50 horses are set to start this weekend at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* Event in Lexington, KY. Two horses, Craig Thompson's Orion and Ashley Leith's ESB Irish Doctrine, withdrew after the three-member ground jury held them for re-inspection.Everyone else passed with flying colors and are set to begin the dressage phase tomorrow morning at 10AM. This year's field will include riders from nine countries in addition to the United States. Photos by Emily Daily
William Fox-Pitt trots out mount #2, Seacookie (who was our cover horse for Issue 2 of Eventing USA!)
Carousel Quest taking Courageous Comet's place this year as "photogenic grey"Tim Lips of the Netherlands and a very precocious looking Concrex Oncarlos
I wouldn't kick him out of my barn! :)
intriguing outfit of the day goes to Stanislas de Zuchowicz of France, with Quirinal de la Bastide in tow
Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz of Great Britain know how to cheese it up for the cameras!
Ringwood Cockatoo rocks his German browband! I have a feeling he and Bettina Hoy are going to be one of the ones to beat this weekend... just look at the spring in their steps!
What a handsome man, looking very well-groomed! Nicolas Touzaint of France looks quite nice, himself...he and Hildago de L'ile make a snazzy pair.
The adorable Headley Brittania takes the place of the token charming, athletic star-studded chestnut pony this year...although The Pony will be sadly missed by all his fans this year. Brittania and Lucinda Fredericks are sure to put on a great show.
Lucy Wiegersma & Woodfalls Inigo Jones also made the trip from Great BritainPeter Thomsen & The Ghost of Hamish of Germany screech on the brakes as they near the end of the jog laneBuck Davidson trots out the first of his two mounts, Ballynoecastle RM.My Boy Bobby looked as sleek and shiny as he's ever been! Must be a Davidson family secret....
The elusive Dutton Smile! The papparazzi went wild during one of the rare occurrences...This was probably the most famous Dutton Smile sighting to date!
Woodburn was Jim Wofford's top pick this year... will he buckle under the pressure? "No problemo, Phil, we got this," says Woodburn.
Or could it be a back-to-back victory for Phillip & Connaught? All I can say is, thank goodness Phillip's riding for the U.S. :)
America's favorite feisty grey girl Jam is back with Bruce Davidson and looking for a good finish this year.
Grey Davidson Horse #2, the young Cruise Lion. With four horses between them, I think a strong Davidson finish is likely this year...the odds are stacked in their favor! (P.S. I think it's considerate that Bruce's outfit matches his ponies)The first of the Canadian contingent - Mike Winter & Kingpin
Winter's second horse Wonderful Will (who has the CUTEST ears) will be competing in his first four-star
Representing Argentina, Jose Ortelli, Jr. and Jos Aladar say hello to the judges before heading down the jog.
Jose and his second horse Jos Aquiles 'round the corner to head back up the lane.
It wouldn't be a jog without a few fired-up ponies frisking around...Jos Aquiles felt the brisk winds gave him a perfectly good excuse for a few bucks!It just wasn't the year for Craig Thompson and Orion... they later withdrew after being held for re-inspection.
Stephen Bradley and Brandenburg's Joshua looking quite smart and cheeky as usual!
Chomping gum while jogging....probably not the best idea (not great for photo-ops either!). Canadian Selena O'Hanlon decides to give it a try anyways. Colombo, wisely, opted to trot out gum-less.
Killian O'Connor poses handsomely, while Jolie Sexson sports an adorable little vest... I love when riders try and match their horses!
Kristin Schmolze & Cavaldi looking fierce!Canadian Diana Burnett seems appreciate that Manny didn't spook into her cute little outfit. Good boy.Two posh, well-dressed ladies: Susie Beale (representing Great Britain, though she lives in the US) and the lovely Isabella IIPoor ESB Irish Doctrine just wasn't quite right today... he and Ashley Leith will have to give it another go next year.Canadian Sandra Donnelly and the "oooo....shiny!" Buenos Aires
We can always count on Cayla Kitayama for an amazing smile and cute-as-a-button outfit! And Esker Riada, too...Madeline Blackman left me coveting her gorgeous jacket...and her deliciously fancy accessory :)Ralph Holstein (who's $10,000 richer after winning the Florida CCI2* last weekend with his other horse Franklin!) keeps one eye on Artic Dancer as they skip down the runway.
Che Mr. Wiseguy & Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (of Ecuador) dressed to the nines
Canadian Karl Slezak and Kachemak Bay... love the '70s collar!
Jan Byyny & Syd Kent had their game faces on.Kelly Sult & Hollywood...concentrating on getting down the lane and back...it's hard to jog straight!
Ashley Adams and Vaunted, both looking well-groomed and ready for their first four-star. After Rolex ends, Ashley hops on a plane to head over to England to help Bonnie Mosser & Merloch at Badminton!Dobbin: "But, but... jumps? Cross-country? People cheering for me because I'm awesome??" Corinne Ashton: "Soon, my child... soon. First let's have a sweet dressage test like last year... then we'll show 'em."
I always look forward to Sara Dierks' outfit... it's sure to be posh and very fashion-forward. Sure enough, she and Somerset looked like a million bucks!Barbara Crabo & Eveready made the trek all the way from Arizona to compete this weekend.Allison Springer wore her fashionable lucky power suit, and Arthur decided to be a nice calm pony this year. He says "Being silly is for Rolex rookies! I'm a big kid now!"
Missy Ransehousen & the giant (but incredibly elegant!) Critical Decision. Missy made the wise decision to dress conservatively...which was smart since it was a bit nippy out!
Young Bonner Carpenter & Acapulco JazzCanadian Kyle Carter & Madison Park looking snappyYoung Leyland looking fresh and eager to take part in his first four-star with Amy Tryon.
Debbie Rosen, another West Coaster, and The Alchemyst take in the sightsStephanie Boyer peeks out from under her Derby-worthy hat as she and Macloud head down the lane. Great suit!Tamra Smith & Chaos Theory trot out for the ground jury...love Tamra's outfit...very chic!Jennifer Wooten - Dafoe and The Good Witch look ready to rock 'n roll again this year.
Tiffani Loudon-Meetze & Above n' Beyond trot past the Rolex timepiece
Obviously, Above N' Beyond knows he's hot stuff... how kind of him to grace us with his presence!Tara Ziegler rocked the Dubarry outfit again with Buckingham Place this year.
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