Dirk Schrade Moves to Second; Tiana Coudray Shines

Dirk Schrade and King Artus moved into second at Badminton.

Dirk Schrade and King Artus were the second pair of the day to crack the 30s, scoring a 39.2 to move into second place as we head into the final group of riders to go at Badminton. The crowd began stirring from the very beginning of this test when one of the judges awarded Dirk a 10 for his halt, and the test continued to look lovely from there. King Artus is a very fluid mover and really a pleasure to watch, and Dirk definitely earned this score. But the real story of the afternoon for us Americans is Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister scoring a 43.3 to tie for equal fifth with Sam Griffiths and Happy Times. Tiana told me yesterday in our interview that Finn is incredibly fit and it was going to be a challenge to keep him settled today. But Tiana nailed it, and Finn turned on the pizzazz to really wow the crowd. Tiana looked absolutely thrilled after the test and hugged and patted Finn repeatedly as they left the arena. The video of their test is uploading slowly, but I will post it as soon as it’s ready.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister are now tied for fifth place.

We also saw a lovely test from Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas in the third group of the day; they scored a 44.2 to sit just behind Tiana in seventh place. Ingrid had some bad luck picking up the wrong lead at the canter strike off following the rein back, and the horse also swapped leads during the counter canter. Had Ingrid not had those mistakes, she likely would have come very close to cracking the 30s, so I imagine she’s very frustrated with those bobbles. But it was still a really lovely test. Zara Phillips and High Kingdom sit just behind Ingrid in eighth place on a 44.3. Aside from one bobble in the canter serpentine, this was a really lovely test for this pair. As is becoming the theme for my day, I have video of both Ingrid and Zara’s tests and will bring those to you once they upload. I think the sheer number of journalists and photographers working in the press tent has completely overwhelmed the system, making uploading difficult.

Zara Phillips and High Kingdom are sitting in eighth place.

The top placings are incredibly close going into the final group of riders; it’s going to be a fantastic finale. We’ve only had two riders crack the 30s so far, but it’s safe to say that will drastically change now. We have Mary King and Kings Temptress leading off the final group at 3:30 p.m. local time, with Kristina Cook and Miners Frolic, Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW, William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk, and Andrew Nicholson and Nereo still to come. I’m thrilled that my steward friend has promised me excellent seating for the conclusion of dressage here at Badminton, so get excited for the crazy amount of videos I’m going to bring you. I walked the course over the lunch break and caught Colleen Rutledge walking the course with Jimmy Wofford, so I’ll also be bringing you an interview with her in which she breaks down her dressage test from this morning. Go eventing.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results] 

Dressage Videos:

Video: Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister

Video: Dirk Schrade and King Artus

Video: Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas

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