Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly. i{mpack}t studio photography.
After Moorland Farm took a pummeling from Mother Nature this week, MARS Essex Horse Trials had no choice but to abandon competition Friday. Thanks to the many efforts of organizers and volunteers, the show kicked off without a hitch Saturday in a condensed two-day format.
Will Coleman and his experienced partner Obos O’Reilly lead the inaugural Advanced division ahead of the final phase. Ninth after dressage, Will and the Four Star Eventing Group’s 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse leapt to the top after having one rail down for a two-phase score of 35.7.
“I had a great day,” said Coleman. “My horse is an old soldier. He’s been a very dear horse in our program so we’re happy that he’s in the lead. I think the real winners today are the people here at Essex. The effort that was put in, the atmosphere and really everything about the event deserves all the praise. This is my first time competing here and I am thrilled to be here.”
Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Ibella moved up from 16th to sit second after the first two phases. They also had one rail, giving them a score of 37.3.
The Canadian duo of Melissa Boutin and her own EWSZ Jalando moved into fourth after one pole came down for a two-phase score of 39.1.
Dressage winners Buck Davidson and Copper Beach dropped to fourth after having three rails down for a current score of 40. In their Advanced debut, Meg Kepferle and Anakin sit fifth on 40.3 penalty points after dropping one rail.
Between Friday’s cancellation and the weather, the Advanced field shrunk from the original 38 starters to only 16 completing the show jumping phase, with the majority withdrawing before the show jumping on grass. Of this group, no one jumped clear.
Boyd Martin and Luke 140. i{mpack}t studio photography.
Boyd Martin was the big name in the Preliminary Essex division with his exciting new ride Luke 140. Riding all three phases in one day, the pair lead from pillar to post adding 3.2 time and one show jumping rail for a final result of 30.1.
“It was a real honor and privilege to compete here at the MARS Essex Horse Trials,” Boyd said. “The conditions were tough, but this is an outdoor sport and the organizers put on a sensational show. I am very, very pleased to win the Preliminary Essex Division and I’m thrilled to be here.”
Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8 were second (31.1) with just 4 cross country time penalties added, and Will Coleman was third aboard Steam Engine (33.8) after a double clear cross country and one rail in the show jumping.
Jennie Brannigan went one-two in the Open Preliminary with FE Connory and Hopscotch, respectively. Both horses finished on their dressage scores with FE Connory earning a 23.3, and Hopscotch on 26.5.
Area VI eventer Megan Compton was the winner of the Preliminary Rider division her own Coco Mademoiselle. The duo finished with 2 cross country time penalties added for a final result of 30.8 — 13.2 points ahead of second place — in their debut on the east coast.
MARS Essex H.T.: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores
