The skilled team, consisting of Philip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive, Lauren Kieffer (Ocala, Fla.) and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook's Scarlett, Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms, Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Mander’s RF Scandalous, and Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa entered the dressage arena ready to give their best efforts on a chilly, blustery day in Canada.
U.S. Eventing Team Leads after Dressage (StockImageServices.com)
Aboard her sharp mare, RF Scandalous, Little had a solid test to sit third individually on 40.30. Little was pleased with the horse’s performance especially in light of challenging weather conditions and an electric atmosphere in the arena. “These are not the best conditions for her. She is really sensitive and a very high energy horse...I was thrilled that she was as attentive as she was; she put in a really good effort.” Commenting on tomorrow’s cross-country phase, Little also emphasized the impressive design of the course which is both beautiful and challenging. “There is plenty to do out there; I do not think this is going to be a dressage competition. The water jumps are beautifully presented, but substantial and there are a lot of ditches. [The course] has my full and undivided attention.”
Stalwart competitor Martin was the last to ride for the U.S. team in the first phase of the three-day eventing contest. Aboard Pancho Villa, Martin was able to overcome a formidable environment and receive a score of 44.30. “He is a bit of a spook this horse…There were a lot of horses, umbrellas, and raincoats around the warm-up, which he does not like the look of, but he went in there [the main arena], took a deep breath, and did a pretty good test.” Concurring with his teammates, Martin is realistic about the challenges of tomorrow’s cross-country course. “It's a good course. There are a lot of tiny little traps out there that I think you could have a silly mistake on. I think you have to concentrate the whole way around.”
First to trot down the center line for the U.S. this morning was Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive, who earned a score of 48.40. Said Dutton, “I was really pleased with the way the horse went. There is a bit of atmosphere in that arena, but he was obedient and could not have done much better.” Always a top competitor in the cross-country phase, Dutton is looking forward to tomorrow’s contest. “It looks like a nice course. Considering the amount of ground they have, it is quite a flowing course. There are difficult questions spaced throughout and I think there will be some pressure to make the time and still make sure that you are accurate.”
Kieffer and Meadowbrook's Scarlett, a combination who are making their first appearance in international games competition also went down center line this morning and like Dutton, scored 48.40. “I was thrilled with (Meadowbrook's Scarlett). She is a young horse and really handled the atmosphere well. I was a bit caught off-guard by the swap in the counter canter, but she felt really good in her trot work.” Kieffer is enjoying her debut in Pan American Games competition. “I am loving it; it is an honor…and so nice with Philip and Boyd here who are veterans showing us the ropes.” Kieffer and her eight-year-old mount are strong cross-country contenders. “I am ready to get out there. She is a really good cross-country horse. The course and ground look beautiful; they did an amazing job.”
Competition continues tomorrow with cross-country getting underway at 11:00 a.m. ET. The U.S. team will go at the following times:
1. Phillip Dutton (11:24 a.m. ET)
2. Lauren Kieffer (12:12 p.m. ET)
3. Marilyn Little (1:04 p.m. ET)
4. Boyd Martin (1:44 p.m. ET)
Complete order of go and live scoring
Team USA Media Guide
Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Teams: USEF Sport Director Will Connell’s Blog