Sep 19, 2019

Davidson and Park Trader Take Top U.S. Spot at Blenheim

By Leslie Mintz - USEA Staff
Buck Davidson and Park Trader. Tim Wilkinson/Eventing Images Photo.

Eighty-six horses are competing in the CCI4*-L at the 2019 edition of the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials including five U.S. pairs. The first day of dressage is being led by British rider Will Rawlin and V.I.P. Vinnie on a 24.2, but two U.S. riders found themselves on the top half of the leaderboard.

Buck Davidson and his longtime campaigner Park Trader sit inside the top 10 following the first day of dressage. Carl and Cassandra Segal’s 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Master Imp x Ballyhast Polly) scored a 29.2. Davidson has two rides in the prestigious CCI4*-L competition and Park Trader had the early draw.

“You go early and you aren’t sure who is awake and who is asleep, but he is very good and he knows his job. He isn’t going to wow anybody with anything, but as long as he keeps his lid on he is good,” explained Davidson.

“He is a little bit of a funny horse – he is fairly temperamental, but I let him do his thing and he knows for those six minutes or so he better concentrate and try for me. I love him and I am proud of him,” continued Davidson.

Park Trader has a bit of a checkered record – he finished 17th at Burghley in 2018, but fell on the cross-country this spring at Kentucky. “You just wouldn’t know [what the best phase will be] with him. He has all the ability to be amazing, but he has had a hard time putting all three days together. He can do all three of them, but he has been difficult in the mind and you can just never trust anything,” said Davidson.

Davidson has only competed at Blenheim once before, but the event was rained out so this will be his first time on the famous cross-country course.

Rewatch both Davidson and Scovil's tests in the morning session.

Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z were the only other Americans to compete today – they scored a 31.7 to sit in equal 17th. Scovil has spent the year based with William Fox-Pitt and this is the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding’s (Chico’s Boy x Chardonnay Z) first attempt at the level.

“He has always been an amazing horse. He and I both struggle with nerves when we get to the big ones, so it was so exciting for him to go in there and be relaxed and calm and rideable the whole test,” Scovil explained. “It is isn’t only my first Blenheim, but is also my first CCI4*-L – Blenheim is a big deal to me it is one of the ones you always dream of, so it is a bit surreal to be here now.”

“William has been amazing. He’s quite good on a daily basis about letting me do my own thing and figure it out, but if I am struggling or when we come to a big competition he absolutely gives me 100%. He was there for my whole warm-up, telling me when to tack up my horse. Really the little details that he doesn’t need to go above and beyond for – I am so lucky,” she continued.

“I have had a lot of really good intermediate horses, but I have never been able to take it to the next level and this is the first horse I have had a really successful Advanced season on, so I am looking forward to going on. He is the most amazing horse, we have a great partnership, and I have the utmost confidence in him. Stepping over to the UK and being based with William just as I made that step up to the Advanced level just made all the difference to put those final pieces together,” concluded Scovil.

Three more U.S. riders will do their dressage tomorrow in the CCI4*-L:

  • Katherine Coleman and Monte Classico – 10:07 a.m. (5:07 a.m. EST)
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo – 2:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. EST)
  • Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH – 3:30 p.m. (10:30 a.m. EST)

The sole U.S. representative in the CCI4*-S 8/9 YO class is Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver who ride at 10:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m EST).

The CCI4*-L can be watched on the Blenheim Facebook page here while the CCI4*-S can be watched on the Blenheim website here.

Find the live scores and ride times here.

Nov 01, 2024 Education

Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart: Frame and Foundation

A strong frame and foundation and are required to build a healthy horse and home, but did you know that they’re also just as important when it comes to building a healthy mindset? The good news is that everything we experience, from our struggles to our successes, combine together to create a strong mental foundation.

Oct 31, 2024 Competitions

Tricks and Treats in the CCI4*-L at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs

The field of competitors at the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs CCI4*-L bring together a wealth of experience to contest the final FEI competition on the West Coast calendar.

Oct 31, 2024 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: November 2-3

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Oct 31, 2024 Membership

Happy Halloween USEA Members!

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) called on its members a few weeks ago to send in their best equestrian-themed costumes, and boy, did they deliver! Browse the gallery of member submissions below to get ideas for your next couples costume with your favorite four-legged friend.

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