Rolex Kentucky - Dressage Day 1 (Top 10)

Apr 25, 2008

Rolex Kentucky - Dressage Day 1 (Top 10)

By USEA

To find out more about today's action, read the press release on the USEA website.

(All photos by Emily Daily & Joshua A. Walker - specified JW)

Becky Holder & Courageous Comet had a fabulous test - they sit in a comfy first with a 39.3

It's also Becky's birthday today...she's the same age as her dressage score ;)

The crowd was literally speechless throughout their test... it was that good.

Gumby horse! Notice Capt. Phillips in the background...hopefully adding her to the list of possibles for Hong Kong!

Becky's face says it all. She said the best part of the test was the final halt when it was all done!

Becky was thrilled with the progress they've made since Fair Hill CCI3* last fall, and hopes that their solid work today will carry over into the jumping phases. (JW photo)

Stephen Bradley & Brandenburg's Joshua are holding onto the 2nd place with a 50.7.

Stephen said he's been working very hard with Joshua lately and was very pleased with his test. As well he should be!

Stephen says that Joshua's come to a whole new point in his rideability and correctness.

Well done, Joshy Boy. Extra carrots tonight.

Canadian Mike Winter claims the third place with a 52.6 aboard Kingpin.

Mike thinks that the Canadians have really stepped up to the plate since David O'Connor has started coaching them. He himself earned his personal best four-star dressage score today.

Mike believes that the Canadians are just about ready to be really competitive on an international scale in the next two years. JW photo.

Game face on? Check. Australian Cammy O'Rourke and Kirby Park Irish Jamie get pumped up.

Their commendable efforts earned them a 4th place spot headed into tomorrow with a score of 53.1.JW Photo.

They had a very smooth & uncomplicated test.

Missy Ransenhousen used her dressage experience to keep her excitable Critical Decision on task.

They'll head into tomorrow with a score of 53.3 and a 5th place standing. With 21 more horses slated to perform tomorrow, who's to say if she'll hold her position. JW Photo.

The pair's canterwork was exquisite and earned them high marks.

Phillip Dutton and Woodburn are currently tied for 6th with a 55.0.

Maybe now that Phillip's riding for the U.S. he may win Rolex Kentucky once and for all!

Always a true competitor, we know Phillip will turn out a top-notch test on his horses. He's also riding Connaught tomorrow afternoon. JW Photo.

Tied with Phillip is fellow Aussie Boyd Martin aboard his Thoroughbred gelding Neville Bardos. Interestingly enough, Boyd trains out of Phillips farm in Pennsylvania. Guess some of Phillip's training has been rubbing off on Boyd!

Boyd's had Neville since the gelding was fresh off the track in Australia - he retrained the flashy gelding himself. JW Photo.

Boyd's one of the nicest guys around - such a people person...and he sure loves the crowds ;)

Lauren O'Brien and her longtime partner Dunrath Alto stand in 8th place with a 57.2.

The pair were the last to go on Day 1 - and finished the day off with a bang.

Karen O'Connor and Theodore O'Connor (aka The Pony) ended up in 9th place with a 58.2.

Airs above the ground! His changes were electrifying... but in a feisty, cute way.

Definitely a crowd favorite, that's for sure.... JW Photo.

Karen lets everyone know who's the star of the show!

Young Cayla Kitayama & Esker Riada had a lovely test to earn them a 60.0 & a 10th place standing.

The pair performed a very mature & solid test... and they were both very well-groomed!

Cayla commends Esker on a job well done. JW Photo.

Needless to say, Cayla was thrilled with her and Esker's performance.

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