Tag Archives: Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*

Kieffer Finishes Fourth in Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett (Libby Law Photography)

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The U.S. contingent had a respectable performance in the solid international field of 97 combinations in the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*. Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant recipient Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett led the way as the top U.S. pair in fourth place.

Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) began the competition with a fabulous dressage test aboard Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett to earn a score of 42.10 from the Ground Jury of Wayne Quarles (USA), Sándor Fülöp (HUN), and Ciska van Meggelen-Peek (NED). Sitting in second place heading into cross-country, Kieffer and the 2007 Thoroughbred cross mare delivered a stellar round over a challenging track designed by Sue Benson (GBR). They added only 2.40 time penalties to their score to maintain second place on the leaderboard. Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett had an unfortunate rail at fence nine and single time penalty over the show jumping track designed by Jos Brinkman (NED), adding 5.00 penalties to their score. The pair still managed to claim an impressive fourth-place finish with a final score of 49.50 in the mare’s European debut.

“I’m very honored to have received the Land Rover grant with Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, owned and bred by Marie Le Menestrel, and I’m very pleased with her performance. Boekelo is always an eye-opening experience with younger horses, and I am very happy with how Scarlett handled the challenge. She rose to the occasion in the dressage and I was pleased we put forward a competitive score for the USA. She tackled the cross-country with ease, and despite our one rail, I’m happy with how she handled the always tough show jumping track,” Kieffer said. Commenting on the benefits of competing at Boekelo, she added, “As a rider, it is incredibly invaluable and important to have these opportunities to compete overseas and I am very grateful for the support that allows me to do so.”

Elinor MacPhail (Ocala, Fla.) put forth a great effort in her European debut with Sally Crane’s RF Eloquence, beginning with a lovely dressage test that earned a score of 48.20. She and the 2005 Holsteiner gelding were determined on cross-country day, but added 17.20 time penalties to their score. They had a rail at fence five and a single time penalty over the show jumping track to finish on a score of 70.40 in 23rd place.

Tamra Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) tactfully rode West Coast Dempsey Syndicate’s Dempsey in the biggest competition he has faced thus far in his career. The 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding struggled with tension in the dressage test to receive a score of 59.10. Smith guided Dempsey well on cross-country day to finish with 16.40 time penalties. They closed out the competition with a rail down a fence 3B and four time penalties in show jumping for eight penalties to end on a score of 83.50 in 32nd place.

Two other U.S. combinations also contested the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*. Kylie Lyman (White River Junction, Vt.) and Joan Nichols’ Lup the Loop, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding, received a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation. They were off to a strong start with a dressage score of 50.70, but were eliminated on cross-country after running into problems early on. Smith had a second mount, The Twizted Systers, LLC’s 2006 Irish Sport Horse mare Twizted Syster. They had a respectable dressage test to score 53.90, but were eliminated due to a fall on cross-country. Both were unharmed.

Overnight leaders Stephanie Böhe (GER) and Haytom held on for the win, finishing on their dressage score of 43.90. Fellow countryman Andreas Dibowski and FRH Butts Avedon finished second on a score of 45.40, and Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley SRS were third on a score of 47.60.

Find out more about the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* and view the results.

By Kathleen Landwehr

US Eventing Earns Silver Medal, Brown Finishes Sixth at Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF (Libby Law Photography)

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team had fantastic performances at the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* as they competed against 10 countries in the Nations Cup competition. The determined efforts of Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF, Buck Davidson and Copper Beach, Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley, and Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous earned the U.S. team the Silver medal with a final score of 197.00. Brown and Super Socks BCF were the top Americans with an impressive sixth-place finish, with a large U.S. contingent having notable performances at Boekelo.

“It was a good performance,” said a pleased Chef d’Equipe David O’Connor. “The cross-country course is not a typical course that we see with how twisty and turn-y it is, and it was even more so this year. We had nine clear rounds which was huge, and it put us into play for the medals. Show jumping went well; the riding was good and they kept fighting. I’m very excited about the finish.”

Brown (Petaluma, Calif.) got every point out of Super Socks BCF in their dressage test to receive a score of 46.40 from the Ground Jury of Jane Holderness-Roddam (GBR), Polly Ann Huntington (AUS), and Alain James (FRA). He had a spectacular round with Blossom Creek Foundation’s 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding over Sue Benson’s tough track, adding just 5.20 time penalties to their score. The recipients of a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation had a great round over Jos Brinkman’s show jumping course, aside from a single time fault, to finish in sixth place with a score of 52.60 in their European and Nations Cup debut.

“It was a great experience made possible by the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation and the Rebecca Farm International Travel Grant; otherwise, it would have taken us a lot to do on our own,” Brown said. “My horse is more confident have finished this event, and I am more confident have completed my first European event. This experience has gone a long way for our partnership and I am looking forward to doing a four-star with him next year.”

Davidson (Ocala, Fla.) and Copper Beach were the pathfinders for the U.S. throughout the competition, beginning with a solid dressage test to score 51.40. The USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients laid down a good cross-country round and added 12.00 time penalties to their score. Davidson and Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding had an unlucky rail at the final fence for four faults to finish in 31st place on a score of 67.40.

Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, England) and HHS Cooley had a smooth dressage test to earn a score of 45.80. The pair struggled to find an agreed upon rhythm during its cross-country round, resulting in 23.2 time penalties. Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding collected eight faults in the show jumping phase with rails at fences 3A and 11 to finish with a score of 77.00 in 37th place.

Little (Frederick, Md.) and RF Scandalous had a flashy dressage test to give them a score of 45.50 in the first phase. Little gave Robin Parsky, Jacqueline B. Mars, and Michael and Phoebe Manders’ 2005 Oldenburg mare a great ride over the horse’s first CCI3* track, collecting 9.60 time penalties. Unfortunately RF Scandalous was withdrawn before the final horse inspection due to a minor injury.

The remaining U.S. combinations competing as individuals had solid performances. Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Landmark’s Monte Carlo had a great dressage test to score 46.80 and a textbook cross-country round, adding just 1.20 time penalties to their score. Kieffer and Jacqueline B. Mars’ 2006 Irish Thoroughbred Cross gelding had an eight-fault show jumping round to finish in 12th place on a score of 57.80. Jon Holling (Ocala, Fla.) and Downtown Harrison had a lovely dressage test to score 46.20 and added 13.20 time penalties to their score on cross-country day. Holling and Constance Holling’s 2004 Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding had an unlucky rail for four faults to finish on a score of 63.40 in 23rd place. Davidson and his other mount, Carlevo, had an excellent dressage test to receive a score of 45.70 followed by an educational cross-country round in the horse’s first CCI3*, collecting 26.40 time penalties. He and Carlevo LLC’s 2007 Holsteiner gelding had no jumping faults and three time penalties to finish in 36th place with a score of 75.10.

Little’s second mount, RF Quarterman, struggled with the atmosphere during their dressage test, receiving a score of 58.40. Little gave Raylyn Farms, Inc.’s 2008 Oldenburg gelding a confident ride on cross-country day, adding 11.60 time penalties to their score. The USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients had an eight-fault show jumping round to finish in 40th place with a score of 78.00. Kieffer and her other mount, Vermiculus, had a nice dressage test to score 55.50 and added 15.20 time penalties on cross-country day. She and Jacqueline B. Mars’ 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding had eight faults in the show jumping phase, finishing in 41st place with a score of 78.70. Katherine Coleman (Baydon, England) and her own Longwood, a 2002 Irish Sport Horse gelding, earned their first CCI3* completion as a combination, finishing in 57th place with a score of 125.70.

Ireland earned the Gold medal in the Nations Cup competition with a score of 174.90 with the U.S. receiving Silver and New Zealand collecting the Bronze with a score of 198.90. Nicola Wilson (GBR) and Bulana claimed the top individual honors after finishing on a score of 47.10. Blyth Tait (NZL) and Xanthus III finished in second place with a score of 49.20 and Kristina Cook (GBR) and Billy the Red were third with a score of 50.50, with both combinations having one of the eight double-clear show jumping rounds.

Find out more about the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* and view the results.

By Kathleen Landwehr

USEF Names Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and Alternates for the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*, October 8-11 in Boekelo, The Netherlands.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will compose the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team (in alphabetical order):

  • Matt Brown (Petaluma, Calif.) and Blossom Creek Foundation’s Super Socks BCF, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Buck Davidson (Unionville, Pa.) and Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal’s Copper Beach, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, UK) and Deborah Halliday’s HHS Cooley, a 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Robin Parsky, Jacqueline Mars, and Phoebe Manders’ RF Scandalous, a 2005 Oldenburg mare, or Raylyn Farms, Inc.’s RF Quarterman, a 2008 Oldenburg gelding

The following athlete-and-horse combinations competing at Boekelo are the alternates (in ranked order):

  • Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) on Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 2006 Irish Thoroughbred Cross gelding
  • Jon Holling (Ocala, Fla.) on Constance Holling’s Downtown Harrison, a 2004 Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding

Three members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team are attending the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* with the help of grants. Brown is attending Boekelo on a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation, while Davidson and Little (with RF Quarterman) are attending Boekelo on USEF Land Rover Competition Grants.

Find out more about the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*.

From the USEF Communications Department

Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Jumps Two Places and Finishes Sixth at Boekelo

Boekelo, The Netherlands – Every member of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team that entered the show jumping arena at the Military Boekelo CCIO3* Sunday leapt up the leaderboard and helped the U.S. team improve to 6th place in the final Nations Cup standings. Leading the way for the Americans were Jonathan Holling and Downtown Harrison.

Holling (Ocala, FL) and Constance Ann Holling’s Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding were just shy of a double clear round. They jumped flawlessly, but came in just over time and ended with 1 fault. “I was really thrilled with [Downtown Harrison],” said Holling. “Other than possibly shaving a second off a turn, he was pretty exceptional out there today.” Downtown Harrison’s performance helped Holling jump up the leaderboard twenty-five places and finish the Event in 31st position overall.

Continue reading Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Jumps Two Places and Finishes Sixth at Boekelo

After Cross Country at Boekelo, Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Remains in Eighth Place

Boekelo, The Netherlands – They had some adverse conditions to deal with Saturday, but the members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team were able to maintain their place in the standings after navigating a soggy cross country course at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*. Leading the Nations Cup team were Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda. The pair jumped clean over the course while adding 10 time faults and rising in the standings to 52nd overall.

“It was quite muddy and heavy by the time I went,” said Brannigan of her ride, and though it was good day for her, she says it was better than it looked. “The scoreboard does not reflect it, but [Cambalda] was super and had a lovely ride. I’m very excited about both of our futures and appreciate the funding to be here.”

All four U.S. team members are competing at Boekelo as part of the Land Rover Competition and Training Grants program. The experience that they, and their horses, are gaining through the program is invaluable.

Continue reading After Cross Country at Boekelo, Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Remains in Eighth Place

Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team in Eighth at Military Boekelo CCIO3* Following Dressage

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team stands eighth in FEI Nations Cup competition as they head into Saturday’s cross country at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*. The final two members of the Nations Cup team, Jennie Brannigan and Jon Holling, performed their dressage today in front of the Ground Jury of Sue Stewart, Eric Lieby, and Helen Christie.

All riders on Friday had to contend with heavy rain throughout the day but the weather didn’t deter Holling (Ocala, FL) from producing a solid test with Constance Ann Holling’s Downtown Harrison. Holling and his winning partner from the 2012 Volvo Bromont CCI3* Three Day Event scored 49.6 for their effort.

“I was really happy with him. To be honest it was his best test in terms of the quality of the work. He scored better at Bromont but the quality here was better, much more uphill.”

Continue reading Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team in Eighth at Military Boekelo CCIO3* Following Dressage

Montgomery Leads Land Rover U.S. Eventing on First Day of Dressage at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen (Stockimageservices.com)

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The United States sent two Land Rover Competition and Training Grant recipients down the centerline Thursday at the Military Boekelo CCIO3* in front of the Ground Jury composed of Sue Stewart, Eric Lieby, and Helen Christie. Leading the U.S. effort in FEI Nations Cup Eventing competition are Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. The pair performed a pleasing test to score 46.2 and stand in 11th place following the first day of dressage.

“He was good, a little nervous at the beginning. It took a few movements to get him settled but as the test went on he got more and more rideable,” said Montgomery of Loughan Glen.

“The first few movements didn’t score as well as I would have liked but he was great at the end.”

Continue reading Montgomery Leads Land Rover U.S. Eventing on First Day of Dressage at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*

Land Rover Competition and Training Grant Recipients Ready for FEI Nations Cup Eventing Competition at Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda (Picsofyou.com)

Lexington, KY – A strong contingent of U.S. horses and riders are set to compete in FEI Nations Cup Eventing competition this weekend at the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*, October 11-14. The team of Jennie Brannigan, Phillip Dutton, Jon Holling and Clark Montgomery are competing at the premiere Dutch competition as part of the Land Rover Competition and Training Grants program.

Boekelo, the sixth and final competition in the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, will host teams from 12 nations, with the U.S. drawing fifth in the order. Additionally, all competitors are vying for top Individual honors in the field of 112.

Brannigan (West Grove, PA) is a well-known competitor on the U.S. scene having collected top placings on both the East and West Coasts. She will ride Nina Gardner’s 10-year-old Thoroughbred cross gelding, Cambalda, in the Nations Cup competition. The pair won the CCI3* at the Galway Downs International Three Event in 2010. They prepared for Boekelo by placing second in the Advanced division at the 2012 Richland Park Horse Trials in August prior to finishing 11th in CIC3* competition at the Plantation Field International Horse Trials during the third weekend in September.

Continue reading Land Rover Competition and Training Grant Recipients Ready for FEI Nations Cup Eventing Competition at Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*