Jersey Fresh, anyone!?

[Eventer4life28]

Competition starts today! :D

Anyone know how dressage is going?

[Regal Grace]

http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/cci_results_2008/jerseyfresh_results.pdf

[roki143]

http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/cci_results_2008/jerseyfresh_results.pdf

This is coming up blank with just 2008 Results written... am I doing something wrong?

[snoopy]

results are posted following the link....

[bosox]

found my answer :)

[colliemom]

Go Carol and Howie!!! (leading the two star) :D

[CookiePony]

Go Carol and Howie!!! (leading the two star) :D

Do you know Take Time? I love that horse! Gush... gush... :D

[JERinNJ]

Flood watch in effect until tomorrow evening. Hopefully tomorrow's dressage isnt too...wet. And positive thoughts that the footing will hold up!

[closetoperfectionfarm]

Dose anyone know why Jon Holling pulled out ? I saw in the entries a few days ago that he had 3 horses in the *** (2 were Darren's )and now, NONE !
What's up?

[Shrapnel]

Wow...Leslie and Karen had awesome tests!! :D

[TeddyRocks]

Did anyone see any of the dressage rides? Who stood out? Any pics anywhere? I know it's early, just wondering if any dressage pics... Have fun the rest of the weekend and good luck to all riders and horses!

[Threedaydream]

Yay go Nick Cwick and Asterix! I'm rooting for them. :)

[KBG Eventer]

Dose anyone know why Jon Holling pulled out ? I saw in the entries a few days ago that he had 3 horses in the *** (2 were Darren's )and now, NONE !
What's up?

Okay, I think I know the reason, but I do not want to say it on public messageboard and spread rumors or something if it is wrong. It was a friend heard from a friend who knows what is going on/was there kind of thing.

But if the stuff I heard is true then Jon is fine, Darren's horses are fine, etc. If that makes you feel better.

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Did anyone see any of the dressage rides? Who stood out? Any pics anywhere? I know it's early, just wondering if any dressage pics...

Some photos :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses

All of the horses were lovely and I saw several nice ** rides (I had to leave shortly after *** began), but two standout horses for me were Twizzel and Mojito.

[Threedaydream]

Wow, GREAT photos Alib, you are wonderful photographer!

[SpoiledHorse]

Wow, GREAT photos Alib, you are wonderful photographer!
Ditto on that! Just gorgeous...thanks for taking them and for sharing them with those of us who wish we could be there this weekend. :winkgrin:

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Thank you very much! Did anybody else go on Thurs? I'd love to see more pics, especially since I only saw about half the rides.

[closetoperfectionfarm]

Okay, I think I know the reason, but I do not want to say it on public messageboard and spread rumors or something if it is wrong. It was a friend heard from a friend who knows what is going on/was there kind of thing.

But if the stuff I heard is true then Jon is fine, Darren's horses are fine, etc. If that makes you feel better.

Thanks, I get what you are referencing, that is really too bad for Jon..

[colliemom]

Do you know Take Time? I love that horse! Gush... gush... :D

Sure do! Hubby and I ride with Carol as often as we can, and help her out at events (we try to schedule our events around hers so she can coach.) Howie is just a big puppy :)

[TeddyRocks]

Sure do! Hubby and I ride with Carol as often as we can, and help her out at events (we try to schedule our events around hers so she can coach.) Howie is just a big puppy :)

Do you have contact info for Carol, or perhaps website or email info for her? thanks!

[Jazzy Lady]

What about Lion King? Is he injured? Maybe Bromont for him?

Drat... I really wanted to see Jon have a shot at the team this year.

[colliemom]

Do you have contact info for Carol, or perhaps website or email info for her? thanks!

You have a PM :)

[scubed]

http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/cci_results_2008/jerseyfresh_results.pdf

Leslie Law still leading the 3* followed by KOC on both horses, Kristin Bond and Allison Springer. Carol K leading the 2*, followed by Kendyl Tracy and Maya Black, then Will, Phillip, Will again, Phillip again

How's the footing looking for tomorrow with all the rain??

[pwynnnorman]

Such close scores: one stop between the first 24 in the *** and one stop between the first 33 in the ** (with only 39 in the division anyway)!

Who says the influence of dressage has become excessive?

BTW, don't close scores like that kinda "encourage" (or maybe "necessitate" is a better word) going not jsut clear, but fast x-c?

[Ilex]

Some photos :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses

All of the horses were lovely and I saw several nice ** rides (I had to leave shortly after *** began), but two standout horses for me were Twizzel and Mojito.

Absolutely......WONDERFUL Pics!

[Rob N]

I saw Friday Afternoon's test and am posting pictures at http://horseshow.dotphoto.com

Enjoy, it was a sloppy wet mess.

[Roney]

Anyone know if they're still planning on running xc tomorrow, or is there a chance they may move to Sunday? Mighty wet out there!

[ShowMeTheGlory]

I'll be there tomorrow fence judging and have not heard anything about canceling.

[CookiePony]

Sure do! Hubby and I ride with Carol as often as we can, and help her out at events (we try to schedule our events around hers so she can coach.) Howie is just a big puppy :)

I fell in love when I saw his showjumping at Pine Top this year. I hope to catch his jumping again on Sunday (can't make it on Sat for XC, tho). :cool:

[Jazzy Lady]

Wow... Mike Winters' tests were all quite consistent! 3 in a row!

[colliemom]

Just heard from Carol -- Howie went clean, and 5 seconds slow. They have held their lead so far. Footing is "holding" ... they couldn't quite kick into high gear but still handled all the questions just fine. There's "a lot to get done out there" on the course, very few will make time, she predicts.

Hubby says there have been some problems (stops, falls) but nothing out of the ordinary, and nothing bad.

Good luck to everyone else out there today!

[Firefox]

Go Carol and Howie!!! Great job!!

from your half bro!! and twin :) Unbelievable

[canterlope]

Colliemom, I text messaged your wonderful hubby just as Carol was starting out on course and he very thoughtfully texted me updates as she went around (Clr @ 7, Clr @ 14, Clr @ 22...). It was wondeful because it really sucked being stuck here at the farm without knowing how things were going.

[RunForIt]

has anyone seen Mike Winter's rides go today? Mary Bess Sigman's horses - Manhattan IV and Glen Morangie - were back to back in the scoring with Mike's other ride - Wonderful Will (and he IS WONDERFUL) after dressage. Just want them around XC safely (and then, of course, foot perfect and flying! :D :cool:)

[Carol Ames]

any word on XC? I read that roger haller put down stone dust i:)n spots I certainly hope do not lose any potential OLympians to soft tissue injuries:eek::no:

[hrsjmpr]

XC results are now up... lots of time penalties!

[pwynnnorman]

Did Allstar fall?

[Eventrgrl]

Did Allstar fall?

yes he did, early on in the course, not a bad fall but, alas, still resulted in MR.

[Blugal]

Where are the XC results posted?

[Foxygrl516]

So are the new rules actually in effect? Does that mean that Karen isn't qualified to run at that level anymore??? (Please excuse me just trying to figure these rules out)

[Stay Gold]

Wow, no kidding. Looks like a lot more folks retired from the ** than the *** though.

[Highflyer]

So are the new rules actually in effect? Does that mean that Karen isn't qualified to run at that level anymore??? (Please excuse me just trying to figure these rules out)

I believe those rules apply only to a rotational fall, and I don't think they're in place yet.

[hrsjmpr]

Where are the XC results posted?

same link
http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/cci_results_2008/jerseyfresh_results.pdf

[merry_one]

Please tell me where you are seeing the results. All I can find are the dressage scores. I am so sorry to hear about Tigger and Lauren. Wishing her a speedy recovery.

[BigRuss1996]

Jersey Fresh runs under FEI rules .......


So are the new rules actually in effect? Does that mean that Karen isn't qualified to run at that level anymore??? (Please excuse me just trying to figure these rules out)

[Blugal]

Please tell me where you are seeing the results. All I can find are the dressage scores. I am so sorry to hear about Tigger and Lauren. Wishing her a speedy recovery.

I am using Firefox - I had to do a manual refresh (CTRL + R) - realized that after being told it's the same link.

[Foxygrl516]

Since I was moving the week after I got back from Rolex I missed all of the conversation about those rules. I just heard about their existence. Thanks.
BigRuss- I know Jersey is FEI. I just didn't know what the rules cover... since they were made following Laine's accident (at an FEI event) I didn't know if they would apply here.
Just curious. Thanks for clearing that up.

In any case, it's so awful to hear about Tigger... He was one of the greatest. I hope David (and Karen!) are doing ok. And bummer that Karen's day didn't go so well. I was so excited for her after yesterday's results.

[Stay Gold]

yes he did, early on in the course, not a bad fall but, alas, still resulted in MR.

What happened? Was it related to the footing in any way, or did he hit the fence?

[canterlope]

So are the new rules actually in effect? Does that mean that Karen isn't qualified to run at that level anymore??? (Please excuse me just trying to figure these rules out)There are no "new rules" yet. They are just rule change proposals (RCP) and are still being discussed and modified by the various committees responsible for Eventing RCPs. At this point, only the USEA BOG has met and discussed them. The frangible pin rule and one fall on cross country and you're out rule was supported. The other three concerning rotational falls/qualifications/suspensions are still on the drawing board and modifications to them are being explored. The USEF Events Committee will be meeting next week to discuss all of them as well. Once they are finalized, they will be sent to the USEF Executive Committee for approval.

[Carol Ames]

I

Personally, I think it's a conditioning/course designing thing...maybe we should have mandatory conditioning tests before you can show CCI/CIC...but that's for a different thread.





I like this!:yes: put our vets and vet students to work; I'm sure there is some standard,simlar to the Rridgeway trot in endurance riding which swould be predictive; a good research project for someone in equine physiology; :winkgrin: how about it KER? Va. Tech?

[Shrapnel]

I

Personally, I think it's a conditioning/course designing thing...maybe we should have mandatory conditioning tests before you can show CCI/CIC...but that's for a different thread.

I like this!:yes: put our vets and vet students to work; I'm sure there is some standard,simlar to the Rridgeway trot in endurance riding which swould be predictive; a good research project for someone in equine physiology; :winkgrin: how about it KER? Va. Tech?

Very good idea!

RIP Tigger Too :cry:

[cosmos mom]

What happened? Was it related to the footing in any way, or did he hit the fence?

They got a bad distance to a really big, solid oxer and had a rotational fall. The footing seemed very good out there today.

[Ritazza]

Are there photos up anywhere? Does anyone have the link?

[pwynnnorman]

http://horseshow.dotphoto.com/CPViewAlbum.asp?AID=5244727

[maxdog]

Wow, great photos! To me it certainly looks like he wasn't right on takeoff. Lauren did a great job protecting herself. RIP Tigger.

[pwynnnorman]

Ooooh, I have been hoping someone else would ask this question, not me.

But I have to ask it. I'm sorry. I just have to ask, especially in light of Danny Warrington's comments:

If a horse breaks into the trot late in the course and at a point leading up to a challenging water complex, is this an instance when the "kick on" philosophy that seems to be emphasized by eventers is just not an appropriate reaction?

I've tried hard to word that question as diplomatically as possible, OK?

[eponacowgirl]

Those pics gave me goosebumps. RIP Tigger, and best wishes to Lauren. I can't imagine being in the precarious position- it must have seemed like an eternity to her.

[JER]

If a horse breaks into the trot late in the course and at a point leading up to a challenging water complex, is this an instance when the "kick on" philosophy that seems to be emphasized by eventers is just not an appropriate reaction?



This gives rise to another important question: Is it appropriate or safe to have a 'challenging water complex' at the 28th fence?

Last week at Badminton, horses were hitting the wall around fence 22 (Beaufort staircase) or 23 (houses). One of the German horses kept trying to trot from about fence 21 and the rider chose not to continue, although I'm not sure the horse could have continued. Mike Tucker also mentioned something about the rider getting a yellow card.

(Badminton, a CCI**** had 29 obstacles.)

Kicking on when your horse is exhausted is not a good idea, especially if there are any jumping efforts remaining. How close was Lauren Kieffer to the end of the course?

[Eventrgrl]

Everyone's been abuzz about the unfortunate death of Tigger Too and injury of Lauren Kieffer but I still think other people should get credit for their standout riding yesterday. I think a lot of people underestimated the courses this year, resulting in a lot of penalties.

The water caused problems throughout the day in both divisions: both jumps in the water had quite a few stops, usually caused by lack of impulsion.

**
-Kerri Short had an absolutely beautiful run through the last water on the ** course, only to pop off on the next fence, a small and straightforward hay wagon, 2 fences from home!
-15 y/o Kendyl Tracy grew a lot throughout the course, having a hairy jump at one of the combinations earlier in the course, but then going on to have one of the better rides through the first ** water, and one of the best rides I saw through the tricky ** coffin towards the end of the course. Props to her for taking it slow and safe instead of gunning it to keep her 2nd place position.
-One of my favorite horses, the flashy pinto Ringmoylan, looked brave and willing to try for rider Jane Jennings, and seemed to help her out a bit through the tricky ** coffin.
- Will Coleman is still the best rider ever, maintaining a classic position in any situation. Really inspirational to watch.

All in all, for the most part the theme in the ** seemed to be many YRs on talented horses having not perfect, but safe and educational rides: the Kendyl sisters, Juli Hutchings, Alyssa Peterson, Maya Black, Holly Hillenbrand, etc. as well as many experienced riders giving their less experienced horses every chance to succeed throughout the tough course.

***
-Young Maddie Blackman, in her first *** had some of the best rides through the jumps I saw, taking many long options but getting the job done with class and composure. I was extremely impressed to see how well thought out and calculated her ride was, and Gordonstown went very, very well as a result.
-Amy Tryon and Leyland were not fun to watch at all, having hairy trips through the water, situations where a less experienced rider with less sitckability would surely have taken a swim. His inexperience really did shine through
-As usual, Phillip Dutton made it seem easy as pie.
- Wonderful Will with Mike Winter gets my vote for MVH of the day- Mike gave him a great ride throughout the course, and the talented TB looked spritely beginning to end, has a great jump, and big stride and gallop.
- Huge bummer for Nate Chambers and the talented Rollie, who had an unexpected stop at the water and had to call it a day later in the course. Really good riding from Nate however.
- Young talents Allison Springer and Will Coleman also were super impressive and definitely have some great horses.

[Alibhai's Alibar]

Will Coleman is still the best rider ever, maintaining a classic position in any situation. Really inspirational to watch.

Totally agree! I was really impressed by his style. Here's a photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/2482593908

[pwynnnorman]

To be honest, I asked that because in my mind was the picture of Teddy running out at the Chevron a few fences beyond the water (if the course ran in the same direction as it did in 2006). He got home, would have been in the top 3, not 9th, if he'd gotten over that jump the first time...but he was tired. You could see it on the video. He'd run up that hill after the water and ran out of gas at the top.

Jersey Fresh is so like Red Hills in that it has those HILLS. Long hills--not the short ones like Fair Hill (IMO). I haven't seen a lot of three-stars, but I do wonder how many have hills like that. How many EIPH's are occurring on UL courses with such hills vs. without? How many happen early in the course vs. later. IS IS IS the "flat tire" or "out of gas" feeling a rider might encounter in a horse a red flag that should be immediate reason to pull up?

I'm thinking of Le Samauri here, too. Probably a "flat tire" feeling, you'd think.

Are there signs out there that are being overlooked? Do thought processes need to catch up with these incidents such that errors are made on the side of caution rather than completion?

[Eventrgrl]

Final Results Up (http://www.horseparkofnewjersey.com/cci_results_2008/jerseyfresh_results.pdf)

Amy Tryon and Leyland win the ***
Maya Black and Kejsarinna win the **

Can't say I agree with some of Amy Tryon's riding practices but she is one helluva rider! Finished on her dressage score with just 1.6 time XC.
Lots of shakeup in the *** division with stadium (although Amy held onto first) while the top 10 in the ** stayed pretty much the same, give or take a few people. Lots of penalties in both divisions; must have been some tired ponies!

[Jaegermonster]

Since I was moving the week after I got back from Rolex I missed all of the conversation about those rules. I just heard about their existence. Thanks.
BigRuss- I know Jersey is FEI. I just didn't know what the rules cover... since they were made following Laine's accident (at an FEI event) I didn't know if they would apply here.
Just curious. Thanks for clearing that up.

In any case, it's so awful to hear about Tigger... He was one of the greatest. I hope David (and Karen!) are doing ok. And bummer that Karen's day didn't go so well. I was so excited for her after yesterday's results.

They are NOT rules. It is only a proposal in the very early stages of discussion, that is all. They don't apply anywhere.

[pegasusmom]

Ooooh, I have been hoping someone else would ask this question, not me.

But I have to ask it. I'm sorry. I just have to ask, especially in light of Danny Warrington's comments:

If a horse breaks into the trot late in the course and at a point leading up to a challenging water complex, is this an instance when the "kick on" philosophy that seems to be emphasized by eventers is just not an appropriate reaction?

I've tried hard to word that question as diplomatically as possible, OK?

With reference to Danny Warrington's outstanding letter - is this an instance where, due to the demise of the long format, younger riders aren't equipped to recognize the difference between a tired horse, a horse off the bridle, or a horse suffering a fatal incident (poor choice of words but I can't think of the right medical term at the moment)?

[La Gringa]

Congrats to all the Canadians, they did very well..

Anybody know why Uni Griffon and Lisa Furgesson were Eliminated? They were stabling here at the farm I live on before the event. Sorry she didn't have a good show..

she was 6th after dressage then ??

[pwynnnorman]

Well, we know now that TT didn't necessarily break to the trot because he was tired--a ruptured aorta is more likely the cause...but I must admit I don't see the need to retract my question. Lauren was lucky that she was not seriously injured. Don't you think that the time has come for a horse to be pulled up if it has clearly (or, er, as clearly as it is possible to discern by the rider at the crucial moment in time) run out of gas for one reason of another (breaking into the trot late in a course being one pretty justifiable reason)?

I'm NOT saying this to lay blame at anyone's feet. I'm using this instance as an example that might provide a safety guideline for riders and also maybe for TDs and jump judges or course stewards or whatever role evolves from safety discussions. Trotting in front of a jump late in the course is a bad sign, wouldn't you agree? If that sign were at the top of the minds of riders from here on out, because it were identified as a red flag for something bad that might happen, perhaps serious injury -- of rider, even if the horse is lost, like poor Tigger -- then don't you think riders would immediately pull up, not press on?

I keep thinking of Le Samauri, too. Amy admitted that she wasn't necessarily focused enough to make the right decision at the time. Maybe if there were clear guidelines like breaking into the trot, riders would latch onto that signal and respond accordingly, no matter how weary or excited they might be? What if this were Tigger's final contribution to the sport: recognition that there is at least one, clear way a horse can tell you something is not right and that you should pull up immediately, not kick on.

[DizzyMagic]

Don't you think that the time has come for a horse to be pulled up if it has clearly (or, er, as clearly as it is possible to discern by the rider at the crucial moment in time) run out of gas for one reason of another (breaking into the trot late in a course being one pretty justifiable reason)?


Yes! In my experience - largely as a groom for an upper level rider, but also as the lucky rider of a retired upper level horse - it is just not likely that a horse at the advanced level will be on course and willingly break into a trot for any reason, especially if it's unrelated to something like shying at a fence. Unless something is wrong with him.

These horses are highly trained and *skilled*. They know their job, and their job is to gallop and jump. And at that level, the horses absolutely love what they do! I couldn't *get* my horse to break to a trot on xc, even though it was just novice, and there was a fence that was downhill, and small and I was worried he would trip over it if we didn't slow down - he compromised by doing a very slow, collected canter, but he just wouldn't trot!

And watch them when they gallop out of the box, even at a horse trial. They want to go, they have their eyes on that first fence! You couldn't get them to leave the start box at a trot, and any healthy horse I've ever seen at the upper levels comes across the finish flags still motoring - even if he is tired by that point.

At a certain level of competition - a horse trying to break to trot on course is just a big red flag that something ain't right. Recognizing this, pulling up and dismounting could save the horses from further injury in the cases where it isn't something like a ruptured aorta (!), and it could really help keep riders safe by keeping them from underneath a horse who is going down!

Emily

[pwynnnorman]

Thank you for saying that, Emily. I have posted similar messages on a number of threads now and you are the only person to seem to get it. Well, I'm done now. I'm out.

[c_expresso]

I have to disagree about the trot. I saw quite a few people trot fences, especially at the first two star water where I was, this weekend. And they were fine.

[DizzyMagic]

I have to disagree about the trot. I saw quite a few people trot fences, especially at the first two star water where I was, this weekend. And they were fine.

I might be in the minority, but I see an intermediate or 2 star horse as vastly less experienced than an advanced level campaigner with 3 and 4 stars under his belt. And it's different in my mind to *ask* a horse to trot coming up to a complex that has a lot to look at than for a horse to voluntarily trot either in the galloping lane or approaching a single, ordinary fence.

Emily

[indigoecho]

Thank you for saying that, Emily. I have posted similar messages on a number of threads now and you are the only person to seem to get it. Well, I'm done now. I'm out.

For what it is worth, I completely agree with what you have to say Pwynn. I have felt this way ever since the Le Samurai incident last year. Thank you for your comments.


I might be in the minority, but I see an intermediate or 2 star horse as vastly less experienced than an advanced level campaigner with 3 and 4 stars under his belt. And it's different in my mind to *ask* a horse to trot coming up to a complex that has a lot to look at than for a horse to voluntarily trot either in the galloping lane or approaching a single, ordinary fence.

ITA with this as well.

[c_expresso]

I might be in the minority, but I see an intermediate or 2 star horse as vastly less experienced than an advanced level campaigner with 3 and 4 stars under his belt. And it's different in my mind to *ask* a horse to trot coming up to a complex that has a lot to look at than for a horse to voluntarily trot either in the galloping lane or approaching a single, ordinary fence.

Emily

True, but my point is when a horse trots on course is the rider's first reaction, my horse is dying? I REALLY think not. I saw someone trot the corner in the water at the first water... did it fine (on the 3* course).

[yellow rose]

trotted a corner in the water on a 3* course?!?!


who is that horse and how much do they want for it!!!

[DizzyMagic]

True, but my point is when a horse trots on course is the rider's first reaction, my horse is dying? I REALLY think not. I saw someone trot the corner in the water at the first water... did it fine (on the 3* course).

But that's totally related to the complexity of the obstacle! And it probably wasn't an altogether wise move to jump the corner from the trot in the water - I've seen this before a couple of times and it resulted in falls!

I stand by this: if an advanced horse willingly breaks to trot somewhere in the galloping lane or while approaching an easy fence, this is not the behavior of a fit, healthy, event horse.

Emily

[piaffeprincess98]

I just wanted to let everyone know I'm uploading my photos from this weekend. I got alot of different fences, so if you're interested, check them out here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26485651@N05/

I should have them all up by tonight. Since I usually use GRC's equipment, I was so frustrated with my little D70, so slow compared to what I usually shoot with. I feel like a missed some key moments over the fences, but oh well, I was shooting for fun this weekend.

Edited to add; as far as the riding went, I saw Leslie Law's runout and have pictures of him through the water. Does he always flap his arms at the horse coming into a fence? It almost looked like that caused the runout. He really had to nurse his horse through the second water, but was waving his arms at the horse like a jockey.

I saw two riding mistakes from YR's. One girl in the two star came through the coffin and at the last element, thought her horse might take the one stride, but he bobbled and added one, she jumped ahead and almost came over his shoulder when he popped over it.

Another YR came to the two star corner combination and the minute she landed from the first element, she took back, shortened the poor horse down to nothing with alot of hardware in his mouth, and had a runout at the corner.

I guess we're all guilty of that, but at intermediate, it was kind of scary.

[mjrtango93]

trotted a corner in the water on a 3* course?!?!


who is that horse and how much do they want for it!!!

I believe that was Tory on Bantry Bay V. She was stables just down from us and people had been mentioning the water felt a bit deep and the ground had a slope to it so the horses were a little tilty. Tory's horse jumped the brush fence got in the water broke to trot, and instead of kicking for the canter she was smart and kept the forward trot, popped over the corner and off they went. Her horse was not tired (should have seen her trying to pull him up at the end), and simply broke to trot. No biggie, I've had my guy break to trot in combos and on course when he gave me a bigger half-halt then wanted.

BTY- I don't think Tory will be selling Bantry anytime soon. His show jumping was great on Sunday.

[wookie]

does anyone know what happened with sally cousins?

[NeverTime]

She had a bad test on the mare and decided to withdraw before XC and her luck continued with The Robber Baron. He went into the dressage ring and pretty quickly made it obviously he wanted nothing of the shoulder in -- or any other dressage movement, for that matter -- and rather than fight with him in the arena, she simply thanked the judges and withdrew in the ring. She was around all weekend coaching and helping out.

To the other point about trotting to the corner, I saw them (Tory & Bantry Bay) go and have to admit I was worried about the trotting but, sure enough, he popped right over. And, as a rider in the ** that weekend, I too thought the water felt unusually "sticky" or "sucky," as I posted on another thread. The water got a bit deep from the rain, but I think the footing was good -- nonetheless, I got a longish, weak distance at a fence in the water, too, largely because hitting the water took the steam out of our sails far more than it ever has in the past. I was a bit surprised by that.

[mjrtango93]

does anyone know what happened with sally cousins?

Yeah, she had a bad test with Tsu, and then Barron started acting up in the test she just decided to call it a day. She finished her second shoulder in on him and then retired and left the ring. She opted not to run Tsu cross country after the poor dressage. Nothing is wrong with anybody, she just was having a bad weekend.