It’s a busy weekend across Eventing Nation, with Plantation Field International Horse Trials taking place in the States and a large contingent of North Americans also competing in Ireland at Ballindenisk International Horse Trials. At the conclusion of dressage, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are leading the Mervue Equine Ireland CIC3* on a score of 43.2.
Liz and “Blackie” have a healthy lead over Izzy Taylor and Thistledown Popopski in second place on 47.8, followed closely by Oliver Townend and Dunbeau on 48.0. Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee continue their good form after their controversial dismissal from the Canadian World Equestrian Games squad, sitting in fourth place on 48.2. Tiana Coudray and Kinnordy Rivaldo are sitting just behind them in fifth place on 48.2.
The Johnson & Perrot Land Rover CCI3* division is small with just 19 horses, but packed with some heavy hitters. Tim Boland and GV Billy Elliot currently lead on 43.0, with Clare Abbott and Euro Prince in second on 43.8 and Oliver Townend and Skyhills Cavalier rounding out the top three on 47.6. Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino re-routed to Ballinendisk after parting ways at Blenheim last weekend and are sitting in sixth place on 49.4.
Aoife Clark and Rienroe Lucky Ranger lead the Castlemartyr Resort CIC2* on 38.1., and Kathryn also had a good day for Canada in this division, sitting in second place on 43.6 with Cooley Eclipse. Jules Stiller recently tied the knot with with Brian Cournane — congrats! — and she’s sitting in fourth place on 44.4. Jacob also has a ride in this division, sitting in 21st on 57.5 with Willunga.
Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Free Flight lead the Heineken CCI1*, with Liz and Cooley Master Courage in sixth place on 41.6. Jules also has a horse in this class, Leamore Hightale, who is in 25th place on 62.5. Stay tuned all weekend as we bring you all the news from both Plantation Field and Ballindenisk. Go Eventing.
Ballindenisk International Horse Trials: [Website] [Live Scores]