Olivia Loiacono and Subway looked great through the double corners
Clark Montgomery picked up a few provisional time penalties and Jennie Brannigan took advantage of it with a beautiful double-clear to take the lead in the CIC3* at The Fork going into the show jumping. This was Loughan Glen’s first CIC3* and Clark should be extremely proud of his young horse. Clark understands that this horse has a big future ahead of him and they had an excellent steady ride. The scores are still being updated on the scoring page, but provisionally Brian announced Jennie in first, Clark in second, and Karen and Sinead tied for third.
–I have certainly been critical of courses designed by Mark Phillip in the past, but I have to say that Mark’s CIC3* course could not have ridden any better. There were a few scattered issues and light falls in the CIC3* division, but most of the horses had a great confidence building round before their spring three-day and just the right amount of horses made the time. Let’s hope the course is just as confidence building for the advanced horses.
–Karl Slezak fell from Kachemak Bay early on the course and his horse ran into the woods and back to the sunken road in the back of the property. The horse was eventually led back to the barn and both were fine.
–Lainey and Sinead partnered with Brian for the announcing via PRO and I have to say they did a great job. Sinead was joking when Karen was on course and yelled ‘slow dowwwwnn’ because they were tied after the dressage and Sinead had already been double-clear. Karen didn’t listen and was the 8th across the wire under the time, 4 seconds faster than Sinead.
–Rebecca Howard had a fantastic bold ride for the home team. Carl Bouckaert of Belgium looked great on Cyrano Z, as his home farm of Chattahoochee Hills is simultaneously hosting an event this weekend. Carl’s daughter and son-in-law, Michael and Nathalie Pollard are also competing here this weekend.
The temperature is falling, the wind is picking up, and rain is in the air as the advanced division gets underway. Here’s to more great riding and go eventing.
