United States Eventing Association

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 11^th 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:

• Livestream
• Burghley Radio
• Live Scores
• Burghley Website