United States Eventing Association

Tommy Greengard Takes the Lead in the Rebecca Farm CCI2*-L

First-day leader sets the stage for FEI competition at Rebecca Farm

The FEI competition kicked off on a strong start today with the CCI2*-Long dressage. The top three riders are veteran competitors at Rebecca Farm, although their horses are all fairly new to the level.

Tommy Greengard and his self-owned horse, Joshuay MBF, a seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood, scored a 25.4 to lead the division. Tommy said that his horse was super today and that, although Josh isn’t really a “natural dressage horse, he really lights up in the ring in all the best ways. He is naturally very relaxed, and he allows me to show him off in the ring. And he doesn’t get too bothered by the atmosphere.” Tommy also said they’ve been working hard to improve the suppleness that’s introduced in the lateral work at the 2* level, and Josh was really with him all the way today.

Maya Black and Double Diamond C, a 6-year-old Hanoverian owned by Laurie Cameron, stand in second place with a score of 27.0. Maya was proud of his performance today saying, “he’s a young horse, and he was as good as he could be for where we’re at right now.” Maya drove her horses out from the East Coast and was thrilled with how well he traveled and settled in after arriving in Montana on Saturday. Although Maya trains in Virginia now, she is originally from Washington state and still considers Rebecca Farm to be a local event. One of her favorite things about competing at The Event is spending a week with her friends from home. She said Rebecca Farm has a different feel and atmosphere than any other event she has been to, and there is nothing quite like the homecoming feeling for her.

Currently standing in third place with a score of 30.9 are Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Arnell Sport Horses. Lauren said he is normally quite spooky at the judges’ boxes and cameras, but “today he really held it together.” She said she was nervous heading into the ring because the warmup didn’t go as well as she hoped, but ultimately he tried really hard, and “it was one of his better tests.” Lauren thought perhaps he enjoyed being first in the ring, or maybe he just knew it was an important ride. She commented that she loves the atmosphere and people here and that The Event feels special.

All three riders are feeling good and looking forward to cross-country. Tommy said his horse is “a phenomenal jumping horse… I just want to get in a good rhythm and try my best to support him but not interfere with him. He’s ready to do the job, and it’s just fun to be back up here and to let him run on the grass.” Maya and Lauren both agreed about being excited to run on excellent grass footing this year, as well as having a longer course that allows more room to gallop in a steady rhythm and jump out of stride. The CCI 2*-L division begins cross country at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

For 2021 ride times and results throughout the weekend, click here.

Admission for this family-friendly spectator event is free, with full concessions and a large multi-interest shopping fair, as well as a free Kid Zone that includes pony rides, PonyUp! (Horsemanship 101 classes for kids), face painting, arts and crafts, and more. A $10 suggested parking donation per car supports Halt Cancer at X, and a full weekend pass is available with a $25 donation.

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Facebook and Instagram @rebeccafarm

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Media Contact:

Sara Busse, [email protected]

406.253.1708