Sep 05, 2019

Payne Leads U.S. Charge After Burghley Dressage Day One

By Leslie Mintz - USEA Staff
Doug Payne and Vandiver. Tim Wilkinson/Eventing Images Photo.

The first day of dressage at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials saw four U.S. riders take their turn in the main arena. Thirty-four riders came forward today in front of the ground jury of Nick Burton (GBR), Christina Klingspor (SWE), and Xavier Le Sauce(FRA), and it was Burghley debutant, Eliza Stoddart on Priorspark Opposition Free, Anne and Bruce Staley's 11-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Fleetwater Opposition x Raunds Freeway) who took the overnight lead on a 28.7. Stoddart lives down the road from Burghley and with riding a British-bred horse it is a true hometown event for the pair. Only five riders managed to make it into the 20s today.

Doug Payne and Vandiver, the 15-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II x Visions of Grandeur) owned by the rider, Jessica Payne, and Debi Crowley were the best of the Americans scoring a 32.1 for equal ninth.

“I think it was about as good as we can have for the moment and where he is at,” said Payne after his test. “I think there was a lot of opportunity in there – it is a charged environment. He would be one who is a bit of an internalizer and worrier, but he handled it really well and I was able to ride as aggressive as I can at the moment. I maybe ran out of gas a little bit at the end, but in general, I couldn’t be much happier.”

William Coleman and Tight Lines are hot on Payne and Vandiver’s heels as the 12-year-old Pur Sang gelding (Turgeon x Merindole) owned by the Conair Syndicate sits in 11th on a 32.4.

"I thought it went well. I am very pleased. Tight Lines was a good boy," said Coleman. "I have no complaints. I am happy to take that score into Saturday and see how we do."

"I would be lying if I didn't say he was my favorite horse, we have a very close relationship, and I thrilled to have him here and I am so lucky that I have such amazing supporters and owners that made it possible for me [to be here]. Above all else, I am thankful for them and for the horse," continued Coleman about Phish.

Andrea Baxter starts her week out with a 37.6 for 22nd position. Baxter is riding her longtime partner, Indy 500, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred mare (Cromwell x Tens of Thousands), and they put in a solid test despite only deciding to come to Burghley two weeks ago.

Rounding out the Americans is Ariel Grald with Annie Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Master Imp x Ardragh Bash). They scored a 38.1 for 24th in their Burghley debut.

Seven more Americans will start tomorrow with the final 33 horses.

Friday Ride Times

  • Liz Halliday-Sharp & Deniro Z - 9:38 a.m. (4:38 a.m. EST)
  • Chris Talley & Unmarked Bills - 10:18 a.m. (5:18 a.m. EST)
  • Hannah Sue Burnett & Harbour Pilot - 10:34 a.m. (5:34 a.m. EST)
  • Buck Davidson & Jak My Style - 11:24 a.m. (6:24 a.m. EST)
  • Lillian Heard & LCC Barnaby - 11:40 a.m. (6:40 a.m. EST)
  • Savannah Fulton & Captain Jack - 2:48 p.m. (9:48 a.m. EST)
  • Lauren Kieffer & Vermiculus - 2:56 p.m. (9:56 a.m. EST)

How to follow along:

Jan 31, 2025 AEC

Déjà Vu: Delilah’s Boy Wins SmartPak USEA Pony of the Year Twice in a Row

Spectators could be forgiven for thinking they were seeing double during the victory gallop in the Novice Junior 15 & Under division at the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. Two identical flea-bitten ponies were galloping around, second- and third-place ribbons streaming in the breeze, under the command of 13-year-old Kendal Fansler of Clarksville, Maryland.

Jan 30, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: February 1-2

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Jan 30, 2025 AEC

All Roads Lead to the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final

The $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final, which will take place during the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds on Aug. 26-31, is the highlight of an already jam-packed championship schedule. This year, the championship will be hosted at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, giving West Coast-based, upper-level eventers the “home field advantage” during this exciting showdown.

Jan 29, 2025 Sponsor

The Foundation of Success: Understanding Your Saddle's Role in Performance

Balance and stability are fundamental to success in eventing, where precision and control are demanded across three distinct phases. At this year's USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, our partner, Bates Saddles' expert presentation on saddle fit and rider position highlighted a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our sport: how small adjustments to our equipment can lead to significant improvements in our riding.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA