Apr 21, 2023

Brown Is Best in Ocala International CCI4*-S

Rebecca Brown and Dassett Choice. USEA/Shelby Allen photo

Ocala, Fla.—April 21—Twenty-one competitors stepped forward this weekend to contest the inaugural CCI4*-S at the Ocala International Festival of Eventing, and it was Rebecca Brown who emerged as the leader after the first two phases.

Paired with her longtime partner Dassett Choice, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Caricello x Vilja) owned by the rider, Brown earned a score of 31.7 thanks to extra coaching she received recently after being awarded a Rebecca Broussard Charitable Foundation Developing Rider Grant.

“My mom [Becky Brown] is my primary dressage coach, and she has been for my whole life, but this winter I’ve also gotten a little help from Tamie Smith and Karen O’Connor. I was the recipient of a Rebecca Broussard Grant, and I’ve really taken advantage of some extra training while I’m here in Ocala. I’m so grateful for that opportunity,” she said.

Joe Meyer facilitated the partnership between Rebecca and “Junior” when he landed in her barn as a 4-year-old, and she’s produced him herself, reaching the four-star level in 2019.

“He’s quite experienced at the level now which is really nice that I have that to rely on," she said. "I’ve been working really hard over the winter to shave that dressage score down a bit more. I actually wouldn’t say that was his best test. He was maybe a little flat in the heat, but he’s such a professional that he’ll always show up and do a really nice clean test for me. He’s perfect in my eyes.”

Fourth after dressage, their show jump round with only 0.4 time penalties added moved them into the leading position.

“If you saw him in the warmup you’d know he was a really good jumper, but then he goes into the arena and just turns it on like it’s time to shine. He’s very reliable in the show jumping—he always has been, and luckily today he did his usual,” she said.

They carry a score of 31.7 to the final phase where Brown says she’s “going for it.”

Canada's Mélissa Boutin rode Obeah Dancer GS to second after show jumping.

Second place was earned by Canadian rider Mélissa Boutin aboard her own Obeah Dancer GS. In her debut at the level, the 11-year-old Trakehner mare (Humble GS x Claudia Cardinale) produced a dressage score of 32, and they were one of only three double-clear show jumping rounds.

“I thought she was really good, obviously for her first four-star I couldn’t have asked for a lot better. I think the trot work was really solid, and she’s just a pleasure to ride in the ring. She’s so relaxed and rideable, and then we just need to get a better change to really get that good score, but I think it will come,” Boutin said.

Similarly to Rebecca, Boutin has been partnered with her self-owned mare for six years, and she, and her coach, Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix, have big plans for her in 2023.

“We’ve been going to WEC [World Equestrian Center] this winter and got some more practice as part of our long term plan for this horse. She’s declared for [the 2023 Pan American Games (Chile)], and the only qualifier that we need now is a four-star short, so we’ve tried to prepare her really well for that,” Boutin said.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri are in third place heading into cross-country.

Riding for Great Britain, Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Dyri sit in third place. The 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x La Calera) is German-bred, having previously been ridden by Dirk Schrade before Bellissimo’s company Horse Scout bought him in 2021.

Their score of 31.7 had them in second place after the first phase. “I would say his warmup was lovely. The frame felt good, and he was in the bridle. Then he got a little bit tense. I'd say the first half of his test he just wasn't actually really taking me forward,” she said. “His changes I was pleased with today. I think his first one was actually past the centerline but he's now actually correct and through and not late behind. And that's really been what I've been working on with him.”

One second over the time in show jumping added a pesky 0.4 penalties, bringing them to a two-phase score of 32.1.

Only three riders achieved a double-clear result against Chris Barnard’s courses. Boutin is joined by Clayton Fredericks with Quidproquo and Caroline Martin in this elite club.

The four-star division will head out on Jay Hambly’s cross-country course beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Helpful Links

Dec 26, 2024 Association News

The Best of 2024: USEA Edition

With 2025 just days away, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the top moments for the USEA across the 2024 season. Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive these high-performing moments from our online news, the USEA Podcast, and our Instagram account!

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.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance 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 Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA