Shannon Baker and Cordonelli rode an accurate test in the CIC2*
Good morning and welcome to Red Hills 2012! With high cloud cover, high humidity, and warm temperatures, this just feels like Florida. Friday morning featured CIC2*, CIC* and Open Preliminary action at Red Hills.
The CIC2* is filled with familiar pairs including the always excellent Kadi Eyekamp and Double Rivers Really Cool. The Australian pair put together a lovely test that featured excellent rhythm to take the lead from Alexa Kim Perkiel. We are just midway through the CIC2* division but Kadi’s score of 43.9 is going to be a challenge to beat. My only criticism of their test was that Double Rivers Really Cool was slightly behind the vertical at times.
Young rider Rowdie Adams is definitely a name to keep an eye on as she rises through the ranks. Her ride with No Money Down was held back by a big spook at an RV driving down the dirt road at about 45 miles per hour right before they entered the arena which spoiled an excellent warm up by their coach David O’Connor. Rowdie got things settled down and, although she might have been trying a bit too hard riding through the movements, that’s exactly what I think we want to see from a developing young rider.
Lesley Grant-Law took advantage of some EN guest writer karma and is tied for the lead in the Open Prelim B division with Stephanie Baer and Zohar with a few riders still left to compete in that division. Doug Payne is in third after a nice test with Kilamanjaro, in this horse’s second prelim.
Doug and Kilamanjaro
Scores are still coming in as the CIC2* and CIC* divisions are wrapping up. The CIC3* starts at 10:45 ET. The environment at Red Hills is calm today, which is to the advantage of the younger horses and newer partnerships. Look out for names like Arthur, Hanni, William Penn, Mystery Whisper, and Mr. Medicott as dressage day at Red Hills rolls on. Go eventing.
