All I can say is… it’s late, I’m tired, let’s get to the meat of this thing, people. Okay – bottom line, Dobbin rocks my world. Obviously him and Corinne have been putting in some major over-time this winter on flatwork – not that last year’s looked bad or anything, but this year’s, so far, have been absolutely phenomenal. And I’m not just saying that because I think Dobby’s a hot little red head and Ashton’s a neat gal, but darn-it-all (hehe) if this pair isn’t spot-on so far this year. Gives me shivers!
To recap, the pair had an absolutely stellar test…it’s one I wish I’d video taped so I could study it (creepily) at night and try and learn her secrets. Dobbin seems to have adopted a "floaty" rhythm tohis gait (think Courageous Comet, but with more "air time") – now correct me if I’m wrong, but last year (the very little that I saw of him), he seemed very accurate, rhythmical, and correct in his gaits, but this year…this dynamic duo seems to have dipped into a special, magical melting pot of wonders to get these drool-worthy gaits. Very fluid, very springy, and very eye-catching. "I’ll have what she’s having!" if you catch my drift! Obviously, someone ate their Wheaties this morning. I thought they deserved better than a 43.0, but that score for a CIC3*W division ain’t too shabby.
Nippity nip on her heels is (not too surprisingly) Allison Springer and Arthur (right) with a 43.4. I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this pair. Sweet local (well, local to me anyways) girl and her neat well-bred gelding (by Phyllis Dawson’s Brandenburg’s Windstar) are constantly putting forth above-average, mature dressage tests. The scores speak for themselves… not too much over 40.0, and a few leaking down into the 20′s… !!
Clark Montgomery (left) had a lovely ride on Up Spirit – scoring a notable 44.7 in the CIC3*. I also categorize him into the field of "not surprising" because this elegant rider (and long-time pupil of the O’Connor’s) had a delicious little score of 32.9 in the Advanced division at Rocking Horse on February 19th. Seriously – where are these people going for dressage lessons, and may I be invited? I’ll bring cookies!
Okay – well, here were the "surprising" scores. Let’s start off with the obvious. Everyone who’s seen the results by now has noticed that our beloved Itty Bitty Pony scored a disappointing 69.1… fear not, my fellow Teddy Fanatics, I think he was just playing with us. I watched the test myself and could see his devilish little ears twitching around… and could see those wheels turning in his head… he felt like expressing the Chestnut Pony Side today. End of story! He didn’t look bad, he didn’t look hurt or tired, he just looked like a little stinker. Like a naughty pony. It’s okay – he’s allowed. As long as he straightens up and flies right tomorrow on the Big Day. I think Karen’s probably either kicking herself right now or giggling about Red’s Stinker Moments…I wish I’d gotten a few pics of the exuberant bucks, but somehow it felt taboo… he’s sort of a relic of the sport at the moment! To think of him as anything less puts a damper on people’s spirits. So I say, Cheers, Teddy… I hear you… dressage is stinky and mundane – let’s get to the good stuff!(Photos – okay, I couldn’t resist: Right – Bad Pony! — notice Capt. Phillips looking on disapprovingly from the background at the Red Head Antics! Ha! Pony says, "Pfft, whatev! I do what I want!" Left: Good Pony! Pony says, "Fiiiiine, I’ll be good…for a minute. Quick take the picture!" Love him!
Moving on – in the 3* obviously Amy Tryon could do no wrong as she rode off with the highest and fourth highest scores of the division (on Leyland and Coal Creek, respectively). I saw her ride on Poggio II in the CIC3*W and let me tell you this pair looked pretty darn good for having been on hiatus for the past several months (or better part of a year, now that I look at their record). They’ve piddled around a bit since Rolex last year, but I can’t imagine why this duo would call it quits now – if anything, I see them trying to make a bid for the next Olympics. This little "ex-pack horse" has such a cool story, that I wouldn’t mind seeing him get shipped out to Hong Kong for the Games this summer.
I’m a bit too tired to delve into too much detail about the 3*, but was pleased to see reigning Olympic gold medallist (I just love typing that) Leslie Law with two horses in the top six and his lovely new wife Lesley Grant-Law not too far behind in 8th. Hooray Team Leslie(ey)’s! What a couple of friendly, cheerful, and TALENTED people, let me tell you… I got plenty of pics, but I’ll have to dig through them in the next few days.
Okay, so, due to silly circumstances (which i won’t bother wasting your time on) I haven’t any pictures of the Intermediate or Two-Star divisions (Gold Cup points!). I WILL have some tomorrow though. For now, you’ll have to suffice your hungers with the leaderboard… sorry!
If you don’t feel like hacking through the names, here’s a quick run-down:
The young and talented Jennie Brannigan (who trains with Mike Winter) is leading by a little less than two points in the two-star on the gorgeous grey Cooper, with a 42.8. Next comes Phillip Dutton on one of his eighteen rides of the day (slight exaggeration) Baileywick with a 44.4.
Alright I’m too sleepy to get into too much detail on the rest of the field, but I promise to add more pics and juicy goodness tomorrow!
Cross your fingers for sunshine and safe trips tomorrow on cross-country!
As a member of the United States Pony Club (USPC), William Coon has grown up understanding the importance of volunteerism in equestrian sports. This year, he got the chance to go behind the scenes of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event to volunteer as a recipient of the USPC Ann Haller Media In...
There may come a time at a competition where you wish to submit an inquiry, protest, or appeal, and it is important for you to understand the difference between the three and how to go about handling each scenario. Luckily, the May 28, 2025
