Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive Lead Jersey Fresh CCI3*

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It was virtually Badminton 2.0 here at Jersey Fresh, with only half of the starters completing the course when all was said and done. The fortunate part about the morning was that the weather cleared up and we’ve had some wonderful sun and warmth to ensure the footing stayed stable.

Maddy Mazzola and Mojito. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The course started off fairly well, with very few issues popping up. As the division progressed, problems began to crop up, particularly at both water questions (fences 8 and 15AB), as well as fence 6, which was an combination involving a jump over the left side of a coop that was very inviting for runouts.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beech. Photo by Sally Spickard.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, overnight leaders Michael Pollard and Ballingowan Pizazz elected to retire at the top of the big hill. The announcer indicated that it looked like Mango had run out of steam, so Michael likely made a horseman’s decision and decided to regroup and try again next time. Michael said that Mango’s fitness was the question mark this weekend, and now he knows what to work on going forward. The good news is that Michael was thrilled with how Mango jumped and handled the course overall, and they certainly looked confident through the water when I saw them. Michael was very excited to get Mango out on a CCI track, so I’m sure he is gutted, but they will be back to fight another day.

Buck Davidson and The Apprentice. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Buck Davidson had an up and down day, bringing home both Copper Beech and The Apprentice home with just a bit of time to take second and third going into show jumping tomorrow. Mar de Amor had a runout at fence 6, where Buck decided to call it a day. He also picked up two stops with Petite Flower, although he had one of the best rides through the first water that I’d seen all day with the mare. I did speak with Buck after his rides, and he said that he felt that it was best he save Dinero for another day after his runout. He was also pleased with Flower, and feels the most confident about her show jumping tomorrow. Check out Buck’s interview below for more thoughts on the day.

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The corner at fence 8A, the first Jersey Shore water question, also rode quite rough all day. The water in the complex is quite deep, and it appeared that many horses lost a good amount of impulsion on the approach, causing them to really have to reach for the corner. Maddy Mazzola and Mojito and Buck Davidson with Petite Flower were my favorite rides through this element today, really giving their horses a forward, positive ride to make quick work of the corner.

Emilee Libby and Nonsensical. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Three pairs turned in double clear rounds: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive, Sharon White and Under Suspection, and Emilee Libby and Nonsensical. Phillip had a really great run with Fernhill Fugitive today, with the horse looking very in front of the leg and rideable as they made the tricky course look easy, easily moving up from sixth after dressage to first going into show jumping.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Emilee Libby and “Nonnie” had a rocking good round through the water questions, where I was camped out. Emilee had a huge grin on her face after clearing 15AB with ease, and even with taking the long route at 14 they still came in well under the time.

Sharon White will be absolutely thrilled with Under Suspection, as this was the mare’s first attempt at a CCI3*, making it look like child’s play. Sharon’s fans and supporters were out in full force today, and she got some of the loudest cheers all day.

Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The water complex claimed several victims today. Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek had a scary fall at 14A, and Lizzie was a bit slow to get up but she appeared to be ok, as did Coal Creek. Bobby Meyerhoff also fell from Utah B at the corner at 8A, and while both horse and rider were quite wet they both were up and walked home just fine. Holly Payne fell from Never Outfoxed, and Over Easy jumped over the highest part of the brush at 14B and fell into the water, taking Barbara Crabo with her.

Gina Miles and Jessica Phoenix both retired at the water after picking up refusals – again, the depth of the water may have had some impact on impulsion, and the brushes coming back into the water also proved difficult to get over.

I’ve got lots of video and plenty of photos to fill this post with, so keep checking back. I will have this post completed with all of the media once the CIC3* completes, as well as a report on the CCI2* and CIC3*.

Go Jersey.