Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Omina Lead CIC1*-A at Plantation Field

Warm up before the first bell in dressage. Photo by David Taylor. Warm up before the first bell in dressage. Photo by David Taylor.

The CIC 1* Division A wrapped up this afternoon at Plantation Field International Horse Trials with only a few things changing in the field toward the end of the day. Elizabeth Bortuzzo put in an accurate, polished test to finish in the number 1 spot after dressage with a 39.7 on her own Omina. Elizabeth and Omina, a 2006 Polish Warmblood mare, haven’t had the summer season she hoped for, but she said she’s hoping to turn that around at Plantation.

“After dealing with an abscess after the Horse Park of NJ, we were sidelined until Loudoun. We were on the wait list with plans to go to Morven Park instead, when I got the email on Tuesday informing me Omina and I got a spot, so this worked out for us pretty well.” Elizabeth said. “Today was the first time I have ridden this test, and all things considered it went well.”

Elizabeth Bortuzzo, Omina, and Chinch hanging in the barns after dressage. Photo by David Taylor

Elizabeth Bortuzzo, Omina, and Chinch hanging in the barns after dressage. Photo by David Taylor.

The 1*-A was showing in Ring 1, which is situated closest to vendor village that surrounds the main arena. With several saddle companies and many other vendors, this event has the true feel of an international event. “There is a lot to look at in the main arena, and I felt I could have had a little bit better ride, but I am very pleased with Omina after the dressage,” Elizabeth said after the dressage.

Kristen Bond received a 42.4 for her test, which has her hanging in second place after this first phase on Liz Bond’s Enough Already, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Having ridden third in the class, she put in a very nice test that kept the pair sitting at the top all day long. The two seemed not to be phased by any of the activity as vendors and spectators got settled in for the day.

Kristen Bond and Enough Already in the Plantation Fields CIC1*-A. Photo by David Taylor

Kristen Bond and Enough Already in the Plantation Fields CIC1*-A. Photo by David Taylor.

“The horses have a tendency to be fiery, especially on top of a hill, but this year they all seem to be super quiet and settled,” Kristen said. “I didn’t pre-ride, and warmed up as I normally do. Enough Already is a superstar horse that has loads to give.” When asked about the course for Saturday, Kristen said, “The course looks really goo,d but I will be taking a closer look at it tomorrow. Plantation is such a great event that we are lucky to have so close to home.”

There is a three-way tie for third place between Ryan Wood, Kelly Prather and Erika Nesler; all three riders put in a solid test earlier in the day that has them sitting on a 44.7.

Ryan’s mount Ruby, a 6-year-old Oldenburg mare, is owned by Summit Sport Horses and was bred by Ilona English.”This is her first FEI event and she could not have been better. She’s a very obedient and rideable horse that has good flash about her,” Ryan said. “Ruby thrived on the atmosphere a bit and got good energy from it. I brought her by yesterday for ring familiarization and had a 15-minute pre-ride this morning just to get her where she needed to be.”

Ryan Wood on Ruby at Plantation Fields CIC1*-A. Photo by David Taylor

Ryan Wood on Ruby at Plantation Fields CIC1*-A. Photo by David Taylor.

With the theme for Plantation Field International being “Down Under In the Aussie Outback,” Ryan is especially hopeful that he can clinch the win for Australia this weekend.

Stay tuned for even more from the Best. Event. Ever. Tomorrow we continue with the CIC One-Star division B starting at 10:51 a.m. EST. Go Plantation Field. Go Eventing

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Leader Board after dressage

Leaderboard after dressage