Poplar Advanced show-jumping photos

Hawley Bennett-Awad, who was the eventual winner of Advanced Section B on Gin’n’Juice, was first into the arena Sunday Morning on the full brother to her fabulous mare, 5 O’Clock Somewhere, fondly known as Chunky. They had a rail down to finish a respectable 10th. 

Alex Green pulled two rails with Fernhill Cubalawn but still ended up 4th place

Michelle Mueller and Amistad had the overnight lead, but let Leslie Law moved into the winner’s spot when they had one down, to finish second. 

Bill Hoos was still chatting away today whilst he was riding; I’m not sure if he was talking to the judges or himself, but if that’s what he needs to do to get his blood up it must be working – they knocked down just one unlucky rail, added a time fault and finished 8th.

Darren Chiacchia had one of the rare clear rounds on Amendment 15

Diana Burnett on Diamond Cut III rode one of the prettiest rounds all day, for just one down and 7th place.

[Click below for many more photos from Poplar]

Not a very happy round for Maggie Deatrick and Divine Comedy, a handful of jumps down and eventual 11th place.  Maggie’s was one of only a few horses today who looked to be feeling the exertions from the day before a bit. 

Madeline Blackman and Gordonstown, 10th

Hannah Sue Burnett jumped a beautiful round, so well-ridden and must have been desperately annoyed to have the last fence down. They finished second to Hawley by a point and change. 

Heather Gillette and Our Questionnaire, getting all their ducks in a row for a Rolex bid – jumping clear both days to move up and finish 6th overall. 

Imogen de lavis and Rock Point Road put a fall at Red Hills behind them, jumping clear cross country but three down dropped them a place to 7th.

Jeff Kibbie and Lokie just had one rail in this their first advanced to finish 3rd

Jess Phoenix managed to jump a couple of fences on Exponential before it dawned on everyone that she’d missed the first one! She’s in good company though, only yesterday at Burgham Horse Trials in UK Ian Stark apparently jumped the wrong first fence (thanks to John Kyle, you can now follow him on twitter, highly recommended, for the tip)  and there have been plenty of other similar stories at much bigger events with much more at stake. I saw Jessie quite soon after and she still seemed a bit sheepish, but true to character by the time I saw her on the next horse she was back to her bright, sunny self; she saw my son Harry who’s a few years older than her son Jacob climbing up the manure pile, in his flip-flops, saw me grimace but shrug, and laughed and told me she supposes that’s what she has to look forward to!  I was glad to see she won the CIC* after I left so not a bad day at the office at all. 

Kelly List and Smarty Pants finished 7th

Kentucky gal Lindsey Solarzano on Enchantez, 13th

Kentucky gal Elissa Gibbs jumping clear but with one time fault for 12th place

Missy Ransehousen and Critical Decision, another combination checking all the boxes in the run-up to Rolex. One rail down to add to a steady clear cross country and the best dressage in their division leave them in 9th place.

Shandiss Wewiora and the big, lovely Rockfield Grant Juan finish 6th

Royal Ruckus never looked in danger of touching a jump for Erin Flynn Tamplin, clear round for eventual 14th pl

ace. 

Tessa Beckett’s round on Sound Prospect was actually a lot nicer than the score suggests, she turned away from the first part of the double to circle and come again, but otherwise was just unlucky to have a couple of rails too, and as you can see above, this little OTTB has quite a jump in him! 

It was wonderful to see Steph Rhodes-Bosch back in great form on her trusty campaigner Port Authority.  It also looked as if “Ollie” was also thrilled to be back at a party, he got a bit strong towards the end and had a couple down but looks fabulous- I think Steph is going to have her work cut out for her holding onto him cross country!

Although Rock on Rose rattled quite a few rails, she and Whitney are looking great together – Whitney clearly adores her, and “Lusty” laps it up and tries her heart out, it’s been really nice to watch these two develop their partnership since I first met them in Montana last summer, and I they continue to enjoy good luck and success.  

Apology: I can’t imagine who or what I was thinking of but sincere apologies to Alexa Kim Perkiel. Thank you for correcting me, she did have a fall last time out at Red Hills, but I’m glad to say it seems to have had no lingering consequences as they won the CIC** at Poplar this weekend. Congratulations and apologies to Alexa Kim, and Go Eventing!