KALISPELL, Mont. (July 21, 2017)--In the final division of the day, Heather Morris topped the CCI3* division leaderboard at The Event at Rebecca Farm with a dressage score of 46.1 on the Team Express Group, LLC.'s, Charlie Tango. Morris, Wildomar, Calif., expressed initial doubts about the test.
"He was little sassy as usual. My warm up was off. So I went to the ring flustered and he got a little tense. And I just thought it was awful," Morris commented.
The 2017 Event at Rebecca Farm's CCI3* first day leader, Heather Morris on Team Express Group, LLC.'s, Charlie Tango. (Photo courtesy of official event photographer, Shannon Brinkman Photography)
Business partner and friend, Tamra Smith, was ringside offering support to Morris. The two both work and compete together on a regular basis. Morris, although critical of her ride initially, was encouraged by Smith's support.
"It's awesome. I help her and she comes and helps me. What more can you ask for?" Smith said.
In 2017, Morris and Smith opted to shift their professional priorities. Over the last year, the two have reduced their training and teaching load in order to focus on their own personal riding. The change is paying off.
The team brought a united front in the first day of FEI dressage at The Event at Rebecca Farm. Not only did Morris capture the lead in the CCI3*, Smith marked her own successes in both the CIC3* and CCI2*. Smith kicked off the morning by capturing leading positions in the CCI2*, standing in first on Sunsprite Syrius a nine-year-old Trakehner owned by The Sunsprite WB and second on Lucida LLC's, Glock Pullman, an 11-year-old warmblood.
Finishing the day strong, Smith charged to the lead in the CIC3*, taking first place with a score of 40.0 aboard Judith McSwain's Fleecework Royal, an 8-year-old Holsteiner.
Smith shared, "I was thrilled. It's not often that I halt and feel really happy. I just dropped the reins and hugged her. She was super rideable."
Tamra Smith on Sunsprite Syrius, a nine-year-old Trakehner. (Photo courtesy of official event photographer, Shannon Brinkman Photography)
At the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North, longtime relationships and new friendships set the stage for a strong team dynamic. On meeting teammate Anne-Sophie Levesque for the first time at The Event, Emily Thompson of Team Canada says it's exciting to welcome a new member to their tight-knit team. "Well we [Emily, April and Annick] are all from Ontario and we all knew each other so we're meeting Sophie for the first time. It was cool to meet other Canadians because we typically show in the States."
Together, Team Canada combined for a leading score of 158.4 in the CICYO2* during the dressage phase of competition today. Emily Thompson (Paddington), April Simmonds (Impressively Done), Annick Niemuller (FE Black Jack), and Anne-Sophie Levesque (Eskapade), edged out the northwestern U.S. Area VII team, of Sophie Click (Fernhill Rising), Patience O'Neal (BC Huw), and Kiera Carter (Corinthoz), which finished second on team score of 162.
Overall individual standings in the prestigious Adequan/FEI NAJYRC, saw Cornelia Dorr (Area 1/Area IV) riding Louis M to a score of 37.0 to take a commanding lead. William Zuschlag (Area III) on RF Southern Command secured a score of 42.2 for second place and Sophie Click (Area VII) rounded out the top three aboard Fernhill Rising on 48.3.
The Event's full festivities kicked off today. The latest spectator experience, PonyUp! a 101-horsemanship course for kids, was an overwhelming success. More than 75 young enthusiasts clamored to learn the basics of equitation. Spectators also enjoyed the trade fair, food vendors, the Kid Zone and other family-friendly fun.
For 2017 Ride Times and Results, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.
Admission for this family-friendly spectator event is free, with full concessions and a large multi-interest trade fair, as well as a free Kid Zone that includes pony rides, PonyUp! (Horsemanship 101 classes for kids), face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses and more. A one-time, recommended $10 parking donation per car to support Halt Cancer at X.
To access Rebecca Farm, from the junction of Highways 93 & 2, travel 2 miles north on Highway 93 to Reserve Loop and go west 2 miles, then south on W. Springcreek Rd. The entrance is 3/4 mile on the right.
For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.
Saturday, July 22, 8 a.m. -6 p.m.
Cross-Country phase all day. All FEI levels. CH-J CCI*. CICOY2*.
Show Jumping: Open Intermediate. Open Preliminary. Junior Open Preliminary. Junior Open Training. Training 3-Day Novice 3-Day.
Trade Fair & Food Vendors: 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
Kid Zone: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 23, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Show Jumping phase all day. All FEI levels. CH-J CCI*. CICOY2*.
Final Horse Inspection: 8 a.m.
Trade Fair & Food Vendors: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Kid Zone: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Rebecca Farm to Market 5k: 9 a.m.
Halt Cancer at X Challenge:
Click HERE for further details about the schedule of events.
ABOUT THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM
The Event at Rebecca Farm presented by Montana Equestrian Events is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. One of the largest equestrian triathlon in the United States, The Event is also considered to have some of the world's finest scenery. Each year it draws hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympians.
The Event at Rebecca Farm features ten courses ranging from novice to Olympian qualifier, which were originally developed by world-renowned course designer, Mark Phillips. In 2012, Scottish equestrian Ian Stark redesigned the Rebecca Farm courses. Known for his immense contributions to Eventing, Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.