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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From international superstars to hometown favorites, there are some exciting names on this year's five-star lineup at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Do you want to get to know each of these horse and rider pairs a little better? We've gathered all the important stats and facts about the 23 entries in the field in this year's USEA Five-Star rider cards below!
Twenty-three pairs are set to start the MARS Maryland 5 Star on Oct. 16, and four of those are USEA Young Event Horse program graduates. The YEH program serves as a pathway to introduce young horses to the sport of eventing. Founded in 2004, the program’s goal is to identify 4- and 5-year-old horses that possess the talent and disposition that, with proper training, can excel in the four-star and five-star levels of eventing.
Julie Wolfert (Bucyrus, Kansas), the overnight leader in the Morven Park International CCI4*-L, was a ball of nerves as she waited for her turn to jump around Chris Barnard’s show jumping track with SSH Playboy.
Allie Knowles wrapped up a stellar weekend with Katherine O’Brien’s Starburst in the USEF/USEA 6-year-old Developing Horse National Championship this morning, jumping a clear show jumping round to take the win on their dressage score of 24.8.