Cruise Lion was energetic in the warmup but calmed down for a beautiful test with Bruce
(1) The wind picked up this afternoon at Fair Hill and the riders had to work hard to keep their horses focused with flags, tents, and leaves blowing around. Quite a few riders left the arena shaking their head and commenting on what their test might have been if their horses had been a little more relaxed. A few top hats blew off in the warm up today and even one in the middle of a CCI2* test.
Link: Fair Hill dressage results
1. Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone 46.6
2. Hannah Burnett and St. Barths 49.4
3. Molly Rosin and Havarah’s Charly 51.8
4. Kelli Temple and Axel Rose 52.2
5. Phillip and Fernhill Eagle 53.0
6. Imtiaz Anees and Interwin 53.8
7. Karen O’Connor and Quintus 54 54.2
8. Bruce Davidson and Cruise Lion 55.0
(2) Nate Chambers and “Roly” are no stranger to first place after the dressage and they had an excellent dressage test today. Interestingly enough, Nate mentioned in the press conference that he had not walked his XC course yet–he said that he likes to take it one phase at a time and will get three walks in before his ride on Saturday. Nate and Roly have been double clear on the XC at each of their events this year.
(3) Here is a montage of leading dressage tests including Nate, Hanna, Molly, and several others. I tried using a tripod for the first time with some success and the specific clips I used were just based on the order of go rather than any particular judgment on the clips.
(4) Hannah Burnett and “Nike” are in second place following the dressage. Hannah and Nike won the CCI2* at Fair Hill last year and they look to be in great position for a repeat win this year. The weekend will likely come down to the show jumping for both Hannah and Nate.
(5) Third placed Molly Rosin and Havarah’s Charity had a tense moment when the judge from C came out to chat with them after the test. The pair received an error for circling the arena with their dressage whip. Molly dropped the whip before she entered the arena but even having the whip around the arena is a penalty under FEI rules.
Quintus 54 showed his incredible potential with beautiful movement in the trot and especially the canter
Quintus 54 scored a 54.2 and is in 7th place–get it…Quintus 54…54.2…nevermind.
(6) The crowd grew this afternoon around the dressage and the trade fair. One of the things I admire about Fair Hill is how well they work with the local community to get so many great volunteers and spectators. With a great trade fair and activities such as dog agility, Fair Hill is terrific at creating entertainment for spectators beyond the horses.
The wind even blew over part of the arena during one CCI2* test–volunteers quickly righted it
(7) Boyd Martin will be defending his CCI3* win at Fair Hill last year aboard Neville Bardos. Boyd is catch riding Armani IV for Erin Sylvester, who is second in the CCI2* aboard No Boundaries. Erin said that she has Boyd riding Armani to give the horse a more experienced ride this weekend.
(8) Sarah Cousins rode in her helmet aboard Westerly in the CCI2*
(9) None of the Friday riders broke into the top three of the CCI2*. Clark Montgomery has two horses in the top five, Erin Sylvester is in second with No Boundaries, Sharon White is third with Russian Roulette. The highest placed Friday rider is Mara Dean in fourth with Fun Maker on a 49.2.
I will have much more from Fair Hill later this eventing and until then go eventing.
