Day two of competition at the MARS Bromont CCI saw the completion of dressage and the addition of another top score from Liz Halliday-Sharp (USA), this time in the CCI2*-L riding Laurie Cameron's 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Miks Master C (Mighty Magic x Qui Lumba CBF). A horse who has a recent competition history with another well-known US rider, Maya Black.
Halliday-Sharp's leading scores from yesterday carried over and the U.S. rider now leads the CCI4*-L, CCI3*-Lm and CCI2*-L divisions. Of course, it should always be pointed out that this is certainly not a dressage competition and anyone who is familiar with Derek di Grazia’s Bromont courses knows that Saturday will be a test for both horse and rider.
In the CCI4*-S Sara Kozumplik of Berryville, Virginia riding Kim Small's 17-year-old dapple grey Selle Français gelding Rubens d'Ysieux (Balougran x Orenda D'ysieux) bested 12 others to finish the day in pole position on a score of 29.1.
Pointing to a long history with the event Kozumplik confirmed that Bromont in 1997 was her first three-day event. The MARS Bromont CCI this year has Kozumplik riding three horses spread out over the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and CCI2*-L divisions.
Looking forward to tomorrow and speaking of the cross-country course Kozumplik said, “this cross-country course is absolutely to die for. It is one of the best courses in the world and everybody says it.” She went on to say, "everyone is so happy to be back here. It is my favorite event maybe outside of Kentucky in North America.”
Vermont’s own 20-year-old Ayden Schain rider yesterday and who leads the U252-L division on the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding Fernhill Hole Shot (Entertainer x Coriander Z) owned by Dawn Barclay. Interesting fact, Hole Shot’s name comes from a motorsport racing term referring to leaving the start area in first position.
Ayden who lives less than an hour from Canada admitted today that this is her first trip across the border and is traveling on a passport that is less than a week old. Hopefully this will be a first of many such trips to Bromont.
Saturday cross-country's course is designed by Derek di Grazia who was assisted by FEI course builder, Jay Hambly. Due to rain leading up to the event, the CCI4*-L will be first to go followed by CCI4*-L, CCI3*-L and the CCI2*-L divisions including the U25. The first rider to leave the start box will be Canada’s Jessica Phoenix at 9:00am and the last rider expected to compete will be Courtney Cooper (USA) at 4:03 P.M.
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Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.
The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.
In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.
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