United States Eventing Association

Jersey Fresh Three-Day: Dressage Day 2 and Five Minutes with Jennie Brannigan & Lillian Heard

Live Scoring

The weather was warm, clear, and sunny on Friday at the Horse Park of New Jersey for the second day of dressage at the Jersey Fresh Three=Day Event. Today’s competition featured the CIC3* and CCI 2* tests. The overall atmosphere seemed low key on the surface due to the lower number of entries and spectators; however, the riders brought their A-games to the venue, under the pressure of this very influential weekend. The dressage arena footing was expertly groomed and the Horse Park staff took the opportunity to drag and water the arena during each break in the action.

The leading CIC3* dressage scores were a bit closer together than yesterday’s CCI3* scores (Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister are nearly 20 points ahead with their 36.8), with the ever reliable Phillip Dutton and Tru Luck leading on a score of 51.2. India’s Imtiaz Anees and Interwin follow Phillip in second place with a 52.5; and Peter Barry representing Canada, riding Kilrodan Abbott completed the top three on a score of 55.

The day concluded with the CIC2* dressage, in which the last ride of the day-the California-based, Brit James Alliston riding Jumbo’s Jake achieved a score of 44.1. Alliston wrestled the lead away from Jennie Brannigan and the lovely moving Cambalda, who scored a 44.3. Jessica Pye and Lightning Bound rounded out the two-star top three scores with a 50.0.

As a result of Thursday’s CCI3* dressage, Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister lead the by a wide margin on a score of 36.8, followed by Alexandra Slusher and Last Call on a 53.6 and Kristi Nunnink and Corner Street with a score of 55.8. All top three riders hail from California.

I caught up with two of the riders after the competition this afternoon and asked for their opinions on the dressage phase of the competition, and also inquired about their thoughts regarding tomorrow’s cross-country course.

24-year-old Lillian Heard works and trains with Boyd and Silva Martin in West Grove, PA, and is riding her own Share Option in their first CCI3*. Jennie Brannigan, who works and trains with Phillip Dutton, also in West Grove PA is riding Nina Gardner’s newly purchased Cambalda in the CCI2*, where they are currently sitting in second place.

(Top photo is Lillian Heard & Share Option competing in last year’s Fair Hill CCI2*; bottom photo is Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda on their way to winning the Intermediate division at last year’s American Eventing Championships. Emily Daily photos.)

1. What are your thoughts on the dressage competition this weekend?

Lillian: “There have been many high scores this weekend.”

Jennie: “[The judges] were rewarding specific things and were harsh on others, so there was very tough scoring.”

1. Do you find this venue to be “lower key”? (because the numbers were a little lower than usual)

Lillian: “Jersey has done an excellent job of making it nice for everyone and they’ve worked very hard. There’s still a lot of pressure and personal aspirations at stake. Also, a smaller group can be more competitive. We’re ALL taking it very seriously.”

Jennie: “I know how this event plays towards the future (big picture). The selectors are here, and they are watching. I want to do a good job for our new owner. The smaller environment doesn’t affect me--I’m worried about doing the best that I can do. This is a very influential event for me and for the horse, as I know it affects our future”.

1. What are your thoughts regarding tomorrow’s cross-country test?

Lillian: “The 3* (CCI) course is very well built and flows really well. As a new person to this level it seems long. The questions are fair, but it’s hard.”

Jennie: “The (2*) course is good, really good…It flows well. A lot of people are coming back (to the barn after walking it) and mentioning that it flows. John [Williams, course designer] has made good changes. I’m excited to see how it rides tomorrow. It’s long but it’s supposed to be”.

1. Have you done anything extra (other than the extensive training that it takes to get to these levels) to prepare for the cross-country?

Lillian: “I’ve done a lot of fitness work personally. Mentally, being at True Prospect with Boyd and Phillip and everyone there really helps you prepare and be in the right mind set all the time. Also, before I go out on course I take some quiet time and go through the course in my head and mentally prepare.”

Jennie: “I’ve been working and riding a lot. As this was a last minute event for us, we didn’t do anything extra to specifically to prepare for this show. I’ve been competing every weekend, and I’ve been working very late.

1. Are there any extra comments that you’d like to add?

Lillian: I’m excited and feel very lucky to be here for the first time!

Jennie: I appreciate Phillip’s support, and Nina being part of my life now. I look forward to the future!

We wish Lillian, Jennie and all of the horses and riders the best of luck during tomorrow’s cross-country. We hope it’s a great day for everyone!