Jessica Phoenix with Pavarotti and James Atkinson with Gustav
Five North American pairs rode dressage this morning in the eventing competition at the Pan American Games and they occupy the top five places on the score board at the lunch break. Jessica Phoenix of Canada was the top of the field with a beautiful ride that scored a 43.9. Team USA occupies the next three spots with Hannah Burnett, Buck Davidson, and Lynn Symansky respectively. James Atkinson and Gustav are in 5th with a 53.7.
Pan American Leader Board at the Lunch Break:
1. Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti (CAN) 43.9
2. Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot (USA) 45.2
3. Buck Davidson and Absolute Liberty (USA) 48.9
4. Lynn Symansky and Donner (USA) 52.2
5. James Atkinson and Gustav (CAN) 53.7
6. Felipe Antonio Martinez and Navideno (CHI) 56.1
The Pan Am team scoring system is in the Olympic format with the three best scores from each country’s five riders counting. At this very early point, counting only the top two scores for each team, the USA (94.1) has a narrow lead over Canada (97.6).
The Canadians have sent a team full of international veterans to the Pan American Games. Not a single Canadian is getting to wear their pique coat for the first time this weekend whereas most of the US team is earning that right in Guadalajara. The US and Canadians have a great rivalry that is both incredibly tense and very friendly. When the riders take their job seriously but not themselves too seriously that mentality translates into a team environment where both teams can perform at their best.
As the second North American to ride this morning, James Atkinson delivered a steady test with Gustav which, much like Buck’s test, got James’ team off to a quality start. James and Gustav have taken a big step forward in their dressage by working with David over the past 10 days and James should be really proud of that performance.
Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot scored a 45.3. “William” and Hannah are accuracy specialists and they need perfect accuracy to score their best. Hannah’s score was held back from a few moments of imprecision including when William swapped leads in their medium canter. They delivered a quality test that would make anyone back in the USA happy, but we’re at the Pan American Games and not back at the USA. 45.3 isn’t enough to put them in the lead at the end of dressage, but it’s a quality mark for the US and will put William in position to move up tomorrow.
Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti were the first pair to break into the low 40’s today with a 43.9. When Pavarotti entered the arena he was the best mover that the judges had seen so far today and Jessica showed that movement off to perfection. Aside from being a little rushed in the walk, it was hard to find a flaw in their test. Pavarotti reminds me a lot of Jessie’s WEG horse Exponential. Pavarotti is a flashier mover but not as flashy of a jumper, but he has the speed for a great performance tomorrow. However, their score is beatable with a couple of bobbles in the walk work.
Lynn Symansky and Donner stepped their game up with a ride that was a great performance for Donner–calm and precise. Donner was rearing briefly in the warmup, but Lynn buckled down, got back on track and delivered a score that her team can be happy with–a 52.2.
We’re focusing a lot on the North American rivalry today, but the competition is fierce between the other teams as well. There have been some eccentric outfits to say the least, including a white military uniform, a green and yellow cross-country helmet cover with black shadbelly combo, and many more. The crowd is full of energy and loving rooting their respective countries–the flags are flying here in Guadalajara.
There are 5 more North American rides in the afternoon session. I’m feeling even more under the weather than I was this morning, so it’s going to be a long afternoon of dressage. Go eventing.
