It is proving to be a big day for the U.S. at English competitions this morning and it’s only lunch time!
At the 2012 Paralympic Games, the fourth U.S. rider, Donna Ponnessa, does not perform her 1a Team Test until 4:33pm, so another 4 hours of anxious anticipation! Her U.S. teammate’s got things off to a good start yesterday as Jonathan Wentz and Becca Hart gained massive scores for the U.S. to keep them in the team hunt. Jonathan scored 70.364% to finish fifth in the Grade 1b Team Test, while Becca earned a 69.095% to place fourth in Grade II competition. Dale Dedrick did a masterful job riding Bonifatius through his nerves in the main arena that is full of atmosphere.
Donna said yesterday afternoon that she was ready for today and looking forward to her chance to ride in the main ring. “Rosie” has been looking good all week, I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to jinx anything!
Jonathan and Richter were enjoying some down time this morning before their Individual Test tomorrow. Rachel, Richter’s groom, Jonathan and I chatted briefly about the pair’s Rock Star status after a photo of them finishing their test has already been viewed nearly 25,000 times on Facebook and is close to 1,500 “likes” and has received hundreds of comments. Be sure to visit http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2012Para-Equestrian/ to see more photos and hear what the riders had to say about their tests.
Two hours away in Stamford, the U.S. riders are making a splash at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. As of 12:15pm GMT Sinead Halpin and classy Selle Francais, Manior De Carneville LEAD on a 36.3 with Will Faudree and super-mare Andromaque fifth on 45.8. Both Sinead and Will are competing on Land Rover Training and Competition Grants along with Allison Springer and Arthur. Allison and Arthur are renowned for their prowess in the first phase, they go in about 30 minutes so I will be feverishly checking the Leader Board!
Updated 1:00pm
Allison and Arthur have gone into second place behind Sinead on a score of 40
Sinead, Allison and Will are all super-competitors and you can be sure they will not want to put a good dressage score to waste and won’t be hanging about tomorrow!
Listen to Will’s comment about his test; http://usefnetwork.com/blogs/9100/will_faudree_talks_about_his_dressa.aspx
Also competing are Burghley first timers Kate Hicks, Kristi Nunnick and Erin Sylvester who have all completed their dressage with Kate earning a 50 on Belmont and Kristi and R Star scoring 49.5. Erin had a nervous No Boundaries on her hands but the pair will look to impress tomorrow over Mark Phillips’ massive track. Kate and Krisiti also jumped around the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented Bridgestone this spring alongside Erin and will look to add another 4 star to their growing resumes.
Off to grab lunch now. But best of luck and fingers crossed for all the U.S. riders!