The Ocala Winter Dressage Show at The Florida Horse Park this past weekend may have been a somewhat low-key affair, especially in comparison to some of the more glitzy shows taking place a few hours south in Wellington during the Season, but it had it’s fair share of high-profile competitors from the Eventing world, including quite a few comebacks.
Clark Montgomery on his wife Jess’ horse, Universe, their first outing since last May
What a treat to see Jan Byny on the lovely Syd Kent, their first outing together in nearly two years. Jan brought three horses over from Aiken for the show, all superbly turned out, and looking fantastic, and unfortunately I was unable to chat with her for too long because she was riding, but we will bring you more from her soon.
Silva on the 2011 USEF HOTY! Photo used with kind permission of Dr. Betty Kjellestrom at KER.com
Silva on a chestnut with a white face – actually not the USEF HOTY, but one of her dressage rides!
Boyd and Silva Martin were also over from Aiken, of course; Silva was schooling the newly crowned 2011 USEF Horse of the Year Neville Bardos for her husband, and although I missed the test, I hear there were a few “airs above the ground” in the warm-up, but Boyd explained that they’re actually working on getting a little more movement out of Neville, and that’s all to be expected! Silva also had some pure dressage rides which was heaven to watch idly while listening to Boyd and Francis Whitttington discussing four star horses, how they choose them – (Francis goes on heart and feel, Boyd might be slightly swayed by breeding), courses – (Boyd has ridden Burghley,- “you need a gladiator to get round that course” Adelaide – “twisty, turny but flat”, Lexington – “probably the most forgiving of all the four stars I’ve ridden”, and Pau; Francis has ridden Badminton, Burghley, Pau and Luhmuhlen) and how different they all are, which is why it’s so hard to describe the perfect event horse. Talking about Burghley where they both jumped clear cross country rounds last year, Boyd complimented Francis on his ride on Sir Percival, especially his economical lines, and Francis told him he learnt his jumping from current GB show-jumping trainer Rob Hoekstra, and then studied race-car drivers to perfect the art of saving time.
Another big horse making a comeback was Critical Decision – how Missy Ransehousen found the time to ride him in between her coaching duties with three para riders all competing as well I’m not sure, but she is verging on Superwoman, so perhaps that explains it. Sadly she didn’t have time to talk to us, but promised to catch up with us later in the week at Longwood. Happily, we did catch up with her student, Becca Hart, who has very exciting news.
Becca Hart on the ex-Karen O’Connor four star ride Hugh Knows
Nina Ligon was using the show to put some practice in on her big horses in a no-pressure atmosphere and caught up with us briefly at the end of the day.
Also using the show for some dressage practice were those famous ears – Henny, aka HJ Hampton and Peter Atkins. Sunday was the second day, and Peter did two tests each day, and told me Henny was really improving; after his first test he used to be ready for the jumping, but now he’s beginning to settle and listen at the dressage shows, and he’s hoping the work here will pay off at the events.
It was great to be out at a competition again, and in the sunshine, and in such great company. I’m looking forward to a busy few days down here with the clinic on wednesday and thursday, but before then don’t forget the live blog on tuesday at 6pm right here on Eventing Nation with Francis Whittington and Jon Holling. 2012 is well and truly underway, Go Eventing!
