Tag Archives: Will Coleman

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Tryon

Tryon International Three-Day Event Dressage Days Results

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Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS ©Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mill Spring, NC – November 11, 2021 – The Dutta Corp/USEF CCI 4*-L Eventing National Championship kicked off at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) with two days of Dressage competition as part of The Dutta Corp Tryon International Three-Day Event. The week features CCI 1*-4*-L competition alongside CCI 4*-S competition and the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals. In the chase for the national title, Will Coleman (USA) and Chin Tonic HS hold the lead going into Cross-Country, dancing to a score of 26.0. The remainder of the podium is also all-American at the moment: Woods Baughman (USA) and C’est La Vie, the 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Aarking xx) owned in partnership with James Baughman Jr. and Kim Baughman, scored a 29.4 in the sandbox for second, and Sharon White (USA) sits in third with Claus 63, her own 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Catoo x Levisto), after their 29.9-point performance in Dressage.

Coleman and the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ x Quinar) owned by Hyperion Stud LLC) are contesting their third-ever Advanced competition, so he’s aiming for an educational yet competitive experience. “He’s a very talented young horse,” Coleman detailed. “He’s very green for this kind of competition, but we feel that he’s ready. He showed some of his greenness in his test, but he has so much quality that he can get away with it. I feel fortunate to be where we are and recognize I’m riding a really good horse in that phase.”

Since it’s Chin Tonic’s third run at the Advanced level, Coleman is proceeding with caution but is excited to contest the Captain Mark Phillips (GBR) course design on the White Oak Cross-Country Course Saturday. “The main thing we want to think about is just giving him a good run for his future and development, but we’re here to be competitive as well,” Coleman shared. “We’re formulating a good plan for him, and then we’ll go out there tomorrow and try our best to execute it.

“It’s been great here as always,” Coleman commented on the venue. “Tryon is first-class. The horses get a sense of the atmosphere that you might encounter at big-time events around the world. I think it’s wonderful that we’re able to compete here.” he concluded, “Fingers crossed for tomorrow. I hope everyone has great runs and that we have a great day of sport!”

View all results from the Dutta Corp Tryon International Three-Day Event here.

Full schedules and viewing information, including live stream links, are available at www.Tryon.com/eventing.

For more info, visit www.Tryon.com.

Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping, Tryon, USEF

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg Win USEF Eventing CCI 4*-L National Championship

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Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg ©Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mill Spring, NC – November 15, 2020 – The MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event concluded at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC) after four days of international and national Eventing competition and showcasing the largest competition hosted on the East Coast in 2020. An incredibly close Show Jumping phase was undecided until the very end, resulting in a win for Boyd Martin (USA) and Tsetserleg in the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition USEF Eventing CCI 4*-L National Championship, laying down a clear round to hold the top spot and ending on a score of 28.10. In reserve, Phillip Dutton (USA) piloted Z, the 2008 Zangersheide gelding (Asca x Babouche VH Gehucht Z), to a clear round and a final score of 28.80 for T. Tierney, S. Roosevelt, S. Lacy, A. Jones, and C. Moran. Rounding out the podium and finishing on their Dressage score of 29.10, Woods Baughman (USA) and C’est La Vie 135, the 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Aarking XX) owned by Woods, Kim, and James Baughman, Jr., produced a clear round in Tryon Stadium to achieve the podium.

Just 0.10 points behind Baughman, Doug Payne (USA) earned fourth place with Vandiver, the 2004 Trakehner gelding (Windfall 2 x Mystic Replica XX) owned by Debi Crowley in partnership with Doug and Jessica Payne, while Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA), the leader after Cross-Country, had a heartbreaking rail at the last fence aboard Deniro Z, the 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zapatero x French Buffet XX) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and the Deniro Syndicate, to drop to fifth place and a final score of 30.10.

Martin piloted three mounts through the course set by Chris Barnard (Millbrook, NY), and each went better than the next, he recalled. “I had a little bit of a rough start today. It got better and better. Luckily, I had three horses in it: Blackfoot Mystery was a little bit tired and had big gaps. For On Cue, I had two poles knocked over, and she’s usually jumping clear. Finally, the old campaigner ‘Thomas’ went into the jumps like a champion, so I’m thrilled because show jumping is the weak phase of his, and we’ve worked pretty hard at it. It was just very satisfying to get a good round out of him under pressure.”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS Cruise to CCI 3*-L Win

Will Coleman (USA) and Chin Tonic HS sailed to a win in the CCI 3*-L Division, holding the lead all the way for a final score of 25.70 with the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ x Quinar) owned by Hyperion Stud LLC. In second, Boyd Martin (USA) piloted Contessa, the 2009 Holsteiner mare (Contender x Esteban) owned by Club Contessa, to a score of 25.90, adding nothing to their score all weekend, while Leslie Law (USA) improved from fourth place third with Lady Chatterley, the 2011 Holsteiner mare (Connor 48 x Mytens XX) owned by Lesley Grant-Law and Jackie and Steve Brown, walking away with a score of 27.80. Ending on fourth after a tiebreaker with Law, Ariel Grald and Caballe, the 2012 Holsteiner mare (Cliostro x Lansing) owned by Anna Elridge, also ended on a score of 27.80.

Coleman was piloting Chin Tonic HS through his first 3*-L and noted that he was still quite fresh after Cross-Country: “The Show Jumping went well, and my horse jumped great. He was looking around a bit when the wind started blowing and things like the flowers and fillers were moving. He still felt pretty fresh after yesterday!”

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Cooley HHS Calmaria Climb to Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Win

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp prevailed in the Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Division with Cooley HHS Calmaria, ending on their Dressage score of 28.30. Elizabeth Bortuzzo (USA) and Belongs to Teufer, the 2009 Thoroughbred gelding (Teuflesberg x Belong To Me) owned by John. A Witte, held steady to their Dressage score to end up in second on a score of 28.60, while the weeklong leader, Sara Kozumplik Murphy (USA) and Otta B Quality, Edith Rameika’s 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding, dropped just one rail on course to land in third with a score of 29.20.

Halliday-Sharp and the 2013 Irish Sport Horse mare (Cyrano 145 x Chester Lass) owned in partnership with Cooley Farm have only been partnered since June of this year, she revealed, and found the win to be “a nice surprise” but one that only confirms the quality of the up-and-coming mount.

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill Top CCI 4*-S Division

Jenny Caras (USA) and Trendy Fernhill carried their lead through to the finish in the CCI 4*-S division, adding 20.80 penalties for time to their Cross-Country run and still keeping the lead score of 47.80. In second, Joe Meyer and Clip Clop, the 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Crosstown Dancer x Wolverlife) owned by Madison Foote, Theresa Foote, and John Meyer, cleared the White Oak Course with 12.40 time penalties for a total score of 48.50. Rounding out the top three, Nobie Cannon (USA) and Bust A Groove, her own 2004 Thoroughbred gelding (Busterwaggley x Groovy), were by far the closest to making the time on a muddy course, adding only eight time penalties for a total score of 52.20.

Caras mentioned that it was only the third advanced competition for the 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ars Vivendi x Cruising) owned by Elyse Eisenberg, and that the atmosphere only added some nice spark to an already nice Dressage test. “I was going for consistency and no mistakes, and I was happy with him overall,” she recalled. “He couldn’t have been better in the Show Jumping. I know that it can be hard to make the time in that ring, and he has a long stride and can be a bit slow, so I went in and rode forward. He’s such a great jumper and it’s nice to be able to just focus on the riding and the plan.”

To view full results from the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event, click here.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Tryon, USEF

Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z Rise to USEF Eventing CCI 4*-L National Championship Lead

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Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z ©Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mill Spring, NC – November 14, 2020 – Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA) and Deniro Z cleared the White Oak Cross-Country Course with just 1.60 penalties for time to rise to the lead position in the highlight division of the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event. Heading into the final phase of the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition USEF Eventing CCI 4*-L National Championship, Halliday-Sharp sits on a score of 26.10, just two points ahead of Boyd Martin (USA) and Tsetserleg, holding a score of 28.10 with the 2007 Trakehner gelding (Windfall *PG* x Buddenbrock) owned by Christine, Thomas and Tommie Turner. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Z, the 2008 Zangersheide gelding (Asca x Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by T. Tierney, S. Roosevelt, S. Lacy, A. Jones, and C. Moran, rounded out the top three carrying a score of 28.80 after their double-clear Cross-Country performance.

Halliday-Sharp and the 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zapatero x French Buffet XX) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and the Deniro Syndicate haven’t challenged a long-format competition since Burghley last year, she revealed, so she was thrilled with the day’s results, taking over the lead from Marilyn Little after she and RF Scandalous retired. “Deniro is amazing and I have a great partnership with him, which makes a big difference,” she emphasized. “We haven’t run for eight weeks because Chatahoochee got canceled, which is a little bit longer than I’d like before an important four-star event, but he’s such a professional. I am a little mad at myself that I didn’t make the time, but that’s not his fault!”

In fact, Halliday-Sharp continued, Deniro Z has proven himself to be stronger and more responsive in the tack than ever before, she detailed. “He’s actually just been so incredibly polite this year. I nearly pulled him up a little bit too much in front of two combinations, and he just came back so fast. Honestly, I think every fence and combination rode how I planned it, and the horse was phenomenal and he didn’t make it feel hard. He finished very fresh. I feel like it was a great day because he finished with the attitude of ‘Oh, that was easy!’”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS Coast to Continued CCI 3*-L Lead

Will Coleman (USA) and Chin Tonic HS cleared the White Oak Course to hold their CCI 3*-L lead, and he called Chin Tonic’s run “the best of the day for me” despite challenging his first 3*-L with the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ x Quinar) owned by Hyperion Stud LLC. The duo sits on a score of 25.70 heading into the final phase. The remainder of the podium also remains unchanged: with a score of 25.90, Boyd Martin (USA) and Contessa, the 2009 Holsteiner mare (Contender x Esteban) owned by Club Contessa, hold second, while third place currently rests with Jonathan Holling (USA) and Prophet, the 2012 Trakehner gelding (Tatendrang x Pennant) owned in partnership with Chuck McGrath, on a score of 26.90.

“This was his first 3*-L. He’s just an eight-year-old, but he’s a really magic horse. You know, the light was a bit funny [by the afternoon] – he came out of the box a little looky and he felt almost green, but he’s just so honest and got better and better as he went. I was thrilled with him; his conditioning felt great, and he really jumped the jumps all very easily.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Otta B Quality Hold Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Division Lead

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Otta B Quality, the 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Edith Rameika, maintained their hold on the Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Division after their double-clear Cross-Country round, carrying forward their score of 25.20. Dani Sussman (USA) and Jos Bravio, the self-owned 2011 Argentinian Warmblood gelding (Jos Fapillon x Remonta Guinea), improved from fourth to second and sit on a score of 27.30 after a clear Cross-Country round, with third belonging to Tik Maynard and Galileo, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Richard Maynard, who added 2.00 penalties for time to hold a score of 28.10.

“The course rode super well,” Murphy shared. “The footing was really good, and they worked so hard on it. Otter went out at 8:20am, so I went out and walked [the course] as soon as it was light out, and I was really happy with the ground. I was curious as to how it was going to ride going down the hill and things like that, but it was all lovely,” she reported. “There was a good balance going down there. As I said yesterday, the course was really appropriate for the level. It was all exceptionally well built with good designing. You had all of the questions that you needed, but it was appropriate for the level, so it encouraged the young horses or younger riders with older horses.”

For Murphy, she knew in advance that her young jumper tends to have more hang time in the air, and chose to be cognizant of her time as much as possible on course. “I knew I was going to have to go a little bit more on these courses that are a bit winding. He’s a good jumper so he has quite a bit of airtime, so I just wanted to make sure that we weren’t going to give points away because all of our Dressage scores were so close. He cruised across the ground, and still had plenty of play left at the end. He’s very proud of himself!”

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill Keep Their CCI 4*-S Lead After Two Phases

Jenny Caras (USA) and Trendy Fernhill, the 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ars Vivendi x Cruising) owned by Elyse Eisenberg, jumped clear to maintain their lead on a score of 27.00. Lillian Heard (USA) and CharmKing, the 2011 Holsteiner gelding (Cassito x Heraldik XX) owned by CharmKing LLC, still hold a score of 27.40 to keep second place, with Will Faudree (USA) and Caeleste, the 2007 Holsteiner mare (Contender x Lucky Lionell) owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, sitting on a score of 30.60 for third.

To view full results thus far from the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event, click here.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Tryon

Coleman, Murphy, and Little Lead in MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event Dressage Day One

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Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS ©Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mill Spring, NC – November 12, 2020 – The CCI 3*-L Division of the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event was the only FEI division to see all competitors down centerline at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC), with Will Coleman (USA) and Chin Tonic HS scoring a 25.70 to lead the division heading into Saturday’s Cross-Country phase. Just behind with a score of 25.90, Boyd Martin (USA) and Contessa, the 2009 Holsteiner mare (Contender x Esteban) owned by Club Contessa, hold second, while third place currently rests with Jonathan Holling (USA) and Prophet, the 2012 Trakehner gelding (Tatendrang x Pennant) owned in partnership with Chuck McGrath, on a score of 26.90.

Coleman and the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chin Champ x Quinar) owned by Hyperion Stud LLC recently topped the Open Intermediate Division at TIEC’s Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials presented by EquiSafe Global, and are looking to repeat their win in the CCI 3*-L Division. Due to schedule changes after significant rain saturated the White Oak Cross Country-Course, Coleman and the CCI 3*-L competitors will have an off day before challenging the Captain Mark Phillips course design on Saturday.

Coleman reported that their flatwork was hindered by a few bobbles, but not enough to knock them from the top position. “My horse is very talented, especially on the flat, and I think he carried me a bit today. We had some really, really good work in the test, and then we had a few moments where we had trouble. I forgot my test at one spot, which is sort of inexcusable, but does happen,” Coleman admitted, “and we had a little spook in another place. Other than that, I thought he performed well. He’s a lovely horse, and I’m just lucky to have him.”

Sara Kozumplik Murphy Leads Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Division after Day One of Dressage

Sara Kozumplik Murphy (USA) and Otta B Quality, the 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Edith Rameika, currently lead the Guardian Horse Bedding CCI 2*-L Division on a score of 25.20 with 15 pairs still to show in Dressage on Friday. In second, Tik Maynard (CAN) and Richard Maynard’s Galileo, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood gelding, hold a score of 26.10, while third currently belongs to Kelly Prather (USA) and Catch Me Cooley, the 2012 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Clover Brigade x Loughnavatta Sabrina) owned in partnership with Cooley Farm, on a score of 26.90.

Murphy has been partnered with Otta B Quality since he was three years old, and called him a “really lovely horse” who “did everything he knows how to do” in Dressage to claim the tentative lead. “He was very well behaved, and did his best job, so I was thrilled with him today. He did the best test he could do for where he is, and he’s well-prepared to be here.”

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Hold BUCKEYE™ Nutrition CCI 4*-L Division Lead Following Dressage Day One

Marilyn Little (USA) and RF Scandalous, the 2005 Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold x Lario) owned by Michael and Phoebe Manders along with Jacqueline Mars, produced a comfortable lead after the first half of Dressage to kick off the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition USEF Eventing CCI 4*-L National Championship, scoring 21.50. Doug Payne (USA) and Starr Witness, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood mare (Chello III VDL x Veneur) owned in partnership with Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter, sit in second with a 26.60, while Boyd Martin (USA) holds third with On Cue, the 2006 Anglo-European mare (Cabri D’elle x Primitive Rising) owned in partnership with Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner. The remaining 39 entries in the BUCKEYE Nutrition CCI 4*-L Division will ride down centerline starting at 8:00am EST on Friday, November 13.

For full results after day one, click here.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping

Coleman and Smith Earn USEF CCI3* and CCI2* Eventing National Championship Titles

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Will Coleman and Tight Lines (Shannon Brinkman Photo)

O’Hanlon Claims CCI3* Victory at Fair Hill International Three-Day Event

Fair Hill, Md. – The show jumping phase proved influential for CCI3* competitors on Sunday at the 2017 The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event, with Will Coleman and Tight Lines claiming the title of The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* Eventing National Champions. Tamra Smith and Sunsprite Syrius remained unaffected by the challenging show jumping phase to close out a start-to-finish win of the CCI2* division.

In the CCI3*, the leaderboard shuffled to put Canada’s Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High on top as the winning pair of the 2017 The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event. It was a rollercoaster weekend for O’Hanlon (Ontario, Canada), as she bounced from first to second and back on top again with Foxwood High, a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by John and Judy Rumble. Ultimately, the CCI3* win and a $15,000 prize were hers for the taking after she added three deliberate time penalties in Sunday’s show jumping to finish on a score of 44.0.

Coleman (Charlottesville, Va.) and Tight Lines were crowned The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* National Eventing Champions and second overall at the 2017 The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event after a faultless show jumping round left them on their dressage score (46.3) as the highest placed American pair. As the national champion, Coleman will also receive one free, round-trip flight to Europe, for one horse from The Dutta Corp.

“He was magic yesterday on the cross-country. I was thrilled with how he ran. He made it feel like it was well within his capabilities, and today he just tried his heart out,” Coleman said of The Conair Syndicate’s 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. “I think the horse’s biggest attribute is that he just gives 100% all of the time. He’s not the simplest, but he really tries. As long as you can harness that the right way, you can do some good things. We’ll just try to reproduce it now over and over again.”

A clear round catapulted Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Christine Turner’s 10-year-old Trakehner gelding Tsetserleg to third place in the CCI3* for The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* reserve champion title. A score of 46.1 in the dressage and 1.2 time penalties on cross-country gave them a final result of 47.3.

“He’s a newer horse for me,” Martin commented on his talented partner. “He just doesn’t wow you at home, but when you get to a competition, this horse all of the sudden grows to about 17.2, he jumps as high as you want to jump, and moves like Totilas. We saw that this weekend at Fair Hill.”

Smith’s (Murrietta, Calif.) show jumping trip proved successful on Sunday as she completed a wire-to-wire win in The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI2* Eventing National Championship with Sunsprite Warmbloods’ Sunsprite Syrius. The nine-year-old Trakehner gelding ended the weekend on his dressage score of 40.9.

“I’m thrilled. He was perfect in every phase, and I couldn’t have asked him to be better. He show jumped today like a million bucks,” Smith said proudly.

For Smith, a win like this means all the more for the horse’s owners, Pamela Duffy and Donald Trotter of Sunsprite Warmbloods. “The owners have a fairly small to medium breeding farm in southern California, and Pam [Duffy] is very diligent about breeding horses and what horses she acquires for the sport,” explained Smith.  “I’m just really happy for them. It’s been kind of a long road to get here, so I’m thrilled for them.”

Coleman and Off The Record moved nimbly around Sally Ike’s winding show jumping track to finish in second place in The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI2* Eventing National Championship. The Off The Record Syndicate’s eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding avoided jump penalties throughout the weekend for a final result of 49.8.

“Anytime you finish a three-day event on your dressage score, I think it’s a major accomplishment,” Coleman said proudly. “This horse has done it twice this year, which I’m really proud of. There are some things we will try to improve on over the winter. He’s been consistent this year, and that’s something we can hang our hat on.”

Matthew Flynn (Reddick, Fla.) and Get Lucky, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Flynn Sporthorses, steadily climbed the leaderboard through all three phases, ending the competition in third. Only 0.4 cross-country time penalties marred their finishing result of 50.4. Get Lucky was also awarded the Best Presentation Award.

“I was really happy with him in all three phases,” said Flynn. “I was disappointed to be one second over [the time on cross-country], but such is life. For him, I’m thrilled. It’s his second two-star event and he’s been third here before, so it was nice to repeat it.”

The John H. Fritz Trophy was awarded to Sophia Click as the highest-placed Young Rider in the CCI2* division. Nina and Tim Gardner’s FE Lifestyle, a seven-year-old Warmblood gelding, earned the USEF National Young Horse Championship title for six- and seven-year-old horses. The Small But Mighty Award was given to Colleen Rutledge’s (Frederick, Md.) 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Uno for being the smallest equine to complete the CCI2*.

For further information on The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International, visit www.fairhillinternational.com.

From the US Equestrian Communications Department/Classic Communications

Championships, Eventing/H.T., USEF, USEF

Smith and Coleman Victorious in USEF Three- and Two-Star Eventing National Championships

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Will Coleman and Tight Lines (Shannon Brinkman Photography)

Elkton, Md. – The final day at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International saw National Champions crowned in both The Dutta Corp./USEF Three- and Two-Star Eventing National Championships. Taking on the Sally Ike-designed show jumping course, 56 combinations contested the final day of the CCI2*, while the CCI3* saw a field of 37. Winning her first USEF National Championship title, Tamra Smith and Mai Baum led from the start and secured the win today in the CCI3*. Also maintaining the top spot on the leaderboard throughout all three phases, Will Coleman with Tight Lines took the win the CCI2*.

Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum began their weekend with a beautiful performance in dressage to score 38.5. After an impressive trip around the cross-country track, the pair added nothing to their overnight score and began the day with a rail in hand. Having won in her last three outings with the 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell, the pressure of the lead did not affect Smith as she executed a bold and careful show jumping round, adding two time penalties to finish on 40.5. This was Smith’s first CCI3* win and National Championship title.

“He was super. Normally, he’s pretty spooky in the ring, and today, he wasn’t at all. He went in there and was all business, I was really proud of the ride; he jumped fantastic,” said an incredibly pleased Smith. “He’s got everything – he’s the whole package. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be sitting on him; I am blown away every time I ride him.”

As the top-placed rider to have not completed a CCI4*, Smith was named the USEF National Developing Rider Champion. Smith received a horse transport flight courtesy of The Dutta Corp. as the three-star National Champion.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Mighty Nice had a solid dressage test to begin the weekend on a score of 43.5. Displaying their signature prowess on cross-country, the pair finished double-clear without a second to spare, clocking in on the optimum time of 10 minutes. The 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Michael Bombar, Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Kevin Keane, and Caroline Moran, rubbed several rails, but left them all in the cups, adding two time-faults to the overnight total to earn the Reserve Champion honors.

“I probably had the luckiest round today. Show jumping has been a bit tough for us, but he left all the rails up, and I am pleased for him,” said Dutton. “He’s got a lot of improving still ahead of him, but he’s a really great horse, and I am lucky to have him.”

Finishing third was Kim Severson (Charlottesville, Va.) and The Cross Syndicate’s 2007 Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooley Cross Border. The pair added just eight-tenths of a time penalty to their dressage score in cross-country, going double-clear today to climb the leaderboard one spot and finish on 46.6.

It was an exciting conclusion to the CCI2* as less than a rail separated the top three combinations. Heading into the arena as the overnight leader, Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Tight Lines finished clear and inside the time allowed to secure victory. The pair had started off their weekend with a best-ever performance in the dressage phase, scoring 42.5. The 2007 French Thoroughbred gelding, owned by The Conair Syndicate, built confidence all the way around the cross-country track on Saturday, going double-clear in impressive fashion.

“It probably wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve ever had on him, but he left all [the rails] up and tried really hard,” said Coleman of his show jumping performance. “Anytime you win a three-day event it’s a big deal, especially at the two-star level and above, and this particular one has eluded me for a number of years; personally it’s an accomplishment.”

Taking another Reserve Champion title today was Dutton and Z, adding a double-clear show jumping round to their double-clear cross-country performance to finish on their dressage score of 45.3. The 2008 Zangersheide gelding, owned by Suzanne Lacy, Jacqueline B. Mars, Simon Roosevelt, and Thomas Tierney, showcased his potential to excel in his first CCI2* contest.

“The best thing I learned [about this horse] is that he has great endurance, which you never quite know until you get to an eight minute course or more, and I’d only done horse trials on him until now,” explained Dutton of the education gained from the weekend’s experience. “I knew he was a smart on the flat, a great jumper, and a good galloper, but he just hadn’t been tested on a longer course. I’ve got confidence now that he’s going to have enough endurance for the next couple of levels, hopefully.”

Z was also awarded the USEF Two-Star Young Horse Eventing National Champion title as the highest placed six- or seven-year-old horse.

Climbing the leaderboard from eighth after dressage and fifth after cross-country, Matt Flynn (Reddick, Fla.) put in a brilliant double-clear show jumping round to take third place overall on a score of 48.8 with Flynn Sport Horses LLC’s Get Lucky, a 2008 KWPN gelding. Get Lucky was Reserve Champion in the USEF Two-Star Young Horse Eventing National Championship.

Adrian Jones, riding Magnificent Toy, won the USEF Two-Star Young Rider National Championship, placing 24th in the CCI2*. Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna were the Reserve National Champions.

Complete CCI3* and CCI2* Results

From the USEF Communications Department

Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day, Show Jumping, USEF

Michael Jung Wins Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

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Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn (Ben Radvanyi Photography)

Phillip Dutton Secures Fourth Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Championship Title

Lexington, Ky. – The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover came to a conclusion this afternoon as 41 combinations went head-to-head over Richard Jeffery’s show jumping course inside Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Michael Jung of Germany rode the impressive mare, fischerRocana FST, in yet another foot perfect jumping effort to win the title of Rolex Kentucky Champion on their dressage score of 39.3.

Jung said of fischerRocana FST, “She is very correct. She knows what she has to do in each phase. Every competition is easy with her and that is very special.”

Overnight leader Tim Price of New Zealand and Wesko had an extremely costly rail down to finish a close second on 40.3. Jung also took third place honors with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW who had two uncharacteristic rails down on course to finish on 44.7.

Earning the Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Championship title was highest placed American Phillip Dutton with Fernhill Cubalawn, owned by Thomas Tierney and Simon Roosevelt. The pair went clear and inside the time to take fifth place on 54.1. Going earlier in the order, Dutton rode a flawless round on Fernhill Fugitive, owned by Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones, to finish ninth on 59.3. Dutton was the only rider in the field not only to saddle two mounts on Sunday, but to ride both to double clear finishes on a day when clear efforts were scarce. Making this achievement more special is the fact that both horses were contesting their first CCI4*.

“I am excited about their futures,” said Dutton. “They are both still young, but really stepped up and improved this weekend.”

This marks the fourth time Dutton has been named the Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champion having won the title in 2010, 2008, and 2007.

Will Coleman and OBOS O'Reilly (Ben Radvanyi Photography)
Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly (Ben Radvanyi Photography)

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly, owned by the Four Star Eventing Group and Coleman, added four faults to their dressage score with a rail down at fence five to finish sixth on 56.6. Boyd Martin and Master Frisky, owned by Stephen Blauner, also ended the day on 56.6, but placed seventh behind Coleman as the classification is decided in favor of the athlete whose cross-country time was closest to the optimum time. Coleman finished his double-clear cross-country ride just one second under the optimum time. He was presented with two-year free lease on a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport having won the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day Award.

The complete competition is available on-demand on the USEF Network, in addition to complete results, post-ride interviews, and daily recaps from today and throughout the week.

From the USEF Communications Department

Contributors/Press, Eventing/H.T., Kentucky Three-Day

Check Out the 2013 Featured Riders

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Jennie Brannigan

Take a sneak peak at who is already preparing for the trip to Rolex Kentucky this year. Whether it is their first time to Rolex Kentucky or not, each tale is unique and inspiring to follow.  Read more about your favorite horse and rider in this week’s featured riders installment!

Jennie Brannigan – Cambalda

I’m sure most people can recount their first Rolex visit. For me it was in 2003, when the torrential rain flooded the course.  I was 14, I believe, and I was quite fortunate to be Allison Springer’s first working student at the time.

I’ll tell you that the one real thing I remember now, 11 years later, about that weekend was watching eventing legend…

Click to read more about Jennie!

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, Olympic Games, Show Jumping, USEF

O’Connor Leads American Olympic Games Effort; Germany Sweeps Gold

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Karen O'Connor and Mr. Medicott (photos: Shannon Brinkman)

Greenwich, UK – The German Olympic Eventing Team was in a class of its own as history was made at Greenwich Park. Michael Jung led a charge that finished with him winning Team and Individual Gold in a flawless effort on Sam. They were the only combination to finish the entire competition without adding anything to their dressage score. That score of 40.6 meant that Jung is the first person ever to be the reigning European, Olympic, and World Champion simultaneously.

Sara Algotsson Ostholt led after the cross country with Wega for Sweden but her Gold medal turned to Silver when they impossibly dislodged the front rail of the last fence of the individual show jumping round. It appeared to happen in slow motion. Sandra Auffarth bookended the German effort, picking up Bronze on Opgun Louvo. Just 4.2 faults separated the top three individuals.

The German invincibility began its display in the Team competition; they finished on a three-day score of 133.7, handling everything the British could throw at them. The Brits gave it a serious effort before a hugely supportive crowd, but they finished up Silver on a score of 138.20. New Zealand rounded out the top three with class performances from all five of their riders. The U.S. Team finished seventh on a score of 208.6.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Olympic Games, USEF

Dutton Leads American Olympic Eventing Team after Dressage

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Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper (photos by Shannon Brinkman)

Greenwich, UK – The Olympic Eventing dressage concluded today and the U.S. put in two strong performances to settle into seventh place after the first phase. The Germans have a commanding lead on a combined score of 119.10, just clear of Australia on 122.10. The home team sits third on 127. The next five teams are separated by less than 11 points, meaning that Monday’s cross country is destined to be influential.

There is an unlikely leader at the top of the leaderboard as Yoshiaki Oiwa took control for Japan with Noonday de Conde on a score of 38.1. He leads the six horses from five countries who broke the 40 mark. Stefano Brecciaroli from Italy sits second with the horse he placed second on following the dressage at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Apollo WD Wendi Kurt Hoev. Seven-time Olympian (and two-time Individual Gold medalist) Mark Todd rounds out the top three for New Zealand with Campino.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) leads the way individually for the USA. He rode Jim and Arden Wildasin’s Mystery Whisper to an impressive performance – scoring 44.1 for the effort and into 19th place. Judged by Anne-Mette Binder, Nick Burton and Gillian Rolton, Mystery Whisper had small mistakes in each halt, the first one preempted by a spook going around the main arena, but was otherwise all class.

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