United States Eventing Association

Paso Robles, CA- Finally the sun came out for awhile, and shown through in more ways then one, as Pamela and John Hudson’s SplendoroftheSun tackled the muddy conditions with gusto and style to take home the blue ribbon in the Advanced division at Twin Rivers.

Leading from start to finish, Hawley Bennett-Awad appeared to have luck on her side for show jumping as a few poles danced in their cups as she made her way around the course. Dropping just one rail, and adding only four points to her three-day total, Hawley was very happy with her great round aboard the chestnut gelding. “I am really proud of him--this was one of the best rounds he has ever had, and in really bad conditions. It was the first time in a long time he tried to jump clean,” she said.

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister jumped double clear to finish second behind Hawley (only 0.2 points behind!), and though Tiana did her best to put the pressure on, SplendoroftheSun stepped up to the challenge. “I am really happy for Pam and John, they are such amazing people and Sunny’s biggest fans,” said Hawley.

After a great first Advanced of the season, the pair will run the CIC3* at Galway Downs in the late March and, if all goes well, plan to head East to run Jersey Fresh later in the year.

The only other division to compete in all three disciplines this weekend was the Open Intermediate, and it was Pam Fisher on her own Sea Lion who finished on top. With not one double clear in the entire division, Pam added just one rail to take the win. James Alliston/Jumbo’s Jake and Beth Temkin/Jude’s Law rounded out the top three, respectively, to finish up the weekend, despite the far from ideal weather conditions.

Huge thanks to the Baxter Family, and all of the officials and ground jury members did a great job working the footing, and making the best conditions possible for riders despite Mother Nature’s fury throughout the weekend.