Temecula, Calif. – The Galway Downs International CCI3* got underway Friday afternoon with the dressage phase. The USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients are off to a solid start in the competition with Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett and Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman both in the top 12.

Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Meadowbrook's Scarlett laid down a lovely test with a few minor bobbles to receive a score of 45.0. Marie Le Menestrel's 2007 Thoroughbred Cross mare got back into the swing of things since her last competition at the Pan American Games. Kieffer rode Meadowbrook’s Scarlett well to put the combination in sixth place after the first phase.

“I’m really pleased with her. She was a bit rusty in some places since she hasn’t competed since the Pan American Games, but she is such a lovely mare, and it’s really exciting how much stronger she is even since this summer,” Kieffer said. “I really have Jessica Brumfield and David [O’Connor] to thank for schooling her all summer while I was in England. I’m very grateful for the grant and to her owner Marie Le Menestrel for the opportunity to fly out here with her since she is a young horse, and I think it’s really valuable to expose her to flying and traveling to new places.”

Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) gave Mr. Candyman a great ride in the horse’s CCI3* debut to receive a score of 50.9. Despite Ann Jones, Bridget Colman, and Caroline Moran's 2007 Holsteiner gelding being new to the level, he made a great effort under Dutton’s guidance. The duo sits in 12th place at the end of the first day of competition.

“I’m very pleased with how Mr. Candyman handled the dressage atmosphere in his first CCI3*,” Dutton said.

Looking ahead to the cross country phase, Kieffer said, “the course has plenty to do tomorrow, and I believe it will be very educational for [Meadowbrook’s Scarlett].” Dutton spoke highly of the course, saying, “I’m looking forward to cross-country tomorrow. Ian has built a good course and both [of my] horses should be up to the challenge.”

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter sit in the lead with a score of 40.5. Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino are in second place with a score of 42.6, and Dutton and his other mount, Fernhill Fuguitve, are in third place on a score of 43.4. 

The cross-country phase takes place on Saturday, with Dutton and Mr. Candyman leaving the start box at 11:55 p.m. PT followed by Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett at 1:05 p.m. PT.

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