The top 4 of the morning leaders at the CCI3* maintained their top position after the 11 afternoon rides, meaning that Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan lead Gina Fiore and Feral Errol by just under a point going into the XC. In the afternoon, first time CCI3* pair Molly Rosin and Havara’s Charly jumped into the 5th spot. Jessica Phoenix and Rebecca Howard of Canada both had great rides and are sitting in the top 10.
Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master are 9th after the dressage
1. Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan – 43.4
2. Gina Fiore and Feral Errol – 44.2
3. Will Colemand and Nevada Bay – 46.6
4. Heidi White and Northern Spy – 48.0
5. Molly Rosin and Havarah’s Charly – 51.6
6. Mikki Kuchta and Balmoral Tim Tram – 53.0
7. John Williams and Sweepea Dean – 54.2
8. Jessica Phoenix and Exploring – 54.4
9. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master – 54.6
10. Bruce Davidson and Cruise Lion – 55.4
Link: Full CCI3* dressage leaderboard, or try this link
(1) Bromont is a story of redemption for several of the top-10 placed riders. If you have been following Eventing Nation, you already know what we mean. This is Will Coleman’s first three-day after recovering from the broken collar bone at The Fork. Nevada Bay definitely raised some eyebrows with three great gaits.
Rebecca Howard delivered a great ride with Riddle Master, and it’s great to see her back at a three-day after healing from the fall at Pine Top. David helped keep Rebecca’s horses in work while she recovered and so we need to give some credit for Riddle Master’s beautiful test to the Canadian coach.
Jessica Phoenix was on vacation for more joyous reasons–she gave birth to a baby boy earlier this spring. It’s super to see these three great riders back at the top of their game. Jessica and Rebecca have extra pressure this weekend as they ride for a spot on the Canadian team.
As an aside, Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (23rd in the CCI3* on Che Kairo) is also returning after a fall at The Fork. Expect to see Ronald in Kentucky riding for Ecuador.
(2) Kim Severson’s weekend got off to a great start with a very accurate test. After trotting away from the first halt, “Paddy” broke to the canter due to a strange guest in the judge’s box, but the rest of the test was extremely accurate. It’s no surprise to see Kim in the lead tonight, and, as one of the toughest competitors in the field, it’s going to be a challenge for anyone to take the lead from her and Paddy.
(3) I asked young Nicholas for his opinion on the dressage today and he said “Booyah!” This appears to be the word of the day because as I was videoing Jessica’s first ride (on Exponential), Nicholas was playing on his Nintendo DS next to me. Right when Jessica made her final salute Nicholas won his game and yelled “Booyah!” The timing was perfect. Exponential (sitting 12th) may have lost to Exploring in the dressage, but Exponential is an absolutely amazing jumper. The horse has nearly perfect form in the air and he has absolute rocket boosters in his legs.
(4) The main difference between the good scoring tests and the great scoring tests today was accuracy. The top 5 riders did most of the little things correctly and those little things added up to a big advantage in the final score. It’s more fun to work on the gaits at home rather than spending time in the arena practicing movements, but now more than ever one accurate transition can be the difference between being the winner or the first loser.
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Training Level Results:
1. Heidi White and Valentine – 43.9
2. Suzanne Stevenson and Central Park – 45.9
2. Pascale Tremblay-Wagner and Edward – 45.9
4. Jordan McDonald and Apple Cider – 47.1
5. Mathieu Mardon and Will’o Way – 47.8
6. Nidel Charfi and Rosario – 48.2
7. Philippa Hambly and Mastermind – 48.6
8. Ian Roberts and Viper – 49.9
9. Stephanie Hodge and Pen Pal – 50.4
10. Daria Ivandaeva and Authorytet – 50.8
