United States Eventing Association

Will Coleman and Diabolo Lead Plantation Field International CCI4*-S After Dressage

Unionville, Pa.—Sept. 20— U.S. Olympic eventing team member William Coleman and Diabolo, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Roulett M) owned by the Diabolo Group, took the early lead in the Plantation Field International $40,000 Brooke USA CCI4*-S with a steady and accurate dressage test (23.9). Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF, a 17-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall 2 x Thabana) owned by the Turner family, are second (27.9) and Michael Nolan and Carrabeg Hulla Balou, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Balou Du Rouet x Vella Flavour) owned by Balou Sport Horses, are third (28.2). A total of 37 horses headed down the centerline in this division.

Following his test today Coleman said, “He did all the little things well. He walks well, his halts were excellent and we were accurate in the trot. His changes were the best he could do—they were clean, just not as well-balanced as we’ve been trying to do. The ring is difficult, it’s on quite a grade. Some of the movements are a challenge on flat ground and even more I have to be pleased with him.”

Though Diabolo traveled to Paris for the Olympics, he did not compete. He returned to the United States and won the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship title at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds.

Coleman continued, “He just continues to improve—I couldn’t be happier with the horse and how he’s going. I’m pleased with his progress and how confident he seems to be getting. He’s not the finished article just yet, but we continue to chip away. Maryland will be his first five-star, which will be a big test, but I feel like he’s ready.”

After he walked the cross-country course Coleman said, “The course looks great, hats off to Jeff Kibbie and Derek di Grazia and the team here; conditions have been challenging without much rain but they’ve put a lot of effort into it. Jamie Hicks has really improved the ground here over the years and as riders, we’re all appreciative of that.”

Coleman is also riding three less experienced horses this weekend and said, “The other three are a greener bunch but they’ve been good too. They’re all newer horses for me, I’ve had them all for a little under a year. There are two 6-year-olds. The Pellegrini Family owns Box Como—He’s a lovely Swedish-bred horse, competing in the Two-Star, and another 6-year-old, Honest Man; this will be his third event. Fahrenheit Addict, in the three-Star, is owned by the Broussards, and he’s a lovely horse, I’ve had him about ten months and I’m just patiently producing him.”

Martin, whose farm is located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, not far from Plantation Field, said, “All of the horses went really well. It’s a tricky ring because there’s a lot of electricity and atmosphere and it takes real finesse to get a good test out of them. I was pleased with Tsetserleg and Commando 3; they both did good tests with room for improvement. Miss Lulu Herself got a little hot and couldn’t contain herself, but they’re all in good shape for tomorrow’s show jumping.”

He added, “Cross-country looks like typical Plantation: a strong course, a good challenge, and hats off to the organizers to getting the footing in good shape.”

Martin has been riding at Plantation Field since its inaugural event in 2009 and said, “It’s a phenomenal event, I can’t think of a better competition to prepare the horses for Maryland—it emulates a championship and the terrain is a good test of the horses’ fitness.”

The event continues tomorrow with cross-country for the one through three-star divisions and show jumping for the CCI4*-S. On Sunday, the four-star horses and riders take to cross-country while the other divisions wrap up the competition in the show jumping arena.