Stay connected with Pine Top Advanced & CIC Horse Trials: [Omnibus] [Website] [Times] [Results]
Pine Top Advanced & CIC H.T. begins tomorrow, with all three phases of the CIC1*, CIC2* and CIC3* divisions taking place and the Advanced dressage and show jumping (cross-country on Saturday).
The world renowned course designer, Derek di Grazia has created all of the tracks so I’m sure cross-country will pose some fair challenges for both riders and horses. There are 26 pairs from four different nations (Canada, US, Britain and Australia) set to compete in the CIC3* division, along with 16 duos in the CIC2* and 28 in the CIC1*. There are also four pairs competing in the Advanced-A and 32 in the Advanced-B; clearly a majority of riders prefer riding the Advanced B dressage test!
It is still very early in the Eventing season, so it is hard to predict which riders will be running their horses for placings rather than just experience and qualifications. But regardless of the what the leaderboard shows at the end of tomorrow, these are some combinations competing in the CIC3* that you should keep your eye on this year because they definitely have the potential to deliver stellar performances in the future:
Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Pavarotti – CIC3* - These two have been the top placing Canadians at three past major games; the 2011 Pan Ams, 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG) and 2015 Pan Ams. Pavarotti is a dressage king and always puts in competitive tests when it matters. They were second after dressage at the 2015 Fair Hill CCI3* but withdrew before cross-country. Their last outing since then, was the Intermediate at Ocala Winter II where they were winning heading into cross-country but took it slow, incurring some time penalties. I suspect this horse will cruise around cross-country again this weekend because he is probably being kept in bubble wrap for the 2016 Olympics, where he could likely be the highest placing Canadian horse once again.
Jess and Rotti won individual silver at the 2015 Pan American Games.
Colleen Rutledge (USA) and Covert Rights – CIC3*: I cannot get enough of this incredibly talented horse. At only 10-years-old he has already stormed around Rolex and Burghley. Colleen and this horse showed great form at the Wellington Showcase earlier this month, finishing on their dressage score to take 2nd place. This pair undoubtedly has the potential to earn themselves a coveted spot on this year’s US Olympic team.
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights jumping a clear round at the Wellington Showcase, where they finished 2nd.
Kyle Carter (CAN) and FR’s Trust Fund – CIC3*: This pair was unjustly left off last year’s Pan American Games team, after delivering one of the best Canadian performances at the 2015 Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*. FR’s Trust Fund is an incredibly flashy mover in dressage and his form over fences has really come together. Although this lovely horse has not competed at a CCI3* yet, Kyle has loads of team experience and I think this combo has a legitimate shot at the 2016 Olympics.
Kyle Carter and FR’s Trust Fund at the 2015 Ocala International where they finished as the top Canadian pair in 3rd place
Doug Payne (USA) and Vandiver – CIC3*: Vandiver is a relatively new ride for Doug; they competed in their first FEI competition at the Richland CCI2* last August. Vandiver has years of three-star mileage with his previous rider, Werner Geven (NED). Vandiver was never known for his dressage scores and Doug has used his super dressage powers to turn this horse into a star. Regardless of whether or not this pair cracks onto the 2016 Olympic team, I am positive that they will be on the top of the leaderboard at future CCI4* events.
Doug and Vandiver cruising to a 12th place finish at the Wellington Showcase.
Buck Davidson (USA) and Quasar – CIC3*: Buck has a big lineup of talented upper level horses and this is one of his many exciting prospects. Quasar made his mark on the Eventing scene in 2014, when he flew around the notoriously challenging Fair Hill CCI2* as a 7-year-old, placing 6th. This will be his first time out at the three-star level and I am looking forward to seeing how he performs. With the amount of promise that this horse has, he could easily be a contender for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
Buck Davidson and Quasar at the 2016 Ocala USEF Winter Training session.
Best of luck to everyone competing at Pine Top this week!
Stay connected with Pine Top Advanced & CIC Horse Trials: [Omnibus] [Website] [Times] [Results]