Sep 15, 2017

Britain, Japan and Germany Share Power at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

By Event Rider Masters - Edited Press Release
Izzy Taylor leads the Event Riders Masters CIC3*. Benjamin Clark/ERM Photo.

Six nations are represented in the three top spots in the three international classes at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

In the final of the Event Rider Masters series, Oxfordshire’s Izzy Taylor tops the leaderboard with a stunning score of 35.7 aboard Be Touchable.

“I’m delighted with him,” said Taylor. “He's always shown that he has three beautiful paces, so you're halfway there. His brain’s very good, and since I’ve had him he’s upgraded very quickly, which is great in some ways, and then you pay for it in other ways.

“What’s exciting is that there’s definitely still more to come from him. He loves his job, all three bits of it - he loves showjumping, and he loves his cross country.”

Australia also lies in second position in this class, courtesy of Shane Rose and CP Qualified, who scored 35.8. Alex Hua Tian, representing China, is in third with 36.4 on Don Geniro, ahead of British rider Oliver Townend (38.3 with Cooley Master Class).

U.S. representatives, Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are in ninth on a 40.3, Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot slotted into 26th on a 48.8 and Katherine Coleman is in 34th on 53.3.


Kazuma Tomoto. Matt Nuttall Photo.

Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto remains in first place in the CIC3* for 8- and 9-year-old horses at the end of dressage.

Kazuma, who only turned to eventing from show jumping less than two years ago, topped the billing on Thursday and no one managed to topple his score of 40.7 on Brookpark Vikenti during the second day of dressage.

But Britain’s Francis Whittington – a former winner of the CCI3* class here – has slipped into equal second place with Nimrod II. The 9-year-old is a new ride for Francis this year. Both he and Australia’s Christopher Burton (Cooley Lands) scored 42.6.

And young British rider Holly Woodhead took fourth place with Parkfield Quintessential on 43.1.

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp who did her test yesterday with Deniro Z are now in seventh and Lauren Kieffer is in equal 21st on a 48.8 with D.A. Duras.

The CCI3* dressage concluded on Thursday, and Germany’s Julia Krajewski heads to tomorrow’s cross-country phase in the lead with 33.4 on Chipmunk FRH. She has a 2.3 point lead over Britain’s Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street.

The U.S.’s Kim Severson is in third with 37.8 aboard Cooley Cross Border.

Tomorrow is an action-packed day at SsangYong Blenheim. CCI3* cross-country starts at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Event Rider Masters showjumping at 10:30 a.m. Show jumping for the CIC3* for 8- and 9-year-old horses takes place in the afternoon, as does the final cross-country phase of the Event Rider Masters.

In the busy Attractions Arena, one of the highlights must be Joey, the star of the National Theatre’s War Horse show, who will be in the tradestand area in the afternoon.

Apr 01, 2025 Eventing News

Top Riders Set to Compete in Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Apr 01, 2025 Sponsor

4 Things You Should Know About Your Coach

Trainers are some of the most important people in our lives. They develop our skills, ensure that our horses receive quality care, and look out for our best interests as equestrians.

Mar 31, 2025 Eventing News

In Memoriam: Margaret Good (1929-2025)

The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.

Mar 31, 2025 Eventing News

Redemptive Victory for Jessica Phoenix at The Event at TerraNova

At The Event at TerraNova last November, Canadian Jessica Phoenix narrowly missed winning the CCI4*-L with Fluorescent Adolescent, finishing second overall with two rails down. Today, the Olympic veteran found redemption and not only won the B&D Builders CCI4*-S with Freedom GS, but finished second once again with Fluorescent Adolescent.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA