Allison Springer and Arthur Own the Friday Afternoon Dressage Open Thread

Links: Live ScoresScheduleRide TimesUSEF NetworkGuide to RolexContests

Check back tomorrow for a new open thread for cross-country. All .gifs are courtesy of the USEF Network. All score reports are provisional, so be sure to click on the above link to the scoreboard for official scores.

 

phillip4gif
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice – Phillip and “Happy” showed how much their partnership has developed over the past few years. A 51.8 gives Phillip 3 horses in the top 20 going into XC.

 

allison5gif
Oh yeah! Your new Rolex leaders.

allison4gif
Allison Springer and Arthur – Karen O’Connor said it best: “That. Was. Awesome.” The crowd roared in support of Allison Springer and Arthur as they scored 39.5 to take the lead with just a few rides left. I have seen Arthur move with a bit more expression than he did today, but that expression usually came with a bit too much spookiness. On an afternoon when horse after horse has lost their concentration, Allison and Arthur showed their veteran partnership and stayed together throughout the test. The comeback stories roll on here in Kentucky. Go Arthur!

allison6gif
What did Allison’s cheering section think?


sharon1gif
Sharon White and Wundermaske – The atmosphere of late Friday afternoon dressage in the Kentucky Horse Park arena claimed another pair. Sharon worked so hard to calm Wundermaske, but the horse stayed spooky throughout the test – and on the way out, shown above scattering the cameraman. It’s so fantastic to see Sharon here this weekend with two lovely horses. Sharon is a fan favorite for good reason, and all of us here at EN will be cheering her on tomorrow.

 


William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero (GBR) – Leave it to WFP to show up on Friday afternoon and show everyone what true relaxation, impulsion, and accuracy look like. The stingy Rolex Ground Jury found their 8’s on the scoring pad and gave William 44.0 to put him into 1st place with several rides left to go.

 

peter4gif
Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott (CAN) – “Eddie” is my unabashed favorite horse in the field. This pair encountered the tough scoring that all pairs have felt from the Ground Jury this week. However, ask Karen noted on the USEF Network broadcast, the key is to look at where your test finishes as a percentage of the field beaten. Peter and Eddie will head into the XC with a 63.5.

 

 

jennie
Yes, just yes.

 

Think the riders are worried about the technicality of Derek Di Grazia’s course? Look at what they are schooling this afternoon at the Horse Park. Jon Holling and Zatopek.

 


Jennifer McFall and High Times – This up and coming west coast pair had everyone in the Kentucky Horse Park grand stands riding along with them. High Times showed incredible athleticism with every movement, but Jen just couldn’t package him in this atmosphere. After a bit more experience, this pair is going to be extremely powerful in the dressage. Can’t wait to watch them jump over the weekend.

 


Now THIS is how you salute after your dressage at Rolex. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High of Canada worked well together to finish with a 56.6.

 

What does the “Silver Fox” think about his chances agains the Rolex field this weekend?


Andrew Nicholson and Avebury (NZL) – The joke all week has been that this all-lady Rolex Ground Jury didn’t have a chance against Andrew “The Silver Fox” Nicholson’s charms. Andrew’s score improved and improved throughout the test and he finished right in the thick of things with 51.7.

 


Mark Todd and Oloa (NZL) – Oloa was overwhelmed by the atmosphere around the Kentucky Horse Park grandstands today and just never settled for Sir Mark Todd. Mark stayed as quiet as possible with his body, but they finished on 61.5. Mark now has a decision to make about whether to take this horse around Rolex on that score or re-route to another three-day with the hopes of having a better dressage test. Oloa shown in the walk out of the arena above.

 


Caitlin Silliman and “Hoku” left a few points in the arena with a 59.7. The crowd will be cheering this comeback pair all the way around tomorrow.

 

 

I want to give the entire USEF Network crew a huge shout-out. John Kyle and Karen have done a fabulous job commenting throughout the dressage. John will be joined by Liz Halliday in the first section of the afternoon session.

 

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments