I don’t know about you guys, but I feel like an emotional wreck after today’s dressage. So much pressure! Such tight margins! Such extraordinary moments of joy and crushing disappointments! How on earth am I going to make it through cross-country without crying or widdling myself?! Let’s not let this moment pass us by though ā it’s time to relive today’s action through the collective eyes of fans, participants, and supporters both at Kentucky and further afield.
First up to bat, William Fox-Pitt dished out some words of wisdom about his test with Oratorio yesterday:
And everyone relived yesterday’s action in anticipation of today’s:
Another jam-packed session of CCI4*-S dressage started the day, and once again, Tamie Smith was on fire:
Trakehners abounded throughout the day:
Colleen Loach and Vermont took second place overnight in the four-star:
Tamie Smith chatted to reporters after taking the four-star lead with En Vogue:
Fans of all ages watched along from home:
Marilyn’s test yesterday put a remarkable streak on the books:
When in Kentucky, amiright?
Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride chatted to press after impressing in her CCI5* debut:
Even the cats got involved:
Aussies made a good showing in the sandpit today:
While some fans made the most of being stuck at home and hosted their own version of proceedings:
Caroline Martin showed off her impressively soft hands:
While the stands looked like a game of Guess Who:
Our own Ema Klugman fulfilled a lifelong dream with her heart horse, Bendigo:
While Anna Siemer and FRH Butt’s Avondale made the most of the long trip over from Germany, performing better than expected to slip into the top ten:
Commentator John Kyle was trusted with the buttons, which seems…unwise:
UK-based Kiwi Jesse Campbell caught plenty of eyes in the ring — here’s his post-test chat:
Oh, Canada — the ladies from across the border strutted their stuff:
Boyd Martin and Sexy Legs — er, Tsetserleg — were one of the most anticipated combinations of the day:
But it was all about Tamie Smith once again — she moved into 2nd place, just a tenth of a penalty behind overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous:
It was one of the best 5* debutant tests in recent history:
Now, it’s all about tomorrow’s challenge. The wayward wiener went to scope out the course:
As did Karl Slezak, with excellent bonus commentary:
The best before-and-after post ever taken on the Kentucky course:
And Matt Flynn’s Wizzerd found a four-leaf clover while grazing. Best of luck and safe rides to all competitors tomorrow — we’ll see you on the other side:
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