Tag Archives: Marilyn Little

Marilyn Little and Corona 93 Win Final Qualifier at Live Oak International in Ocala

United States’ Marilyn Little and Corona 93 jumped to the top of the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping qualifier at Live Oak International in Ocala. (FEI/Anthony Trollope)

Lausanne (SUI), 29 February 2016 – In a picture-perfect setting, with a full crowd and a top-class, turf field, the United States’ Marilyn Little and Corona 93 executed a skillful double clear to win the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping at the Live Oak International CSI3*-W in Ocala, Florida. In the final event of the inaugural North American League, the 34-year-old rider, and double-gold medalist in Eventing at the 2015 Pan American Games, showcased her multi-discipline talent by expertly answering all the tests in Leopoldo Palacios’ (VEN) course design aboard the 12-year-old, Hanoverian mare (Cordalme Z x Lenz XX), claiming victory over a starting field of 32.

The 1.40-metre to 1.60-metre course, with 14 obstacles and 17 jumping attempts, incorporated challenges like a wide, plank fence similar to the one at the legendary Hickstead and a big scope test in the design’s final three jumps. But it was a big wall to a wide triple bar and a steady double vertical combination that posed the biggest questions on course.

“I tried to do the best for the field,” said Palacios. “I have a good feel of the riders and the conditions were very good. I needed to build it strong for the conditions. When you have a ring with such good footing as we have here and we have very good set of fences and how the ring is now is way better after all the improvements that Live Oak did (like enclosing the ring); it’s fantastic.

“I had a lot of pressure. Walking the course, some riders complained it was too hard, but I believe that with the good footing, the conditions were super good, (the horses and riders) can jump harder courses.”

After the first two riders on course incurred time faults, the time allowed was extended by 3 seconds to a new limit of 90 seconds. Ten riders were clear in the first round to advance into the jump off.

“I thought the course was a little deceiving, a little on the low side,” said Little. “It was very progressive, and Leopoldo turned up the volume exponentially by the time you were midway through the course. By the end, there were a lot of technical, scope and stamina questions. It was a very long course, and the horses jumped to the best of their ability. It was a real thrill for both horse and rider.”

“There are no more challenging courses to jump than Leopoldo’s courses,” she added. “There’s always a number of tricks hiding in there and this was no different. It was brilliantly designed, and he had a beautiful, incredible field to work with in an electric atmosphere.”

All-female podium sweep

Out of the ten, talented horse-and-rider pairs, only three of America’s leading ladies went double clear to secure an all-female sweep of the top results. Little set the bar high as the first to leave the rails standing in the jump-off order, followed in hot pursuit by the youngest rider in the class, 19-year-old Chloe Reid, riding 9-year-old, Irish Sporthorse stallion Codarco (Darco x Orame). Last to go, 22-year-old Katie Dinan and 11-year-old, Irish Sporthorse gelding Dougie Douglas (Ard VDL Douglas x High Roller) chose a slightly more conservative track to finish in third.

“I’m set to graduate from Harvard in May and I’m going to be riding full time after graduation,” said Dinan. “I’m really looking forward to that. I’m going to try to take my riding further and focus on that full time. It’s really exciting.

“I’m in the process of making more definite plans, but over the last few years, I’ve been competing in Europe over the summers when on holiday from school and during the school year I’ve been in America. So when I graduate, I’ll have more flexibility. I’ll be able to choose my competitions around my horses rather than around school, and I’ll see what happens with that.”

Dinan acquired the horse that she rode to a podium finish in the final North American League event from the Goresbridge Supreme Sale of Showjumpers last November.

“I got Dougie at the end of last year and our first show together was at the beginning of January,” she said. “I believe this was our fifth competition together. I’m really grateful that so far, he’s been just wonderful. He’s so much fun to ride, he has a great personality, he seems to love show jumping, he has a lot of experience, which I feel very fortunate I can draw off of because he’s been to a lot of different venues.

“He’s jumped on a lot of grass fields, and that was one of the reasons why I decided to bring him to Live Oak because this is as beautiful as a grass field as there is to ride on, and I thought it would be a really good venue for him.”

A family affair

The well-regarded, annual competition, Live Oak International, is held on second-place finisher Reid’s grandmother’s farm and is organised in partnership by her uncle, Chester Weber and her mother, Juliet Reid.

“I couldn’t ask for a better placing at a better venue than right now and to do it and sit up here (in the press conference) with my uncle and my mom is incredible,” said Reid. “It’s a dream come true today and everything that’s happened this week.

“I have to give my success to my family. Without their support behind me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And also to the group of people, my trainers, grooms, everyone who has helped me to be able to bring my horses and be best prepared for this moment.”

The 2016 season is set to be a breakout year for the young, American rider, who trains with Germany’s Marcus Beerbaum and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. Last month, she was also the youngest entry in the $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI3* and placed third.

“I was actually talking to my dad before we started the class today and I was like, ‘I hope the course is challenging enough this morning,’” Reid said. “Because if the first go around at a show is challenging, that just makes me ride even better, I think. I was looking for the additional pressure today, but anytime you enter a class with the amazing riders that were in the class today is always such an honor and today definitely proved to be.”

“I think that Juliet and I often talk about Aachen as a model for the best annual horse competition in the world and that’s something that we look to,” said Weber. “When we started the show jumping, we did that together with the team from Spruce Meadows because we felt like that they could help bring us knowledge. We learned a lot from them, we still call them if we have questions; they’re great at answering those kinds of things. We have a great team in place, and we are talking back and forth about perhaps adding eventing.”

“There are about 2,000 eventing horses in Ocala in the winter; it’s a kind of mecca for eventers,” he added. “We have some big challenges to work through and whether 2017 is the right time, or if the right time will come, but I think not unlike Aachen, you’ll see some other sports happen here, but they have to come at their own logical time.”

Double threat

Speaking of eventing, Little has based her winter operations out of Ocala for the last two winter seasons to best prepare her eventing and show jumping strings at the same time. During the warmer months, Little and her family’s Raylyn Farms return to Frederick, Maryland, where her parents settled 36 years ago.

“It’s easier to get the eventing horses fit in Ocala,” said Little. “And also, I have 28 horses in the stable at the moment, primarily between ages 5 and 7 that I’ve bred, and it was a financial decision to develop the young horses here in Ocala. I am looking to return to Wellington next year.”

The grand prix show jumper turned to eventing in 2010, quickly working her way to the 4* level, the highest level of competition. “Anytime you’re entering another world or learning another sport or language, the best way to do it is full immersion program,” she said. “The goals that I had in eventing, there was really no other way to do it other than to completely immerse yourself and put everything, your whole heart and whole head, into it and that has been a focus for five or six years now.”

“I think that there’s certainly a way to play both sports at a very high level, if you have the team behind you that’s helping you play that game,” she added. “Because we all know that this looks like an individual sport, but it’s far more a team sport than the public may realise. I do hope to be able to do both and believe that it’s possible.”

Little’s eventing experience played a role in her approach to today’s course, especially in the long gallop to final oxer in the jump-off round.

“There, I was lucky; I knew that when I landed from the second to last fence, I could ask her for some speed then kick her into her highest gear then back off,” said Little. “I hoped that I would see the distance as far off as I possibly could, going at 750 metres a minute and trying to see a distance 12 strides out – that was a bit of eventing.

“I think eventing makes me sharper (for show jumping), and there are things that I feel that I do better than I did before I evented, and I wouldn’t trade those things for anything. And I think that being here in the show jumping ring will help me stay sharp for what I hope is coming in the eventing arena.”

Rio dreams

But despite the recent success in show jumping, not only winning the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier but also the $35,000 Live Oak International the day before and finishing in second in the $10,000 speed class on Friday, Little’s 2016 plans of focusing on the Rio 2016 Olympic Games for eventing have not changed.

“I have a very special horse in RF Demeter for high-level, performance eventing,” Little said. “She is in top form, and I can’t help but look toward Rio with her. So I have to stay the course for her and her owners and for myself because we’ve had a lot of years preparing for this season. We’re heading into the final Olympic trials prepared and fit, so a lot will have to go into that to make sure she’s on point.

“In jumpers, things are evolving quickly, and I can’t say that I have a solid plan for what’s coming in the next few months. There are a few things on the table but the plans will have to be made with Demeter in mind and her goals.”

Little’s return to the international show jumping ring largely stemmed from Corona’s development since Little acquired the talented mare last year from American rider Lauren Tisbo.

“There’s no question that Corona wouldn’t be part of the eventing string because dressage wouldn’t be a part of her repertoire,” said Little. “I think the judges’ comments would be that she’s not submissive and I would have to agree with them. “She is an extraordinary woman and she knows it and we have to treat her as such. She is 12 years old, and she’s in a new program so we have to find our way and it’s give and take. But she is a wonderful competitor, and I know she’s going to give 150 percent when she walks through the in gate.”

Despite the win, Little’s late start to the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping season means she will not head to the Final in Gothenburg, Sweden next month but will keep the next Final in mind for planning after Rio. “That’s an incredible goal,” she said. “I have a very special horse that is telling me that she’s ready for that, and that’s a dream and I will work toward that. At this point, it’s still one show at a time, one class at a time and hopefully the road I’m part of leads to the World Cup Final.”

Gothenburg calling

Following the final event of the North American League, the qualified U.S. riders are already planning the upcoming weeks that lead up to traveling to Europe.

“I am planning on going to the Final and will take Lucifer and New York,” said second-place finisher in the East Coast league, Hardin (Jack) Towell (USA).

The East Coast league’s third place finisher Quentin Judge (USA) finished in fifth in the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Ocala with HH Whisky Royale, but plans to take HH Copin van de Broy to Sweden.

“I thought Whisky Royale was great today,” Judge said. “He jumped really well in the first round, very easy to jump clear. But in the jump off, I cut the turn to the first fence too tight and knocked the standard with my foot. He jumped double clear; the rail was my fault.

“I’m planning to go to the Final with Copin and will jump him in two small classes before we head over to Gothenburg in a few weeks, to make sure he’s fit and ready to go.”

Current Longines Rankings number four Beezie Madden (USA) also plans to head to the Final, despite missing the last two East Coast league events. “We’re hoping to be able to go, that’s for sure,” Madden said. “Right now, Simon and Cortes will not go, but we have two horses, Quister and Breitling, who are doing really well and we just have to see which ones of those two we’d like to take the Final. Breitling just jumped double clear at last week’s Nations Cup so we’re really excited about him.”

Kent Farrington and McLain Ward do not plan to travel to Europe next month, instead opting to focus on qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In their place, it’s likely that alternate Dinan will receive a bid.

“I was waiting to see after today that if it does work out, I’d plan on taking Nougat du Vallet,” Dinan said. “He competed in the World Cup qualifier at the Wellington Masters two weeks ago. I will figure out what makes most sense because I’ll be qualified on multiple horses but that would be my plan.

“I jumped him in the World Cup Final at Gothenburg in 2013 and always wanted to go back there. I’m heading back to Boston right now and come back to Wellington to jump in Florida in the next two weeks. If I end up getting into the Final, then I’ll organise my schedule around that.”

In the West Coast league, all three top U.S. riders, Karl Cook, Rich Fellers and Richard Spooner, plan to compete in the Final.

“I would like to do the World Cup Final with the horse because I really need to get to know (new horse, Big Red),” Spooner said. “I really want to feel confident on the horse and I want to feel 100 percent, if Rio were to be in his future, that I would feel 100 percent confident in our ability to do that and I have a short time to do it.”

“I just have a simple rule with what I do with my show jumpers, which is I just let them tell me how they feel and I go with that, and he feels really good,” Fellers said of 20-year-old stallion Flexible and their plans to travel to the Final. “I don’t have any explanation for it, but he just feels as good as ever.”

The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 23-26 March (www.gothenburghorseshow.com/in-english).

See full Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League standings here: www.feiworldcup.org/jumping-north-american-league-standings.html.

Full results: bit.ly/1QmIIYY

Facts and Figures

In the first round, 10 horses went clear, 6 had 4 faults, 6 had 8 faults, 4 had 12 faults, 1 had 13 faults, 1 had 17 faults, 1 had 21 faults, 1 had 28 faults, and 2 retired.

The course designer was Leopoldo Palacios (VEN).

The first round was contested over 14 obstacles with 17 jumping efforts. The jump-off round had 7 obstacles with 8 efforts. The maximum height was set at 1.60 metres.

Thirteen nations were represented in the class: Canada (3 riders), Chile (1 rider), Columbia (2 riders), Dominican Republic (1 rider), Ecuador (1 rider), El Salvador (1 rider), France (1 rider), Germany (2 riders), Ireland (1 rider), Japan (1 rider), New Zealand (1 rider), Switzerland (1 rider), and the United States (16 riders).

About Live Oak International

Recognised as one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the United States, the Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping event brings together leading drivers, trainers, coaches and owners from all over Europe and North America.

Located on the grounds of the beautiful 5,000-acre Live Oak Plantation, Live Oak International is an affordable, family-friendly event with a strong focus on hospitality for its competitors. This year, the Live Oak team is proud to celebrate the Combined Driving competition’s 25th Anniversary and the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping in Ocala, presented by Golden Ocala Golf Equestrian Club.

Official fan site – www.feiworldcup.com/NAL

The FEI has developed an official fan microsite for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, enabling fans to find all the latest information for this brand new series under one digital umbrella.

Fans can keep close tabs on the athletes competing in this exciting series as they do their utmost to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 23-26 March 2016.

Tickets can be purchased through the fan site, with event-specific information uploaded regularly by the organisers of the events in this series for fan enjoyment.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Final.

The new league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medalist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. Full launch release here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW.

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL.

By Esther Hahn

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Marilyn Little Stacks $5,000 FEI Welcome Stake Leaderboard at HITS Ocala

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Marilyn Little and Venus.

OCALA, FL (February 20, 2016): Day one of the FEI CSIO4* week at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, ended on a high note for Marilyn Little, of Frederick, Maryland, who took home first place with Venus, owned by Raylyn Farms, Inc. and third place with Clear Water owned by Karen O’Connor in the FEI Welcome Stake. Excitement for Friday’s main event, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, filled the air as competition got underway.

Forty-two riders hailing from across the globe tested the 1.40m speed course set by Ireland’s Alan Wade. First in the order and with determination fueling their game, Little and her bay mount Venus dominated the course from the moment they stepped foot inside the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Fiercely attempting each obstacle, the pair zipped through the course to clock in clear, and in a time of 59.43.

“It was a really fast course, and the footing was great. Alan Wade did a good job building a nice introductory course and there were a lot of people in the class – many who were prepping for what’s to come later in the week, and some really taking a shot,” said Little. “I had to go first in the class so I knew I had some fast ones coming behind me, especially Andy Kocher. True to form, he was very quick, but Venus is a speed racer.”

Seventh in the order, Kevin Babington, of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, and his own Mark Q followed Little’s lead with a crisp, clean round, but were just over the 79 second time allowed, clocking in at 81.86 for one time fault.

Babington remained in second until the twelfth entry, Diego Jose Muyshondt, riding for El Salvador, and Val d’lsere, owned by Paulo Santana, cleared the course in 80.47 for one time fault and the second-place spot.

Muyshondt held his own until known speedster and a familiar name in the HITS Ocala winner’s circle this year, Andrew Kocher, of Lake St Louis, Missouri, appeared at the in-gate. Kocher, aboard Ciana, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, delivered a quick round in a time of 61.58, moving him up the leaderboard to second.

Little, piloting her second of two entries, Clear Water, was twenty-fourth in the order and she had her eye on the prize again. They sailed through the course for a clear round finishing with a time of 62.18, just one second behind Kocher for third.

Thomas Feigel, of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Analyze This were twenty-sixth and ready to chase the clock. Zipping through the course with precision and finishing clean with a time of 73.74 to secure the fourth-place finish.

Anchoring the order of go, Paulo Sergio Mateo Santana Filho of Wellington, Florida and his own Talubet was the fifth and final rider to give a clean round. Finishing in a time of 77.59, Filho took home fifth place.

Hometown Hero Claims the Victory in the $34,600 FEI Thursday Prix at HITS Ocala

The $34,600 FEI Thursday Prix went off without a hitch on Thursday as an impressive field of 76 riders and horses challenged the course set by course designer Alan Wade, of Tipperary, Ireland. Not only were competitors vying for a prestigious FEI victory as the prelude to the 2016 Nations Cup at HITS Post Time Farm on Friday, but the class also served as a qualifying opportunity for the $100,000 City of Ocala Grand Prix on Sunday, February 21.

(C) ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Finou
(C) ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Finou

Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida has been a force to be reckoned this Circuit. With two Grand Prix victories and multiple top-five finishes already under his belt this circuit, the Hometown Hero of Ocala Show Jumping did not disappoint, winning the race against the clock. “My goal was to be fast everywhere,” said Vale. “You had to be; the jump-off just got quicker and quicker, and it was a great class.” Indeed, all five top finishers jumped double-clear out of the 17 in the jump-off, and the time to beat seemed to get faster with every round.

The jump-off was designed around three lines that allowed riders to gallop and utilize their speed skills. Excitement burst in the stands as riders galloped to the in-and-out before turning to the last line which could be done in seven or eight strides, but where many a heartbreak came as rails fell and dashed the hopes of would-be winners. Of the top five in the jump-off, the first to return Ali Wolff and Brianda, co-owned with John Wolff. They were the first to finish fault-free taking the lead as they crossed the timers in a brisk 39.77 seconds.

Lisa Goldman of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois, also a multiple Grand Prix winner this circuit, entered the ring a few trips later aboard Centurion B, owned by Goldman’s mother and trainer Mary Goldman. Hunting for another victory, Goldman attacked the course, angling fences and galloping across the ring to the final in-and-out before the homestretch line. They crossed the marker in 38.57 to take the lead but the ensuing rounds would only get faster.

Mexico’s Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado and Tino la Chapelle, owned by IIan Ferder, galloped to the in and out, taking a tight turn before the final line to shave time off the clock and putting in a clear 37.25-second round to clock in almost a full second ahead of Goldman to top the leaderboard as the Mexican Team cheered in enthusiasm.

Vale and Finou 4, owned by Thinkslikeahorse and Donald Stewart, checked back in to the ring and the crowd was electric and chomping at the bit as Vale took up a gallop to the first fence.

“I didn’t get to watch Zendajas Salgado, but I knew if he had been faster than Lisa [Goldman], I had to be really, really fast if I was going to win.”

Vale took advantage of his horse’s big stride, leaving out strides in all three lines. “It felt like we were flying in that last gallop towards the in-and-out. I just kept going until I saw the spot where I could relax and my horse just softened and mentally slowed down to jump up quite nicely.”

Vale kept the momentum going to the last line, doing the seven strides, edging out Zendejas Salgado just a tenth of second on 37.01 to take the lead.

Many valiant efforts followed Vale, including Christian Heineking and AJE Cluny, with a heartbreaking rail at the final fence for ninth place and Molly Ashe, jumping clear to round out the top five with a time of 40.97.

The deal was sealed and Vale took home the win putting Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado and Tino la Chapelle in second place and Lisa Goldman and Centurion B in third.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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US Eventing Team Triumphs at 2015 Pan American Games, Qualifies US for 2016 Olympic Games

Individual Gold medal winners Marilyn little and RF Scandalous (StockImageServices.com)

Caledon, Ont. – The United States Eventing Team finished a stellar week of competition at the 2015 Pan American Games held at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Ontario, Canada. Superlative efforts by Philip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer, Marilyn Little, and Boyd Martin resulted in a Team Gold medal and a berth at the 2016 Olympic Games. Adding to their accolades, Little was awarded the Individual Gold medal.

The U.S. team began the show jumping phase in first place on a total of 133, with a narrow lead over Brazil on 136.70 and Canada on 159. First to cross the timers for the U.S. was Dutton on Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive. An unlucky rail at fence two caused the crowd to hold its breath for the remainder of Dutton’s ride. The rest of the rails stayed in the cups, adding four faults to his cumulative total, finishing on 52.40. Explaining his round, Dutton said, “I think I might have been a little bit quiet there [at fence two]; he didn’t even hit it very hard, but it did come down unfortunately. It was fortunate that we didn’t need that [score], but the rest of his round was good.”

The pressure was on the rest of the team as Kieffer entered the arena next on Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett. The young mare again handled the electric atmosphere well, leaving all the poles up within the time allowed.

“I’ve had her since she was four and rode her in her first event. Every step of the way she has bumped up and just thinks it’s fun,” said Kieffer of the classy mare. “She was great out there today.”

Martin and the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa completed the track handily for a score of no faults. Speaking confidently about his partner, Martin said, “I’m on a very good jumper; he felt fresh this morning, warmed up good, and jumped around pretty well. He is a three-star horse so I thought he should jump clear.”

With Brazil at the heels of the U.S team, all eyes were on Little as she entered the ring on Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ fiery mare, RF Scandalous. Little was in second place going into the stadium phase adding to the pressure to perform. With a lifelong background in show jumping, Little mastered the course perfectly. With the leading Brazilian rider dropping a rail at the last fence on course, Little was secured of an Individual Gold.

“Nothing really compares to a day like this,” said Little. “This is my first major games and this day is indescribable. It’s a great day for all of us and the people supporting us who made it happen. [RF Scandalous] was everything that I hoped she would be and that we know she can be. She’s a very special horse and a pleasure to work with. She shows up for work and really loves her job. She was exceptional this weekend and I am really proud of her.”

At the end of the team competition, the U.S. won Gold, Brazil won Silver, and Canada won Bronze. Individual medals were awarded to Little as the Gold medal winner, Jessica Phoenix of Canada as the Silver medal winner, and Ruy Fonseca of Brazil as the Bronze medal winner. Martin placed fourth individually on 44.30, Kieffer seventh on 48.40, and Dutton in 10th on 52.40.

As the first team medal for O’Connor as the U.S. Eventing Chef d’Equipe, O’Connor noted, “I have a belief in the program. We wanted to change some things when we started this program – attitude and belief; belief from the riders, from the public, and from the eventing community as a whole. I think step by step we’ve done that. To have these guys perform the way they performed this weekend, they were very professional and had great camaraderie, and with the help of everyone behind the scenes it was an exceptional effort. It showed that a system that’s built like this, with belief, belief in each other, and huge respect for each other, that you can really win in the end. We let these guys prove what they can do; we all know they can do it and believe in them as riders. We’ve seen great performances out of all of them and to put it all together in one weekend; that’s what these championships are all about. It was a joy to watch them.”

A passionate Martin said after the Team Gold win, “I’ve been in this racket for the last 20 years and have never gotten a medal. This is my first medal and we had to fight for it pretty hard. I have to say it is a rewarding feeling. I’ve been trying for this for a long time and I’ve finally got it. Team USA has the best support system with Joanie Morris as team leader, Dr. Susan Johns who is an unbelievable vet, Steve Teichman who is a genius farrier, and David O’Connor as our coach.”

Complete Results

Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Teams: USEF Sport Director Will Connell’s Blog

From the USEF Communications Department

Eventing Double-Gold for Team USA

USA’s Marilyn Little, Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Lauren Kieffer celebrate team Jumping gold at the Pan-American Games in Caledon Park, Toronto, Canada today. Little also claimed the individual title. (FEI/StockImageServices.com)

Lausanne (SUI), 19 July 2015 – America scooped both the team and individual titles as Eventing came to a close today at the Pan-American Games 2015 in Caledon Park, Toronto, Canada. Always with their eyes on the target of that single qualifying spot on offer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Philip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer, Marilyn Little and Boyd Martin forged a marginal lead over the host country in Dressage on Friday. And once out in front, they held on tight to triumph ahead of Brazil this afternoon, while Canada had to settle for bronze in the final analysis.

And Little took the individual title in fine style. Lying second, and less than a fence behind Brazil’s Ruy Fonseca who led from the outset with Tom Bombadill Too, the 33-year-old former Jumping rider kept a cool head to stay clear with her relatively inexperienced mare RF Scandalous today, while 2011 Pan-American Eventing individual champions Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti from Canada claimed silver this time around when Fonseca’s single error dropped him to bronze medal spot.

A total of 11 nations lined out in the team competition, and Ecuador, Chile and Mexico were lying fourth, fifth and sixth after the Dressage phase. The USA had only a slender 0.7 point lead over Canada going into cross-country day, and Brazil was chasing hard when only three marks further adrift at this stage.

Cross-Country track

Canadian chances took a sharp knock, however, when Kathryn Robinson was eliminated for a fall with Let It Bee at the Hayracks, the second fence on yesterday’s cross-country track. Her team-mates Waylon Roberts (Bill Owen), Colleen Loach (Qorry Blue D’Argouges) and Jessica Phoenix (Pavarotti) all completed the course without incident. But Canada dropped behind Brazil when Fonseca, Carlos Parro (Caulcourt Landline), Henrique Plombon (Land Quenotte) and Jorge Marcio Carvalho (Lissy Mac Wayer) all likewise kept a clean sheet, Robinson’s brilliant 39.80 in Dressage, which placed her individually second on the opening day, no longer being taken into account. All four American team-members cruised home, maintaining their advantage with nothing to add.

From a starting field of 43, a total of 16 returned within the time-allowed of 8 minutes 39 seconds, including all three members of the team from Ecuador who eventually finished fourth. A total of 10 horse-and-rider combinations were eliminated over the 26-fence track created by Australia’s Wayne Copping.

Jumping phase

As the final Jumping phase got underway today, Team USA had less than a fence in hand over the Brazilians, while the Canadians were more than 20 penalties further adrift. America’s Martin (Pancho Villa) and Kieffer (Meadowbrooks Scarlett) kept a clean sheet once again, but when Philip Dutton’s Fernhill Fugitive collected four faults then Little’s result might prove pivotal for the team rankings.

The individual medals were also still very much up for grabs, and for Little there was no room for error as Canada’s Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, who were lying just 3.20 points behind, had piled on the pressure with a brilliant clear when third-last into the ring. The American didn’t falter, however, leaving all the poles in place with her 10-year-old Oldenburg mare, and placing all the weight on Fonseca’s shoulders. Even a time fault would cost the Brazilian dearly, but when his 15-year-old gelding had a fence down he dropped all the way to bronze medal position individually and his team remained in silver medal spot.

New to the sport

“My mare is new to the sport; I have her for only a year now and she’s only just moved up to 2-Star level with the goal of these Games in mind!” said newly-crowned individual gold medallist Little this evening. She explained that she was a regular on the US Jumping team between 1999 and 2011, and competed in several Nations Cups, but then suddenly decided to change her allegiance. “I became interested in Eventing when watching the World Equestrian Games in 2010 on TV. I thought, ‘I’d like to do that; it looks like a lot of fun,’ so when I came back from Spruce Meadows that year I pulled one out of the barn and it has gone from there! I did my first 4-Star in 2012,” she explained.

She has really enjoyed the Pan-American Games experience at Caledon Park this week. “The event has been beautifully organised and it has been an incredible experience from the standpoint of horsemanship; the thought and care they’ve put into everything for the horses has been amazing. The cross-country course was fair but challenging; it has to be difficult for the course designer catering for the developing riders as well as very seasoned competitors. It needed to be challenging for both, but safe enough too, and he really succeeded in that,” she said.

In the moment

Talking about the cross-country track, she said, “Riding the course you had to be ‘in the moment’… you had to stay aware of all the plans. Cross-country is designed to force you to look at all the options and to stay ready to take them if necessary. Making it easy to quickly change your plan is the mark of a good cross-country course. Fitness played a part too yesterday; the terrain took its toll in terms of technicality and some horses got tired, but it was safe and jumpable and it was really a pleasure to ride the track.”

Despite all her experience as a Jumping rider, Little said she was still feeling the heat going into the arena this afternoon with so much hanging in the balance. “I knew I was under pressure, but I also knew my horse is a clear-rounder and very careful. She’s very sensitive though, and the atmosphere was electric, especially since I was following a Canadian rider (Jessica Phoenix) into the ring! I knew I had to remain calm and focused, and take it just one jump at a time and not get caught up with the magnitude of the moment!”

Facts and Figures:

USA claimed team gold and the individual qualifying spot on offer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with victory in the Pan-American Games Jumping at Caledon Park in Toronto, Canada today.

The individual medals went to: Gold, Marilyn Little (RF Scandalous) USA: Silver, Jessica Phoenix (Pavarotti) CAN: Bronze, Ruy Fonseca (Tom Bombadill Too) BRA.

13 nations were represented in Eventing at the 17th Pan-American Games while 11 countries fielded teams.

A total of 42 horse-and-rider combinations competed for the individual medals.

The list of teams so far qualified in Eventing for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games now includes, Brazil (automatic qualification), Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Australia, Ireland and Canada (placings at Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy), and USA (Pan-American Games 2015 in Toronto, Canada).

The next major Olympic qualification opportunity is at the forthcoming Longines FEI European Eventing Championships in Blair Castle, Scotland from 10-13 September 2015 where 2 further places are on offer.

Find out more about the Pan-American Games 2015 here and check out the programme of events here. Results are available here.

By Louise Parkes

Media contact:
At Toronto:
Jean Llewellyn
Press Officer
Jean.Llewellyn@Toronto2015.org

US Pan Am Eventing Team Members to Ride at Virginia Horse Center This Weekend

Phillip Dutton.

Lexington, VA – May 21, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced the U. S. eventing team for the 2015 Pan American Games on Wednesday, and this Friday through Sunday, three of those top eventing riders will head to the Virginia Horse Center for the Virginia Horse Trials. With free admission, local spectators have the rare opportunity to watch these Olympic-level riders right in their own backyard at no cost.

Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer and Marilyn Little have all been named to the team and all are scheduled to compete at the Virginia Horse Trials, to be held at the Horse Center on Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24. Also competing at the Virginia Horse Trials are team alternates Will Faudree and Michael Pollard.

The Virginia Horse Trials continually attract top riders from throughout North America for the CIC1* and CIC2* level competition, in addition to welcoming riders competing at all levels starting at Beginner Novice.

Dutton, a frequent attendee to the Virginia Horse Trials, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former winner of the renowned Rolex Kentucky CCI****. Faudree, Kieffer, Little and Pollard all share impressive accolades, having each secured victories at top events around the world.

Spectators wishing to watch the highest levels of competition this weekend can plan to attend from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday for the cross-country phase and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the show jumping phase.

To find out more about the Virginia Horse Trials, view a full list of entries for the weekend and see the complete schedule, please visit www.vahorsetrials.com.

The Virginia Horse Center is situated on a 573-acre site with eight barns to accommodate 750 horses in permanent stabling. Indoor stabling can be increased to 1,200 horses with the use of temporary stalls. The Virginia Horse Center hosts 19 show rings, including two large arenas and a five-mile Olympic cross-country course. Four of the Virginia Horse Center barns are winterized with close access to the 4,000 seat indoor coliseum. The Virginia Horse Center is recognized for the excellent footing of its show rings and the durable construction of the concrete stalls. The Virginia Horse Center also offers camping facilities and on-site food and beverage services. Find the Horse Center online at www.horsecenter.org.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Little and Burnett Receive Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund for High Performance Eventing Grants

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photos By: Shannon Brinkman.

Gladstone, NJ – August 5, 2014 – The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund for High Performance Eventing Grants are Marilyn Little with RF Demeter and Hannah Burnett with Harbour Pilot.

As the two traveling reserve riders named to the U.S. 2014 World Equestrian Games Eventing Team, Little and Burnett will each receive $25,000 toward their trip to Chantilly, France which will enable them to train and prepare as full team members in case they are needed at the Games.

Marilyn Little is a well-known competitor who has represented the United States on both Eventing and Show Jumping teams. With RF Demeter, Little has been raking in the accolades, including 2013 USEA Horse of the Year & 2013 USEA Mare of the Year. She and the 12-year-old Oldenburg Mare kicked off the year in top form with a victory in the CIC*** at Southern Pines and a second place finish at The Fork CIC***. Both of the results came after spending the fall in Europe were they represented the United States at the CCI**** in Pau, France. The pair then went on to place ninth at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event later this year as they aimed their sites on the World Equestrian Games and were named the first alternate for the U.S. team.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to travel and be ready in the event I am needed, and also because of the person giving it,” said Little. “I had the privilege to meet Karen at Great Meadow and to get to know her, and her incredible story with the USET. She continues to support our team and her generosity have improved our chances exponentially of winning a medal.”

Little added, “Being an alternate can be a difficult position, but Karen’s gift also makes it possible to make a plan if I am not needed on the team for after the Games to compete at CCI4* Blenheim or Burghley.”

Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot
Hannah Burnett and Harbour Pilot

The list of accomplishments for 28-year-old Burnett and Jacqueline B. Mars’ Harbour Pilot began to amass in 2011, when they placed third at the CIC2* at Red Hills International and second at Bromont International CCI2*, and they were eventually named to the Gold medal team for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they also took home the Individual Silver medal. In 2012, they claimed the USEF Three-Star National Championship title, and in 2013 the pair was chosen to represent the U.S. at the Saumur CCI3*. Most recently, they competed in their first CCI4* during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event where they placed 15th.

“I am truly honored to receive the 2014 Karen Stives Endowment Fund Grant, and look forward to representing the United States in international competition as a result of this tremendous generosity,” expressed Burnett. “These funds help both riders and owners a great deal, and I hope Harbour Pilot and I are able to emulate Karen’s success against the best riders in the world. I look forward to this experience, as it is certainly a dream come true to be an alternate for the WEG team.”

Karen Stives, who donated $1 million to create the endowment fund for high performance eventing, was a successful rider for many years and the first woman to earn an Individual Silver Olympic medal in Eventing. Her funds will hopefully help the U.S. win more medals and send more high-performance equestrian athletes to CCIO competitions around the globe.

“What’s exciting is that they get to compete in Europe and train with the team and that experience is invaluable,” explained Stives. “They may even end up competing, you never know. This will allow them be a part of the team in Europe, which is a wonderful learning opportunity.”

Should Little and Burnett not be needed at the Games, the Stives Grant will allow them to gain more experience in international competition at either the CCI**** Burghley or CCI**** Blenheim in the fall.

Bonnie B. Jenkins, USET Foundation Executive Director, said, “Karen’s generosity and interest in giving back to the sport, which has meant so much to her, is simply extraordinary.”

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter Make Steady Climb to the Top at the Carolina International CIC3*

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter (Allie Conrad)

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter made a steady, if unexpected, climb to the top of the leaderboard at the Carolina International CIC3* and Adequan USEA Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series.

Little and “Demi” (Rubin-Royal/Patricia) weren’t the pair to beat until they clocked one of only two double-clear rounds on Hugh Lochore’s cross-country course, where time was of the essence.

“I planned to start the course on both horses [including RF Smoke on the Water] as if I was going for time,” Little of Frederick, Md. said. “I was hoping they were fit, and depending on how they were jumping and galloping, reevaluate at three or four minutes and see how they felt.”

Little explained that the 12-year-old mare, who finished on her dressage score of 46.2, had a big of an unconventional winter this year, since Little had an extended stay in Europe to work on the jumper side of her business.

“She spent so much time in quarantine, so whereas a lot of horses can get let down, have their shoes pulled and go out in the field, she spent it in quarantine,” said Little. “It was hard on her. She lost weight and condition. She hasn’t seen a dressage saddle until a few weeks ago.”

On her decision to stay in Europe last year after a solid showing at their first CCI4* at Pau, Little explained that it was partly a financial decision, and partly a strategic one.

“I have a lot of jumpers in Europe and primarily my business is jumpers still, so it was a financial decision. The decision to keep the eventers there – I really wanted to get my eventers in front of those ground juries,” she said. “You don’t want them to think ‘here’s the letup rider,’ and they won’t give you those points unless they know you, I think. That’s why we’re trying to expose the [American] riders to those [European] competitions, and those competitions’ judges to our riders.”

Little was certainly thrilled with Demi’s performance, especially since it was her first outing this year aside from a few horse shows in Wellington, Fla. She explained that her mare is typically fast, covers the ground efficiently, and it easy to make time on.

Second-placed Buck Davidson explained that his veteran ride, Ballynoe Castle RM, also had a less-than-ideal winter season. After a bizarre bone bruise in his stifle, probably from laying down in his stall, to a bout of pneumonia, “Reggie” missed several weeks of his winter training.

Regardless, the 14-year-old gelding had the best heart rate and temperature in the vet box of the 40 cross-country starters.

Read the rest at www.useventing.com.

Dutton, Montgomery, Little and Symansky Climb the Leaderboard after Influential Cross Country Day at Pau

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott (Libby Law)

Pau, France – Cross country day at the 2013 Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4* saw American combinations climb the leaderboard with efficient, clear performances. Pierre Michelet’s 33 obstacle track produced trouble throughout the day with thirty six combinations coming home without jumping penalties and of those only six were able to finish within the 11:48 time allowed. Phillip Dutton, Clark Montgomery, Marilyn Little and Lynn Symansky proved their mettle with classy efforts on a day that saw many top names in the sport fail to finish.

Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s 14-year-old Irish Sport gelding Mr. Medicott set out on course lying in seventh place and climbed three places with a classy performance. The pair cruised effortlessly around Michelet’s track to finish one second over the optimum time and add .4 time faults to their dressage score of 44.2. They will head into the show jumping in fourth place on a score of 44.6 just 3.1 points out of the lead.

“It was good; obviously he’s a great horse. I’m still trying to get to know him and we were trying to go fast without making a silly mistake,” remarked Dutton of his ride on Saturday. “This wouldn’t be the ideal course for him but he got better and better as the course went on.”

Both Dutton and Mr. Medicott brought a wealth of experience to Pau but are contesting their first CCI4* together. Dutton has represented both the U.S. and his native Australia at numerous Olympic and FEI World Equestrian Games, including winning Olympic Team Gold with Australia in 1996 and 2000, while Mr. Medicott completed the 2008 Olympic Games and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with Germany’s Frank Ostholt. He was also ridden by Karen O’Connor to ninth place at the London Olympic Games.

“It gets better with each time. He’s got to get to know me and my reactions but I think this weekend is good for us,” remarked Dutton about his growing partnership with Mr. Medicott.

Dutton looks to secure Mr. Medicott’s third top-10 Pau completion on Sunday. The gelding was third in 2008 and 10th in 2011 with Ostholt.

Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s Universe were the pathfinder for the U.S. as the first American pair on course. The Land Rover Competition Grant recipients set the tone for the U.S. camp by flying around the course faultlessly to finish two seconds inside the optimum time. The talented pair are looking for their second CCI4* completion of 2013 after having placed 27th at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding’s first attempt at the level.

Montgomery and Universe, who stood 31st after the dressage, head into the show jumping in ninth place on a score of 52.

Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms and Team Demeter’s 11-year-old Oldenburg mare RF Demeter were the final U.S. pair on course and cruised to a clear round finishing just four seconds over the time. The pair, which was seventh at the Luhmühlen CCI4* in June, is competing in Pau on a Land Rover Competition Grant and is poised for another top 12 CCI4* finish as it heads into the show jumping on a score of 52.8. With its quick clear round on Saturday the pair climbed 16 places after the dressage and now stand in 11th places after two phases.

Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and her own Donner were the second U.S. combination to produce a double clear effort on Saturday. The pair, which is contesting its first European competition after having been awarded Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant, proved its place among the top in the world with a scorching round. The 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding utilized his classy galloping style to finish 15 seconds within the time allowed. The 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold medalists climbed 26 places with their clear round and will enter the final phase on a score of 53.3 in 12th place.

Michael Pollard (Dalton, Ga.) and Carl Bouckaert’s 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Mensa looked on target to produce another clear round for the U.S. until a run-out two-thirds the way around the course. The Land Rover Competition Grant recipients collected 20 jumping penalties for a run-out at 20B and added a further 24.8 time faults. They head into the show jumping in 47th place on a score of 100.

Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot set out on Saturday laying in equal 11th place. The 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver medalists slipped between elements at the first water and were subsequently eliminated when Burnett came out of the tack.

Kristi Nunnink and her own 12-year-old Holsteiner mare R-Star travelled to Pau from their base in Auburn, Calif. on a Land Rover Competition Grant. The pair ran into some trouble at the first water and was eliminated after jumping the option in the wrong order.

Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt again proved why he’s among the best in the game as he produced three double clear performances to hold the top three spots at the conclusion of the cross country. The 2012 Olympic Games Team Silver medalist leads with Seacookie TSF on 41.5, Cool Mountain stands second on 42.2, and Neuf Des Coeurs is third standing on 43.2.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, visit www.event-pau.fr/en/homepage/.

For start times and results, click here.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.

Faudree and Little Produce Top Ten Finishes at Saumur CCI3*

Will Faudree and Andromaque (Shannon Brinkman)

Saumur, France – Clear rounds were at a premium Sunday at the Saumur CCI3* as 34 combinations went forward into the show jumping. Only three competitors, including winner Bill Levett, were able to produce faultless trips over Pierre Michelet’s demanding track. The U.S. entries of Will Faudree, Marilyn Little and Hannah Sue Burnett each incurred eight faults over the course, as all three Land Rover Competition Grant recipients dislodged two rails.

Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque entered the final phase in fourth place following a spectacular trip around the cross country on Saturday. In the show jumping, the 12-year-old Irish Thoroughbred mare faulted at fences six and 10A to move down one place. The talented pair finished in fifth on a score of 55.8.

“She tried very hard and looked great this morning. She’s naturally a very careful horse, so I’m not too concerned about it in the future,” said the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games veteran of Andromaque’s performance on Sunday. “I just need to apply what I learned this weekend going forward.”

Faudree also realizes the importance of competing in Europe and facing different challenges as the U.S. prepares for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games next year in Normandy.

“The rails are quite light and spindly over here; you can’t even breathe on them. We need to be prepared for that in the future.”

Little (Frederick, MD) and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ eight-year-old Wurttemburger gelding RF Smoke on the Water were able to maintain their eighth place position despite incurring eight faults. The 2012 USEF National CCI3* Eventing Reserve Champions lowered the heights of fences eight and 11 to finish on a total of 60.

First to jump for the U.S. on Sunday were Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Jacqueline Mars’ 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Harbour Pilot. The 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver medalists finished in 26th place on a score of 91.4 after rolling poles at the second and eighth fences.

Buck Davidson (Ocala, FL) and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice were also competing at the Saumur CCI3* on a Land Rover Competition Grant but were eliminated on Saturday’s cross country for not properly jumping fence 18B before continuing on course.

Australia’s Levett claimed victory at the prestigious French competition finishing on his dressage of 42.6 with Shannondale Titan.

To learn more about the Saumur CCI3*, visit: http://www.saumur.org/cci/accueil-gb.html.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.

By Helen Murray

Faudree and Little Faultless at Saumur CCI3* to Hold Top 10 Placings Following the Cross Country

Will Faudree and Andromaque (Shannon Brinkman)

Saumur, France – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team had a mixed day Saturday at the Saumur CCI3*, as Pierre Michelet’s winding track proved influential. Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Will Faudree and Marilyn Little saw themselves climb up the leaderboard on the strength of double clear rounds. While Hannah Sue Burnett and Buck Davidson, who are also competing on Land Rover Competition Grants, experienced hiccups on course but saw their horses earn valuable experience at the prestigious French competition.

Faudree (Hoffman, NC) and Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque produced a foot perfect round over the testing track to rise four places and head into the show jumping in fourth place. The classy 12-year-old Irish Thoroughbred mare never looked in doubt of a fast, clear trip as she effortlessly answered every question asked of her.

“She was amazing; she was just pure class the whole way around. She just left the start box and I never had to kick her once,” said Faudree. “She locked onto everything and was just fabulous. It was fun the whole way around and it was an honor to be a part of it.”

The Jersey Fresh International Horse Trials CIC3* winners maintained their dressage score of 47.8.

Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water (Shannon Brinkman)
Marilyn Little and RF Smoke on the Water (Shannon Brinkman)

First on Michelet’s course for the American contingent was Little (Frederick, MD) and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water. The eight-year-old Wurttemburger gelding made light work of the 28 obstacle course, jumping faultlessly to cruise through the finish nine seconds under the time. The 2012 USEF National CCI3* Eventing Reserve Champions head into Sunday’s show jumping on their dressage score of 52 in eighth place.

“Smoke was fantastic; he was totally on his game from the first fence. He was full of confidence and went out feeling like King Kong and came home well,” said Little. “I think I was far more concerned about the course than he was. He read them (the corners) beautifully. He’s only an eight-year-old but he marched around there like he was 12.”

Burnett (The Plains, VA) and Jacqueline Mars’ 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Harbour Pilot set off on course looking to improve on their 11th place following the dressage. However, a refusal early on at the corner at 6B meant the 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver medalists incurred 20 penalties. Burnett now stands 30th on a score of 83.4 after also collecting 14.8 time faults.

The final U.S. entry of the day was Davidson (Ocala, FL) and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice. The pair was in the midst of a clear round until the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding was deemed not to have gone through the flags jumping the corner at 18B. Davidson continued onto fence nineteen and the combination was subsequently eliminated for not correctly jumping 18B before proceeding to the next obstacle.

Australia’s Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan head into the show jumping as the overnight leaders on a score of 42.6.

The second Horse Inspection begins Sunday at 9am CEST with CCI3* show jumping getting underway at 3:45pm CEST.

To learn more about the Saumur CCI3*, visit: http://www.saumur.org/cci/accueil-gb.html.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.

By Helen Murray