Tamie Smith and Danito Lead Twin Rivers CCI4*S

No rust evident from COVID's long break for Twin Rivers' top contenders after today's international dressage. Tamie…

Posted by Twin Rivers Ranch, Equestrian Events on Thursday, September 17, 2020

The first FEI event of the 2020 season for the West coast contingent of eventers kicked off this week at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California. Twin Rivers, owned and operated by the Baxter family, has been a staple on the Area VI calendar and was slated to host its first CCI4*L this spring. Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of multiple events worldwide, and the Twin CCI4*L was one such victim.

Nonetheless, eventers can enjoy the fresh new cross country track and multiple other facility upgrades that are always ongoing at Twin this weekend, were FEI divisions from CCI2*S through CCI4*S are running in conjunction with National and Future/Young Event Horse classes.

Tamie Smith and Danito were the cream of the crop on day one of the CCI4*S, earning a 25.1 from judges to secure the overnight lead ahead of second placed Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve (28.8). Tamie rounds out the top three aboard her daughter’s horse, Passepartout (29.1).

Owned by Ruth Bley, the 11 year old Hanoverian gelding Danito stepped up to the Advanced level at this venue in September of 2019. Tamie and Danito began their partnership in 2018, making steady progress through the levels and picking up a second place finish in the Intermediate division at the American Eventing Championships in 2019. Competitive dressage scores seem to be the chestnut’s jam – each of his Advanced scores this year have come in below 24.0.

EN talent-spotted Woodford Reserve awhile back when the eye-catching Irish Sport Horse gelding was picking up top placings at the Preliminary level. This is another horse newer to the Advanced level, having made the move up earlier this year and finishing second in his debut at Woodside. Piloted by Erin Kellerhouse throughout his American career, the 9 year old gelding also has a prowess for low dressage scores. Be sure to keep an eye out for this one on tomorrow’s cross country (don’t forget to check out the Twin Rivers live stream provided by Ride On Video here).

Rise and shine for this morning's new XC tracks, new jumps, new locations for familiar jumps and new ideas from designer…

Posted by Twin Rivers Ranch, Equestrian Events on Friday, September 18, 2020

Kaylawna Smith-Cook’s Passepartout, piloted by Tamie during Kaylawna’s maternity leave, made his Advanced debut at Twin Rivers this past February and also picked up a win here in the Advanced/Intermediate in July. “Pasco” is also a strong cross country contender who should be competitive in both jumping phases.

Looking to the CCI3*S division, it’s Australia’s Rebecca Braitling leading the charge aboard Arnell Sporthorses’ Caravaggio II on a score of 30.6. This is a personal best score at the CCI3*S level for Caravaggio II, a 9 year old British Sporthorse gelding. Rebecca also holds second place aboard Pamela Duffy-Trotter’s Sunsprite Kirschblute 3 on a score of 31.7 in the 11 year old Trakehner mare’s debut at the level.

Rounding out the top three in the CCI3*S are Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California, owned by Julianne Guariglia. This pair earned a 32.3 from the judges in the 9 year old Argentine Sporthorse/Holsteiner mare who is always striking to watch.

Finally in the CCI2*S, Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector lead the way on an FEI personal best score of 26.8 in their third start at the level. Lauren Burnell and her own Counterpoint take second into today’s show jumping on a score of 29.0, followed by Olivia Loiacono-Putrino and Petey Pablo (29.7).

To learn more about who EN’s number-cruncher, Maggie Deatrick, has identified as pairs to watch this weekend, don’t miss our By the Numbers for the CCI4*S here. You can also watch the live stream and, if you’re competing at Twin this weekend, order your own competition video from Ride On Video here. Finally, please support your show photographers who will be out shooting en masse this weekend! Twin Rivers riders, you can visit MGO Photography for your show photo needs this weekend.

Twin Rivers Fall International: [Website] [Ride Times & Live Scores]