Tamie Smith is a happy camper tonight with Mai Baum and Fleur de Lis, first and third in the CIC2*. Photo via Mackenna Shea on Facebook.
The FEI divisions as well as the Advanced wrapped up today at The Fork, and the riders who are bound for Kentucky are breathing a collective sigh of relief after a safe day of cross country. While a few fell victim to Tremaine Cooper’s course, we’re pleased to report that it appears everyone is just fine, except for possibly a few bruised egos, as the sun sets on North Carolina. And that is the most important thing at the end of each competition day!
Sinead Halpin had an unlucky fall from Grey Area in the CIC2* today, but she’s reporting that all’s well this evening. Good thing eventers are hard headed, right? We wish Sinead the best and are happy to hear she will be ok after knocking her head.
Phillip Dutton had a great day on cross country, who piloted all four of his rides home clear across tough courses. Phillip will head to Kentucky next with Mighty Nice, Fernhill Fugitive, and Fernhill Cubalawn.
Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War romped around the Advanced cross country, logging the second fastest time of the Advanced B division. Needless to say, Jessica is thrilled with her mighty OTTB and how well he stepped up to the plate all weekend.
Liz Riley and It’s the Truth were the second to last pair out on cross country in the Advanced division today, and from the sound of the announcer it sounds like they had a blast out there. This pair also blazed around the course to move up from 28th to 19th overall.
EN’s very own Kate Samuels also had a great day today, easily coming home clear on the Advanced cross country to move up to seventh place overall. Kate has been thrilled with Nyls all weekend — well, maybe not so much with his dressage, but he quickly redeemed himself with two fantastic jumping rounds. Way to go, Kate! #ENkarmaalltheway
I also must give a shout-out to Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate, who skipped around the CIC2* cross country course today, surviving a very hairy moment thanks to some quick thinking and good riding. You may remember Kelsey and her incredible story with her OTTB — if not, catch up here and become a fan!
Cheers to Justine Dutton for managing to stay in the saddle today! Just joking, Justine! But after parting ways unluckily at Poplar Place in their last run, redemption is sweet! This pair also skipped around the Advanced cross country with just time added. It’s on to Jersey Fresh for this talented mare!
And, finally, one of our favorite photos of the day. Win, lose or draw — this is what our sport is all about. The camraderie we witness is unmatched, and it’s heartwarming to see Buck congratulating Jennie Brannigan on her CIC3* win. When the dusts settles, our horses’ happiness and our relationship with our peers are two of the most special and important things in this sport. It’s definitely worth remember when times get tough. We hope you’re celebrating tonight, Jennie! Well deserved.
Go Eventing.
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