United States Eventing Association

While the CCI5*-L dressage kicks off this afternoon, the first group of riders to go down the centerline at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event were those competing in the CCI4*-S. Judged by Peter Gray and Bea di Grazia, a total of 24 horses executed their dressage tests in the Rolex Stadium on Thursday morning.

Leading the pack after dressage is Cooley Quicksilver (Womanizer x Kylemore Crystal) an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Monster Partnership and ridden by Liz Halliday-Sharp. Cooley Quicksilver aka ‘Monster’ and Halliday-Sharp set the bar high as the first pair to compete at 8:00 a.m. by earning a 25.7 from the judges. “I’m really proud of him, there were still a few moments that could have been better. But, to be first out today, early in the morning, I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Halliday-Sharp of her leading ride.

Last year, Cooley Quicksilver completed his first five-star event at the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and then went on to successfully complete another CCI5*-L at Pau. He also placed second in the CCI4*-S at Rebecca Farm and third in the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. “The primary decision [of running the CCI4*-S] is because we plan to take him to Luhmuhlen – and that was always the plan from last year," Halliday-Sharp shared. "I think that’s a track that will really suit him, he’s a horse that loves to travel, and I thought since he’s done Kentucky and Pau, it would be great for him to go to Luhmuhlen. It’s been a long-time decision. He’s a quite quirky, wiggly, goofy type of horse. But, he was very professional in the ring. He tried hard for me today, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Right behind ‘Monster’ is Halliday-Sharp’s second ride of the day, Cooley Moonshine (Cobra x Kilpatrick Duchess) a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Monster Partnership scored a 26.8. “Cooley Moonshine [aka Billy] is a slightly less experienced horse but probably one I think is my very best horse for the future. He’s an incredible jumper and galloper, and he does beautiful work on the flat. There were a few moments where he got behind me and was a little tense in there but, all in all, I was really pleased with him. As time goes on, he’s only going to keep on improving. I really do believe he is world-class and a wonderful horse for the future,” Halliday-Sharp reflected.

“Most of my top horses, I’ve had since they were 5-year-olds. Cooley Quicksilver was a very green 5-year-old, I don’t think he could turn right so, he’s come a long way. They are both very different horses - [Cooley Quicksilver] is kind of like riding Gumby, and [Cooley Moonshine] is a stiffer horse that needs more suppling. But, that’s the fun thing about young horses, learning their personalities.”

Halliday-Sharp has three horses entered in the CCI4*-S and will finish out dressage on her third horse, Cooley Be Cool (Heritage Fortunus x HHS Carlota) a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Monster Partnership, tomorrow morning at 9:10 a.m.

Rounding out the top three is Helen Alliston and her own Ebay (Escudo x Komtessa) a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding who scored a 28.7.

Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba, his 11-year-old Mecklenburg mare (Levisonn x Lamara), were eliminated for wearing a flash on a double bridle in the dressage, so one less competitor will move forward to cross-country.

​​Helpful Links

• LRK3DE Website
• USEA Prize List
• CCI5*-L Order of Go
• CCI4*-S Order of Go
• Schedule of Events
• CCI5*-L Live Scores
• CCI4*-S Live Scores
• Live Stream
• USEA’s Coverage

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