United States Eventing Association

The Americans gave an impressive performance in the show jumping phase at the World Equestrian Games Prep Event with eight clear rounds. Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 maintained their lead after producing a double-clear round in front of a charged audience at Great Meadows in The Plains, Virginia.

“It’s a sensational evening here,” Martin said. “It was a lot of atmosphere and the horses responded well. I was thrilled with [Shamwari]. He came in here and jumped beautiful. I’m feeling confident going into tomorrow.

Because Martin and Shamwari completed a CCI4* only a month ago in Germany, Martin said he plans to run the gelding at about 85 percent on cross-country Sunday. “He’s a good, sound horse and it looks like a pretty good course. I want to make sure to give him a good run and build on that."

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot were once again first in the ring, a first for her at an event of this caliber. They jumped an extraordinary double-clear round to hold on to second place.

“I was a little more nervous than usual because I didn’t get to watch anybody go,” Burnett said. “My plan was to go really forward and try to keep going through the turns. My horse really jumps better that way and that has been my game plan lately. It’s working well.”

Burnett has been practicing her show jumping in the Twilight Jumpers at Great Meadow, giving the horse more time in the ring as well as exposure to the buzzy atmosphere. “He’s gotten really strong behind and really rideable. He's also quiet lately; he likes this arena."

Moving into the third position with yet another clear round is Phillip Dutton riding Mighty Nice, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the late Bruce Duchossois.

“He’s getting better and better,” Dutton said. “I’m getting a better understanding of what to do. [U.S. Eventing Show Jumping Coach Silvio Mazzoni] has been a great help in that regard.”

Dutton is listed as an alternate on Mighty Nice while Trading Aces, eighth after show jumping with a double-clear round, is his team horse.

“I’m pleased with where they’re are as far as having a month to go before the Games.”

More than 3,000 tickets (sold per carload) have been distributed for the weekend at the WEG Prep Event. The crowd was very engaged in the performances this evening, exhibiting enthusiastic support of the team. The competitors showed their thanks by blowing kisses, waving, and Buck Davidson even hit a high five as he passed a fan following a double-clear round with Ballynoe Castle RM.

“It’s humbling thinking this many people care about what we’re doing,” Martin said. “There was only 18 horses jumping tonight and it seems like there are 3,000 people here cheering us on. It’s great team spirit. It’s also great for us to jump under a bit of pressure, noise, and atmosphere.”

Another several thousand spectators are expected on cross-country Sunday as riders tackle David O’Connor’s course, which is intended to be a good practice for horses and riders over questions similar to the WEG course designer, Pierre Michelet’s, style.

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