The CIC3* dressage has just wrapped up here at Jersey Fresh, and Doug Payne and Crown Talisman find themselves atop the leaderboard after scoring a 42.0. Tali, as we know, is a wonderful dressage horse who is more than capable of being competitive on the flat. The pair had a minor bobble in the first canter serpentine, where Doug said he felt he softened a bit too much, allowing Tali to change leads. Aside from that, though, the judges were impressed and awarded Tali the winning score. Check out the video before for Doug’s thoughts on today; he feels great about this weekend being a prep for his trip to the CCI3* at Saumur next month.
Phillip Dutton is riding Shamwari 4 for Boyd this weekend and, true to Dutton form, piloted Shammie into second place on a 43.4. Shamwari certainly looks every bit the top horse that he is, and his test was truly professional and polished. While Boyd is certainly disappointed that he wasn’t back in top form in time to ride Shammie himself, who better to trust than Phillip to get your horse around?
Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti came out swinging with a lovely test. Pavarotti looks to be in tip-top shape and Jessie did a great job of riding a forward and accurate test to come into fifth place on a 49.6.
Lynn Symansky and Donner, the Flying Deer, also came to play today. When I saw Donner at Rolex, he hadn’t quite figured out that he was only there for the dressage and I’m sure he wasn’t too happy when he figured out he wouldn’t be attacking the cross country that weekend. Never fear though, Donner, your time has come this weekend! Lynn and Donner scored a 50.0 to take sixth place going into the next two phases.
Erin Sylvester was the last to go today, and she and Bucky once again showed their improvement in this phase, earning a 50.6 to go into seventh places. This pair will certainly be riding with a vengeance this weekend, and it’s great to see them competing here after a scary fall at Rolex left them no worse for the wear.
Katy Groesbeck, a recent West Coast transplant, also put in a solid effort with Oz the Tin Man, scoring 52.0 for eighth place. I last saw Katy in Texas at the American Eventing Championships, and I know she and Wort are more than capable of putting in a great dressage score. While Katy said that she hasn’t had the most shining of records since she moved East, she and Wort are still learning and putting the pieces together as they experience many new events together. I’m fully confident that this pair will remain in contention throughout the jumping phases.
Jimmie Schramm was thrilled to have had a great showing with Bellamy today, with the judges giving them a 54.4 to go into ninth place overnight. Jimmie has had a less than ideal spring prep with Bellamy, but these two are more than ready to break out and compete this weekend. Dom and Jimmie have a great support system between the two of them, and Dom made sure everyone could hear his support after Jimmie did her final salute today.
Our top 10 is rounded out by Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star, who rode a relaxed test to score a 54.8. This pair is another that re-routed after an early end to their Rolex trip, and Caitlin will likely be using this weekend to get a positive experience for Hoku in preparation for the rest of the season.
I’m about to head out to grab some photos from the CCI3* cross country course, so check back soon for a course preview. In the meantime, here are some ride videos and interviews to keep you entertained.
Also, a quick shout-out to Silva Martin, who is here supporting Boyd and coaching a few students before their dressage tests. Silva looks great, and it’s a delight to see her out and about again.
While I’m here, I must give a big shout-out to the organizers and officials here at the Horse Park of New Jersey. Everything is running smoothly, and I am happy as a clam with quick Wi-Fi and hot food. Go Jersey.
[Update]: I spoke with Ronald Zabala-Goetschel for a few minutes today. Ron withdrew both of his mounts, Wise Master Rose and Mr. Wiseguy, from competition this weekend. Unfortunately, Ron has been battling the after effects of a head injury, and has found that riding is still quite difficult for him.
While he wanted to qualify for WEG this year representing Ecuador, he has decided to take more time off and focus on his breeding program while he continues to heal. The prognosis is positive, but he still needs more time. “I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to my horses,” Ron said today. “Keeping them safe is my biggest priority.” Mr. Wiseguy also had a scary bout of colic last night, so that was the major contributing factor to Ron withdrawing the horse today. Best wishes to Ron and his continued recovery!
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Doug Payne & Crown Talisman:
Doug Payne Post-Dressage Interview:
Phillip Dutton & Shamwari 4:
Lynn Symansky & Donner:
Lynn Symansky Post-Dressage Interview:
Boyd Martin Post-Dressage Interview:
Dom and Jimmie Schramm Post-Dressage Interview:
Katy Groesbeck Post-Dressage Interview: