pair has a score of 28.0 forward.

6:08 pm ET: And we are getting set to get underway! Getting us started are Buck Davidson and Copper Beach, coming forward on a score of 31.7.

6:01 pm ET: Looks like we’re just wrapping up a final drag and hopefully we’ll get started soon.

Spotted: a very familiar face! Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Well, EN, it has been a hot dumpster fire minute since I’ve last done a live update for an event, and let me tell you how excited I am to be back in action. We’re getting ready to kick off the live action from MARS Great Meadow International in The Plains, VA, starting with the CCI3*-S riders in the show jumping ring at 12:20 pm ET / 9:20 am PT.

You can follow along with a Horse & Country TV+ subscription (which, as a bonus, will also be streaming action from Burgham in the UK this weekend) – click here to see the schedule and learn more. If you’re able to, I highly recommend tuning in to the livestream at some point this weekend. We have the privilege of Karen O’Connor and Sinead Maynard in the commentary booth, and there is always so much to learn from this duo simply by listening to their observations. In the meantime, or if you’re otherwise occupied, you can reference this post for the latest action. Please refresh this page periodically, as new updates will appear at the top.

A big shout-out to organizing team David O’Connor, Darrin Mollett, Max Corcoran, Steven Symansky, Karen O’Connor, Punkin Lee, and Donna Devadas for the skills it took to coordinate the sixth running of #MARSGMI. With so many event cancelations and changes in 2020, this team has had to pivot in more ways than one to accommodate the demand for a place to compete. Hats off to you, team!

Our show jumping courses this weekend are designed by Chris Barnard. We’ll be updating you on both the CCI3*S as well as the 10-horse field of the CCI3*L right here for you. Click here to catch up on the dressage report from the CCI4*S and CCI3*S. Here’s a look at the course riders will be tackling:

Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Live Scores]

5:31 pm ET: Thanks for hanging in there with us today! We’ll be back in about 20 minutes with the first half of the CCI4*S show jumping. Here is your final CCI3*L leaderboard:

5:29 pm ET: And she’s done it! A wonderful win for Sharon White and Claus 63 on a final score of 31.1!

5:23 pm ET: Fun story, I once competed against Ben Noonan. When he was about 1/3 of the size he is now, in a Starter division back home in Area IV. Now, Ben is 6’2″ and a monster of a rider and it’s been such a thrill to watch him grow and develop under the O’Connor system. Ben and Keep Kitty have one mistake for a rail down and will finish on at least third place with a 35.2. Now, will see see Sharon White and Claus 63 take home the win?

5:23 pm ET: A clear for Kimmy and Bishop – sorry to keep focusing on this jump but I mean…

5:20 pm ET: Bummer, Katherine and Carnaby lower two of the finishing triple, but a lovely round to watch overall. Next in will be Kimmy Cecere and Bishop de Selah.

5:19 pm ET: Rebecca and Fernhill Fortitude will finish their weekend on a score of 42.7 with two rails down. Next in we’ll see Katherine Brown and the 7 year old Carnaby. This pair brings forward a score of 34.2 in fourth place.

5:16 pm ET: A lovely jumping effort from Fidelius 35. One rail added to their score for a finishing score of 39.7. Karen and Sinead both agree that this is one they’d like to take a spin on. Now in the ring are Rebecca Brown and former Jenny Caras ride Fernhill Fortitude.

5:14 pm ET: A nice clear and an improvement on this horse’s record for Alex and I Spye. Next in are Charlotte Collier and Fidelius 35 on a 35.7.

5:12 pm ET: A finishing score of 63.1 with one rail down for Jorgen and Northern Quest Lady’s Man. Next up will be Alex Baugh and I Spye on a score of 39.9.

5:10 pm ET: Two rails down for Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street to finish their weekend on a 70.1. Now in the ring are Jorgen Olijslager and Northern Quest Lady’s Man.

5:08 pm ET: We’re going to stick with you here for the CCI3*L, which should be kicking off soon. We’ll see 9 horses in this field – here’s a look at standings following yesterday’s cross country:

5:01 pm ET: David O’Connor joined the commentary booth to run through the decision making process during the thunderstorm delay today. Heat and humidity played a factor – David says the organizing team wanted to prioritize getting finished as early as possible tomorrow. Therefore, the decision to run half of the CCI4*S tonight was made in an effort to get cross country started around the same time as originally scheduled. The intervals between riders will also be reduced on cross country. Many thanks to the organizers, riders, grooms, officials, and volunteers for their hard work and flexibility!

5:00 pm ET: That will do it for the CCI3*S! Here’s a look at your top 10 following cross country:

4:58 pm ET: Just the very last down for Allison and the exuberant Crystal Crescent Moon. A 36.7 for this pair to head into cross country.

4:57 pm ET: One down for Maya and Maks Mojo C for an overnight score of 37.3. Our last to see in this division will be Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon on a score of 32.7.

4:53 pm ET: Samantha Tinney and Glenbrook Cooley live a little dangerously at the vertical at 5 but kick on down for a good rider over the big, square liverpool. 12 jumping and some time for this pair for a two day score of 47.9. Next in we’ll see Maya Black and Majs Mojo C on a score of 33.3.

4:51 pm ET: Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Belongs to Teufer putter to a stop in front of an early vertical and have three rails down. Bummer, they’ll be looking for redemption tomorrow.

4:50 pm ET: One down for Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119. This will drop them down on a score of 34.9, but this was one of the loveliest and most flowing rides of the day.

4:47 pm: Sorocaima takes a couple of rubs through the treble at the end, but he and Buck turn in a clear round to remain on a 33.3. Not bad for the poor guy, who had his face kicked in not even a month ago. Cheers, Buck!

4:45 pm: A lovely clear turned in from Kurt Martin and Compromise Elsewhere who will take their dressage score of 33.7 into cross country. Next up, Buck Davidson and Sorocaima.

4:44 pm ET: And we have a new leader! Lynn and “Coolio” will take the overnight lead, rain delays be damned, adding nothing to their dressage score of 24.5.

4:40 pm ET: We now will see Lynn Symansky and her 2019 Pan American Games partner RF Cool Play, who have a chance to take the provisional lead with a clear round.

4:39 pm ET: Karen talks a lot about the shape of the horse over the fence and the importance of giving them the ability to jump correctly. A tactful ride from Anna to finish with two rails and four seconds of time.

4:38 pm ET: Next up will be Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q on a score of 36.3.

4:36 pm ET: Another veteran five-star campaigner, Spring Easy (formerly piloted by Caroline Martin) is now in with Maddie McElduff. They’re on a first day score of 38.2.

4:35 pm ET: One down for Katie and Yarrow to bring them to a two day score of 35.9. The related distances that Chris Barnard has set up has kept riders on their toes, but the time seems to be achievable without needing to go pedal to the metal.

4:33 pm ET: Next up will be Katie Lichten and Yarrow bringing forward a score of 31.9.

4:31 pm ET Emma Keahon and PS Duty Calls swim a bit through the oxer at 7. It’s tough to get going again after a lengthy break. A big jump and great recovery on the re-attempt.

4:29 pm ET: We are back underway! Gabby Dickerson and Journeyman were our first in and now we see Kimberly Steinbach and Kosmo K, who lowered one pole for a score of 43.1. As an update to the schedule, we’ll see the rest of the CCI3*S and the CCI3*L finale, followed by the first half of the CCI4*S. The remaining CCI4*S horses will show jump tomorrow morning at 7:30 am ET.

4:24 pm ET: Ok, we have an update! Great Meadow has just posted a new update on its Facebook page saying that we’ll resume show jumping at 4:30 pm ET to finish out the CCI3*S, jump the CCI3*L riders, and then see 34 of the CCI4*S horses. No word yet on the finalized schedule for tomorrow with this adjustment.

3:51 pm ET: Thanks for hanging in there with us! Here’s the most recent check on the radar. Everything on Great Meadow’s social media indicates no updates on an ETA for resuming competition.

Screenshot via Weather.com.

3:18 pm ET: An updated look at the radar:

Screenshot via Weather.com.

2:56 pm ET: Rain shots are some of my favorites:

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Morning Glory SE didn’t mind show jumping in a downpour 🌧. Erin Kanara was one of the last to go in the CCI3*-S before the weather delay. #MARSGMI

A post shared by U.S. Eventing Association (@useventing) on Aug 22, 2020 at 11:54am PDT

2:53 pm ET: Looks like we might be waiting for this next band to pass through:

Screenshot via Weather.com.

2:47 pm ET: Well… just kidding. Looks like we’re going to stick in a relay delay until further notice.

2:43 pm ET: We should be getting close to starting back up again. Our first to see after the delay will be Gabby Dickerson and Journeyman, bringing forward a score of 33.1 and currently in 16th place.

2:25 pm ET: Looks like we’ll be getting back underway at 2:45 pm ET!

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Show jumping will resume at 2:45 PM EST!

A post shared by Great Meadow International (@greatmeadowinternational) on Aug 22, 2020 at 11:18am PDT

2:15 pm ET Hats off to this commentating dream team, Karen O’Connor and Sinead Maynard!

1:58 pm ET: Let’s chat on Twitter! What’s your best advice for getting stuck in a delay while you’re in warm-up? Join the convo on this Twitter thread:

Alright EN, while we’re waiting out the lightning at #MARSGMI, let’s hear your best advice (we’re also game for awkward or embarrassing stories…) for rain delays in the warm-up! ⛈️

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) August 22, 2020

1:56 pm ET: A quick look at the lovely weather we’re having today…

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Well the cloud cover stayed, in the wrong sort of way 😭😭

A post shared by Fitness Eventing (@fitnesseventing) on Aug 22, 2020 at 10:41am PDT

1:34 pm ET: Here’s a look at the remaining Order of Go for the CCI3*S while we wait out the lightning:

1:30 pm ET Fist bumps for Calli, who had to hang on for dear life in the slop but she and Wild Affair make a great effort. They have 5 rails down and now there will be a lightning hold for the time being while we wait for the worst of this storm to pass.

1:28 pm ET: 12 jumping penalties for Calli Lipping and Wild Affair. Next in, Heather Bush and Skyfall 007 on a score of 38.4.

1:26 pm ET: A classy round from Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool. They’ll turn in the seventh clear of the day to remain on a score of 30.2. Our clear rounds today have so far come from: Bradley Champagne and Wallaroo W, Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux, Lillian Heard and Dassett Olympus, Erin Kanara and Morning Glory SE, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool, Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur, and Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket.

1:23 pm ET: I’ve always really loved Erin Kanara’s forward style of riding. Her horses seem to operate very much in front of the leg and you can always expect a nice, foward round from her rides. A clear round for Erin and Morning Glory SE for a 30.9 overnight.

1:21 pm ET The rain is really coming down now! A nice round from Alex Reed and On Broadway, with two down for an overnight score of 39.4.

1:18 pm ET: Karen O’Connor talks about the importance of finding “the root of the problem” when you have an issue, whether it be on course or at home. Don’t just rely on heavier bits; rather, spend some time seeking out the root problem. Remember: every issue is likely symptomatic of a hole or something else missing elsewhere.

1:16 pm ET: Our fourth clear from Bradley and Wallaroo W! Bradley does a wonderful job with this big, rangy horse, who has quite an unorthodox jumping style but plenty of scope to burn.

1:14 pm ET One down for Benita Strini and Superstorm Sandy for a two phase score of 36.5. A lovely rainy round! Next in, Bradley Champagne and Wallaroo W, bringing forward a score of 34.6.

1:11 pm ET Katie Lichten and Sapphire Blue B turn in a great ride in the rain. I saw one rail fall – apologies as scores have fallen a bit behind so I may not be the most accurate at the moment!

1:09 pm ET: Annie Goodwin and former Erin Kanara ride Mettraise bear the misfortune of going in right as the rain starts pelting. Three down for this pair

1:05 pm ET: The Fonz Himself shows off some quick footwork to leave this vertical rail up midway through with Mike Pendleton. They do have one down but an otherwise workmanlike round for a score of 32.9. We’re starting to get some heavier rain now.

1:04 pm ET: Nicole Aden and Truckee Bash have three down.

1:00 pm ET: Karen O’Connor points out that there were just 10 clear rounds in the 2019 running of the CCI3*S here. Will we beat that number today? We have two clear rounds so far with plenty of pairs left to give it a whirl.

12:59 pm ET: One down and a lucky rub for Tim Bourke and Quality Obsession. This gives the pair a 43.6 to take into tomorrow’s cross country.

12:57 pm ET: A single down for West coast transplants Meg Pellegrini RF Eloquence for a 36.6 two-phase score.

12:55 pm ET: One down for overnight leaders Will Coleman and Chin Tonic. This will put them on a score of 27.9. This will move Phillip and Fernhill Pick Pocket up and leave Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play in defense of the lead.

12:51 pm ET: A couple of rails midway through for Cindy Anderson-Blank and Windchase Phoenix Star will put this pair on a score of 38.7.

12:50 pm ET: Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur have a lovely round for the fourth clear of the day. This pair will be no worse than fourth going into cross country tomorrow on a score of 28.1.

How to ride a liverpool, demonstrated by Sydney Hagaman.

12:48 pm ET: Phillip wastes no time and turns in our third clear of the day.

12:46 pm ET: Daisy Trayford and Ermintrude have two down. Next in is third placed Phillip Dutton with Fernhill Pick Pocket, coming in on a score of 26.0.

12:44 pm ET: Lots of Thoroughbreds this weekend! Barrett Phillips and Whole Nine Yards have three down for a two day score of 53.7. Dana Cooke and FE Glamour have two down for a 47.2.

12:39 pm ET Skyeler shows her experience with Argyle, who wanted to take a look at some of the banners on the rail, settling in for just one rail down to finish strong.

12:37 pm ET: Lauren Sumner and Crossfire leave a few rails on the ground and will look for a redeeming cross country tomorrow. Next in we’ll see Skyeler Voss and Argyle.

12:34 pm ET Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux turn in a super round with no penalties. A great example of how to ride a forward, sensitive horse without interfering.

12:41 pm ET: Lots of Thoroughbreds to be seen this weekend! Barrett Phillips and Whole Nine Yards have three down for a two day score of 53.7.

12:32 pm ET: Lillian and Dassett Olympus turn in the first clear round of the CCI3*S! Lovely ride!

12:30 pm ET: Mike Pendleton and the very enthusiastic jumping Bonito also have two down. Now in are Lillian Heard and Dassett Olympus.

12:28 pm ET: Two down for Colleen and Confidence Game. Chris Barnard’s tough but fair courses have a great reputation for testing riders, and we’ve seen plenty of those lessons learned already today. But, this Thoroughbred stallion of Colleen’s certainly isn’t lacking in scope:

12:25 pm ET: Two down for Will and his first ride for this division. We’ll see him back on overnight leader Chin Tonic a bit later on. Next in are Colleen Rutledge and a keen looking Confidence Game.

12:23 pm ET: Just one down for Marley and LVS Dassett Charisma. They’ll take a 39.1 into tomorrow’s cross country. Next up, we have Will Coleman jumping out of order with MTF Cooley Classic. This pair brings forward a score of 34.4.

12:21 pm ET: And we are underway! Our first pair to see is Marley Stone Bourke and LVS Dassett Charisma, coming forward in 26th place on a dressage score of 35.1.

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Oh cross country phase of a three-day, how we’ve missed you! But no one missed you more than Sharon White and Claus 63. The overnight leaders after a 29.5 in the first phase, they were all business around David O’Connor’s CCI3*-L track to stay on top of the inaugural division.

“I’m thrilled with my horses. They are lovely horses. I’m always happy with them, but it’s always nice when they end up on top, so hopefully we stay there,” Sharon said.

Cruising around easily, they picked up 1.6 time penalties for a two-day score of 31.1.

“He’s such a fun horse to ride. I feel like he suits me to a t — we’re very, very similar. He’s very studious. He wants to know exactly what the plan is and he has the binder and wants to read through it 80 million times to be prepared, and I’m kind of the same way,” Sharon said. “Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t when you’re that similar to your creature.”

Sharon and Claus have no room for error tomorrow, Ben and Kitty are one tenth of a point on their heels.

“He’s a super show jumper, but that doesn’t mean it will happen tomorrow. I’m very curious, he’s only eight, so my big goal was to see how he dealt with the longer format. I’ll know a lot more about him tomorrow regardless of what happens,” she said. “He’s a super show jumper, so going forward I’ll be grateful to be sitting on this horse on a final day.”

The remainder of the leaderboard mirror’s yesterday’s results. Young Rider Benjamin Noonan and his own Keep Kitty, a 9-year-old Hanoverian (King Julio x Hauptstutbuch Emelie), remain in second place. This promising pair remain in second place after a double clear performance.

A double clear run for Kimmy Cecere and Jessica Bortner-Harris’ Bishop de Selah, an 11-year-old Zweibrucker/Thoroughbred (Begat Pfaythe x Slew Dinkum), moved them into third place after cross country. They remain on a score of 33.7.

Katherine Brown and her 7-year-old Hanoverian Carnaby, dropped to fourth with 2.4 time penalties.

The new partnership of Rebecca Brown and Fernhill Fortitude, the former ride of Jenny Caras, are sitting pretty in fifth place on a score of 34.7.

This group will show jump for their final placings beginning at 2:28 pm eastern.

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I could post an action shot, but sunrise was just TOO GOOD. #greatmeadowinternational #marsgmi

A post shared by Erin Gilmore Photography (@eringilmorephotos) on Aug 21, 2020 at 5:22pm PDT

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