The internet connection at Barbury is being temperamental thus far today, making Tweets and scoring updates a challenge. The lovely Samantha Clark has kindly agreed to relay her on-scene updates to me over the phone and I will post them in this article as we receive them. Check Samantha’s Twitter feed and @BarburyCastle from time to time to see if they are working better and otherwise hit “refresh” occasionally on this post until the cross-country ends. We’ll have a full update and recap from Samantha after the cross-country. The CIC3* and US Olympic selection division has just started. Please note that these results are purely provisional and apologies for the typos. Good luck to all of the horses and riders…
7:45am ET (12:35pm local at Barbury) — Boyd suffered a fall from Neville at the first water. Samantha reported that Neville hung a leg coming out of the water and catapulted Boyd off. Both were up quickly and fine. I believe that’s the first time Boyd has ever fallen from Neville in competition. A shocking and shaky start for Team USA. Thailand’s Nina Ligon and Jazz King were the first on course and retired after losing a shoe about 3/4 of the way around.
8:10am ET (1:10pm local) — Sinead and Manoir De Carneville finished with a clear round that included Sinead getting it done in a sticky moment at the final water. Clark and Loughan Glen also just finished provisionally clear to take the temporary lead with 4.4 provisional time penalties.
8:15am ET — The @SamanthaLClark and @BarburyCastle Twitter feeds are working much better for now, click on the links for live updates. The live scores don’t seem to be working yet.
8:28am ET — Let’s take a moment to wish a happy Canada Day to our many Canadian readers. 145 years ago to this July 1st, three provinces were united into what is now known as the vast and wonderful Canada, the land of maple syrup, brilliant event riders, and a hang glider air force.
8:33am ET — Karen and Mr. Medicott crossed the line provisionally clear with 14 provisional time penalties. As I mentioned last night, each US pair has a specific plan for the day, so don’t necessarily be surprised or alarmed by time penalties. I was a bit disappointed to hear Samantha report that Mr. Medicott looked a bit strong. I’m going to stop saying provisional in front of everything, you get the idea.
8:40am ET (1:40pm local) — Samantha reports that Boyd told her Neville was on a half stride in the first water. Fortunately Boyd has two more rides left to go, but the tumble obviously significantly hurts Nev’s selection chances. Samantha was full of praise for Sinead’s ride. Nina Ligon and Butts Leon of Thailand finished clear with 16.8 time. Now the Barbury internet and therefore Twitter feed is working better than cell phones. Go figure.
9:10am ET — Phillip and Mighty Nice enjoyed a lovely clear round. Samantha was full of love for Phillip and Mighty Nice, saying “he hasn’t missed a fence, you couldn’t give a horse a better ride.” Mighty Nice is obviously in England as a backup for Mystery Whisper, but I’m so excited about this horse as a top international horse in the future. 10.8 time faults for Mighty Nice. Twizzel starts in 4 horses.
9:37am ET — Will Coleman and Twizzel finished clear with 11.2 provisional time penalties.
9:45am ET — Will Faudree and Andromaque skipped around the course, making it look easy and finishing as the second pair so far clean and inside the time. They take the lead at Barbury. Samantha said that Missy jumped beautifully, describing it like a round from a little athletic cat. In other Olympic sports news, the first stage of the Tour de France starts today.
10:33am ET — An updated scoreboard is posted here, via @BarburyCastle. I stress that you shouldn’t put too much emphasis on time penalties for the US pairs today, some pairs set out with every intention of incurring penalties, while others like Will Faudree and Clark meant to go fast.
10:56am ET — Boyd and Otis pick up 11.6 time but finish clear. Boyd told me he planned on some time with Otis and his focus would be on efficient riding. My bet, especially with Boyd’s fall with Neville this morning, is that Boyd will ride Otis at the Olympics.
11:13am ET — Allison and Arthur finished clear with a few time penalties. Samantha reported that they looked sticky at times, including knocking down a flag at a skinny brush. Tiana is on course now.
11:23am ET — Tiana and Ringwood Magister completed the course with just 2 seconds of time penalties. Has Tiana just jumped her way into the Olympics? Phillip and Mystery Whisper are on course.
11:44am ET — Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper worked their way around the Barbury XC with a steady ride. They picked up 9.2 time penalties and will cruise their way onto the US Olympic Team.
11:49am ET — Boyd and Remington finish up Team USA’s day at Barbury with 6.0 time penalties.
Team USA’s short list can be proud of a brilliant day at Barbury. 11 of 12 US riders finished on clear rounds. Boyd’s fall from Neville was the only problem of the day for the red, white, and blue. That’s all for our live blog, but we’ll be back later with much more from Barbury and the US team selection picture. Go USA.
