Allentown, N.J. – May 11
The Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, presented by B.W. Furlong & Associates, kicked off in grand style as it enters its 15th anniversary, with dueling dressage rings for the CCI*** and CCI** divisions.
Tamra Smith and Wembley, who traveled across the country from California, danced in dressage, taking the lead in the CCI*** on a score of 45.9 penalties. Cornelia Dorr with Louis M, her first of two rides of the day, took an early lead in the CCI** with a score of 45.8.
The Jersey Fresh International has become one of the most influential international three-day events in the United States. A must-attend by the sport’s leading athletes, Jersey Fresh has historically helped determine both United States’ and Canadian teams for the World Equestrian Games and Pan Am Games. In 2016, the event was proud to be a qualifying selection trial for the U.S. Eventing Team that competed in the 2016 Olympic Games (Brazil).
Among the sixteen entries in the three-star, Smith piloted Wembley into an early lead with a 45.9. Buck Davidson and Park Trader are in second with a 50.2 and Philip Dutton aboard Mr. Candyman round out the top three on a 50.5. “This year, I took over the ride [on Wembley] to aim for Kentucky next year,” said Smith. “On the flat I work with Niki Clarke. He is not the easiest horse on the flat so I’m grateful to have her and help get us into shape. It’s a good team.”
Dorr sits in the first and fifth position in the two-star with Louis M on 45.8 and Sir Patico MH on a 53.7 respectively. Currently in second is Boyd Martin riding Kyra with a 50.2, and Colleen Rutledge finished out the top three with UNO on a dressage score of 50.9.
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Tamra Smith and Wembley. StaceyLynnePhoto.com photo.
In preparation for Jersey Fresh, Dorr noted the fitness regime of her horses to ensure everyone is in top form for all three phases. “We did lots of prep work, doing lots of gallops and trot sets and making sure everyone is top fit and feeling good,” said Dorr. “Louis has been in the barn about a year, and he was great today.”
Dorr’s second horse, Sir Patico MH, known as Hugo in the barn, produced another great ride for Dorr. “He was great. Dressage is our weaker phase just because I’ve had him for so long, and it’s my weaker phase,” said Dorr. “I’m really happy with the connection we had today.”
Cornelia Dorr and Louis M. StaceyLynnePhoto.com photo.
Competitors in the CCI*** and CCI** will move forward to the next phase, cross-country, on Saturday. This year the cross-country course is designed by England’s Capt. Mark Phillips.
The competition continues with day two of dressage on Friday for the CIC*** and CIC** starting at 9:00 a.m.
Spectators can take in the beautiful competition and fantastic shopping opportunities as the JFI 2017’s Trade Fair returns, and is centrally located amidst all the competitive action. Shoppers and browsers will find a wide array of products and services that will appeal to all providing a great opportunity to pick up that perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift.
Additional details regarding 2017’s schedule of events and competition updates are posted at www.jfi3d.com.
