Kalispell, Mont. – Competition got underway on Friday for the CCI3* division at The Event at Rebecca Farm. Following the dressage phase, USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Kurt Martin and Delux Z are in third place on a score of 47.0. Martin (Middleburg, Va.) and his own and Caroljean Martin’s 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding performed a flowing test to put them near the top of the leaderboard in a talented field.

“It really was a personal best for my horse, and to have him going so well after traveling [from the East Coast] is great,” Martin said. “It was a smooth, consistent test and he really listened well.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s cross-country phase, Martin added, “I’m excited! I have been given a great opportunity with this grant and I think we are prepared. The course suits him well. It is an open, galloping track that, when ridden right, it will give him a lot of confidence.”

Martin and Delux Z head out of the startbox at 9:57 a.m. MT, ready to take on the Ian Stark-designed track.

Find out more information about The Event at Rebecca Farm.