Fair Hill

Elkton, Md.-Oct. 16

Boyd Martin went into the ring for show jumping in the Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** knowing that a clean round would be hard to get. Only eight riders before him had put in double-clear trips over Sally Ike’s challenging course. But Martin and Ying Yang Yo rose to the occasion, leaving all the rails in the cups—just barely. They finished on a score of 52.0 penalties.

“There were four different rails that bounced out of the cups and back in!” said announcer Brian O’Connor at the end of the pair’s round.

Elkton, Md.-Oct. 16

While all the horses presented in the Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** jog passed, Dornin Anne North chose not to present Jimminy Cricket. A field of 34 will show jump this afternoon.

In the CCI**, there were five holds. Beth Perkins withdrew Fernhill Cove from the holding box, as did Sheri Thornley with Toga. Young Man, ridden by Phillip Dutton, and Holla Vettir, ridden by Alison Wilaby, were accepted upon re-inspection. Nicole Parkin’s ride Lexus was spun. Jeff Kibbie did not present Loki.

 Elkton, Md.-Oct. 15

Elkton, Md.-Oct. 14

Boyd Martin and Ying Yang Yo’s CCI*** dressage test didn’t suffer from any miscommunications, and there’s a good reason for that.

“He’s a good old horse that’s been with me for a long time,” said Martin. “We know each other so well, and he’s so trained now. He’s had such a long and illustrious career. We went in and did a nice, soft, accurate test with a lot of flash.”

Elkton, Md.-Oct. 13

At this time last year, Ben's eventing career was just beginning. With Phillip Dutton in the saddle, Ben took a resounding lead in the Dansko Fair Hill International CCI*** after the first day of dressage competition. The horse's test scored 47.2 penalties. 

"It's been a quick progression up the levels for Ben," said Dutton, of West Grove, Pa. "Today he was a bit softer, which was my goal. He's always such a flamboyant mover, but sometimes he looks a bit tense."