United States Eventing Association

Halpin Leads the Way after the CIC3*Dressage at Plantation Field International Horse Trials

Sinead Halpin, in just her second event since breaking her ribs and scapula at the beginning of July, gave a masterful performance aboard Manoir De Carneville to take a nine-point lead in the PRO Tour & Adequan USEA Gold Cup Division. “I’ve had some pretty intensive lessons with David O’Connor recently so I really was happy with him,” said Halpin. “I like the format of having to do show jumping before cross country so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Riders are hoping for some light rain to make the cross country ground perfect on Sunday. Halpin acknowledged that the new format makes riders own their cross-country plan because they have to decide how competitive they want to be before they leave the start box since they know exactly where they stand in the standings.

Jennie Brannigan is tied for second with Nina and Tim Gardner’s Cambalda with her coach and boss Phillip Dutton on Mr. Medicott. Brannigan is less enthusiastic about the new CIC format as having to show jump before cross country gives her a very different ride than normal. “I personally don’t really like the new format because when do you really practice show jumping on a tired horse except when it matters in a CCI.” Brannigan admitted that she thinks that it is really exciting to watch for spectators and is hoping for a big turnout from the Unionville community. “I have to get through show jumping though, you never know we could have a lot of rails so you can’t afford to look too far ahead.”

Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa are leading the CIC2* division on a score of 35.6 with Canada’s Colleen Loach in second place aboard Peter Barry’s Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Loach took over the ride from Barry in June. “Everything I asked he did. He has a tendency to fall behind my leg in the ring, but he stayed nice and forward today. I am always working on riding a more fluid test.” Mara DePuy is in third place with her longtime partner Alimit.

Courtney Cooper’s homebred R Star continues to shine at every competition, leading the CIC1* division with a 36.2. Alexandra Tatham is in second place with Astaire To The Future, who was bred by eventer Jan Byyny. Swedish eventer Sara Algotsson Ostholt is in third with her Ballneety, who is normally piloted by Boyd Martin.

For full results from all divisions, visit http://www.evententries.com/livescoring/15391.html

For more information on the PRO Tour Series, visit www.professionalriders.com
For more information on the Adequan USEA Gold Cup, visit http://useventing.com/programs/goldcup

PRO MEDIA CONTACT:
Samantha Lendl
[email protected]

USEA MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Morrison
[email protected]