Highlights from the dressage phase of the CIC3* at Richland Park Horse Trials in Kalamazoo, MI this weekend. The CIC3* is the Advanced division of the Adequan USEA Gold Cup series, where riders compete for cash, prizes, and points on the Gold Cup leaderboard. Photos by Emily Daily and Joshua A. Walker (noted).
Allison Springer of Marshall, VA and her Irish Sport Horse gelding Arthur. (JW photo)They performed a steady test, although not quite their best, but enough to put them into 8th with a 55.6.What a ham... Arthur's still debating whether he approves of people cheering for him or not... or whether clapping is something that should be regarded with a cautionary spook!Stephen Steinhoff and his Thoroughbred gelding Henery VIII.This pair hails from Middleburg, VA - Steve also has a talented horse competing in the Advanced division as well. (JW photo)This pair performed a solid test yesterday, and though they finished just out of the top ten, they're hoping to move up in the standings after galloping 'round the cross-country course (which has received rave reviews by many of the top riders who've walked the course!).Holly Payne and Madeline perform a solid, square halt during their test.Payne comes from a family of eventers - her mother just returned from judging in Hong Kong and her brother Doug events at the upper levels as well. (JW photo)Ribbo didn't make things easy for poor Pippa Moon, as he obviously had his thoughts set squarely on tomorrow's cross-country ride!But Pippa was able to keep the feisty gelding's mind on task and finish out their test with more than a few nice moments. (JW photo)18yo Madeline Blackman of Ringoes, N.J. had quite a nice test on Gordonstown.A solid performance on this 10yo Irish Sport Horse leaves her within a few points of the top ten. (JW photo)It was warm and muggy, but not unbearable and spectators arrived in droves to watch the dressage phase on Thursday.Kristen Bond and Three Wishes II had a lovely, expressive test earning them a 51.2, and a fifth place finish for the day.28yo Kristen seemed very satisfied with the Irish Sport Horse gelding's steady performance. (JW photo)Jennifer McGuire of Canada and Prestigious prepare to head down centerline.This pair had lovely canterwork, but had to settle for ending their day tied for 16th. (JW photo)Buck Davidson on his second ride of the day - Triomphe, a 10yo (adorable) Thoroughbred gelding.The gelding was quite solid in his movements, but they weren't as triomphant as they'd hoped... and finished just outside the top ten. (JW photo)Now if anyone can come from behind and snatch the top spot, it would be the experienced Leslie Law. He and Fleeceworks Mystere du Val performed a lovely test to take the lead from Buck and My Boy Bobby late in the game.I have to hand it to Leslie... he was still able to perform the best test of the day, and yet I saw him running hither dither coaching his many students and riding several horses... his concentration is admirable! (JW photo)Fresh off their win at the CIC2* at Maui Jim HT, I have no doubt that these guys will be able to maintain their lead tomorrow. Woo hoo, go Leslie!Last, but not least, was Karl Slezak on his second ride, Kachemak Bay. (JW photo)They rounded out the top ten with a 59.4.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce an expanded partnership with Athletux for 2026, building on a successful collaboration and introducing new educational initiatives alongside continued support of the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC).
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Charles Pinnell, cross-country announcer, said it best—it was a “picture-perfect Saturday here in Aiken, South Carolina.” The day at Stable View started early with the remaining national divisions starting their weekend in the Tree Arena with dressage. The FEI divisions got underway promptly at 9...
