Jun 12, 2022

A New Leader Emerges in CCI3*-S at Aspen Farms Following Show Jumping

By Chesna Klimek - Edited Press Release
Sophie Click and Tarantino 54. Cortney Drake photo.

Sophie Click and her 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding Tarantino 54 (Quattro B x Los Argentina) delivered a double clear show jump round in the Tack Room Too Arena at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington to move from second to first in the CCI3*-S.

"He's green, so every outing I think I learn a little more," said Click, who transitioned Tarantino to his eventing debut in 2020. "He was outstanding today. I'm very happy with him."

Looking ahead to cross-country, Click's primary focus is on producing a confident run.

"Ultimately, he is green," she said. "I would rather him jump all the jumps and feel really good about it than be super quick. I want it to be a confident run for him, and I will do my best to do that."

In the CCI3*-S, Marc Grandia and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Campari FFF (Camiros x Tanner), owned by Team Rebecca LLC, moved up to second and Kayleen Crowley and Patricia Crowley's 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding Whiskey Up (Worthy Opponent x Travita) moved up to third, both thanks to double clear show jump rounds.

In the CCI2*-S, Karen O'Neal and Annika Asling's 8-year-old Westphalian gelding Clooney 14 (Captain Jack x Zauberfee) delivered a clear round to hold on to the overnight lead on a score of 26.4.

"He was very good out there," said O'Neal. "He was listening and was super rideable. All the distances came up easily. I had to go out a little on the strides as his stride is so big. He was brave; he was confident; he jumped with power."

In Open Intermediate, Stephanie Cooper and her 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Sketchy Past (Cahill Road x Anazeha) had one rail but held their overnight lead on a score of 36.2. "Show jumping is not my best phase," said Cooper. "But it was a good ride today. I had good help. It's an awesome show."

Cooper feels confident going into cross-country despite the wet conditions. "The course looks fantastic," she said. "They made the footing so good--no concerns. It's going to be a great day!"

Tommy Greengard and the 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Leonardo Diterma (Gullet HBC x Gracie Terma), owned by Andrea Pfeiffer, jumped clear with just one time fault to hold their lead in Open Preliminary.

In Preliminary Rider, Amy Haugen and her 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding Ebenholtz (Ehrentusch x Levantine) maintained the lead on their dressage score 0f 25.3. "I feel lucky to have such a good horse," said Haugen. "He is honest in all three phases, but I think show jumping is his favorite. He saved me on a couple of sketchy distances. It was a really fun course. He felt great."

"I tend to go slow," said Haugen regarding their chances on tomorrow's cross-country course. "It's our second Preliminary back after having time off having a couple of babies. I'm getting my nerve back. It looks like a lot of fun. I hope I do him proud tomorrow!"

Dec 23, 2024 Education

Saddle Fit Simplified

Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?

Dec 22, 2024 USEA Foundation

Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant

Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!

Dec 21, 2024 Education

3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025

With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.

Dec 20, 2024 Sponsor

“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ

Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.

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