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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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!
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.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.