Moving steadily up the ranks, and lying fourth after a quick clear round cross country, local girl Jennifer O’Neill represented Team Antebellum on That’ll Do.
The weather has been perfect for autumn eventing – cool and crisp with intermittent sunshine; I’m sure the jump judges might have appreciated it a few degrees warmer, and for the wind to have dropped but for the horses tackling the CCI* and long format at Prelim and Training level later today it’s pretty ideal. The preliminary course was considerably softer than the CCI* course, as it should be, and from what I saw, rode well for the most part, and was ridden well.
Jennifer’s team mate, and galloping vet, Dr Chris Newton on Antebellum Jewel
Diana Rich won Open Prelim A after a clear round cross country, just ahead of Andrea Glazer (above) and Detail Specialist in 2nd place. Dressage leader Park Avenue ground to a halt in front of the house in the 2nd water in the infield. All scores are available here. Both Andrea and her team mate Lauren Lambert, who won Open Prelim B from wire to wire, were stopped and held on course and handled it like absolute pros, and it struck me once again what invaluable experience all these riders are gaining across the board here at the Midsouth Team Challenge.
Pam Kimmel moves into 5th place in Open Prelim A; I had the pleasure of a day’s hunting last year on one of her former eventers and it was honestly one of the best rides I can remember.
Katie Hensley gave Boot Scoot N’Boogie a super ride clear inside the time to slot into sixth place in Open Prelim A. A quick shout-out to Dan Kreitl and Spartagon who absolutely stormed round clear inside the time, making little of the course and eluded me and my camera!
Gina Moore and Appalachian Trail
Alexandra Kalinich and Ariel
Susan Clagg and Blessed Event
Brigid Williams and Bourbon Tee
Caitlin Henderson and Creative Dreamer
Megan Cleary and Feeling Sinister
Margie Darling and Fine With Me
Kari Briggs and Lawman
Elizabeth Foos and Penfold Park
Siobhain O’Connor and Scout
Karen Chandell and Stilt Walker. They fell later on course, near the end, although I believe both horse and rider are fine and Karen got up after being checked by the medics. Theirs was the only hold on course during the prelim.
Erin Kowalewski and Twizzler
Last to go for the Prelim Divisions was Carrie Mulks and Voodoo Magic, clear inside the time and into 7th place. The Team Competition was won by the Future Olympians which was made up of Lauren Lambert, Andrea Glazer, Megan Cleary and Sydney Hagaman. Congratulations to all the competitors. Huge thanks to all the volunteers, organisers, jump judges, mothers and grooms. Prelim competitors get to go home but CCI and long format have to show-jump tomorrow. More reports from the Horse Park to come, Go Eventing!
