Elkton, Md.—Oct. 13   

A year ago RF Scandalous was on her way to completing her first CCI*** at Boekelo (the Netherlands) with Marilyn Little, but when she picked up an injury on cross-country, she wasn’t able to show jump.

After some time off this year to heal and some dressage shows to get some more practice, she was back to eventing by August.

Now Little’s at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI*** (Md.) hoping to get that completion, and she’s well on her way, scoring a 41.5 to take the early lead.

“It’s a pleasure to have here and so much fun to ride her on the flat,” said Little, who was one of 13 pairs to complete their dressage today. “She was very submissive and very obedient and very focused, which for her, this is only the second time in her life she’s been this fit. Most horses you’re getting that when they’re nine or 10 years old, and you expect that.

“I think of her as a very seasoned competitor and yet she’s dealing with this level of fitness, and she’s very excited, so for her to be that focused and workmanlike today was wonderful to see that from her. I had a feeling she was going to be. She was quite focused yesterday,” she continued.

Little hasn’t been able to make it to a combined test to practice the three-star test, but she’s been to some dressage shows, and won her last outing in the intermediate at Morven Park (Va.) and the intermediate division at the Nutrena/U.S. Eventing Association American Eventing Championships (N.C.).

“Kitty” jumped confidently at Boekelo a year ago, but a stud to her coronet band meant she needed some time to recover.

Emily Beshear and Silver Night Lady. Photo by Lindsay Berreth.

“She did jump the cross-country course well and felt very solid, so I’m reasonably optimistic that she’ll put in another good performance on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to having her out there,” said Little, Frederick, Md.

Fourteen horses did their dressage tests in the CCI**, and Emily Beshear took the lead with her new ride, Silver Night Lady, with a score of 43.0.

Australian Bill Levett brought the mare through intermediate, and Anita Antenucci imported her, but had been about three years since she’d competed when Beshear got her in May.

“Today was great, because in the past she’s been a little bit tense or nervous in the ring, and she was very focused. She had a super test I thought—one little bobble when she spooked herself when the sand hit the ring, but I can forgive that,” said Beshear.

She admitted forming a partnership hasn’t been as smooth as she’d like because “Silvy” had to get used to a different ride after being ridden by a man.

“She was used to Bill who’s a pretty big guy,” said Beshear. “She’s a very powerful horse compared to [her other advanced horse Shame On The Moon] so in a lot of ways she’s easier in the jumping phases. The dressage has taken a little while because she’s used to someone who can support her. It’s taken me a little while to feel that I’m able to put in a fluid, supple test. She has enough of a quirky personality like ‘Delta’ where she can be a little spooky and a little nervous. I think she’s finally starting to trust me and get to know me, so it’s working pretty well.”

For full results, click here.

Dressage continues tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. Be sure to check out the November 7 issue of the Chronicle for a detailed analysis of Fair Hill.