Tag Archives: Doug Payne

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Mario Deslauriers Dominates $73k Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 4* with Amsterdam 27

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Mario Deslauriers and Amsterdam 27 ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – October 22, 2020 – Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Amsterdam 27 dominated the $73,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 4* at Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort (TIEC), clearing the jump-off track in 36.35 seconds to take the win. In reserve, Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem) owned by Blue Star Investments, sped through the timers in 37.31 seconds, while Schuyler Riley (USA) completed the podium with the 2005 Selle Francais gelding (Elf d’Or x Calypso d’Herbiers), Robin de Ponthual, achieving the first clear short-course round of the day in 42.06 seconds for Katherine Gallagher & M. Michael Meller.

Deslauriers and the 2010 Holsteiner gelding (Catoki x Acord II) he owns in partnership with Luja LLC and Wishing Well Farm LLC were one of 89 entries to challenge the first round of the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) course design, with 12 pairs earning the opportunity to tour the jump-off course. In Deslauriers’ first visit to the venue since the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, he shared that he chose to spend three weeks at the venue because he knew it would be a “safe zone” and a quality facility:

“We’re trying to stay put at the same place, so we know everything is monitored well. The show here is doing a great job monitoring everything. We’re just happy to be out there competing. [My experience here] has been great, and people couldn’t be nicer. I think that we’re in a pretty safe zone here. It’s good for everyone!”

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Almighty Best the $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake CSI 4*

October 21, 2020 – Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Almighty left out strides across the board to claim a win in the $37,000 EquiSafe Global Power & Speed Stake in Tryon Stadium, completing the speed phase in 26.98 seconds. Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Ceitasi, the 2010 Westphalian mare (Caretello B x Cavalier) owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, dashed to a reserve placing on a time of 27.75 seconds, while Tanner Korotkin (USA) and Deauville S, Castlewood Farm Inc.-owned 2006 Holsteiner gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Lux Z), stopped the timers in 27.87 seconds for third.

VanderVeen and the Bull Run Jumper Six LLC entry, the 2008 Hanoverian gelding (Caspar x Quidam De Revel), were one of 45 horse-and-rider pairs to challenge the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) layout, with 30 pairs continuing through the speed phase and 19 entries going double-clear. VanderVeen explained that she was able to leave a stride out in every line in order to take the win:

“Actually, when I walked it, I was a little bit unsure [of my plan], because the numbers for the leave-outs seemed very aggressive to me. He’s a bit of a slower-moving horse, so I didn’t feel like I would be competitive if I didn’t leave out the strides,” she elaborated. “In the first phase he felt amazing, so I decided to just go for it. I was able to leave our one stride in every line. He was amazing!”

Doug Payne and Quintessence Secure $6,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 4*

October 21, 2020 – Doug Payne (USA) and Quintessence, the 2011 Holsteiner gelding (Unknown x Unknown) owned by Jane Dudinsky, stopped the timers in 27.8 seconds to claim top honors in the $6,000 Power & Speed Stake CSI 4* on Wednesday at TIEC. Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) and Shadowfax 111, the Starlight Farms 1 LLC entry and 2012 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Der Senaat 111 x Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve), completed the speed phase in 31.95 seconds for second-place honors in the class of 35 competitors, while Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) cleared the speed phase in 33.61 seconds to capture the yellow ribbon with Calle 67, the Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC-owned 2009 Westphalian gelding (Carell x Capitalist).

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., Tryon

Inaugural Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials Provides World-Class Competitor Experience

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Doug Payne and Quantum Leap ©Christine Quinn Photography.

Mill Spring, NC – September 17, 2019 – The inaugural Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials (BRMHT) at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) concluded Sunday, following two days of national-level Eventing competition at the venue. The event marked the first time competitors of all lower levels were welcomed to test the White Oak Cross-Country Course, the same to host Cross-Country competition during the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG). World-renowned course designer Captain Mark Phillips (GBR) designed seven layouts to host nearly 150 entries from Beginner Novice through Advanced, including Modified.

In the Advanced Division, Doug Payne (Aiken, SC) piloted Quantum Leap to top honors after finishing with a final score of 40.60. Allison Springer (Upperville, VA) and Katie Lichten’s Sapphire Blue B, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Heritage Fortunus x Lucy Blue), finished in second place after earning a final score of 51.70, while Ema Klugman (Clarksburg, MD) and Jeni Klugman’s Bendigo, a 2002 Trakehner gelding (Unknown x Unknown), took third place after a final score 52.40.

“He [Quantum Leap] is an eight-year-old and still greenish to the [Advanced] level for sure; he has probably five events under his belt at this point,” Payne shared of the 2011 Zweibrucker gelding (Quite Capitol x Report to Sloopy), co-owned with his wife, Jessica Payne.

Payne continued, “I wasn’t looking to going crazy fast, but he’s a very efficient and good galloping horse, so he just covers the ground so well. I’m very, very lucky to have such a talented and willing horse to go with. He goes in a rubber snaffle, and you barely have to touch him.”

Payne commended Phillips’ course-building to accommodate multiple courses on one footprint. “Initially I was thinking [the course] might get real busy, but there is enough space here that it’s quite good.” Payne concluded, “The course was wonderful. I think the footing couldn’t have been any better. It was a good, flowing course, and I think the whole competition has been excellent.”

After the Show Jumping phase on Saturday night under the lights in Tryon Stadium, Springer and Sapphire Blue B were leading after earning a score of 27.70 in the Dressage phase and putting in a clear round in Tryon Stadium. “He [Sapphire Blue B] is my student Katie Lichten’s horse. We call him Steve in the barn — he’s a unicorn.”

Springer continued: “He’s young, and was definitely spooky in there [Tryon Stadium] but he jumped great. He’s a talented young horse, and I feel really honored to be able to ride him for [Katie Lichten].”

Lucienne Elms and Mistralou Win Open Intermediate Division

Lucienne Elms (Campobello, SC) and her own Mistralou claimed the win in Open Intermediate after a speedy Cross-Country performance bringing her final score to 46.40. Second place was awarded to Annie Goodwin (Aiken, SC) and Mettraise, owned by Jeanne Sylvester, after their final score of 52.50, while John Michael Durr (Shelby, NC) earned third just behind, finishing with a final score of 52.60 with Becky Brown’s entry Tilikum.

“It was a fantastic course design; Mark Phillips is ever the master,” Elms said of the Cross-Country course designer’s work after piloting horses through two different levels. “[The course] rode really well; there were plenty of questions, with all combinations rewarding to just keep a forward rhythm, too.”

Although Elms just started competing again after sustaining injuries in late 2018, she admitted that she was still determined to be competitive: “I wanted a strong result; he [Mistralou] is not green, so I intended to set out for the time. He is a full-blood horse and always a pleasure to finish on, [since] he just keeps galloping, so I was confident I would be competitive providing the time wasn’t easy to attain.”

Kimberly Steinbuch (Shelby, NC) aboard PDQ Leigh, owned by Jil Walton, led the pack Saturday after scoring a 29.30 to lead the Dressage phase and producing a fault-free Show Jumping round. “He’s very new to me: I’ve had him for just over two and a half weeks,” Steinbuch admitted. “I’m very excited about him and looking forward to a very good partnership.”

Steinbuch shared that the course set by course designer Chris Barnard was her first Show Jumping round “under the lights,” and her second Show Jumping round with PDQ Leigh. “It was a little back-and-forth and a little discussionary, but he knows his job is just to leave all of the rails in the cups,” stated Steinbuch.

Steinbuch revealed that she is not used to riding a horse of PDQ Leigh’s size and that it could be a challenging dynamic on Cross-Country: “He’s definitely over 17 hands, so it’s very different for me to have a horse his size to try and ride around, but he’s pretty straight forward and he knows his job.”

Steinbuch and her husband, John Michael Durr, operate out of Shelby, North Carolina, which allows them to compete at TIEC as often as they wish, she said. “We’re here two to three weeks a month, so we basically live here. We do all the Jumpers and Hunters here, and then we do Eventing on the weekends. It’s nice to be centrally located,” concluded Steinbuch.

John Michael Durr and Casofino Claim Open Preliminary Division

John Michael Durr (Shelby, NC) maintained his lead from the first day of competition in the Open Preliminary division to win it all, earning a final score of 29.10 aboard Casofino, owned by Madigan Murphy. Ema Klugman (Clarksburg, MD) and Jeni Klugman’s Bronte Beach Z came in a close second after finishing with a final score of 30.00, while Doug Payne (Aiken, SC) and Stephen Blauner’s Baymax finished in third with a final score of 34.40.

“The course rode really well; Mark [Phillips] did an amazing job; even though there were a lot of courses it felt like the horses were never confused about where they were going,” explained Durr of the White Oak Course adjacent to TIEC. “It was really well done. There were several different tracks, and he nailed it.”

Durr explained that he has been working on giving Casofino “consistent miles and education” before turning the reins back over to his adult-amateur owner, who is also Durr’s student. “He’s a really exciting young horse. He just needed a little making up to win with his adult amateur.” Durr continued, “This was the first time he had been in a ring like this under the lights. His heart was going a million miles a minute and he saw every kid rolling down the grass, but he focused on the jumps and did his job.”

Durr concluded, “Every part of what Tryon does makes you feel special – it doesn’t matter whether you’re there for a national horse trials, a B-rated Hunter/Jumper show, or the 5* week. Tryon gives you that championship feeling all the time, so when my students do go to the championships or go to Young Riders or something like that, they don’t fall apart, because they’re used to being in a big atmosphere.”

For full results from the Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials at TIEC, click here.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Charleston Summer Classic Week I Wrap Up

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Killam Pilots Boreale De Talma to the Win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix

The $25,000 EMO Grand Prix took place Friday evening in the grand prix arena and Kris Killam of Naples, Florida in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Boreale De Talma rode into the winner’s circle to collect the blue ribbon and his share of the prize money.

The jump off time was set at 55 seconds. Killam, in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane, was the first to go and with their clear round in a time of 42.06 set the new time to beat.

Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot followed in the jump off round, but four faults in a time of 51.28 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.

Sarah Middleton of Wellington, Florida and Legacy Stables, LLC’s Chaventyno followed Boggio in the jump off order. The pair turned in a fault free round in a time of 54.89 seconds, earning fourth overall.

Daniel Pizarro Rosas of Milton, Georgia and his own Ontario Eclipse earned four jump faults in the jump off round and their time of 49.443 had them finish in fifth overall.

Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence gave Killam and Memory Lane a run for the money with their fault free jump off round in 45.349 seconds, taking the lead.

However, Killam and Boreale De Talma sat in the last to go spot. Their fault free time in 44.886 seconds won the class and moved Payne and Quintessence into the second place position. Killam also grabbed the third place ribbon with Memory Lane.

“I’ve been chasing Doug Payne now for two months and we finally beat him in a grand prix, so that was awesome,” said Killam.

Doug Payne and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence Win the $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome

The $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome kicked off the jumper action at the Charleston Summer Classic and welcomed Doug Payne to the winner’s circle, in the irons of Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence.

As the first to go, the pair turned in a clear first round and second round, setting the time to beat at 30.967 seconds. Killam got close to beating Payne’s time with Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS with their clear second round time in 33.016 seconds and even closer with the last entry of the class, Empire Show Stables’ Boreal De Talma, with their clear second round in a time of 32.812 seconds. But those times could not beat Payne’s time and Killam placed second and third.

Chasen Boggio and Victoria Price’s Quesada D’Elle picked up fourth place for their double clear rounds and Darby Pease of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina aboard Katie Dalsimer’s First Lady BH earned a fifth place for their double clear rounds. Payne also picked up a sixth place as the fastest four faulter in the irons of Wendy Luce’s Marshal M. Dillon.

Boggio returned for a seventh place ribbon in the irons of his own Co Pilot and Killam and Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane earned an eighth place finish.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Show Jumping

Doug Payne Pilots Quintessence to the Win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix

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Twenty-seven horse and rider teams competed in the Saturday night $25,000 EMO Grand Prix Week II at the Aiken Summer Classic over a course designed by world renowned International Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt, of Aiken, South Carolina.

Of the twenty-seven entered, thirteen advanced to the jump off round with a time allowed of 48 seconds.

First to go in the jump off order was Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina and Wendy Luce’s Marshall M. Dillon. Their fault free round in a time of 37.732 seconds set the new time to beat.

Winner of the Week I $7,500 Welcome and the $25,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, Kim Farlinger of Wellington, Florida and Kindle Hill Afiliates’ Maharees Rock, followed Payne in the jump off order, but earned four jump faults at the first fence and finished with a time of 40.007 seconds which would finish them in ninth place overall.

Payne returned to the grand prix arena, this time in the irons of Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessance. Their fault-free round in 35.769 seconds took the lead.

“The horse [Quintessance] is a freak!” said Payne. “He’s just got athleticism, is quick and has the sharp mental state to tackle this. He was supposed to be an event horse, but I thought he would be more suited to the jumpers and it’s turned out well for him. The only thing he is lacking is experience. At this point he’s only 8 and his future looks really bright,” he added.

“The challenge in the jump off was that there we so many of us, you had to really go for it to get a ribbon,” he said. “What I did differently was I chose to do the 8 strides from fence 1 to 2 which let me turn over the oxer to the second jump. Everyone who did the seven made the turn more difficult. I took the time to set him up for a smooth rest of the course which paid off,” he said.

Megan Bennett of Raleigh, North Carolina aboard her own Sherlock Homes 21 followed Payne in the order, but four jump faults in a time of 41.188 seconds would see them finish in eleventh overall. Fandango, owned and ridden by Rachel Kennedy of Brookeville, Maryland, was up next. They also had four jump faults and with their time of 45.636 seconds, would settle into a twelfth place finish.

Adrian Jones of Shamong, New Jersey in the irons of Jamie Stryker’s Cavello joined the jump off bunch, but with four jump faults in a time of 39.994 seconds, they would finish in eighth place.

Kara Jones of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own End Game earned four jump faults in a time of 45.886 seconds and would finish in thirteenth position.

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and November Hill’s Vesta De Lavardin followed in the order. A four fault round in a time of 35.905 seconds would earn them the sixth place ribbon.

Laura Gaither Ulrich of Raleigh, North Carolina and Euro Equine Imports’ Garda posted a clear jump off round in a time of 41.581 seconds which was not enough to unseat Payne, but earned her a fifth place ribbon overall.

Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia aboard his own Co Pilot followed in the order with a clear jump off round in a time of 39.864 seconds, winning them a fourth place ribbon. Farlinger returned to the grand prix arena, this time in the irons of Keren Halperin’s Free Style. Their fault-free second round in a time of 36.083 seconds would move them to a second place finish and Killam and Boreale De Tala to a third place overall.

Killam and Empire show Stables’ Memory Lane were next to go but four jump faults in a time of 41.108 seconds would see them finish in tenth place overall.

Geitner and Dayna Gant’s Ghiradelli were in the desirable last to go position but four jump faults in a time of 36.130 seconds would see them finish in seventh place, moving Payne and Quintessance into the winner’s circle.

“He [Quintessence] is really is an exceptional horse and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to ride him so a big thank you to his owner Jane Dudinsky,” said Payne.

Payne has to do a final check before he competes in the Pan Am Games but will then be heading to the Charleston Summer Classic for Week I. “Charleston is the best. We stay at our friend’s place at the beach and we’re just a few minutes from the show. Our son is a year and half old and he’s all about it,” said Payne.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Championships, Eventing/H.T., FEI, USEA

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap to Represent U.S. at FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships

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Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

The USEA Young Event Horse Program (YEH) introduced the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Le Lion d’Angers Prize and Grant in 2012 with the support of Dr. Timothy and Cheryl Holekamp and Christine Turner to encourage the development of future U.S. Eventing Team horses by providing them with increased international exposure and opportunity as young horses. The grant is awarded yearly to the highest scoring horse from the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old East and West Championships combined during their 7-year-old year that is qualified, willing, and able to compete in the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Mondial du Lion d’Angers in France.

Horses must have completed one CCI* and one CIC2*, both with no cross-country jumping penalties and no more than one rail in show jumping, in order to be qualified to compete in the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships 7-year-old CH-2* division and therefore be eligible for the grant.

In the interest in promoting domestic breeding, North American-bred winners of the Grant are awarded with a cash prize of $17,500 to offset the expenses of traveling to France for the Championships, while imported horses are awarded $8,000. Since the intention of the prize is to create a pipeline for U.S. Team horses, the eligibility of top-placing YEH horses remains with the horse, regardless of change of rider after the YEH 5-year-old Championships. However, the horse must be ridden by a United States citizen to receive the grant.

Doug Payne’s Quantum Leap (Quite Capitol x Report to Sloopy), a 7-year-old Zweibrucker gelding, is the recipient of the 2018 Holekamp/Turner Grant and will be traveling to Le Mondial du Lion d’Angers to represent the United States at the 2018 FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships. Bred by Elizabeth Callahan of Cool Na Grena Sporthorses in Oxford, Maryland, Quantum will be the second North American-bred horse to compete at the Championships with assistance from the grant. The first North American-bred horse to receive the grant was Fleeceworks Royal (Riverman x Marisol), a Holsteiner mare owned by Judith McSwain and bred by Charlotte Wrather of Cottonwood Ranch. Twilightslastgleam (National Anthem x Royal Child), an American-bred off-the-track Thoroughbred owned by Tim and Nina Gardner and bred by Nina, was named the recipient of the 2017 Holekamp/Turner Grant but had an unfortunate minor injury before boarding the flight to France.

Payne selected Quantum as a yearling and produced Quantum all the way up to the two-star level without a single cross-country jumping penalty on his record. Most recently, Payne and Quantum won the Intermediate division at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August and were second in the CCI2* at Ocala International in April.

“He was well bred and put together,” recalled Payne of Quantum as a yearling. “We trusted Didi in that this was the second of four horses that we currently have of hers. We try to buy at least one yearling a year to ensure a pipeline of talented horses for the future. Being that we have the space, it’s the most affordable means to do so.

“In the barn is a just like a big dog, and he’s an odd combination of quiet and sharp when riding,” shared Payne. “He’s very quick and careful to jump and his flat work is coming along very well. He’s just starting to be able to use his body as a cohesive unit rather than some massive unattached spider legs. He’s absolutely a future champion!”

Payne has competed overseas on three separate occasions: in the CCI3* at Boekelo aboard Running Order in 2010, in the CCI3* at Saumur aboard Crown Talisman in 2014, and in the Blenheim CCI3* with Vandiver last fall. “I have looked forward to our return to France ever since [competing at Saumur],” Payne commented. “It’s an incredible honor to attend such a competition and I think Quantum will greatly benefit from the experience.”

“I think [the Holekamp/Turner Grant] is a great asset for U.S. eventing,” stated Payne. “In the end these talented young horses will go on to represent the United States. International trips like this will only better prepare them for that experience. This is, after all, the stated goal of the Young Event Horse program, to develop future talent for team success in the years to come.”

Payne expressed his gratitude to Susan and Dave Drillock, who joined the team behind Quantum when he was a 4-year-old. “Without their help I would not have the opportunity to ride such an incredible horse.”

The 2018 Le Mondial du Lion d’Angers will take place on October 18-21, 2018, just 2 hours and 30 minutes southeast of Paris, France.

Authored By: Jessica Duffy – USEA Staff
© United States Eventing Association

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T.

Caroline Martin and Doug Payne Awarded Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grants

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Caroline Martin and The Apprentice. Photo By: Shannon Brinkman.

Gladstone, N.J. – July 20, 2017 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients of the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grants are Caroline Martin and Doug Payne. Martin and Payne were recognized and unanimously selected by the US Equestrian eventing selectors due to their impressive records and future in representing the United States in international competition.

As recipients of the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grants, Payne (Aiken, South Carolina) will travel to compete in the Blenheim CCI3* in Oxford, England with his and Debi Crowley’s gelding, Vandiver. Martin (Riegelsville, Pennsylvania) will travel to The Netherlands for the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* in October to compete her two geldings, Pebbly Maximus and The Apprentice.

Payne’s show jumping and dressage has continued to improve throughout his career in addition to maintaining his success in cross-country. Payne took over the ride for Vandiver in 2015 and in 2016, the pair placed fourth in The Fork CIC3* in April and earned a third place finish in the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships in August.

“It’s a huge honor and certainly an obligation to do our best and make the most of the opportunity,” noted Payne. “It’s a great opportunity against the best in Europe. The timing works really well and sets us up for 2018, which is the ultimate goal. I have to thank Jacqueline Mars and the USET Foundation for having faith in me and awarding grants like this. The experience gained is very difficult to get by yourself.”

Payne and Vandiver continued to find success in 2017, earning a second place at Pine Top Advanced CIC3* in February and a second place finish in April at The Fork CIC3*. Payne also plans to compete in the Millbrook Horse Trials and the American Eventing Championships before traveling to England.

Martin has been a part of the Emerging Athlete’s program since 2013, and recently received the 2017 Karen Stives Eventing Endowment Fund Grant. Martin had the opportunity to participate in the Karen E. Stives European Emerging Athlete Tour under the tutelage of Leslie Law, furthering her education and gaining competitive experience in Great Britain. Martin finished her two horses, Pebbly Maximus and The Apprentice, in fifth and eighth place, respectively, at the Bramham International CCI3*-U25 in June.

“It’s unreal to receive this grant,” expressed Martin. “It’s the second grant I’ve received this year and it’s a dream come true to have this much support from my country. I’ve always wanted to be a professional rider. I’ve now switched over from the Under 25 group to the young professional and it’s wonderful to go overseas and represent my country. I have two remarkable horses with The Apprentice and Pebbly Maximus and I hope to improve upon my results from earlier this year.”

Martin had the first 3* win of her career this year at Carolina International’s CIC3* in March. At just 22 years old, Martin is one of the country’s up-and-coming stars, and her return to Europe with her two geldings will be a strong stepping stone in her aim towards competing at the Kentucky CCI4* in spring 2018.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

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

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

Payne and Vandiver Win the 2016 USEF Open Horse Trial National Championship

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Doug Payne and Vandiver (Leslie Mintz/USEA)

Tryon, N.C. – A group of the finest well-known names in eventing competed in the Adequan Advanced Gold Cup Final division at the 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, September 2-4. In addition, the U.S. combinations in the division also vied for the USEF Open Horse Trial National Championship and the Jack LeGoff Trophy. After getting off to a slow start, Doug Payne and Vandiver found their groove to claim the title with an overall score of 41.5.

“It is an incredible honor. It could have been anyone’s day. To be in the mix and have an opportunity, that is all one can ask for. You hope a little luck goes your way, and having some incredible horses to work with has been a blessing,” said Payne.

Payne (Aiken, S.C.) spent last year qualifying Debi Crowley’s Vandiver for the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, where they placed 22nd in their first CCI4* outing together. With that hurdle cleared, Payne has begun further gauging the 2004 Trakehner gelding’s strength and weaknesses as well as the competitive advantage he may have with him. Payne got a good indicator over the past three days of competition.

Payne and Vandiver began the competition with dressage on Friday. Vandiver got a bit nervous in the test. However, he regained his composure and had a consistent test for a score of 31.5.

“There have been times in the past that if I lost him, I would lose him for the rest of the test,” said Payne. “He has a tremendous upside, is incredibly talented, and probably the most genuine horse that I have worked with.”

The growing combination sat in 10th place moving into Saturday’s cross-country course. The Captain Mark Phillips-designed course presented numerous challenging questions, and not a single combination could find the exact formula to finish the course within the optimum time of 6:40. While every combination fell victim to time penalties, Payne and Vandiver posted one of the fastest times in the field at 6:55. As Payne watched combinations rack up time penalties, he and Vandiver worked to trim seconds at every opportunity. Payne pinpointed areas to shave time when walking the course, including a short cut through the Land Rover Hollow. As a result, they managed six time penalties and moved to second place with an overall score of 37.5.

“He has a great gallop, which is a distinct advantage. He is quite careful; I don’t have to spend a lot of time setting him up for fences or combinations. I was concerned that he might slip on a tight turn, and knowing the conditions were a bit slippery, I probably spent a little more time just to make sure I got it done without having a slip,” said Payne.

Payne and Vandiver dropped to third place overall but picked up the USEF Open Horse Trial National Championship with one rail down during Sunday’s show jumping course. The field had to negotiate some tricky lines, with nine combinations going clear. Payne and Vandiver managed the course well until they reached the Nutrena double combination, where Vandiver knocked the top rail of the second element.

“I’m very thankful that Debi Crowley gave me the opportunity to work with him, and I can’t wait to see what is to come in the future. In addition to owning him, Debi also bred him, which is a neat story for U.S. combinations,” said Payne.

Buck Davidson (Riegelsville, Pa.) and Ballynoe Castle RM, Cassandra Segal’s 2000 Irish Thoroughbred gelding, just missed out on the title with an overall score of 41.6. The combination had a strong dressage test to sit in seventh place with a score of 29.6. Time hindered them on the cross-country course where they added 12 time penalties. However, they remained in seventh place with an overall score of 41.6. Even though they went clear in show jumping, it was not enough to edge Payne, and they finished fourth, overall. Mackenna Shea (Temecula, Calif.) and her own Landioso, a 2002 Bavarian Warmblood gelding, placed third with an overall score of 42.5.

Australia’s Ryan Wood was the Adequan Advanced Gold Cup Final Champion and Reserve Champion with Powell and Woodstock Bennett, respectively.

Complete Results

From the USEF Communications Department

Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping, USEF

Payne Earns Sixth Place Finish at Saumur CCI3*

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Doug Payne and Crown Talisman in the dressage at the 2014 Saumur CCI3* (Eric Knoll)

Saumur, France – Land Rover Competition Grant recipient Doug Payne closed out a successful weekend with Crown Talisman at the Saumur CCI3* on Sunday with near faultless performance in the show jumping to earn a sixth place finish.

The excitement began early in Saumur as France’s overnight leader Propriano de l’Ebat ridden by Luc Chateau was not accepted at the Final Horse Inspection. A total of 41 combinations went forward into the show jumping with only six of those producing faultless efforts over Jean-Francois Morand’s 12 obstacle track.

Payne (Apex, N.C.) and Larry and Amelia Ross’ 11-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding had a single rail down at fence five in an otherwise immaculate round to collect four faults in the final phase to finish the weekend on a score of 54.2.

With their sixth place finish in Saumur the talented combination recorded their second top 10 CCI3* placing after finishing fourth at the 2013 The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*.

The top three finishers of the 2014 Saumur CCI3* all belonged to the host nation as Maxime Livio, Donatien Schauly ADJ, and Thibaut Vallette CNE were able to produce clear rounds for France. Livio and Qalao des Mers collected the winners’ spoils finishing on their dressage score of 41.2, with Schauly earning second place honors on Cadiz on 48.4 and Vallette finishing third with Qing du Briot ENE HN on 48.6.

By Helen Murray

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

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

Eventing/H.T., USEF

Payne Maintains Top 10 Position after Influential Cross Country Day at the Saumur CCI3*

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Saumur, France – As anticipated, Pierre Michelet’s technical cross country track proved extremely influential on Saturday at the Saumur CCI3* as the leaderboard saw a great shake-up. Of the 69 competitors to start the second phase of competition, 45 completed, including Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Doug Payne and Crown Talisman, who maintained their top 10 position heading into the show jumping.

Payne (Apex, N.C.) and his own and Larry and Amelia Ross’ 11-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred gelding cruised around the 29-obstacle track without jumping penalties to finish 17 seconds over the optimum and add 6.8 time faults to their fourth place dressage score. The winners of the 2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3* stand on a two-day total of 50.2 in seventh place.

“Tali was again exceptional on a very challenging course. (He) warmed up great and headed out on course strong as ever and improved as the course progressed and finished up very strong. During the last few minutes on course he still had energy to spare,” said Payne of his horse’s performance on Saturday. “I can’t express how proud I am with Tali and how thankful I am to have the support of Larry and Amelia Ross, the entire Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team, and of course my family and wife Jessica. I wouldn’t be here without all of their help.”

Payne will be the lone U.S. representative in Sunday’s show jumping after Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, United Kingdom) incurred trouble at fence five with Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill by Night electing to retire and save the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse for another day.

France’s Luc Chateau held his dressage lead with Propriano de l’Ebat to stand on a two-day total of 39.2, and is followed by compatriot Maxime Livio with Qalao des Mers two points behind in second on 41.2. Australia’s Christopher Burton climbed three places on the strength of a faultless round to lie third after the cross country with Graf Liberty on 46.

By Helen Murray

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T.

US Sends Two in the Top 10 Following Dressage at Saumur CCI3*

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Doug Payne and Crown Talisman (Eric Knoll)

Land Rover Competition Grant Recipient Payne Lies Fourth

Saumur, France – The rain that has plagued much of the week at the Saumur CCI3* continued on Friday but the two U.S. entries were undeterred as they slotted into the top 10 at the completion of the first phase. Land Rover Competition Grant recipient, Doug Payne, leads the American effort standing fourth heading into the cross country, with Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp lying eighth after the dressage.

Payne (Apex, N.C.) and his own and Larry and Amelia Ross’ Crown Talisman earned a mark of 43.4 from the Ground Jury of Alain James, Sandy Phillips, and Catherine Agaesse for their accurate, expressive test. The winners of the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh two weeks ago head out onto the Pierre Michelet designed cross country within five points of the leaders.

Looking towards the 29-obstacle track, Payne believes Michelet has set a demanding track that will test accuracy from start to finish but believes his 11-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred is up to the task.

“I’m very happy with the course. I think it suits Tali well,” stated Payne. “If you’re off your line at any of these combinations or fail to get their eye on the next element soon enough you’ll absolutely have trouble.”

Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, United Kingdom) produced a consistent test with Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill by Night to a score of 46.6 to be within striking distance after the dressage. She will look to utilize the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding’s ground covering stride and scopey jump to climb the leaderboard over the remainder of the weekend.

France’s Luc Chatea and Propriano de l’Ebat lead the field after the dressage on a score of 38.8 and are closely followed by day one leaders, Andrew Hoy and Cheeky Calimbo of Australia in second on 39.2, the French combination of Maxime Livio and Qalao des Mers head onto the cross country in third place with a score of 41.2.

Halliday will be first for the U.S. on Saturday setting out at 3:14pm CEST and Payne follows an hour later at 4:18pm CEST.

By Helen Murray

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

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